Chapter 41: The Grand Gathering of the Li Family

The three of them wore identical pink dresses. One had curly hair, another had long, straight black hair, and the third sported a princess cut—the one currently speaking. Zhang Xiluo looked at them and couldn’t help but sigh, “Were you three made by the same doctor? You really do look alike.”

“Who are you calling plastic?! My face is all natural!” The princess-cut girl protested anxiously, her denial only serving to expose her guilt.

“Before you mess with me, did you think about the consequences?” Zhang Xiluo had recognized her as the woman from the photograph.

Right now, Zhang Xiluo had no interest in dealing with Li Mingye’s affairs—especially not with these talentless, self-important young women.

It wasn’t arrogance; even if the Zhang Group was facing difficulties, taking care of a minor celebrity was child’s play for her.

“You think you’re all that? Your family’s on the verge of collapse. If you kneel and beg me, maybe I’ll let you have a bite to eat.” The princess-cut girl was haughty, not even bothering to feign politeness.

Very few people knew about the company’s troubles. For her to say such things meant she was involved.

“You’re right. I am that formidable,” Zhang Xiluo replied coldly, stepping closer to her.

The princess-cut girl instinctively retreated, her two companions moving to block Zhang Xiluo’s path.

“What do you want?” they demanded.

“Don’t be afraid.” Zhang Xiluo curled her lips into a cold smile, summoned a nearby waiter, and whispered a few words in his ear.

Soon after, several security guards came over and surrounded the three girls.

“Take them somewhere quieter, please,” she instructed.

“I’m Mr. Li’s woman! Let me go!” The princess-cut girl struggled.

“She’s Mr. Li’s wife, so you’d better calm down,” one of the guards scoffed as they dragged her to the lounge.

Zhang Xiluo kept the princess-cut girl, while the other two were taken to different rooms.

Left alone, the princess-cut girl grew restless. She tried to open the door to leave, but the guard outside promptly sent her back.

“So this Mr. Li you mentioned—which one is he?” Zhang Xiluo asked, placing a photograph in front of her. “The editing is terrible. It’s laughably fake.”

The princess-cut girl’s face turned green. Before she could retort, Zhang Xiluo slapped her hard. “I only want the truth. This is your last chance.”

“Don’t try to scare me,” the princess-cut girl protested, clutching her cheek and glaring defiantly.

Zhang Xiluo, unhurried, called for a guard to come in and hold the girl’s hands down. Picking up a fruit knife from the table, she waved it in front of the girl’s face.

Terrified, the girl shook her head frantically. Zhang Xiluo kindly warned, “Don’t move. If you get cut, your face will be ruined.”

She pressed the blade gently against the girl’s cheek, sliding it back and forth—a trick she’d learned from Mu Leyu.

With the exception of herself, most girls would be terrified at the prospect of facial disfigurement.

“You, you… I, I’ll talk.” Feeling the sting of the blade, the princess-cut girl confessed.

A few minutes later, Zhang Xiluo emerged from the lounge and returned to the event.

Li Mingye and his mother were searching for her. When he spotted her approach, his expression relaxed slightly.

“Where have you been?” Li’s mother asked, glancing behind her with a hint of displeasure. “Stay with me from now on, don’t wander off.”

This was the launch event for Li Group’s entry into the film industry. That afternoon, the company had held a press conference and kick-off ceremony.

The newly returned Li Minglei was in charge of this segment and was the evening’s main figure.

The attendees were mostly from the film industry, the media, and the Li family’s close relatives.

No wonder Li Mingye had insisted she accompany his mother. Since marrying him, this was her first time attending such a grand family gathering.

She’d wanted to come before, but no one had ever brought her.

“Li Mingye, I need to talk to you,” Zhang Xiluo said quietly as she reached his side. “I think I...”

Before she could finish, Li’s mother pulled her away. “Come, let me introduce you to an elder.”

Reluctantly, Zhang Xiluo glanced at Li Mingye and followed.

“This is your second granduncle’s wife. It’s a rare chance to meet her.”

“Aunt,” Zhang Xiluo greeted.

The woman before her was not yet forty, dressed youthfully and fashionably, with a hint of pride in her brow. When she saw Li’s mother, a trace of disdain crossed her face.

“Don’t call me that. At most, I’m twelve years older than you—you’re making me sound ancient. Just call me Pei Ying.”

“Etiquette is important. I should address you properly,” Zhang Xiluo replied with a polite smile. Even if she was soon to divorce, she still wanted to uphold her mother-in-law’s dignity.

“Suit yourself. I’m going to say hello to someone,” Pei Ying replied curtly and walked off. Li’s mother smiled faintly.

Zhang Xiluo could sense there was serious tension between the two women.

Suddenly, the lights went out. Li Minglei stepped onto the stage beneath a spotlight, thanked the guests, praised Li Mingye’s vision, and expressed his admiration.

Zhang Xiluo glanced at Li Mingye. In the darkness, his falcon-like eyes glimmered coldly, his face calm as if he hadn’t heard any of it.

What a cold, calculating man.

She averted her gaze. He had patience for everyone and everything—except her.

When Li Minglei finished, the lights came back up and a massive cake was wheeled out. He invited Li Mingye to join him in cutting it.

Li Mingye walked slowly onto the stage. Suddenly, someone in the crowd called for his companion to come up as well.

At that moment, Li’s mother nudged Zhang Xiluo forward. Her appearance surprised many.

Li Mingye took a few steps and personally helped her onto the stage.

Actions spoke louder than words. In this simple gesture, he shattered all the rumors—clear and direct.

Li Minglei’s expression changed. Zhang Xiluo approached, offering him a gentle smile.

“Wishing you success in your endeavors, cousin.”

She understood Li Mingye’s intention and sent him a look of goodwill.

He met her with frosty indifference, as if she were invisible.

Just then, the big screen lit up, showing Pei Ying alongside a man whose face was obscured. Their behavior was indecent, entirely unsuitable for children.

The footage lasted only seconds before disappearing.

The room erupted. Pei Ying ran out, face covered, trailed by several security guards.

Family scandals should not be aired, but since everyone present was family—and the media were all under the Li family’s control—there was little risk.

This was merely a warning: anyone who dared to play dirty behind the scenes would not escape Li Mingye’s retribution.

The Zhang family’s troubles had been orchestrated by Li Minglei and Pei Ying, aiming to teach Zhang Xiluo a lesson and test Li Mingye’s reaction, laying the groundwork for future schemes.

“About our family’s issues—I misjudged you. I apologize,” Zhang Xiluo said as she and Li Mingye rode home together after the event.

He remained silent, his face cold, focusing on the road ahead.

Zhang Xiluo turned to look out the window. Snowflakes drifted down, like sprites dancing through the night. “It’s snowing—the first snow of the year.”

Li Mingye glanced outside, a faint smile tugging at his lips.

“Li Mingye, do you remember the first snow in our junior year?”