He Jingnian was filthy rich.
Li Qiao turned with a bright smile. “Happy to be of service, Mr. He.”
She inspected his courtyard like she owned the place, directing He Yi to adjust any problematic feng shui spots.
Under the lantern light, He Jingnian sat in the pavilion, fingers toying with the Five Emperor Coins on his wrist. His gaze never left her.
Once finished, Li Qiao plopped onto the stool beside him without ceremony.
She asked if He Corporation’s partnership with the Li family was… a favor to her.
“The Li Group met our standards.”
Li Qiao: “…” Such a bland answer.
“Qiaoqiao! Qiaoqiao!”
Li Shaojing’s voice carried from next door. Her face lit up at the sight of him.
“Mr. He, it’s late. I should head back.”
“Wait.” He Jingnian stopped her, then hesitated.
“Something else?”
“If I need… help, can I come to you anytime?” His tone was uncharacteristically awkward.
Li Qiao studied his expression—and nearly gasped.
He Jingnian was blushing.
The He Jingnian. The legendary “Ninth Master” of Beijing, whose mere footstep could shake the capital. And he’s shy around a teenage girl?
Holy hell, this is terrifying.
He Yi observed everything while ending a call. He approached cautiously.
“Ninth Master, the Old Master has… selected another bride candidate for you.”
The He family patriarch was desperate for an heir—even if his grandson’s “cursed” reputation meant brides often met tragic ends. Over the years, countless women had been offered as tributes.
None ever caught his eye.
Until Li Qiao.
But she’s barely eighteen! Ninth Master, you beast!
“He Yi, your face is accusing me of something.”
He Yi stiffened. “N-Never, Ninth Master! I wouldn’t dare!”
Damn, his anger is scarier than ghosts.
He Jingnian dismissed the bride talk. “Unless it’s urgent, ignore the old house’s calls.”
“Understood.”
His recent visit had exposed the family’s hypocrisy. He preferred his villa—and its proximity to her.
His gaze lingered on the Li residence.
…
Li Shaojing grilled his sister. “Why were you at He Jingnian’s? You snuck out after bedtime!”
As the youngest, she needed protection from predators—like a certain 28-year-old tycoon.
Li Qiao knew his concerns. But then—
“Qiaoqiao… do you like him?”
She pondered. “Yes. But not romantically. Who knows about the future? Plans change.”
“Then divine your fate with him!”
“I can’t read my own destiny, gege.”
He sighed inwardly.
Fine. She’s young. In college, she’ll meet better men.
That He Jingnian just has… a pretty face.
Just then, He Yi arrived with a gift: an enrollment form for Beijing No. 6 High School.
“Ninth Master prepared this. Sign it, and you can attend anytime.”
The gold-embossed school emblem glinted.
He remembered my wish.
Li Qiao texted He Jingnian immediately:
[Thank you. I love it.]
Someone remembering her so thoughtfully? It warmed her heart.
After He Yi left, Li Shaojing’s frown deepened. He gripped her shoulders, conflicted.
“Qiaoqiao… focus on your studies.”
Li Qiao: “…?”
A reply chimed:
[You’re welcome. Goodnight.]
Her soft smile made Li Shaojing’s gut twist.
Damn you, He Jingnian.
I’ll build an empire so vast, no man will ever be good enough for my sister.
He swore it silently.
Midnight
Li Qiao jolted awake from a very inappropriate dream.
Did I just fantasize about a shirtless He Jingnian… seducing me?
She pinched her cheeks.
Just a dream!
…
Jiang Yuwei sipped bone broth, her wounds throbbing with every move.
“Mom, Li Qiao did this! Make her pay!”
“That little fox-spirit,” Second Aunt Li sneered. “Just like her mother, seducing men—”
Jiang Yuwei perked up. “Auntie has secrets?”
“Hmph. Your uncle almost married Aunt Yulan until that woman stole him. Yulan ended up a widow, still unmarried!”
“How vile!” Jiang Yuwei seethed. “No wonder her daughter’s a slut. The apple doesn’t fall far.”
“Don’t worry. Yulan’s returning from abroad soon. We’ll help her reclaim what’s hers.”
Second Aunt smirked. The adopted daughter had always been the favorite.
But then—
“Mom… Uncle wants us to repay 10 million. How?”
Her face darkened. “We’ll handle it. That bastard’s changed—all because of her.”
Their laughter curdled with spite.
