19 Chapter 19

Some years later, the Fu family fell into financial problems. The proud princess was kicked off her pedestal and those in her social circle ridiculed her or pretended to be nice to her face. It was due to the help of the Li Conglomerate that their company was able to stay afloat.

When she heard of his divorce, she started thinking there could be another opportunity for her to marry Li Chuanmo.

After Li Qianye announced that he was handing the company over to him, she became even more determined. If she could marry him, she'd become the Young Madam of the Li family!

Since then, she had been currying favor with the Li family. Zhang Heying treated her well on account of her relationship with her mother, but she did not consider her for Li Chuanmo again.

She paid the female reporter to ask about his ideal type, but the result was that he directly said he did not believe in love at all.

Fu Mengyao sat there, contemplating her next plan. She had to be his wife, no matter what.

*****

When Pei Yueran and Li Chuanmo got out of the conference hall, they went straight to the thirtieth floor. While in the elevator, both were occupied with their own thoughts, so they did not speak.

Li Chuanmo felt slightly regretful. He knew his parents would get to hear of what he said and it would sadden them, but it was the truth. He reasoned that they had to know eventually, so that they would stop think about him getting remarried.

He knew they were planning something, so he felt this would nip their plans in the bud. Li Yuchen was most likely the only grandchild they would have from him, so they should turn their sights to his siblings.

Not everyone could have what they have.

Pei Yueran on the other hand was very surprised at Li Chuanmo's declaration, to say the least. Apart from the fact that she was an avid believer in love, virtually everyone knew the lovey-dovey story of his parents.

Li Qianye was a famous henpecked husband. He had been voted "the most ideal lover in his 50's'" for five consecutive years. Aside from his charming looks, his love and care for his wife was very obvious.

Despite being the head of one of the largest business empires in the country, he was not neglectful, he had never cheated on his wife, and he always put her interests first, even ahead of company affairs.

Many women in their social circle were insanely jealous of Zhang Heying. While they were battling with mistresses and illegitimate children, she was having a leisurely time.

Despite not having children until after twelve years of marriage, her husband did not stop loving her, and their love was still going strong.

So, how did Li Chuanmo get his philosophy? or was it because of something that happened before the adoption?

On a side note, she was really looking forward to seeing her mentor, even though she was quite nervous. It would be her first time having a one-on-one conversation with him.

Tomorrow couldn't come fast enough.

*****

The briefing with the Retired Chairman was slated for 9am. By 8:55, Pei Yueran was ringing the doorbell. The Li villa was a massive, European style mansion sitting on a large expanse of good quality land. Trees could be seen for miles in all directions.

Butler Nan opened the door and ushered her in while beaming. She took a deep breath and stepped into the Li villa.

Butler Nan announced, "the Young Ma.... *ahem*, Special Assistant Pei is here."

When she entered the living room Li Qianye and Zhang Heying were waiting for her. The two of them stood up as she came, and Zhang Heying went closer to hug her. She asked about her time in City M and if she was enjoying the work.

Pei Yueran answered politely, overwhelmed by the favour and enthusiasm she was being showered with.

She then greeted Li Qianye, "Good morning, Retired Chairman Li. It's a pleasure to meet you one-on-one."

"What 'Retired Chairman'? Call me Fath..."

"*cough*, *cough*, *cough*" Zhang Heying coughed violently, trying to warn her old man not to go overboard. What if they scared her away?

"*ahem* Uncle. You can call me Uncle Li. I have heard a lot about you, and I feel like we're close already." Li Qianye said, trying to gloss over his words.

Pei Yueran was flattered even as she wondered, 'where did he hear a lot about me from?'

The more Zhang Heying looked at her, the more she liked her. Pei Yueran looked lovely and soft. She seemed to be a very cheerful person, but her eyes were hiding some sort of sorrow.

They didn't want to do a background check on her, to respect her privacy, so they only knew a bit about her, such as the fact that she was widowed and had a son. But that was not a problem to them, as long as she and Li Chuanmo liked each other.

From what they knew, she seemed like a resilient person who knew how to love, something Li Chuanmo was seriously in need of.

Pei Yueran thought the "briefing" was going to be about the company, but it was totally different from what she expected. She was the one doing the talking, while Li Qianye and Zhang Heying asked about her.

At first they asked about her education and she answered, thinking they just wanted to know her educational qualifications better. But when they started asking about her hobbies, interests, if she liked children, and even her ideal type, she wondered.

Why did she feel like this was an interview for a potential daughter-in-law?

The "briefing" went pleasantly.

Pei Yueran slowly became very comfortable with the Li couple. They were down to earth and unassuming, unlike what you would expect from wealthy socialites like them.

They sat down to an early lunch two hours later. Lunch was pleasant, consisting of twenty-one dishes and five different types of soup.

Pei Yueran: "....."

It was too extravagant!

Zhang Heying looked at the dishes she took more from. Ehn, she's definitely a lover of spicy food. Zhang Heying kept it at the back of her mind.

By the time Pei Yueran was leaving, she had already become "friends" with Zhang Heying. She was just calling her "Auntie" left and right. Zhang Heying smiled in satisfaction. She had done her part. She hoped her son had the good sense to grab this treasure.

"Goodbye Auntie, Uncle", she said to them at the door.

"Goodbye Yueran", Li Qianye said, smiling.

"See you soon Ran'er", Zhang Heying responded.

Li Qianye tripped and almost fell.

Smooth! His wife was too smooth.