202 Blabber Mouth

Solemnity was Shen Yan’s response to the situation. He had thought the old men were here to terminate their agreement. He never considered the possibility that they had come to cart his daughter away.

Shen Yan wrapped his arms around his wife and daughter protectively and said, “Shanshan, don’t worry. I won’t let anyone take Xixi away.”

When Shen Hui heard his son’s words, he erupted in rage and spun on Lu De, “You monster! Are you trying to take Xixi away? Well, I’m telling you now that Xixi will stay with me from today onwards.”

Lu De slammed his hands against the table and stood. He shouted, “If that’s what you think, Old Shen, then you’re delusional. It’s your fault that Xixi is living such a hard life. You’re worse than a hypocrite! Let me clarify since you can’t seem to understand: Xixi will return to the Lu family. If you try to stop me, don’t blame me for being impolite.”

Shen Hui laughed. It was a high, mocking sound. “You speak as if you’re not the one who cut them off from electrical appliances and daily necessities. Now, you want to skimp on the blame and dodge all the evil you’ve done? Let me assure you that there is no escaping karma!”

The two old men continued to fight, with a tearful Lu Shan sandwiched in between. The commotion grew so loud that it gave Shen Xi a headache, and she helplessly called out, “Grandpa! Grandpa!”

Instantly, the noise died, leaving the two old men with their arms folded, refusing to acknowledge the other.

It was a tacit understanding they had of each other that they quelled any further debate. They merely glared daggers, cursing their luck for not having acted quickly enough.

“Grandpa Lu, Grandpa Shen, I’m already 18 years old. I’m an adult now. I can make my own decisions,” Shen Xi said to the two old men.

The two old men looked at Shen Xi and were about to persuade her when she interrupted them.

With a smile, Shen Xi pointed at the small living room and said, “You might think I’m living a hard life in this environment, but you don’t know how happy I’ve been. My parents love each other, and they extend their love to me. I’m blessed to have parents who love me so much.”

Shen Xi paused for a moment, shooting Shen Hui and Lu De a profound look before continuing, “Just like how Grandpa Lu loves Mom and Grandpa Shen loves Dad, this is the kind of happiness only a loving family could have.”

Shen Hui glanced at his son but quickly looked away. Uneasily, he said, “Nonsense, how could I love this rascal?”

Lu De faced a similar yet very different problem. He was embarrassed, not knowing whether he should say he loved his daughter, so he faked a cough to hide his thoughts.

Shen Xi eyed the two awkward old men with some amusement. Although they were sworn enemies, they were very much alike. They were both proud and stubborn.

“I still want to be with my parents. I want to continue feeling their love. Besides, I doubt Mom and Dad are willing to part with me. Grandpas Lu and Shen should understand this feeling, don’t you?”

Shen Xi’s words caused them to reflect on their emotions.

As parents, how could Shen Hui and Lu De not understand what Shen Xi meant? They had been separated from their children for more than ten years. In the ten years since they last met their children, could they honestly say they never spared an ounce of concern for them? They may be stubborn, but they would not lie to themselves.

Their wives back home would dry their tears in sorrow, saying they missed their children. How could they take away Shen Yan and Lu Shan’s hope of being together with their children as parents?

Shen Xi’s heartfelt words caused tears to flow freely down Lu Shan’s cheeks. The mere thought that Shen Xi could be taken away engulfed her in a heart-wrenching reluctance. Was this what her parents had felt when she left home, not once turning back? Was this feeling of heartbreak what they had felt too?

Lu Shan realized she had gone too far in the past, resulting in her parents’ suffering for over a decade. They must have missed her dearly.

When she eloped with Shen Xi’s father, she had been around her daughter’s current age. It was a wonder how her parents had survived so long, fighting that ache in their hearts.

The guilt Shen Yan had suppressed also broke free.

The atmosphere grew heavy as everyone reconsidered their stances.

After a while, Shen Hui sighed and said, “Fine. I shall respect your wishes. However, your grandmother would still like to see you. You should come back to see her at the very least.”

Shen Hui spoke while staring at his son, holding Lu Shan’s hand.

“Xixi,” said Lu De, “Your grandma misses you too. Remember to come home and visit her.” He also took a step back.

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