Chapter Thirty-Seven: A Sudden Appearance

The Red Dragon followed closely beside Xiao Ye, his brows furrowing involuntarily at Li Jing’s words. The Li family truly had some nerve—even with Xiao Ye as a foreign-titled king, he’d never considered such things himself. What surprised him even more was Xiao Ye’s next response.

“All right, I agree.”

“What?” Red Dragon’s eyes flickered with confusion at Xiao Ye’s words; he couldn’t fathom why Xiao Ye would do this. If Xiao Ye had agreed for the sake of Qin Xue’er, that would be understandable, but here he was, conceding to the Li family’s demands. Their relationship with the Li family certainly hadn’t reached such a stage.

Yet for Li Jinrong and his family, Xiao Ye’s words instantly brought ecstasy to their faces. They never imagined he would actually agree! With half the profits from Jianghai City, it would only be a matter of time before the Li family soared to new heights there.

“Anything else you require?” Xiao Ye asked with a light smile.

“Yes!” The Li family exchanged glances. Since Xiao Ye was allowing them to make demands, they would not hold back.

“I want my grandson and granddaughter sent to the best schools, with ten personal bodyguards assigned to protect them!”

“And you must buy real estate for us—no fewer than ten properties—so we can travel at our convenience!”

“Also, if we encounter any difficulties in business, you must use your power as a foreign-titled king to eliminate all our business rivals!”

One by one, the conditions were laid out, leaving Red Dragon inwardly alarmed. What exactly were these people after? Even he could see through their intentions. The demands were outrageous—surely Xiao Ye would never agree.

But before Red Dragon could speak, he heard Xiao Ye’s calm voice again.

“Very well, I accept them all.”

Red Dragon couldn’t help but step forward, but Xiao Ye quickly gestured for him to sit down.

“Don’t worry, I have my own plans,” Xiao Ye said with a composed smile. Clearly, he was prepared for whatever he had just agreed to.

“This is wonderful, brother, Xiao Ye agreed!” Li Jin Xiu exclaimed, tears of excitement brimming in her eyes. This scheme had been their collective idea. Once they got the money, even if Xiao Ye abandoned Qin Xue’er, she wouldn’t have to worry any longer!

Li Jinrong’s family was overjoyed; they hadn’t expected Xiao Ye to be so forthright in his agreement.

In no time, the Li family would become the first family of the Dragon Kingdom.

At that moment, Xiao Ye smiled faintly.

“I’ll entrust this matter to Xiao Xue’s company—all assets will be registered in her name.”

“What!” Xiao Ye’s sudden statement instantly turned the Li family’s joy to shock. If everything was registered under Qin Xue’er, then all the money belonged to her!

“What’s wrong? Do you have any objections?” Xiao Ye’s indifferent tone immediately silenced them. After all, Xiao Ye was the only foreign-titled king in the Dragon Kingdom; if angered, their whole family would be doomed.

“No, of course not—someone pour Xiao Ye some tea!” At Li Jin Xiu’s command, she hurriedly whispered to her brother, “Let’s just agree for now. With the money in Xue’er’s hands, it won’t escape us. If it comes to it, I’ll find a chance to have Xiao Xue divorce Xiao Ye and we’ll get the money then!”

Li Jin Xiu was secretly delighted; with the money in Qin Xue’er’s possession, she felt even more at ease.

Li Jinrong’s eyes flashed coldly. “It’s come to this, so we have no other choice.” Unbeknownst to Li Jin Xiu, a cunning glint flashed in his eyes as well. If the money was with Qin Xue’er, they only needed to find a way to extract it from her.

Both harbored their own schemes, outwardly united but inwardly plotting for their own benefit.

Xiao Ye observed all of this, a cold sneer in his heart though his expression remained unchanged.

“In that case, let’s sign the contract right away.”

“Yes, yes! Let’s sign!” The Li family eagerly echoed Xiao Ye, immediately preparing to draft the contract.

At that moment, a graceful figure burst through the Li family’s door.

“You mustn’t sign!”

A clear, spirited voice rang out, and at the familiar sound, Xiao Ye’s brows knitted. A tall figure entered, clad in a silk gown, skin as fair as snow, features delicate and refined, lips red as cherries—enticing and bright.

As she entered, her gaze swept swiftly over everyone in the room before settling on Xiao Ye’s face. A sweet smile curved her flawless lips, and her voice, alluring and soft, rang out.

“I’ve finally found you!”

“Ouyang Nana!” Upon seeing the woman who had appeared so suddenly, Xiao Ye’s eyes betrayed a flicker of emotion.

He couldn’t understand how she’d turned up here. Ouyang Nana was a hostage he had rescued years ago during a mission. She had always shown a keen interest in him, though Xiao Ye had never understood why. He hadn’t told her he was coming to Jianghai City. How had she found him?

“Hey! Who do you think you are barging in here? The Li family isn’t a place for the likes of you! Get out this instant!” Before Xiao Ye could speak, Li Jing stood up and shouted at Ouyang Nana in anger.

In the next instant, Ouyang Nana darted forward like an arrow, her delicate hand shooting out. Li Jing was sent flying with a loud slap that echoed through the room.

“I suggest you use a more respectful tone with me,” Ouyang Nana said coldly, her once-beautiful face now shrouded in icy disdain.

“My face…” Li Jing scrambled up from the floor, his cheek red and swollen from the blow.

Ouyang Nana’s frosty gaze swept over him. “Foolish wretch.”

Her words ignited the fury of the entire Li family.

“You little tramp, how dare you lay a hand on one of us! Tired of living, are you?”

“I’ll kill you today!”

Amidst their curses, Ouyang Nana suddenly turned to Xiao Ye.

“What are you waiting for? Aren’t you going to help?”

Xiao Ye’s expression grew more helpless, but he had no choice but to rise.

“Enough. No one is allowed to lay a hand on her.”

“Xiao Ye! If you defend this woman, don’t expect to keep Xiao Xue!” Li Jin Xiu, already anxious about such matters, now saw Xiao Ye stand up for Ouyang Nana and her discontent deepened.

“You misunderstand,” Xiao Ye sighed, looking resigned as he addressed everyone present.

Who was Xiao Ye? A foreign-titled king, second only to the emperor, yet here he was, flustered over a woman!

“For a king to act as a bodyguard—who is this woman, really? You owe us an explanation today!” The old lady of the Li family demanded, her expression fierce as she turned to Xiao Ye.