Chapter 9: Take a Look at This Family

but widen her eyes because over the years she lived with her brother, he had never stepped into her room."Ruan Xi, you should leave first. I need to have a talk with Xuanxuan," said Ruan Zhao in a low...Chapter 9: Look at This Family

Liyi was extremely humble and flattering as he smiled at Li Haonan, saying, "Dad, you must have just arrived from your trip. Are you tired Please sit down first. We can talk about whatever needs to be discussed later."

Even the usually shrewd Liyi never dared to act freely or use his wits in front of his parents. He carefully observed his father's expression and gently guided him to sit on the sofa.

"Right, right! Dad, Mom, you must be tired. Please take a seat!" After initial panic, Lian became more alert and called out to the servants, "Bring me the high-quality Biluochun tea I just brought back. My mom loves drinking this."

Then he moved closer to Gu Xiaobei's side, chuckling as he put an arm around his mother’s shoulder. His eyes swept across Yan Luoxi, who stood beside his mother, "Mom, this is Dongting Biluochun tea. I know you like it. Last time we went to Taihu Lake, I specially visited Dongting Mountain and bought this at a high price from the local farmers—it's very genuine."

Lian was well aware of who held the authority in this family; his father might have been loud and imposing, but everything still came under his mother’s control. As long as he could please his mother, everything would be smooth sailing.

However, Gu Xiaobei seemed clearly displeased today. Lian's attempt to butter her up fell flat. She coldly shot a glance at him and roughly shrugged off his hand, disgusted, "Stay away from me. Don't act so silly in front of me. What’s the big deal about buying it at a high price It was still my money anyway!"

Then Gu Xiaobei reached out her hand to Yan Luoxi standing beside her and softly said, "Luoxi, come here and sit with Auntie."

The sight of this family's reunion, bustling with activity, left Yan Luoxi feeling a bit dumbfounded. She could only stand quietly by the side, her eyes moving nervously from person to person.

She wondered to herself what Ling Haonan and Gu Xiaobei's intentions were. What if they came as mediators, trying to force her into a relationship with Li An How should she handle the situation then

Hearing Gu Xiaobei suddenly addressing her, Yan Luoxi was startled; afterwards, she nervously moved closer to Gu Xiaobei.

Although she knew that Gu Xiaobei had loved her deeply over these years and treated her well, there were no conflicts of interest back then. Now, compared to the wishes of her biological son, would her own feelings still be important

Gu Xiaobei could tell that Yan Luoxi was anxious and uneasy; she opened her arms and embraced Yan Luoxi as if she were a baby, patting her shoulder silently to offer comfort.

In the past, every time she felt wronged, Li Haonan had always treated her like this, which made her feel very cherished. She thought that for Yan Luoxi, who was now like a frightened bird, this pose would be most effective.

Yan Luoxi leaned against Gu Xiaobei's familiar embrace, feeling the soft affection and warm breath; tears once again streamed down her face.

Having been alone for so long and wandering outside by herself for many years, Yan Luoxi, who had lost both parents from a young age, yearned deeply for this safe and cozy embrace!

Gu Xiaobei silently comforted Yan Luoxi for quite some time before saying with utmost seriousness, "Luoxi, don't be afraid. With me around, no one will make you suffer any more injustices; nobody can force your body or will."

Lying in Gu Xiaobei's arms, Yan Luoxi could sense the kindness and gentleness in her words, just like when Gu Xiaobei held her hand back then as a child who had lost her father, offering warmth and trustworthiness.

Lǐ'ān kept watching his mother and Yán Luòxī beside him. These two women were the ones he loved most in this world. Seeing them getting along so harmoniously, hugging each other affectionately made his heart feel sweet.

However, upon hearing what his mother said afterward, he somewhat sensed her intentions and realized that she wouldn’t favor him.

Lǐ'ān panicked a little bit. Unable to get anywhere with his mother, he turned to his father instead.

"Dad, you’re the best! You got past my front gate without me knowing it, but even when my brother came, he had to go through security at the door." Lǐ'ān’s bright eyes were full of admiration and a hint of submission, instantly conveying both his adoration and respect.

Lǐ Hào Nán was quite proud of being praised by his son. However, such a sly tactic from Lǐ'ān could still be easily recognized by him, which made him feel even more frustrated. Considering how straightforward he had always been in life, why did he have such a cunning son

He gave a cold snort and said, "You’re just a slick talker who shirks responsibility all day long, doing nothing good. If I knew you’d turn out like this, I should’ve strangled you right after you were born."

"But I am the fruit of my parents' love! How could Dad bear to strangle me" Lǐ'ān laughed slyly and said, "Besides, having me around makes the house lively. If there was only my big brother here alone, it would be so dull..." He kept talking to himself and seemed to enjoy himself more and more.

“The fruit of their love…” Gù Xiǎoběi blushed upon hearing this in front of a few kids. She glared fiercely at Lǐ'ān, "How old are you Still acting like a kid! Shut your mouth right now!"

"Sorry, Mom. I just felt that the atmosphere was a bit tense and wanted to lighten it up. But I ended up making things worse. It’s my fault." Lǐ'ān looked both apologetic and innocent.

If he had said such things in another context, those who criticized him would feel that their words and actions were overly harsh. However, everyone in the Li family was too familiar with Li An's manipulative tactics to be swayed by his words.

Lǐ Huònán saw how frivolous and cunning his son Li An was being, and he became even more infuriated when he realized that Li An was also trying to outsmart them. He pointed at Li An’s nose sternly, saying, "Li An, all these years, your nature hasn't changed a bit; you've made no progress at all! You can’t possibly be the fruit of love—more like a gallstone."

Li An didn’t expect his father to say such funny words and burst out laughing. After half an hour of laughter, seeing that others weren’t joining in, he gradually stopped laughing as it became more awkward.

"Li An, you should know why your mother and I suddenly came here today. Don't talk about unnecessary things." Lǐ Huònán didn’t want to play around with this little son anymore; if the stubborn kid wanted to chat idly, he could keep talking until it was dark.

Li An frowned, pretending to think deeply for a while and then shook his head. "I don't know."

"Li An!" When Lǐ Huònán saw how unrepentant Li An looked, anger mixed with resentment appeared on his face. "Are you trying to play dumb Zhou Guangtao called me from overseas; he told me everything over the phone!"

"Dad, why do you believe what he said I've been doing well lately, living and working honestly." Li An looked at his father with an innocent face once again. "The only mistake I made was driving after drinking—look," pointing to his injured leg, "Heaven has punished me already."

Lǐ Huònán was truly about to be driven mad by this stubborn child; originally, due to Li An’s injury, he didn’t want to hit him, but the kid kept provoking him!cient, but gradually, her presentation became as smooth as flowing water. Her fluent foreign language and skilled operation made the dull product promotion lively and engaging. She seemed to be born t...