Li Shasha’s tone resembled that of villains on TV, delivering his words with a stoic expression.
Without responding, Li Xiangfu glanced at the robot on the table, thinking that the new toy would likely divert the child’s attention from honing housefighting skills.
The room fell silent once again.
Li Shasha twirled his pen, eyes fixed on the creation taking shape under Li Xiangfu’s hands. The intricate and smooth lines closely mirrored the outline sketched during the painting.
After assessing the basic form, Li Shasha’s eyes sparkled. “Is it a lion rolling a hydrangea?”
Li Xiangfu kept his eyes on the needlework, nonchalantly replying with a quiet ‘hmm.’
“Symbolizing avoiding misfortune and welcoming good fortune, it signifies good luck.” Observing the disorderly threads obediently coming together under Li Xiangfu’s hands, Li Shasha let his thoughts wander. Suddenly, he remembered something and spoke, “The item you asked me to search for before you returned last time…”
The fingers holding the needle tightened slightly, interrupting the creation of the background bird. It resembled a dragon without eyes, just a step away from taking flight.
“What did you find?”
Li Shasha responded, “I combed through the utility room, your room, and the attic. I even went to the basement under the guise of a treasure hunt, but found nothing related to Qin Jiayu.”
This was because Li Xiangfu had gone abroad temporarily for studies and didn’t even have a graduation photo.
Frowning, Li Xiangfu wondered more than once whether his relationship with Qin Jiayu was as strong as the outside world claimed.
Li Shasha reminded him, “If the old mobile phone I used before is still around, I can try restoring some data.”
Li Xiangfu waved his finger, declining, “I didn’t have my phone with me when I was rescued; otherwise, the rescue would have arrived earlier.”
Li Shasha suggested, “Chat account…”
Li Xiangfu shook his head.
The friend address book contained family members and old friends, but no strangers. The absence of classmate photos meant they barely interacted. They didn’t even add each other as friends, making communication challenging.
Li Shasha raised his eyebrows. “A friend whom others call a friend, someone I have no impression of…” He suddenly leaped from his chair. “In an old movie, everyone around the protagonist claimed he was a murderer, but it turned out to be a trap…”
“The drawback of using house fighting skills excessively is excessive diversion.” Li Xiangfu remained unfazed by these remarks, focusing on the ongoing needlework. “Someone took away my old mobile phone, deleted the chat history, and deleted my friend list.”
The mobile phone on the table lit up, indicating the completion of charging. Li Shasha helped turn off the switch, picked up the phone, and started recording the video.
During this period, Li Xiangfu didn’t lift his head, saying, “Don’t cause trouble.”
Li Shasha sat back down, returning to his usual cold expression. “It’s reasonable and well-founded.”
Midway through the recording, a phone call interrupted.
“Hm,” Li Xiangfu, deep into the embroidery, couldn’t pause his hands. “Help me answer it.”
Seeing the caller ID, Li Shasha commented, “It’s Qin Jin.”
Suddenly, Qin Jin had already exposed it, saying, “Post a circle of friends visible only to a few friends. When doubts arise about the authenticity of the embroidery, someone else can confirm it. Preferably, that person should be me.”
Then prepare to lead the other party step by step, achieving the desired result.
Li Shasha suggested without hesitation, “Some of the birthday party guests are there, including Luo An.”
For some unknown reason, Qin Jin took the bait and asked, “Whose face should I hit?”
Li Xiangfu sighed helplessly, realizing that this mischievous boy was about to lay down hidden clues again.
“Dad is embroidering, so it’s not convenient to answer,” Li Shasha said calmly. “I can convey your message, but please be quick. I need to record a video of the face-slap.”
There was a brief silence on the other side, as if they acknowledged Li Shasha’s identity and the voice remained cold. “Hand the phone to the owner.”
At this point, Li Xiangfu had already risen, retrieving the unmoving mobile phone from Li Shasha and answered, “It’s me, what’s the matter?”
We’re sorry for MTLers or people who like using reading mode, but our translations keep getting stolen by aggregators so we’re going to bring back the copy protection. If you need to MTL please retype the gibberish parts.
After stating this, he lifted his head, emphasizing, “This is the only possibility, understand?”
“P lclaljiis lcafcvfv ab rtjgf rbwf lcafgfralcu cfkr, yea la rffwr ab yf bo ilaaif erf cbk.” Pcaelalbc tlcafv ja j mbccfmalbc klat Oeb Cc. Ol Wljcuoe kjr jybea ab lcdelgf oegatfg ktfc j ojlca “qgbafma sbeg fsfrluta” mjwf ogbw atf batfg fcv, mbcmievlcu atf mjii.
He shook his head in silence, ready to cast his phone aside, when a new message from a few seconds ago caught his attention. [Qin Jin: I can be a witness, by the way.]
Ol Wljcuoe rtloafv tlr ujhf ogbw atf rmgffc ab Ol Vtjrtj, ktb rja delfais bc atf mtjlg, vlrqijslcu lccbmfcmf lc atf wjaafg. Coafg j wbwfca bo qjerf, Ol Vtjrtj rajafv rfglberis, “P vlvc’a fzqfma tlw ab ub ab atf ylgatvjs qjgas. Pa kjr pera j mjreji ags.”
Qin Jin was akin to Li Anqing, but the latter’s coldness was like a flower on a lofty mountain, unapproachable. In contrast, Qin Jin was more like a hidden culvert under a glacier, seemingly capable of causing disaster at any moment. Individuals with such personalities often find it normal to ask someone to bring a gift to express their sentiments at a birthday party.
“He will attend,” Li Xiangfu asserted. While he wasn’t well-versed in the business world, he knew that Qin Jin and the Bian family had collaborated extensively. Bian Shiqin’s father had invested in an unpopular project proposed by Qin Jin against everyone’s opinions, and it later became a resounding success. Numerous online articles praised Bian’s father for his astute judgment in recognizing talent.
Contemplating this, he reflected for a moment and suggested, “Attending the birthday party is secondary; the primary objective should be to visit Mr. Bian.” The elderly man had suffered a heart attack the previous month and had recently returned from the hospital. It was reasonable and courteous to visit him.
Not receiving a response, Li Xiangfu turned around to see that the other party had resumed the video, wandering around the embroidery at some point and carefully taking additional close-up shots. Li Xiangfu couldn’t help but look up, lightly patting his forehead. Since he started school, Li Shasha seemed like a different person.
“The children are too naive in speech,” Li Shasha analyzed the problem on his own, “I want to scheme with adults to prevent my wits from falling, but I encounter setbacks one after another.”
Helplessly, Li Xiangfu sat down and picked up the embroidery needle, asking, “Which grade do you want to skip to?”
Li Shasha promptly replied, “As long as it doesn’t involve addition and subtraction within ten.”
“…Okay.”
On the day of the birthday party, Li Xiangfu took Li Xichun’s car there.
Thinking of the roughly one-meter box in the trunk, Li Xichun was very curious, asking, “What are you giving?”
Li Xiangfu responded, “Handmade things.”
Li Xichun’s initial assumption was handmade models or something similar, and she candidly mentioned that Bian Shiqin wasn’t particularly fond of such things. Presumably aware that her brother didn’t grasp girls’ preferences well, she didn’t dwell on the topic and played some soothing light music.
At a traffic light, Li Xichun suddenly remarked, “The Painting Association has been conducting a thorough investigation on Fang Yuanjian recently.”
Engrossed in embroidery, Li Xiangfu had almost forgotten about Judge Fang. “He involved a large number of people and appeared to have some shady dealings. Surprisingly, he turned himself in out of fear of being silenced.”
There are individuals selling paintings at exorbitant prices to launder money, and Fang Yuanjian is involved in such dealings.
Li Xiangfu remarked, “You won’t have a good life if you engage in wicked activities.”
Li Xichun added, “His recent engagements are also under scrutiny. Your award-winning piece inadvertently drew more attention and received high praise.”
Li Xiangfu’s heart stirred. He raised his gaze, meeting the other person’s eyes through the rearview mirror.
“You seem to have acquired considerable knowledge while abroad,” Li Xichun finally addressed the key point.
She wasn’t overly surprised by the short videos that Li Xiangfu painted and uploaded on the show. The award-winning piece demonstrated remarkably mature painting skills, defying simple categorization as mere talent.
“It’s because he has a broad range of interests,” Li Xiangfu said, lowering his eyes, displaying no noticeable change on his face. “But it pales in comparison to the anime you enjoy.”
The topic abruptly shifted, and Li Xichun took a moment to react. “Huh?”
“It’s about the protagonist learning to fly a plane, shoot a gun, and race a speedboat in Hawaii.”
Li Xichun lifted her chin, stating, “That’s a cartoon; you’re a real person.”
The comparison didn’t hold.
Li Xiangfu turned his head, looking out the window. After a song was nearly finished, he began speaking slowly, “Ever since I suffered a head injury, I’ve learned things very quickly, and I couldn’t forget them in the first two years.”
Li Xichun, surprised, opened her mouth slightly. After a pause, she asked, “Why haven’t you mentioned this before?”
“There are many peculiar things in the world. Some people’s grades significantly improve after having their appendix removed. Some change minds and can suddenly speak fluent foreign languages.” Li Xiangfu remained indifferent, stating, “Nobody believes me when I say it, and if they do, I’m treated like a spectacle.”
Finally, she inquired, “What prompted you to inform me specifically?”
The logic was impeccable.
—
The birthday celebration was set to take place in a villa specifically designated for the Bian family’s vacations. Even before arriving, rows of luxury cars adorned the entrance, each representing attendees for the grand event.
Numerous elegant individuals emerged from their cars. Some gazed at the opulent villa, commenting with a smile, “It truly befits the birthday of the little princess. Quite grand.”
While Li Xiangfu is often humorously referred to as the young master in social circles, Bian Shiqin is acknowledged as a genuine little princess. Possessing beauty, a kind heart, and a good upbringing, she stands as a goddess-like figure irrespective of her family background.
Upon disembarking from the car, Li Xiangfu took a quick survey and noticed many unfamiliar faces in the crowd. Although he didn’t spot Qin Jin, he did find Luo An, trailing behind a jovial young man. Li Xichun inquired, “What are you looking at?”
Li Xiangfu shook his head, indicating it was nothing, and proceeded inside with her.
Typically a spot for leisurely vacations, the residence’s interior decor resembled that of a hotel more than a home.
A designated area in the corner stores gifts of various sizes. Guests would place greeting cards in the gift boxes, ensuring no ambiguity about the sender.
As Li Xiangfu set down his belongings, the young man next to Luo An noticed and raised his eyebrows, saying, “You didn’t mention the gift he gave was handmade. Why does it look so substantial?”
Luo An responded, “Perhaps he added something else.” After a pause, he added, “Whether or not he loses face is a trivial matter. The most crucial thing is to make you shine.”
“True.” The man ceased his scrutiny of Li Xiangfu. Upon seeing Bian Shiqin in a red dress, he suppressed a hint of admiration in his eyes.
Bian Shiqin, perpetually surrounded by admirers, greeted everyone individually, exuding an air of respect regardless of their prior acquaintance.
She didn’t immediately join the festivities. Li Xichun, feeling a bit warm in her thick dress, went to the bathroom to freshen up. Li Xiangfu, now alone, headed to the buffet area. Unexpectedly, Qin Jin called, inquiring about the progress of the birthday party.
“Still receiving guests,” Li Xiangfu responded, setting aside the cakes. “What’s the matter?”
Qin Jin relayed, “There’s a bit of traffic, so I might be delayed.”
As Li Xiangfu went to get another glass of juice, he overheard people gossiping about him.
“Did you see? Li Xichun brought her younger brother today.”
“Is she trying to introduce him to the little princess of the Bian family and create a connection? Quite bold thinking.”
“I’m more intrigued by the relationship between Qin Jin and Li Xiangfu. I heard they posted a photo together.”
“They’re probably trying to pressure the Li family. Consider the past scandals. Forcing Li Xiangfu to share a photo is a subtle form of influence.”
Their conversation, amplified by the playing music, became audible in the banquet area, and as Li Xiangfu turned a corner, he caught wind of it. Qin Jin, on the other end of the phone, seemingly having keen ears, remarked calmly, “It seems everyone is quite interested in our relationship.”
One of the gossipers glanced up and saw Li Xiangfu approaching. His smile froze, his eyes betraying embarrassment.
Li Xiangfu merely cast a glance at the individual before looking away. Bending down, he retrieved a cup to pour juice, casually remarking, “It’s human nature.”
“Is it?” Qin Jin’s tone remained emotionless as he unexpectedly declared, “I’d like to take this opportunity to clarify.”
One of the gossipers failed to notice the juice overflowing, and Li Xiangfu, pressing the hands-free button, inquired, “Clarify?” while searching for some paper.
Simultaneously, beneath the bridge.
A line of cars stretched endlessly in front, with numerous vehicles squeezing behind and honking impatiently. Many drivers and their assistants stepped out of their vehicles to assess the situation. Upon returning, Li Xiangfu’s assistant reported, “There’s been a severe traffic accident at the intersection ahead, and they’re still cleaning up the scene.”
Observing Qin Jin’s gesture, the assistant promptly ceased speaking.
Qin Jin remarked, “Is teaching others a lesson your modus operandi?”
Li Xiangfu quipped, “The situation is quite awkward now. I can’t just turn around and retreat.”
The broad bridge cast a shadow over half of Qin Jin’s face. Half-jokingly, he suggested, “Why not?”
Pressing the hang-up button, the call shifted to a video call. Upon connecting, Li Xiangfu’s face, marked by confusion, appeared on the screen.
Not only was Li Xiangfu bewildered, but the individuals in front of him were also taken aback. They were caught gossiping about others, felt embarrassed, and sought a swift exit. In the absence of a clear view ahead, these few reluctantly prepared to pass by Li Xiangfu quickly, hoping to escape the awkward atmosphere.
At this precise moment, Qin Jin’s face and voice suddenly appeared on the screen, leaving several people frozen in place.
Qin Jin’s voice, slightly distorted through the video, retained its magnetic quality. A pair of enigmatic eyes fixed directly on the individuals standing there as he clarified, “To set the record straight, Mr. Li and I share a good personal relationship.” The address of “sir” caught Li Xiangfu off guard for a moment.
The individuals nodded stiffly in realization. Li Xiangfu attempted to downplay the situation, saying to Qin Jin, “Actually, there’s no need to go to such lengths…”
Qin Jin cut him off, asking, “Is Mr. Bian there at nine o’clock?”
Li Xiangfu observed a dignified elderly man, partially obscured by the crowd, and replied, “Most likely.”
“Go and convey my regards to him,” Qin Jin instructed.
Li Xiangfu affirmed, “I’ll certainly pass on the message.”
Qin Jin surprised Li Xiangfu by declaring, “Take me with you.”
Li Xiangfu’s eyebrows twitched. Could it be what he imagined?
Regrettably, Qin Jin swiftly provided a positive confirmation.
……
In half a minute, he slowly made his way towards Mr. Bian, who was engaged in a conversation with a Qian Group representative. Mr. Bian appeared slightly surprised as he saw Li Xiangfu approaching.
They had previously crossed paths at the last wedding banquet. Even he had to acknowledge that this young man from the Li family had been somewhat ridiculous in the past, but he was undeniably well-bred.
“Hello,” Li Xiangfu nodded respectfully.
Mr. Bian, his emotions hidden, simply smiled and commented, “As your father mentioned, you seem to be growing more vibrant.”
Li Xiangfu pursed his lips, remarking, “Mr. Qin also wishes to extend his greetings to you.”
“Mr. Qin?”
Li Xiangfu turned his phone around, revealing Qin Jin’s face unexpectedly. “You look much better,” Qin Jin commented.
Mr. Bian was taken aback. “Qin Jin?”
Qin Jin nodded, explaining, “There’s a traffic jam, so I might be quite late.”
Quickly grasping the situation, Mr. Bian responded with a smile, “I’ll prepare a pot of fine tea for you, young man, no matter how late it is.”
After a few exchanges of pleasantries, as it was concluding, Qin Jin suggested to Li Xiangfu, “The person behind you represents the Zhao Group; let’s go and greet him.”
Li Xiangfu shook his head, stating, “I’m not acquainted with him.”
Greeting Mr. Bian was an essential courtesy, but it wasn’t necessary for others. Moreover, the Zhao Group wasn’t a significant company, so there was no need to proactively establish connections.
Qin Jin calmly remarked, “Why aren’t you familiar with him? Wasn’t the young master of the Zhao Group supposed to arrange this for you?”
“…”
Half a minute later, Li Xiangfu once again assumed the posture of a model showcasing a mobile phone in a display window, pointing the screen towards the ‘target customer’ and clearing his throat lightly.
Upon hearing the sound, Representative Zhao turned around and was startled by this unusual sight, taking a couple of steps back.
“Representative Zhao, I have long admired your name,” Qin Jin’s cold voice resounded.
Representative Zhao’s expression shifted, and he stammered, “Qin, hello, Mr. Qin.”
The author has something to say:
Qin Jin: If he embarrasses you, you can embarrass him.
Li Xiangfu:…
Mr. Bian: Life is better when you just go along with it.
Thanks for the chapter! Dude walking around with a phone, lol, like one of those robots with ipad like thingies…
Never before have I seen a spectacle like this, I love it! Haha!