Return to the City: The Strongest King
Chapter 492 - 493: Habit Becomes Second Nature

Chapter 492: Chapter 493: Habit Becomes Second Nature

During the day at home, without Miao Qingqing and Song Xiaoru around, Miao Xuanxuan didn’t have any reservations in front of Xiao Yingying. Everyone knew what was going on, and she wasn’t worried that Xiao Yingying would gossip. So, that day, Miao Xuanxuan thoroughly enjoyed Song Xiaodong’s care.

This actually made her feel like breaking her leg wasn’t such a bad thing after all. She had never received such treatment before, and now it was completely justified, without worrying about Miao Qingqing overthinking things.

At noon, when Song Xiaoru and Miao Qingqing came home, they saw Miao Xuanxuan sitting on the couch with her broken leg elevated on the coffee table, holding a plate of fruit and comfortably watching TV. They were entirely reassured—having Doctor Song Xiaodong there meant Miao Xuanxuan really wouldn’t have much to do.

Whenever Miao Xuanxuan wanted something, she simply called for Song Xiaodong, who would then pick her up and carry her over.

This made Miao Qingqing frown, saying, "I mean, Xuanxuan, can’t you be a bit less demanding for one day? Don’t you realize how troubling this is for others?"

Unconcerned, Miao Xuanxuan replied, "But I am a great beauty, after all. Making my brother-in-law carry me, he’s the one taking advantage of me. He should be thanking me, really."

"Hmf, would you stop being so shameless? Your brother-in-law is human too. It’s already something, him taking care of you like this, and still, you keep finding ways to trouble him."

"Hey, Miao Qingqing, you aren’t getting jealous, are you?" Miao Xuanxuan glanced at Miao Qingqing, "You don’t think there’s something going on between Brother-in-law and me, do you?"

Both Song Xiaoru and Miao Qingqing’s faces darkened—Song Xiaoru because what Miao Xuanxuan said was actually true, and she could say it so naturally.

On the other hand, Miao Qingqing was annoyed and said differently, "What nonsense are you spewing? If you had your eye on Brother-in-law, I wouldn’t hesitate to let you have him."

Miao Xuanxuan laughed, "Hee-hee, too bad I’m not interested in him. Besides, he’s all yours. I wouldn’t dream of stealing your man, that would be too boring. But ordering Brother-in-law around does give me a sense of satisfaction. It’s rare to get such a chance, I’d feel like I wasn’t doing myself justice if I didn’t take advantage of it."

Miao Qingqing glared at her, helpless against her sister. Miao Xuanxuan, the brat, had always been mischievous, regardless of what she or Miao Qingyuan would say, she always did her own thing.

As for the idea of Miao Xuanxuan stealing Song Xiaodong, Miao Qingqing didn’t think about it at all. She knew her sister too well; though the siblings sometimes fought, deep down they always considered each other’s best interests. Just like she had said, if she knew Miao Xuanxuan liked Song Xiaodong, she would definitely back off without any hesitation.

The reason Miao Xuanxuan initially backed off was also out of consideration for Miao Qingqing, something Miao Qingqing was unaware of.

"Dongzi, you’ll have to work a bit harder. Xuanxuan is just like that, and I can’t do much about it," Miao Qingqing said, comforting Song Xiaodong with evident concern.

Song Xiaodong felt truly guilty about it, "Qingqing, don’t say that. If Xuanxuan is your sister, she is my sister too. Taking care of her is the right thing to do."

Miao Qingqing was moved in an instant, "Then I’ll leave it to you."

"Why bring such words between us? We’re all family. I have a sister, and you have a sister—let’s just look out for each other. That’s how our home becomes a better place."

"Yes, I will take good care of Sister Xiaoru as well."

"Actually, you’ve been very good to her already."

The two shared a smile, a kind of warmth radiating between them.

After two consecutive days, Miao Qingqing had grown accustomed to Song Xiaodong carrying Miao Xuanxuan around, no longer making a big deal out of it. Even when Miao Xuanxuan wanted her to do something, she would simply say, "Go find your brother-in-law." She couldn’t be bothered anymore.

Miao Xuanxuan felt a secret delight. She wanted to create an atmosphere where her interactions with Song Xiaodong seemed normal. That way, even if Miao Qingqing were to discover something between them in the future, she could brush it off. As long as Miao Qingqing didn’t catch them in bed, there wouldn’t be much of an issue.

While Miao Xuanxuan harbored these somewhat guilty thoughts, her primary concern had always been not to damage the relationship between Song Xiaodong and Miao Qingqing. She hoped they would stay together. As long as she could be with Song Xiaodong in secret, that was enough for her.

On the weekend, when everyone was home, Song Xiaodong visited Shen Dongyang’s house. He had promised to come over for a meal the previous weekend, and he couldn’t go back on his word.

Shen Dongyang’s family eagerly awaited his arrival, their enthusiasm palpably greater than before.

"Little Song, come sit down and have some fruit," Sun Dongxiang said warmly, ushering Song Xiaodong onto the sofa. She fussed over him, offering cigarettes and fruit. Her gaze on Song Xiaodong was that of a classic mother-in-law beholding her son-in-law, her fondness growing with every look.

Shen Dongyang laughed. "Now, Old Sun, don’t scare him like that; you’re making Little Song nervous."

Sun Dongxiang chuckled. "Scare him? Why? Little Song is practically family. I’ve grown so fond of him. You know, Little Song, people can marry while in college nowadays. Have you considered getting things settled with our Little Yue sooner rather than later?

Song Xiaodong and Shen Dongyang simultaneously turned pale while Shen Yue blushed deeply, protesting, "Mom, what are you doing?"

Sun Dongxiang spoke earnestly, "Doing what? I’m speaking of serious matters here. Little Song isn’t young anymore, and our Little Yue is of marrying age too. What’s wrong with getting married earlier? Have a child soon; I can help with looking after them. It won’t delay anything. It’s actually worse to have children when you’re older."

Shen Yue was even more embarrassed, unsure how her mother suddenly came up with such an idea without discussing it with her or Shen Dongyang beforehand, bringing it up so unexpectedly.

Shen Dongyang quickly interjected, "That’s enough, that’s enough. Let the young people handle their own affairs. Why should we meddle so much? Little Song, your aunt is just being her whimsical self; don’t take it to heart."

Song Xiaodong was quite embarrassed and said, "Right, right, let’s take things slowly."

Sun Dongxiang wanted to continue, but Shen Yue hurriedly pulled her away, saying, "Mom, let’s go and cook. Let Dad talk to Brother Dongzi."

As the two headed to the kitchen, Shen Dongyang shook his head, saying, "Your aunt is just too impatient. A couple of days ago, the provincial organization department talked to me. It looks like my promotion is all but finalized. Your aunt knows you played a big part, so she’s warming up to you even more and hoping you’ll marry Little Yue sooner."

Song Xiaodong chuckled dryly, "It’s just that..."

"I know about Miao Qingqing, so don’t worry. I’ll talk to her. When it comes to matters of the heart, there’s no room for coercion," Shen Dongyang shook his head, both exasperated by his wife’s rashness and regretful. He, too, would have liked to have Song Xiaodong as a son-in-law.