Chapter 35: A Sense of Grounding

“Grandpa, Grandma, I’m fine.” Li Chuxi had already regained her composure. She smiled and continued, “It’s just that I hadn’t seen you in so long. I missed you terribly.”

“You silly child.” Madam Li gently stroked Li Chuxi’s hair, her smile warm and benevolent. “If you miss us, then come back and visit us more often!”

For some reason, she had the feeling that her true granddaughter had returned.

Over the past few years, she had always sensed that her granddaughter had grown distant from them. She had constantly felt that there was something unfamiliar about her, though she could never quite put her finger on what it was.

But today, when she held her granddaughter in her arms, a sense of security suddenly filled her heart, as though something precious had finally returned to her side.

“Grandpa.” Li Chuxi glanced at Old Master Li, then took Madam Li’s arm and smiled. “From now on, I’ll come visit you both often.”

The tears had long since vanished from her face. Her eyes, moistened by them, now gleamed brightly. Yet what drew the most attention was the radiant smile on her face, making her whole being seem to shine.

Everyone present could not help but stare for a moment when they saw Li Chuxi like this.

It seemed they had not seen her this way in a very long time. Over the past few years, the Li Chuxi they had known had always been silent and gloomy, making people uncomfortable simply by looking at her.

The Li Chuxi before them now appeared bright and sunny, exuding confidence. Even standing there quietly, she was enough to draw everyone’s attention.

Li Kunjie and Li Fengmei were both dazed, as though they hardly recognized their own daughter.

Before long, everyone had taken their seats.

Old Master Li looked at Li Kunjie and Li Fengmei, his gaze sharp. “Do you know why I summoned you here today?”

The moment he said this, Li Kunjie and Li Fengmei shrank back like a pair of frightened turtles. Neither of them dared to speak first.

“What is this? Cat got your tongues?”

Li Longhui—Li Fengmei’s elder brother—spoke up as well. “Since the two of you were capable of doing such a thing, why are you cowering now? Have you finally realized that you should be ashamed?”

Li Longhui had already taken over the Li family’s affairs. Unlike Li Kunjie, he was now the head of the Li family, and an air of steely ruthlessness radiated from him. Ordinary people truly had no choice but to feel oppressed in his presence.

Cold sweat broke out across Li Kunjie and Li Fengmei’s backs. Under the combined pressure of Old Master Li and Li Longhui, they felt as though even breathing had become difficult.

“Speak.” Old Master Li’s imposing voice rang out again. “Or would you prefer that I discuss this with Old Master Li?”

“No, Father.” Li Kunjie hurriedly spoke. “We truly didn’t do anything. We just… just…”

“Why have you stopped?” Li Longhui sneered. “Can’t you go on?”

“You really are fine parents!” Madam Li finally spoke, her voice filled with icy disdain. “You treat an adopted daughter even better than your own daughter.”

“I’m genuinely curious how much water must have gotten into your heads!”

“Mom, we didn’t,” Li Fengmei hastily explained. “We only wanted to borrow it for a little while.”