After Swapping Lives, the Metaphysics Side Character Became the Wealthy Family's Beloved - Chapter 23

“Uncle Li, Brother Shaojin,” Jian Lanfeng nodded slightly in greeting, his smile deepening when his gaze landed on Li Qiao.

Li Shanchuan returned the nod. “How was the overseas seminar? Everything go smoothly?”

“All went well!” Jian Lanfeng was undeniably attractive, and his smile had a certain charm.

Sitting to the side, Li Shaojin felt a twinge of discomfort. There was something off about the way Jian Lanfeng was looking at Qiaoqiao.

Could this guy actually be eyeing my sister?

Meanwhile, Li Qiao discreetly studied Jian Lanfeng. He smiles so handsomely, yet there’s something sly about it—like a smiling tiger. Without his white coat, he exuded a rogue-like aura.

As they chatted, Jian Lanfeng presented a small box to Li Qiao. “A little trinket I picked up abroad. I hope Qiaoqiao likes it.”

Li Shanchuan: What’s the meaning of this?
Li Shaojin: A weasel offering greetings—no good intentions!

Li Qiao opened the box to find a jewelry necklace worth millions.

Does he have a different definition of “little trinket”?

This was only their second meeting, and the gift was far too extravagant.

Father and son exchanged a silent glance, both arriving at the same suspicion.

“Sorry, Dr. Jian. I can’t accept such an expensive gift.” Knowing about their childhood betrothal, Li Qiao had no intention of encouraging him.

“Qiaoqiao… doesn’t like it? I could get you something else.”

“No rewards without merits,” Li Qiao replied with a polite smile.

Jian Lanfeng immediately understood her implication. With a composed smile, he shifted gears: “Don’t feel pressured. Consider it a gift from an older brother to his younger sister.” His change in address was tactful.

“Since it’s a brother’s gift, Qiaoqiao should accept it. Don’t let down Lanfeng’s brotherly affection,” Li Shaojin interjected, cementing the sibling dynamic.

Out of sight, Li Qiao gave him a discreet thumbs-up. Big bro, you’re brilliant.

Li Shaojin tilted his chin up smugly.

After Jian Lanfeng left, Li Shanchuan hesitated. “Shao Jin, earlier you… never mind.”

“He’s an old cow eyeing tender grass.”

“Lanfeng isn’t that much older,” Li Shanchuan frowned. The young man had good looks and character. If things progressed with Qiaoqiao, he wouldn’t object—but only if she was willing.

Their childhood betrothal had been a casual remark, with no formal exchange of tokens.

If Qiaoqiao refuses, no one can force her.

The father-son discussion unfolded openly in front of Li Qiao, their consideration warming her heart.

“Qiaoqiao’s been back for a while now, and our family’s thriving thanks to her luck. Why not enroll her in school? She could start from Grade 10,” Li Shanchuan suggested.

“I agree. An extra year would solidify her foundation. At worst, we’ll hire tutors,” Li Shaojin added. In the countryside, Li Qiao had only studied until Grade 11—a delay for an 18-year-old who should’ve been in university.

Their eyes brimmed with sympathy.

“I’ll start with Grade 12. Though I only studied till Grade 11 in the village, I’ve already self-studied the Grade 12 curriculum. It won’t be a problem.”

The original “Li Qiao” had barely finished Grade 10, but she, the master of Xiangyun Temple, held a postgraduate degree.

“Qiaoqiao, don’t force yourself. Dad won’t judge. Even if your grades are poor, it’s fine—your brothers were average students too. It’s my outstanding genes that eventually pulled them through to top universities,” Li Shanchuan declared proudly.

This dad of mine… what a character.

“Li Shanchuan, have you no shame? If the kids excel, it’s your genes? If they fail, is it my fault?” Liu Yusi’s voice rang out as she strode in, heels clicking sharply.

“Wife… dear wife, I never said—”

“Ow! Easy—the kids are watching!”

“Let’s see you act smug now!” She twisted his ear, one scolding, the other pleading.

Li Qiao observed their dynamic with amusement. This kind of family warmth is nice.

“You’ll get used to it,” Li Shaojin whispered, ruffling her hair.

Li Qiao smiled.

…

An hour later, Shen Kuo arrived.

Wang Qinglin hadn’t just been exposed for tax evasion—female employees had accused him of assault. His fate was sealed: a living hell, just as Li Qiao had foretold.

Shen Kuo’s mind reeled. Someone like Li Qiao was beyond ordinary reach. For once, his boldness had paid off.

“Hey, isn’t Shen’s kid in Grade 12 at Capital Sixth High?” Li Shanchuan suddenly asked.

Shen Kuo nodded.

“Perfect! Qiaoqiao, Dad will enroll you there. With Shen Kuo in your class, you’ll have a familiar face.”

Hehe, what a stellar father I am.

“The master is going to school?”

“Yes! Our Qiaoqiao will study. Shen, take good care of her, alright?”

“Of course.” The thought of his benefactor attending school with him thrilled Shen Kuo.

Li Qiao scratched her head. Why are they more excited than I am?

“Dad, Capital Sixth High isn’t easy to get into,” Li Shaojin reminded.

The elite school admitted only the children of the powerful or the academically exceptional, with strict quotas.

“Then we’ll donate our way in!” Li Shanchuan declared.

Li Shaojin facepalmed. It’s not that simple.

“Don’t worry, Qiaoqiao. Big bro will handle it.”

“Okay, thanks.”

To Li Qiao, any school was fine, but her family clearly favored Capital Sixth High.

Shen Kuo left quietly. Back home, he asked a servant, “Where’s Dad?”

“Sir returned early. He’s in the living room having tea.”

Getting into Capital Sixth High was notoriously difficult—it was Beijing’s top-ranked school.

“Dad, can you help a friend enroll in Capital Sixth High?” Shen Kuo called out.

Entering the living room, he froze. His father’s secretary, Ye Chu, was there.

Shen Kuo shot her a disgusted look.

Ye Chu pretended not to notice. “Xiao Kuo’s back? Try the desserts I made.”

“Who gave you the right to call me ‘Xiao Kuo’? Know your place!” Shen Kuo sneered.

Ye Chu stiffened. “My apologies, Young Master Shen.”

“Tch.” Her fake meekness is nauseating.

Shen Juncheng frowned. “Shen Kuo. Is this how you were raised?”