The Favored Heiress

Li Qiao smiled faintly as she spoke, and in an instant, the vast living room fell so quiet you could hear a pin drop.

Li Guangming's gaze flitted between Li Qiao and Shang Yu, fearful that his precious daughter had angered the big shot. He hastily changed the subject, "Mr. Shang's visit truly graces our Li Family with extraordinary honor!"

The entire family: "..."

You're a tycoon, can't you keep your cool?

Li Qiao sighed in resignation, crossing her beautiful legs and leaning back against the sofa.

Today, she was dressed in grey jeans paired with a plain white T-shirt. The short sleeves were casually tucked into her waistband, easy and relaxed.

Especially those crossed legs, long and slender, were exactly like Shang Yu's posture.

At this moment, Shang Yu glanced at the driver beside him and spoke with a mellow voice, "Mr. Li, regarding the matter of Shang Lu and your daughter's annulment, I would like to personally express my sincere apologies."

His tone was neither hurried nor slow, and his demeanor was warm and polite.

The driver timely placed the gift box on the marble coffee table.

Li Guangming's face stiffened, and his smile faded slightly, "So... is the engagement truly to be broken off?"

Li Qiao: "???"

Shang Yu took the tea cup from the servant, his long fingers stirring the tea leaves with the lid, "Shang Lu's illness, I believe everyone here has heard of it, and at this point, I'm afraid this is the only option."

"May I ask if Old Mr. Shang knows about the annulment?" At that moment, Li Guangming's eyes revealed a trace of solemnity, his brows furrowed seriously, not feigned.

Li Qiao observed Li Guangming without a word, the suspicions long buried in her heart resurfacing once again.

Just then, Shang Yu took a sip of the black tea, slowly raising his eyes to meet with Li Guangming's, "My father is currently unaware, but I will be departing for Parma tomorrow and will convey the message."

Li Guangming and Duan Shuyuan discreetly looked at each other. In the moment their gazes met, Li Qiao suddenly let out a light chuckle, astonishingly saying, "If that's the case, then we'll trouble Master Yan with this matter."

Upon hearing those words, Shang Yu slightly turned his gaze while the girl by his side arched her eyebrows, wearing a cunning smile.

"Qiaoqiao!"

Li Guangming called out her name with grave seriousness. Although not a reprimand, disapproval was apparent in his eyes.

Seeing this, Li Qiao narrowed her eyes, fiddling with her nails. Her expressive and vibrant eyes remained composed, "Dad, did I say something wrong?"

In fact, Li Qiao easily read certain messages in her parents' faces—they truly did not wish to cancel the engagement.

But why exactly?

At that moment, Li Guangming, looking into Li Qiao's inquisitive eyes, knew he had revealed too much emotion.

He softened his expression, then turned to Shang Yu, "Mr. Shang, may I talk with you upstairs in more detail?"

Shang Yu's thumb caressed the celadon teacup, his gaze settling on the girl's fair, creamy face. With a slight nod, he agreed in a deep voice, "That would be fine."

...

Shortly after, Li Guangming and Shang Yu's figures disappeared at the top of the second-floor staircase.

Li Qiao rested her hand on her forehead, casually glancing towards Duan Shuyuan, "Mom, do you not want the annulment between me and Shang Lu?"

Duan Shuyuan tucked a strand of hair behind her ear, disingenuously refuting, "How could that be, it's nothing like that."

Li Jun took a breath of relief and also asked, "But I also thought Dad's attitude was a bit strange just now!"

"Mom, are you and Dad hiding something from us? It's clear that Shang Lu doesn't want to marry Qiaoqiao, but you and Dad seem very insistent. Is there some... story behind this child betrothal?" Li Yan also asked with a puzzled look.

Duan Shuyuan's eyes flickered as she glared pointedly at Li Yan, "What story could there be? It's just that a long, long time ago..."

Here we go again!

Whenever Li Qiao or her brothers inquired about the origin of the arranged marriage, their parents always responded in this evasive manner.

At that point, Li Cheng, lacking patience, directly interrupted Duan Shuyuan, his voice cold, "Mom, if that's the case, then let's just call off the engagement.

Today, Shang Shaoyan came on behalf of Shang Lu, and by the looks of it, he intends to protect his brother. Seems I need to think of another way to take revenge for Qiaoqiao."

That unusual welcoming ceremony they had outside the door today was Li Cheng's doing, also serving as the first 'welcome gift' for Shang Lu.

As for the enchanting woman disguised as a servant, she was none other than his top lieutenant: Nan Xin.