Words of solace offered little consolation. Li Xiangfu, concerned about his livelihood, could only convey his solidarity in spirit.
At this moment, Li Shasha could already envision the future… standing side by side with a bunch of young learners, nodding and mastering Pinyin.
“I want to skip a grade,” they calmly declared.
Li Xiangfu had no objections, but cautioned, “Just don’t push yourself too hard.”
With the approval received, Li Shasha turned and exited.
In the next moment, a soft voice reached the door before them: “With the aura of a gifted child, to enhance the company’s reputation, you’ll find a prominent place within the company in the future.” Li Shasha abruptly halted, abandoning their plan to attend college the next day.
It was pitch black, and once the lights were turned off, the house was engulfed in darkness.
Li Xiangfu lay on the bed, assuming a particularly steady position in his slumber.
He wasn’t accustomed to sleeping with the air conditioner on, and summer nights were humid. In his sleep, he traversed a desert, struggling until thirst awakened him.
His lips were parched. When Li Xiangfu opened his eyes, he instinctively moistened his lips. Reaching out on the bedside table, he discovered that the cup was empty.
The corridor was quiet, and at the end was Li Xichun’s room, a warm light seeping through the crack in the door.
Li Xiangfu surmised that she was still anxious about her boyfriend. A relationship of many years couldn’t be eased in a short span.
Cool water invigorated him as it flowed down his throat.
When he went back to bed, his drowsiness had significantly dissipated. He turned his head and took a while to fall back asleep.
Li Xichun hardly slept a wink all night, feeling relieved at the sight of daylight as if sleep had become a daunting task. Tossing and turning in bed, she sensed that something was amiss. Glancing at her watch, it was already past seven-thirty.
With disheveled hair, she abruptly sat up, feeling a bit lightheaded. After a moment, Li Xichun hurriedly headed to Li Xiangfu’s room, barefoot.
Bang, bang, bang.
The loud knocking on the door echoed through the room.
After the door opened, Li Xiangfu, still drowsy, greeted, “Good morning, what’s going on?”
Li Xichun inquired weakly, “Why aren’t you playing the guqin today?”
Shengsheng had developed a biological clock for themself. The culprit, it seemed, was the culprit, and they were now contentedly sleeping in.
Li Xiangfu lifted his phone and displayed the text message he had received a few minutes ago: “Someone asked me out this morning.”
“Liu Yu?” Upon seeing the sender, Li Xichun displayed a hint of disgust in her expression: “Why are you still associating with him? A friend?”
Liu Yu was one of the individuals who instigated Li Xiangfu to fight for the family’s assets. At that time, he was not very astute. Somehow, Luo An knew how to discreetly involve the media to incite public opinion, so he was acting like a leech. The old man had warned Luo An, but he disregarded Liu Yu.
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.
Li Xiangfu clarified, “Not long ago, someone took me to buy a guqin. Liu Yu has changed a lot.”
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The designated meeting spot was a recently opened coffee shop. Liu Yu had heaped praises on this place in the text message.
Li Xiangfu didn’t take it too seriously, assuming it was an exaggeration. When he eventually acknowledged its merits—the light and luxurious decor with cleverly used colors, an ambiance that exuded cleanliness—he could only think of two words at first glance: pristine!
Liu Yu arrived a step ahead. Observing Li Xiangfu approaching from a distance, he noticed the other person walking calmly and elegantly.
…It was a true representation of the father being more distinguished than the son.
After contemplating, as Li Xiangfu neared, Liu Yu quickly put on a polite smile and waved, saying, “Over here.” Li Xiangfu glanced around as he pulled out his chair. There were still many empty seats. The current seat was close to the bathroom, clearly not the best choice.
Liu Yu seemed to comprehend his thoughts and smiled mysteriously, saying, “The best part is that it’s discreet.” Initially, Li Xiangfu didn’t fully understand. After sitting and conversing for a while, Liu Yu suddenly gestured towards another location, subtly raising his eyebrows.
Li Xiangfu followed suit, and his expression changed slightly. Among the two guests who had just entered, one was strikingly familiar to him.
Mr. Li was engaged in a conversation with a foreigner, displaying gray hair at the temples, wearing glasses, and possessing a gentle temperament that belied his physique.
“That’s Dr. Norton,” Liu Yu noted, “You may have heard of him abroad.”
Li Xiangfu nodded.
Norton was a relatively well-known psychologist in recent years, particularly acclaimed for a book he wrote last year, which garnered a significant following within the industry.
Meeting with a psychologist was a very personal matter. Liu Yu surmised that Li Xiangfu wasn’t aware of it in advance, hence he explained, “I’ve been buying coffee here for the past two days and have seen them engaged in conversation.” Li Xiangfu shifted his gaze and remarked, “This time, I invited him.”
This implied his willingness to accept this offer.
Liu Yu smiled. The last time he visited Li Xiangfu, it was rather forceful because his impression of Li Xiangfu was still based on their encounters four years ago. He didn’t want to inadvertently cause any displeasure.
Maintaining a superficial friendship these days seemed more prudent than remaining aloof.
Both individuals had undergone considerable changes over the past four years. Liu Yu was no longer as boisterous as before and chose his words more carefully: “I still have some things to attend to, let’s plan for another meeting.” Li Xiangfu nodded and didn’t stand up. After Liu Yu left, his gaze shifted to the opposite corner.
During the days when Aunt Zhang was absent, the old man had claimed to be heading to the resort, but now he was meeting with a psychologist in the city. There seemed to be something amiss.
The distance was too great, making it impossible to overhear the conversation between the two.
Li Xiangfu quietly sipped his coffee, then stood up and proceeded towards them without prior notice.
“Dad.”
Mr. Li was engrossed in something, and his brows twitched upon hearing the voice.
At this point, he and Dr. Norton were nearly done with their conversation. After a few final words, Dr. Norton left.
Li Xiangfu casually occupied Dr. Norton’s seat.
They maintained a silent exchange for about half a minute before Mr. Li pushed the documents in front of him.
Li Xiangfu began reading the first page, his expression gradually growing serious.
It was a comprehensive report, focusing not on Mr. Li himself but on the analysis of Li Xichun.
Based on Mr. Li’s input, Dr. Norton made an extensive attempt to analyze Li Xichun’s character. The latter part transitioned into feasibility analysis and formulated a detailed hypothetical dialogue between father and daughter.
Although the objective of the paper was communication, Li Sangbo could sense that the primary focus was on persuading them to end their relationship.
After meticulously going through each section, Li Xiangfu made a distinct sound when he closed the document. He disagreed and stated, “Humans aren’t machines.” Mr. Li clasped his hands on the table. His image as a strong-willed parent hadn’t altered over the years: “Her mother and I have seen it happen. If you’re too principled, both of you won’t be compatible and will inevitably become adversaries.”
“That’s not the issue.” Li Xiangfu tapped his finger on the report.
The plan outlined in the document was quite precise, suggesting strategies like intentionally speaking in favor of male chauvinism to make the woman uncomfortable and using reverse psychology to introduce a person with a contrasting personality at an opportune moment, then demeaning this person verbally, and so on.
“This touches on the concept of respect.”
The emotional experience of being used as an analytical subject and manipulated by loved ones to break up is beyond words.
Unfortunately, Mr. Li has always been stubborn and only focuses on the outcomes.
“It’s just advice in words,” he stated, unmoved. “The distinction lies in employing a more efficient approach.”
Li Xiangfu asserted firmly, “You’re attempting to shift your perspective.”
“Wrong, I should have taken this step long ago,” Mr. Li retorted, his eyes suddenly changing. “I won’t let your sister waste so many years in vain.”
After a pause, he added, “She’s coincidentally at home these days. Go and talk to her. If you can convince her to let go of this matter.”
The conversation ended on a sour note.
Li Xiangfu sat for a while, settled the bill, and left. As he sat in the car, he got lost in thought.
Gao Xun was blocked, but it was just a way for Li Xichun to release her frustration. He understood well that they would soon be in contact, entering a new cycle of entanglement. The outcome was unpredictable.
Upon arriving home, Li Xichun didn’t even go to the gallery. Instead, she lay on the sofa, massaging her temples.
“Are you worried about your relationship?”
Li Xichun forced a smile.
Li Xiangfu stayed silent for a while, then approached and asked, “Do you truly like Gao Xun so much?”
Li Xichun seemed a little bewildered, “After years of being together, I know the essence of it. If I don’t marry him, I’m not sure who I’d marry.”
“Why?” Li Xiangfu questioned, “Is marriage a necessity?”
Li Xichun joked, “Could it be that you’ll end up alone?”
Li Xiangfu couldn’t relate, so he didn’t comment.
Li Xichun dug her fingernails into the soft sofa cushion, confessing, “I’m actually just scared. As I grow older, an unexplainable fear creeps in…”
She wasn’t certain exactly what was causing her anxiety.
“If your fear is simply about being alone,” Li Shasha, who had been silently reading on the carpet, suddenly looked up, “I can visit during the holidays and take care of you if you’re sick for an extended period.”
Li Xichun remained silent.
Li Shasha remarked, “Love is the basis for marriage, not just the act of being married.”
Li Xichun playfully commented, “You’re just a kid, how do you come up with such wisdom?”
Li Shasha, unfazed, fibbed, “Dad mentioned that.”
A while later, Li Xiangfu skillfully cooked fish in the kitchen. The fish was sliced so finely, akin to cicada wings, and placed on ginger slices to eliminate any odors.
Watching his brother’s competence, Li Xichun momentarily forgot how careless he used to be, pondering what had changed in him. Had he found the lifestyle he desired?
Until the night before Mr. Li’s return, Li Xichun grappled with this question, absentmindedly biting his lip, almost drawing blood.
…
After investing a considerable sum to consult with Dr. Norton, Mr. Li had a comprehensive plan to convince his daughter to end her relationship. Upon entering the house, ready to set his plan in motion, Li Xichun took the initiative and declared, “Dad, I’ve come to a realization.” Mr. Li was momentarily taken aback and then his expression softened, “Take your time to think about it.”
Li Xichun reminisced about his past self and found it somewhat amusing, saying, “I shouldn’t view marriage as a mandatory task. My younger brother is right—the prerequisite for marriage is love, not just the act of being married.” In that moment, Mr. Li felt an ominous foreboding.
Li Xichun’s smile returned to its previous radiance, “Dad, I won’t marry again in this lifetime. I’ll just let things unfold naturally.” “…” After a brief silence, a highly somber voice resonated throughout the villa, Mr. Li spoke calmly but sternly, shouting:
“Li——Xiang——Fu! Come down here!”
Upstairs.
Li Xiangfu was delicately dusting off the guqin. His voice startled the sparrows perched on the treetops outside the house, causing them to hastily fly away. His hand shook, and his fingertips were nearly nicked by the strings.
The author has something to say:
Li Xiangfu: Why is leading a stable life so challenging?
AHAHAHA LXF persuaded his sister to not marry instead of leaving that guy. That family probably won’t have any grandchildren (other than system) if the bigger brother did not have children as well.
Thanks for the chapter~~~
I feel the sister, I feel the stress of needing to be married and having kids asap due to age. I also feel her thoughts about her relationship, I’m also already with my BF for so many years, despite all the things about the relationship that upsets me, if I break up and try again who knows if I’ll ever meet someone else. Lol, probably why I keep immerse myself in novels
reading this made me even more grateful that my parents have never urged me to get married. i guess it also helps that ive been honest about my unwillingness for marriage. my mother’s chill with it and its always my father who asks when we meet. i always tell him he has to wait for my younger siblings if wants grandchildren. its always the distant relatives who tries to gaslight me into thinking marriage and kids are a good idea
Bro persuasion isn’t “gaslighting” no matter how annoying you find it ☠️
It is, if what they say makes you question your own ideas about your own future and self-worth.
Once the “persuasion” borders on the line of harassing you to get married using guilt and whatnot, then yes, it IS gaslighting you to believe your self-worth lies in getting married and having kids when your elders want you to
Be careful what you wish for, sir lmao
hahahahahahhahahaha