The two locked eyes. Li Li saw her own reflection in the man’s dark, fathomless pupils, but she could not discern his inner thoughts.
This outcome did not surprise Li Li. It was not the first time such a thing had happened; Li Xiang had the entire Li family shielding her with everything they had, and now, there was the Shang Family to contend with as well.
It didn't matter. Li Xiang was not the reason she had come today.
Ignoring Shang Che, Li Li strode over to Patriarch Li.
"Give me an explanation." She decided to play them at their own game. "Regardless of the circumstances, I am the one who was wronged."
Father and daughter stood in confrontation. The coldness in Li Li’s eyes made Patriarch Li feel a surge of panic. To save face, he finally chose to bow his head. "Dad knows you’ve been treated unfairly. Whatever you want, Dad will do his best to compensate you."
Li Li had a clear target. "I want full control of the Li Corporation." She narrowed her eyes and made an audacious demand: "Absolute control."
The moment the words left her lips, even a hypocrite like Patriarch Li could no longer maintain his composure.
"Are you crazy?" Patriarch Li looked at her as if she were a lunatic. "I think I’ve spoiled you too much. Your brother hasn't even entered the core management of the company, and I’ve already let you in. You aren't satisfied, and now you’re asking for the moon? What, are you planning to kick your own father out of the game?"
Li Li did not deny it. "I have considered it." Though, for now, she lacked the ability to pull it off.
Patriarch Li was so angry his eyes rolled back. "I’ve truly spoiled you too much. This is non-negotiable."
Li Li uttered a calm "Oh," and turned to leave. "Then I’ll have no choice but to blow this wide open. I'll let the netizens be the judge and see the romantic debts your daughter has racked up." She muttered as she walked away, "The internet is already tearing me apart. I can't guarantee what I might do if I get pushed too far."
"You—you, stop right there!" Patriarch Li stamped his feet in frustration, scrambling to catch her. "We’re supposed to be discussing this! Where do you think you’re going?"
The engagement between the Shang Family and the Li Family was a sign of the Li Family's impending rise. If this scandal were exposed now, even if it wasn't Li Xiang's fault, it was still a mess of her making, and it would drag Li Li, the true daughter of the family, down with her. There was no telling what the public would say. It was even possible the Shang Family would reconsider whether they still wanted such a controversial daughter-in-law.
Handing the company directly to Li Li was impossible. Patriarch Li’s eyes darted around as an idea formed. "Your grandmother has always been worried about your future. How about this: once you get married, settle down, and truly mature, I will hand the management of the company over to you."
Li Li raised an eyebrow. She did not believe for a second that an old fox like Patriarch Li would compromise so easily.
As expected, Patriarch Li continued, "But there is one condition. You must marry someone of equal status who is willing to move into our home and help you manage the company." He spoke with great gravity. "You know your brother has no brain; he isn't cut out for business. Your sister is, after all, an adopted daughter and is marrying into the Shang Family. Dad can only rely on you."
It sounded good on the surface, but the requirement for someone of equal status who was also willing to move into the Li household effectively ruled out every possibility. To put it nicely, it was "marrying into the family"; to put it bluntly, it was being a live-in son-in-law. Who from a family of equal standing would ever agree to that? Even if the person wasn't an heir, the reputation of being a live-in husband would bring shame to their house—who would do such a thing?
This was why Patriarch Li was known for his cunning.
Li Li had no intention of expecting a miracle overnight. She spoke frankly, "Listen to yourself—is that even possible?" She crossed her arms, looking immensely proud. "I think I’ll just go back to making a scene."
Patriarch Li: "..."
"Fine, fine, fine." Fearing this ancestor of a daughter would really go through with it, Patriarch Li gave in. "I didn’t say you had to get married right now. This is a terminal compensation clause, valid for life. Aside from that, you can name one other demand, and I promise I will grant it."
Patriarch Li couldn't think of a demand more difficult than handing over the company. He was busy trying to entertain the Shang Family and just wanted to dismiss this ancestor of his as quickly as possible. As he’d said, Li Siyou was useless; if the Li family depended on him, they would have gone bankrupt eons ago. At the very least, Li Li was a sharp tool, and since she was his own daughter, it would be a waste not to exploit her. Li Xiang, despite everything, was just an adopted daughter; marrying her off to the Shang Family had already maximized her value. He wasn't about to let her interfere with the company; once the marriage was complete, her usefulness would be exhausted.
Li Li was different. Li Siyou was a waste, but Li Li, despite her arrogant temper, was a master at business. He would pacify her for now and exploit her to the fullest. If, by some miracle, she ever did find a man of equal status willing to be a live-in husband, what would it matter if he handed the company to her? He would still hold the shares. Once the company grew stronger, he could always just hand it back to Li Siyou later.
Watching Li Li’s shrewd eyes, Patriarch Li felt a pang of regret. If only she were a son, he wouldn't have to go through so much trouble. He only blamed that useless Li Siyou for having no brains; to save the family business, he had no choice but to keep this free labor stable.
Li Li, still being held by him, gave a soft huff and shook off his hand, her face crumpled in annoyance. "Be gentler, you’re hurting me."
Patriarch Li felt like kneeling before her. "My little ancestor, I beg you, stop being so precious. Hurry up, your father has things to attend to."
Li Li enjoyed watching him dance with anxiety. She knew exactly what he was planning. She wasn't about to let herself be used as free labor so easily. If the old man wanted to play, she was happy to oblige.
She pulled some hand cream from her bag and applied it to her hands with elegant composure. She raised her eyes to glance at Patriarch Li, who couldn't stop looking toward the Shang Family.
"I want Yupuyuan," she said, every word elegant and noble.
Patriarch Li stamped his feet in fury. "Why don't you ask for my life while you're at it?"
Yupuyuan was the most profitable restaurant chain under the Li family. With five locations nationwide, it raked in massive profits every year; she really had the nerve to ask for it.
Li Li looked at him with disdain. "You don't have many years left to live anyway. What a loss it would be for me to take your life."
Patriarch Li: "..."
"I can't give you that."
Li Li understood. She turned and walked away. This time, she didn't give Patriarch Li a chance to hold her back. She didn't even forget to call the police before leaving.
Her assistant was waiting by the door. Li Li emerged, bag in hand, walking with a swagger. Once in the car, the assistant noticed the arrogance and composure hidden in her eyes and asked with concern, "Little Director Li, the public opinion on the internet is not very friendly toward you. Would you like to..."
"No need."
Li Li pulled down the vanity mirror on the passenger side and began applying lipstick with slow, deliberate motions. While admiring her own beauty, she commanded, "Go to the hospital."
The assistant was puzzled but followed the instruction, starting the car and driving away from the Li estate.
Halfway there, Li Li received a call from Patriarch Li. She glanced at the screen and hung up.
The phone rang again. Seeing her eyes closed in feigned sleep, the assistant reminded her, "Little Director Li, it’s Chairman Li."
As if only just hearing it, Li Li hooked a finger and swiped to answer. "It’s only been a few minutes since we parted, Father. Did you miss me?"
On the other end of the line, Patriarch Li ground his teeth. "You called the police!"
"Li Li, have you lost your mind?"