Chapter 23.1

Li Qianxing returned to China for his mother. Even though he was outside the country, he still had the means to gain information. And from the information he received, his mother, Zhan Jiayin, was having a hard time. Because of the leaked photos, her reputation had taken a fall. Even though he deleted a number of posts and accounts, the scandal continued to worsen without any substantial evidence to deny the accusations. As a result, the luxury brands that asked Zhan Jiayin to be their spokesperson suddenly backed off.

In addition, a picture of Grandma slapping Mom had been uploaded on the internet with the photographer unknown. Shortly after, rumors of Zhan Jiayin and Li Nanjue divorcing spread.

When Li Qianxing saw his mother’s red cheeks in the photo, how could he stay still? In this world, the person he wanted to protect the most was none other than his mother.

So he ignored his graduation thesis and booked a flight home. When he returned home, he wouldn’t let anyone push his mother around.

Li Qianfei went to the airport to pick him up, and upon seeing him, large tears rolled down her cheeks. “Older Brother…”

“Don’t worry, I’m here.” Li Qianxing’s tone was resolute.

Li Qianfei had found her support pillar and complained to him. “You don’t know. Mom and I are really struggling right now. When Grandma found us, she immediately scolded us. Grandma even slapped Mom, and now Mom doesn’t even dare to leave the house.

“Everyone is laughing at us. They say we three will be driven out by Dad and Grandma sooner or later.

“Dad has also changed. He’s not the loving father he was before. He’s even showing affection to Li Xiao! He gave Li Xiao so many things, and when Li Xiao wanted a car, he gave her the car that I had my eye on.”

The more Li Qianfei spoke the more she felt like she was wronged, and her words were wrecked by sobs. She subconsciously left out the part where she had pushed Grandma and broke her bone. After all, she hadn’t done it on purpose. She was just feeling anxious. If Grandma didn’t wear high heels at her age, she wouldn’t have fractured a bone.

“It’s okay. I’m here. No one can hurt you now,” Li Qianxing said emotionally.

Li Qianfei nodded vigorously and smiled through her tears, granting Li Qianxing her full trust. “I trust you.”

It took an hour of traveling for the brother and sister to return to the Li family home.

After Li Qianxing stepped out of the car, he immediately made his way to the house and had people help him bring in his luggage.

Before he even stepped into the lounge, he heard the faint sound of laughter.

“Really? That person’s so foolish, easily trusting a person like that.”

“Seriously. Let’s just say that the great world is full of wonders.”

When Li Qianxing heard the voice, he imagined the harmonious scene inside.

Li Qianxing’s expression fell as he quickened his footsteps.

In the middle of the lounge, his grandmother sat on the sofa and had a smile on her face as she lovingly gazed at Li Xiao. The image was, undoubtedly, very eye-catching.

“Younger Brother came back.” Li Xiao turned and lightly smiled as she spoke. She had to admit, Li Qianxing uncannily resembled the young Li Nanjue. However, Li Qianxing’s temperament was much gloomier, and he looked at people as if they were objects. His eyes were devoid of warmth.

Surprised, Qu Lian turned. “Qianxing is back. Grandma hasn’t seen you in a long time.”

Even if Qu Lian’s attitude toward Li Xiao had changed these days, in her heart, ten Li Xiaos could never compare to her golden grandson, Li Qianxing, who could carry on the family name. Her ill-feeling toward Zhan Jiayin transferred to Li Qianfei, but she was reluctant to blame her grandson. In her heart, she believed he didn’t know what Zhan Jiayin had done. If he did, he would be ashamed of having such a mother.

Suffice to say, Qu Lian’s thoughts were too innocent. Her earnest love for her grandson was bound to come crashing down.

When Li Qianxing opened his mouth, his words stabbed at Qu Lian’s heart.

“Grandma, what did Mom do to make you want to bully her?”

The criticism that left his mouth stirred Qu Lian’s anger, but the fact that he was her grandson held her back. “Your mom has an unclear relationship with Ren Shaotang, and she hasn’t retired. So she’ll stay at home to treat her husband and children. What’s wrong with saying a few words?”

The Li family didn’t have a shortage of accommodations.

“It’s made up by heartless people. My mother is innocent,” Li Qianxing said. His tone was frigid. “I won’t let the people who hurt my mom go.”

If he found out who framed her, he would make the person suffer a pain worse than death. Part of the reason why Li Qianxing returned to China was to investigate the matter. The mastermind behind it was careful enough to not leave any traces on the internet, leaving him with no way to do anything about it.

Trembling, Qu Lian pointed her finger at him in disbelief. “So you’re not going to let me go either?”

Li Qianxing remained silent in agreement. To him, his grandmother’s status in his heart was very far from his mother’s.

Qu Lian’s heart throbbed. “You really are your mom’s good son!”

Zhan Jiayin must’ve been very resourceful to raise such loyal children.