Chapter 31 - Will Not Marry

Madam Xia entered the study just in time to see Master Xia winking at Xia Jinhu, her eyes narrowing in suspicion, "What were these two up to?"

Just as that thought crossed her mind, Madam Xia noticed Xia Jiannan standing by the door. She could not help but feel worried after seeing his reddened complexion earlier.

"Are you alright now, Jiannan?" Her voice clearly showing her anxiety.

Xia Jiannan gave a curt nod as he closed the door of his father's study. "I'm feeling better now, Mother."

Staring at her son for awhile just to make sure that he was really okay, Madam Xia then turned to the two foodies.

"Is there something you're not telling me?" Madam Xia questioned, her perfectly arched eyebrow raised.

Master Xia and Xia Jinhu shared a look before rapidly shaking their heads no. This, however, made Madam Xia more suspicious of them.

But Madam Xia knew that it was not the right time to deal with them. Xia Renjian's father, the honorable Old Master Xia had called earlier, asking about his son's whereabouts.

"Father called. He's asking about you. Have you not received any of his calls?"

Of course Xia Renjian was unaware of this matter as he was too busy 'cheating' behind his wife's back.

"What doe–"? Master Xia was about to ask, but the busybody beat him to it.

"What does Grandfather want? Big Bro will not marry Xinji!" Xia Jinhu abruptly stood up, almost going into a rampage.

Xinji was like a little sister to them! How would his brother suppose to treat her then if she really becomes his wife? Also, what about that beautiful goddess who had sent his brother home earlier?

Xia Jinhu was about to burst out again when Xia Jiannan cut him off, "I will not marry Xinji."

Master Xia, Madam Xia and Xia Jinhu all stared at Xia Jiannan, their expressions were that of disbelief.

This was the very first time Xia Jiannan explicitly expressed his disagreement with the arranged marriage!

Feeling the curious gazes directed at him, there were no changes in Xia Jiannan's perfectly sculpted face.

He looked at his family members indifferently, acting as though what he said was something inconsequential.

Hearing the finality in his son's tone, Master Xia's eyes sharpened. Just like what he always stands for, Master Xia was steadfast in his decision that he would never let his sons experience what he had gone through when he was courting their mother.

Turning to Xia Jiannan, Master Xia's voice was very clear, "I will not let your Grandfather force you into that marriage. Don't worry, I'll take care of it."

"Thank you, Father." Xia Jiannan started, but soon he bowed deeply.

After a short pause, Master Xia continued, "Didn't you say you'll bring Jinhu with you tonight? Go ahead and do your own thing. But bring some bodyguards with you when you leave the house."

"What?! You're leaving?" exclaimed Madam Xia.

Xia Jiannan glanced at his younger brother, then nodded his head. "Hm. I'm going out with Jinhu. I have some matters to settle with him."

Xia Jinhu trembled in fear. He was so intimidated that his heart almost leapt out of his chest.

Would brother dispose of me because I saw something that I should not? I'm still too young!

The petrified Xia Jinhu turned to look at his mother, seemingly pleading him for help.

"It's already late! Can it not wait for tomorrow?" Madam Xia asked worriedly.

"I'm afraid not. This matter has been pushed back many times already. It can't be delayed any longer. We must eliminate The Root."

Eliminate?

Eliminate? As in to eradicate?!

Xia Jinhu's face turned ghastly white, his figure slumped down into the chair.

'Dead. I'm dead. Big Bro would never show mercy on me.'

Oblivious of Xia Jinhu's incredulous thoughts, Xia Jiannan pulled his younger brother to his feet. "Off we go now, Mother, Father."

Bowing respectfully to his parents, Xia Jiannan dragged Xia Jinhu out of his father's study.

Master Xia and Madam Xia could only look at the departing backs of their sons, sighing at themselves.

They had really grown up now.

Time flies so fast, indeed!

But when will they see the little ones?

The two were lost in a daze for a while, thinking about their future grandsons and granddaughters...