Qiao Dashan went inside and looked around. There was no leak, and even the windows hadn't been blown open by the wind. Everything was neat and tidy; there was nowhere to tidy up. Thinking about what he was missing, he started rummaging around, taking out what he needed to bring, preparing to ride his bike back.

Qiao Fuli's house was unharmed, but the jujube tree in front of the door was destroyed by lightning. He was so frightened that he didn't dare go out and could only hold his wife and hide on the kang (a heated brick bed) to watch.

After listening to his story, Qiao Haisheng patted him on the shoulder: "As long as you're safe, it's a blessing from God."

"I see the mountain is completely mangled from being struck by lightning. I don't know how we'll farm next year."

“Isn’t that right? As long as everyone is safe, that’s the greatest blessing.” Qiao Fuli chimed in.

The two chatted idly, finding some comfort in each other's words.

"Hurry up and go!" Liu Zhaodi's voice came from outside.

Qiao Fuli stood up and saw a family of three, carrying large and small bags of rolls, walking towards them!

"I told you we're late, look, the door's already been opened," Liu Zhaodi urged the father and son behind her.

"Mom, is what we're doing wrong?" Song Min was filled with hesitation. He was terrified of taking over the Qiao family's house.

Although his family went to town, they would come back sooner or later. He felt it wasn't worth getting a beating then!

Liu Zhaodi stopped and put her hands on her hips, saying to them, "Our house is no longer habitable, and their house is just sitting empty anyway."

Besides, you're about to marry Qiao Lingling, so we'll still be relatives then.

It's only natural and reasonable for relatives to help look after the house; I don't see any problem with it!

“This is my house, and I think there’s something wrong with it.” Qiao Haisheng said, then pushed open a door on one side and walked out.

They were only thinking about taking over the place, never expecting that Qiao Haisheng would come back at this time.

Song Facai looked extremely embarrassed, wishing he could disappear into nowhere.

Qiao Fuli spoke up: "What do you want to do? This house belongs to Qiao Haisheng. Who are you? Do you want to take over his house while no one is home?"

"Village chief, what you're saying is a bit harsh." Liu Zhaodi put down what she was holding and then leaned closer. She didn't seem to care about the stench emanating from her.

Qiao Fuli took several steps back: "Don't come any closer! Just stand there and talk."

"Village chief, as the old saying goes, a close neighbor is worse than a distant relative. My house was struck by lightning and looks like that, how can anyone live in it now?" Liu Zhaodi was furious after seeing up close that Qiao Haisheng's house hadn't been struck by lightning. Why was his house unharmed, while hers was almost collapsed?

"I'll say it again, my house is not for anyone to live in. This is my family's ancestral home. If you move in without my family members being here, don't blame me for reporting you to the police and having you arrested." Qiao Haisheng ignored everyone and made a harsh statement.

"Brother Haisheng!" Song Facai called out, his voice full of grievance.

"Making money is one thing, but if your family is in trouble, you can find a way to help, but don't try to take advantage of my family. If you still consider me your elder brother, then don't do anything despicable."

"That would only make me look down on you and disown you as a brother." Qiao Haisheng's last sentence was rather harsh. He knew Song Facai's personality; this idea must have come from his wife.