Chapter Eighty-Seven: An Old Friend with the Surname Li

  The arrival of Qin Qianxin can be said to have given Qin Zongwen a slap in the face in front of everyone. Earlier, when Qin Zongwen met Li Mu, he didn't know his identity and was very unhappy when he heard that his daughter had a connection with Li Mu. Later, when he learned that this young master was actually the head of the four major families, Jiangdong Li Mu, he wanted to make friends with him and thought of a way to make amends, saying that they were old friends. This not only eased their previous relationship but also made it easier for them to interact in the future. Originally, as long as he didn't mention it, Li Mu wouldn't say anything either, and they could just pretend nothing had happened. But now, Qin Qianxin has come over herself, where is the reserve of a young lady? Isn't this making a fool of oneself? The education of the Qin family is not strict! What kind of consequences will this have? It's not right to scold her, and it's not right not to scold her. This is truly an awkward position.

  Thinking of this, he couldn't help but blame Fang Wanyu. He also knew who was the one who leaked the news. She didn't even discipline her daughter properly and allowed her to run here and cause trouble. It really infuriated him.

  "Oh, this is Little Qian Xin, she's been spoiled by me, please don't mind it, Li Gongzi." Qin Congwen had no choice but to force himself to come up with some decent words.

  Another interpretation of being spoiled is being arrogant.

  Li Gongzi simply nodded towards Qin Qianxin and then started drinking tea without looking up. Duan Xing saw his brother's behavior and guessed that the woman in red wasn't who he was supposed to meet, so he lost interest and withdrew his curious gaze. The atmosphere in the hall became awkward, but Qin Qianxin remained oblivious and ran over to Qin Zichen to start a conversation with him.

  "Big brother, you said last time that you would give me a piece of purple sable fur coat to wear, but it's been so long and I haven't seen you bring it yet. Spring is just around the corner, do you want me to go out in spring without wearing it?" After finishing speaking, she also secretly glanced at Li Mu with her eyes, hearing that the Li family of Jiangdong was a tribute to the palace for purple sable fur, although the number was not many, but each piece was exquisite, wondering if he could give himself one?

  Qin Zichen was at a loss with this sister, but didn't know how to talk to her, afraid that his words would make her show off in front of outsiders, which wouldn't be good.

  Just then, a servant came in to report that Third Miss had arrived.

  Inside the hall, people's emotions were different, some were happy and some were angry. Of course, only one person was angry. Qin Zongwen was delighted that his daughter might bring him countless benefits; Li Muhe and Duan Xing were happy to see this extraordinary woman; Qin Zichen was glad that Sanmei's appearance had resolved his embarrassment. Only Qin Qianxin was angry, with a strong sense of resentment.

  "Let her in quickly." This girl is well-behaved and has improved a lot, although she has some prejudices against him as the father. However, compared to the benefits she brings to herself and the Qin family, these are nothing. Unlike the second daughter, who was spoiled by her mother and rushes in without reporting.

  Just then, a white figure appeared outside the hall and came to Qin Zongwen's side to pay his respects. He also saw Qin Zichen and Qin Qianxin, and after making half a bow, he had seen his elder brother and sister, and that was all.

  "What could Father want with me?" Qin Dai's heart was somewhat aware of the reason.

  "Daughter, come and meet Mr. Li Mu, you two are old friends, I suppose there's no need for me to introduce him?" Qin Zongwen himself probably didn't know that he had completely lost all dignity in Qin Dai's eyes, where he was just a scoundrel trying to sell his own daughter.

  Qin Dai'er heard the words and looked in Li Mu's direction, seeing him stand up and slightly nod towards her. She also saw a big man behind him with an expression of watching a play. At this point, she said: "This young master, we haven't met before, did you mistake me for someone else?"

  As soon as this was said, the atmosphere in the hall entered a subtle realm again. Qin Qian's heart was overjoyed, while Qin Zongwen looked like he regretted that his daughter was not talented.

  Li Mu thought the girl in front of him was really beautiful, with a small face as big as a palm, without any makeup, but her crystal-clear skin was like a beautiful jade, so delicate that even pores couldn't be seen. A few small braids lay across her forehead, making her look even more lovely and charming. Her black and white eyes were like those of an infant, as if they had never been tainted by the worldly noise. Yet, her gaze was clear and calm, with a hint of seeing through the mundane world, truly not like that of a teenage girl.

  "It's normal that the young lady doesn't recognize me, I only saw her from afar that day. Does she still remember 'In life be a hero among men, in death an eagle among ghosts'?"

  Li Mu's words had barely left his lips when Qin Dai's mind immediately flashed back to the day she was on the small path outside the Putuo Temple woods, where she seemed to have said these exact words to Hei Da Kui. Could it be that he was there at the time too? This person is incredibly formidable, able to hide so stealthily that not a single one of the dozen or so people present noticed him. It's clear that he's an expert, but why did he choose to stand by and do nothing when faced with death? If he didn't make a move back then, why would he suddenly appear in his own main hall now, seemingly charging straight for her?

  In an instant, several thoughts flashed through Qin Dai's mind, but she was hesitant to think deeply with everyone present waiting for her response. She simply said, "So it's you."

  As soon as she said this, Qin Zongwen put the hanging heart into his stomach and secretly observed the two of them.

  "I remember the events of that day vividly, but I don't recall a person like you. Since you know these two lines of poetry, it seems you haven't gone far. Why not show yourself and let's meet?"

  Li Mu understood her implicit meaning and thought that this woman was indeed clever, so he said: "At that time, I had something important to attend to and didn't dare to linger. When I finished my business and went to look for the young lady, she was nowhere to be found. I searched several times before finally finding you at your residence."

  The two of them were speaking in riddles, and no one present could understand what they meant. Only Duan Xing deeply understood the underlying situation, but he didn't rush to reveal it, instead just sizing up Qin Dai's heart. Although Qin's father and son were also very curious, they felt that these two had a perfect understanding of each other, which was a good thing, so they put aside their thoughts of meddling. Only one person couldn't see the situation clearly and loudly asked: "Third sister, where did you get to know Li Gongzi? Come tell us about it!" The tone of voice couldn't hide the jealousy.

  Qin Dai Xin knew she was being jealous and didn't mind, smiling: "Second sister is interested in knowing this matter, can ask Li Gongzi, I didn't see him that day." How could she not see the twinkling little stars in Qin Qian Xing's eyes?!

  She said that, Qin Qianxin's face was thick-skinned, and she didn't dare to come forward. She glared at Qin Daiqin fiercely and turned her head away. Qin Congwen feared that she would stir up more trouble, so he said: "Qianxin, Father has important matters here, you should go back first and don't make a scene."

  "Dad, what's wrong with me? I'm not leaving, I still have to take good care of my little sister, in case she does something that damages her reputation."

  As soon as she spoke, Qin Zongwen knew it was bad. Indeed, Li Mu saw her being so rude and also became unhappy, smiling and asking: "According to Miss Yi's meaning, the Third Young Lady knowing me is a matter that hurts social morals?"

  "No... I didn't, that's not what I meant." Qin Qian was stunned and didn't expect Li Mu to speak to her like this. For a moment, she scolded Qin Dai in her heart more than a hundred times. She had lost face and also learned from it, sitting silently on the side without making a sound.

  Qin Congwen saw the awkward atmosphere and hurriedly came out to mediate, "Young Master Li, the banquet still needs to be arranged for a while. Why don't you let my son and daughter accompany you to take a stroll around and enjoy the scenery in the garden? It's winter now, I'm afraid the scenery isn't good. The landscape of our humble abode is probably not as exquisite as that of Jiangdong."

  Li Mu didn't think so, nodded and said okay. Duan Xing also disliked the atmosphere in this hall, feeling that his brother was being eyed by others like a fat sheep.

  "Zi Cheng, Dai Xin, you two go with Young Master Li for a stroll! When the wine and dishes are ready, I will instruct someone to inform you."

  The two of them received the order and hastily responded. Qin Zichen really wanted to discuss business with this Li Gongzi, while Qindai Xin had no choice but to go.

  "I'm going too, I'm going too." Qin Qian's heart had healed from the wound and forgotten the pain. She insisted on following along, fearing that Qin Dai Xin would steal a march on her and gain Li Mu's favor. She hadn't even considered that he was actually coming for Qin Dai Xin.

  "You just stay here and don't go anywhere." Qin Zongwen said furiously, without caring that the others had not yet left.

  PS: Thanks for Shen Yu Ya's reward! I'm so excited, like the endless Yangtze River...