Chapter 237 After the Age

"Let them spend a few more years together and develop their relationship before making a decision. Humph, my daughter isn't going to get married so easily!"

At this moment, Dai Xingyun, who had been standing quietly to the side, quickly spoke up: "Thank you, Uncle and Aunt, for entrusting your daughter to me. Please rest assured, I will definitely treat Xiaoxiao well with all my heart and will never let her suffer any grievances!"

However, Shen Zishan was not completely moved by these words. He continued with a serious expression, "Don't be too sure of yourself."

"Although we agree to you two dating, my daughter is still young. We should wait until she is at least 20 years old before we consider marriage."

After saying that, he paused for a moment, then added, "If you can't accept this condition, it's better to separate from my daughter as soon as possible, so as not to waste each other's time."

This statement clearly carried a hint of probing.

But Dai Xingyun showed no sign of backing down. He held Shen Xiaoxiao's hand tightly and replied with unwavering determination, "Uncle, Aunt, no matter how long it takes, I will wait for Xiaoxiao."

"I've already made up my mind about her for the rest of my life, and I will never change my mind!"

Faced with such a resolute attitude, Shen Zishan remained serious: "Talking big isn't enough; we'll see what you actually do. We're waiting to see your performance!"

"Everyone, hurry up and eat! The food's getting cold, and I'm drooling over Auntie's cooking!"

As Xiahou Jie spoke, he exaggeratedly wiped non-existent drool from the corner of his mouth, successfully interrupting the group's lively conversation.

"Yes, yes, yes, we should eat first. If we keep dawdling, the food will get completely cold!"

Ma Aning smiled and agreed, then picked up the chopsticks on the table and thoughtfully served Xiahou Jie a full serving of his favorite dishes.

"Oh, thank you, Auntie! I've always said you're the best person in the world to me!" Xiahou Jie said with a beaming smile, his words as sweet as honey.

Hearing this, Ma Aning couldn't help but smile from ear to ear, feeling incredibly pleased: "You little rascal, you know how to talk! Come on, eat more, look how thin you are!"

Xiahou Jie playfully raised his eyebrows at Dai Xingyun, who was standing to the side, as if showing off the close relationship between himself and his aunt.

Everyone picked up their bowls and chopsticks and began to eat heartily. For a while, the only sounds in the room were the sounds of chewing food and the occasional praise for the taste of the dishes.

However, these peaceful and warm days did not last long.

One morning, just as the first rays of sunlight were shining on this small village, a sudden and massive upheaval struck without warning, instantly shattering the tranquility of the place.

That morning, Shen Xiaoxiao got up early as usual to go to the health center.

Just as I stepped into the courtyard, I suddenly heard a commotion of footsteps and shouts outside.

"Quick! This is the place! Don't let them get away!"

Shen Xiaoxiao's heart tightened. Before she could react, a group of people wearing red armbands rushed into the courtyard. They all looked fierce and menacing, carrying sticks and smashing anything in sight.

"What are you doing!" Shen Xiaoxiao exclaimed in surprise, her eyes wide.

She stretched out her arms, trying to stop the group of uninvited guests, but they seemed not to see her and rushed straight ahead.

One of them kicked the large water vat in the yard.

With a loud bang, the water tank shattered instantly, and water gushed out like a burst dam, quickly spreading across the ground.

Immediately afterwards, another person picked up a stone and smashed it hard against the flowerpot on the windowsill. With a crisp cracking sound, the flowerpot shattered into pieces, scattering soil and flowers all over the ground.

Just then, a series of hurried footsteps came from inside the house.

Hearing the commotion in the courtyard, Shen Zishan and Ma Aning rushed out of the house in a panic.

"Who are you? How dare you act so wildly in broad daylight? What right do you have to smash our house!" Shen Zishan shouted at the group of people, his eyes wide open.

His voice trembled with anger, and veins bulged on his forehead.

The man wearing a red armband standing at the front of the crowd smiled coldly, a contemptuous curve appearing at the corner of his mouth.

He slowly pulled a piece of paper from his pocket, waved it casually in his hand, and said sarcastically, "Hmph, someone reported that your family is hiding contraband, so the higher-ups sent us to search."

"If you know what's good for you, get out of the way and don't obstruct official business, or don't blame us for being impolite and arresting you all!"

Ma Aning turned deathly pale with rage, her body trembling uncontrollably. Pointing at the red armband, she said in a trembling voice, "This is utter slander and defamation!"

Our family are honest and law-abiding citizens; how could we possibly have any contraband in our home!

The man in red armbands clearly didn't care about Ma Aning's explanation. He waved his hand impatiently, rudely interrupting her: "Alright, alright, stop babbling! Go inside and search, don't miss a single corner!"

At his command, the horde of men behind him, as fierce as wolves, swarmed into the house.

Suddenly, a series of loud crashes echoed through the room. Cabinets were forcibly opened, drawers were pulled to the floor, and clothes, books, and other items were scattered everywhere.

Shen Xiaoxiao watched helplessly as her cozy home was turned into a mess in just a few minutes. She was both anxious and furious, but she could only do nothing in the face of these unreasonable people, and tears welled up in her eyes.

Just then, Dai Xingyun and Xiahou Jie arrived after hearing the news.

Seeing the scene before him, Dai Xingyun was instantly enraged and rushed forward to stop a man in red armbands who was about to smash a cabinet: "Stop! What right do you have to act recklessly!"

The man in the red armband staggered back a few steps after being shoved, and shouted angrily, "You dare to obstruct our mission? You're asking for it!"

As he spoke, he swung the stick at Dai Xingyun.

In the blink of an eye, Dai Xingyun flashed forward and swiftly grabbed the stick that was being swung at him.

His movements were clean and efficient, without the slightest hesitation.

Immediately afterwards, he exerted force with his arm, twisted his hand, and the powerful force was instantly transmitted to the stick.

With a cry of pain, the person holding the stick was caught off guard and was thrown away by Dai Xingyun's sudden force, falling heavily to the ground.

This series of actions happened so fast that there was almost no time to react.

The red armband-wearing men who had been so aggressive were all taken aback when they saw this scene, but they quickly came to their senses and began to gather around Dai Xingyun.