After Swapping Lives, the Metaphysics Side Character Became the Wealthy Family's Beloved - Chapter 43

“What nonsense are you spouting, child? Your sister only has one younger brother—since when did she have a sister?” Liu Yulan said.

“Oh? So you do know my mom only has one brother!” Li Qiao’s words were sharp, and everyone present could sense the deeper meaning behind them.

In the Liu family, Liu Yulan had always been an outsider.

Her expression visibly darkened. Old Madam Liu, pitying her, stepped forward to comfort Liu Yulan.

Then, turning back to the others, her eyes filled with malice: “Liu Yusi, this is your daughter? No wonder she’s such a country bumpkin with no manners. Let me make this clear—Yulan is my daughter.”

“Who said she wasn’t? The fact that you’re so quick to defend her only proves there’s more to the story. I was talking about the deceased young lady of the Xiao family. My mother was raised by the Xiaos, so of course they were sisters.”

Li Qiao smiled faintly.

The expressions on the faces of the Liu mother and daughter were priceless.

The Liu family’s buried secrets resurfaced in everyone’s minds.

And of course, there were those who loved stirring the pot.

Ignoring their own flesh and blood to dote on an adopted daughter? What kind of logic is that?

Old Madam Liu was fuming.

But Liu Yusi had long since stopped caring about their opinions.

“Qiaoqiao, let’s go over there. Your Auntie Meng is here today.”

Liu Yusi glanced toward the distance, where the Xues and Liu Yusheng’s family were gathered.

“You wretched girl! I’m your elder—don’t you know how to greet people?” Old Madam Liu scolded harshly.

Li Qiao, who had just turned to leave, cast a sidelong glance at the seething old woman.

With a light laugh, she said, “Spreading malice is a virtue-less act. If you don’t want to die alone and miserable, you’d better start doing some good deeds.”

“You—! You—!”

“Mother, don’t get angry. What if something happens to you?”

Their reactions didn’t faze Liu Yusi or Li Qiao in the slightest.

When they ran into Mrs. Meng, the latter couldn’t help rolling her eyes.

“Look at their faces. Throwing such a lavish welcome party for an adopted daughter? Yusi, don’t mind them. They’re all blind, anyway.”

“I’m used to it. I don’t care anymore. Now, I have my children and a happy family. That’s all I need.”

“That’s the spirit! No need to suffer their nonsense.”

The two were close friends in their social circle, both being prominent matriarchs. Naturally, many sought their favor.

Men and women alike tried to catch their attention—after all, they were valuable connections.

Watching her mother chat effortlessly, Li Qiao felt content.

“My sister is still so well-liked. Marrying into a good family was her blessing.”

“Hmph! She stole what should’ve been your blessing. Since she’s doing so well now, she should help you—and your brother! Giving birth to her was a waste if she won’t repay her parents!”

Old Madam Liu’s disdain was palpable. In her eyes, this daughter would never compare to Liu Yulan, who knew how to sweet-talk her.

When the Lius approached Liu Yusi and made their demands, their tone was unyielding.

If Liu Yusi refused, she’d be branded unfilial.

The weight of that accusation hung over her—proof that they’d never truly seen her as family.

“Eldest Sister, you were the one who stole Second Sister’s marriage back then. Now it’s time to pay her back.”

“Yusheng… How could you say that to your eldest sister? What happened was so long ago. Why bring it up now? Today’s supposed to be a family reunion, can’t you just—”

“Shut up! Who gave you the right to interrupt me?” Liu Yusheng snapped, berating his wife in public without an ounce of respect.

Old Madam Liu joined in, chastising Song Xi: “A barren hen has no right meddling in family affairs. Song Xi, I’ll give you one more month. If you’re still not pregnant, get out. The Lius won’t give you a single cent.”

Song Xi lowered her head meekly.

Li Qiao’s brows twitched. That can’t be right.

From Song Xi’s面相 (physiognomy), she was destined to have both sons and daughters. How could she be infertile?

What a farce.

Liu Yusi had no interest in entertaining them.

She only said, “The Liu family’s affairs have nothing to do with me.”

Then she and Mrs. Meng headed toward the dessert table, ignoring the Lius’ scowls.

Meanwhile, Li Qiao was stopped by Mr. Xue. Ever since she’d saved his life, he treated her like a treasure.

With his benefactor before him, Mr. Xue couldn’t be more eager!

Old Madam Liu, spotting this from afar, frowned.

Since when does a mere girl deserve special treatment from a man like Xue?

She leaned in and whispered, “When is your goddaughter arriving? The party’s been going on for ages.”

Liu Yulan stiffened. Being late was a poor reflection of one’s character.

Just as she was about to respond, a young woman in a white dress entered the venue. Liu Yulan’s face lit up!

Li Qiao glanced over—and discovered something shocking.

This family is a mess.

Mr. Xue followed her gaze, puzzled. “Master Li… What are you looking at?”

“Watching the drama.”

“Drama? What drama? Is there a play?” Mr. Xue blinked, lost.

Li Qiao: “…”

Mrs. Meng walked over and smacked her husband’s back. “If you don’t get it, don’t talk. You’re just exposing your age.”

“Wife! At least spare me some dignity in front of Master Li! Don’t I get any face?”

Li Qiao and Liu Yusi exchanged amused smiles.

Soon, He Jingnian’s arrival sent the entire banquet into an uproar.

Heavens! The Ninth Master He actually came to the Liu family’s party?!

Since when did the Lius have this kind of pull?

Many had tried—and failed—to invite He Jingnian to their events. Yet he showed up here?

The Lius were stunned.

Old Madam Liu gasped. “What… What’s the meaning of this?”

“Mother, it must be Second Sister’s influence! Today’s her welcome party—we’re just lucky to bask in her glory,” Liu Yusheng said excitedly.

Liu Yulan, however, was sweating internally.

She’d never even met He Jingnian.

Her goddaughter, Li Songsong, though? Her cheeks flushed, and she stared at He Jingnian with barely concealed longing. Thankfully, the Lius were too distracted to notice.

Some tried approaching He Jingnian, but He Yi blocked them all.

His cold gaze swept the room—then softened the moment it landed on Li Qiao.

“Aunt Liu.”

He greeted only her, then turned to Li Qiao.

Liu Yusi smiled gently.

So my suspicions were right. He Jingnian and Qiaoqiao…

For a moment, her emotions were complicated.

Mr. Xue and Mrs. Meng were equally shocked. Was the Ninth Master He buttering up his future mother-in-law?

“Mr. He, are you close with the Lius?” Li Qiao asked. If he was, she’d have to reconsider her stance toward them.

“No.”

Li Qiao: “?”

Understanding her unspoken question, he clarified, “I came for you.”