Xia Jianguo's impatient expression was interpreted by others as deep disappointment and undisguised jealousy.
It's unclear what complex psychological factors were at play that made Xia Jiandang unwilling to leave.
Just then, a phrase his father had once said flashed through his mind, and on a whim, he blurted out an excuse: "Second brother, I really can't leave now! Dad is very worried about you and specifically told me to make sure you finish your meal before I leave."
His seemingly concerned words were like a bolt from the blue, instantly darkening the faces of Xia Jianguo and his daughter.
Without a doubt, they all knew perfectly well that there was something wrong with that bowl of noodles.
Such behavior is simply relentless; they won't stop until they achieve their goal and will not be satisfied until they have put someone to death!
However, at this moment, Xia Wan couldn't help but wonder what role Xia Jiandang played in Old Man Xia's eyes.
Could it be that Old Man Xia has made up his mind to completely abandon this son, or perhaps he still harbors a sliver of hope and wants to find a way to protect him after the deed is done?
Xia Wan, who was standing to the side, rolled her eyes and asked softly with a hint of probing, "Third Uncle, don't you find it strange? Why is Grandpa suddenly so concerned about you and Dad?"
As the saying goes, 'Unsolicited kindness is either a sign of ulterior motives or theft,' don't you have even the slightest suspicion about this?"
Actually, Xia Wan's words were not entirely well-intentioned. She mainly couldn't stand the smug look on some people's faces, and deep down she also hoped to see a wonderful drama unfold where biological father and son turned against each other and fought each other.
Xia Jianguo frowned slightly, and after a long period of thoughtful silence, he finally opened his mouth and said, "Xiao Wan, I need to talk to your third uncle about something. Go out and find me a dog first."
Standing to the side, Xia Wan heard her father's instructions and her eyes flickered quickly, as if she had instantly seen through his deepest schemes.
A sly smile appeared on her lips as she nodded readily and replied, "Alright, Dad! I'll go find it right away."
Before she finished speaking, her petite figure rushed towards the door like a gust of wind.
As Xia Wan ran, she couldn't help but have doubts in her heart.
It's really hard to understand. Old Xia isn't the Xia family's biological child, so perhaps there's a reason why Old Man Xia treats him this way.
However, Xia Jiandang is Xia Laotou's own flesh and blood, so why is he also being neglected and treated unfairly?
This question, like an unsolvable mystery, lingered in Xia Wan's mind.
At this moment, Xia Jiandang in the courtyard looked completely bewildered, utterly clueless about the conversation between his father and brother.
He looked at Xia Jianguo with a puzzled expression and asked, "Second Brother, why did you ask Xiao Wan to go find the dog?"
There are plenty of stray dogs and cats outside, but these days people are starving, so very few are willing to keep dogs.
Xia Jianguo did not answer his question directly.
He first sighed deeply, then earnestly reminded him, "Third brother, what Xiao Wan said just now wasn't without reason. How could a person's temperament undergo such a drastic change for no reason..."
However, Xia Jianguo's earnest advice clearly failed to move Xia Jiandang. His face darkened, and he interrupted his elder brother with obvious displeasure: "Second brother, isn't it good that Father is always thinking of us? Why do you always assume the worst of him?"
Xia Jianguo stared at Xia Jiandang expressionlessly, his tone as calm as still water, and slowly asked, "Father instructed you to watch me eat that bowl of noodles. What if I refuse to eat it now?"
Xia Jiandang looked bewildered, seemingly failing to grasp the deeper meaning of Xia Jianguo's words. He frowned and replied in confusion, "If you don't want to eat, then eat later. This is all food, you can't just throw it away, can you?"
He didn't take Old Man Xia's words, "Watch Xia Jianguo eat that bowl of noodles," to heart at all; he thought Old Man Xia was just saying it casually.
He'd seen people deliver food before, but he'd never heard of someone watching someone eat.
Seeing that Xia Jiandang was so dull and obtuse, Xia Jianguo sighed, shook his head, and thought to himself that talking to this person was really exhausting. So he simply stopped beating around the bush and said directly:
"In my opinion, that bowl of noodles was probably poisoned! If I had actually eaten it, I probably wouldn't have survived! And you would have become the scapegoat chosen by Old Man Xia!"
Xia Jianguo's words struck Xia Jiandang like a bolt from the blue, leaving him stunned and speechless for a long time.
After a long while, he stammered as if waking from a dream, "Poison...poisonous? How...how could you think that?"
Despite his outward disbelief, Xia Jianguo's words struck Xia Jiandang like a hammer blow, causing his once-firm resolve to waver.
A nameless fear gradually crept into his heart. He couldn't explain why he felt this way, but deep down he felt a vague unease and uncertainty.
At this moment, Xia Jianguo looked at Xia Jiandang with a determined expression and bright eyes, and then said confidently, "If you don't believe me, you can go home now and see if it's true or not."
"Just tell him you've already put the bowl of noodles aside, intending to save it for dinner. Don't say anything else; he'll definitely send you to keep an eye on me again."
After saying that, Xia Jianguo put on a mysterious and confident look.
Xia Jiandang stood there blankly, his feet seemingly nailed to the ground, completely motionless.
At this moment, he was filled with contradictions and confusion, and had no idea what to do next.
However, amidst his chaotic thoughts, a faint but firm voice kept reminding him that what his second brother said was true.
Xia Jianguo, who had been watching him closely, easily sensed his inner struggle and entanglement.
He smiled slightly, revealing an understanding and reassuring expression, and then said softly, "Third brother, just listen to your second brother's advice. Go home and give it a try; it won't cause you any real loss."
Then, Xia Jianguo paused for a moment, his gaze becoming increasingly serious, and continued to persuade him: "But if you miss this opportunity to find out the truth, who knows what you might encounter in the future."
"Besides, you're not alone now; you have a wife and children. Can you bear to see Jinbao get involved in this matter and end up with his wife and children separated, his family destroyed, and his life ruined?"
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