A Star Reborn: The Queen’s Return

Xia Ling’s eyes lit up. “You have a plan to deal with him?”

If Xia Moyan saw her eager appearance, he would definitely lament that the Xia Family was unlucky for giving birth to such an unloyal daughter who always sided with outsiders.

Li Lei evaded her question. “It’s a secret.”

Xia Ling was unhappy, so she turned away and ignored him.

Auntie Liu held her legs and complained. “This mountain road is killing me. Are we able to get there by today? When we get there, I will need a good rest for my old arms and legs to recover…”

Besides Father Ye, no one else heard her complain.

Xia Ling asked Li Lei, “What should we do next?” In front of them was a lush mountain forest. The scenery was beautiful and they could hear the faint flowing of water. It was as if they entered the Emerald Dream.

Li Lei buried his head on the map and said, “Is this your home or my home?”

“So what if it’s my home? Does that mean I have to know the way?” Xia Ling rebuked proudly.

Li Lei gently stroked her head. “Be good.” After that, he continued to study the map.

Xia Ling was bored waiting and went to play with his hair happily.

Xia Moyan’s face turned black and he gritted his teeth as he watched them from the platform halfway up the mountain. “How dare he flirt with my sister.”

The old man laughed. “I told you to send someone to pick them up earlier, but you still said that they would be anxious and wanted to continue watching them. Are you done watching them now? The couple doesn’t even care about where they are.”

Xia Moyan was speechless.

He took out his walkie-talkie and unwillingly commanded. “Everyone, be prepared to welcome the phoenix back to her nest.”

After he said that, lanterns clearly lit up in the evening, forming a sea of red lights on the mountain. The shape of a phoenix tail feather was painted on them, making them look spectacular.

“What are those?” Father Ye was the first to notice something wrong and exclaimed.

Xia Ling, Li Lei, and the others looked up and realized that the entire mountain was lit up by beautiful lanterns.

“It’s so beautiful…” Xia Ling commended.

Li Lei smiled. “Your parents and brother are welcoming you home.”

Now that they were at this stage, Xia Ling felt a little awkward. She hid behind Li Lei and asked, “What… what should I do?”

Li Lei gently said, “Don’t be afraid. Just wait and see.”

In the green forest, faint red lights shone through. Two groups of men wearing plain blue robes and carrying phoenix lanterns walked towards them with respect and happiness that they could not hide.

A middle-aged man walked up to the group. With a glance, he accurately identified Xia Ling. “This… must be Miss Ling, right? Our Phoenix!”

His voice trembled with emotion.

Xia Ling was flattered. “Yes, that’s me.”

The middle-aged man gushed. “That’s great… That’s great! The phoenix that the Xia Family has been waiting for so many years is finally home!” He was the first to kneel down and bow his head in front of Xia Ling. “Congratulations on your return home.”

The two groups of people behind him also knelt down. “Congratulations on your return home!”

Their voices echoed in the mountains and caused more responses. There were countless people repeating this sentence, cheering and congratulating the return of the phoenix.

Xia Ling was even more flattered and unknowingly held Li Lei’s hand.

Behind her, Auntie Liu and Father Ye were so scared that they didn’t know how to react. They were only ordinary citizens and had never seen such an uproar before. At once, they were stunned.

Only Li Lei remained calm and gently held Xia Ling’s hand.

The firmness that came from his grip gave her strength. She took a deep breath and said as calmly as possible, “You don’t have to be so polite. Please get up.”

The middle-aged man led the crowd by bowing before getting up. With a smile, he said to Xia Family, “The Xia Family only has a phoenix once every many years. Very few phoenixes achieve nirvana. You’ve suffered so much karma of the family and endured so much hardship. You deserve all of our respect.”

Xia Ling said, “My family has also taken care of me well.”

After that, she asked, “Where are my brother and my parents?”

The middle-aged man replied, “Head of the Xia Family, madam, and Young Master Moyan are all waiting for you at the Heaven and Earth Palace at the top of the mountain. Everyone, please follow me.” After that, he led them up the mountain.

Xia Ling glanced at Li Lei and followed him.

Along the way, they learned that this middle-aged man was in charge of the affairs of the Xia Family. His name was Xia Haichao and he was ordered to lead them into the mountains. “After your parents heard that you were coming back, not only were they happy, they immediately told the servants to clean up a room and prepare a banquet for you. They’re really excited about it. Young Master is also very happy as he has been missing his parents.” Xia Haichao was very talkative and smiled after mentioning Little Young Master Shaohui. “This must be Little Young Master Shaohui’s father, right?”

“Uncle Haichao, please call me Li Lei.” In front of the Xia Family, Li Lei was very polite.

Xia Haichao said with a smile, “Mr. Li, you think too highly of me. I’m just a subordinate. I wouldn’t dare to call you by your name. Even though my surname is Xia, I’m only distantly related and am here to help the Xia Family Head out. I’m not some ‘uncle.’” The Xia Family had been expanding for thousands of years and was not uncommon for distant branches of the family to know each other and support each other for a lifetime. However, they were not really considered relatives.

Li Lei said, “Since you are Xiao Ling’s father’s direct assistant, you are my uncle.”

Xia Haichao was startled but laughed. “Ok, with this daring thought, I will accept you call me ‘uncle.’” In his mind, he felt that this man was really audacious. He had not gained the recognition of the Xia Family but was already speaking so casually. No wonder Young Master Moyan did not like him. He really had unbelievably thick skin… At this moment, his respect for Li Lei deepened.

Xia Haichao roared with laughter. He started to like this audacious man a little more.

Xia Ling quietly nudged Li Lei and said, “How could you be so rude? You can’t address my dad so casually.” Now that she was nearing the Xia Family, she was very nervous as she was about to meet her parents for the first time. She was afraid that she would leave a bad impression with Li Lei being so audacious and casual.

However, Li Lei lazily smiled. “Your dad definitely likes me.”

Xia Ling replied, “My brother doesn’t like you.”

Li Lei said, “Your brother is weird.”

Xia Ling was speechless. “Aren’t you afraid that he’ll hear you?”

Li Lei said, “Are you going to tell him?”

Xia Ling was so angry that she decided to ignore him. This person was really absurd when he was not serious…

Behind them, Auntie Liu, who had been listening to their conversation, was dissatisfied. “Xiao Ling, you’re here to acknowledge your godfather and godmother, right? How could you call them your dad and mom? Don’t forget your biological dad and… I are still here! We’re not dead yet!”

Xia Ling frowned and coldly said, “You’re really noisy.”

“Are you saying that I’m noisy? You!” Auntie Liu stamped her foot.