Return to the City: The Strongest King
Chapter 552 - 553

Chapter 552: 553

"Why did you guys come back so early?" Xiao Yingying was surprised to see the two returning home, as it seemed everyone had been busy lately. Even Miao Xuanxuan had to catch up on classes she missed due to a broken leg, heading to the guild every day.

"I’m in a bad mood, brother-in-law, I need to blow off some steam." Miao Xuanxuan pulled Song Xiaodong towards the room.

Xiao Yingying hurriedly said, "Hey, I want to join in too."

Miao Xuanxuan rolled her eyes and replied, "Then come on, who’s stopping you?"

Following them, Xiao Yingying suggested, "It’s so early, going straight to bed is so boring. How about we all take a bath together instead?"

Miao Xuanxuan immediately nodded and said, "That actually sounds like a good idea."

That entire afternoon, Song Xiaodong hung out with Miao Xuanxuan and Xiao Yingying. Even if those girls weren’t serious with him, they always managed to cheer him up to the point he felt he could fly.

When Miao Qingqing and Song Xiaoru returned, Miao Xuanxuan recounted the day’s events.

Miao Qingqing’s expression turned extremely grim. She and Miao Xuanxuan had hoped to rekindle the lost affection with their mother during this reunion, but the affection from their mother’s side was such that it left her feeling incredibly distressed.

Song Xiaoru frowned and said, "It seems like we’re in trouble now."

Miao Xuanxuan declared, "I don’t care, I will die before I marry him. Brother-in-law, you think of something."

Miao Qingqing also looked at Song Xiaodong, saying, "Yes, I’ll think of something. Don’t worry, I do have some reservations, mainly about what attitude your mother will take. I’m afraid if we are too forceful, it could put her in a very difficult position."

Miao Qingqing and Miao Xuanxuan exchanged glances, both nodding involuntarily. Miao Qingqing added, "Then, I’ll give mom a call right away."

Miao Qingqing dialed the phone, and it was quickly answered. She immediately asked, "Mom, do you know about Xuanxuan’s engagement?"

"I know. The Sun family is also a decent family. Your aunt told me all about it. If Xuanxuan marries into their family, she’s sure to be fortunate."

Miao Qingqing frowned instantly and said, "But Xuanxuan doesn’t like that guy."

"What does liking or not liking matter? The main thing is to be together. The more time men and women spend together, the more affection grows. Love eventually turns into affection over time. I’ve seen that young man, he’s quite handsome and a good match for Xuanxuan."

Miao Qingqing’s expression grew even grimmer and she said, "Mom, you chose love over family in the past to be with dad. Don’t you want your daughter to pursue her own happiness now?"

"Because I’ve suffered so much, I don’t want you to follow my path. While love is great, what’s most important is being together. Qingqing, you’re the elder sister. Your sister is quite stubborn, so you should persuade her more."

"Mom... I can’t persuade her. If I were in her position, I wouldn’t agree either. How can you ask me to persuade her?"

"But your grandpa has already decided, and there’s no turning back now."

Miao Qingqing took a deep breath and said, "Okay, I know."

Miao Xuanxuan had been by Miao Qingqing’s side, listening to the phone call. At this moment, his face turned pale and his body shook as he clenched his teeth and finally said, "I never expected that Mom would completely not support us."

Song Xiaodong sighed lightly and said, "As people age, their thoughts change too. She has suffered for so many years, and the passion of early days has long been worn away completely. It’s normal for her to think this way."

"But doesn’t she think about whether I will be happy if I marry into that family?" Miao Xuanxuan clenched his fists tightly.

Song Xiaoru sighed lightly and said, "Perhaps in the eyes of parents, being well-matched in social and economic status means happiness. Just like Dongzi’s situation, initially I didn’t know he was so capable, given our family’s ordinary background. I thought Dongzi should find a girl from an ordinary family too, like Lin Su’er. I never even dared to think that Dongzi could end up with you, Qingqing."

Miao Qingqing and Miao Xuanxuan exchanged looks, and Song Xiaoru’s words somewhat lessened their resentment towards their mother.

"So, what do we do now?" Miao Qingqing looked towards Song Xiaodong.

Song Xiaodong said, "These kinds of marriages in large families are all about seeking benefits. As long as you provide enough benefits to the Su family, they would naturally call off the marriage."

"Why should I!" Miao Xuanxuan immediately glared and exclaimed, "I’ve never been taken care of by the Su family for a single day, nor have I spent a penny of their money. Why should I become a chip in their benefit game? If I don’t agree, what can they do to me?"

Song Xiaodong paused, Miao Xuanxuan’s words really had force. Miao Qingqing also nodded repeatedly, saying, "Exactly, if our dad had made such a request, we would have to consider it, but the Su family isn’t entitled to that."

Song Xiaodong laughed loudly and said, "Well said, then we just ignore them."

Song Xiaoru frowned and said, "But that doesn’t solve the problem, does it? Since they have already come knocking on our door, delaying isn’t a solution."

Song Xiaodong gave a slight smile and said, "We’re not delaying, we’re making our stance clear. Qingqing and Xuanxuan bear the Miao surname, not the Su surname."

Miao Xuanxuan said, "Right! We are Miao, it was our dad who raised us, we have no financial ties with the Su family at all."

Xiao Yingying carefully interjected, "But what if the Su family threatens you using your aunt?"

Miao Qingqing and Miao Xuanxuan’s faces changed instantly. Even if their mother hadn’t raised them, she had given them life, and now, with broken legs, it was pitiful enough. If the Su family were to manipulate them using her, what should they do then?

"So, what do we do?" Both Miao Qingqing and Miao Xuanxuan turned to look at Song Xiaodong.

Song Xiaoru and Xiao Yingying did the same. Normally, when everyone was together, Song Xiaodong seemed to have no significant status in the family, but when it truly came to important matters, Song Xiaodong was the head of the household, and they would all listen to him.

Song Xiaodong thought for a moment and said, "Let’s try diplomacy first, and then move to force if necessary. Xuanxuan, you first make your stance clear. If the Su family insists on coercion, then we will have to resort to extraordinary measures."

Miao Xuanxuan immediately nodded, but Miao Qingqing frowned and said, "Song Xiao, the Su family has so much power. If we resist them outright, can we really withstand them?"

Song Xiaodong said proudly, "No matter how powerful the other side is, if Xuanxuan doesn’t like them, then no one can force her."

"Brother-in-law! You’re really too cool!" Miao Xuanxuan excitedly jumped up, and before anyone could react, she hugged Song Xiaodong’s neck and planted a kiss on his face with a ’pop’."

This place marks a major turning point in the plot—some aspects are definitely unexpected and even had me confused while thinking through the storyline; it’s exhausting to think up such plots. I’m working hard on the updates, apologies for the delay today.