# Chapter 2977: Home
Xu Huo could finally relax and rest properly.
The safe zone where the Xu family had previously lived was completely destroyed, and rebuilding it wouldn't be easy. The family members of players who had been sent away were now brought back and temporarily housed in location items used as substitutes.
It was time to go back and see them.
The Xu family had been under national protection, suffering no hardship, only feeling some worry—worrying about Xu Huo, worrying about the situation in Zone 014. Now that they received notice to return, they naturally understood that things had improved.
When they heard from Yu Qingqing that Xu Huo was coming back soon, they were overjoyed. They made arrangements in advance, prepared enough food, and waited for him to come home for a meal.
When Xu Huo returned, he found that Ms. Fang had also moved back to live with them. Although not in the same apartment, it was just upstairs and downstairs.
"Minister Ji said it would be convenient to take care of our family, so we live together," Father Xu told him privately. "But your mother has been acting a bit off lately. You should talk to her properly. If it really doesn't work, just break it off with that Tang Guangbo. She won't listen to me, but she'll definitely listen to you."
Xu Huo went downstairs. In the room, Ms. Fang was lighting incense in front of Xu Zhi's photo. He waited until she finished before knocking.
Ms. Fang quickly came to open the door. She wasn't surprised to see him, stepped aside to let him in, and went to pour tea.
Xu Huo walked over and also lit a stick of incense. Ms. Fang came over with the tea, her gaze lingering on him for two seconds before looking away.
Mother and son sat facing each other, neither seeming to have much to say.
After a while, Ms. Fang finally spoke. "Were you injured?"
"Minor injuries. Almost healed," Xu Huo replied.
"Be careful when you're out there," Ms. Fang said. "Your father and I can't help you much."
Xu Huo nodded, then paused before speaking. "Dad said you've been in a bad mood lately."
"Your Uncle Tang's mind hasn't been right lately. Taking care of him has been a bit draining," Ms. Fang said without much emotion, taking a sip of tea. "Nothing major. You don't need to worry."
"If something happens, tell the Enforcement Department players. Tang Guangbo's background is unknown, so he's somewhat dangerous," Xu Huo said.
"Even if he wanted to do something, he couldn't stir up much trouble in Zone 014." Ms. Fang still showed no emotion. From her expression, it was impossible to tell whether she was stating facts or mocking Tang Guangbo.
But soon she added another sentence. "Weak people find it hard to accomplish great things."
After saying this, she looked up and carefully examined Xu Huo. "We haven't had a proper conversation in many years."
"I neglected you, but I'm glad you've grown up so well."
"When your brother was born, he was frail. I invested a lot of effort in him. By the time you came, I was exhausted, and my attention to you was far less than to your brother. That's why after your brother died, I couldn't accept it and was even more unwilling to face you."
"As a mother, I'm sorry. But as a person, I also have my own emotions and feelings. I prioritized taking care of myself, and I don't think that's wrong."
"Our mother-son relationship being distant is the result. I've long accepted this result, and I'm sure you can accept it too."
Xu Huo calmly put down his teacup. "I found the person who killed brother."
Ms. Fang's hand paused, then she slowly nodded. "Since you can't take revenge now, wait a little longer. Wait until you're sure before acting."
"But don't be foolish enough to trade your life for it. Your brother's death is already settled. Living people dying for the dead is something only fools would do."
"I understand." Xu Huo said solemnly.
"The food upstairs should be almost ready. Go up first." Ms. Fang saw him to the door, then suddenly reached up and touched his hair, smiling gently. "You're more like me than your brother was."
Xu Huo held her cold hand. "Take good care of yourself. If Tang Guangbo is really useless, just throw him away."
Ms. Fang nodded slightly.
Back upstairs, Father Xu looked at him with some hope.
"She has her own judgment. Don't interfere," Xu Huo said.
Father Xu looked a bit disappointed and couldn't help complaining. "Your mother wasn't like this before. She was ruthless with me, and now she's like this over a man."
Xu Huo glanced at him. "Don't let Ms. Yu hear that."
"What can't I hear?" Ms. Yu walked over, beaming, and swept a glance at Father Xu.
"He hid his secret money in Tongtong's toy, and Tongtong found it and secretly bought a lot of snacks," Xu Huo said bluntly.
Ms. Yu's expression changed drastically at the kitchen door. Father Xu, standing in the hallway, was shocked. Tongtong, on the living room sofa, jumped up. The old man, who had just come down the stairs, silently turned back.
"I knew it! Why has this brat not been eating properly lately—the root of it is with you!" Ms. Yu pulled father and son in front of her. "One hides money, the other finds hidden money and doesn't tell anyone, secretly buys snacks—you father and son really are cut from the same cloth!"
Ms. Yu paused mid-scold, glanced at Xu Huo, then held her forehead. "Why did the child I give birth to turn out like you..."
"Mom, I take after you," Tongtong said ingratiatingly, pulling her hand and acting cute.
"I didn't secretly buy snacks behind adults' backs and skip meals when I was little," Ms. Yu said gloomily, looking at him, then turning to Father Xu. Feeling frustrated, she turned and went into the kitchen to bring out the dishes.
"Try Auntie's cooking and see if I've improved. Besides the few dishes you like, everything else is new—I learned them specially for you to try." She called Xu Huo to the dining room, then couldn't help complaining about Father Xu. "Honestly, the family isn't short on money. The food and drink are all delivered by the Special Defense Department. Why does he need to hide money? Now it's made Tongtong skip meals and get cavities. Bad teeth in children can affect them for life."
"Maybe life is too comfortable, and he wants a little thrill. He doesn't dare do anything else, so hiding money is all he can do," Xu Huo comforted her. "It's not bad. Catch him every now and then, spice up the marriage a bit. Just don't let Tongtong find out."
Father Xu could only force a smile, while Tongtong widened his eyes: Bro, you've changed!
Ms. Yu thought about it and stopped being angry. She went upstairs to call the old man down, and the family sat together for a good meal.
After the meal, Tongtong stubbornly refused to go near Xu Huo, but he didn't go back to his room either. He fiddled around on the corner of the sofa, deliberately making noise to attract attention.
Ms. Yu looked at his annoying behavior and kicked his butt. "Didn't you save up money to buy brother a birthday gift?"
Tongtong ran back to his room and came out holding a box. "Bro, this is your birthday gift from me."
Xu Huo opened it and saw a small golden horse.
"I bought it with all my New Year's money," Tongtong said, feeling sorry for himself. "If I hadn't spent all my money, I wouldn't have secretly taken Dad's secret stash. I definitely would have told Mom."
"Stop being a clown," Xu Huo patted his head. "I wasn't home for your birthday either. Should I give you a gift to make up for it?"