About twenty minutes later, the sound of footsteps echoed from the staircase on the second floor.
In the silent living room, everyone stood up at the same time.
Except for Li Qiao.
At that moment, a few faint rays of sunlight broke through the overcast clouds and fell through the glass, landing quietly at her feet.
The girl sat motionless on the sofa, her face expressionless as she stared down at the tips of her shoes.
She didn't react at all until Li Guangming and Shang Yu walked back into the living room. Only then did her gaze flicker slightly.
Shang Yu's tall and upright figure walked steadily to the center of the living room. His expression was distant as he said, "No need to see me off."
Li Guangming gave an awkward smile. "Then… I'll wait for Old Master Shang's reply."
The man didn't respond with words, only lowered his gaze slightly in acknowledgment.
No one knew exactly what they had talked about, but the atmosphere between Shang Yu and Li Guangming was clearly delicate.
Duan Shuyuan stepped forward. As the hostess, she was concerned about appearing impolite to Shang Yu, and so she asked cautiously, "Mr. Shang, are you leaving already? If it's convenient, would you like to stay for some morning tea?"
"No need, but thank you."
Shang Yu's tone was deep and composed. Though he maintained politeness, his eyes were dark and unreadable, making it hard to guess his thoughts.
A moment later, he took the lead and walked toward the front hall. The driver followed closely behind.
The man's stride was confident and powerful, exuding an aura that screamed "above all else."
While the Li family was still reeling from Shang Yu's inexplicable pressure, Li Qiao had already risen and followed after him.
"Qiaoqiao—" Li Cheng called out in surprise, but the girl's figure had already vanished near the entryway.
Outside the villa, Li Qiao walked at a steady pace behind Shang Yu. Off to the side, in a small garden near the right-hand path, Shang Lu was crouched by a young maple tree, holding his stomach, his face pale as he dry-heaved pathetically.
It was both pitiful and amusing.
"Mr. Shang!"
Li Qiao's voice rang out, crisp and airy, from behind. The driver gave a glance, then silently turned and wandered toward the small garden.
Upon hearing her, Shang Yu halted. His tall, imposing figure radiated untamed charisma as he turned, his deep eyes gazing at her. His voice was magnetic and steady, "What is it?"
The girl lazily blinked, her fingertips tucked into the pockets of her jeans. Her delicate shoulders shrugged ever so slightly. A breeze tousled the strands of hair at her forehead, making her voice seem even softer. "Can I ask what you and my dad talked about?"
Clearly, Li Qiao was in a gloomy mood. Her thick lashes drooped, veiling the emotions in her eyes.
She never doubted her parents' love and care for her, but this time… why were they so insistent on this engagement with Shang Lu?
Shang Yu looked at her, the darkness in his eyes tinged with a faint glimmer. "It would be more appropriate to ask your father."
"You can't tell me?" Li Qiao frowned and abruptly looked up, her doe-like eyes seemingly calm but hiding a sharp edge.
The man studied her finely sculpted, alluring face. His Adam's apple moved slightly, and he answered firmly, "Sorry, I can't."
Those words instantly sparked irritation in her. Her gaze turned cold, her voice tense. "Just one last question: can this engagement be canceled or not?"
Her impatience and agitation were written all over her face. Usually so laid-back, she had forgotten to hide her emotions in front of Shang Yu.
Just when she thought he wouldn't answer, a voice reached her ear.
"As long as you want to cancel it—it can be canceled."