After Swapping Lives, the Metaphysics Side Character Became the Wealthy Family's Beloved - Chapter 25

“Li Man, ah!”

As soon as Li Qiao accepted the friend request, Li Man immediately sent a message:

[Li Qiao, how’s life in the wealthy family treating you? A country bumpkin like you, trying to fit into high society… I heard the Li family is about to go bankrupt. You’d better get ready for a life of hardship.]

Tch.

How much hatred did she have for the original owner?

[Thanks for your concern~ (*￣︶￣)]

[Are you out of your mind? Who’s concerned about you? Li Qiao, stop acting tough. Just wait till you’re trampled underfoot!]

Li Qiao chuckled and didn’t bother replying anymore. Meanwhile, in the village, Li Man glared at her phone screen, seething with malice.

That bitch, how dare she ignore me?

Hmph! She must be too ashamed to reply!

Life in the city must be miserable for Li Qiao.

Li Man gripped the hose tightly, frowning as she washed the pigpen. Just then, Li Dazhi stumbled home, reeking of alcohol.

“Come… come here… rub my back…”

Li Man walked into the house and saw Li Dazhi sprawled on the bed. Drunk and grinning, he pulled out a hundred-yuan bill from his pocket.

“Look… your old man won today. Take this, buy some ribs tomorrow… I want meat.”

He was absurdly proud of his measly hundred-yuan win, acting like he’d struck gold.

Li Man’s anger flared. “Dad, can’t you do something useful? I’m supposed to be the daughter of a billionaire! How am I ever going to live a good life with you like this?”

In her past life, Li Dazhi had become the richest man in the province. She couldn’t wait for him to make it big so she could rub it in Li Qiao’s face.

But Li Dazhi had already passed out, snoring loudly.

Fuming, Li Man stormed out into the yard, staring at their shabby, run-down house—the poorest in the village.

When will we ever have a good life?

Well… at least it’s better than Li Qiao’s situation. Just you wait, Li Qiao—your life will soon be a living hell. The Li family’s bankruptcy is just around the corner.

Capital City, Li Residence

Li Qiao was busy drawing Expansion Talismans. Thanks to Liu Yusi’s networking, the talismans had become a sensation among wealthy socialites, with prices soaring to a million yuan per piece.

“Qiaoqiao… my friends really want to meet you. They’d like to buy more Expansion Talismans. Would you be okay with that? If you’re not comfortable, it’s totally fine!”

These are my golden geese! Who knows, maybe I can even expand my business through them?

Making money won’t be a problem—I need to build that temple for the Ancestral Master!

“Mom, I’m fine with it.”

“Great! We’ll go tomorrow.”

Li Qiao then asked, “Where’s Dad? He still hasn’t come back from the hospital?” Wasn’t he supposed to confront the Jiang family?

“Right, why isn’t he back yet? Let me call him.”

After the call, Liu Yusi relaxed. Apparently, Li Shanchuan had gone to a friend’s place for dinner and wouldn’t be back until later.

That night, Li Qiao slept soundly.

The Next Day

Li Shanchuan planned to take Liu Yusi and Li Qiao to a private gathering hosted by a friend.

Coincidentally, the host’s wife was part of Liu Yusi’s social circle—and one of Li Qiao’s customers!

The family of three got into the car, heading to the venue.

The driver, Old Sun, smiled warmly. “Miss Five, the Sunshine Roses in the car are fresh. My wife picked them from the vineyard herself and washed them thoroughly. Here, try some!”

He handed Li Qiao an elegant box.

“Thank you, Uncle Sun. Please thank Auntie for me too.” Li Qiao took a grape—it was incredibly sweet.

Old Sun beamed.

Li Shanchuan teased, “Old Sun, I pay you 30,000 a month, and I’ve never gotten this kind of treatment.” The boss who signs your paycheck gets less love than his daughter?

“Miss Five is my savior.”

Old Sun was a man of gratitude. Li Shanchuan and Liu Yusi exchanged pleased glances—this was the kindness their daughter had earned through her good deeds.

When they arrived, the host couple greeted them warmly at the entrance.

“Yusi… so this is your precious daughter? She’s as beautiful as you! How skilled is she in the Dao?” Mrs. Lin, nearly fifty, had skin as smooth as a peeled egg.

“My skills are modest. I mostly just draw talismans for fun,” Li Qiao replied casually.

Liu Yusi didn’t understand why her daughter downplayed herself, but humility was never a bad thing.

Mrs. Lin studied Li Qiao closely, her smile widening.

The private party was filled with Liu Yusi’s socialite friends. The moment they saw Li Qiao, they swarmed around her, showering her with affection.

“Yusi, why didn’t you tell us your daughter was this gorgeous?”

“Such an adorable girl—I’m so jealous!”

“Qiaoqiao, right? Call me Auntie Xu…”

“Hey, don’t push! Qiaoqiao, I’m Auntie Meng!”

“Her hands are so soft! Daughters really do smell sweet.”

…

Liu Yusi’s friends chattered excitedly.

Li Qiao felt like she’d walked into a spider’s den. She greeted each one politely, but their eyes only grew brighter.

“Hey, calm down! Don’t scare my Qiaoqiao,” Liu Yisi finally interjected. Her friends were all the same—hopelessly obsessed with beauty.

Li Qiao discreetly observed their faces. Some had minor issues, but a few had serious problems.

Her gaze lingered on Mrs. Lin.

“Qiaoqiao, why are you looking at me like that?” Mrs. Lin smiled gently.

“Auntie Lin, you’re so youthful and radiant. Your skin is flawless—your skincare routine must be amazing.”

The other women chimed in, praising Mrs. Lin as the queen of anti-aging in their circle. What woman wouldn’t envy her?

Even after thirty years of marriage without children, Mr. Lin still adored her. They were the ultimate power couple, admired by all.

But Li Qiao’s reaction was… odd. Liu Yusi noticed but didn’t bring it up until they sat down for dinner.

“Qiaoqiao, is something wrong?” she whispered.

“Aww, look at Yusi—such a doting mother, whispering to her daughter even at a party. Share with the rest of us!”

“Yeah, yeah!”

“Qiaoqiao, eat whatever you like. Try this cake—sweet but not cloying.” Auntie Meng handed her a slice of velvet cake.

“Thank you, Auntie Meng.”

“Oh, daughters are the best! My bratty son never says thank you.” Auntie Meng couldn’t resist pinching Li Qiao’s bun and cheeks, making her squirm.

She finally understood how Tang Seng felt surrounded by demons.

The atmosphere was lively and cheerful.

The men sat at one table, the women at another. Eventually, someone asked Mrs. Lin about her secret to ageless beauty.

Mrs. Lin smiled mysteriously. “No skincare—just dietary therapy.”

“What kind of therapy?”

“Wang Ma, bring out my tonic,” Mrs. Lin called.