179 — Secrets and The Aftermath

Zhang Heying and Li Qianye, who were descending down the stairs, heard the last statement and paused midway. Then noticing the tense atmosphere in the living room, they looked at each other. What could have happened in the short time they were away?

Pei Yueran was still talking, "And cut your brother some slack, he's very charming. Even if he was penniless, he would still be a great catch. It's not his fault that the previous women were either too blind or mentally challenged to see his worth. But that's not who I am. I am different."

She then added with a smile that did not quite reach her eyes, "I do hope you can let go of your prejudice and that someday, we can be good friends. For today though, please excuse us, we need to be somewhere else."

She also turned to Li Junmo, whose eyes were currently shining, "Brother-in-law, it was a pleasure meeting you today. Do keep in touch. And please, apologize to Mom and Dad on our behalf."

Li Junmo nodded his head fervently, as if injected with chicken blood, "Yes, don't worry Sister-in-law, I'll deliver your message. You're so cool."

Pei Yueran smiled faintly and moved towards the door, Li Chuanmo striding alongside.

Butler Nan, who had heard part of the conversation apologized to them while getting them their shoes. "Young Master, Young Miss, do forgive her."

Li Chuanmo did not respond, while Pei Yueran only smiled faintly, "It's fine. We'll come back another day."

Seemingly oblivious to Li Lianmo's shouts of "Big brother," Li Chuanmo walked out of the villa without looking back, never once releasing Pei Yueran's hand until they got to the car.

It was after they entered the car and drove off that Pei Yueran spoke calmly, as if talking about the weather, "Chuan, if you don't stop gripping my hand so tightly, we might need to stop at the ER."

Li Chuanmo finally relaxed his grip, though the way he held the steering with his other hand was a testament to his still-fierce anger.

Pei Yueran sighed, "Chuan, it's fine. I'm not even upset. She loves you and is only trying to look out for you."

"Don't try to explain away her antagonism and belligerence. She was being plain rude to someone she was meeting for the first time, someone I love dearly and that's inexcusable."

"You're right. But what I'm trying to say is that you and I know that what she said is not true, so there's no need to be upset. Anyway, time will tell."

"You don't even need to prove anything to anyone. I've said it before and I'll say it again: It's me you're getting married to. Don't mind what anyone else says."

"Fine, I'll listen to you, so you listen to me as well. Calm down."

"I'm calm." Li Chuanmo replied.

"Really?" Pei Yueran asked suspiciously. "Why am I not convinced?" She asked, staring at the green veins popping on his hand and the rigid way he held his body.

Taking a deep breath, he tried again, "See? I am calm now."

Pei Yueran believed him this time.

"Now let me send Mom a text. They'd be worried if they find out we left just like that. I'll say that something came up."

It wasn't a lie technically, she reasoned.

But Li Chuanmo dissuaded her, "Don't bother trying to cover things up. Junmo will tell them what happened."

"Oh, I see. Still I'll send her a text to thank her. I had such a lovely time today. And your brother was absolutely delightful." She said with smiles.

Li Chuanmo nodded, "He obviously likes you very much."

They fell into an amiable silence as Pei Yueran concentrated on drafting the text message while Li Chuanmo trained his eyes on the road.

Suddenly remembering something, he asked, "Ran, do you have any meetings on the 13th?"

Pei Yueran was a bit distracted by what she was doing, but she still answered, "The 13th? let me see. Oh yes, I have one with the representatives of Paradigm. It's my last meeting before I go on leave."

Li Chuanmo nodded before asking, "Where will it be held?"

Pei Yueran looked with with a teasing smile, "Why? Do you want to come pick me up?"

"Maybe?" Li Chuanmo smiled back, pretending his palms were not sweating.

"It'll be at our company of course, though Fengxue said they mentioned something about the possibility of a short field trip."

"Fengxue?"

"Bei Fengxue, my personal assistant. Have you forgotten her already?"

"It's not that, but I thought Ms. Min was the one that handled all our phone calls and meeting schedules."

"Apparently she wasn't at her desk when Paradigm called, so they connected directly to my office instead, and Fengxue spoke to them."

"I see." Li Chuanmo responded thoughtfully.

"Is something wrong?"

"No. I wanted to take you somewhere on that day, but I guess it can wait."

"Really? Where?"

"Secret."

"Ah, you and your secrets. I shouldn't have told Lianmo that you tell me everything." Pei Yueran said jokingly, but she missed the flash of panic that crossed his features.

"You'll know everything soon, don't worry." He said trying to sound casual.

Pei Yueran thought he was only talking about this and pouted. "I'll make sure the meeting finishes earlier, so that I can finally find out the secret."

Li Chuanmo smiled, "That would be great. All secrets will be revealed then. You can look forward to it." He said, talking more to himself than her.

Pei Yueran nodded with a smile, "Sounds good."

*****

Back at the Li family villa.

Zhang Heying and Li Qianye watched the young couple walk out before coming down the stairs.

They ignored Li Lianmo that obviously had a guilty face and first seated themselves on the sofa comfortably.

Then Li Qianye said, "Okay, start talking now."

Nobody moved. Li Lianmo fixed her gaze on the exquisite centre rug as if something fascinating was playing out there. Li Qianye didn't repeat himself again, only staring at his daughter.

Zhang Heying was not as patient. She immediately turned to her second son. "Junmo, you tell us, what happened here? Why did they suddenly leave?"

Ignoring Li Lianmo's silent pleas and winks, Li Junmo spilled the beans right away.

Zhang Heying was livid.

"Li Lianmo, I'm utterly disappointed in you!"