Chapter 91: The Second Son of the Li Family

The middle-aged man was completely unfazed by Lu Qi’an’s attitude, still wearing a cheerful smile.

“Qi’an, you must be joking. I watched you grow up, after all. Young people should be a bit more respectful to their elders, don’t you think?”

Lu Qi’an gave a cold laugh. “Not just anyone gets to be my elder. At the very least, you need a bit of self-awareness.”

The man who called himself Uncle Li stroked his chin. “Well, whether it’s because of the relationship between the Lu and Li families, or the friendship between your father and my mother, I count as your elder. If you’re free, let me treat you to a cup of tea. I have a big business proposal I’d like to discuss with you.”

Lu Qi’an shot him a frosty look. “If you want the Li family to stay afloat, you’d better behave yourself. If you don’t, just say the word.”

“You— Qi’an, it seems you’re not in the mood to talk business today. I won’t get in the way of your date with the lovely lady, then. Let’s have that tea another time when you’re free.”

Watching the man’s retreating figure, Qin Miaoyu mused, “Isn’t that the second son of the Li family? I hear he’s had quite a few romantic escapades.”

Lu Qi’an nodded.

“It’s not just his affairs. I don’t know if you’ve heard, but some people even suspect that Second Li is actually my grandfather’s son.”

Qin Miaoyu was momentarily speechless. “He doesn’t look anything like your family. Maybe he takes after his mother?”

“Not at all. His mother used to be a famous beauty in Jingcheng. Otherwise, with my grandfather’s discerning eye, he wouldn’t have been interested.”

Qin Miaoyu immediately recalled what Lu Qi’an had once told her about his grandparents. When the old master of the Lu family was young, he had a lover, but the Lu family had already arranged a marriage for him. Still, they hadn’t been forceful about breaking them up—his lover was given two choices: take the money and leave, or stay and start from scratch with the old master. She chose the money and left.

Had the story ended there, one might have praised her for her clarity. Unfortunately, it didn’t end so simply.

After his lover’s departure, the old master chose the arranged marriage. Over time, he did develop some feelings for his wife. The trouble began when his former lover suddenly reappeared—married into the Li family. The Lis treated her poorly. When she chanced upon the old master again, she often sought him out to pour out her grievances. The two became entangled once more.

The old master pitied his former love for being neglected and mistreated by her in-laws. Though they never crossed the line physically, their emotional bond was an infidelity nonetheless.

When the old madam discovered her husband’s rekindled relationship with his first love, her heart broke. She truly loved the old master and tried several times to win him back, but each attempt only left her more disheartened. She even overheard him mention divorce and his distaste for their arranged marriage. Eventually, when all her feelings were worn away, she demanded a divorce herself.

But for various reasons, the divorce never happened. She moved out of the Lu family estate, and from then on, she and the old master lived apart for years.

From Lu Qi’an’s words, it was clear that the middle-aged man they’d just encountered was none other than the son of the old master’s former lover—the infamous Second Li.

“So what’s with his attitude?” Qin Miaoyu asked.

Lu Qi’an gripped the steering wheel. “He’s heard too many rumors and lost all sense of who he really is. He wants to use the old master’s favor, passing himself off under the Lu family’s name.”

Some people simply have no self-awareness.

Even Qin Miaoyu could see there was no resemblance in appearance, yet some people stubbornly believed the rumors. It was laughable.

Having learned the gist of the story, Qin Miaoyu didn’t press further. She opened the car door, thanked Lu Qi’an, and headed into the building.

Preoccupied with company matters, Lu Qi’an turned the car around and drove off, not noticing that the very Second Li he thought had left was now blocking Qin Miaoyu’s path.

Seeing him, Qin Miaoyu’s face turned wary. “What do you want?”

Second Li flashed what he thought was a charming smile. “Nothing much. I just wanted to ask—are you interested in marrying into the Lu family?”

Qin Miaoyu kept her thoughts to herself, only showing a touch of surprise on her face. “Marry into the Lu family?”

“That’s right. Marry into the Lu family.”

“Oh? Do you have some special connection, sir?”

“In a way. I know the old master of the Lu family. He looks after me because I’m part of the younger generation. If you want to marry into the Lus, I can introduce you to him. But I’ll need you to do something for me in return.”

Qin Miaoyu asked curiously, “What is it?”

“It’s very simple. I have a big project I’d like to partner with Lu Qi’an on. If you can help me persuade him, I’ll speak to the old master for you. Once he gives his blessing, it’ll be much easier for you to marry into the Lu family!” Second Li said confidently.

A faint smile appeared on Qin Miaoyu’s lips. “But from what you’re saying, Lu Qi’an listens to the old master. If you want this collaboration, why not go directly to him? Why come to me?”

How could Second Li dare approach the old master directly?

Though the old man had shown some kindness to him and his mother over the years, it was all thanks to his mother’s careful efforts. If he brought up such a matter now, the image they’d worked so hard to build would collapse, and the old master’s pity would vanish.

Of course, he would never admit this to Qin Miaoyu. “The old master doesn’t handle company affairs anymore. This partnership is with Lu Corporation, not the old master personally, so I have to talk to Lu Qi’an.”

Qin Miaoyu continued, “So my reward is simply an introduction to the old master? What if he agrees, but Lu Qi’an doesn’t? Wouldn’t I be doing all the work for nothing?”

“That’s not how it works. If you win the old master’s favor, you’re already halfway there. With his help, and Qi’an being such a filial child, marrying him would only be a matter of time.”

“And if I still can’t marry in? What compensation can you offer me?” Qin Miaoyu was genuinely curious about his answer.

“Compensation? You haven’t even started, and you’re already talking about compensation?”

Qin Miaoyu replied as if it were the most natural thing in the world, “These things need to be made clear beforehand. If I have guarantees, I’ll do my best to help. If not, wouldn’t it be wiser to just stick with Lu Qi’an as I am?”

With those words, Second Li had no choice but to leave.

Once she reached her office, Qin Miaoyu sent Lu Qi’an a message, letting him know what had just happened.