After Swapping Lives, the Metaphysics Side Character Became the Wealthy Family's Beloved - Chapter 2

Li Man’s face turned deathly pale.

What did she mean by that?

Does she think I’ll have a worse life than her?

You bitch! Go ahead and play your bankrupt heiress role. Once the Li family collapses, you’ll be nothing but a pitiful stray dog everyone kicks.

Inside the luxury car, Li Qiao was in high spirits—though being smothered in her birth mother’s embrace was slightly uncomfortable.

Madam Liu Yusi clung to her tearfully, refusing to let go, as if afraid Li Qiao would vanish again.

“Qiaoqiao… Mom and Dad failed you. Back then, during the family crisis, you were stolen from us. Our world shattered. It’s all my fault for not protecting you.”

As Madam Liu sobbed, Li Qiao gently patted her shoulder—a gesture that moved the Li father and son deeply.

“It was an accident. Our reunion is fate.”

The bonds between parent and child, between siblings… they’re unbreakable.

The trio was touched again, while Li Qiao fought awkwardness.

“Qiaoqiao’s right. Qiaoqiao, I’m your eldest brother, Li Shaojin.”

The man in the passenger seat smiled warmly.

“Li Qiao.”

Her curt reply didn’t offend Li Shaojin. Eighteen years apart meant their bond needed time.

With joy over finding their daughter, Li Shaojin introduced the family: She had four older brothers, but only he was free to fetch her today.

Madam Liu sighed gloomily. “Bringing Qiaoqiao home now… I don’t know if it’s a blessing or a curse.”

“Things will improve. We’ll make it work,” her husband reassured.

Li Qiao: “???”

Something’s off here.

When her parents stayed vague, Li Qiao eyed Li Shaojin.

After hesitation, he admitted: “Qiaoqiao, our home might… not be what you expect.”

Their behavior piqued her curiosity.

So the Li family has secrets!

Soon, they arrived at the Li mansion. Stepping out, Li Qiao glanced at the driver.

“Uncle, avoid Seven Immortals Bridge on your way back.”

“Huh? Why?”

That route was the shortest!

Studying his face, Li Qiao smiled. “Your forehead’s darkened—bad luck today. Trust me.”

The driver chuckled. “Young Miss, I don’t believe in such things.”

Fine. She’d warned him.

The Li couple looked baffled. Amused, Li Shaojin asked: “Qiaoqiao, can you really read fortunes?”

“Of course. Divination, astrology, feng shui… and more.”

“What more?”

“You’d freak out if I told you.” She smirked, leaving him shaking his head. Kids and their tall tales.

Unbeknownst to her, her parents’ hearts ached.

Why does Qiaoqiao know these things?

That bastard Li Dazhi neglected her education, letting her dabble in superstitions!

Our poor, poor girl…

Seeing her birth mother tear up again, Li Qiao’s chest tightened. A crybaby mom, huh?

“Qiaoqiao, let’s go home.”

Madam Liu led her inside. The neighborhood screamed wealth, and Li Qiao fantasized about her future life of leisure.

But happiness could be fleeting.

Standing before the villa, Li Qiao finally understood Li Shaojin’s warning.

The wrought-iron gate hung crookedly, rusted and weathered.

Li Shaojin gave it a light push—BANG!

The gate collapsed, kicking up dust.

All four froze.

Blushing, Li Shaojin coughed. “We’ll… replace it soon.”

“Oh.”

Her flat response made the family guiltier. She must be so disappointed.

The yard was overgrown with weeds, clearly untended for ages. The deeper they went, the more Li Qiao frowned.

As they neared the main hall, coughing echoed from inside.

“Is Shaojin back yet? Did they find Qiaoqiao? Cough cough—”

“Dad, we’re home.”

Entering, they saw an ashen-faced old man—her grandfather.

Eyes crinkling, Grandpa Li beckoned her.

“You really are my granddaughter. Good… so good. This old man can die in peace now.”

“Dad, you’ll live a hundred years!” the family chorused.

Touched, Li Qiao observed him. This grandfather genuinely cares.

Since he was family, she couldn’t ignore his plight.

“Grandpa, I noticed the feng shui here is off the moment I entered. Your illness is likely tied to it.”

The layout and decor were draining the household’s vitality.

“Big Brother, so this is your long-lost daughter? A little con artist! Instead of proper schooling, she learns this nonsense? Teach her well—don’t let her embarrass the Li name.”

A sharp-faced woman sneered.

“Second Sister, Qiaoqiao means well,” Madam Liu argued.

“Hmph! I’m being kind. Get a paternity test done—who knows if some stray cat or dog is impersonating a Li? The scandal would ruin us.”

Li Qiao’s patience snapped.

From her arrival, this woman had glared daggers. Not everyone welcomes me.

And Li Qiao never tolerated bullies.

“Madam, a word of advice: Poisonous tongues attract misfortune. Seal your lips, or you’ll seal your fate.”

“You little wretch! Cursing me?” Second Aunt Li erupted.

Grandpa Li silenced her, then turned to Li Qiao with interest.

Following her instructions, the Li men began rearranging and discarding items.

Watching them obey a teenager, Second Aunt stormed off.

Grandpa’s coughing worsened. Li Qiao fished out a Dispel Illness Talisman from her bag—one she’d found after transmigrating.

(Where can I buy proper talisman paper later?)

“This is…?”

“A healing charm. Wear it; you’ll recover within three days.”

Whether by placebo or magic, warmth soon flooded Grandpa Li’s body.

Could my granddaughter truly have mystical abilities?

Just then—THUD! THUD!

Five thugs wielding bats barged into the yard.

“Open up! Pay your debts, deadbeats!”