In Great Xia, some families' parents do not care if you are doing well or not; they only criticize you for being a failure, for not making money, and resent you for being useless.
But in reality, how many parents do not wish for their children to achieve success and become accomplished? Some are merely frustrated by their child's lack of progress.
The desire for sons to become dragons and daughters to become phoenixes is countless in Great Xia.
However, most families still hope their children can live very good lives.
Xia Mingzhong was no different. Upon learning of Ye Longlin's current identity and status, his first thought was not about his position, but about how difficult it must have been for him to reach it over the years.
In the military, all achievements speak for themselves through strength. The position he held now was earned through countless battles, times he teetered on the brink of death, and how many times he was severely wounded and near death. Apart from him, almost no one would know, and perhaps he himself could no longer recall.
To achieve such a feat before the age of thirty, who could know what he had endured?
"So many years have just passed by, there's nothing worth mentioning."
Ye Longlin shook his head slightly, not dwelling on the matter. Even Mu Hanqi did not know about these things.
Many times, Mu Hanqi had wanted to ask Ye Longlin to tell her about his past, but each time she stopped herself. Especially when she saw the scars all over Ye Longlin's body, she would hesitate to speak.
"Without these experiences, I wouldn't have achieved what I have today, nor would I have met this little girl."
Ye Longlin looked at Mu Hanqi beside him, a smile appearing on his lips, a knowing smile that lit up his face. Mu Hanqi said nothing, smiling slightly.
Xia Mingzhong also sighed. What he said was the truth. Without these experiences, he would not have his current identity and status, nor would he have met Mu Hanqi, nor would he have such a daughter.
Someone once said that whatever you experience will, at some future point, reappear in your life in an unbelievable way.
"Grandpa, why did you call me back in such a hurry? I have something to do."
As soon as Xia Mo entered, he started shouting loudly, instantly shattering the atmosphere. Xia Lingxuan was walking quickly behind him, unable to stop him.
"Hey, who is this beautiful lady? Grandpa, you're not trying to set me up on a blind date, are you?"
"Hello, beautiful lady, my name is Xia Mo, it's a pleasure to meet you. If it's possible, when should we get married?"
Upon hearing this, Xia Lingxuan touched his forehead and thought, "It's over."
Doesn't this guy have any self-awareness? Can't he see such an obvious situation?
Ye Longlin directly slapped away his hand, looking at him indifferently. Xia Mingzhong's forehead also developed three black lines, and he unceremoniously slapped him on the head.
"What nonsense are you thinking about all day? This is your sister-in-law, say hello to your sister-in-law!"
Xia Mo was stunned by the old man's slap and instinctively said respectfully, "Hello, sister-in-law."
After saying it, he realized something was wrong and turned to ask, "Grandpa, why am I calling her sister-in-law? Besides, who is this guy? I've never seen him before, and I don't remember having a brother like this."
Xia Lingxuan walked in, holding his forehead in speechlessness. "This is your aunt's son, who has returned to find his relatives."
Xia Mo frowned, "Could someone be impersonating them? It's too easy to impersonate people nowadays, Grandpa, you mustn't be fooled. They're clearly after our family's money."
Xia Mingzhong slapped him again, "Your sister-in-law is the little princess of the Murong family. Would she fancy our humble abode? You cause trouble for me all day. If I weren't happy today, do you think I wouldn't hit you?"
Xia Mo: "......"
The Murong family!
Although he was a bit of a prodigal, he still knew the famous name of the Murong family.
His sister-in-law was the little princess of the Murong family, which he had not expected.
"Ahem, hello, sister-in-law, hello, big brother."
"I was just joking earlier, please don't mind, big brother and sister-in-law, ahem."
Xia Mo knew the gravity of the situation and immediately put on a pleasant face, chuckling. This meant the matter was over.
Ye Longlin didn't say much. After all, they were family, and he had to give the old man some face.
"It's alright, your brother also likes to joke. When he says he'll hit you once, he definitely won't hit you a second time."
Xia Mo's mouth twitched. For a moment, he didn't know what to say. "What a great thing to say. Please don't say it next time."
It was at this moment that Xia Mo's father, Xia Qingxie, walked in from outside. He was a middle-aged man, not particularly burly, but ordinary. He wore a black suit and silver-rimmed glasses, appearing very refined.
"Dad, is this your eldest sister's son?"
As soon as Xia Qingxie entered, he saw Ye Longlin. After their eyes met, he then sought confirmation from the old man.
Xia Mingzhong nodded.
Xia Qingxie then walked to Ye Longlin's side, showing a warm smile. "Hello, my name is Xia Qingxie. By seniority, you should call me Third Uncle."
Ye Longlin nodded and called him Third Uncle. Mu Hanqi followed suit.
At this time, the butler walked over and said, "Sir, the family banquet is ready, you may be seated."
Xia Mingzhong nodded, looked around, and said, "Alright, let's catch up after dinner. I'll formally introduce you to our Xia family later."
......
"Are you willing? Are you willing to always be the runner-up? Are you willing to always be subordinate to others?"
"Join us, become our eyes, obey our commands, and I promise you, Xia Mingzhong's head will appear before your eyes before long."
"And all you need to do is join us."
In the Zhou family, Zhou Tao was sitting in his study when a voice suddenly echoed in his ears. The voice was very low and carried a slightly eerie atmosphere.
It was already night, and Zhou Tao shivered all over. He searched around but found no one. His brow immediately furrowed.
"Stop looking. I am not in the Zhou family, you won't find me even if you turn the Zhou family upside down."
"Zhou Tao, are you really willing to be subordinate to others?"
From the darkness, the voice spoke again, echoing in his ears.
Zhou Tao clenched his fist and asked in a low voice, "Who are you!"
"You don't need to know who I am, it's not important. What's important is Xia Mingzhong, isn't it?"
"As long as you join us, I guarantee that within a month, everyone who stands in your way will die, not one will survive. At that time, you will be the trendsetter of Chang'an's art world, you will be the president of the Chang'an Art Association, and no one can replace you."