CHAPTER 625: CHAPTER 542 EXCESSIVE DILIGENCE

Liu Manlian looked helplessly at her daughter, who seemed utterly indifferent. She was still young and didn’t think about anything seriously.

Since returning from Hong Kong, Liu Manlian had made inquiries about the family Li Si married into. The Leng Family was no ordinary elite household.

Now, Li Si’s husband, Leng Mochen, managed not only the Leng Group, but also Mo Si, a company with investments across various industries, all thriving impressively.

How could she not try to secure such connections?

Her own husband was navigating his political career, and their family had contacts within the circle. As soon as they heard about the Leng Family, they expressed immense interest.

Furthermore, they had an old relationship with Li Si. From Li Si’s attitude toward them the other day, it was evident she was a grateful child.

However, hearing some rumors about Li Si, she sighed slightly. Apparently, Li Si’s mother was the daughter-in-law of the Yan Family.

Thinking back, before accompanying her daughter abroad years ago, Liu Manlian had met Tian Yaruo, though their relationship wasn’t particularly close.

Who would have thought that Tian Yaruo was Li Si’s mother? In her memory, Li Si seemed to have been raised solely by her father.

She didn’t greedily expect too much from Li Si, but maintaining such ties could only be beneficial.

For her daughter to have a friend of such standing at this age would certainly serve her well in the future.

Just then, Li Si was brought inside by the service staff.

Liu Manlian adjusted her thoughts and stood up with a warm smile, "Li Si, you’re here! Is it still hot outside?"

"Hello, Auntie! It’s alright, not too hot!"

Wang Ruotong affectionately stepped forward and looped her arm around Li Si’s, "Li Si, if you didn’t come soon, my mom would have nagged me to death!"

Liu Manlian jokingly scolded, "You silly child! Stop exaggerating! Quick, Li Si, sit down! See what you’d like to eat!"

The service staff handed over an exquisite menu, and Li Si casually ordered a few dishes.

After a few pleasantries, Liu Manlian said, "Li Si, you see, Tongtong is still like a child—no sense of priorities. The other day, she went home and said she had dinner with a male classmate, but his girlfriend misunderstood her. Turns out that girl is your friend. How embarrassing! Tongtong should help clear things up!"

"Yes, Li Si! I felt so bad about it. An Zhengran and I really are just classmates. After we split up that day, I felt quite embarrassed!"

Li Si smiled faintly, "No need! They broke up not just because of that misunderstanding—there were other issues too. It had nothing to do with you!"

"Oh, I see! That’s good! Breaking others’ romantic relationships is never a good thing," Liu Manlian observed Li Si’s expression and changed the topic. "Li Si, I honestly can’t believe it. After all these years, you’ve grown so much!"

"Yes, time really flies!" Li Si echoed, her tone tinged with emotion.

To them, it might feel like a decade had passed since they’d last met, but to her, it felt like many years.

At that moment, the dishes began arriving one after another. Liu Manlian enthusiastically served food to Li Si, "Try this roasted lamb chop—it’s their specialty!"

"Thank you!" Li Si took a bite, finding the flavor surprisingly good.

Wang Ruotong beamed, "Tasty, right? Li Si, if you like it, you can come here often! This restaurant belongs to my uncle!"

"Exactly! This place is part of my brother’s business. If there’s a chance, I’ll introduce you all!"

"Sure!" Li Si responded lightly.

She had no interest in meeting Wang Ruotong’s uncle.

Liu Manlian sipped her red wine and asked with concern, "Li Si, how does your husband’s family treat you?"

Li Si chuckled softly, "They treat me very well!"

"That’s good! You’ve had it tough, child, but at least your marriage is fortunate! Look at me—nowadays, I’m constantly worrying about Tongtong’s marital prospects."

Wang Ruotong pouted, "Mom, can you stop bringing up my love life every three sentences? I promise you, okay? Soon, very soon, I’ll find a boyfriend for you to meet!"

Li Si merely smiled, saying nothing.

Liu Manlian pointed at her in frustration, "Li Si, you see? If she were half as sensible as you, I’d be at ease! You girls should spend more time together. If you attend any social events, bring her along. She spends all her time fooling around otherwise!"

Wang Ruotong secretly shook her head exaggeratedly, clearly indifferent.

She couldn’t care less about attending those events!

"Alright, I’ll do my best if there’s an opportunity!" Li Si replied, suppressing her laughter.

Noticing Wang Ruotong’s attitude, Liu Manlian frowned slightly but quickly replaced it with a calm expression. She turned to Li Si warmly, "Li Si! Over the years, whenever I was idle, I often thought of you. But since we’ve been abroad, I couldn’t visit North City to see you!

You’ve probably had a hard time these past years, haven’t you? Remember, now that we’re back, treat me like your real aunt and Tongtong like your real sister! If you ever face any difficulties, just tell us. If we don’t help you, who will?"

Li Si’s mind stirred—she noticed Liu Manlian’s overt enthusiasm.

Back then, while Liu Manlian was kind to her, Li Si could tell it was the polite affection one shows to a schoolmate’s child.

Now, however, her attitude was almost intimate and familial.

This feeling was deeply unsettling! Li Si didn’t like to think poorly of others, but the reality in front of her was disappointing.

"I’ve actually been doing quite well these years! Auntie, thank you for thinking of me!"

"By the way, when your husband is free, we should all go out together! I’ve heard he’s incredibly outstanding!"

"Alright! When he has time! You know how busy he is every day!"

"I understand! Managing so many people must be exhausting. Li Si, you’re truly lucky! If there’s a suitable man in the future, help introduce him to Tongtong!"

Wang Ruotong unhappily pouted, "Mom! Can you stop talking and let Li Si and me enjoy our meal? You’ve been talking nonstop!"

She didn’t think she needed her boyfriend arranged through something as outdated as matchmaking.

If that were the case, what was the point of her social life?

Realizing she might have been overly eager, Liu Manlian quickly adjusted her tone, "Li Si, don’t mind me! Women my age just love to ramble! Eat up before the food gets cold!"

"Alright, Auntie! You eat too!"

"Alright!" Liu Manlian responded with a smile, her gaze still occasionally flickering toward Li Si.

Privately, she thought about the rumors she’d read—apparently, Li Si’s husband spoils her immensely.

Yet deep down, she couldn’t help but think Li Si was not necessarily better than her own daughter.

It seems fate plays a part!

Li Si remained composed and gracefully finished her meal, though her thoughts wandered elsewhere.

The more she interacted, the more she realized, reality always disappoints the imagined.

In memories, people often seem flawless.

Since she met Wang Ruotong—formerly Wang Chuang—she understood how much childhood and adulthood change people.

She and Wang Ruotong were no longer the inseparable friends, the constant desk mates of their younger years.

Now, they were entirely unfamiliar to each other.

If not for the sentiment of past companionship, they might cross paths on the street without recognition.

As for Liu Manlian, Li Si could clearly see the calculating and worldly nature in her eyes.

This was not the gentle, kind, and graceful mother of a classmate that Li Si remembered from her childhood. (To be continued. If you enjoy this story, please visit Qidian (qidian.com) to vote for recommendations and monthly tickets. Your support is my greatest motivation. Mobile users, please read at m.qidian.com.)