175 — Meeting Li Chuanmo's Siblings (1)

"What's your business? You better mind your mouth you br—." In the end, she didn't finish her words because she saw her mother frown.

"Li Lianmo, would you like to move back home?"

She didn't understand, but it was always a bad thing when her mother called her full name, so she pouted and apologized. "No Mom, I'm sorry. Just tell him not to bother me."

At an angle only she could see, Li Junmo gave her a victory sign. Irritated, she held up her middle finger but changed it immediately her mother turned around.

Zhang Heying sighed. These children could be so worrying. They obviously cared for each other, yet they were always at each other's throats. It was giving her a headache.

"But seriously, why are you dressed like that?" Zhang Heying eventually questioned in puzzlement.

"Isn't it beautiful Mom?" Li Lianmo asked, even twirling around for the full effect. She was very satisfied with her look today. This was her battle outfit!

"Let it be. Who am I to speak against your taste?"

The black leather miniskirt and leather jacket wasn't bad on her, but was a black shade of lipstick really called for? Paired with the black heels, she looked... interesting to say the least.

But Zhang Heying was not inclined to say more on the topic. If her daughter had looked at herself in the mirror and liked what she saw, who was she to complain?

At least, she didn't dye her hair black. That, in Zhang Heying's opinion, was something to be thankful for.

Li Qianye looked at his princess' satisfied expression and didn't know whether to laugh or cry. Just with one look, he could tell what she was thinking about. Was this really necessary? Did she think Pei Yueran was coming to their house to fight?

Just then, the doorbell rang and Butler Nan went to answer.

"They're here." Butler Nan came back to announce respectfully.

The family stood up to welcome the couple. Pei Yueran came in first, followed closely by Li Chuanmo, who was carrying a basket of fruits and two gift bags.

Li Lianmo immediately went into battle mode, trying to observe Pei Yueran and make an initial conclusion.

Seeing her face properly threw her off for a moment. Was this woman that looked like her age mate really a divorcee, no, widow and single mother? Unbelievable!

Just by her face, she had the appearance of an innocent school girl that had been deceived by an older man.

Li Lianmo did not even realize that she was currently dissing her favorite brother.

She narrowed her eyes further in an effort to observe her better.

Could it be the clothes? She wondered.

The form fitting red gown flattered her figure and complimented the brown of her hair. Even in the cream colored house slippers she was currently wearing, she still looked elegant, like a member of high society.

By this time, Pei Yueran who was hugging Zhang Heying could no longer ignore the pointed stare that had been directed at her since she entered the living room.

Turning her head slightly, her eyes caught sight of a young lady. Dressed in black from neck to heel, Pei Yueran found her intriguing. The examining and somewhat unfriendly look on her face gave her a bit of concern however.

'Maybe I'm just reading too much into it," She reasoned inwardly.

After exchanging pleasantries with Zhang Heying, Li Qianye gave her a brief hug and inquired about her health and work.

Then she finally faced the two unfamiliar people in the room. Zhang Heying took the opportunity to make the introductions.

"Ran'er, you've not met my other children yet, right? This is Junmo, and his sister is Lianmo. They just got back a few days ago."

Pei Yueran nodded and said, "Hello." Looking at the scrutinizing expression on the girl's face properly, it didn't take much to guess that she was the one boring a hole into her back the other time.

Li Junmo responded enthusiastically, "Wow, Sister-in-law, you look so beautiful. No wonder my big brother is smitten!" He further gave Li Chuanmo a thumbs up.

Pei Yueran tried not to blush at his words. She said thank you and that it was a pleasure to finally meet him.

When she added that Li Chuanmo had told her so much about him, Li Junmo's eyes widened comically and he moved closer, "Really? Tell me, what did he say about me? Was it something good?"

Li Chuanmo chose that moment to step up and put his arm around her, "I only told her the truth. Now stop bugging her and let her sit down."

"Big brother, you're so protective. I've only exchanged a few words with Sister-in-law and you're already jealous?" Li Junmo mocked, cheerfully ignoring the stink-eye his brother sent his way.

Li Lianmo, who was watching their easy banter with a stoic expression finally cut in with a slightly condescending tone, "Hello. Ms. Pei, right? I am Li Lianmo, Li Chuanmo's only sister."

The room became so silent that the footsteps of workers as they moved around the kitchen could be heard clearly.

Then Li Qianye said, "Let's not stand around, take my daughter-in-law to the dining room quickly."

Li Chuanmo nodded and turned to take Pei Yueran by the hand, but not before directing an unreadable look at his sister. If he didn't know something was wrong before, it was glaring now.

Pei Yueran couldn't even present the gifts she bought for them.

Li Junmo followed along after having a silent battle with his sister. He put his hand close to his mouth, gesturing in a way as if to say, "I warned you, but now your mouth has caused trouble!"

Li Lianmo eyed him in irritation.

Zhang Heying held her daughter back and gave her a threatening look, "Lian'er."

"Yes Mom." She answered innocently. If her mother was going to ask why she did that, she planned to feign ignorance.

"Young lady, if you do one more thing to embarrass my daughter-in-law, we would need to have a long, painful conversation, and I can assure you that you would not like it." Zhang Heying straightforwardly said.

The threat was too blatant for Li Lianmo to miss. She shut up and nodded obediently.

Zhang Heying looked at her for a long moment before walking ahead to the dining room.

Lunch was very pleasant. There was something for everyone. Due to Pei Yueran's preferences, Zhang Heying made sure there were lots of spicy oriental dishes on the table.

"Dig in, Sister-in-law."