Chapter 247: Returning in Triumph
4 PM.
Since no one had taken a nap, four women who enjoyed naps were starting to get a bit sleepy. Their eyes glazed over as they watched movies, their minds wandering.
Until Xia Ling’s phone rang.
She picked it up and saw that her mother had called. Without hesitation, she answered, “Hello?” “Little Ling, where are you and Xiao Yu? We’re about to head back.”
Xiao Yu and I are at Auntie’s room? Are we going home now?”
Looking at the time on her phone, Xia Ling realized it was indeed late. If they headed back now, they’d probably arrive when it’s dark.
“Yeah, it’s getting late. We need to go. Come down quickly; your dad just started reversing.” “Okay, got it. Xiao Yu and I will be right there.”
After hanging up, Xia Ling gently poked the baby’s cute face before reluctantly telling Wei Yin and Tang Mengying, “Xiao Yu and I have to go.”
“No problem. We’ll see each other again soon. I’ll be home for the New Year, so we can play more then,” Tang Mengying said with a smile. Wei Yin nodded agreeably.
The baby seemed to understand what Xia Ling and Xiao Yu were talking about, and naturally, she didn’t want Xia Yu to leave. She stretched out her tiny arms, trying to grab onto Xia Yu’s clothes and hair, as if asking for a goodbye hug.
Of course, Xia Yu complied, lifting the baby up and hugging her tightly. The sweet, warm milk scent filled the air. The baby seemed quite content, giving a bright smile, obviously adoring Xia Yu.
But Xia Yu had to leave eventually. She needed to go back to her mother.
Soon after, Tang Mengying reached over to take the baby, smiling, “Xiao Yu, give me the baby now. You and Xia Ling should head back. Don’t keep your parents waiting too long.”
The baby remained well-behaved, not crying or fussing, except for not wanting to let go of the long braids of Xia Yu’s hair.
Of course, what could a little baby do against her mom? Tang Mengying gently prised the baby’s small hands away from Xia Yu’s hair and then untangled them.
It was time for farewells.
“Bye-bye, Auntie… and Uncle. See you during the New Year.”
Playfully, Xia Ling couldn’t help but poke the baby’s soft cheek. “Hmm, there’s some candy on the table over there. It might be fun to take some for the ride home.”
Xia Yu and Xia Ling hadn’t noticed until Tang Mengying mentioned it. There was a big bowl of Wanjiale soft candies on the table—expensive and delicious. Xia Yu and Xia Ling didn’t hesitate to grab a handful each before they happily left.
Just as they were leaving, Tang Mengying suddenly felt something, lifting the baby and smelling her. “Xiao Yin, your baby stinks. Go change her.”
“No! You go~”
…
Wei Yin and Tang Mengying began arguing about who should change the baby, but Xia Yu and Xia Ling were already downstairs.
All the dining tables were half-empty, but people were still drinking and guessing games continued. Extra dishes were easily made.
These relatives knew each other, and since Xia Yu and Xia Ling were kids, they didn’t need any special attention.
They walked straight to the road. Xia Yu and Xia Ling finally spotted their father’s car waiting for them, confirming they were actually going home. “Why did you come so late? This time, you two sit on the sides, I’ll be in the middle.”
Seeing her daughters climb into the car, Wang Wenjuan cackled wickedly, stating her new seating arrangement. She couldn’t wait to snuggle them on both sides.
What else could Xia Yu and Xia Ling say? They had no choice but to comply. Wang Wenjuan then leaned between them like a proud mama bear.
Suddenly, she sniffed something and looked curiously at Xia Yu. “Xiao Yu, why do you smell like milk?”
Wang Wenjuan’s comment made Xia Ling feel a bit peeved. Looking at her grandparents sitting in front, she explained, “We were holding the baby and watching a movie in Aunt’s room. We have no idea how the baby recognized Xiao Yu and wanted him. He held the baby for the whole afternoon.”
Xia Yu felt a bit awkward, but Wang Wenjuan found this amusing. She grinned and looked at Xia Yu. “Really? So the baby really likes Xiao Yu.”
The look in her mother’s eyes made Xia Yu feel she had done something wrong, though she hadn’t. But if holding the baby counted as doing something wrong, Xia Yu felt a bit exasperated.
Thus, Xia Yu blushed confidently. “The baby just really likes being close to me.”
“Oh? Really? Xiao Yu, you’re getting popular with babies.”
Wang Wenjuan stroked Xia Yu’s head gently. She only meant a little tease, but mostly she felt proud.
Xia Yu had skipped napping, and now in the car, feeling drowsy, she leaned her head against her mother’s shoulder. Despite the weight, it made her feel happy and comfortable.
Even though it was October, the sky was still light around 7 PM, albeit a bit dim.
On the way back, Xia Hong saw several black luxury cars parked by the roadside, which seemed unusual.
When he neared his house, he noticed the front door was open—a strange sight. When they stopped, everyone in the car gradually woke up.
“Are we home?”
Xia Jing rubbed her fuzzy eyes, glancing at her mother, Wang Wenjuan.
Wang Wenjuan looked outside and confirmed, “Yes, it’s time to go home. Wake up Xia Yu.”
She shook Xia Yu awake because she had been sleeping too much. That’s when Xia Hong turned and noticed the girls. “Were you the last ones out this morning? Did you forget to close the door?”
“No.”
Xia Ling felt confused, but she answered truthfully. She distinctly remembered closing the door. If Xia Ling forgot, maybe the wind blew it open. But if the door was closed, who was inside?
At that moment, an old villager approached Xia Hong’s car window. “Many people came here this afternoon and took a lot of stuff. Do you know who they are?”
“Who are they?”
Xia Hong was puzzled.
“I don’t know. They dressed in fancy clothes, like city folks. We mistook them for your friends.”
This made Xia Hong even more curious. He lived simply—what kind of wealthy friends lived in the city?
Why would they come and move his stuff out.
With curiosity and confusion, Xia Hong decided to investigate the situation himself. As he began to exit the car, his family listened intently, equally curious who was in their house and why they moved things out.
They all headed toward their house, hoping to find out what was going on. Soon enough, Xia Hong saw their familiar bodyguard, Ah Cheng, near the entrance.
Ah Cheng pointedly didn’t hinder Xia Hong’s family, but instead left to guard around the house.
“Ahn, what’s happening? Do you know those people?” Xia Hong asked.
Ah Cheng nodded vaguely. “Sort of.”
Xia Hong surveyed the furniture inside, everything new, even the dining table. They could have sworn they were in the wrong place, but clearly, nothing was off.
Given that the bodyguards were there, Little Ning must be there too, Xia Yu concluded shrewdly.
