Although Zhou Jing had gritted her teeth and agreed to return to the Xia family, the unease in her heart was like wild grass growing wildly in spring, spreading uncontrollably and impossible to suppress.

She knew perfectly well that the Xia family was like a labyrinth full of dangers to her now. Every turn and every corner could hide unknown dangers, and a slight misstep could lead to utter ruin.

In this difficult situation, her sense of security was like a candle flickering in the wind, ready to be extinguished at any moment.

So she looked at Zhao Guodong almost pleadingly, her voice trembling slightly, and asked him to come back with her.

In her eyes, Zhao Guodong had become her only support in this strange and dangerous world. As long as his solid figure was by her side, her shaky sense of security could be supported a little more.

In these unpredictable days, Zhao Guodong was like the only piece of driftwood she could grab onto in the vast ocean, giving her a glimmer of hope for survival and preventing her from completely sinking into the waves of fear.

Zhao Guodong naturally wouldn't refuse. Lately, he had been feeling anxious and uneasy, with an ominous premonition following him like a ghost, no matter how he tried to shake it off, it was always there, making him restless.

He always felt that a huge crisis was quietly approaching, like dark clouds before a storm, weighing heavily on his heart.

He knew that the Xia family held a pivotal position in the business world, like an unshakeable commercial giant, and Xia Xiong was a key figure in it, controlling countless unknown resources and connections.

Those unrevealed secrets may become a turning point in his career, a stepping stone to greater heights, or they may become the fuse that leads him to the abyss.

He was eager to get information from Xia Xiong, to know about the crisis in advance, and to plan a response for his career and future.

In his eyes, the Xia family was like a mysterious treasure trove, hiding countless secrets that could affect his destiny, and Xia Xiong was the key to unlocking the treasure trove. As long as he could get Xia Xiong's support and guidance, his career would surely usher in a new dawn.

Zhao Fang overheard the entire conversation between the two in the room.

Zhao Fang had always had a very good impression of her sister-in-law. Every time Xia Shuhua came back from her parents' home, she would bring some exquisite little gifts, such as a beautifully bound book, a hand-knitted scarf, or a uniquely shaped box of chocolates. These thoughtful items always made Zhao Fang happy for a long time.

Therefore, she was overjoyed that her brother was going to bring his wife back to her parents' home. Her eyes sparkled with anticipation, and she even started counting on her fingers, mentally planning what surprises her sister-in-law would bring when she returned.

However, she couldn't contain her joy and hopped to her mother's side like a happy little rabbit to tell her the news.

But to her utter surprise, her mother's originally kind face turned deathly pale upon hearing this, as if she had heard something terrifying. Her eyes widened, and without saying a word, she rushed out to stop her without even changing her shoes.

Zhao Guodong's plans were disrupted by his mother's obstruction.

He patiently used all the patience he had accumulated over the years, coaxing and pleading with his mother like a child.

He began by talking about the importance of family harmony, saying that only when family members support each other and live in harmony can life be full of happiness. He then talked about his future development, painting a beautiful picture of a successful career and a happy family. He then talked about the status of the Xia family in the business world and the prospects of his own career, emphasizing the importance of the Xia family's support to him. He said that if he could get the help of the Xia family, he could make waves in the business world, but otherwise he might encounter setbacks everywhere.

He used all his words, quoting classical texts and appealing to reason and emotion, talking from day to night until he finally persuaded his mother.

Seeing his mother nod helplessly, Zhao Guodong breathed a long sigh of relief, as if he had overcome an insurmountable mountain, and a huge weight had finally been lifted from his heart.

Finally, he took Zhou Jing on the road to the Xia family.

On the way back to the Xia family home, the atmosphere inside the car was so oppressive that it was hard to breathe.

The world outside the window flashed by like a slideshow. The sun was shining brightly, and a few white clouds floated in the azure sky. Birds sang merrily on the branches, but the warm light could not penetrate the stuffy and oppressive space inside the car.

Zhou Jing gazed out the window, her heart filled with fear of the unknown.

Her fingers unconsciously gripped the hem of her clothes so tightly that it seemed she wanted to tear it apart, creating deep wrinkles in the fabric. Her palms were covered in cold sweat, each drop a testament to her deep-seated unease.

Images of the Xia family kept flashing through her mind. Xia Wan's seemingly casual yet subtly probing probing was like a series of sharp daggers, repeatedly rubbing against her heart, ready to stab her at any moment, making her spine chill and her heart beat faster uncontrollably.

Zhao Guodong focused on driving, his hands gripping the steering wheel tightly, his knuckles turning white from the force, and the veins on the back of his hands bulging slightly.

He glanced at Zhou Jing every now and then, his face showing a determined look, his eyes filled with resolve, as if telling himself that no matter what difficulties he encountered, he would achieve his goal of going to the Xia family.

However, he was quite puzzled by Xia Shuhua's (Zhou Jing's) attitude. Everything had been going smoothly before, so he hadn't given it much thought and was only focused on his career plans.

But looking at Xia Shuhua now, she seems to be filled with fear of returning to the Xia family. That fear comes from the bottom of her bones, and she is completely different from before.

In the past, Xia Shuhua would always be happy and full of anticipation when she returned to her parents' home, but now she is timid and hesitant, like a frightened fawn.

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