Chapter Thirty-Seven: Taking Out Anger on Others

In the end, Li Chuxi still did not agree to stay at the house. Although everyone in the Li family treated her well—even to the point of doting on her—living there would still have been quite inconvenient.

Seeing Li Chuxi so insistent, Old Master Li and his wife, though reluctant, eventually gave in. Li Chuxi did not leave immediately; she stayed to finish dinner with the elderly couple and chatted with them for a long time before finally taking her leave. Before she departed, her eldest aunt, Ye Lianyi, continued to urge her to stay, but her attempts were ultimately declined.

When Li Kunjie and Li Fengmei returned home, their expressions were rather grim. Everyone else was out, save for Li Xuehui. Seeing the ugly look on her parents' faces, she felt a momentary urge to retreat. However, since they had already spotted her, she knew that turning back now would surely damage the impression she made on them. After a moment's hesitation, she steeled herself and stepped forward. "Dad, Mom, you're back?"

Li Kunjie glanced at Li Xuehui, then continued walking straight ahead without another look or a single word. That seemingly casual glance made Li Xuehui’s hair stand on end. She had the distinct feeling that Li Kunjie held a grudge against her.

"Xuehui," Li Fengmei said, stepping forward to take her daughter's hand. "Don't blame your father. He’s just in a bad mood right now; he didn't mean to ignore you."

"I'm fine, Mom!" Li Xuehui smiled, then asked casually, "Did something happen at Grandfather's place?"

The Li family had never truly acknowledged her status. Although she often accompanied Li Fengmei to their home, the family remained exceptionally distant and polite toward her, showing none of the warmth one would expect for a granddaughter. Old Master Li had even forbidden her from calling him "Grandfather." Despite trying countless methods, she had been unable to win over the hearts of the Li family, a reality that left her grinding her teeth in resentment. Even so, she continued to refer to him as her grandfather when she was out in public.

Hearing Li Xuehui bring up the events at the Li residence, Li Fengmei’s expression stiffened. "It’s nothing. They just insisted that we transfer the living expenses we took from Chuxi back to her as soon as possible."

"What?" Li Xuehui was shocked. Realizing she had overreacted, she quickly softened her tone. "Did Grandfather demand that?"

"Yes," Li Fengmei nodded, her own face darkening.

Several years of living expenses added up to nearly forty million. Coming up with such a massive sum on short notice would be incredibly difficult. Yet, they dared not refuse, fearing that if the Old Master truly went to speak with their father-in-law, their situation would become even more dire, and they would surely face another round of harsh reprimands.

Li Xuehui’s complexion turned unnatural. She knew all too well that it was a huge sum—a sum she had already spent. She finally understood why her father had treated her that way upon returning; he was clearly taking his anger out on her.

Li Fengmei was in no better state of mind and failed to notice her daughter's unease. "Also, Xuehui, as for the hundred thousand a month in living expenses we discussed, that will have to be suspended for now. But, I’m sure you’ll be able to understand our situation."