Chapter 36: Free and Easy

"Hmph, 'borrowing'? You actually have the nerve to ask for such a thing." Old Madam Li’s tone was brimming with fury. "The Heart of Radiance was a gift I gave to Xixi for her coming-of-age ceremony, and you dare to set your sights on it? You truly have some nerve!"

"Mom, we only wanted to discuss it with Chuxi," Li Fengmei hurriedly interjected. "If she doesn't agree, we won't force her."

"That’s right, Mom," added Li Kunjie, standing nearby. "Xuehui is participating in the national piano competition this time. If she wins, she will represent the country in international contests. We don't want any mishaps at such an important event, which is why we wanted to borrow it. We would return it to Chuxi immediately after she’s done."

"What a load of rubbish," Old Madam Li snapped, unable to hold back a curse. "Don't think I don't know what you're plotting. You just want to snatch Xixi's belongings and give them to that adopted daughter, don't you?"

"Let me tell you, don't even dream of it. As long as I am alive, I will never allow you to take anything that belongs to Xixi. Whatever you want to give that adopted daughter is your own business, but you are not to touch a single cent or scrap of what belongs to Xixi. If I ever find out you have mistreated her again, you will not want to know the consequences."

Li Kunjie and Li Fengmei lowered their heads further, not daring to even glance at Old Madam Li.

Following this, Old Master Li and Li Longhui each took turns issuing their own warnings to Li Kunjie and Li Fengmei. By the time they left, the couple felt as though their legs were made of jelly.

Li Chuxi, however, did not leave; she remained at the Li residence.

Old Master Li looked at Li Chuxi and sighed, "Xixi, if you ever suffer any grievances in the future, don't keep them bottled up inside. You must tell us, and we will certainly ensure justice is served for you."

"That's right!" Li Longhui looked at Li Chuxi with eyes full of affection. "You child, you have always cared too much for your parents, which is why you have been bullied for so long."

They were well aware that Li Chuxi’s life at home was difficult, but because she never spoke up, they—even as her uncles—could not intervene. Now that she had finally come forward with her grievances, the elders had summoned the couple to the house specifically to strike fear into them.

"Thank you, Uncle," Li Chuxi said with a faint smile. "I am not a child anymore. I know very well who treats me well and who does not. As for certain things, if I cannot have them, I will no longer force myself to seek them."

Seeing her nonchalant demeanor, no one present felt any joy. What kind of suffering must a child have endured to say such things and to become so completely disillusioned with her own parents?

"It's alright," Old Madam Li said first. "Xixi, you still have us. Why don't you stay here from now on?"

"Yes!" Li Longhui immediately chimed in. "If you stay here, your aunt and your cousins will be delighted."

"No, thank you," Li Chuxi said, shaking her head with a smile. "You know what my profession is. If I were to stay here and get photographed by the paparazzi, I would end up in the gossip columns in no time. Then, there would be nothing but rumors and scandals to deal with."