That subtle sense of unease reached its peak when Xia Shang returned home.
Xia Shang clearly hadn’t expected Miao Tong to suddenly appear at the Xia residence. His eyes widened, his mouth slightly agape.
"Surprise~" Miao Tong had barely cheered before freezing at Xia Shang’s expression, blinking several times before whispering to Xia Qingtian, "Does my brother want to hit me?"
"No, he’s just nervous, surprised, and... well, happy too," Xia Qingtian answered while studying Xia Shang’s face.
"Happy? You call *that* happy?" That was one emotion Miao Tong couldn’t decipher at all.
"Tired?" Xia Shang finally spoke, his voice quiet as he looked at Miao Tong.
"Uh... not really." Miao Tong hesitated. "Big bro, did I cause trouble by coming to see you?"
"No." Xia Shang seemed flustered, his gaze darting around before finally settling on, "Tell me if you need money."
With that, he turned and headed straight upstairs to his room.
"Okay, now I believe you. He *must* be happy," Miao Tong mused, crossing his arms. "Willing to give me money? Definitely not planning to hit me."
"Xia Shang expresses emotions differently. You’ll get used to it over time," Xia Qingtian said.
"Sounds complicated." Miao Tong grinned. "I’ll go chat with him more. Call me for dinner!"
With that, he bounded upstairs after Xia Shang.
As he passed Erya’s room, Miao Tong paused briefly, eyeing the closed door before sniffing the air. His nose wrinkled in disgust before he continued toward Xia Shang’s room, calling out cheerfully, "Brother~"
Standing at the stairway, Xia Qingtian crossed her arms, watching Miao Tong’s retreating figure with narrowed eyes.
She still couldn’t figure out his true purpose for coming...
---
At dinner, the Xia family found it oddly fascinating to see two nearly identical faces displaying completely different expressions.
"How long will you be staying, Miao Tong? Any sightseeing plans?" Xia Honglang asked.
"Not sure yet. Depends on when Mom cools off." Miao Tong paused before adding matter-of-factly, "Oh right, I ran away from home to find my full-blooded older brother."
"Ah..." The Xia family exchanged glances, unsure how to respond.
"I’ll pay for room and board!" Miao Tong hastily added upon seeing their silence. "I brought money."
"No need. It’s not about money. Since you’re Xia Shang’s brother, you’re welcome to stay as long as you like," Xia Honglang said with a wave. The Xia family could certainly afford it. "Just let us know if you need anything."
"Thanks!" Miao Tong grinned before digging back into his meal.
---
After dinner, Miao Tong retired to the guest room Aunt Liu had prepared for him, lounging contentedly on the bed with a satisfied burp.
When his phone rang, he sat up to answer. "Dad."
"You’re there? How is it?" His father’s voice came through the line.
"Yeah." Miao Tong nodded. "Brother’s expressions are still weird, but he doesn’t seem to hate me. The Xia family treats him well."
"I don’t object to you visiting Miao Sang, but don’t cause him trouble." His father’s tone turned serious. "Any signs of the Tang family at the Xia residence?"
"Yes. I caught a faint trace of that poisonous stench unique to Tang members, but it’s very weak—probably from someone who visited long ago. Brother and the Xias show no signs of poisoning. Whoever came likely just wanted to approach him, not actually harm him."
"Good. The Tangs are cunning and ruthless. Having you there to protect him eases my mind." His father’s voice hardened. "The timing of the Tang leader’s disappearance is suspicious. This could be a ploy to assassinate Miao Sang under cover of going missing. Be vigilant—he’s the future Miao head. No mistakes can be allowed."
"Got it." Miao Tong’s playful demeanor vanished, replaced by steely resolve. Then he hesitated. "But Grandpa’s token still hasn’t been found, right? Second Uncle’s investigation turned up nothing too. Could Brother have it? Without the token, even if he becomes head, many might refuse to accept his authority..."
"I’m handling that. Focus on protecting him. As for the token, I’ll send others to keep searching." His father’s voice turned icy. "Remember—be wary of the Tangs. If necessary, show no mercy!"
"Understood." Deadly intent flashed in Miao Tong’s eyes.
"Oh, and call your mother to apologize. She’s still furious." His father added dryly, "And stop eating her ice cream from the freezer. You know you can’t win against her."
"How was I supposed to know it was hers?! And I’m her *son*! Over some stupid ice cream, she nearly castrated me with a kick! If I hadn’t dodged, my manhood would’ve been *gone*!" Miao Tong shuddered at the memory. "Do you have any idea how terrifying Mom is? She was *sobbing* while beating me up! Every move lethal! Out of all the women in the world, you had to marry a *retired assassin*! A bad wife ruins three generations, you know!"
"Serves you right." His father snorted. "If you don’t appease your mother, your life won’t be worth living. Your choice."
The call ended abruptly, leaving Miao Tong fuming.
"I *must* be adopted!" He hurled his phone onto the bed before flopping back, arms behind his head as he mentally reviewed the Xia family members he’d met.
His prior research indicated the Xias were a blended family, yet their harmony seemed unusually genuine compared to most such households.
Especially that Xia Qingtian—always smiling, but something about how she looked at him felt... probing.
*Could she have ties to the Tang family?*
Miao Tong’s eyes snapped open.
It seemed the Xia family warranted closer investigation.
Just then, a knock came at his door. Xia Qingyu entered with a bowl of ice cream. "My mom made this for you. Try it."
"Wow, ice cream!" Miao Tong’s eyes lit up as he took a bite. "Your mom’s amazing!"
"Glad you like it. There’s more in the freezer—help yourself." As Xia Qingyu turned to leave, Miao Tong stopped her.
"Wait. Mind chatting for a bit?"
"About what?"
"Xia Qingtian."