Chapter 495: Chapter 495

After dinner, Wan Chu’er had the two children keep Father Jiang company for a while, and when Xiao Bai came to pick up Jiang Xiaoxiao, she suggested going home. It was too late, and by the time they got home the children should go to bed and rest.

The rest of the Jiang family had no objections, but Grandpa Jiang deliberately said, "Let the two children stay here. What is it when the Jiang family’s children don’t spend a single day here?"

Father Jiang and Mrs. Jiang remained silent, and Jiang Xiaoxiao was the first to say, "Grandpa, don’t stir up trouble." The old man hadn’t caused enough drama in the morning and was deliberately waiting for this moment.

The old man immediately erupted like a cat whose tail was stepped on: "You rude girl! Is it your place to talk here? No respect for elders. Eldest, you should give her a good lesson today, let her know what filial piety means."

Grandpa Jiang felt that his status was diminishing, as this granddaughter had recently been talking back to him more often. If she wasn’t taught a lesson, she would climb all over him.

The old man’s sudden outburst made the atmosphere tense and awkward, causing Jiang Xiaoxiao to redden her eyes. The latest_epɪ_sodes are on_the novel·fire·net

The smile on Xiao Bai’s face vanished as he held his wife, his expression turning cold and distant. He said calmly:

"Grandpa, why can’t Xiaoxiao speak here? This is the home where she grew up. I bet Xiaoxiao has spent more time in this house than you have. If you think Xiaoxiao can’t speak here, then who can? Uncle Second or Uncle Third? Or Aunt?

I’ll have a nice chat with them then, to ask if Xiaoxiao indeed has no say."

Upon hearing Xiao Bai’s words, Grandpa Jiang’s face immediately darkened, but his arrogance diminished considerably. This grandson-in-law was even harder to handle, seemingly respectful on the surface, yet inherently unruly.

Every time he mentioned talking to Second, Third, and Lirong, they’d come to Grandpa Jiang lamenting and asking him not to create trouble for them, essentially using them as leverage against him.

Thinking about being entangled by Second, Third, and his daughter again, Old Jiang heaved a sigh but insisted stubbornly, "I never said that."

It was unclear if he was denying his earlier claim that Jiang Xiaoxiao had no say, or that he never said only Second and Third had a say.

Xiao Bai glanced sideways with indifference and continued speaking, "And about you saying Xiaoxiao is not filial, Xiaoxiao bought the clothes you and grandma are wearing, didn’t she? Who took you most frequently to the hospital? It was Xiaoxiao.

If this is not filial enough in your eyes, then let’s save our efforts from now on."

"And I think what Xiaoxiao said was reasonable," Xiao Bai continued matter-of-factly, "You want Chuanqi and Hunter to stay here just to stir up trouble? Whether the kids live here or not, they bear the Jiang surname, not the Wan or Zhong surname. Since they were born, how much have you spent on them? How many gifts have you bought?

Where Chuanqi and Hunter want to live is for Chuchu and Jiang Kechu to decide, not anyone else."

The last words left Grandpa Jiang flushed with shame. It’s true he hadn’t spent much on the children because Wan Chu’er always had them with her, and they were not living in the Jiang family home. Besides, Wan Chu’er wasn’t short of money, and hadn’t the eldest couple bought many things for them? What they bought was what he bought!

Grandpa Jiang was breathless with anger, wishing to retort but holding back, considering himself a man and refusing to quarrel like a woman. He regretted that his wife was of no assistance, and his daughter was not around to support him.

He glanced at the eldest couple, Mrs. Jiang just lowered her head, holding the granddaughter’s hand, likely blaming him, and Elder Jiang just stood there silently.

Grandpa Jiang yelled in frustration, "Eldest, say something. Can I still live in this house? If you think I’m old and useless, I’ll take your mother and leave here."

This was clearly throwing a tantrum, using filial piety to pressure Father Jiang into speaking.

Chuanqi and Hunter, sensitive to the adults’ argument, clung tightly to their mother and grandmother’s legs, respectively, being careful not to make a sound, unsettling Wan Chuer and Mrs. Jiang’s hearts.

For a moment, everyone looked towards Father Jiang. Wan Chuer lowered her eyes to think; this storm was caused by her, and since there had already been a confrontation in the morning, it had to be resolved properly, otherwise, Grandpa Jiang would continue using it as a point of contention.

Since Xiaoxiao and Xiao Bai had already stood up for her, she couldn’t hide and remain silent.

So Wan Chuer cleared her throat and spoke up, "Dad, let me say a few words first."

Father Jiang nodded in agreement, allowing Wan Chuer to continue, "Grandpa, Chuanqi and Hunter bear the Jiang surname, no matter where they live. There’s no need for doubt about that. As for where they stay, my grandfather has fewer children around him; I take the children with me while living in the military, so we can’t accompany him often. When we return, the three of us accompany him. It’s perfectly natural.

Moreover, I have been balanced in my visits, spending equal time at grandpa’s and here."

Wan Chuer’s words were logical and gentle, making it easy for others to accept. Yet, Grandpa Jiang felt embarrassed and stubbornly insisted on getting his eldest son to speak.

So everyone’s attention turned once more to Father Jiang to see his stance. Father Jiang reached out to support the old man, giving him a moment of relief, believing he could rely on his son, but that feeling vanished the moment Father Jiang began to speak.

"Dad, there’s nothing wrong with what Xiao Bai and Chuer said. I think you’re just feeling cooped up here lately. Why don’t we have Second and Third come to take you to Second’s place for a change of scenery, then come back later."

Grandpa Jiang was suddenly stunned, looking at his eldest son in disbelief. This was as good as kicking him out!

His first thought was to steadfastly refuse going to Second or Third’s house; Second’s house was cramped and lacked attendants, and Third’s wife’s calculations were too precise.

Hearing her father speak , Jiang Xiaoxiao immediately lowered her head and tightly gripped Xiao Bai’s hand, suppressing her desire to laugh.

Xiao Bai nodded towards his in-laws and, holding Jiang Xiaoxiao, started to leave. It’s best not to linger in such situations and let father and son resolve it themselves.

Wan Chuer said, "Grandpa, Dad, Mom, I’ll take Chuanqi and Hunter home first. We’ll come back tomorrow to see you." It’s essential to uphold proper decorum.

Father Jiang said, "Drive safely," as he supported his father with a stern face back to his room for a proper conversation.

Mrs. Jiang gently picked up Chuanqi, patting her back in comfort, as she walked out with Wan Chuer.

Once outside, Xiao Bai quickly took Chuanqi in his arms; this little girl wasn’t light. He didn’t want his mother-in-law to be tired out, which would undoubtedly sadden his wife.

Mrs. Jiang gently and kindly reassured Chuanqi and Hunter before saying, "Drive safely. Don’t worry about today’s events, just live your life well." She advised her daughter, "Control your temper from now on; don’t argue with everyone."

Jiang Xiaoxiao playfully stuck out her tongue, "Got it."

As the car traveled halfway, Xiao Bai said, "Feel free to get mad if you want. Don’t suppress yourself. I’ve got your back anyway."

Jiang Xiaoxiao was both happy and jealous, pouted, "You’re only remembering your daughter!"