"Wan'er, are you telling the truth?"
In Jinxing Community, Li Mingqi and Jiang Xiuying's expressions changed drastically after hearing Li Wan'er's words. Even though it was their own daughter speaking, Jiang Xiuying still looked disbelieving.
That good-for-nothing had stayed at home for five years. If he truly possessed such strength, why would he have tolerated their insults for so long?
"Dad, I've been so busy with company matters all these years, and I truly didn't understand him as much as you think. However, the crisis in my company was indeed resolved with the help of Li De Group. In fact, my company's biggest partner now is Li De Group."
"Yesterday, you both saw how respectfully Li Enzhong and Elder Li treated Li Xuan. Do you think I have the status to ask the chairman and general manager of Li De Group to put on an act for you?"
Li Wan'er looked at her parents, a hint of helplessness flashing in her eyes. The situation had reached this point; what else was there to argue about?
"Wan'er, after hearing you say that, is that good-for-nothing... is Li Xuan from Li De Group?" Jiang Xiuying immediately asked.
"I don't know. Someone who can command such respect from the two top figures of Li De Group is not someone we can speculate about. So, Mom, I won't consider Zhuo Xian. Let's drop this matter. I'm tired, I'm going to my room to rest."
Li Wan'er said with a wry smile, then stood up and turned towards her room.
For the first time in many years, Li Wan'er felt so tired. Even when her company faced a crisis, she hadn't felt this mentally exhausted. In front of her parents, Li Wan'er felt a profound sense of powerlessness.
More than anything, it was Li Xuan's mystery that made Li Wan'er wonder when things had changed. Could the man who slept in the same room every night truly not be as simple as she had investigated? Li Wan'er shook her head blankly. It was all over.
"This... If that's the case, now that Wan'er and Li Xuan are divorced, if Li De Group were to terminate the contract with Wan'er's company, wouldn't that mean..." Jiang Xiuying looked at Li Mingqi beside her as Li Wan'er got up and left.
At this point, Jiang Xiuying was extremely anxious.
She hadn't known about Li Wan'er's company's situation before. Now, after Li Wan'er's explanation, coupled with Jiang Xiuying's general understanding of the powers in Hangcheng, if they offended Li De Group, the largest conglomerate, wouldn't their good days be over?
Li Wan'er sighed and gave a self-deprecating smile. The image of Li Xuan's eyes meeting hers that night flashed in her mind. Would he do something like that?
...
"Li Xuan, are you sober?" In the business van, after four bodyguards helped Li Xuan and Luo Wei into the car, Xue Lan saw Li Xuan sit up as soon as she got in. His clear eyes showed no sign of drunkenness.
Li Xuan glanced at Xue Lan, then at Luo Wei slumped in his seat, and nodded slightly. "I have a special constitution; I sober up quickly. It seems it's over, so I'll be going back. Luo Wei, you'll have to work hard."
"Li Xuan, don't you want to talk with me?" Xue Lan asked, biting her lip slightly and looking directly at Li Xuan.
Li Xuan shook his head. "The past is in the past. Now, I just want to be myself. Campus life is ultimately less cruel than reality. Many things are not as you imagine. I'm a bit tired, let's end it here. Please ask the driver to stop the car, thank you."
"Li Xuan, I feel your attitude towards me has changed. Back in school, you weren't like this. Although you were proud even then," Xue Lan said.
While she was somewhat repulsed by Li Xuan's current sycophancy, and even felt strange about his changes for the sake of survival, she still hoped to return to their original relationship.
"I've told you, that was just campus life. Let bygones be bygones. Our worlds are different, and we probably won't have any more interactions," Li Xuan said, shaking his head slightly and looking at the driver in front.
"Driver, please stop the car."
Xue Lan fell silent. Seeing that Xue Lan didn't object, the driver slowly brought the car to a stop by the roadside a few seconds later.
"One last friendly reminder, Wang Cheng's intentions are impure. It's best to have as little contact as possible with such a person. Take care." After getting out of the car, Li Xuan looked at Xue Lan, who remained silent but kept watching him. He hesitated for a moment before deciding to offer this reminder.
"Thank you." Xue Lan nodded slightly. Although she didn't know why Li Xuan's attitude had changed, she had understood a little through the events of tonight.
Perhaps reality was indeed that cruel. Even those who were once ambitious would eventually be tempered and changed by the trials of time. Perhaps the Li Xuan of the past had already disappeared.
Li Xuan waved his hand and turned to leave without looking back.
As Li Xuan disappeared into the night, Xue Lan slowly retracted her gaze. In fact, Xue Lan knew in her heart that after tonight's encounter, regardless of whether Li Xuan explained or not, a rift had already formed in her heart regarding him.
Moreover, if Li Xuan were to try and explain, she would probably be even more disappointed. Although Li Xuan's words were somewhat uncomfortable for Xue Lan to hear, at least one thing he said was right: the past was indeed past.
Lake View Villa, Li Residence.
"Elder Li, you haven't rested yet? May I ask why Elder Li is waiting for me?" As Li Xuan entered the hall, he saw Elder Li sitting on the sofa watching the news. It was already 11 PM. Elder Li's actions clearly indicated he was waiting for Li Xuan.
Elder Li smiled upon hearing Li Xuan and said, "Mr. Li, please have a seat."
Li Xuan's heart stirred. It seemed Elder Li was indeed waiting for him. However, he was curious about Elder Li's purpose. If even Li De Group couldn't resolve it, the trouble must be considerable.
"Mr. Li, you only just moved into my humble abode today, and I wouldn't normally disturb you. However, I cannot wait. After much thought, I've decided to ask Mr. Li. If Mr. Li could lend a hand, I am willing to pay any price."
After Li Xuan sat down, Elder Li looked at him with a solemn expression and said.
"Why doesn't Elder Li first tell me what it is?" Li Xuan was even more surprised. It seemed this matter was extremely important to Elder Li. For him to ask for his help, could someone be in mortal danger?
"I have a comrade-in-arms, one could even say a close friend. Back during the war of resistance, if he hadn't taken that shot for me, I would have turned to dust long ago. A few days ago, I received news that my dear friend is now critically ill, in a condition even more severe than mine was back then."
"I don't want to force you, but if Mr. Li can treat him, I would be most grateful if Mr. Li could make an effort," Elder Li said.
Li Xuan frowned slightly. Birth, old age, sickness, and death are naturally part of the cycle of reincarnation and conform to the laws of heaven. To forcefully alter it would naturally disrupt the order. Moreover, if he readily agreed, it might set a precedent for more issues to arise.
However, looking at Elder Li's expression, Li Xuan knew it wasn't an act. Being a guest now, there were many karma-related complications.
After a moment of thought, Li Xuan sighed and said, "Tomorrow, Elder Li, please take me to see him."