Chapter 137: Between Advance and Retreat

Saying that not even a fly could get in was an exaggeration, but it did indicate the tight security at the Liu residence today. If the previous unlucky heirs had received such protection, could they have survived?

Li Nianlong shook his head. "Grandpa, Cousin, there's no need for you to follow me so early. You can go about your business; I'll go see Ruyue."

Old Master Liu and Shao Meiyun also thought this made sense. It was only afternoon, and if any assassins were to come, it would likely be at night. There was no need to be so tense yet.

"Do you want me to accompany you?" Shao Meiyun asked with a smile.

"No need, I know the way."

Shao Meiyun had arranged for Nalan Ruyue to stay in the room next to Li Nianlong's. The Liu residence was an ancient-style mansion with wooden doors and windows. Despite being in adjacent rooms, the soundproofing was poor; even the slightest movement next door, like turning over in bed, could be heard. Yet, Li Nianlong and Nalan Ruyue were very pleased with this arrangement.

First of all, the close proximity meant that if anything happened to Nalan Ruyue, Li Nianlong would be the first to know. Nalan Ruyue was the person he cared about most, and he couldn't allow anything to happen to her.

For Nalan Ruyue, being in a new and unfamiliar environment, she simply didn't want to be apart from Li Nianlong. Initially, Shao Meiyun had even considered putting them in the same room with one bed, and neither would have objected.

But Shao Meiyun didn't do this. In her view, Li Nianlong's future legitimate wife should be Xiang Youyou. Only Xiang Youyou matched Li Nianlong's status. As for Nalan Ruyue, Shao Meiyun acknowledged her excellence in many aspects, but her family background was unknown, and she was mute. A person with an unclear background and a congenital disability, Shao Meiyun could allow her to follow Li Nianlong but absolutely could not let her take the position of Li Nianlong's wife.

If Li Nianlong knew Shao Meiyun's thoughts, he would be very angry. He had agreed to take on the position of Liu family head only to lead the family out of its troubles and fulfill a promise made days ago. As soon as a more suitable candidate appeared, he would step down immediately. He wouldn't allow anyone to interfere with his love or his marriage. Besides, he already considered Nalan Ruyue as both a sister and a potential wife.

To take a step back, she was a sister; to advance, she was a wife. Li Nianlong was caught in between, not yet making a move. Originally, he could have taken a step forward, but Nalan Ruyue's reluctance to reveal her identity held him back. Though he didn't mention it, it bothered him and was the biggest obstacle to advancing, despite her obedience in all other matters.

Stepping back wasn't an option Li Nianlong hadn't considered, but like many men, he was attracted by beauty. Nalan Ruyue, despite being mute, was incredibly beautiful, skilled in household chores, and an excellent cook. More importantly, she was gentle and had all the qualities of a virtuous wife and good mother.

Most importantly, Nalan Ruyue was very attached to him. How could he bear to let go of such a girl?

Li Nianlong was waiting for the right moment, a moment to either advance or retreat. Though he didn't know when it would come, he was prepared.

"Ruyue," he called as he found Nalan Ruyue tending to flowers in the garden. Hearing his voice, she turned and smiled at the familiar figure, silently greeting him.

"Are you settling in well?" He smiled at the watering can in her hand. "Why aren't you resting inside?"

Nalan Ruyue put down the watering can and gestured: I can't rest well when you're not around. There's someone taking care of things here, so I came out for a walk.

Li Nianlong nodded. "From now on, you're the eldest miss of the Liu family. Leave these chores to others. Your job is to live happily every day, understand?"

Nalan Ruyue smiled and nodded, then looked worried and gestured: Brother, will the assassins come tonight?

"Don't worry, it doesn't matter if they come or not," Li Nianlong said calmly.

Nalan Ruyue blinked and smiled slightly. Yes, brother is so powerful, it doesn't matter if they come.

Nalan Ruyue adapted well to her new role as the eldest miss of the Liu family. Her elegance and grace were innate, and even Old Master Liu and Shao Meiyun praised her. If it weren't for her unclear background and muteness, she would be a perfect match for Li Nianlong.

As night fell, the Liu family received an unexpected phone call.

"Long Qingyun is coming to Tianfu to congratulate the new Liu family head?" Old Master Liu frowned at the news. "He's not afraid after Long Jingtian's death?"

Shao Meiyun squinted and smiled. "How could a father not come to win over his son who has unexpectedly become the head of the Liu family?"

"The Long family are a bunch of calculating scoundrels!" Old Master Liu's eyes flashed with cold light as he laughed bitterly. "Years ago, he abandoned his wife and child, not caring even when his wife died. Now he wants to take advantage of his son's success. How can such a thing happen?"

"Grandpa, you're right," Shao Meiyun agreed. She had little regard for such pleasantries. The Liu family had not been much different from Long Qingyun initially. "Menglong's surname is Liu, not Long. His plan won't succeed."

Old Master Liu nodded, closing his eyes in thought. After a moment, he said, "Tell him Tianfu isn't safe lately. He can come if he's not afraid of death."

Shao Meiyun squinted and chuckled. "Grandpa, that's a ruthless move."

"Some people can't be dealt with using kindness," Old Master Liu replied. "But if Long Qingyun still comes despite this, I'll admire him for having some fatherly feelings for Menglong."

"Grandpa, you're right." If Long Qingyun risked his life to see his son, it would prove he valued Li Nianlong above his own life, willing to take risks for him.

As for his long neglect of Li Ying and Li Nianlong... Old Master Liu hadn't cared much back then either.

Great families had to prioritize the long-term development and interests of the family, with personal feelings coming second. The difference lay in the depth of affection for their kin.

Old Master Liu and Shao Meiyun had used their genuine feelings and persistence to win over Li Nianlong, convincing him to take on the role of Liu family head. Otherwise, with his temperament, he wouldn't have cared about who became the family head.

After dinner, Old Master Liu dismissed the servants. He glanced at Nalan Ruyue, hesitated, and then said, "Menglong, Grandpa has something important to discuss. Can Ruyue step out for a moment?"

Li Nianlong frowned, paused, and looked apologetically at Nalan Ruyue. "Ruyue, go rest in your room first."

Nalan Ruyue nodded and was about to leave when Shao Meiyun stood up, smiling. "Ruyue, I'll go with you."

Nalan Ruyue blinked and nodded.

After the two women left, Li Nianlong looked at Old Master Liu. "Grandpa, what is it?"

Old Master Liu put down his teacup and sighed. "Menglong, Long Qingyun is coming to congratulate you on becoming the Liu family head."

It felt like a heavy hammer had struck Li Nianlong's chest, making it hard for him to breathe.

Seeing his reaction, Old Master Liu sighed. "Menglong, this is hard on you."

After a while, Li Nianlong's breathing steadied. He saw the concern in Old Master Liu's eyes and felt warm inside. He shook his head lightly. "It's not difficult. Although he's my biological father, I've been living with my mother all these years. Besides sending some money monthly, he hasn't done anything for us. His favor can be repaid with money. Don't worry, Grandpa, I won't be swayed by the Long family. Moreover, I'm already in a life-and-death struggle with Long Zongheng. The Long family will only be my enemy."

"Now that you say that, I'm relieved," Old Master Liu said, visibly relaxing and smiling. "I was worried you might leave the Liu family out of filial duty."

"It's human nature," Li Nianlong nodded, reassuring him. "Don't worry, Grandpa. As the head of the Liu family, my priority is the family's interests. It's good that Long Qingyun is coming; we can settle accounts."

Old Master Liu said nothing, patting Li Nianlong's shoulder with satisfaction.

Li Nianlong smiled slightly and asked, "Grandpa, when is Long Qingyun coming?"

"After Long Jingtian's seven-day mourning period. Today is the fourth day, so he'll be here in three days," Old Master Liu replied.

Li Nianlong nodded. "Alright, I'll prepare for the next few days. The Liu family matters will need to trouble Grandpa and Cousin."

"Haha, what's troubling about doing things for our own family?"

Meanwhile, Shao Meiyun accompanied Nalan Ruyue back to her room. Watching Nalan Ruyue sit quietly on the bed, with her smooth black hair, delicate eyebrows, bright eyes, small and straight nose, perfectly shaped lips, oval face, slender neck, and curvaceous figure, Shao Meiyun genuinely admired her. Nalan Ruyue was one of the most beautiful girls she had ever seen, comparable only to Xiang Youyou from the Xiang family.

Unfortunately, her background was unclear, and she was mute. Otherwise, Shao Meiyun would have gladly accepted her as a sister-in-law.

"Ruyue..." Now that Li Nianlong had taken over the Liu family, Shao Meiyun felt it was necessary to address some matters. "There's something I need to clarify. It might seem a bit rude, but I have no ill intentions. I hope you understand."

Nalan Ruyue looked at Shao Meiyun, blinking, and then nodded gently.

Shao Meiyun smiled slightly and asked, "Ruyue, do you truly want to be Menglong's sister, or do you hope to become his wife someday?"

The question brought a blush to Nalan Ruyue's cheeks. She looked at Shao Meiyun, seeing her serious expression, and her heart moved. She shook her head slightly and gestured: I only want to be his sister because...