1225 Up to No Good
“I don’t know either, but it looks like Auntie Zhou is up to no good this time. Let’s just keep our heads down and eat quietly later. Don’t try to be a hero or I won’t be able to save you then!” Xia Wan said worriedly.

Her younger sister was full of quirky ideas and liked to get involved in everything. If she witnessed a bully in action, she would definitely be the first one to step up and protect the people who were being bullied. However, she did not even have the ability to protect herself!

Then again, it was not exactly a bad thing. Such a pure and kind heart was rare in the world and very few people would want to stand up for a stranger. Xia Wan had always silently protected Xia You and her kind heart since they were young.

Xia Yu and Xia Yuan also felt the same way. Although Xia Yuan was the youngest, everyone in their family actually doted on Xia You the most! Even Yun Lan, who had just married into the family, liked Xia You very much and took care of her in small ways which no one noticed.

“When have I ever caused trouble! I always only do the right thing! Besides, isn’t Mom here as well? She won’t let Auntie Zhou bully me. In my opinion, Auntie Zhou shouldn’t be here today. It’s our Xia family’s banquet. It’s not like she has any right to be here,” Xia You muttered softly.

Xia Wan quickly covered Xia You’s mouth and looked around warily. After confirming that no one had heard what Xia You said, she said, “My little ancestor, can you please take a break. Don’t just say whatever you feel like saying.”

“There’s no one else here! Why are you so worried! My guess is that Auntie Zhou is here to talk about the issue of the 50,000 dollars. This Qiao Mei is also very strange. If she had agreed to lend Auntie Zhou money, why did she suddenly change her mind? It seems that this Qiao Mei is not a nice person either. Why does Xiao Zhe like her? Do you think it’s a shotgun marriage? Perhaps he was deceived by this woman.” The more Xia You thought about it, the angrier she became.

Whatever they had heard about the matter was what Zhou Hua went around telling others. Everyone did not think that Zhou Hua would lie about something like this.

Xia Wan and Xia You actually had no interest in coming to this banquet today. They only came because the celebration was meant for Xia Zhe’s children and they both had a soft spot for Xia Zhe. In addition, since they had heard about how Xia Zhe’s new wife was so tough and badass, they were also curious about her and wanted to take a look for themselves.

“Just keep quiet and eat later! Why do you have to comment about everything everywhere you go! Please, I’m begging you! Just do it as a show of respect to Xia Zhe. This matter has nothing to do with our family, so don’t make things awkward for everyone,” Xia Wan said earnestly.

“I know. I’m an adult and I already have two children of my own! Don’t you think I understand all this!” Xia You said.

The fragrance from the food wafted into the living room from the kitchen. Everyone had had a long journey and did not manage to have a proper meal on the way. By now, everyone was starving.

“Everyone, come and take a seat. We can eat soon!” Qiao Mei stood up and said with a smile.

They had to put two tables together in order for so many people to sit together. Xia Jun did not come to join in the fun today. He had decided to eat at Qiao Qiang’s house before coming back to visit the children at night.

Now that he was much older, he did not like to be in a crowded place. The noise gave him a headache. Old people like him preferred peace and quiet. The fewer people who disturbed them, the better!
Qiao Mei and Xia He brought out all the dishes and everyone was stunned at what they saw. These dishes all smelled good. The different dishes were made by different people, namely Li Gui, Xia He and even Qiao Mei. In particular, the sweet and sour pork was Qiao Mei’s masterpiece.

All the visitors stared at the dishes with their eyes wide open. They had never seen such extravagance when it came to food. Life had also been hard for the Xia family in the early days and they only began to prosper after many years. However, their living habits were still as frugal as before.

Xia Mao’s family was the only one among them who enjoyed having special entitlement. With their ranks, Xia Yao and Xia Guang still did not qualify to have such entitlements, therefore their children never had the chance to taste such nice food. They were naturally shocked at the sight of the delicacies in front of them.

“Wow! This is so delicious!” Xia You’s eyes lit up when she took the first bite of the meat and she could not stop eating.

Xia Wan smiled and said, “Xiao Zhe, you’re really lucky to have married such a good wife. You’ll always get to eat well in the future!”

“But you’re an even better cook! I’ve heard from Second Aunt-in-law many times that you’re the best cook among everyone at home. I’m hoping to be able to come to you for guidance!” Qiao Mei said.

“True! My sister is a better cook! But you’re not bad either,” Xia You said sincerely.