Xia Jianguo's expression was indifferent, as if he were not on the same wavelength as everyone else: "The reason why we don't separate the family while our parents are still alive is because it's convenient to take care of them, or because the whole family can live together and help each other."

“However, we have never helped each other over the years! It has always been me helping you one-sidedly. And my efforts over the years and the money Taozi gave you are enough for your retirement.”

“You don’t only have me as your son, so you can’t leave me to take care of you all by myself. That would make your eldest and third sons seem unfilial. So for the sake of everyone’s well-being and to avoid gossip, it’s better to separate the family. From now on, your most beloved son will take care of you.”

Xia Jianguo seemed determined to separate the family property and wouldn't listen to anyone's advice, which made Old Man Xia's face even uglier.

However, between letting Xia Jianguo escape their control and recognizing Xia Wan, he chose the latter; Xia Jianguo absolutely could not escape their control.

If it were a few years ago, it wouldn't have been a problem, but in the last two years, their biological son in Beijing has already contacted them.

His son wrote that in two years they could bring their whole family to Beijing, and they absolutely could not let Xia Jianguo leave them, otherwise it would be difficult to get rid of him then.

Old Man Xia gave his eldest son a wink, hoping he would smooth things over and find a way to save face.

Although Xia Jianjun and his father were not on the same page, they shared the same idea: they couldn't let Xia Jianguo be separated from them!

Without the things Xia Wan brought, their losses weren't significant, but without Xia Tao's salary, they would have to live off their savings!

"What division of the family property? Second son, you're already in this state, and we haven't looked down on you. What else are you dissatisfied with? Don't make your father angry over a little girl!"

Xia Tao was naturally unhappy to hear him say that about his father. He hadn't brought any money home all these years, and he had more than enough to support his father. Why should these people look down on him?

"Uncle, what you're saying is wrong. What gives you the right to look down on my father? Why didn't you look down on him when you were taking the money? You haven't helped take care of my father even once in all these years, and I haven't even asked you to return the money yet. How dare you say such a thing?"

Xia Jianjun didn't take it to heart: "We are all elders, isn't it your duty to show us respect?"

Xia Wan was amused by the man's shamelessness: "Tch, so shameless! Don't you have a son of your own? Do you need my brother, your nephew, to show you filial piety?"

Xia Tao nodded in deep agreement: "I hand over forty yuan a month and you all take it all. Even my own father doesn't get that much filial piety money. Why should you get it?"

Seeing that they were going off on a tangent, Old Man Xia grew impatient and looked at Xia Jianguo, saying:

"Alright, let's not talk about this nonsense anymore. Anyway, splitting up the family is absolutely out of the question! If you want to acknowledge this daughter, then go ahead, but don't blame us if you get scammed!"

He's already made a concession; looking at Xia Jianguo, I hope he'll know when to stop!

The captain, who was just wondering how to persuade him, heard his somewhat submissive words and his eyes lit up instantly as he looked at Xia Jianguo, signaling him to also take a step back.

Now that things have come to this point, Xia Jianguo naturally wouldn't insist on dividing the family property. If he wanted to divide the property, he would have to find a way out, otherwise those gossipy women in the village would start talking nonsense!

“In that case, let’s not separate the family for now. But Xiao Wan is weak and can’t live in that damp house. We need to find her a different room!” Xia Jianguo glanced at the damp thatched hut in the corner.

That was where the three Xia family girls lived—oh, now it's two, since Qiao Qiao has already left.

Xia Wan was also considering her father's opinion. In any case, she would keep the family in line, and whether or not the family split up, her father wouldn't suffer a loss!

If they don't split up, she can earn more points; if they do, she'll probably have to ask others to contribute!

Most importantly, Old Man Xia and Old Woman Xia have contributed so much to her, they are so attractive!

"There's no room left in the house, so let him make do for now. We'll build a new house for him later." Old Mrs. Xia said through gritted teeth, "Chunxi and the others can all stay here, there's no reason why Xia Wan can't stay here now that he's back."

Xia Jianguo sneered, showing no respect for his mother, and said directly, "My daughter is different from theirs. The blankets in that room are so damp you could wring water out of them! My daughter is weak, and I'm afraid she'll get sick."

Xia Tao was extremely surprised. His father had indeed changed a lot. Qiao Qiao had lived in that room before!

Xia Qiao lived there for more than ten years, and her father never said anything. But as soon as Xiao Wan came back, her father started arranging to change his daughter's room!

"no……"

Before Old Lady Xia could say anything more, Old Man Xia interrupted her: "Then let Shitou and Yuanbao share a room. The three sisters can stay in Yuanbao's room."

As soon as he mentioned changing rooms, Li Cao immediately objected: "How can that be? Shi Tou doesn't sleep well. What if he kicks Yuan Bao? Dad, you can't just change rooms like this!"

Although her two daughters were also hers, in her heart, her daughters couldn't compare to her son! Her daughters couldn't take anything from her son!

"Shut up, that's the arrangement. Stone never comes home and doesn't behave himself. You can keep an eye on him!" Old Man Xia waved his hand impatiently.

He had his own calculations. His granddaughters were all of marriageable age and really couldn't live in thatched huts anymore. Otherwise, if something went wrong with their health, it would be difficult to collect dowries when they got married.

As he thought this, his gaze involuntarily fell on Xia Wan. This girl must be 18 by now. In their village, all the 18-year-old girls have already had children. Since she will be recognized by the Xia family in the future, he should marry her off as soon as possible.

The other two granddaughters can't be picky anymore, otherwise they'll become old maids when they get a little older.

Old Man Xia was thinking too much, his mind was a bit blank, and he had forgotten what he was doing!

Xia Jianguo was not satisfied with the current result and continued, "My daughter has a sleepwalking problem, so she needs to have her own room!"

His face was cold, and his tone left no room for argument!

Xia Wan couldn't help but give her father a thumbs up in her heart. The way Old Xia protected his family was just so incredibly cool, wasn't it?

"Don't push your luck. You just said that that thatched hut isn't suitable for a girl. We can't let Xia Wan move into a nice house as soon as she comes back, while the other two girls in the family live in thatched huts. What will people think?"

When Old Man Xia saw him biting wildly like a mad dog today, completely unlike his usual honest and well-behaved self, he was furious!

Xia Jianguo didn't care what he thought, sitting there with a cold face, looking like there was no room for negotiation.

Xiao Wan had mentioned wanting to have her own room, so as her father, he naturally wanted to fight for it for her. He could definitely do that!