Rebirth from the Ashes - Chapter 652
Chapter 652: Qingli Goes to China
Li Yuan exchanged glances with the girl and smiled before turning his attention back to his future father-in-law and the chessboard.
Shen Zhangqing could tell that Li Yuan did not know much about chess, at least chess was not his forte. He was a newbie yesterday and lost to Shen Zhangqing all the way before he improved after each round. Now, Li Yuan was coming hard at him, being on par with him, and making quite a worthy rival.
He admired youngsters with an eagerness to learn. However, the kid was too smart for his own good. Normal people would not progress leaps and bounds in a short time. This was a genius at work and capable of success in anything.
On the sofa, Fu Qingxuan, Pei Xu, and Yu Qiubai were tuned into Glitzy Girl’s latest variety program. They would engage in conversation once in a while.
With Fu Qingxuan’s phone ringing, he went out to pick up the call. While walking away, he said, “Qingye.”
“Qingli was home earlier to pack his things to go to China.” Fu Qingye updated him. “He asked about you before leaving. Watch your back.”
Qingli was grim-faced when he took off. It was plain to see that someone was about to get it.
“Got it.” Fu Qingxuan responded before asking cautiously and apprehensively, “Didn’t Mom and Dad talk to him? He’s not supposed to come between our relationship with Xixi. I hope he’s not coming here for me.”
“I don’t know.” Fu Qingye was having shivers at the thought of Qing Li’s icy mien when he left. “Just watch yourself.”
“Aren’t the flights canceled?” It was Fu Qingxuan’s instinct to cower.
“He ordered the flight route to be cleared and took a private jet over. He said he’d leave his life and death in the hands of God.” Fu Qingye sighed with worry.
No one was able to talk sense into him. Mom and Dad tried to talk him out of going since it was snowing heavily out there and all flights were stopped. What if something were to happen to him?
Still, he seemed to have something urgent to take care of to rush to China with complete disregard for his safety. With his mind dead set, no one could change his mind.
“Then I don’t think he’s coming for me.” Fu Qingxuan heaved relief, believing he was not important a reason for Qingli to risk his life just for a telling-off.
“Who can tell?” Fu Qingye sighed before proceeding. “You shouldn’t act that way to Li Yuan. No matter what, he saved Dad’s life.”
Truth be told, it did not sit well with Fu Qingye that Xixi and Li Yuan were together, but what could he do about it? He was Xixi’s lover. Although Li Yuan was unlikable, he was Dad’s lifesaver.
Mom and Dad were nice to Li Yuan. Dad, in particular, thought of Li Yuan as his son. Plus, Dad spent over a decade with Li Yuan due to his memory loss. If Fu Qingye thought about it, Dad had a closer relationship with Li Yuan than their siblings.
“Leave me alone.” Fu Qingxuan scoffed in frustration. “I’m hanging up.”
After ending the call, Fu Qingxuan turned to glance at the living room. Shen Zhangqing and Li Yuan were sitting across from each other and playing chess. Next to Shen Zhangqing was Shen Xi who was gazing lovingly and happily at Li Yuan while propping her hand under her chin.
Snorting through his nose, Fu Qingxuan was not in the mood to enter the house. He leaned against the cold wall and gazed at the falling snowflakes in the sky. Fu Qingye’s words did get to his head.
What was the reason that compelled Qingli to come to China at a time like this? He was not one to take risks and put his life in danger. It must be very important for him to rush here.
In the living room.
The game of chess was over.
Yu Qiubai was ready to make a move.
Jiang Yin did not leave and slept in the same room with Shen Tang for the night. The fun did not end there.
Shen Xi was going to squeeze in a room with Song Wenye.
Pei Xu and Fu Qingxuan were in one room while Granny Yu got a room to herself. Since it was a huge villa, the guests could stay by cramming in a few rooms with each other.
Yu Qiubai looked at Shen Tang who saw him off at the door. “Go back. I’ll call when I get home.”
Shen Tang urged, “Be careful on the road. The roads have iced up.”
“Okay.” Yu Qiubai enviously glanced in the direction of the living room.
When could he stay over at the house as the cousin-in-law of the Shen family? Fu Qingxuan and Pei Xu were able to have a sleepover while he had to leave all alone, all by himself, forlorn, and desolate.
Standing at the door, Shen Tang wanted to wait until he was gone before heading back inside.
Yu Qiubai turned around and approached to fasten her hood in place and zip up her down jacket. He then uttered, “Hurry back in. It’s cold outside. You don’t want to catch a cold.”
Shen Tang was dumbstruck. Perhaps his actions caught her off guard, but she did not shy away like she had always done. Instead, she bobbed her head. “I’ll go inside right away.”
“I want to see you go in,” Yu Qiubai insisted.
Shen Tang helplessly smiled. No longer asserting further, she spun around and made her way back. She had walked this path countless times, and it was all too familiar.
She could hear the noise coming from the living room and sense the gaze from the young man in the back. Clenching her hood, she curled her lips.
Yu Qiubai waved his hand and smiled when the girl looked back at him while advancing to the living room. Although he knew she could not see him, he believed she could feel it in her heart.
He waited until the girl entered the house before turning to leave. Happiness was written all over his face as he trod over the fallen snow. Once in the car, Yu Qiubai started the engine and glanced next door.
This time, Yu Qiubai finally met the man in the rumors. He was able to look at the man, approach him, and talk to him up close. Because of Xixi, the man was nothing like the ruthless and bloodthirsty devil in the rumors.
However, Yu Qiubai would not dare think that the man was a friendly person. He was only willing to show his hospitable side to Xixi’s friends and family.
Yu Qiubai was thinking to wait a while longer and become a familiar face before attempting to ask Li Yuan about certain things. Perhaps Li Yuan would spare his life for Xixi’s sake.
People were gathered in the living room as the variety show was still going on.
Shen Xi was on her best behavior in front of her parents, not having the nerve to hold hands or make eyes. Right now, she had a serious face on as she said, “Dad, I’m walking him home.”
Shen Zhangqing gave her the death stare.
Shen Xi meekly gazed at Li Yuan. “I’ll go and get you an umbrella.”
Shen Zhangqing was without a word.
With a smile, Li Yuan jumped in. “It’s only a few steps. It’s snowing outside, so there’s no need for an umbrella.”
Shen Zhangqing was pleased. At least the boy knew his place.
Li Yuan looked at them. “Uncle Shen, Aunty Shen. I should go now.”
Shen Zhangqing nodded his head.
Yun Jinping handed him an umbrella. “This would help with the snowstorm out there.”
The wheels were turning in Shen Xi’s head as she quietly came up with a plan..