“Qiantang, I’m doing this for your own good. Her presence only blinds Brother Xing to your worth. Get rid of her, and you’ll win his heart.”
Su Qiantang shook her head. “No, I can’t. I’m too scared—it’s illegal. I want to be a good citizen. Someday, I’ll pass the civil service exam.”
“…”
Idiot. What does a rich heiress need a government job for?
Li Hui’s eyes burned with frustration.
Li Qiao couldn’t help but laugh aloud.
The sound immediately drew the attention of the other two. Su Qiantang scowled. “What are you laughing at? Do you think I can’t pass the exam either?”
“I’m laughing because you’re adorable. With such lofty ambitions, I’m sure you’ll succeed.”
Li Qiao found her oddly amusing.
Su Qiantang’s round cheeks flushed pink at the compliment. “Hmph! Of course. I’m the smartest in my family.”
“…”
Moron. Absolute moron.
Li Hui’s face cycled between green and white.
“Sweetheart, tell Daddy—who bullied you?”
A middle-aged man stepped out of a luxury car, rushing toward Su Qiantang in concern.
“N-No one…”
She pulled her father aside and whispered a few words. Su Yue sighed, torn between anger and unwillingness to scold her.
He then approached Li Qiao and spoke solemnly. “Young lady, I sincerely apologize for my daughter’s behavior today.”
“Miss Su has already apologized. Mr. Su, could we speak privately?”
“Of course.”
They moved away, and Li Qiao deliberately lowered her voice—leaving Su Qiantang and Li Hui unable to overhear.
Li Hui was visibly nervous.
Once Li Qiao left, Su Yue led his daughter to the car. As he started the engine, Su Qiantang finally piped up.
“Dad… Hui Hui hasn’t gotten in yet?”
Li Hui stood outside, eyes hopeful.
Su Yue’s expression darkened. “Miss Li, I won’t forget how you encouraged my daughter to commit murder. From now on, stay away from her.”
Li Hui paled. “Uncle, I can explain! I—”
Vroom!
The car sped off without another word.
Li Hui’s face twisted in fury, her fists clenched.
“Who do they think they are? Nouveau riche trash!”
She spat on the ground, her lowered eyes brimming with malice.
Later, in the Car
Li Qiao smiled playfully. “Mr. He, what brings you here?”
“Just passing by,” He Jingnian replied casually.
He Yi: “…”
Sure, ‘passing by.’
As if he hadn’t followed Li Qiao’s kidnappers all the way from the hospital.
“What a coincidence,” Li Qiao mused, amused by their serendipitous encounters.
Must be the advantage of being the ‘Child of Fortune.’
He Yi: “…”
These two are made for each other.
Just get married already, my lord!
“Mr. He, do you know Su Qiantang?”
Curious about the sweet girl obsessed with her third brother, Li Qiao wanted details.
“Never heard of her.”
His answer came too quickly. Realizing this, He Jingnian added, “I don’t pay attention to other women.”
He Yi: “!!!”
Is this it? Is he finally confessing?!
“Oh.”
Oh?!
He Jingnian’s mind raced. Shouldn’t she ask who does interest him?!
That damned 108 Ways to Win Her Heart book—burn it when we get back.
He Yi whispered helpfully, “I know her. Su Qiantang is the only daughter of Su Yue, founder of ‘Fortune Spicy Hotpot.’”
“Ah, the chain with nationwide franchises? Good reputation.” He Jingnian recalled meeting Su Yue at a banquet where the man enthusiastically promoted his new flavors—earning scorn from elites.
But taste has no class. The food was excellent.
Noticing Li Qiao’s interest, he wondered:
Does she… like hotpot?
Back at the Li Residence
As Li Qiao stepped inside, a mop came flying at her.
She dodged just in time.
“Auntie, are you trying to hit me in my own home?” she asked coolly.
Li Er’gu, still bitter over her daughter’s injuries, glared. “You wretch! You should’ve died in that backwater village!”
“Pity. I’m alive and well.” Li Qiao strode past.
Li Er’gu’s rage boiled over. “You think you’re untouchable just because the Jiang family backs you?!”
“Li Shanxi!” Grandpa Li’s voice thundered as he arrived with Liu Yusi. “Lay a finger on my granddaughter again, and you’re banished from this family!”
“Dad, I’m your real daughter!” she screamed.
“I wish you weren’t.” The usually gentle old man’s fury stunned her.
“W-What do you mean?”
“Playing dumb? You betrayed the Lis—your own blood!” Grandpa Li’s voice cracked with pain.
Li Er’gu’s face drained of color.
No… They couldn’t know.
She forced calm. “Who’s poisoning you against me? I’d never harm our family!”
Liu Yusi stepped forward. “Then explain why you dug up the ancestral grave and sabotaged the ‘Golden Rooster’ feng shui site?”
“Lies! I don’t know what you’re talking about!”
But her panic was undeniable.
Grandpa Li’s heart shattered. “Qiaoqiao exposed you. Keep denying it!”
Li Er’gu whirled on Li Qiao, venom in her eyes. “You ruined everything —again!”
Ignoring her, Li Qiao watched as Grandpa Li’s disappointment turned to grief.
“The Jiangs are a black hole! They didn’t want ‘resources’—they wanted to plunder us!” he shouted. “And you resent Qiaoqiao? For eighteen years, you and Yuwei got all the love!”
