Chapter Forty-One: Repaying the Debt

Watching Chuoxi Li come downstairs carrying a large bag, Kunjie Li’s expression darkened noticeably.

Fengmei Li opened her mouth as if to say something, but recalling the recent phone call, she quickly closed it again.

It was Xingjue Li who couldn’t hold back—he jumped up immediately. “Chuoxi Li, what exactly are you carrying there?”

“Oh, these?” Chuoxi Li lifted her bag with a bright smile. “These are all my jewelry and valuables. I’m taking everything with me today.”

“Chuoxi, what do you mean by this?”

Xingjue Li’s temper was already short, and hearing her words only made it worse. “You’re trying to keep things from us!”

“So you’ve figured it out!” Chuoxi Li’s eyes widened in mock surprise. “I thought, given your brain, you wouldn’t have noticed.”

“What are you implying?” Kunjie Li grabbed a cup from the table and smashed it hard on the floor, his rage barely concealed. “Do you think we’d stoop so low as to covet a few of your possessions?”

“Isn’t that exactly the case?” Chuoxi Li smiled and retorted, “What about the living expenses I’ve covered during the years I was gone? And just now, you were eyeing the necklace Grandma gave me!”

At the mention of living expenses, a flicker of guilt passed through Kunjie Li and Fengmei Li’s eyes. However—

“Chuoxi, how can you misunderstand us like this?” Fengmei Li quickly interjected. “We only asked to borrow the necklace for Xuehui to wear temporarily. We intended to return it.”

“Heh, do you really think I’d believe that?”

Chuoxi Li’s eyes darted sharply before continuing, “If you want me to believe you, then return all the living expenses you’ve taken from me over the years!”

Her words struck hard. Kunjie Li and Fengmei Li were immediately at a loss for a rebuttal.

“Sister, please don’t pressure Mom and Dad,” Xuehui Li said softly, head bowed in distress. “This is all my fault. If anyone should be blamed, blame me.”

Chuoxi Li truly was foolish—once again, she was confronting her parents. This was for the best; the more turmoil she caused, the less room there would be for her in this family.

“Fine, then I’ll blame you,” Chuoxi Li nodded solemnly, turning to Xuehui. “Now, how do you plan to make it up to me?”

Hearing this, Xuehui looked utterly bewildered. “W-what do you mean?”

“My meaning is very clear,” Chuoxi Li said, meeting Xuehui’s gaze directly. “This is indeed your fault, since all those living expenses were transferred into your account.”

“You owe me, so when are you going to repay me?”

“Repay?” Xuehui’s face paled.

She hadn’t expected Chuoxi Li to demand repayment.

Where was she supposed to find that kind of money? Over the years, she had spent nearly every cent each month—sometimes even falling short. Asking her to return all those funds at once was simply impossible.

Chuoxi Li was deliberately making things difficult for her.

“Enough!” Kunjie Li shouted sternly. “Every time you come back, it turns into a complete mess. No wonder we care so much for Xuehui—look how sensible she is.”