Li Beinian suddenly broke into a smile. “Shouldn’t I be the one asking you this?”
Li Xueqing looked up at her.
Overhead, Li Beinian flashed a broad smile, her eyes were dazzling.
There was a glow around her as she was bathed in the light of the street lamp shining brightly behind her.
She felt thoroughly shamed and humiliated.
Li Xueqing was indignant, but her face was burning and she felt dizzy.
She replied, “I don’t understand what you mean.”
“It doesn’t matter if you don’t understand.” Li Beinian looked at her from above and said unhurriedly, “As long as you take up responsibility.”
She heard a knock on the door.
“Xueqing, Mommy is back.”
It was Fang Zhili’s voice.
Li Beinian raised her eyebrow and glanced at her. “Your mother is back. Do you want to open the door?”
Her voice was subdued and only the two of them could hear it.
The light in Li Xueqing’s eyes quivered as she hesitated for a moment. Then she reached out to stroke her own face.
Li Beinian’s eyes devoid of emotions as she said, “I’ll give you a chance.”
“What?”
Li Beinian pursed her lips and waved the phone in front of her. She said slowly, “Secondly, I will sue you in court. Your reputation will be ruined and even Dawn Entertainment will be in turmoil.”
Li Xueqing looked at Li Beinian and asked without hesitation, “What’s the second option?”
If she were to take the first option, her reputation would be ruined.
To date, the Li Family had only Dawn Entertainment under their belt.
This company belonged to Li Haoran and it would definitely be hers in the future.
Based on Li Haoran and Li Beinian’s current relationship, Li Xueqing didn’t have to worry about the company ending up with Li Beinian.
Hence, she absolutely would not choose the first option.
Li Beinian had expected this and said unhurriedly, “Your second option, open the door and tell your mother that Mu Donglin hit you.”
Li Xueqing’s expression stiffened.
Her eyes widened as though she was hearing something shocking.
Li Beinian, however, did not look like she was joking at all.
She was staring back at the girl with a faint, rigid smile.
Noticing Li Xueqing’s shocked expression, she bent forward and whispered, “What’s wrong?”
Li Xueqing said with disbelief, “No way, what’s the difference between this option and the first?”
How much better would it be to offend Mu Donglin than choosing the first option?
If Mu Donglin were to find out that she was slandering him behind his back, he might even deal with Dawn Entertainment!
Although Li Xueqing wasn’t a very intelligent person, she wasn’t stupid either.
Li Beinian chuckled upon hearing Li Xueqing’s words. “No difference?”
Li Beinian looked at her with sympathy and pity. At the same time, she said mockingly, “How can there be no difference, you silly child.”
She said this with mocked helplessness.
Just like an elder speaking to a junior!
Li Xueqing was slightly annoyed. Before she could speak, Li Beinian interjected, “If I were to sue Mu Donglin in court, do you think his reputation will be preserved?”
“Choose one of the two.” Li Beinian looked at her disdainfully and corrected, “Three.”
Li Xueqing hesitated.
“Two.”
There was another knock on the door.
“Xueqing, are you asleep?” Fang Zhili asked.
Li Beinian pursed her lips and said, “One.”
At the same time, Li Xueqing got up from the ground and said, “I’ll open the door.”
Li Beinian raised her eyebrow and said, “I’ll be listening in your cloakroom, don’t play tricks.”
Li Xueqing was reluctant, but she eventually relented.
She got up and went to open the door. Fang Zhili was still dressed in the outfit she had on earlier.
Fang Zhili was going to speak, but the moment the door opened, she saw Li Xueqing’s unsightly face.
Her cheeks were swollen and her hair was in a great mess.
Not only that, her eyes were also red and swollen like two walnuts. She looked extremely awful.
Fang Zhili looked at her daughter in shock and almost didn’t dare to believe it was her. She shrieked, “What happened, Xueqing?”
Seeing her mother in this state cause Li Xueqing to be so aggrieved that the girl burst into tears.
Although she was dizzy, she did not forget her mission.
She pulled Fang Zhili into the room and shut the door, saying, “Mom…”
Fang Zhili’s heart wrenched in pain.
She quickly reached out to touch her daughter’s face and almost cried. She jumped and said, “Who beat you up like this? Oh my, was it that little bitch in the next room?”
She raised her voice, clearly dissatisfied with Li Beinian.
As she spoke, she turned around to open the door, intending to seek out Li Beinian so that she could settle the score.
Li Beinian sat in the cloakroom and looked at Li Xueqing’s branded clothes and underwear. She sneered in her heart as she listened to Fang Zhili’s words.
She was really made a scapegoat!
It seemed she’d always be the first person to come to mind whenever something happened.
What had she ever done to offend this mother-and-daughter pair?
Just because she was Li Haoran’s biological daughter who had led a wandering life for more than ten years?
Or could it be, they were actually afraid that she’d steal their family assets?
Li Beinian found this even more ironic.
Outside, Li Xueqing was grabbing Fang Zhili’s hand and shouting, “Mom, no, it wasn’t her!”
This time round, Fang Zhili was surprised.
Fang Zhili turned to look at her daughter’s swollen face and asked in disbelief, “Who did this then?”
Li Xueqing burst into tears and stammered, “It… it… it was… the guest today!”
Today’s guest?
Fang Zhili’s first reaction was to think of Mu Donglin.
However, immediately, she decided against it, “That’s impossible!”
Li Xueqing sighed in her heart on hearing these words. Indeed!
Who would believe that it was Mu Donglin?
Even Li Xueqing wouldn’t have believed it, let alone Fang Zhili.
Noticing her daughter’s awkward expression, Fang Zhili asked, “Tell me honestly, did that little b*tch blackmail you?”
A mother knows her daughter best.
Fang Zhili’s words hit the nail right on the head.
Li Beinian was shocked.
Indeed!
Not only was Fang Zhili resourceful, she had an IQ that Li Xueqing couldn’t even quite match.
Fang Zhili was much smarter than Li Xueqing.
Li Xueqing’s expression changed. “Mom…”
Fang Zhili looked like she had expected this and hollered, “Indeed!”
Aware that Li Beinian was in the cloakroom, Li Xueqing immediately shook her head and said, “No, Mom. Nothing happened. Mu Donglin did this…”
Li Xueqing made up a story and said that Mu Donglin was chased out of Li Beinian’s room after she had let him in. He was so furious that he beat her up.
Although it wasn’t convincing, it was nevertheless a legitimate excuse.
Of course Fang Zhili wouldn’t believe it, although she questioned further. “Earlier on, I had asked your father to take the old man out for a walk, to make it easier for Young Master Mu to talk to that little b*tch. Who’d have imagined, I saw Mu Donglin and Mu Xichen fighting when I came back!”
Li Xueqing knew about this.
Hence she didn’t seem surprised.
However, Fang Zhili quickly added, “At the end of the day, they’re brothers and share the same father. How could they be so ruthless with each other?”
Li Beinian felt that something was wrong.
So ruthless?
Obviously, Mu Xichen had the upper hand!
What exactly had happened during the fight that made Fang Zhili say this?
However, Fang Zhili did not continue but merely said. “I’ll go and get the first aid kit.”
Her words were full of heartache. “What the hell, he’s beaten a girl’s face to such a state. Fortunately, filming for the movie hasn’t started, and they’re still in the preparation stage for the television show. I’ll postpone the recent advertisements for you. Sigh, the military training will start in a fortnight. How wicked!”
Fang Zhili’s words trailed off. Soon, she heard the sound of the door opening.
Door opening, door shutting.
Li Beinian walked out and saw that Li Xueqing was sitting on the bed.
When Li Xueqing saw Li Beinian walk out, she said angrily, “Are you satisfied now!?”
Li Beinian smiled. “It’s too early for you to be happy. However, what’s with the military training?”
Li Xueqing was stunned. Then, she smiled smugly and said, “I thought you’d been selected. I didn’t expect it to be like this.”
Li Beinian frowned. “What do you mean?”
“‘Stinging Vine’ is a military film, and many of the characters in it are members of the special forces. Of course we have to undergo strict special training before filming commences. Otherwise, how would we be convincing as special force soldiers?” It was hard to tell Li Xueqing’s expression given her swollen face, but her eyes were undoubtedly shining with pride. “What a pity. Since you’re so highly-skilled, you’d have been great for this movie. However, too bad you shot yourself in the foot.”
She had done such an arrogant thing and even beaten up Jiang Qian at the audition.
It would be a huge surprise if the panel had selected her!
Li Beinian was about to speak, when she heard the door being pushed open again.
She hurriedly retreated back into the cloakroom. Then she heard the sound of the first aid kit being opened.
Li Xueqing asked, “Mom, you just said that they were fighting. Who exactly won?”
“I don’t know.” Fang Zhili took the medicine and looked at her daughter’s face. Her heart ached. “Your face, sigh! Does it hurt?”
“Yes!” Li Xueqing sounded aggrieved. “It hurts.”
Fang Zhili sighed. “Bear with it.”
“Ouch…” Li Xueqing gasped. “That hurts!”
Fang Zhili said, “Oh, then I’ll be gentler, gentler, my good girl.”
Li Beinian couldn’t help but feel envious listening to them.
Although Fang Zhili wasn’t a good person, she was undoubtedly a good mother.
Furthermore, in her previous life, the Li Family thrived well and it was in no small part due to Fang Zhili’s efforts.
Alas, they were destined to be at loggerheads.
Li Xueqing asked again, “Who won? Who looked to be in a worse position?”
“Sigh. Need you ask.” Fang Zhili sounded helpless. “How can Eldest Young Master Mu match up to a member of the special force?”
“You mean, Leader Mu won?” Li Xueqing sounded surprised.
Li Beinian also pricked up her ears.
“I don’t know. Anyway, both their faces were covered in blood. Mu Donglin was beaten so badly that he couldn’t even get up. Your father has just sent him to the hospital.”
“What about Mu Xichen?”
“He has been taken away by your grandfather. The old man seemed very angry and looked like he was chiding his own grandson. How shameful.”
Li Beinian was flabbergasted.
That wasn’t chiding his grandson, but chiding his grandson-in-law!
Li Beinian felt a little anxious listening to this.
She couldn’t wait to dash out to see how Mu Xichen was doing.
“Is Leader Mu injured then?” Li Xueqing sounded concerned. “Was his face covered in blood too?”
“Covered in blood would be an exaggeration, but certainly it didn’t look good.” Fang Zhili applied medicine for Li Xueqing. “Mu Xichen is good at everything, but he’s too tough. He has a strong fist and a strong personality. I don’t know how Mu Donglin offended him, but to think he actually came all the way to our house to beat someone up.”
“He seems to be here for Nian Nian.”
“No matter what he’s here for, you can’t possibly meet him with that face of yours.” Fang Zhili said with regret. “But fortunately, there’s still some time before the military training starts. Take good care of yourself during this period of time. You’ll definitely be able to make it in time for the military training. When the time comes, seize the opportunity and build a good relationship with him. Don’t be anxious. You can’t rush a personality like that.”
True, it couldn’t be rushed.
Mu Xichen had always been slow to warm up.
Only, it was useless either way.
He was already hers.
Li Beinian waited for a long time. After about half an hour, Li Haoran finally called for Fang Zhili.
Li Beinian was finally able to walk out.
In fact, Li Beinian didn’t even know why she was hiding.
Now that she was back in her room, she suddenly felt like she had done something stupid.
She took out her phone and called Mu Xichen. Almost at once, Mu Xichen’s phone could be heard ringing in the room.
Li Beinian picked up his phone nervously.
She went downstairs quickly and saw that Grandpa was sitting in the living room.
The Old Master did not look pleased. When he saw Li Beinian, he looked even angrier.
Li Beinian saw how sullen he was and asked, “Grandpa, where is he?”
Old Master Li slammed his cane on the ground angrily. “You’ve become quite capable haven’t you, bringing him all the way here!? Do you know about the fight just then?”
Li Beinian’s heart sank.
She looked at Old Master Li and asked, “Did he tell you why they fought?”
Old Master Li looked at Li Beinian’s rare silence and frowned without saying anything.
Li Beinian continued, “Mu Donglin used force on me and almost raped me.”
Old Master Li was shocked and stood up abruptly. “What!”
“Grandpa.” Li Beinian looked sad. “If he hadn’t come, I don’t know what would have happened. I called out to you in despair, but you didn’t appear…”
Although she knew that Old Master Li had been lured away by Fang Zhili and Li Haoran, Li Beinian couldn’t help but blame him and complain.
She knew that she shouldn’t, since Grandpa treated her very well.
But she couldn’t help it.
This habitual awareness was not something within her own control.
The change in Old Master Li’s expression was unpredictable. Looking into his granddaughter’s face, he felt at once angry and guilty.
Tapping his walking stick against the floor, a look of realization spread across the old man’s face and he said, “No wonder. No wonder they took me to their old friend’s house… they had already planned this…”
This muttering made Li Beinian’s heart ache even more.
One of the people Old Master Li was muttering about was her father.
Her very own father.
She bowed to Old Master Li and said, “I’m leaving now, Grandpa.”
With that, Li Beinian turned around.
She straightened her back and walked away quickly.
Old Master Li stared at Li Beinian’s back view for a long time. He opened his mouth, but no words came out.
There was a dull ache in his heart as guilt and self-reproach overwhelmed him.
He was too obstinate.
He thought that as long as Nian Nian relented and softened, Li Haoran would treat her like his own. Although there was no comparison to Li Xueqing, at least he wouldn’t go too far.
But now, reality had proven, that was only what he thought.
He was wrong, terribly wrong.
Old Master Li stood there for a long time, eventually sighing in disappointment.
Li Beinian walked out and saw a silver Spyker parked opposite the villa.
It did not enter the property, but such a car was undoubtedly eye-catching.
Li Beinian walked towards the car and knocked on the passenger door.
Rap.
A muted sound. The car door was unlocked.
Li Beinian opened the door and the first thing she noticed was the bruises on Mu Xichen’s face.
Bruises here and there, it was a terrible sight.
Li Beinian was shocked. She leaned over and reached out to touch his face.
Mu Xichen pulled a long face and subtly avoided her hand. “Let’s go home.”
His voice was faint, there was a barely detectable depth and change in it.
Li Beinian noticed that his hand was also stained red with blood.
The skin around the tip of his fist was scraped and looked particularly striking.
Li Beinian put her hand on his and said, “I’ll drive.”
After saying this, Li Beinian opened the car door and ran to the driver’s seat. She opened the car door and pushed him away. “Go over there.”
Mu Xichen looked up at her. The girl in front of him was quiet and beautiful, her eyes full of worry and concern for him.
There was no hiding it.
Without a sound, Mu Xichen moved in.
The journey was silent.
This place was about the same distance from Tai Chen Prefecture and Qing Shui Prefecture. Li Beinian headed straight for Tai Chen Prefecture.
Upon arriving home, Li Beinian brought the first aid kit over and pressed Mu Xichen onto the sofa. “Sit down.”
Mu Xichen frowned slightly and said, “I’m fine. Go take a shower and sleep. I’ll do it myself.”
“No.” Li Beinian looked like there was no room for negotiation. “You have to sit down. I’ll apply the medicine for you.”
As she spoke, she tugged at Mu Xichen’s clothes and said, “Take off your clothes.”
Mu Xichen resisted and blocked her hand.
Li Beinian was even more certain now, there were more injuries under his shirt!
Frowning, Li Beinian exerted some force.
She pushed him onto the sofa and pulled his jacket aside, only to be drawn into his embrace.
Mu Xichen held her in his arms and lightly kissed the tips of her hair.
This sudden movement startled Li Beinian.
She hugged him back, but she did not dare to use too much force, for fear of touching any hidden wounds on his body.
Li Beinian asked in a whisper, “What’s wrong?”
He held her tightly and replied in a slightly hoarse voice, “Do you regret being with me?”
Li Beinian suddenly had a strange gut feeling.
She looked up at him and heard another voice in her head. It was the same voice as that of the man in front of her.
The Mu Xichen in her mind was even thinner than the Mu Xichen in front of her now.
The expression in his eyes was deep and quiet, looking at her like he was looking at his beloved treasure.
He asked her, “Do you regret knowing me?”
What was her answer back then?
Li Beinian propped herself up slightly and kissed him deeply on the lips. “I love you. I will never regret it.”
Mu Xichen’s eyes were deep and glistening with light.
He couldn’t help but hold her close as he sat up and deepened the kiss.
Li Beinian tilted her head back in invitation, but did not dare to hug him too tightly, passively receiving his deep emotional release.
But very quickly, Li Beinian let him go as she said, “Did Mu Donglin say something to you?”
Mu Xichen’s eyes darkened. After a moment, he shook his head.
“Then why suddenly this question?” Li Beinian asked as she grabbed his shirt.
She finally removed his jacket and saw a large bruise on his arm under his T-shirt.
This large bruise was out of place with the rest of his skin color. It was particularly eye-catching against his light honey skin.
Li Beinian’s heart ached as she lifted his shirt.
The navy blue T-shirt was finally taken off. All sorts of deep and shallow scars on his body were familiar to her.
Every scar and bullet wound was a cruel memento of his ten years of fighting.
Unlike the other wounds, the bruise on Mu Xichen’s chest stood out.
Looking at the position, it was exactly where the heart was.
Li Beinian’s eyes burned as she reached out to touch his chest and asked softly, “Does it hurt?”
“It doesn’t hurt.”
She noticed his expression and couldn’t help but glare at him, then muttered in a pained voice, “Look at how bad it is, how can it not hurt!”
Liar! You’re always lying!
Just as she picked up the medicine and was about to apply it to the bruise, Mu Xichen stopped her.
Mu Xichen seemed a little helpless as he said, “What’s the hurry? Do it after my shower. Otherwise, it will be washed off.”
“Don’t shower. Why shower when you’re in this state!” Li Beinian pushed him back. “What if you catch a cold!”
Mu Xichen smiled helplessly and said, “A hot shower can improve blood circulation and heal bruises. I’ll recover faster after a shower.”
“Really?”
“Really.”
Li Beinian thought about it and put the lid back on. She got up and said, “Go take a shower then.”
Mu Xichen’s expression softened as he reached out to pull her into his arms.
Li Beinian fell limply onto his chest as a habit.
Suddenly startled, she quickly shrank back and said, “Don’t hug me like that. It will hurt!”
The man smiled and said softly, “Grandpa told me many things just then.”
“What did he tell you?” Li Beinian looked up at him.
The expression in his eyes deepened as he looked at her. He said unhurriedly, “Things about you.”
More specifically, it was about her identity.
Li Beinian suddenly broke into a smile. “Shouldn’t I be the one asking you this?”
Li Xueqing looked up at her.
Overhead, Li Beinian flashed a broad smile, her eyes were dazzling.
There was a glow around her as she was bathed in the light of the street lamp shining brightly behind her.
She felt thoroughly shamed and humiliated.
Li Xueqing was indignant, but her face was burning and she felt dizzy.
She replied, “I don’t understand what you mean.”
“It doesn’t matter if you don’t understand.” Li Beinian looked at her from above and said unhurriedly, “As long as you take up responsibility.”
She heard a knock on the door.
“Xueqing, Mommy is back.”
It was Fang Zhili’s voice.
Li Beinian raised her eyebrow and glanced at her. “Your mother is back. Do you want to open the door?”
Her voice was subdued and only the two of them could hear it.
The light in Li Xueqing’s eyes quivered as she hesitated for a moment. Then she reached out to stroke her own face.
Li Beinian’s eyes devoid of emotions as she said, “I’ll give you a chance.”
“What?”
Li Beinian pursed her lips and waved the phone in front of her. She said slowly, “Secondly, I will sue you in court. Your reputation will be ruined and even Dawn Entertainment will be in turmoil.”
Li Xueqing looked at Li Beinian and asked without hesitation, “What’s the second option?”
If she were to take the first option, her reputation would be ruined.
To date, the Li Family had only Dawn Entertainment under their belt.
This company belonged to Li Haoran and it would definitely be hers in the future.
Based on Li Haoran and Li Beinian’s current relationship, Li Xueqing didn’t have to worry about the company ending up with Li Beinian.
Hence, she absolutely would not choose the first option.
Li Beinian had expected this and said unhurriedly, “Your second option, open the door and tell your mother that Mu Donglin hit you.”
Li Xueqing’s expression stiffened.
Her eyes widened as though she was hearing something shocking.
Li Beinian, however, did not look like she was joking at all.
She was staring back at the girl with a faint, rigid smile.
Noticing Li Xueqing’s shocked expression, she bent forward and whispered, “What’s wrong?”
Li Xueqing said with disbelief, “No way, what’s the difference between this option and the first?”
How much better would it be to offend Mu Donglin than choosing the first option?
If Mu Donglin were to find out that she was slandering him behind his back, he might even deal with Dawn Entertainment!
Although Li Xueqing wasn’t a very intelligent person, she wasn’t stupid either.
Li Beinian chuckled upon hearing Li Xueqing’s words. “No difference?”
Li Beinian looked at her with sympathy and pity. At the same time, she said mockingly, “How can there be no difference, you silly child.”
She said this with mocked helplessness.
Just like an elder speaking to a junior!
Li Xueqing was slightly annoyed. Before she could speak, Li Beinian interjected, “If I were to sue Mu Donglin in court, do you think his reputation will be preserved?”
“Choose one of the two.” Li Beinian looked at her disdainfully and corrected, “Three.”
Li Xueqing hesitated.
“Two.”
There was another knock on the door.
“Xueqing, are you asleep?” Fang Zhili asked.
Li Beinian pursed her lips and said, “One.”
At the same time, Li Xueqing got up from the ground and said, “I’ll open the door.”
Li Beinian raised her eyebrow and said, “I’ll be listening in your cloakroom, don’t play tricks.”
Li Xueqing was reluctant, but she eventually relented.
She got up and went to open the door. Fang Zhili was still dressed in the outfit she had on earlier.
Fang Zhili was going to speak, but the moment the door opened, she saw Li Xueqing’s unsightly face.
Her cheeks were swollen and her hair was in a great mess.
Not only that, her eyes were also red and swollen like two walnuts. She looked extremely awful.
Fang Zhili looked at her daughter in shock and almost didn’t dare to believe it was her. She shrieked, “What happened, Xueqing?”
Seeing her mother in this state cause Li Xueqing to be so aggrieved that the girl burst into tears.
Although she was dizzy, she did not forget her mission.
She pulled Fang Zhili into the room and shut the door, saying, “Mom…”
Fang Zhili’s heart wrenched in pain.
She quickly reached out to touch her daughter’s face and almost cried. She jumped and said, “Who beat you up like this? Oh my, was it that little bitch in the next room?”
She raised her voice, clearly dissatisfied with Li Beinian.
As she spoke, she turned around to open the door, intending to seek out Li Beinian so that she could settle the score.
Li Beinian sat in the cloakroom and looked at Li Xueqing’s branded clothes and underwear. She sneered in her heart as she listened to Fang Zhili’s words.
She was really made a scapegoat!
It seemed she’d always be the first person to come to mind whenever something happened.
What had she ever done to offend this mother-and-daughter pair?
Just because she was Li Haoran’s biological daughter who had led a wandering life for more than ten years?
Or could it be, they were actually afraid that she’d steal their family assets?
Li Beinian found this even more ironic.
Outside, Li Xueqing was grabbing Fang Zhili’s hand and shouting, “Mom, no, it wasn’t her!”
This time round, Fang Zhili was surprised.
Fang Zhili turned to look at her daughter’s swollen face and asked in disbelief, “Who did this then?”
Li Xueqing burst into tears and stammered, “It… it… it was… the guest today!”
Today’s guest?
Fang Zhili’s first reaction was to think of Mu Donglin.
However, immediately, she decided against it, “That’s impossible!”
Li Xueqing sighed in her heart on hearing these words. Indeed!
Who would believe that it was Mu Donglin?
Even Li Xueqing wouldn’t have believed it, let alone Fang Zhili.
Noticing her daughter’s awkward expression, Fang Zhili asked, “Tell me honestly, did that little b*tch blackmail you?”
A mother knows her daughter best.
Fang Zhili’s words hit the nail right on the head.
Li Beinian was shocked.
Indeed!
Not only was Fang Zhili resourceful, she had an IQ that Li Xueqing couldn’t even quite match.
Fang Zhili was much smarter than Li Xueqing.
Li Xueqing’s expression changed. “Mom…”
Fang Zhili looked like she had expected this and hollered, “Indeed!”
Aware that Li Beinian was in the cloakroom, Li Xueqing immediately shook her head and said, “No, Mom. Nothing happened. Mu Donglin did this…”
Li Xueqing made up a story and said that Mu Donglin was chased out of Li Beinian’s room after she had let him in. He was so furious that he beat her up.
Although it wasn’t convincing, it was nevertheless a legitimate excuse.
Of course Fang Zhili wouldn’t believe it, although she questioned further. “Earlier on, I had asked your father to take the old man out for a walk, to make it easier for Young Master Mu to talk to that little b*tch. Who’d have imagined, I saw Mu Donglin and Mu Xichen fighting when I came back!”
Li Xueqing knew about this.
Hence she didn’t seem surprised.
However, Fang Zhili quickly added, “At the end of the day, they’re brothers and share the same father. How could they be so ruthless with each other?”
Li Beinian felt that something was wrong.
So ruthless?
Obviously, Mu Xichen had the upper hand!
What exactly had happened during the fight that made Fang Zhili say this?
However, Fang Zhili did not continue but merely said. “I’ll go and get the first aid kit.”
Her words were full of heartache. “What the hell, he’s beaten a girl’s face to such a state. Fortunately, filming for the movie hasn’t started, and they’re still in the preparation stage for the television show. I’ll postpone the recent advertisements for you. Sigh, the military training will start in a fortnight. How wicked!”
Fang Zhili’s words trailed off. Soon, she heard the sound of the door opening.
Door opening, door shutting.
Li Beinian walked out and saw that Li Xueqing was sitting on the bed.
When Li Xueqing saw Li Beinian walk out, she said angrily, “Are you satisfied now!?”
Li Beinian smiled. “It’s too early for you to be happy. However, what’s with the military training?”
Li Xueqing was stunned. Then, she smiled smugly and said, “I thought you’d been selected. I didn’t expect it to be like this.”
Li Beinian frowned. “What do you mean?”
“‘Stinging Vine’ is a military film, and many of the characters in it are members of the special forces. Of course we have to undergo strict special training before filming commences. Otherwise, how would we be convincing as special force soldiers?” It was hard to tell Li Xueqing’s expression given her swollen face, but her eyes were undoubtedly shining with pride. “What a pity. Since you’re so highly-skilled, you’d have been great for this movie. However, too bad you shot yourself in the foot.”
She had done such an arrogant thing and even beaten up Jiang Qian at the audition.
It would be a huge surprise if the panel had selected her!
Li Beinian was about to speak, when she heard the door being pushed open again.
She hurriedly retreated back into the cloakroom. Then she heard the sound of the first aid kit being opened.
Li Xueqing asked, “Mom, you just said that they were fighting. Who exactly won?”
“I don’t know.” Fang Zhili took the medicine and looked at her daughter’s face. Her heart ached. “Your face, sigh! Does it hurt?”
“Yes!” Li Xueqing sounded aggrieved. “It hurts.”
Fang Zhili sighed. “Bear with it.”
“Ouch…” Li Xueqing gasped. “That hurts!”
Fang Zhili said, “Oh, then I’ll be gentler, gentler, my good girl.”
Li Beinian couldn’t help but feel envious listening to them.
Although Fang Zhili wasn’t a good person, she was undoubtedly a good mother.
Furthermore, in her previous life, the Li Family thrived well and it was in no small part due to Fang Zhili’s efforts.
Alas, they were destined to be at loggerheads.
Li Xueqing asked again, “Who won? Who looked to be in a worse position?”
“Sigh. Need you ask.” Fang Zhili sounded helpless. “How can Eldest Young Master Mu match up to a member of the special force?”
“You mean, Leader Mu won?” Li Xueqing sounded surprised.
Li Beinian also pricked up her ears.
“I don’t know. Anyway, both their faces were covered in blood. Mu Donglin was beaten so badly that he couldn’t even get up. Your father has just sent him to the hospital.”
“What about Mu Xichen?”
“He has been taken away by your grandfather. The old man seemed very angry and looked like he was chiding his own grandson. How shameful.”
Li Beinian was flabbergasted.
That wasn’t chiding his grandson, but chiding his grandson-in-law!
Li Beinian felt a little anxious listening to this.
She couldn’t wait to dash out to see how Mu Xichen was doing.
“Is Leader Mu injured then?” Li Xueqing sounded concerned. “Was his face covered in blood too?”
“Covered in blood would be an exaggeration, but certainly it didn’t look good.” Fang Zhili applied medicine for Li Xueqing. “Mu Xichen is good at everything, but he’s too tough. He has a strong fist and a strong personality. I don’t know how Mu Donglin offended him, but to think he actually came all the way to our house to beat someone up.”
“He seems to be here for Nian Nian.”
“No matter what he’s here for, you can’t possibly meet him with that face of yours.” Fang Zhili said with regret. “But fortunately, there’s still some time before the military training starts. Take good care of yourself during this period of time. You’ll definitely be able to make it in time for the military training. When the time comes, seize the opportunity and build a good relationship with him. Don’t be anxious. You can’t rush a personality like that.”
True, it couldn’t be rushed.
Mu Xichen had always been slow to warm up.
Only, it was useless either way.
He was already hers.
Li Beinian waited for a long time. After about half an hour, Li Haoran finally called for Fang Zhili.
Li Beinian was finally able to walk out.
In fact, Li Beinian didn’t even know why she was hiding.
Now that she was back in her room, she suddenly felt like she had done something stupid.
She took out her phone and called Mu Xichen. Almost at once, Mu Xichen’s phone could be heard ringing in the room.
Li Beinian picked up his phone nervously.
She went downstairs quickly and saw that Grandpa was sitting in the living room.
The Old Master did not look pleased. When he saw Li Beinian, he looked even angrier.
Li Beinian saw how sullen he was and asked, “Grandpa, where is he?”
Old Master Li slammed his cane on the ground angrily. “You’ve become quite capable haven’t you, bringing him all the way here!? Do you know about the fight just then?”
Li Beinian’s heart sank.
She looked at Old Master Li and asked, “Did he tell you why they fought?”
Old Master Li looked at Li Beinian’s rare silence and frowned without saying anything.
Li Beinian continued, “Mu Donglin used force on me and almost raped me.”
Old Master Li was shocked and stood up abruptly. “What!”
“Grandpa.” Li Beinian looked sad. “If he hadn’t come, I don’t know what would have happened. I called out to you in despair, but you didn’t appear…”
Although she knew that Old Master Li had been lured away by Fang Zhili and Li Haoran, Li Beinian couldn’t help but blame him and complain.
She knew that she shouldn’t, since Grandpa treated her very well.
But she couldn’t help it.
This habitual awareness was not something within her own control.
The change in Old Master Li’s expression was unpredictable. Looking into his granddaughter’s face, he felt at once angry and guilty.
Tapping his walking stick against the floor, a look of realization spread across the old man’s face and he said, “No wonder. No wonder they took me to their old friend’s house… they had already planned this…”
This muttering made Li Beinian’s heart ache even more.
One of the people Old Master Li was muttering about was her father.
Her very own father.
She bowed to Old Master Li and said, “I’m leaving now, Grandpa.”
With that, Li Beinian turned around.
She straightened her back and walked away quickly.
Old Master Li stared at Li Beinian’s back view for a long time. He opened his mouth, but no words came out.
There was a dull ache in his heart as guilt and self-reproach overwhelmed him.
He was too obstinate.
He thought that as long as Nian Nian relented and softened, Li Haoran would treat her like his own. Although there was no comparison to Li Xueqing, at least he wouldn’t go too far.
But now, reality had proven, that was only what he thought.
He was wrong, terribly wrong.
Old Master Li stood there for a long time, eventually sighing in disappointment.
Li Beinian walked out and saw a silver Spyker parked opposite the villa.
It did not enter the property, but such a car was undoubtedly eye-catching.
Li Beinian walked towards the car and knocked on the passenger door.
Rap.
A muted sound. The car door was unlocked.
Li Beinian opened the door and the first thing she noticed was the bruises on Mu Xichen’s face.
Bruises here and there, it was a terrible sight.
Li Beinian was shocked. She leaned over and reached out to touch his face.
Mu Xichen pulled a long face and subtly avoided her hand. “Let’s go home.”
His voice was faint, there was a barely detectable depth and change in it.
Li Beinian noticed that his hand was also stained red with blood.
The skin around the tip of his fist was scraped and looked particularly striking.
Li Beinian put her hand on his and said, “I’ll drive.”
After saying this, Li Beinian opened the car door and ran to the driver’s seat. She opened the car door and pushed him away. “Go over there.”
Mu Xichen looked up at her. The girl in front of him was quiet and beautiful, her eyes full of worry and concern for him.
There was no hiding it.
Without a sound, Mu Xichen moved in.
The journey was silent.
This place was about the same distance from Tai Chen Prefecture and Qing Shui Prefecture. Li Beinian headed straight for Tai Chen Prefecture.
Upon arriving home, Li Beinian brought the first aid kit over and pressed Mu Xichen onto the sofa. “Sit down.”
Mu Xichen frowned slightly and said, “I’m fine. Go take a shower and sleep. I’ll do it myself.”
“No.” Li Beinian looked like there was no room for negotiation. “You have to sit down. I’ll apply the medicine for you.”
As she spoke, she tugged at Mu Xichen’s clothes and said, “Take off your clothes.”
Mu Xichen resisted and blocked her hand.
Li Beinian was even more certain now, there were more injuries under his shirt!
Frowning, Li Beinian exerted some force.
She pushed him onto the sofa and pulled his jacket aside, only to be drawn into his embrace.
Mu Xichen held her in his arms and lightly kissed the tips of her hair.
This sudden movement startled Li Beinian.
She hugged him back, but she did not dare to use too much force, for fear of touching any hidden wounds on his body.
Li Beinian asked in a whisper, “What’s wrong?”
He held her tightly and replied in a slightly hoarse voice, “Do you regret being with me?”
Li Beinian suddenly had a strange gut feeling.
She looked up at him and heard another voice in her head. It was the same voice as that of the man in front of her.
The Mu Xichen in her mind was even thinner than the Mu Xichen in front of her now.
The expression in his eyes was deep and quiet, looking at her like he was looking at his beloved treasure.
He asked her, “Do you regret knowing me?”
What was her answer back then?
Li Beinian propped herself up slightly and kissed him deeply on the lips. “I love you. I will never regret it.”
Mu Xichen’s eyes were deep and glistening with light.
He couldn’t help but hold her close as he sat up and deepened the kiss.
Li Beinian tilted her head back in invitation, but did not dare to hug him too tightly, passively receiving his deep emotional release.
But very quickly, Li Beinian let him go as she said, “Did Mu Donglin say something to you?”
Mu Xichen’s eyes darkened. After a moment, he shook his head.
“Then why suddenly this question?” Li Beinian asked as she grabbed his shirt.
She finally removed his jacket and saw a large bruise on his arm under his T-shirt.
This large bruise was out of place with the rest of his skin color. It was particularly eye-catching against his light honey skin.
Li Beinian’s heart ached as she lifted his shirt.
The navy blue T-shirt was finally taken off. All sorts of deep and shallow scars on his body were familiar to her.
Every scar and bullet wound was a cruel memento of his ten years of fighting.
Unlike the other wounds, the bruise on Mu Xichen’s chest stood out.
Looking at the position, it was exactly where the heart was.
Li Beinian’s eyes burned as she reached out to touch his chest and asked softly, “Does it hurt?”
“It doesn’t hurt.”
She noticed his expression and couldn’t help but glare at him, then muttered in a pained voice, “Look at how bad it is, how can it not hurt!”
Liar! You’re always lying!
Just as she picked up the medicine and was about to apply it to the bruise, Mu Xichen stopped her.
Mu Xichen seemed a little helpless as he said, “What’s the hurry? Do it after my shower. Otherwise, it will be washed off.”
“Don’t shower. Why shower when you’re in this state!” Li Beinian pushed him back. “What if you catch a cold!”
Mu Xichen smiled helplessly and said, “A hot shower can improve blood circulation and heal bruises. I’ll recover faster after a shower.”
“Really?”
“Really.”
Li Beinian thought about it and put the lid back on. She got up and said, “Go take a shower then.”
Mu Xichen’s expression softened as he reached out to pull her into his arms.
Li Beinian fell limply onto his chest as a habit.
Suddenly startled, she quickly shrank back and said, “Don’t hug me like that. It will hurt!”
The man smiled and said softly, “Grandpa told me many things just then.”
“What did he tell you?” Li Beinian looked up at him.
The expression in his eyes deepened as he looked at her. He said unhurriedly, “Things about you.”
More specifically, it was about her identity.
