After Swapping Lives, the Metaphysics Side Character Became the Wealthy Family's Beloved - Chapter 21

“Jian boy, I’m fine. Quick… let me introduce you. This is our newly found granddaughter, Qiaoqiao.”

Old Master Li enthusiastically introduced Li Qiao.

“Hello, I’m Li Qiao.”

“Jian Lanfeng, neurologist.” Jian Lanfeng smiled gently—truly a man of noble character and refined manners.

Li Qiao discreetly observed him. He must be a good doctor—otherwise, he wouldn’t have so much virtue radiating from him. She had always respected those who healed the sick.

After exchanging a few pleasantries, Old Master Li went for his rounds. Before leaving, Jian Lanfeng said warmly, “Goodbye, Qiaoqiao meimei.”

“Oh.” Li Qiao waved at him, puzzled by the meaningful look in his eyes.

What was that about?

On their way back, Old Master Li couldn’t stop praising Jian Lanfeng. At just twenty-five, he was already a rising star in neurology with a bright future ahead. The second son of the Jian family, he was humble, gentle, and highly sought after in their social circle.

“Many young ladies want to marry him, but don’t worry… he’ll be part of our family sooner or later.” Old Master Li chuckled in satisfaction. Li Qiao’s eyelids twitched.

She wasn’t naïve.

“Grandpa, what do you mean by that?”

Old Master Li laughed heartily. “Well, you could say Lanfeng is your fiancé.”

“Fiancé?!”

“Mhm. Lanfeng is worthy of our Qiaoqiao. I’ve watched him grow up—his character is impeccable.”

Li Qiao scratched her head, feeling awkward. She had never dealt with something like this before. Her master once told her she’d never have a romantic fate.

Did that change after transmigrating into this novel?

She couldn’t decipher her own destiny—the greatest flaw of those in the mystical arts. They could divine the fate of the world, but never their own.

“Grandpa, I’m still young.”

At eighteen, marriage was the last thing on her mind.

“Alright, alright. Grandpa got ahead of himself.” Soon, Old Master Li grew drowsy again—age made him sleepier.

Li Qiao helped him to his room and gently closed the door.

Standing in the courtyard, she surveyed the messy yard.

Time to get someone to clean this up.

Her gaze drifted to the neighboring house. Is He Jingnian not home?

She hadn’t seen him all day. Usually, he’d be drinking tea by the second-floor window, but today, the curtains were drawn.

“Qiao meimei! Qiao meimei! Open the door!”

Huh? Someone was calling her.

The Li estate was large. By the time she reached the gate, she saw Su Yan waving at her, standing next to the arrogant young Shen Kuo.

Now that Shen Kuo’s dyed yellow hair is gone, he looks much more presentable.

Behind them stood six others.

“What are you here for?” Li Qiao asked through the gate.

“Qiao meimei, open up! I’m here to buy something!” Su Yan said excitedly.

Li Qiao’s eyes lit up.

Just as she was about to unlock the gate, she glanced at Shen Kuo, who wore his usual haughty expression.

“Your yard is a mess. Unworthy of my savior’s status. I’m here to clean it up.”

Li Qiao raised a brow. This kid insists on doing good deeds but can’t drop the attitude.

Once inside, Shen Kuo’s team got to work tidying the yard while Su Yan eagerly brought a chair under the orange tree, serving tea like an attendant.

Shen Kuo scoffed. “The heir of the Su family, reduced to bootlicking.”

“Kid, you’re just jealous I have Qiao meimei’s attention.”

“I’m seventeen!”

“Still a minor, brat.”

Shen Kuo gritted his teeth, irritation flaring.

Li Qiao lounged on the chair, enjoying Su Yan’s shoulder massage. “So, what do you want to buy?”

“An Expansion Talisman. Name your price—I’ll pay anything. These talismans are the talk of high society right now. Countless ladies want one, but they’re impossible to get. So… heh, I’m here to cash in some favors.”

The talisman’s rarity was her mother’s idea. Things too easily obtained bred greed. Liu Yusi wanted to drive up the price.

Li Qiao let her handle it. The Li family needed money—their fortunes were already turning around.

Su Yan paid without hesitation. “Here you go. 200,000.”

“Done!”

After transferring the money, he took the talisman and left in high spirits.

“I want one too.”

Assuming it was something valuable, Shen Kuo considered it. But Li Qiao smirked. “It’s useless to you. He’s using it to impress women. Unless… little brother, are you in love?”

“Nonsense! I’m just curious.”

How come he’d never heard of something so miraculous?

If Li Qiao made it, it had to be good.

Shen Kuo pulled out his phone to scan her account. Resting her chin on her hand, Li Qiao teased, “Is this the new way young masters flirt these days?”

“You—shameless!”

His cheeks reddened. Li Qiao’s eyes widened—he’s actually blushing?

Amused, she added him and accepted the transfer before handing over the talisman. Shen Kuo stared at it, unsure how to use it.

“Stick it in your pocket.”

Once he did, Li Qiao glanced around, picked up a meter-long stick, and stuffed it into his pocket. Under his stunned gaze, the entire stick vanished inside.

After repeatedly pulling it out and pushing it back in, he finally understood the Expansion Talisman’s purpose.

Every woman would want this. Even men would love it.

“I’ll take another. Any discount?”

As a high schooler, his allowance wasn’t limitless. 200,000 a month was already tight.

Li Qiao shook her head. “No discounts lately.”

“…” Fine. She’s the master—she calls the shots.

Just then, Li Qiao’s phone rang incessantly. The moment she answered, Li Shaojin’s voice boomed through:

“Get here. Now.”

After hanging up, Li Qiao headed out.

“Where are you going?”

Turning to Shen Kuo, she grinned. “Come on, little lucky charm.”

“…” What kind of nickname is that?!

At the villa, the eerie atmosphere was immediate. While the weather outside was clear, here it was oppressively dark.

Even Shen Kuo sensed something wrong. Nervously, he stepped in front of Li Qiao.

This little lucky charm has a good heart. Pleased, she smirked.

“What the hell is that?!” Shen Kuo gasped, staring ahead.

Dark clouds swirled above the villa. Since entering, they hadn’t seen a single soul.

The silence was deafening.

When Shen Kuo kicked the door, it rebounded, keeping them out.

“A barrier.”

Li Qiao’s expression turned cold. Grabbing his hand, she kicked the door open with him.

Inside, Shen Kuo froze in shock.