Chapter 19: That Crown Prince
He seemed extremely angry.
With a bright smile, Li Jiuwei propped her cheek and said, “Just an ordinary suitor. Is there really any need to make such a fuss?”
She spoke with remarkable composure.
Jiang Huaijing scrutinized Li Jiuwei’s face intently, not missing the slightest nuance of her expression.
Everything was normal; she showed no sign of guilt.
Only then did Jiang Huaijing release Li Jiuwei, warning her coldly, “Remember your place. Even if I no longer want you, no other man gets a turn.”
Tsk!
Too late.
Li Jiuwei tapped her fingers on the table. The time had not yet come to break with him entirely.
She wondered what expression Jiang Huaijing would wear, what feelings he’d have, once he discovered the truth.
A wicked smile curved Li Jiuwei’s lips.
Before leaving, Jiang Huaijing said, “Take care of yourself.”
Li Jiuwei laughed indifferently.
Today, Li Jiuwei had a day off and planned to lounge at home, but received a message from Shen Tang.
[Weiwei, how does it feel to be proposed to? If you have time, you should bring your precious little darling out for a gathering.]
Shen Tang knew Li Jiuwei kept a young wolfdog lover, but Li Jiuwei had never introduced him to anyone.
[It’s already over.]
[??? You’re willing to let go?]
[Whether I want to or not, I must. The little wolfdog is restless, and I’ve got a mess of troubles here. Who can say what the future holds!]
[Weiwei, I’ll always stand by you. If you need anything, just say the word.]
[Actually, there’s something I need your help with. I remember the Shen family cooperates with the Feng Group. Can you arrange a meeting with their prince?]
[Weiwei, honestly, though our families do cooperate, I’ve never met the prince—he’s far too mysterious. But my uncle mentioned there’s a business gala in three days, and the prince will attend.]
Li Jiuwei sat upright in a flash!
She replied instantly.
[Thank you, darling. I’ll rely on you for the invitation to the gala.]
[Ok~]
This was a golden opportunity.
Li Jiuwei’s mood brightened at once.
Three days from now, she must attend that gala.
Her good mood didn’t last long, though. A servant beside her reminded, “Miss, today is the Li family’s banquet.”
So soon? The Li family’s banquet was set for a fixed day each month, and every family member was required to return.
She drove back to the Li home. The living room was filled with warmth and laughter.
But the moment Li Jiuwei appeared, the laughter died.
How quickly things changed.
Li Jiuwei settled naturally onto the sofa, lazily calling out, “Dad, Mom.”
“Sister, Big Brother, Second Brother, and Aunt are all here,” Li Xinchun pointedly reminded her.
“A country bumpkin fresh from the sticks—no matter how much you teach her, she’ll never improve,” Li Jingbai remarked coolly.
Li Yuci smiled carelessly. “Jiuwei lived in the countryside so long, certain habits are hard to break. But we’re family; we should be more tolerant.”
“Yuci is right. We’re family. We must unite as one,” Li Father agreed.
Li Jiuwei ignored their words and actions.
Those present exchanged glances.
Li Father looked at Li Jiuwei and asked, “Jiuwei… what was that proposal last night about?”
“It was exactly as you saw.”
“Sister, you’re engaged. Why are you still tangled up with other men?” Li Xinchun had seen the video circulating this morning—first shocked, then gleeful, finally finding evidence of Jiuwei’s infidelity!
Now, she could finally make use of it.
“If you can flirt with men who have fiancées, why can’t others get entangled with me? What kind of logic is that!”
Her words left Li Xinchun shamed and furious, face flushed red.
The rest of the Li family sympathized with Xinchun. Li Jingbai was about to explode, but stopped when he caught Li Father’s gaze. He spoke with icy menace: “Xinchun is not like you. If you ever hope to return to the Li family, sign this agreement.”
Li Jingbai tossed the contract onto the table.
Li Jiuwei glanced at it, unable to suppress a laugh. “Whose idea was this?” She surveyed everyone present.
The usually silent Li Jingshen spoke up, “Jiuwei, sign it and we remain a family.”
“No. This is what Grandfather left me; whether shares or antiques!”
She refused without hesitation.
This time, the Li family’s expressions soured.
The atmosphere grew thick.
“What are you discussing?”
Shen Moxu stepped into the living room. Li Yuci happily approached him. “Moxu, how come you have time to visit today?”
“Not welcome?”
“Of course you’re welcome, I couldn’t ask for more,” Li Yuci muttered softly.
In the past, Shen Moxu never liked visiting the Li home.
His appearance today made Li Yuci exceedingly happy; before him, Li Yuci became a bashful little woman.
The rest of the Li family were equally surprised.
“Why are you all so grim—did something happen?”
“Uncle… nothing. We’re just discussing something with Sister,” Li Xinchun whispered.
Before Shen Moxu, Li Xinchun dared not act out.
Shen Moxu made a sound of acknowledgment. He glanced at the silent Li Jiuwei, his eyes landing on the document on the table. He picked it up and glanced through it.
The others kept quiet.
In truth, they didn’t want Shen Moxu to know about such matters—after all, it was a family affair, and Li Yuci and Shen Moxu were not married yet.
“Well drafted.”
“You approve as well?” Li Yuci’s eyes sparkled as she gazed at Shen Moxu’s handsome profile, her heart thumping wildly.
“Families shouldn’t be divided.”
Li Jiuwei sneered inwardly. She had actually hoped Shen Moxu would stand apart from them.
Aunt Tang’s uncle, turns out, was no better.
“Sister, even Uncle approves.”
“My possessions aren’t yours to approve of—not anyone’s,” Li Jiuwei shot a cold glance at Shen Moxu. Their eyes met; she shifted her gaze away indifferently.
“You heartless thing, get out! The Li family does not welcome you. Come back when you agree to the terms!” Li Mother could no longer restrain herself.
The next moment, Li Jiuwei rose abruptly, and strode out without a care.
The Li family, seeing their threats fail, were dumbfounded.
Li Jiuwei had never coveted the Li family!
“Jiuwei…”
The one who chased after her was Li Jingshen.
Li Jiuwei said nothing, merely gazing at Li Jingshen.
He suddenly found himself speechless.
Li Jiuwei left. Just outside the gate, another figure appeared—it was Shen Moxu.
She ignored him, stepping forward to leave.
Shen Moxu spoke, “Your family doesn’t care for you. Your fiancé doesn’t love you. Alone, you’ll never outmaneuver them. Sooner or later, you’ll be their feast, your value slowly devoured—guess what will happen to you in the end?”
“So?”
“Signing is in your best interest. When it comes to profit, family ties are the most worthless thing.”
Li Jiuwei studied his expression, saying nothing.
At last, she turned and walked away.
Shen Moxu had touched on the truth—she knew it already. Since being sent to the countryside for ten years, she no longer believed in family. Since being betrayed by her beloved fiancé, she stopped believing in love.
As for what the future might hold—
Li Jiuwei pressed her lips together. She could hardly wait to meet that mysterious prince.