Chapter 18

Translator: Nyoi-Bo Studio Editor: Nyoi-Bo Studio

Li Qiao said this with a shallow smile. The packed living room suddenly became dead silent.

Li Guangming’s eyes wandered between Li Qiao and Shang Yu, worrying that his beloved daughter would affront the big wheel. He hurried to change the subject. “We’re greatly honored by Mr. Shang’s presence. You’ve really brought splendor to the humble house of our family!”

The whole Li Family was at a loss for words.

Shouldn’t Li Guangming calm down a little bit? He was the wealthiest man in the city, after all.

Li Qiao let out a sigh in frustration, then crossed her legs and leaned backward.

She was wearing a pair of grey jeans and a simple white T-shirt that was tucked into her pants. It was a relaxed and casual look.

Her crossed legs were especially slim and long. She was sitting the same way Shang Yu was.

At this point, Shang Yu shot a glance at the driver standing by his side and said solemnly, “Mr. Li, I personally apologize to you for Shang Lu breaking off the engagement with your daughter.”

Speaking at a steady pace, he sounded polite and respectful.

The driver placed the gift boxes on the marble coffee table at the opportune moment.

Li Guangming’s face stiffened, and his smile disappeared. “So… you’re calling off this marriage arrangement for real?”

Li Qiao didn’t understand her father’s response.

Shang Yu took a cup of tea from a servant. His long, slender fingers held the lid of the cup to filter out the tea leaves. “I’m sure you’ve all heard about Shang Lu’s disease. I’m afraid that calling it off is the only solution for now,” he replied.

“Can I ask if your father knows about this decision?” Li Guangming’s expression turned grave, and his eyebrows knitted tightly together. It didn’t look like he was pretending.

Li Qiao secretly sized Li Guangming up, and the suspicions she’d been having grew stronger.

Shang Yu took a sip of the black tea and slowly raised his head. He looked right into Li Guangming’s eyes and said, “My father doesn’t know about this yet. I’ll head back to Pama tomorrow and inform him.”

Li Qiao chuckled out of the blue when she saw Li Guangming and Duan Shuyuan exchange a furtive look. To everyone’s surprise, she said, “That would be great. Thank you Master Yan for your trouble.”

Shang Yu glanced sideways upon hearing Li Qiao’s response. The girl next to him raised her eyebrows and cracked a mischievous smile.

“Qiaoqiao!” With a stern face, Li Guangming called out her name. It could hardly be considered scolding, but he apparently looked upset.

Li Qiao narrowed her eyes and fiddled with her fingertips. Her delicate face remained composed. “Dad, did I say something wrong?”

In fact, Li Qiao had easily read her parents’ thoughts from their facial expressions. They didn’t want to break off this engagement at all.

Why on earth was that?

Seeing Li Qiao’s probing eyes, Li Guangming realized now that he’d given too much away.

He regained a pleasing countenance and said to Shang Yu, “Mr. Shang, can we discuss the details upstairs?”

Shang Yu stroked the celadon teacup with his thumb. His eyes fell on Li Qiao’s fair cheeks, and he nodded slightly and replied, “That’s fine.”

…

Before long, Li Guangming and Shang Yu disappeared behind the staircase on the second floor.

Li Qiao propped her forehead in her palm and darted a casual glance at Duan Shuyuan. “Mom, is it true that you don’t want my engagement with Shang Lu to be called off?” she asked.

Duan Shuyuan combed the hair above her ear with her fingers and denied it in an obviously insincere tone. “Why would that be the case? No, nothing like that.”

Li Qiao’s big brother Li Jun looked around and let out a sigh and said, “But I also think dad’s attitude just now was a little strange!”

“Mom, are you and dad hiding something from us? Shang Lu made it clear that he doesn’t want to marry Qiaoqiao. But you and dad still insist on it. What’s the… story behind this child betrothal?” Li Yan also asked in confusion.

Duan Shuyuan paused for a moment, then scowled at Li Yan. “What kind of story could there be?” she said. “A long time ago…”

Here we go again!

Li Qiao’s parents always gave such perfunctory answers whenever she or her brothers asked about the origin of her engagement with Shang Lu.

At this time, Li Cheng ran out of patience and interrupted Duan Shuyuan’s cliche speech. He said to her in a croaky voice, “Mom, let’s drop this marriage arrangement if that’s the case.

“Shang Shaoyan visited us today on Shang Lu’s behalf. I think his goal is to protect his younger brother. It looks like I have to figure out some other ways to exact revenge for Qiaoqiao.”

Li Cheng was the one who’d planned the creative welcome ceremony for Shang Lu outside of the house. It was also his first “gift” to Shang Lu.

The sexy woman who’d disguised herself as a maidservant was his most capable aid: Nan Xin.