CHAPTER 678: CHAPTER 678: LI XIAO

Li Tianyi’s call came through, speaking earnestly with Li Yehan about an issue.

Nan Qiao was just about to listen when her phone rang, displaying an unknown number.

Only after answering did Nan Qiao realize it was Li Tianhong calling her.

Seeing that Li Yehan was still talking, Nan Qiao took her phone aside to answer.

She couldn’t bring herself to call out "Dad," feeling only awkwardness.

Nan Qiao had barely interacted with Li Tianhong, let alone having any pleasant relationship; it was more distant than with a stranger coworker.

Without addressing him, Li Tianhong proactively said to her, "Qiaoqiao, remember to persuade Yehan later and not let him act recklessly."

Nan Qiao: "What happened?"

"Your grandpa has fallen into a coma, and his assets need managing. I thought he left management to Yehan, but unexpectedly, someone else barged in—a Cheng Yaojin, a person named Li Xiao appeared."

Nan Qiao: "Is this the same thing Second Uncle called Yehan about?"

Upon hearing this, Li Tianhong felt bitter.

Li Yehan had blocked his own father’s number, yet he could receive Second Uncle’s calls, which made him feel glum.

However glum, he couldn’t say anything, after all, he was the one who first let Li Yehan down.

"In short, persuade Yehan first. His grandpa cares for him so much. He wouldn’t possibly hand assets over to an outsider."

Nan Qiao suddenly understood; was Li Tianhong afraid that Li Yehan would be furious?

How could Li Yehan possibly eye Old Mr. Li’s assets with the intent of taking them?

The strength of Li Yehan, Li Tianhong and Grandpa Li probably didn’t know the true circumstances.

"Don’t worry, Yehan isn’t a petty person. Everything he has now is earned by himself; he’s not someone who covets another’s wealth."

Li Tianhong: "..."

"That’s not what I meant..." Li Tianhong wanted to explain, he was just worried Yehan’s anger might make things unmanageable, affecting his image if word got out.

Nan Qiao: "I understand what you mean, I had no other intention, just stating the facts."

At this moment, Li Yehan walked over, hearing Li Tianhong’s voice.

With a gloomy expression, Li Yehan took the phone from Nan Qiao and decisively hung up.

"No need to bother with him, no matter what he says, just hang up, don’t feel embarrassed." Li Yehan’s tone was indifferent when speaking of Li Tianhong.

Nan Qiao laughed, "He was talking business, about you, so I had to listen. If it were something else, I wouldn’t have answered, rest assured."

Relieved by Nan Qiao’s firm answer, Li Yehan nodded slightly in agreement.

"Qiaoqiao, let’s go to the company together. There are some matters, and you can take a look too."

"Sure." Nan Qiao also wanted to see who this person Li Tianhong talked about was, and what’s so mysterious?

...

By the time Li Yehan and Nan Qiao arrived, the other members of the Li family were already present.

Within, Nan Qiao spotted an unfamiliar face, a young man.

With well-defined features, slightly tanned skin, a strong build, he gave off a soldierly vibe.

Nan Qiao’s intuition told her this person should be a soldier brother.

Seeing Li Yehan enter, Li Tianyi breathed a sigh of relief.

Surely, Li Yehan would not let this person enter the Li family and share the spoils.

The Li family’s assets couldn’t possibly be handed to an outsider.

Li Tianyi smiled and said, "Yehan, you’re here."

Li Xiao spoke up, greeting proactively, "Li Yehan, hello, I’m your younger uncle, my name is Li Xiao. I’m Grandpa Li’s adopted son, just call me Li Xiao."

Li Yehan: "..."

Nan Qiao: "..."

A younger uncle?

An adopted son?

Li Tianyi and Li Tianhong glanced at each other, both shocked by Li Xiao’s identity.

A younger uncle?

Out of nowhere, they gained a new little brother?

So Li Xiao wasn’t competing with Li Yehan for the family assets, but with Li Tianyi?

Damn!

Li Tianyi felt irritated, not anticipating such a mess.

Nan Qiao held back laughter, discerning from Li Tianyi’s expression how displeased and thunderstruck he was by the shifting situation.

Li Tianhong touched his nose, somewhat comprehending the old man’s actions.

Back then, being disobedient, he went against the old man.

Li Tianyi disappeared, and the young Li Yehan bore hostility towards the Li family.

So, it made sense for the old man to adopt an adopted son.

If the old account is abandoned, a new one is practiced.

If the new account is abandoned, then it’s time to change the person again and take control personally.

Li Tianhong even suspected, if Old Mr. Li could still have children, he would certainly have his own heir to groom from a young age.

With this thought, Li Tianhong widened his eyes, looking incredulously at Li Xiao as if uncovering an unspeakable secret.

Could Li Xiao be the old man’s illegitimate child?

Sensing Li Tianhong’s not quite right gaze on him, especially with a clear stupid look in his eyes, Li Xiao felt embarrassed on his behalf.

From the moment Li Tianhong stepped in, Li Xiao knew he was surely that idiotic eldest son mentioned by the old man.

When Li Tianyi entered, despite his refined and courteous appearance, Li Xiao’s impression of him wasn’t favorable.

Li Tianyi felt like a lurking viper to Li Xiao!

Li Xiao again looked at Li Yehan and Nan Qiao, and the impression they gave him was different.

Breaking the silent atmosphere, Li Xiao said, "You heard right, I am indeed the adopted son by Father, and I have the related adoption documents with me."

Li Yehan asked indifferently, "You sought me out, what for?"

Li Xiao: "Father contacted me some time ago, wanting me to return to manage his assets. It’s my first time visiting Li Group, and I wanted to meet everyone and say hello."

Li Tianyi: "My dad called you back? When did this happen?"

Could the old man have secretly planned this long ago?

Who was the old man guarding against?

Guarding against him?

Li Tianyi felt uneasy.

Li Xiao: "Father has always wanted me to return, yet I declined. Now, having heard about Father’s accident and coma, I feel it’s time I came back to see! I will investigate this matter, uncovering whether it was an accident or intentional, to give Father an explanation!"

Locking his eagle-like eyes on Li Tianyi, Li Xiao said, "Second Brother, you will cooperate with my investigation, won’t you?"

The intense gaze from Li Xiao made Li Tianyi’s scalp tingle, feeling extremely uncomfortable.

Li Xiao’s gaze was too grim, with a penetrating force.

"Yes, I’ll cooperate with your investigation. I too wish to clear it up quickly, so as to avoid misunderstandings affecting the harmony of our family." Li Tianyi said with a smile.

Seeing Nan Qiao’s brow furrow slightly before relaxing, as if not feeling well, Li Yehan noticed.

"If there’s nothing else, I’ll be going." Holding Nan Qiao’s hand, Li Yehan led her away.

Regardless of whether anyone behind spoke up, he moved quickly, fearing a delay might be too much for Nan Qiao to bear.

Upon exiting, Li Yehan softly asked with concern, "Qiaoqiao, where do you feel unwell? I’ll take you to the hospital."