Armor Guardians

Upon arriving at the mall, I found it bustling with activity. The difficult times had passed and all industries were recovering, including the mall itself. It was packed with people, and almost everyone had a smile on their face.

Whether it was because their disguise was particularly successful, or because the news about Xia Qianmeng and Xia Qianxue had cooled down, the four of them were not recognized when they arrived at the mall and were able to browse the goods like any other ordinary family.

"Let's go get something to eat first. The hot pot restaurant is on the fourth floor."

"gogo~"

Before long, the four of them took the elevator and quickly arrived at the frog hot pot restaurant on the fourth floor.

Because it wasn't the evening rush hour, the frog hot pot restaurant was very popular, so there was no need to queue when they arrived. They could go straight in, sit down, and order by scanning a QR code on their phones.

"Order whatever you want to eat."

Looking at the two sisters sitting opposite her, still clinging to each other, Xu Fangying wanted to complain, but she held back. After all, it was a rare opportunity to go shopping together happily, and she couldn't let it spoil their mood.

"Sis, what flavor do you like? How about extra spicy?"

"Uh, eating too much spicy food isn't good."

"Then let's have garlic flavor. What else do you want to eat?"

……

While Xia Qianmeng and Xia Qianxue weren't paying attention, Xu Fangying and Xia Wei exchanged a knowing glance, and they both saw helplessness in each other's eyes.

Xia Qianmeng and Xia Qianxue seem very happy now. If it weren't for what happened before, they, as parents, would probably be able to share in this happiness as well.

But now, they just feel really awkward... they don't know how to get along with each other.

Just then, Xia Qianmeng's familiar voice suddenly entered their ears.

"We've ordered. Now, see if there's anything else you'd like to order."

"Okay, let's take a look."

Xu Fangying and Xia Wei quickly ordered what they wanted to eat and placed the order. Under the table, where Xia Wei and Xu Fangying couldn't see, Xia Qianxue gently poked Xia Qianmeng with her hand again and again, urging Xia Qianmeng to continue talking.

Xia Qianmeng: "..."

Seeing that Xia Qianmeng was too embarrassed to speak, Xia Qianxue had no choice but to step in and help: "Dad, Mom, my sister has something she wants to say to you."

"Huh? What are you talking about?"

Xia Wei and Xu Fangying were originally struggling to find a topic to talk about, but when they heard their youngest daughter say this, their interest was immediately piqued, and they looked at Xia Qianmeng with great interest.

Xia Qianmeng: "..."

After hesitating for a while and preparing herself mentally, Xia Qianmeng finally spoke again, saying, "I want to... talk to you about my situation."

"Well, tell me."

Xu Fangying went along with it.

“I think I can’t go back to my old self now. If you’re interested, you can have another one.”

Xia Qianmeng didn't say it too bluntly, but Xia Wei and Xu Fangying were both intelligent and immediately guessed the other meaning behind Xia Qianmeng's words: that they should have another son.

Actually, none of them had ever thought of it that way, so when they heard Xia Qianmeng say it, they all felt very uncomfortable. Was Xia Qianmeng insecure? Otherwise, why would she bring up this topic?
As they pondered, Xia Wei and Xu Fangying then looked at their youngest daughter, Xia Qianxue, hoping to get some clues from her.

Xia Qianxue responded with a wry smile. There was no good hint to give, because she was also feeling guilty about her relationship with Xia Qianmeng at the moment.

Xia Wei: "..."

Xu Fangying: "..."

They want topics to discuss, but not these embarrassing ones.

Here's an update to prove the author is still alive.