After Swapping Lives, the Metaphysics Side Character Became the Wealthy Family's Beloved - Chapter 17

Xie Haozhi climbed out of the coffin.

Horrified, he stared at the Qing brothers, then looked down at the funeral clothes he was wearing.

The three of them were pale-faced, quickly stripping off the burial garments in disgust.

The situation was clear now.

Overwhelmed with gratitude, Xie Haozhi gazed at Li Qiao with fear in his eyes. “Master, these people won’t stop. Please, save us!”

“Master, name your price. We’ll scrape together the money—just help us get rid of this curse,” Qing Nan and Qing Bei pleaded, bowing deeply. Their hearts were still pounding from the terror they’d endured.

As students, they’d never imagined encountering such bizarre events one after another. Their usual arrogance had completely vanished.

Now, in front of Li Qiao, they were nothing but obedient followers.

“First, go check into a hotel and get some rest. We’ll deal with the rest after sunrise.”

“Yes, yes! We’ll do whatever you say.”

With three coffins sitting in their home, staying there was out of the question.

He Jingnian and Li Qiao returned to the villa district. Smiling, Li Qiao said, “Mr. He, thank you for your blood.”

“Helping you is an honor,” he replied. His blood had proven useful in her hands. Then, she suddenly grabbed his hand and wrapped a bandage around his finger.

He Jingnian raised an eyebrow. “Why didn’t you do this earlier?”

“I just remembered now.”

He Jingnian: “…”

This girl was… unique.

Li Qiao’s gaze lingered on his wrist. The color of the Five Emperor Coins bracelet had faded slightly.

He Jingnian noticed it too.

“Every time you’re attacked, the color fades, and its power weakens. At this rate… it’ll only hold up three more times. We’ll need to find another solution.”

“I appreciate your help.” His voice was gentle, a stark contrast to his rumored cold demeanor.

“Payment for services rendered—it’s a fair trade. No need for thanks.”

Taking him on as a client felt like a stroke of luck to Li Qiao.

He Jingnian was practically dripping with virtue—she loved it.

With a wave, she bid him goodbye. He stood silently, watching the Li family mansion until her figure disappeared, then turned and walked into his own home.

The Next Morning

The Li family was having breakfast when Su Yan arrived, cheerful as ever.

This time, he’d already eaten at home.

While the family chatted, he sat in the living room, pretending to watch TV but eavesdropping intently.

“Qiaoqiao’s been back for days. What’s the update on the second, third, and fourth brothers? Any word on when they’ll return?” Old Master Li couldn’t help but ask.

“Before leaving, they said they’d come back as soon as they had time,” Liu Yusi replied.

The old man sighed heavily. “What worries me most is Shaoyang.”

Second Brother Li Shaoyang was an investor.

You’d think he was successful?

No.

In the investment world, he was known as the “Jinx.”

Every project he backed ended in failure.

Yet, once he pulled out, others would step in—and make a fortune.

According to Eldest Brother, Li Shaoyang refused to believe his luck was that bad. He was convinced he could succeed as a top-tier investor.

Years passed, and not only had he failed to earn a single penny, but he was also drowning in debt.

Most people grew stronger with each setback, eventually achieving success.

But him?

The more he persisted, the worse it got.

Whenever Li Shaoyang was mentioned, the elders sighed in frustration. They couldn’t understand why he was so unlucky.

His reputation as the “Investment Jinx” was well-known throughout Beijing’s elite circles.

Su Yan grinned. “When Shaoyang comes back, let Qiaoqiao fix his luck.”

“Sounds like a plan,” Liu Yusi agreed.

Li Qiao had no objections.

But Li Shanchuan glanced around, a hint of concern in his eyes. He carefully chose his words, speaking with fatherly affection.

“Qiaoqiao, you haven’t had a health check-up since returning. Your mother will take you to the hospital soon. Our family takes health very seriously.”

As he spoke, he suddenly felt a chill down his spine.

Four pairs of eyes were fixed on him.

Clearing his throat, Li Shanchuan summoned his authority as the head of the household. “Honey, our daughter’s health is the top priority. Don’t forget to schedule a neurology exam too.”

The four: ???

He still thought there was something wrong with Qiaoqiao’s brain.

How did I end up married to this idiot?

Li Shaojin’s expression was indescribable.

“Heh, Dad’s just worried about you. Be a good girl and go, okay? I’m heading to the office now. Shaojin, let’s go—we’ve got an important meeting today.” He patted her head affectionately.

Liu Yusi sighed. “Ignore your father, Qiaoqiao. He’s stubborn and too old-fashioned to accept new things.”

“I know Qiaoqiao is amazing. To me, she’s this good.” Su Yan gave a thumbs-up.

In their eyes, Li Qiao was nothing short of extraordinary.

After breakfast, Su Yan stuck close to Li Qiao.

She glanced at him. “Mr. Su, don’t you have anything better to do?”

“Nope. Today, my job is to protect you.”

“Fine. Drive me to Yunqi Hotel.” Xie Haozhi and the others had texted her earlier.

Su Yan tensed, then chuckled awkwardly. “Qiaoqiao, isn’t this a bit… I mean, I know I’m handsome, but… I’ve always seen you as a little sis—”

“Su Yan, what nonsense are you spouting? Just drive. We have serious business today.”

Li Qiao cut off his delusions.

Realizing his mistake, Su Yan laughed it off—his thick skin made it easy to move on.

When they arrived at Yunqi Hotel, Xie Haozhi and the others rushed over. Dark circles under their eyes made it clear they hadn’t slept well.

“Master, you’re finally here. Should we go now?” Xie Haozhi asked.

“Get in the car.”

The three obeyed.

Su Yan, now behind the wheel, finally understood what was happening.

I knew following Li Qiao would lead to trouble.

Regret washed over him—but it was too late.

At their destination, Li Qiao surveyed the area.

This was an old residential district, its eighteen-story buildings slated for demolition. Most residents had already moved out, leaving behind piles of garbage that made the place look more like a dump than a home.

Inside, Xie Haozhi knocked loudly on a second-floor door.

It cracked open slightly. A woman’s voice came through: “Who are you looking for?”

“Li Jiannan. Tell him to come out.”

The moment Xie Haozhi spoke, the door slammed shut. He reacted fast, wedging his foot in the gap while the Qing brothers forced it open.

The middle-aged woman’s face came into view.

“Where’s your husband, Li Jiannan?”

“I don’t know!” Li Guihua glared at them, her lifeless eyes sending chills down their spines.

Li Qiao studied Li Guihua calmly, then scanned the three-bedroom apartment.

The windows were shut, leaving only artificial light. A strange odor hung in the air—something they’d noticed the moment they stepped inside.

Pointing at a guest room door, Li Qiao glanced at Su Yan. “Open it.”

“Don’t you dare! Who are you people? Get out! Get out of my house!” Li Guihua suddenly became hysterical.