Li Xiulan had no idea what her sister was up to this time and could only follow silently behind her into the room.
Upon entering, Li Xiuli suddenly clasped her hand enthusiastically and asked, "Xiulan, I'll say it again. If you hand over a family to a woman to manage, the family will fall apart quickly. So, have you considered letting Gu Xingdong inherit the company?
If Gu Xingdong inherits the company, we relatives will also help. You can let Li Chen support Gu Xingdong to secure his position as company president. It's better than living under a woman's thumb at home, isn't it?"
Hearing Li Xiuli's words, Li Xiulan's eyes widened sharply. She then forcefully pulled her hand away and said with a cold face, "Sister, what are you saying? I think you just want our family to fall apart. You have ill intentions!"
Inheriting the company and having endless money – this temptation was irresistible to anyone. Li Xiuli didn't understand why Li Xiulan was so agitated. Had she seen through her intentions and was now reacting out of embarrassment?
Thinking this was a strong possibility, Li Xiuli raised her eyebrows at Li Xiulan, indicating she understood. Then, she continued on her own, "Xiulan, look at her. Because she has a career, she'll kick Gu Xingdong out of the house today and you out tomorrow!
Outsiders are always outsiders. Do you still expect her to be devoted to the Gu family? Only by holding power in your own hands can you ensure family harmony! Without this career, Chen Lishu wouldn't dare to divorce your son. Only then will you truly tie her down."
Listening to Li Xiuli's remarks, Li Xiulan shook her head in strong disapproval. She said, "Sister, the Shu Se Group was developed by Lishu step by step. Even if they divorce in the end, we shouldn't covet what others possess!
Besides, Gu Xingdong has his own duties in the army. How could he go into business? This is a major taboo. Furthermore, our Gu Xingdong didn't study much. If you want him to enter the business world, I'm afraid the company won't last long. Everyone has their own expertise; why force yourself into a difficult task?
Sister, after Li Na's matter is mostly settled, you should come here less. I've already had unpleasantness with Chen Lishu over Li Na's issue. I don't want this to happen again. I have my own family now and am no longer the little girl I once was. I have more considerations and cannot only focus on helping my maternal family."
Hearing Li Xiulan's meaning, did she want to distance herself from her? Li Xiuli panicked when she heard the last sentence. She still wanted to hold onto this trump card to gain more benefits for her son in the future. If their relationship soured now, wouldn't her dream be shattered?
For her son's sake, Li Xiuli could only put on a fawning face and say to Li Xiulan, "Xiulan, are you angry? What I said was just a reminder. After all, Chen Lishu is too arrogant and willful. I'm worried that as a mother-in-law, you'll be suppressed by your daughter-in-law!
No matter what, we are sisters. Can I, as your elder sister, harm you? I'm doing this for you, for your own good. Why are you getting so worked up with me?
But it's true, we sisters have been separated for so long, and there's some estrangement. If God gave me another chance to choose, I would never have come to Kyoto and left my sisters and mother behind."
As Li Xiuli played the emotional card, the coldness on Li Xiulan's face dissipated considerably. She rubbed her temples, looking a little weary. Just as she was about to see her off, the door was pushed open, immediately drawing both their attention. They saw Qin Yue entering with tea and fruit.
"Mesdames, you've been chatting for so long, you must be thirsty. I've prepared some tea for you. Have a drink and then continue your conversation," Qin Yue said with a smile, placing the items she brought in front of Li Xiulan and her.
Li Xiuli looked at Qin Yue and couldn't help but praise, "This young girl is quite well-mannered for her age and quite attractive. I heard you also work in the army?"
Qin Yue shyly lowered her head and replied, "Yes, it's all thanks to my family arranging a clerical position for me."
"A job arranged by your family?" Not many families could pull strings these days. It seemed Qin Yue's background was not simple. Li Xiuli quickly looked up at Li Xiulan and asked, "What do you think of this girl?"
Li Xiulan absently replied, "She's very good and quick with her work."
Li Xiuli's smile couldn't be suppressed as she received an affirmative answer. She patted Qin Yue's hand and said, "Child, I have something important to discuss with Xiulan. You should step out for a while. We can have tea and chat when we have time."
"Okay." Qin Yue obediently agreed and turned to leave.
Li Xiuli watched Qin Yue's departing back. Before she could get far, she leaned in and said to Li Xiulan in a hushed voice, "When marrying a wife, one should choose a virtuous one. I think this girl is much better than Chen Lishu, and perhaps easier to control..."
Li Xiulan thought she had spoken very softly, audible only to Li Xiulan. However, Qin Yue, as someone trained by the military, had slightly sharper hearing than normal people. Every word Li Xiuli said reached her ears.
Qin Yue pursed her lips, a flicker of excitement in her eyes. It seemed the matter discussed this morning had planted a seed of dissatisfaction in Li Xiulan's heart.
It appeared that if she performed well during this period, she would reap unexpected rewards.
With this thought, a confident smile appeared on Qin Yue's face.
Meanwhile, in the room, Li Xiuli was talking to Li Xiulan about a completely unrelated topic.
She said, "Li Chen has never brought a woman home since he grew up. I don't trust women from outside, but I can see that the girl just now genuinely likes him. Why don't you play matchmaker and help your nephew?"
"Sister, I can help you play matchmaker, but I don't want to hear you say anything negative about Chen Lishu in the future.
As your sister, this is all I can do to help. As I said before, let's keep our contact minimal in the future. You can call if there's anything important."
After speaking, Li Xiulan, disregarding Li Xiuli's displeased expression, directly escorted her out of the room.
----
In the evening, as Chen Lishu lay in bed preparing to sleep, the door to the room was opened.
She quickly sat up and looked in the direction of the sound. She saw Gu Xingdong, dragging his tired body, coming towards her.
Chen Lishu quickly got up, steadied Gu Xingdong, frowned, and asked with concern, "You've been leaving early and coming back late these past two days. What exactly is going on?
Mom was asking about your whereabouts today, and it was clear she was a bit unhappy. Tell me honestly, so I can explain things clearly to Mom tomorrow and prevent her from worrying about you."