“Mm.”
Zhou Mu’s study was furnished in a simple, elegant style.
Li Qiao took a seat while her gaze followed Zhou Mu’s movements.
“Miss Li… you saw the omen of my mother losing her child?”
His tone was calm, as if discussing something trivial.
“Your condition is already in its late stages.”
Zhou Mu paused, then chuckled. “Miss Li truly is extraordinary. I hope you’ll keep this confidential.”
Li Qiao studied his face—this was his fate.
Heaven treats everyone fairly, yet some people are born with inherent deviations.
Zhou Mu’s misfortune was not his fault, but as a son, he bore the consequences of his mother’s sins.
A short life was Li Ping’s greatest punishment.
As the saying goes, retribution may be delayed, but it is never denied. Li Ping had committed two unforgivable sins: first, destroying Zhou Qin’s parents’ marriage, and second, indirectly causing the death of Zhou Qin’s birth mother.
Her crimes were the cause, and Zhou Mu’s short life was the effect.
That was why Li Qiao said Heaven was fair to everyone.
Zhou Mu was deeply grateful for her discretion.
Before she left, he said softly, “Thank you.”
Li Qiao couldn’t resist asking, “Don’t you want me to change your fate?”
He smiled faintly and shook his head. “How many people in this world can truly defy fate? This is my destiny, and I blame no one.” His body was already running on borrowed time.
Atonement had been his sole purpose all these years.
After stepping out, Li Qiao stared at the closed door for a long moment.
But the moment she left the Zhou residence, Li Songsong came chasing after her.
“Li Qiao, what the hell was that?”
“I don’t know what you’re talking about.”
“Stop playing dumb! First, you seduce Ninth Master He, then you entangle yourself with both Zhou brothers. I saw you going into the study with Zhou Mu—what filthy things were you doing in there? You really are a shameless slut who can’t live without men, huh?”
Li Songsong’s words dripped with venom, her entire body radiating jealousy and hatred.
Li Qiao suddenly smiled. “Li Songsong, promiscuous suits you far better. He Jingnian wants nothing to do with you, and neither of the Zhou brothers would spare you a glance. Instead of barking at me, you should worry about your own future.”
The Li family was doomed.
“Oh, and here’s a little gift for you.” The moment she finished speaking, her hand lashed out—SLAP!
A sharp crack echoed as Li Songsong’s head snapped to the side.
Li Qiao smirked. “A little something for that foul mouth of yours.”
As she walked away, Li Songsong’s enraged shrieks followed her.
Tears streaming down her face, Li Songsong answered a call from her mother—only to freeze in horror at the words on the other end.
“Songsong! Come home now! Your father—he’s—!”
By the time she arrived, Li Jianqiang lay in a pool of blood.
Li Madam clutched him, her eyes burning with hatred as she glared at Sun Ying. “You murderer! You deserve to die!”
“Sister-in-law… why… why would you do this? I’ve always treated you well…” Li Jianqiang weakly pressed a hand to his bleeding stomach.
“You deserve to die! You killed my daughter—now you’ll pay with your life!”
“Sun Ying, Li Youwei died for the sake of the Li family. You should consider it an honor!”
“You vile bitch! You and your husband deserve to rot! If sacrificing for the Li family is such an honor, why didn’t you send your precious daughter to die instead?!” Sun Ying’s eyes were bloodshot, her grip tightening on the knife.
“My daughter would never die for this!” Li Madam shrieked.
Sun Ying let out a deranged laugh.
The knife in her hand dripped with fresh blood.
Her madness sent chills down the couple’s spines.
“Good. My daughter is dead… so yours won’t live either—”
“Mom—!”
Li Songsong burst through the door—only for a scream to rip from her throat as Sun Ying’s blade plunged into her stomach.
Her mother’s wail of despair filled the room.
