Chapter 54: Finally Moving

Xia Yu's cold attitude and words shocked her. 

She felt somewhat embarrassed being intimidated by someone she perceived as a mere child. However, looking into Xia Yu's cold gaze, she was too scared to speak to him but tried to save face by turning her ire towards Xia Yu's father, Xia Dahai, once more. Her sharp and bitter remarks resurfaced.

"I say, Xia Dahai, is this how you've taught your son? To speak to me so disrespectfully? Aren't you going to do something about it?"

Although Xia Dahai was usually a straightforward and kind-hearted person who had never been involved in conflicts, he could not tolerate anyone speaking ill of his son, Xia Yu. His eldest son had always been his pride. When his relatives couldn't make things right with his son and then tried to pressure him into action, Xia Dahai was furious and retorted loudly, "How I teach my son is none of your business. We don't welcome you here!"

Seeing her father's rare outburst of anger, Xia Yu felt a warmth in his heart. Indeed, parents were protective of their children. No matter how things usually were, Xia Yu could endure personal grievances, but he knew that parents would never tolerate any injustice towards their children. That was the essence of parenthood.

"You, you… Xia Dahai, your son hasn't…" Seeing Xia Dahai's attitude, his cousin's wife was taken aback and then enraged, her face turning red as she shouted loudly.

But before she could finish, Xia Yu interrupted her coldly, "Can't you understand plain language? Do you want me to throw you out?"

In sync with Xia Yu's words, Xia Lei clenched his fists, and the sound of cracking knuckles echoed.

Seeing Xia Lei's fierce expression, she was thoroughly frightened.

She knew what Xia Lei was capable of. Previously, she thought Xia Lei might tolerate her because of her relative status, which gave her the audacity to provoke him. But now it seemed Xia Lei had no regard for her, which made her feel afraid.

At this moment, her husband, Xia Yu's uncle, noticed the tense atmosphere in the room. He gave Xia Yu an awkward smile, repeatedly apologizing, and then mustered the courage to pull his wife out.

The others who had similar thoughts also quickly followed, hurrying out of the house.

The room soon felt emptier, with only Xia Yu's family, Xia Jun, and Xia Lei remaining.

Hearing the angry voices coming from outside, Xia Lei couldn't help but spit and then, with a displeased expression, said to Xia Yu, "A Yu, people like that don't deserve any kindness. They're just scum."

"Yeah, they make me want to hit someone," Xia Jun agreed, his face filled with disdain.

"From now on, we should have nothing to do with them. They're not worth our attention!" Xia Yu said flatly.

This was his attitude: if others show him respect, he reciprocates. 

Asking to borrow money wasn't impossible, but he had principles. He would lend money in emergencies, like for medical expenses or life-threatening situations. Even if it was difficult to get the money back, he would still lend it. 

But if someone was just poor and expected to borrow money to get by, and did so with a sense of entitlement, there was no way he would help. 

Lending money to such ungrateful and shameless people was akin to giving a bone to a stray dog. At least the stray dog would bark in gratitude.

However, Xia Yu wouldn't forget his roots. Many in the village were his relatives, and as his business grew, he could offer them jobs, but only those who showed gratitude. Xia Yu didn't want to cultivate ungrateful people.

After today's events, Xia Yu anticipated that his reputation, and his family's, in the village would suffer, but he didn't care. He would come back here less often in the future and didn't care about others' opinions.

Moreover, it would allow time to distinguish between those who were ungrateful and those with good hearts. When his company needed employees, it would be easier to decide who to hire.

As mealtime approached, Xia Yu's mother, Chen Mei, hurried to prepare lunch, and his sister, Xia Xiaomei, went to help. Xia Jun and Xia Lei wanted to leave but were asked by Xia Yu to stay for a discussion.

After lunch, Xia Yu said to his father, Xia Dahai, "Dad, pack up your things. We're moving. I've already bought a new house."

"Moving?" Xia Dahai was stunned by Xia Yu's words, unable to process the information immediately.

"Yes, I've bought a new house, fully furnished. We can move in directly. Let's start packing now," Xia Yu confirmed.

The whole family, including Xia Jun and Xia Lei, looked at Xia Yu and realized he wasn't joking.

"A Yu, this place is still livable. What about here?" Chen Mei couldn't hold back and spoke up.

"Mom, with what just happened, how can we not move right away? There will be more troubles in the future," Xia Yu explained.

Hearing Xia Yu's explanation, Chen Mei involuntarily glanced at her younger son, Xia Ming, whose face was still red and swollen even after treatment. Chen Mei couldn't find the words; one incident was enough, and she couldn't hope for another.

"Yes, Uncle, Aunt, you should move. There's talk everywhere that A Yu earned a million. I've heard some people are eyeing your house. For safety, you should move quickly," Xia Lei interjected.

Hearing this, Xia Yu frowned, and Xia Dahai and Chen Mei's expressions changed. If a couple of thieves had caused so much trouble, another incident or even a direct robbery could endanger their children. How could they bear that?

Thus, Xia Dahai nodded, "A Yu, we'll move."

"Okay, take the clothes you need for these days, and pack up any valuable items. We don't need to bring other things; the new house is already equipped," Xia Yu instructed.

Chen Mei started to say something, but Xia Dahai stopped her, saying, "Listen to A Yu. Just take the clothes and important things."

"Jun, Lei, please help carry some things and get familiar with the route so you can find me later," Xia Yu addressed Xia Jun and Xia Lei.

"Sure."

Xia Jun and Xia Lei nodded in agreement.

The family then began to get busy.

Even though Xia Yu said not to bring too many things, Chen Mei, being naturally frugal, couldn't resist packing many miscellaneous items. Xia Yu had to ask her again before she finally only packed some urgent clothing.

The family then headed out with their belongings and walked to the main road. When they encountered villagers, Xia Yu's family only exchanged a few casual words and did not engage further.

Finally, after waiting for two vehicles, everyone set off for Xia Yu's new house.