Halfway through the meal, the already somewhat oppressive atmosphere became even more somber.

Xia Shuqin seemed to suddenly remember something, and her emotions became agitated. She started to berate Zhao Guodong again, her voice getting louder and her tone becoming more and more severe.

"Look at you, what kind of husband are you? Shuhua hasn't had a good life with you. You don't even know how to take care of her. You can't even manage to cause trouble when she goes back to her parents' home. Do you even care about the Xia family?"

As she spoke, she pointed at Zhao Guodong with her finger, her face filled with dissatisfaction and disappointment.

Her eyes flashed with anger, as if she wanted to vent all the resentment she had harbored towards Zhao Guodong over the years.

Zhao Guodong lowered his head and remained silent, like a child who had made a mistake.

His face flushed red and then turned pale, as shame and anger mingled in his heart, yet he had nowhere to vent them.

He bit his lower lip tightly, his teeth almost digging into his flesh, and his hands unconsciously clenched under the table, his knuckles turning white from the force.

He was filled with inner conflict; on the one hand, he felt wronged, and on the other hand, he was angry at Xia Shuqin's accusations.

He harbored resentment towards Xia Shuhua for not coming back to help him out of his predicament, and at the same time, he was filled with hatred towards the Xia family.

Just when the atmosphere was at its most tense, Xia Xiong put down his chopsticks, making a slight sound that was particularly clear in the quiet atmosphere.

He cleared his throat, his voice not loud, but carrying an undeniable authority: "Guodong, Shuhua's older brother has been found now, and the family has finally reunited. Let her come back and stay for a few days. The siblings and aunts should also catch up on their relationship."

His words were full of the care and expectations of an elder, making it impossible to refuse. His gaze was firm yet gentle as he looked at Zhao Guodong, as if waiting for his response.

Zhao Guodong raised his head, a struggle flashing in his eyes. He looked at Xia Xiong, whose imposing gaze filled him with awe; then he looked at the eyes of those around him. Xia Shuqin's dissatisfaction, Xia Jianguo's silence, and Xia Wan's scrutiny seemed to be invisible pressures pressing down on him.

After hesitating for a while, he finally nodded and said in a slightly hoarse voice, "Okay, Dad, I'll talk to Shuhua when I get back."

His voice carried a hint of helplessness and resignation, as if at this moment he finally realized that he could not escape this problem.

The lunch finally ended in a slightly awkward atmosphere.

Everyone got up and started clearing the dishes. On the surface, they were all very friendly, but each of them had their own thoughts.

Xia Wan watched the crowd gradually disperse in the courtyard, her heart filled with mixed feelings.

She knew that behind this seemingly peaceful Spring Festival lay many untold stories.

Zhao Guodong's secret may only be the tip of the iceberg. No one knows what will happen to the Xia family in the future. It's like the future is shrouded in mist, full of unknowns and variables... She sighed inwardly, not knowing what awaited the Xia family. She could only silently pray that everything would develop in a good direction.