Too Late to Regret, She’s Now With the Big Boss - Chapter 56
Second Sister-in-law Lu hung up too quickly, missing the spectacle of Lu Jingchen’s face shifting expressions as if performing a face-changing stunt.
“Why did you get up, sweetheart? Are you feeling unwell anywhere?” His tone softened naturally, the icy edge of his voice melting into something pleasant.
“I’m fine! I was worried you’d be too tired cooking alone, so I wanted to help. I think I just heard you mention Second Sister-in-law.” Ye Qianqian walked into the kitchen, holding her waist.
“Mm, it was her. How does she have your WeChat?” Lu Jingchen set down the spatula and hurried over to her.
“We added each other during dinner the other day. Was it really her? I actually have something to ask her.”
Ye Qianqian feigned ignorance, she had dragged herself out of bed despite her sore waist precisely for this call.
“Mm, here’s your phone. The food’s ready. Sit and drink some soup while I bring the dishes.” With that, he scooped her up and carried her to the dining table.
“Thank you, hubby~~ Aren’t you going to ask why I’m looking for Second Sister-in-law?” Ye Qianqian blinked up at him.
“What does my wife need from Second Sister-in-law?” Lu Jingchen tapped her nose playfully.
“I wanted to ask about her second nephew’s recent situation. He helped me many times at school, and I don’t like owing favors.” She unlocked her phone as she spoke.
Lu Jingchen gazed at her delicate features, her flawless skin marred with faint bruises, especially her plump, cherry-red lips, glistening and full.
“Sweetheart, you can’t video call Second Sister-in-law. But if you want to help the Li family’s second son, go ahead… as long as it makes you happy.”
“Hubby’s the best~~ Mwah!” Ye Qianqian stood on her tiptoes to kiss his cheek.
…
In the Li family’s living room.
“Aunt-”
“Sister-”
“Fifth Sister…”
“Aunt, what’s wrong?” The Li family members gasped as Second Madam Lu stood frozen, her face pale, clutching her phone without saying a word. They rushed over in alarm.
Her nieces and nephews flustered about, pouring tea and offering water. “Aunt, have some water.”
“That Lu brat is utterly outrageous!” Old Master Li struck the floor angrily with his cane.
“Dad, brothers… I provoked Third Master. Will he drive you all out-” Before Second Madam Lu could finish, her phone rang.
Startled, she trembled, and the phone slipped from her hands. Second Young Master Li, who had been crouching to offer her water, instinctively swiped to answer when he saw Qianqian’s name.
A clear, melodious voice came through the phone.
[Second Sister-in-law, did Third Master scare you just now?]
[Qianqian?]
[Yes! May I ask who this is?]
[I’m Li Haoran. How have you been lately?]
[I’m doing well. How about you, Senior Li?] Ye Qianqian noticed her husband’s expression darken instantly. She opened her mouth at him, signaling to be fed.
[I’m fine too.] Li Haoran didn’t want to mention the Li family’s struggles and burden the girl he loved.
[Senior Li, you helped me many times at school. If you’re facing any difficulties, please tell me.]
[I’m fine, really… Ye Qianqian, don’t pretend you don’t know your husband is trying to ruin us.]
The gentle voice on the other end was abruptly cut off by a shrill woman’s scream before the call disconnected.
“Hubby, are you trying to ruin the Li family?” Ye Qianqian sat on Lu Jingchen’s lap, looking up at him.
“Not ruin, just teach them a lesson.” Lu Jingchen replied calmly, guiltily continuing to feed her soup.
The Li family’s eldest grandson dared to scheme behind his back. He really did want to bankrupt the Li family in a single day.
But Second Young Master Li had done her a favor. Hmm, sparing the Li family wasn’t entirely out of the question!
“Then I’ll call Sister-in-law Li again to explain, so they don’t misunderstand my husband, okay?”
“No. If you want to help the Li family, just tell me. I’ll have Bai Lang handle it. You focus on eating.”
“Husband, have you already given Bai Lang the order? If you change your mind so quickly, won’t people laugh and call you a fickle ruler?” Ye Qianqian asked hesitantly.
“As long as my wife is happy, I don’t care if they call me a fickle ruler or even a tyrant. Reputation means nothing to me.
How do you want to spare the Li family? Just say the word, and I’ll do it. Your kindness is my kindness.
Letting the Li family off won’t harm the Lu Corporation’s interests anyway. Consider it making a new friend, extending them a favor. Now, be good and eat more.”
“My husband is the best. Meeting you is my greatest fortune.” As she spoke, Ye Qianqian planted several loud kisses on Lu Jingchen’s cheek.
“The fortune-teller said we were a match made in heaven, that marrying you would grant me a long life. Wife, having you is my greatest fortune. Thank you for being here.”
“Then can I call them again? Why should Bai Lang get all the credit? It should be mine~~”
“Fine, say whatever you want, my love. My stance remains the same, as long as you’re happy.”
[The usually gentle Senior Li is about to throw hands! Look at his clenched fists, the veins bulging in his biceps, he’s radiating murderous intent!]
[Senior Li is so devoted to the female antagonist that he’s ready to disown his own family. Those fists look like they could smash Li Xiangwei’s tiny skull in one hit.]
Afraid that Li Haoran’s violence would make the Li family resent him, Ye Qianqian didn’t have time to coax Lu Jingchen further. She immediately video-called Second Madam Li.
Li Haoran, consumed by rage, swung his fist toward Li Xiangwei’s head, only for his aunt to shove a phone in his face.
The sight of Ye Qianqian’s radiant beauty, her skin fairer than pearls, flashed on the screen, startling him into lowering his fist instantly.
The entire Li family watched as a slender hand reached into the frame, switching the call to voice-only.
[Senior Li, I’m about to have dinner. Could you pass the phone to your family elders? I’d like to repay the kindness you once showed me.]
[Madam Lu, this is Haoran’s uncle. We were hoping you could plead with Third Master Lu on our behalf.]
Ye Qianqian replied breezily, [Of course. As long as it’s within my power, I’ll agree. What is it?]
[My father is getting on in years. Could you ask Third Master Lu to let us stay in Rongcheng?]
[Uncle Li, what are you talking about? My husband never said anything about driving anyone away!]
[…] Uncle Li was too stunned to speak. Madam Lu had just called him “Uncle”!
[Father is too afraid to say it, so I will… Madam Lu, this is Li Kai…]
Li Kai’s voice instantly grated on Ye Qianqian’s nerves. She cut him off sharply. [I only want to repay Senior Li Haoran. Give the phone back to him.]
[Junior, my uncle’s request was for you to ask Third Master Lu to let us stay in Rongcheng. If it’s too much trouble…]
[It’s no trouble at all. If there’s anything else, Senior, just say the word. I’ll talk to my husband about it.]
Ye Qianqian’s sweet, cooing “husband” sent a jolt through Li Haoran. He blurted out, [Junior, could you ask Third Master Lu to spare the Li Corporation?]
“I’ve said before that I would repay you for your past kindness, senior. Since you’ve asked to spare the Li family, I should honor my promise without issue. However, the eldest son of the Li family has gone too far, he has angered Third Master. I cannot speak for Third Master to let him off.”