As long as you want…
Li Qiao's heart gave a subtle jolt, a flicker of surprise flashing in her eyes.
At that moment, Shang Yu narrowed his eyes slightly. Dressed in black from head to toe, his imposing figure leaned forward a little, his voice low and seductive as he lifted his lips into a faint smile. "Tell me… do you want to?"
Li Qiao raised her brows, trying her best to ignore the flutter in her heart caused by his handsome face. She answered truthfully, "Of course I do. Can you help me, Mr. Shang?"
Shang Yu's deep gaze fell on her slender shoulders. The corners of his thin lips lifted slightly. "Then I'll grant your wish."
Just as Li Qiao was about to follow up with another question, the sound of hurried footsteps interrupted her.
Her third brother, Li Cheng, had somehow arrived at her side in a few quick strides.
The two men stood about the same height and shared a similar commanding presence. Li Cheng rested one hand protectively on Li Qiao's shoulder, shielding her with an unmistakable air of vigilance.
Then he turned to Shang Yu, his tone laced with veiled provocation. "So this so-called 'granting her wish' means letting your brother bully my sister?"
Li Cheng didn't know exactly what Li Qiao and Shang Yu had talked about, but he had clearly heard the words "grant your wish."
Although the two had never met face to face before, Li Cheng knew very well that Shang Yu wasn't the type to show mercy easily.
His reputation had long spread throughout the South Seas. Even Li San, a battle-hardened figure from the border regions, wouldn't dare go head-to-head with him.
Li Cheng's protectiveness drew a smile from Li Qiao. She also turned to Shang Yu, curious how he would respond.
Shang Yu's indifferent gaze drifted toward the small garden. Shang Lu was slumped against the driver's shoulder, his face pale and haggard like he was on the verge of collapse.
The moment passed. Shang Yu retracted his gaze, slid one hand into his trouser pocket, and said coldly, "He'll take responsibility for what he did."
Li Cheng raised a skeptical brow. "Really?"
Shang Yu's cool, sharp eyes locked briefly with his, then he said nothing and turned to leave.
"B-Big Brother… am I really not your brother?!"
From the garden corner, Shang Lu croaked pitifully at his older brother's retreating back, then clung desperately to the driver's arm while casting wary glances at Li Cheng.
He'd heard the rumors—Li San of the Li family was a deadly brawler on the border!
If his big brother abandoned him now, would the Li family maids really tear him limb from limb?
Damn it!
Big bro, help!!
Dragging the driver, Shang Lu stumbled clumsily toward the villa gates. Meanwhile, Li Qiao leaned lazily against her third brother's shoulder, watching the scene with a half-smile.
Just as Shang Lu was about to escape through the main entrance, still wheezing, Li Cheng called out:
"Shang Lu, there's a long road ahead. I'm sure… we'll meet again."
Meet your ass!
Shang Lu wanted to curse him out, but he was too drained to even lift his head. He scrambled into the backseat of one of the waiting cars like a wounded dog.
A marriage engagement that was supposed to be called off now seemed to have fallen into a deadlock once again.
After the motorcade outside finally departed, Li Cheng looked down and stared at the ends of Li Qiao's hair. "What did you say to Shang Shao Yan?"
Li Qiao's gaze was still lingering on the now-empty front gate. After a moment, she came back to herself, tilted her head up at Li Cheng, and replied lazily with a smile, "Nothing much. Just a little secret talk."
"Secret talk? With him?" Li Cheng gave her a once-over with lingering anxiety, then raised his knuckle and gave her a light rap on the forehead. "You sure it was just a secret and not your last words? I've told you more than once—don't provoke that man…"
Li Qiao stretched lazily, let out a yawn, and blinked her bright doe eyes. She waved him off casually. "Got it, got it. I'm heading to school."
"Li Xiao Si, I'm not done talking—"
But the only response Li Cheng got was the casual wave of her hand over her shoulder.
The iron-blooded tyrant of the borderlands was left standing there, full of worry.
That little sister of his had always been stubborn, fearless, and headstrong. But if she really got herself entangled with Shang Shao Yan… even the whole Li family might not be enough to protect her.