The person in front of her was… Shen Xiuci.
Shen Xiuci was from the Shen family in Yaozhou City, a century-old prestigious family with immense power and influence. Shen Xiuci, the prince of the Shen family, was known for his intelligence and cunning, and was already a renowned business genius in the business world at a young age. He was decisive and efficient, and everyone who met him had to show him respect and call him "Fifth Young Master."
With his background, he could shake the entire Yaozhou City with just a word. With his perfect appearance, he was like a god among men, exuding a fatal attraction that no woman could resist.
Jiang Chuchu's eyes were hot, her heart beating faster, and her shy gaze was firmly fixed on the slender figure walking toward them.
Li Youchang was both surprised and delighted, and quickly greeted him.
"Fifth Young Master, why are you here? Please come inside!"
Shen Xiuci glanced at the whip that Li Youchang had not yet put down and smiled ambiguously.
"Is this how Mr. Li welcomes me?"
Only then did Li Youchang react. He had welcomed him too eagerly, and the barbs on the whip had almost touched Shen Xiuci's sleeve!
If he had hurt the proud and precious Fifth Young Master—even if it was just a scratch—the entire Shen family would have torn him apart!
Li Youchang was so scared that he broke out in a cold sweat. He quickly threw the whip aside, bowed, and apologized.
"I'm sorry, I didn't mean to do that. Fifth Young Master, please don't be angry!"
"It's alright." Shen Xiuci casually waved his hand, and at his signal, Ji Kaicheng, who was following closely behind him, immediately presented a brocade box.
"This is prepared by my old lady as an apology to Mr. Li."
Two days ago, Shen Madam was traveling by car, and the driver was distracted and rear-ended Li Youchang's car. Li Youchang refused to accept any repair fees, but the old lady did not want to owe anyone favors, so she sent an apology gift.
The fact that the Fifth Young Master personally came to deliver it was already a great honor!
Li Youchang was overwhelmed with excitement and could hardly contain himself. The things the Shen family produced were definitely not ordinary! Moreover, with this exchange, he might successfully hitch a ride on the Shen family's big ship.
Suppressing his excitement, Li Youchang quickly said,
"Oh, Madam is too kind. It's just a small matter. Please ask the Fifth Young Master to convey my gratitude and tell Madam not to worry about it."
"Okay." Shen Xiuci casually agreed, then shifted the topic.
"Mr. Li was just angry because Miss Wu was falsely accused last night, right?"
He used a declarative tone when he said "was falsely accused."
Li Youchang was stunned. How did this suddenly shift to Li Sheng?
Jiang Chuchu's face changed drastically when she heard this, and she clenched her hands tightly.
Everyone in Yaozhou City knew that the Shen family's prince was cold and indifferent to women. Many socialites tried to marry into the Shen family, yet they couldn't even touch the hem of his clothes. But today—he had come to the Li family's house in person and even brought up Li Sheng!
When did this little slut hook up with the Fifth Young Master?
Jiang Chuchu lowered her eyes, desperately hiding her jealousy.
At this moment, Li Jinyang, who could never stand to see Jiang Chuchu wronged, spoke up.
"Fifth Young Master, you've got it wrong. It's a fact that Li Sheng pushed Chuchu down the stairs last night. The whole of Yaozhou City is talking about it, so there's no question."
Shen Xiuci glanced at him.
"And you are?"
"I am her brother!"
"No wonder." Shen Xiuci's smile was light, but the curve of his lips held clear sarcasm.
"Even a blood-related brother doesn't believe his own sister. Who else would believe her?"
Hit the nail on the head.
Li Sheng couldn't help but take another look at Shen Xiuci.
Was this man… standing up for her?
When Li Sheng looked at him, Shen Xiuci happened to look back.
Their eyes met in the air.
The man's deep, ink-dark eyes seemed to contain a starry sky—deep, unfathomable, dangerous, and… unpredictable.
Under that gaze, Li Sheng felt oppressed for the first time.
She looked away, her long eyelashes lowering to hide her emotions.
Li Jinyang was stung by the words, his face flushing.
"I was helping with the case, not playing favorites… Besides, Chuchu is also my sister…"
Shen Xiuci wasn't interested in meddling in other people's family affairs. He lazily turned around to leave.
Seeing this, Li Youchang hurriedly said,
"Fifth Young Master, let me see you off!"
"No need."
The man's voice was clear but commanding—no room for refusal.
Li Youchang was slightly disappointed, but he didn't dare press further. Unexpectedly, at that moment, everyone heard Shen Xiuci add in a slow, deliberate tone:
"Won't Fifth Miss see me off?"
Li Sheng: "…"
This tone… a little ambiguous. Too easy to make people think too much.
She could clearly feel Jiang Chuchu's sharp, murderous glare on her back. If looks could kill, she'd already be riddled with holes.
Li Sheng smirked and walked toward Shen Xiuci.
"Sure, I'll see you off."
Watching Li Sheng accompany Shen Xiuci out of the villa, Li Jinyang finally couldn't hold it in.
"Dad, wasn't Fifth Young Master recuperating outside the city? He only returned a few days ago. When did Ah Li meet him?"
"How should I know?" Li Youchang snapped.
Jiang Chuchu twisted her fingers and whispered,
"Dad, there are rumors that Fifth Young Master's life is coming to an end… Madam Shen intends to choose a granddaughter-in-law for him. Is that true?"
This was no secret among the upper class. Shen Xiuci, once a promising heir to the Shen family, suddenly fell ill a few years ago. There were rumors he wouldn't live long.
Li Youchang said quietly,
"Chuchu, remember—Madam Shen hates those who talk behind her back, and she's especially sensitive about Fifth Young Master's health. No matter what the truth is, we can't afford to offend the Shen family. Don't say such things outside."
"I understand." Jiang Chuchu lowered her head, feigning concern.
"I'm just worried about Ah Li… She's usually quiet, but today she was like a different person. I'm afraid she might accidentally offend Fifth Young Master."
Li Youchang's heart tightened.
"This brat is getting more and more unruly! I'll deal with her later!"
---
Outside the villa, Li Sheng and Shen Xiuci had walked away.
Li Sheng accompanied him to the car. Ji Kaicheng had already opened the door, waiting respectfully.
Li Sheng stopped and said quietly,
"Take care, Fifth Young Master."
Shen Xiuci raised an eyebrow and stepped closer, closing the already intimate distance between them.
Li She
ng was about to step back—
when something cold was placed in her hand.
She tightened her grip, and her expression shifted slightly.