Chapter Fifteen: A True Member of the Li Family

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Elder Li gazed at Li Chuxi, his eyes flickering with a dark, inscrutable light. “You are my granddaughter, a member of the Li family. Whether you can truly become a real Li depends on your abilities.”

The implication was clear: as long as Li Chuxi carried the bloodline of the Li family, she belonged to the family. However, if she wanted autonomy within the Li household, it depended on her value. Without value, her only fate would be to become a pawn in a marriage alliance.

Of course, choosing to leave the Li family was also an option. But even if she left, it wouldn’t guarantee freedom; the Li family would surely suppress her.

After all, the Li family had supported her for so many years—not out of charity.

It may sound harsh, but this was reality.

Li Chuxi understood the unspoken meaning behind Elder Li’s words. She smiled faintly, composed. “Whether I can become a true member of the Li family, Grandpa, you’ll just have to wait and see.”

Speaking with a wise man was simple—no need for beating around the bush.

Her feelings for the Li family were not very deep. Although she had a strained relationship with her biological parents, her relationship with the Lis was not that bad. Therefore, she had no intention of burning bridges with them.

Of course, even if she did, she had nothing to fear.

“If there’s nothing else, I won’t stay any longer.”

Li Chuxi rose and waved at Elder Li with a perfunctory gesture. “Goodbye, Grandpa.”

Then she turned and left without looking back.

After Li Chuxi departed, Elder Li remained seated. His expression was gloomy and obscure, as if lost in thought—or perhaps thinking of nothing at all.

Fu, the longtime steward, quietly entered and stood by without speaking or disturbing.

After a long silence, Elder Li finally spoke. “Fu, what do you think kind of person Li Chuxi is?”

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Fu was momentarily startled by the sudden question but quickly recovered. After a pause, he replied, “Lord, are you referring to the Li Chuxi of the past or the Li Chuxi of today?”

“It seems you’ve noticed,” Elder Li said with a hint of gravity in his voice. “Her temperament has undergone a complete transformation. Do you believe a person’s nature can change so drastically overnight? Or was she hiding her true self before?”

“Lord,” Fu chose his words carefully before answering, “Miss Chuxi certainly appears very different now. But she remains Miss Chuxi.”

His veiled response was enough to convey his true thoughts.

Elder Li lifted his eyes, deep and inscrutable. “Indeed, she is Li Chuxi. The current her is much improved from before. But whether such a change is for better or worse remains unknown.”

Compared to the timid Li Chuxi of the past who struggled to say a word, the present Li Chuxi was calm and confident. Her ethereal aura was even more captivating than her stunning beauty.

Yet, he could tell she no longer obeyed as she once did.

“Whether it’s good or bad, time will tell,” Fu said. “Besides, Lord, you do admire the current Miss Chuxi, don’t you?”

Fu had served Elder Li since his youth, dedicating most of his life to him. He was undoubtedly one of Elder Li’s most trusted confidants, respected even by the other family elders.

Though he was the steward, no one treated him merely as a servant.

Many dared not speak certain truths, but Fu did.

“You see clearly,” Elder Li’s stern face softened. “Li Chuxi now does bear some resemblance to Arou.”

“If the late Lady Li could see Miss Chuxi now, she would surely be pleased,” Fu said with a hint of regret. “It would have been better if Miss Chuxi had revealed her true nature earlier.”

Lady Li had passed away from illness ten years ago. She and Elder Li were united by marriage. Few knew, but Fu sensed that Elder Li had never spoken of love for Lady Li, yet deeply cherished her in his heart.

Regrettably, misunderstandings and barriers between them left too many sorrows.

Even now, not a single one of the elder brothers knew the true feelings Elder Li held for Lady Li.

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“Enough,” Elder Li waved his hand. “Go investigate the mess at Third Master’s household. Earlier, Li Chuxi said she hasn’t received living expenses from the Li family for years. Check if Third Master and his wife have done something foolish.”

“Yes, Lord,” Fu bowed and complied, then sighed quietly, “The Third Master has indeed been careless these years. He values a foster daughter more than his own, which is excessive.”

“Hmph, the couple’s foolishness has lasted a long time,” Elder Li snorted coldly. “In the past, since this matter never reached me, I didn’t bother to intervene.”

More importantly, Li Chuxi never complained or showed discontent before. In that case, he naturally wouldn’t interfere.

Today he summoned Li Chuxi back and asked her to apologize to the Third Master’s family merely to prevent any scandal. Since Li Chuxi had always been willing to yield, he had no objections.

But today’s Li Chuxi surprised him.

This was a trivial matter, easily resolved with a few phone calls. Fu quickly reported his findings to Elder Li.

Upon hearing Fu’s report, Elder Li’s face darkened. “Good. That Third Master is really scheming against me. Looks like he’s growing bold!”

Fu remained silent, careful to maintain his proper position despite Elder Li’s trust. Now was not the time to speak out.

“Send the Third Master and his wife back here. If they refuse, they shall never return to the Li family again.”