The individual involved remained composed, and the one being asked for money managed to conceal their expression. Zhao Kai was the sole person left, caught in a dilemma between leaving and staying.
Li Huaichen examined his long-unseen younger brother, his words devoid of reproach, “There’s a limit on mobile transfers. Have someone call you tomorrow morning.”
Having achieved his purpose, Li Xiangfu inquired playfully, “When do you plan to conduct the appraisal?”
Li Huaichen responded calmly, “Wait until I have some free time.”
Li Xiangfu was taken aback; this man was notoriously busy, and who knew when he’d be free—it might be ages.
After standing silently for two seconds, he snapped back to reality, leading Li Shasha. The two figures, one large and one small, vanished around the corner and headed upstairs. Hearing the bedroom door close, Zhao Kai couldn’t hold back, “I’ll arrange the schedule for you.”
“No need.”
Upon this brief rejection, Zhao Kai swallowed what he had planned to say next, uncertain of his boss’s intentions. He stood there awkwardly.
Li Huaichen added, “Indeed, the money extortion seems legitimate. Look at his confident demeanor. Even if he conducts an appraisal, the result won’t be skewed.” Zhao Kai contemplated this and realized that the young master seemed to be intentionally doing this, which put his mind at ease. He’d bring it up again with his boss… Li Huaichen was the most well-mannered one in the family; he didn’t even cross his legs while sitting.
Li Xiangfu was different. In the past, he would lean against the wall or sit with his legs crossed, exhibiting a relaxed demeanor everywhere.
But today, the man sat up straight the entire time.
Zhao Kai felt a flicker of uncertainty again.
Upstairs, Auntie was absent, and Li Shasha’s room had not been tidied yet. He would temporarily stay with Li Xiangfu tonight.
Li Xiangfu’s bed was spacious, more than enough for both of them. With one person and one blanket, they felt as if they were separated by the Pacific Ocean.
As an AI, Li Shasha lacked empathy, only expressing curiosity about new things. He knew that Li Xiangfu had a strained relationship with his family but was unaware of the specific reasons. Probing gently, he asked, “What troublesome things have you done?”
Li Xiangfu couldn’t recollect clearly. Many events seemed like distant dreams. In just a few years, he couldn’t even recall the names of his high school classmates, whom he knew well in the past.
“Fights? Skipping classes…” Trying to recall a few incidents made his head ache.
“Are you feeling unwell?” Li Shasha got out of bed and poured him a glass of water.
Li Xiangfu sat up, and after drinking the water, his heart palpitations eased slightly.
“When I was in high school, I had a passion for travel and exploration. I often skipped classes, striving to venture outside, especially to perilous locations like snow-capped mountains, glaciers, trenches, and islands… I believed I was seeking a broader world, but I underestimated the extent of the challenges. Eventually, reality hit hard.” Li Xiangfu frowned, recalling, “During that time, my family was in a state of near-panic. They hired people everywhere to search for me and dredge up past misdeeds. The media sensationalized and distorted the story, causing a highly unfavorable public image.”
Li Shasha inquired, “How did you end up in dangerous situations?”
Li Xiangfu shook his head, revealing, “When I was rescued, my head was still bleeding. Considering the circumstances then, I can’t recall many details from the past.”
“During my hospitalization, friends from the past, either subtly or directly, hinted that due to such a significant incident, I would eventually be disowned, and my mother was vying for a share of the family property…”
Here, his tone gradually trailed off.
Mr. Li was a traditional and stern man. He had two marriages. The first was an arranged family marriage, and despite their similar temperaments, the union lasted a few years and eventually ended amicably. The second wife, Li Xiangfu’s biological mother, had a contrasting personality—vibrant, smooth, and somewhat vain. Mr. Li mistakenly believed that this contrasting personality could sustain a lasting marriage. However, the second wife not only possessed a degree of vanity but also harbored undisclosed ambitions, leading to the demise of the marriage.
“A multitude of negative incidents piled up. During that period, whenever I went out, media cameras would follow. Even schools with a modicum of reputation were hesitant to accommodate me, prompting my eventual relocation abroad.”
Li Shasha’s eyes widened slightly, akin to a cat’s, displaying a trace of incredulity. It was hard to fathom that the host had undergone such absurd and rebellious years.
Yet, he was fundamentally a machine, and he instinctively began to reason, “The host’s memory is hazy, and his perception of himself relies mostly on external circumstances and consequences, which may not be entirely accurate.” Li Xiangfu corrected stoically, “Call me Dad.”
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.
“…” Ol Vtjrtj cfnfg vbvufv j reypfma jcv mbcalcefv, “Djrfv bc atf qfgrbcjilas jrrfrrwfca mbcvemafv veglcu tbra ylcvlcu, Gjv, sbeg rmbgf lr jybnf 90.”
Ol Wljcuoe obecv la rbwfktja ecyfilfnjyif jcv, joafg j wbwfca, abemtfv tlr tfjv, fzqgfrrlcu, “Ufgtjqr.”
Pc ageat, atf qgfmlrf vfajlir kfgf cb ibcufg mgemlji. Rb bcf tjv obgmfv tlw lcab remt qgfqbrafgber jmalbcr ja uecqblca.
Lying in the familiar surroundings, Li Xiangfu quickly drifted into slumber. That night, his dreams were an oddity, the world resembling patches of color just within reach, yet slipping away whenever he tried to grasp it.
In the early morning, he was roused by the sound of money entering his account. As he woke up, he realized his thin shirt was drenched. Despite the heavy rain last night, the summer heat remained unconquered.
Shielding his eyes, Li Xiangfu attempted to block the faint light seeping through the curtains.
After a brief moment of relaxation, he got up, took a hair tie from his suitcase, and neatly tied his hair. A few strands still clung to his temples, enhancing his slender and delicate appearance.
The credit notification was precisely 200,000, no more, no less.
Li Huaichen had already left for the company by this time. Aunt Zhang, in charge of the household, hadn’t seen him for a while. She hesitantly rubbed her hand on her apron, saying, “Xiangfu has returned.”
Li Xiangfu smiled at her, “Aunt Zhang, I’d like to have…”
“Soy milk.” Aunt Zhang knew his preferences and brought a cup of soy milk at the perfect temperature.
“I had some urgent matters at home yesterday, so I hurried back and didn’t prepare dinner.”
“It’s alright.” Li Xiangfu took a sip of soy milk and remarked, “Stay busy, and don’t worry about me.”
Li Shasha finished washing her face and descended the stairs. Aunt Zhang inquired, ensuring there was nothing she couldn’t eat, and prepared warm milk. Having worked in the Li family for decades, she refrained from prying further, no matter how surprising the situation.
Before Li Huaichen left in the morning, he instructed Li Xiangfu to bring a child back, so she only focused on preparing something and refrained from excessive conversation.
Li Xiangfu often admired this straightforward approach.
After dinner, he called Li Shasha and planned to go out to buy a piano.
The newer the musical instrument, the better. Conversely, some instruments with a sense of age or a story could add considerable character. Li Xiangfu intended to visit Qibaoju for this purpose. If he was lucky, he might stumble upon some treasures.
None of the cars in the garage belonged to him, and he couldn’t locate the car keys. Li Xiangfu contemplated whether to take a taxi when Liu Yu called at that very moment.
“It was quite late yesterday. How about we book the bar for tonight?”
Li Xiangfu responded, “I have something to attend to.”
Liu Yu always wore a playful smile. While most would suggest rescheduling the date, he persisted, asking, “What are you up to? There have been significant developments in the country. If you’re up for a night out, I can accompany you.”
A free driver had arrived at the doorstep. He had no reason to decline, so he replied, “Qizhenju.”
There was a peculiar hesitation on the other end, and then Liu Yu informed him after a pause, “Qizhenju has changed ownership and is now called Luoxia. Brother, are you sure about going?”
Li Xiangfu was solely concerned about acquiring the musical instrument he desired, stating, “Are you still in the same line of business?”
“Yes.” Liu Yu seemed to have a brief lapse in his thinking, taking a few seconds to respond.
Li Xiangfu commented, “Thanks for your trouble.”
After the call, Liu Yu felt a bit irritated, regretting that he had to bring up being a driver.
This area was filled with upscale residential neighborhoods, and Liu Yu arrived promptly. During the drive, he inquired specifically, “You really aren’t considering other places anymore?”
Li Xiangfu realized there was an underlying implication in his words, asking, “What’s so special about this place?”
While waiting at a traffic light, Liu Yu opened the window and rested his elbow on the car window’s edge. He pursed his lips and disclosed, “Luoxia Pavilion is owned by the Qin family.”
The speed of the Qin family’s ascension was legendary. When Li Xiangfu was studying abroad, he often heard it discussed by international students.
“Do they have a business conflict with my family?”
“It’s not with your family, it’s with you.” Liu Yu had suspected more than once that Li Xiangfu’s memory issues were a diversion to avoid responsibility. Now it seemed he was unfairly blaming others.
Recalling Mr. Li’s earlier insinuations, he tried not to bring up sensitive topics in front of Li Xiangfu. Liu Yu naturally wouldn’t be the one to spill the beans, and he vaguely remarked, “Seems like it.” He chose not to elaborate. Shifting the conversation, he accelerated as soon as the red light turned green, reaching their destination swiftly.
Li Xiangfu peered through the car window, and Luoxia Pavilion came into clear view.
The red morning sun streamed down, casting a glow on the golden plaque, intertwining the two colors and creating a scene of ducks frolicking in the water. Judging by its grandeur, Luoxia Pavilion lived up to its name.
He thought it might not be open at this hour, but security guards were already stationed at the entrance.
The security guard opened the door for them, and the aroma of refreshments wafted as they stepped inside.
“The first floor is a teahouse for guests to discuss and interact,” Liu Yu explained, “When you go to the second floor and above, you’ll need someone to guide you. Regardless of whether a transaction is completed, there’s a service fee of 2,000 yuan.”
Li Xiangfu raised an eyebrow, “What’s the meaning of this?”
Liu Yu clarified, “Everything sold beyond the second floor has been appraised by experts. The chances of making a mistake are minimal.”
Li Xiangfu chuckled, “This certainly hampers the chance to make a bargain.”
Liu Yu pondered for a moment, “You could say that.”
However, most visitors here were wealthy individuals who were more concerned about being swindled than finding hidden treasures. Besides, two thousand yuan wasn’t exorbitant and provided a sense of reassurance.
The second floor was brimming with intriguing items. Li Xiangfu wandered around, preparing to head upstairs. Just as he stood by the elevator entrance, an attendant approached, detailing the items on the upper floors and explaining the service charge.
Li Xiangfu possessed a pleasant demeanor, holding a small pink jade-shaped trinket. As he entered the elevator, the attendant couldn’t help but steal a couple of glances.
“Take me directly to see the Guqin,” he requested.
Liu Yu was surprised, “Since when did you develop an interest in these things?”
He had a constant feeling that Li Xiangfu’s return this time was oddly peculiar. Initially, he had resumed contact merely because the other party still held the cards for a comeback. Now, curiosity and suspicion were growing.
“Always had an interest,” Li Xiangfu stated expressionlessly, “I’ve taken the time to study.”
In the past few years, he had been in a state of leisure. Across the ocean, no one could track his entire trajectory abroad.
He focused on selecting a product and quickly found one he adored. Whether it was the paint or the wood, they were both of average quality. The attendant called someone to test the sound. When the strings were plucked, the sound was deep but not dull. Li Xiangfu listened for a moment, eyes closed, and nodded, “This is it.” This guqin was priced at 120,000 yuan, considered high quality and reasonably priced for its level. He simply swiped his card to pay.
Liu Yu stood to the side, arms folded, “I thought you’d at least buy an antique-level one.”
Li Xiangfu smiled and said nothing. A piano of that caliber would start at tens of millions, requiring him to seek assistance from his family. If he did so, he’d likely be kicked out.
He then turned to Li Shasha and asked, “Is there something you’d like?”
Li Shasha was about to respond when he heard Li Xiangfu saying, “Think about it for a moment, and I’ll take you to the supermarket later.”
“… ”
Home delivery was available here. Li Xiangfu provided his address, and as they descended, he offered to treat Liu Yu to dinner as a token of gratitude for accompanying him.
Liu Yu’s smile seemed somewhat forced, “Let’s eat somewhere else.”
Each moment he spent there made him feel like he’d run into the Qin family at any instant.
“Alright, what do you want to eat?”
Liu Yu breathed a sigh of relief and casually suggested a place.
Shortly after their departure, a car pulled up outside Luoxia Pavilion, and the assistant stepped out of the vehicle. Initially, I had only come to collect a commissioned craft, but upon my return, I noticed the assistant seemed flustered.
The car’s window descended slowly, and a somewhat somber voice emanated from inside: “What’s the matter?”
Assistant: “The people inside mentioned that the young master from the Li family just visited and purchased a guqin.”
The individual in the car was Qin Jin. Unlike typical businessmen, his methods were consistently ruthless, leaving no room for mercy. Those in the industry once predicted his downfall, for a merciless person like him would be devoured by enemies once deprived of power, leaving nothing but scraps.
Nevertheless, ruthlessness sometimes paves the way to influence. This approach attracted a cohort of efficiency-minded individuals. Qin Jin never scrimped on salaries, offering abundant opportunities for advancement.
Upon hearing the report at that moment, he chuckled softly, a hint of color tinging his pallid complexion.
The assistant swallowed nervously, akin to facing a shark before a meal. Having worked beside the boss for a considerable time, he knew some of the rumors held truth.
Qin Jin had a half-brother, with whom he supposedly had a good relationship. They embarked on an adventure with Li Xiangfu in the past, but Li Xiangfu’s whereabouts remained unknown. The Li family had issued a statement of amnesia, deterring any attempts to interfere.
In such a harsh environment, deprived of sustenance and potable water, one could only wonder if Li Xiangfu resorted to extreme measures to survive.
Contemplating this, the assistant pursed his dry lips… Nobody, no witnesses. Back then, Qin Jin lacked the power to contend with affluent families, making justice elusive.
Times had changed. The lone survivor from that period had returned to China. Recollecting the boss’s past actions, the assistant could already envision the tragic fate awaiting the young master of the Li family.
Qin Jin always exuded an air of composure and decisiveness when he spoke. He narrowed his eyes and inquired, “How is he?”
The question seemed casual, and the assistant cautiously responded, “I’ve heard he’s lost weight.”
The secretary occupied the passenger seat, skilled at adapting to circumstances: “He must be living in constant fear.” After a pause, he inquired, “Is everyone that emaciated, losing their former appearance?”
The assistant murmured, “Well… thin enough to pass for a debutante.”
This was a modest way of putting it. According to the waiter’s account, he resembled a delicate young lady.
“…” The secretary attempted to ease the situation: “It’s been four years; some changes are to be expected.”
“If we’re talking about the most significant change,” the assistant recollected the conversation with the waiter, “Four years have passed, and his child is already six years old.”
“…”
The author has something to say:
Li Xiangfu: In the morning, what wakes me up isn’t the alarm clock; but the sound indicating money has arrived.
This Li family is kind of weird, even if your kid is like a gangster, having no one at all home to welcome you and not even a meal on the table is awful. Even if the cooking auntie is not available, it’s not hard for rich folks to get catering or take out.
Oh,how I wish that I can wake up like LXF does…😭
I can hear the money coming in from here…😌✨🥺
I didn’t understand the para where they said tht they went to for an adventure….what happened who offended who?
Young Li Xiangfu likes to go on a trip, causing ‘trouble’ and do hardcore exercises. Qin Jin’s younger half-brother then was close to him, so they sometimes go on a trip together
Oh ok nd thn his brother went missing nd this lou guy said tht
Xiangfu was behind it ?
They think Xiangfu ate his brother LMAO