Chapter 2176: Second Granduncle Returns to the Capital
Translator: Atlas Studios Editor: Atlas Studios
She wanted to have a serious discussion with Xia Wen about this matter. She could still contribute the seeds, but she wanted to do it anonymously! If not, she would just say that it was Xia Wen who had developed them! After all, Xia Wen used to be a professor, so it would not be too surprising for him to be able to develop new seeds.
Ever since Xu Lan’s shopping trip was disrupted by Zhou Hua, she had become even busier every day. She was either tidying up the house or buying new bedsheets and bedding. She even made arrangements to renovate the siheyuan courtyard house which Xia Wen had bought for Xia Jun.
“Mother, why are you doing all these?” Qiao Mei asked curiously.
“Sigh your second granduncle is coming back,” Xu Lan said wearily.
Xia Jun had a biological brother named Xia Zheng. In the past, both of them lived in the capital and Xia Zheng worked at the research institute. Later on, Xia Zheng was transferred to the northwest to work. He got married and had children there and had not returned to the capital for a long time.
After Xia Zheng developed some new types of material, he was finally returning to the capital. Xia Zheng missed Xia Jun very much and Xia Jun had thought that he would never see Xia Zheng again. The two brothers did not expect to be able to live together again during their lifetimes.
“Then where are they going to stay?” Qiao Mei asked.
“I don’t know yet. They can’t possibly stay at the Old Master’s house! That’s the military compound! A person with Uncle-in-law’s achievements would definitely be allocated a house. I heard from Xia Wen that the house is still under renovation and won’t be ready for a while,” Xu Lan said.
“Should we get Deng Fan to go over there and help? That’s his forte,” Qiao Mei said.
Xu Lan immediately shook her head and said, “I’ve also thought of asking Deng Fan to help out, but the people from the research institute said no. They say they have to keep an eye on it personally, so that’s why I have cleaned up the house next door. If they have nowhere to stay, they can at least stay there. After all, your grandfather won’t be able to use this house. I can’t possibly ask them to stay in a guest house!”
Qiao Mei knew where the research institute’s dormitory compound was located. She also owned a house near that area. If Xia Zheng and his family felt that this place was too far from the research institute, she could let them stay in that house temporarily.
It was soon the day of their arrival. All the members of the Xia family who were in the capital drove to the train station to welcome Xia Zheng and his family. Xia Jun even put on his old military uniform for the occasion. When the passers-by saw such a grand lineup, they thought that one of the country’s founding figures was arriving at the train station! More and more people gathered to take a look.
“Grandfather, I’ll better go and evacuate the crowd,” Xia Wen said.
“Just inform the station master. You must be around when your granduncle gets here,” Xia Jun said sternly.
Xia Zhe was on a mission and Xia He was at home as it was still her confinement period. Xia Wen was the only child from the eldest son’s family who could be present and he was also the Xia family’s eldest grandson. Xia Jun did not want Xia Wen to leave his side.
“Grandfather, I can go. I’ll be back soon,” Qiao Mei said.
“Go on and be careful,” Xia Jun said.
Qiao Mei found the station master and asked him to get his security officers to evacuate the crowd. After a long wait, the train finally arrived and Xia Zheng’s family stepped off the train.
When Xia Jun saw the white-haired Xia Zheng, tears welled up in his eyes. The two brothers had not seen each other for more than 20 years. The last time they saw each other, the two of them were still young and spirited. Now, they were both so old that they could barely walk.
“Elder Brother I’m back ” Xia Zheng said with a trembling voice.
“It’s good that you’re back! It’s good that you’re back!” Xia Jun went forward to hug Xia Zheng and said emotionally.
There were many people standing behind Xia Zheng. Everyone was not familiar with one another and it felt very awkward. Qiao Mei rushed back and stood beside Xia Wen as she whispered, “Eldest Brother, the station master has specially prepared a VIP route for us. We can exit from there.”
Among the group of people behind Xia Zheng, a man’s eyes lit up when he saw Qiao Mei. After that, he just kept staring at her. She felt very disgusted by his action, but she could not voice it out directly.
Xia Wen methodically arranged for everyone to board a bus to head to Xia Jun’s house. All the men from the Xia family went upstairs to the study to chat and catch up.
“I’m the wife of Xia Zheng’s eldest son. My name is An Xin. This is my eldest daughter, Xia Bai, and my eldest son-in-law, Wang Kun. That is my second daughter, Xia Ding. Her husband is still working in the northwest and will only be back later.” An Xin introduced the family members one by one.
Qiao Mei finally knew the identity of the person who stared at her just now. She did not expect him to be the eldest cousin’s husband! One look and she could tell that this person was nothing good! She must be more careful around him.
“My daughter has just given birth and is still going through confinement! It’s not convenient for her to come and meet you at the moment. My third son is away for work and not able to come back. This is my third daughter-in-law!” Xu Lan said as she held Qiao Mei’s hand.
“This child is really beautiful! Your son is so lucky!” An Xin said enviously.