FID – Chapter 674

Chapter 674: Can’t be Relied on, Still Call It a Support

The slap left Li Junhua too stunned to make a sound.

If she dared to resist her grandmother, she wouldn’t even be allowed to step foot in the Li family’s door in the future.

This slap from her was a clear declaration—she was officially announcing to everyone in the household that from now on, Li Junyao would be under her protection.

It wasn’t just for show.

Otherwise, if it were simply a matter of appearances, Matriarch Li could have ordered a servant to slap her, without ever needing to act herself.

In all these years, had anyone ever seen her physically strike someone? This was the first time, and it was all for Li Junyao.

Thus, the servants who were watching, as well as the other Li family members who had gathered to watch the spectacle, were all silent, their hearts stirred in turmoil.

The gazes directed at Liu Muqiu became even more complicated.

Li Junhua was considered the most favored among all the young ladies of the Li family, yet now, because of Liu Muqiu, she had been slapped by the matriarch herself.

If even she had suffered such a fate, who else in the family would dare to cause trouble?

Liu Muqiu had completely turned the tables.

With the matter settled, Liu Zhiqiu walked out of the Li residence with Liu Muqiu and Li Junyao, proudly striding ahead.

Among the onlookers, there were also Third Master and Madam Li. Under the pressure from the matriarch, no one dared to approach Liu Muqiu.

Similarly, as they passed by, Liu Muqiu didn’t even glance at them, treating them as complete strangers.

As they exited the Li family gate, two sighs of relief sounded at the same time.

Liu Zhiqiu looked at the two of them and curled her lips, “With that kind of courage, how did you grow up? What a paper tiger.”

Liu Muqiu blushed at the comment.

At this moment, she no longer carried the same imposing presence from the inner courtyard and had returned to her weak and harmless demeanor. However, the sigh of relief she had let out earlier wasn’t because she was scared—her strong aura wasn’t faked either. It was just that the Li family had oppressed her so much, and now that she was outside, she felt completely at ease.

Li Junyao, on the other hand, was purely nervous.

He never expected Liu Zhiqiu to publicly mention that he had been to Xinghua Village, and he certainly didn’t anticipate that his sister would slap Li Junhua in front of everyone to stand up for him. What surprised him the most, though, was his grandmother’s attitude. It was completely different from the indifferent attitude she had always shown him before.

Thinking of this, he glanced at Liu Zhiqiu secretly. He knew that it must have been something he said that had made his grandmother change her attitude.

Whether or not it was because of his sister’s influence, he was still very grateful. “Thank you, Big Brother Liu.”

With a smile, Liu Zhiqiu patted the young boy’s head, saying, “There’s still some time left. Since the New Year festivities haven’t ended yet, why not go take a stroll?”

After speaking, he turned and went to fetch the carriage.

Li Junyao blinked his bright eyes, taking the opportunity to get closer to Liu Muqiu. “Sister, the person you’ve always liked is him, right?”

“He is the best man in the world.” Even though her ears turned red, Liu Muqiu replied seriously.

She knew the man wasn’t as straightforward as he seemed, but in her eyes, he would always be the best one.

After getting the siblings into the carriage, they drove to a quiet spot and proceeded leisurely. Liu Zhiqiu’s intention was for the siblings to have a good conversation, but they didn’t get around to it. Instead, the young boy ended up pestering him.

“Big Brother Liu, you’re amazing, you actually made Grandmother change her attitude.”

“Can I visit my sister at Xinghua Village often in the future?”

“Will you be my brother-in-law someday?”

“Brother Liu, you like my sister, don’t you? My sister is really good.”

The entire way was filled with the chattering of the young boy. The handsome young man sat at the front, driving the carriage, looking up at the sky, while the girl hid inside the carriage, too shy to show herself. Her hands covered her face, but it couldn’t hide her flushed cheeks.

By the time they returned Li Junyao to the Li residence, it was already late afternoon. The young boy stood at the gate, watching them until the carriage disappeared down the street, before he finally turned and went back.

The sound of hooves echoed, the rhythmic clop spreading softly across the snow. Sitting at the front of the carriage, the cold wind hit his face with sharp force, stinging his skin.

Liu Muqiu tried to climb out of the carriage, but the man’s hand pressed her back down.

In the end, she could only peek her head out, watching the man’s back with deep eyes.

“Brother Zhiqiu, today… why did you do that?” Why help her to such an extent?

He could have easily ignored these matters. And she knew he didn’t like to stir up trouble.

Given Matriarch Li’s character, in order to make her treat Junyao well, Brother Zhiqiu must have promised her something in return.

The man glanced back at her and replied casually, “Isn’t it because you’ve latched onto me as your support? If you can’t rely on me when needed, what’s the point of having support?”

Liu Muqiu’s gaze flickered, and then something within her eyes deepened, slowly spilling over layer by layer.

The corners of her eyes curved as she gently rested her head against the man’s broad back, softly whispering, “Brother Zhiqiu, I like you.”

Liu Zhiqiu’s lips curled into a faint smile, looking ahead at the vast white snow.

He knew.

Upon returning home, Liu Zhiqiu briefly explained the situation to his family. Liu Muqiu stood by, head lowered and listening attentively. Her fingers were nervously twisting beneath her long sleeves.

She felt tense and uneasy.

She had already left the Li family, but still, trouble had followed her. She was worried her family might harbor resentment toward her.

“So that’s how it is. As long as it’s resolved, it’s fine. Keep an eye on Muqiu, make sure no one bullies her,” as the head of the family, Grandpa Liu nodded, adding a reminder.

Grandma Liu also spoke, “In the future, let that Xiao Yao come over more often when he has time. Alright, it’s getting late, let’s hurry and eat.”

Just like that, the matter was brushed aside.

Liu Muqiu walked slowly behind, watching her family’s backs as they headed to the kitchen, and a smile gradually spread across her face.

This was her home.

It would always be.

And these family members would never despise or abandon her because of the troubles she carried.

Never.

The next day, before the people in the inner courtyard had woken up, laughter could be heard from the front courtyard, mixed with unfamiliar voices.

Liu Yusheng and Liu Muqiu walked into the front courtyard and immediately saw a young boy in formal attire, chatting happily with the elders in the main hall.

Liu Muqiu couldn’t help but rub her forehead.

Brother Zhiqiu promised that he could come to the Liu courtyard often to see her, but it didn’t need to be this soon, right? It had only been a day.

Liu Yusheng looked at Liu Muqiu’s current expression and couldn’t help but laugh lightly while covering her mouth.

It was the first time she saw the Little White Lotus show such a helpless expression—quite lively. Normally, she was more reserved in the Liu family.

As for the young boy who quickly ran out of the main hall, there was a noticeable change since the last time she saw him.

He was wearing new clothes, and there was a light and happy aura surrounding him.

Clearly, his treatment at the Li residence had improved.

“Sister Liu, Sister!” The young boy’s eyes were sparkling, and when he saw Liu Yusheng, he became a little shy.

The last time he had been caught sneaking around the garden, it was Sister Liu who discovered him.

But because she discovered him, it changed his relationship with his sister and, more importantly, his situation. He was very grateful to her.

“There’s no need to be shy,” Liu Yusheng said, laughing as she patted the young boy’s shoulder. “Come visit your sister more often in the future.”