After Marrying the Officer Chapter 1189: 1188: Increased Appetite

When Xia Chuyi finally stirred from her slumber, she found both Xia Chengzong and Zhao Xiaogui present at home.

“Sister!” Zhao Xiaogui exclaimed with overwhelming enthusiasm. He lunged forward to embrace her, crying out, “I’ve missed you terribly!”

Startled by the sudden movement, Xia Chuyi nearly lost her balance once more.

“Zhao Xiaogui, do you have ants in your pants?” Aunt Xia scolded upon witnessing the scene. “Your sister only just arrived from the Capital City; she is exhausted from the long journey. Stop pestering her!”

“Chuyi, pay no mind to Xiao Gui. Come, sit down quickly. Aunt has stewed a pot of old hen soup just for you!”

As if in direct response to Aunt Xia’s words, Xia Chuyi’s stomach emitted a loud, hungry rumble.

“Wow, sis, you must be famished!” Zhao Xiaogui remarked after hearing the noise. “Hurry, you need to eat right away!”

Zhao Xiaogui shepherded Xia Chuyi toward the table, leaving Xia Chengzong without an opening to interject. Still, Xia Chuyi offered him a reassuring nod, signaling that their conversation could wait for later.

Once at the dinner table, Xia Chuyi consumed three bowls of rice and four portions of chicken soup without even realizing how much she had eaten.

“My goodness, sis, did they starve you in the Capital City?” Zhao Xiaogui asked, wide-eyed at her sudden transformation. “You used to eat like a bird!”

Xia Chuyi blinked in surprise at his observation.

She let out a soft laugh and replied, “Perhaps it is simply the fatigue from the train ride.”

Aunt Xia immediately interjected, “In the future, you must avoid such grueling travels. If you miss us, your uncle and I will gladly make the trip to the Capital City ourselves!”

Xia Chuyi couldn't help but chuckle at this notion, noting, “It isn't proper for elders to travel such long distances while the younger generation stays put. Shouldn’t it be the other way around?”

“Why on earth not?” Aunt Xia retorted dismissively. “Your uncle and I are quite hale and hearty; a journey or two is of no consequence to us.”

Because of her earlier dizzy spell, Aunt Xia had firmly categorized Xia Chuyi as someone in need of fragile, careful protection.

There is a specific kind of devotion that arises when elders decide you are delicate.

In their eyes, the youth will always require guidance and shielding.

Xia Chuyi felt a swell of warmth in her heart and chose to remain silent, keeping the kindness of her aunt and uncle firmly in mind.

After the meal had concluded, Xia Chuyi stepped outside with Xia Chengzong to discuss the matter concerning Xia Lianlian in seclusion.

“Chuyi, I must apologize,” Xia Chengzong began with a look of genuine regret. “I had no idea the trip would be so taxing for you. I truly shouldn't have pressured you to return here.”

He appeared deeply remorseful, clearly having bought into Aunt Xia’s assessment of her fragile health.

Xia Chuyi offered a small smile and said, “Second Brother Xia, please do not listen to Aunt. I am perfectly fine.”

“It was likely just a bit of low blood sugar from failing to eat properly while on the train,” she added calmly. “Please, do not let it worry you.”

“Low blood sugar?” Xia Chengzong repeated, brow furrowing in confusion. “Is that a dangerous condition? Does it necessitate medical intervention?”

He sounded genuinely alarmed. Before she could clarify, he continued, “Actually, perhaps you should head back to the Capital City soon. The medical care there is superior; it would be much easier for you to receive treatment.”

It was clear that Xia Chengzong viewed these words as a sign of a grave ailment.

Xia Chuyi felt both entertained and helpless as she quickly urged, “It is truly nothing of the sort. My particular case of low blood sugar is not serious in the slightest.”

“To put it simply, it is really just hunger,” she explained with a sheepish grin.