After Swapping Lives, the Metaphysics Side Character Became the Wealthy Family's Beloved - Chapter 35

“Qiaoqiao, don’t mind my sisters—they’re just being their usual chaotic selves.”

Liu Yusi @’ed each of them in the group chat, urging them to settle down. These aunties were lively and trendy, and watching their antics was its own form of entertainment.

They were also her mother’s wealthy clients.

So, she sent a message:

“To all the lovely aunties—since you’re my mom’s dearest friends, I’d like to gift each of you a protective talisman as a token of my appreciation. Mom will deliver them to you!”

The responses flooded in instantly:

“Aaaah, Qiaoqiao darling, we love you! ♡ OVO”

“Yusi… can we swap kids?”

“Qiaoqiao’s talismans are always the best!”

…

Watching the aunties lose their minds in the group chat, Li Qiao chuckled lazily.

By evening, just as the family was about to eat, He Jingnian called. Surprised, she went to open the door—and sure enough, there he stood.

“Mr. He, you’re here?”

“You said you’d treat me to a meal.” His tone was matter-of-fact.

Li Qiao’s heart skipped a beat. Had he actually taken her offhand remark seriously?

“You didn’t mean it?” His voice dipped slightly.

She quickly smiled. “Of course I did! Please, come in. You’ve got perfect timing—we haven’t started yet. Tonight’s specialty is stewed pork ribs!” She cheerfully boasted about what she considered the most delicious dish.

A faint curve touched He Jingnian’s lips.

His arrival sent ripples through the Li household.

Li Shanchuan, however, was ecstatic. With the Li and He corporations recently entering a partnership, he now saw He Jingnian as nothing short of a benefactor.

“Ninth Master He, please, take the seat of honor.”

“Uncle Li, as the elder, just call me Jingnian.” His demeanor was polite, a far cry from the intimidating figure of rumors.

This wasn’t He Jingnian’s first visit, but Li Shanchuan grinned, realizing he’d misjudged the man before. Had he been too narrow-minded?

“Of course! Jingnian, our families live so close—we should visit often.”

“I wouldn’t want to impose.”

“Not at all! We love having guests. Jingnian, actually, about the collaboration—I’ve been thinking…”

The two launched into discussion.

Li Qiao: “…”

Her father’s enthusiasm was something else.

The Li brothers exchanged glances, their expressions a mix of suspicion and protectiveness. This wolf in gentleman’s clothing wasn’t stealing their sister.

Once everyone was seated, Li Shanchuan brought out his prized liquor, insisting He Jingnian share a drink. The young man’s insights were razor-sharp—truly worthy of being the He family heir.

Dinner was dominated by their conversation (mostly Li Shanchuan’s monologue).

Afterward, upon learning He Jingnian played chess, Li Shanchuan eagerly dragged him into a match.

Sipping her tea quietly, Liu Yusi suddenly remarked, “Does anyone else feel like your father’s acting like a father-in-law sizing up a son-in-law? The more he looks, the more pleased he gets.”

Li Qiao: “…” Why was she being dragged into this?

“I can’t speak for Dad’s thoughts,” Li Shaoyang said, eyeing his sister, “but someone’s intentions might not be so simple.”

“Qiaoqiao, you and him…?” Liu Yusi probed.

“Mom, there’s nothing between us. I’m still young—I’m not thinking about that stuff,” Li Qiao clarified.

Liu Yusi relaxed. “Good. You’re too young for romance anyway.”

The He family’s complexities worried her; she only wanted her daughter’s future to be peaceful and happy.

As the night wound down, He Jingnian prepared to leave. Li Shanchuan, reluctant to part, escorted him out—until Li Qiao intercepted, offering to see him off herself.

From her pocket, she pulled a red cord, replacing the worn one on his Five Emperor Coins bracelet.

He Jingnian gazed down at her, the hint of a smile playing on his lips. “It’s lovely.”

Li Qiao glanced up, meeting his star-bright eyes. A strange flutter seized her chest, which she quickly suppressed.

“Mr. He, this isn’t jewelry. It’s to save your life.“

“Am I… old?”

Li Qiao: “…”

What was with him today?

He Jingnian seemed genuinely bothered, his brow slightly furrowed.

Ah, vanity spared no one.

“Not at all. You’re young, handsome, dashing—the most striking man I’ve ever seen.”

She watched, amused, as his expression visibly brightened. Tch.

“Hm. At least you have taste.”

“…”

After he left, Li Qiao turned—and froze.

A bright yellow luxury car was parked outside a mansion across the way. A young man and woman, arms linked intimately, disappeared inside.

Midnight.

Li Qiao’s eyes snapped open. In one fluid motion, she rolled out of bed, snatched her peachwood sword, and dashed downstairs.

She headed straight for the yellow car’s location.

Above the mansion, a haze of red mist swirled ominously.

Without hesitation, she kicked open the wooden gate—BANG!

It collapsed inward.

Sword in hand, she charged inside.

“What lunatic breaks into someone’s house at this hour?!” The young man from the yellow car—dark circles under his eyes—glared at her.

“You’re the Li family’s newly returned child?”

An older man, presumably the homeowner (Mr. Xu), emerged, eyeing her sword with bewilderment.

Since they were neighbors in the villa district, he kept his tone civil. “Yes?”

“Who cares who you are? What the hell do you want?” Xu Tong snapped. His exhaustion was palpable.

Li Qiao clasped her hands apologetically. “Forgive the intrusion. I came because your home is… unclean.”

The Xu men’s faces darkened.

“Our house is spotless. The maids clean daily.” Xu Tong’s patience was nonexistent.

“I meant spiritually unclean.” She brandished the peachwood sword.

Realization dawned—and seconds later, she was unceremoniously shoved out.

The broken door was propped back up and locked.

The commotion had drawn neighbors’ attention. Undeterred, Li Qiao called out, “Mr. Xu, your house really isn’t clean!”

No response.

With a sigh, she glanced back at the lingering red mist—then noticed a small crowd watching from the mansion opposite.

Though she couldn’t hear them, she offered helpfully, “Yours isn’t clean either.”

Then she walked off, sword in hand.

“That Li girl… is she touched in the head?”

“Country bumpkin. Did you see how she kicked down the Xu’s door? Why didn’t they make her pay?”

“Better keep our distance.”

“Brain’s missing a screw. Calls our homes ‘unclean’—she’s the crazy one.”

The next morning,

Mr. Xu arrived early to lodge a very polite complaint with Li Shanchuan.