Chapter 268

Chapter 268: You Are My Xia Xun’s Daughter (5000 words with no percentage of volume)

Xia Yuan sat in the passenger seat of her father’s car, holding her cheek and gazing out at the scenery, occasionally humming along to the music from the car radio.

“Come to think of it, I haven’t gone shopping with Dad for a long time.”

“Oh… yes, after all, Yuan Yuan has grown up.”

Xia Xun still remembered the last time he went out with his daughter, she was either complaining about his taste in music or looking down at her phone, chatting with her Fang.

Even though he had seen her interacting closely with Mei Fang in promotional videos recently, how could their relationship have cooled off so much in just a few months?

Xia Xun glanced at his daughter Xia Yuan, unable to hold back his question:

“Yuan Yuan…”

“Hmm, what is it?”

Xia Xun asked casually while driving, “How are things between you and Mei Fang recently?”

“What do you mean? It’s still the same as before…”

“I see… that’s good.”

Xia Yuan tilted her head curiously towards Xia Xun, “Dad, why do you ask?”

“Well… nothing.”

Xia Xun continued driving.

It might be too early to ask directly now…

Xia Xun took his daughter to the mall, they parked the car, and Xia Yuan adjusted her clothes in front of the mirror while Xia Xun waited for her to finish. She had been busy on her phone.

The wallpaper on Xia Xun’s desktop was a photo of Teacher Yu. At that moment, his phone received a message from his wife, whom he had noted as [Lingbao].

Lingbao: [Did you pick up Yuan Yuan?]

Xia Xun replied: [I did. We’re buying something together. Yuan Yuan said she wants to bring some gifts back for you.]

Lingbao: [Wow, the child really understands!]

Lingbao: [She actually agreed to go shopping with you. This is rare. By the way, Fang You Xi should still be here, right?]

Xia Xun: [No, Mei Fang went shopping with You Xi.]

Lingbao: [Surprised.jpg! Is Yuan Yuan having a falling out with them? Didn’t they get along well before?]

Xia Xun: [I don’t know.]

Lingbao: [Don’t rush to ask. Go shopping with her first. Her personality is like that; the more you push, the less she’ll say. If she’s really upset, she’ll tell you herself.]

Xia Xun: [Okay.]

While Xia Xun was messaging his wife, his daughter Xia Yuan came over curiously and peeked at the screen. Xia Xun quickly put away his phone.

“Who are you chatting with, Dad?”

“You’re talking to your mom.”

Xia Yuan pouted, “I don’t believe it. You’re hiding things from me when talking to Mom. You must be having an affair!”

“Don’t talk nonsense.”

Xia Xun patted his daughter’s head and said, “Let’s go buy some gifts.”

Xia Yuan wanted to buy some local specialties from Jiangcheng to take back.

Baimei County and Jiangcheng were both part of Chu North Province, not far apart. Buying local specialties wasn’t much, but it was the thought that counted.

Xia Xun pushed the shopping cart around with his daughter, picking out local specialties like fish noodles, sesame candy, and some preserved foods. They didn’t say much along the way.

Xia Xun noticed Xia Yuan only buying specialties and asked, “Aren’t you going to buy some snacks for yourself? Although you can buy them in Baimei County, there are more varieties in Jiangcheng.”

Xia Yuan was slightly stunned and then smiled, “Dad, do you remember? When I was little, I used to look forward to going to the supermarket, but you never bought those things for me, saying they were junk food.”

“Although those snacks aren’t very healthy… but seeing other classmates having them, I really wanted to try them.”

“Yeah, we were a bit strict with you back then…” Xia Xun nodded, “But now, your mother and I don’t care so much about these things anymore.”

Xia Yuan waved her hand at her dad, “It’s too late to talk about this now, Dad. You wouldn’t understand. Some things only matter if you get them at that age, and now getting them won’t make a difference.”

Yuan Yuan…

Xia Xun felt guilty +20.

“At that time, it was indeed our fault as parents, not letting you have a happy childhood.”

Seeing his father’s apologetic expression, Xia Yuan patted his arm, “It’s okay, Dad. Don’t blame yourself too much. Actually, I feel my childhood was pretty happy. You and Mom didn’t take me to places, and you didn’t buy me snacks, but Fang did everything for me.”

“So that’s why you like that guy…”

Xia Xun suddenly understood, “So he spoiled you from a young age, huh?”

“Dad, I don’t like hearing that word!”

“Well, that’s not quite appropriate.”

Xia Xun nodded, “Mei Fang… how should I describe him?”

“How should I describe him?”

Xia Yuan got excited talking about Mei Fang, “Dad, what kind of person do you think Fang is?”

“He always seems mature… Do you remember when he ran away with you before?”

“Of course! I’ll never forget it.”

“A child running away with you… most kids wouldn’t do that, right?”

Xia Yuan nodded, “Actually, it was Fang who suggested it, and I followed him!”

“Mm… your mother and I guessed that later.”

“We guessed it?”

Xia Yuan was shocked, “How did you guess?”

“Of course, it’s because we understand our daughter.”

Xia Xun shook his head, “You’ve always been a good kid. How could you come up with such a rebellious idea by yourself? But… that made me realize your determination, and finally, I made a decision.”

Xia Xun suddenly felt a bit sentimental, “After the hotel incident, I sometimes think, if you hadn’t run away with Mei Fang, and I had continued to pour my heart into the hotel, I can hardly imagine how we would have gotten through it.”

Hearing this, Xia Yuan felt a bit relieved, “In that case, Fang is practically our family’s savior, right?”

“You could say that…”

Xia Xun felt guilty +80.

“By the way… there’s something I’ve been thinking about whether I should tell you…”

Xia Yuan hesitated and then told Xia Xun about meeting Liu Xiaoyu. Xia Xun was surprised when he heard it:

“So you knew Liu Jia’s daughter…”

Xia Xun was overwhelmed with emotions, “I knew Liu Xiaoyu’s father through a friend, but we weren’t very close. During the years when the hotel was almost collapsing due to road construction, I asked Liu Xiaoyu’s father if he needed help, but he refused. He said our transaction was purely business, so he didn’t accept my help. He’s a man with principles.”

Xia Yuan nodded, “The Xiaoyu I know is also strong like her father.”

Xia Xun finished shopping and was about to pay, but his daughter paid first.

“This is a souvenir I’m bringing back. It would be awkward if Dad paid for it.”

“Is your allowance enough… spending like this?”

“My allowance is three times Fang You Xi’s… I must have saved a lot.”

Xia Yuan stood with her hands on her hips smiling, “And I’ve accomplished big things in Jiangcheng. Aren’t you worried about me not having money?”

“Don’t get scammed online. If you have any questions, ask me.”

“It’s fine… Fang is handling everything. Not only does he write songs for me, but he’s also my manager. He takes good care of me. Also—”

Xia Yuan suddenly realized something and pretended to cough, trying to change the subject.

Finally, Xia Xun found a chance to bring up Mei Fang. He asked his daughter, “Hey, I heard you haven’t had any arguments with Mei Fang recently?”

“Why do you say that, we’re doing great, Dad. You’re so silly…”

Xia Yuan brushed her hair and seemed hesitant.

Under her father’s persistent questioning, Xia Yuan finally revealed the truth:

“Uncle Mei invited me and You Xi to visit their house during the New Year. Auntie agreed. I want to go, but I’m worried you and Mom will miss me if I’m away for so long, so I haven’t decided yet.”

Xia Xun sighed in relief.

He thought Mei Fang had been bullying her, but it was just this issue!

Although the three families used to be close enough to visit each other without hesitation, in recent years, the parents of the Xia and Mei families rarely interacted, whereas the Lin family and the Mei family remained close.

Mei Fang stood up for Lin You Xi last year, helping her against her tormentor uncle. Auntie Meijuan has been taking care of the three children, keeping in touch with the Mei family, which even seemed closer.

Although our Yuan Yuan isn’t as studious as You Xi, in terms of looks and personality, she’s no worse than Lin’s daughter.

Moreover, she’s a big star now!

Xia Xun felt his daughter shouldn’t miss this opportunity. He wanted to encourage her:

“If you want to go, why not stay for a few days?”

“Really?!”

Xia Yuan’s eyes widened, then her tone became somewhat aggrieved, “I only have a little time to spend with you each year. I thought Dad wouldn’t let me go…”

“If you go alone, I definitely wouldn’t agree. Since You Xi is going, there’s no problem.”

Xia Xun patted his daughter’s shoulder, “Your mother and I really hope you’re with us, but you’re not a child anymore. You have the right to choose and pursue happiness…”

Just as Xia Xun was earnestly explaining life lessons to Xia Yuan, her face suddenly showed a look of disgust.

“Dad… it hasn’t come to that… don’t talk so seriously, I’m embarrassed.”

“What do you mean ‘seriously’?”

“That means, Dad, you sound like you’re reciting lines!”

“This is just casual conversation…”

“You’re sometimes quite amusing, ha…”

“What do you mean ‘sometimes’? Don’t be disrespectful.”

Xia Xun tapped Xia Yuan’s head, “I think you’ve been spoiled by Mei Fang…”

Xia Yuan covered her head and tilted it, “Don’t blame Fang for everything. Could it be that your daughter was like this from the beginning?”

“No way, I know my daughter’s personality.”

“Hehe…”

Xia Yuan sat in the car watching the scenery, and her interaction with her father brought back some childhood memories.

She vaguely remembered those times when she always clung to her father, asking him to lift her high, wanting him to take her out to play, and admiring him endlessly.

But as time passed, her admiration shifted from her father to Mei Fang, and her gaze never left him again.

Unconsciously, she saw her once tall and handsome father now with a changed figure and some gray hair, and Xia Yuan felt a pang of regret for the passage of time.

Xia Xun agreed to let Xia Yuan stay at Mei Fang’s place with You Xi for a while, planning to bring them back when the Mei family returned for the New Year. Originally, Mei Lijun intended to pick up Mei Fang the next day, but now Xia Xun could save the trouble by directly taking Liang Meijuan and the three children to Baizhou City. His six-seater SUV had plenty of room.

On the way, Mei Fang called his parents to explain the situation. When Xiang Xiaxia heard that You Xi and Yuan Yuan were coming to her home during the New Year, her voice trembled with excitement, and she expressed her warm welcome. Mei Ya was also very happy upon hearing the news, and Mei Fang could hear her excited screams over the phone.

Xia Xun personally delivered the group to Mei Lijun’s small villa in Baimei County. Mei Ya had been waiting at the door and warmly greeted Xia Yuan and Lin You Xi, pulling them inside.

“Wow, Xiao Ya, you’ve changed so much. I can barely recognize you!”

Lin You Xi chimed in, “But, you seem cuter every year.”

“Really? But my parents don’t think so, especially my mom.”

Mei Ya stomped her foot unhappily, “She always says I get more annoying each year.”

“Nonsense… I’ve never said that about you.”

At this point, Xiang Xiaxia, wearing an apron, came out to greet everyone, “Come, come in and sit…”

“Xiao… Xiao Auntie, we’re here to play!”

Xia Yuan held Lin You Xi’s hand and happily approached Xiang Xiaxia, who was momentarily speechless.

“Wow… these two beauties. They say girls change a lot as they grow up. They’ve become completely different.”

Xiang Xiaxia remembered Lin You Xi as a shy little girl who used to have a runny nose, but now this elegant and tall beauty was unrecognizable.

Despite not hugging her like before, Lin You Xi remained close to Xiang Xiaxia, grabbing her hand and rubbing it, “Xiao Auntie, long time no see.”

“Yes… such a long time.”

Seeing this, Xia Yuan naturally didn’t want to fall behind. She hugged Xiang Xiaxia’s arm and asked, “Auntie, I haven’t tasted your cooking in a long time. What delicious dishes did you prepare today?”

“There’s everything, all your favorites!”

“Are you done cooking? If not, I can help.”

“I can too!”

“No need, no need… you’re the guest. There’s no need to be polite.”

Xiang Xiaxia, holding a little coat in each hand, looked more adorable than her own fussy child. At this moment, Xia Xun and Liang Meijuan got out of the car, and Xiang Xiaxia hurriedly welcomed them:

“Old Xia, thank you for delivering the kids. And Meijuan, please come in!”

“Isn’t Brother Mei at home?”

“He’s still out socializing. Oh, don’t call him Brother Mei, it sounds too formal. Just call him Lijun.”

Among the adults, although Liang Meijuan was the oldest, she was the quietest. Seeing her nervousness, Lin You Xi proactively took her hand and invited her to chat.

Xia Xun appreciated the decor of Mei Lijun’s courtyard, “Brother Lijun, your courtyard looks quite stylish.”

“He… just arranges things randomly. By the way, have you moved to the Imperial Garden now?”

“We just moved last summer.”

“What about the old house? Did you sell it?”

“It’s an old house, hard to resell. Keeping it is fine too.”

“Exactly… your house is nice. Don’t sell it.”

Today, Mei Lijun was out socializing, and Xiang Xiaxia, as the hostess, entertained the whole family. After dinner and some conversation, Xia Xun said it was time to drive back to Baimei County. Despite their reluctance, he prepared to take Liang Meijuan home.

Before leaving, Lin You Xi chatted with Liang Meijuan, giving her many instructions and a tight hug. Watching Lin You Xi and Liang Meijuan transition from being distant to now like mother and daughter, Xiang Xiaxia felt a mix of emotions.

This time, Xia Yuan, who usually complained about her father leaving too soon, interacted more with Xia Xun. She stood on tiptoe, patting her father’s shoulder and brushing off the dust.

“Take good care of yourself and Mom, Dad.”

“Alright… I know, you can rest assured.”

Xia Xun gently patted his daughter’s shoulder, “Our Xia family’s daughter is the best, never losing to anyone, understand?”

“Dad… hurry up and leave! Stop saying such embarrassing things!”

Xia Yuan and Xia Xun’s interaction made everyone laugh. Before getting in the car, Xia Xun gave Mei Fang, who had no presence in the family gathering, a warning glance—

You’re still in school, it’s too early to talk about relationships.

I can give you more time to think.

If you dare make a decision that betrays our Yuan Yuan, I’ll see how I deal with you…

5000-word chapter, enjoy it all at once!

My buddy is here to play, I’ll check for updates later.

End of Chapter