As the next head of the Xiao family, he quickly grasped the situation. Having been in the business world, he had heard some rumors about unusual matters.
At that time, it was widely rumored in their circles that there was a highly skilled young mystic who had helped many wealthy families resolve their troubles.
It never crossed his mind that this person would be Li Qiao.
Xiao Qingzhi’s perpetually icy expression gradually softened. He, too, was looking forward to meeting Li Qiao.
As the Li family arrived, many of those present grew curious. They had always known that the relationship between the Xiao and Li families was rather delicate.
In private, many had bet on whether the Li family would show up. Now that they had actually come, some lost heavily while others made a fortune.
Li Qiao stood beside Liu Yusi. This was her first time meeting the elders of the Xiao family.
While Old Master Li and Old Master Xiao exchanged pleasantries, Old Madam Xiao looked at Li Qiao with a beaming smile, her eyes filled with affection.
Old Madam Xiao held Li Qiao’s hand and said, “So this is Qiaoqiao. She looks so much like Yusi. Wonderful, she’s truly lovely.”
Elegant and delicate, she stood poised and graceful. The young lady was dressed in a stylish jumpsuit, giving off a spirited and refined aura.
“Greetings, Grandmother.”
“Good, good, good…” Old Madam Xiao immediately handed her a large red envelope. Old Master Xiao, feigning displeasure, chimed in, “What about me, Qiaoqiao?”
“Grandfather.”
“Hahaha… wonderful! Old Li, my granddaughter is truly remarkable.”
Old Master Li lifted his head proudly. “Qiaoqiao is my granddaughter too, and of course, she’s exceptional.”
The two old men loved bickering whenever they were together.
Unable to hold back any longer, the wife of the eldest Xiao son said, “Mom, let us see Qiaoqiao already.”
“Qiaoqiao, come here. I’m your second aunt… This is the red envelope I prepared for you. Keep it safe.”
“And mine! I’m your third aunt. Oh, my dear, our Qiaoqiao is so beautiful and utterly endearing. How about you become my daughter? After all, I don’t have a daughter of my own.”
“Hey now, second sister-in-law, third sister-in-law, are you trying to steal her? I’m the eldest aunt. Qiaoqiao should be my daughter.”
Li Qiao hadn’t expected such enthusiasm. Surrounded by these three women, she felt like the monk Tang Seng trapped in the lair of the spider spirits.
Fortunately, her three uncles arrived just in time to rescue her.
Li Qiao was both surprised and touched.
Her three uncles affectionately presented her with gifts. As they looked at Li Qiao and then at Liu Yusi, their eyes filled with relief. Their sister had finally found happiness after enduring so much hardship.
However, the glances they shot at Li Shanchuan carried clear dissatisfaction. Li Qiao sensed there was more to the story.
Just then, Li Shaojin took Li Qiao’s hand and led her away from the circle of elders.
As she looked up, she saw six strikingly handsome men in sharp suits, exuding an elite aura, all gazing intently at her.
“Qiaoqiao, this is your eldest cousin, Xiao Qingzhi…” Li Shaojin introduced them all at once.
“Eldest Cousin, Second Cousin…”
Li Qiao addressed each one in turn, studying their faces as she did.
“Little cousin, you look so much like Aunt.”
“Fifth Brother, are you an idiot? If she didn’t look like Aunt, who else would she resemble?”
“Hehe, I’m just too excited! I never thought I’d have a sister too. Hahaha… and such a beautiful one at that.”
“Qiaoqiao, these are all gifts your brothers prepared for you…”
“Qiaoqiao, don’t leave today. Stay at the Xiao residence. Sixth Brother will play with you.”
“Play what? Play in the mud?”
Li Shaoyu retorted with a disdainful look.
“Shaoyu’s taste remains as unique as ever,” Xiao Qinglu said with a smile, his words laced with sarcasm.
As the two began to argue again, Li Shaoyang and Xiao Qingyan stepped in to pull their respective brothers apart.
Li Qiao now understood exactly what Xiao Qingyan had meant when he described how the two would bicker whenever they were together. Even a single remark could spark a quarrel!
