After Swapping Lives, the Metaphysics Side Character Became the Wealthy Family's Beloved - Chapter 51

“No need for your concern.”

Liu Yusī’s tone was sharp.

Aunt Li (Li Ergu) was momentarily stunned, feeling resentful—what an ungrateful woman.

No wonder the Liu family dislikes you.

“I came here to see Big Brother. Where is he?”

“Upstairs.”

Liu Yusī replied.

Aunt Li then went upstairs.

She didn’t stay long.

When she came back down, she glanced at Li Qiao and smiled. “Sister-in-law, since Li Qiao is back, she should visit relatives more often and learn some manners. Wouldn’t want her to embarrass the Li family.”

Neither Liu Yusī nor Li Qiao acknowledged her.

Fuming, Aunt Li swayed her slender waist and left.

Upstairs, Li Shanchuan clenched an invitation in his hand, gritting his teeth. “Yusī, the day after tomorrow, we’re going to the Jiang family for my brother-in-law’s birthday banquet.”

Li Qiao fiddled with her phone, a faint smile playing on her lips. The Jiang family’s event in two days… It’s going to be lively.

Her phone vibrated—a message from He Jingnian:

[Qiaoqiao, He Yi is about to die. Come quickly.]

Li Qiao: ???

She stood up to head next door. Liu Yusī asked where she was going, and upon hearing it was to see He Jingnian, she didn’t object.

Sigh…

Honestly, He Jingnian was exceptional in status, looks, and talent—except for that wife-repelling fate of his.

Liu Yusī was torn.

What if Qiaoqiao likes him?

If I oppose them, wouldn’t I be forcing them apart?

As someone who’d been through love, she could tell He Jingnian treated Li Qiao differently.

…

When Li Qiao arrived, she found He Yi weak—but not dying. She glanced at He Jingnian beside her, puzzled.

“Mr. He…”

He Jingnian’s heart skipped a beat.

Meeting her gaze, last night’s scenes in that other space flooded back.

“Mr. He, are you… hungry?”

He Jingnian: “…”

Finally, Li Qiao understood—He Yi wasn’t dying. He was hungry.

Does this young master not know about food delivery apps?

Resigned, she started cooking.

Back when she lived alone, she’d often experiment with recipes.

Of course, He Jingnian knew about delivery—but he wanted to see Li Qiao.

Needed to.

Last night, every time he closed his eyes, all he saw were those heated moments with her.

The images wouldn’t fade.

Watching her busy figure now, his thoughts drifted again.

Noticing his odd demeanor, Li Qiao asked, “Mr. He, are you feeling unwell?”

After a pause, He Jingnian replied, “Last night, my soul was trapped somewhere… a place with beautiful scenery, like another world.”

Li Qiao smiled. “No need to worry. That ‘place’ was a reflection of your inner world.”

“What if there was someone else there?”

His gaze darkened.

“Then that person must be very special to you. Who… did you see?”

Curiosity sparkled in her eyes.

What kind of person could captivate someone like him?

“Nothing.”

He picked up a book, shutting her out.

But her presence lingered.

The image of her cooking overlapped with that bewitching figure from his dreams.

He shut his eyes briefly.

Again, the R-rated scenes played in his mind—her beneath him, unraveling.

Abruptly, He Jingnian stood. “I’m going to shower.”

Li Qiao, carrying out the dishes, stared in disbelief.

Is this a He family rule? Shower before meals?

As she set the table, a delivery arrived.

The rider smiled professionally: “Your order of ‘Ten Complete Great Tonic Soup’ is here. Please rate us five stars!”

Accepting it, Li Qiao asked, “Are the ingredients authentic?”

“Rest assured—donkey whip, horse whip, all genuine. Saw it myself in the kitchen.”

Satisfied, she closed the door—only to lock eyes with Jian Lanfeng.

Awkward.

His expression was complicated, especially when he noticed the delivery bag.

“Girls shouldn’t drink too much virility soup.”

“Thanks, but it’s not for me.”

“Then for He Jiuye? Is he… inadequate?”

His accusatory tone irked her.

“Whether he is or isn’t—none of your business!”

“So he’s not?”

She glared. And he’s a doctor? Spreading rumors like that!

“Of course he is. Very capable.”

With that, she shut the door.

But after two steps, she nearly collided with He Jingnian.

Under the light, his eyes gleamed with amusement.

Her lips pressed together.

He heard everything.

He stepped closer, looking down at her, voice deliberately low:

“Qiaoqiao… How do you know how capable I am?”

“I—I don’t!”

“Should I prove it to you?”

His face neared, his words bold.

Realizing his implication, her cheeks burned.

Her embarrassed glare only made his heartbeat wilder.

When she slipped past him, he finally understood—

This is torture.

Self-inflicted, too.

Sitting stiffly on the couch, Li Qiao handed the tonic soup to He Yi, then stayed frozen.

Should I leave? Would that seem too obvious?

As she overthought, He Jingnian handed her tea.

“Thanks.”

When their fingers brushed, her heart stuttered again.

He chuckled softly.

Flustered, she snapped, “What’s so funny?”

“You’re adorable.”

Squirming, she pushed him and bolted outside—his laughter following her.

Ah—

So embarrassing!

Rubbing her cheeks, she groaned. How could I be so weak to his charms?

Back home, her flushed face hadn’t cooled when Jian Lanfeng’s sharp gaze landed on her.

“Mom, I’m skipping dinner. Going to rest.”

She rushed upstairs, flopping onto her bed, rolling around.

A message popped up:

[Qiaoqiao, what are you doing?]

She smiled, recalling the earlier scene.

[Drawing talismans. Researching a new one. Don’t disturb me.]

[Qiaoqiao, turn around.]

She turned—and there he was, gazing at her with tender amusement through the window.

Heat rushed to her skin.

He saw everything!

She yanked the curtains shut.

Knock knock knock—

Opening the door, Jian Lanfeng shoved her against it, trapping her.