Old Master Li’s reaction made Li Beinian smile.
She held Old Master Li’s arm and said obediently, “Ah Chen is here because of this.”
As she spoke, she reached out to grab Mu Xichen.
The old house was not big, and there was only one sofa set.
Li Kun and Li Meng were sitting together. Old Master Li sat on the long sofa, leaving only one empty seat once Li Beinian had sat down.
Li Beinian took Mu Xichen’s hand and sat him down. She looked up inadvertently and saw that Li Kun’s eyes were lit up like two huge light bulbs, wandering all over Mu Xichen.
Without reacting to this, she let go of Old Master Li’s arm as she stood up and said, “Grandpa, Ah Chen bought you all these good food and tonics. They were all specially analyzed by experts and selected according to your physical condition.”
As she spoke, she subtly shoved Mu Xichen into the seat. She then made a show of laying out the gifts in front of Old Master Li and finally sat down next to Mu Xichen, snuggling up to him.
Very cleverly, she was now blocking the line of sight to the man from where Li Kun was.
Mu Xichen pursed his lips silently and quickly looked down to hide his smile as he faced Old Master Li respectfully.
Old Master Li did not seem to notice anything and acknowledged with a snort. “That’s thoughtful of you.”
Mu Xichen said politely, “It’s just a small gesture, it’s nothing to claim credit for.”
Old Master Li’s expression softened.
Li Beinian continued, “Grandpa hasn’t been sleeping well recently. Ah Chen has specially selected a pillow for you. We looked around for a long time. Let me show it to you.”
“No need for all that trouble.” Old Master Li finally smiled, but very quickly he put on a displeased expression and said seriously, “Just sit still. You’re not a child.”
Li Beinian responded and quickly sat back down with a grin. Holding onto Mu Xichen’s arm, she said, “Grandpa, I’ve been rather busy recently. Ah Chen has been saying that he’ll take me to Tongzhou to see his Grandpa. I haven’t been able to spare the time, but now that his eldest cousin is free, he’s taking Grandpa here for a break. He’ll probably be here in a few days. I’ll arrange for him to visit our home then, alright?”
Li Beinian had already discussed this with Mu Xichen.
Firstly, the elderly man’s legs were weak and it was difficult for him to travel back and forth.
Secondly, the old mansion in Qianzhou was also convenient. After all, the house next door was left behind by Mu Xichen’s mother. It used to be the Mu family’s property. Now that it was tidied up, it was convenient to stay there.
When Old Master Li heard this, the smile on his face deepened. He said, “You’ve already made the arrangements. How can I say no?”
Li Beinian smiled and held Mu Xichen’s arm, silently blocking Li Kun’s view.
Li Kun looked at them and realized that Li Beinian probably did it on purpose.
Feeling a little upset, Li Kun laughed dryly and said, “Sister Nian Nian and Brother-in-law seem to get along really well”
“What are you saying? You’re already calling nim brother-in-law.” Li Beinian did not bat an eyelid. Her gaze fell on Li Meng. “Has Cousin Li Meng returned recently?
Li Meng nodded and said teasingly, “I didn’t expect you to put in so much effort to end the engagement with Eldest Young Master Mu because of Second Young Master Mu. It seems that Eldest Young Master Mu has been jilted.”
“Meng’er!” Old Master Li was displeased. “What are you saying!”
Li Meng had no awareness of having said something wrong. She asked, “Did I say something wrong?”
“You did.” Li Beinian’s said expressionlessly. “You know best why Mu Donglin and I broke off our engagement.”
Li Meng’s expression darkened and she sneered. “You too know very well what it looks like. Some ugly things are best left unsaid.”
“Oh?” Li Beinian appeared innocent of the knowledge. She smiled and said, “Pray tell, what are the ugly things that are best left unsaid?”
Li Beinian wasn’t sure if those unspoken words were going to make herself look bad.
However, they would make Li Meng look bad for sure.
No matter what, Li Beinian was a victim of her fiancé cheating on her, during their engagement night.
And whichever way one looked at it, Li Meng was the third party who ruined their relationship.
Although they knew the inside story, who else would believe it?
Furthermore, Li Beinian’s plan had never included Li Meng. Li Meng was the one who sneaked in.
Li Beinian looked at Li Meng without a trace of guilt in her heart.
Li Meng didn’t get worked up, but said, “You’re getting more and more shameless.”
“Isn’t that so?” There was a teasing look in Li Beinian’s eyes as she continued, “If I had ruined someone else’s engagement banquet, I wouldn’t have the audacity to face her so boldly.”
“Enough,” Old Master Li said. “No need to be all up in arms if it’s just casual chatting.” Then, he looked at Li Meng. “Didn’t you say that you have work to do in the office?”
“Okay.” Li Meng stood up. “We’ll take our leave then, Grandpa.”
Feeling a little reluctant, Li Kun said, “I want to stay here for dinner. Aunt Jiang just bought our share of the groceries and now that Li Beinian is here, we have to leave? Why?”
“It’s alright really.” Li Beinian’s expression did not change. “We haven’t eaten together in a long time.”
Li Meng gave her an icy glare and remarked, “What a pretender.”
Li Beinian’s smile deepened.
So what if she was pretending?
Just to annoy you!
Li Meng saw her smug expression and was annoyed. She reached out for Li Kun and said, “Let’s go.”
Li Kun stood up reluctantly and shot Li Beinian a look.
After the two had left, Li Beinian finally felt at ease.
She immediately pushed Mu Xichen’s arm away and stood up to pour herself some tea. After taking a big sip, she casually asked, “Grandpa, does Cousin Li Meng come here often?”
Old Master Li was aware of the conflict between them and said, “Rarely, not as often as you do. She was here to bring me a gift.”
Li Beinian immediately raised her eyes and asked, “What gift?”
“Aren’t you here to bring me a gift too?” Old Master Li took a sip of tea and snorted. “Why gift do you bear?”
“This about our marriage, isn’t it? Besides, this is not about bringing you a gift – this is my home!” Li Beinian boasted shamelessly. “Isn’t it normal practice to bring something home to show filial piety to Grandpa!”
“You still remember your Grandpa?” Old Master Li paused. “How long has it been since you last came home? Didn’t I say that you’re not allowed to live together before the wedding ceremony? You’ve all ignored what I said!”
Li Beinian felt a little guilty and replied, “We aren’t together all that often. I’m busy with work and he’s busy with work. Recently, there have been so many troubling matters. Where would we find time to be together every day…”
“Hmph!” Old Master Li turned away unhappily.
Li Beinian went forward to say a few more flattering words. Mu Xichen chimed in too, and immediately changed the topic to focus on the Mo Family.
Mu Xichen explained the situation of the family and after that, the couple went next door to tidy up.
The weather had been rather cold recently and the old house was not well-insulated. Li Beinian had bought a few thick blankets for the stay.
She had also thought of inviting her grandfather to Tai Chen Prefecture. However, it seemed that apart from taking a relaxing break, her grandfather had a special purpose being in this location, and wanted to be here.
Since she was only staying for three to four days, Li Beinian thought about it and even brought a heater over.
Finally, Old Master Mo arrived at Guang City from Tong State. The escort was Mo Shengxing.
