In the morning, the northern city lay under a thick cover of snow. The temperature had dropped sharply, several degrees colder than it had been in the previous days.
Inside the villa it was cozy and warm, the air conditioner set to the perfect temperature; even in thin clothing it felt as warm as summer.
Through the wide expanse of floor‑to‑ceiling windows, drifting snow filled the view, as servants hurried about making breakfast.
Since Li Li was hurt, Li Yuanzhi had come from the capital to Beicheng. At that moment, Ruiqiu was occupied, overseeing the servants as they made breakfast.
Each member of the Li family has a different palate—so the table must offer hot, cold, sour, and sweet alike.
“Sir, here is your coffee.” The servant placed the freshly brewed cup before him.
Li Yuanzhi stood at the window, watching the snow drift beyond. He loosened his joints and stretched to ease his body.
“Uncle Li.” When Yun Xiao came over, it was the servant who opened the door.
Seeing him come in, Li Yuanzhi’s face showed a gentle smile, “Here so early?”
Yun Xiao smiled, “I came to see if Li Li has gotten up?”
The old lady asked Yun Xiao to come over precisely to bring the two children closer; since the villas were connected, naturally breakfast and dinner were always taken together.
Li Yuanzhi gestured warmly: "Go on up, she’s awake now."
“Then I’ll go upstairs first.”
Li Yuanzhi watched Yun Xiao go upstairs, then turned back and took a sip of coffee.
The assistant came through the wind and snow, entered at the front gate, and shook the snow from his body before Li Yuanzhi.
“Sir.” The assistant glanced at the servants busy nearby, then lowered his voice and continued, “News just came in—the Li and Mo families have been wiped out.”
Li Yuanzhi set down the coffee in his hand, “What did you say?”
It’s only been one night—how could something have happened already?
“The hall was drenched in blood, and those who survived were taken away, locked up together, awaiting redistribution.”
Li Yuanzhi’s expression turned stern, “And what about Mo Xianjun and Li Jie?”
The two great hall masters—it’s impossible they could have been wiped out overnight, isn’t it?
“The people of the Li and Mo families have all been purged—Mo Xianjun and Li Jie are already dead.”
White Water Hall and Black Forest Hall both belonged to the Fu family. For so many years in Beicheng they had reigned like mountain kings—how could they be wiped out overnight, right on their own turf?
“Who did it?”
The assistant, visibly tense, said, “Fu Yuxiu.”
“The young master?”
A look of shock flashed in Li Yuanzhi’s eyes. Before setting out for Beicheng, he had met with Fu Dingfeng and told the old master about Fu Yuxiu’s accident in North Mountain.
Yet the old master didn’t seem to care much—he merely said lightly, “I know.”
Now Fu Yuxiu has so brazenly destroyed two families—it is truly the height of arrogance.
“I heard that when the young master went to the Li family, he brought a woman with him—it should have been Wen Li.”
The assistant went on to reveal the information he had gathered.
Li Yuanzhi leaned back by the window. Wen Li was the woman at the young master’s side—there was no need for further guessing now.
Never expected Wen Li to have such ability, to be able to stay by Fu Yuxiu’s side.
Li Yuanzhi’s fingers rubbed against the cup at his side. Today, it seemed likely that the old madam would take Li Li to meet Wen Li.
After this ordeal, Wen Li’s true identity will inevitably have to be revealed to Li Li.
“Sir, should we tell the old madam about this?”
It’s better to let the old madam be mentally prepared, so she won’t be caught so off guard.
“No need. Go investigate the Li and Mo families thoroughly, and report to me exactly what happened.”
Logically speaking, Fu Yuxiu doesn’t command that many men, and within the Fu family his status is lower than Fu Yuheng’s.
Even if the old master sent him to handle affairs in the north, the men under his command could never have annihilated the Li and Mo families in an instant.
There must have been a flaw in one of the steps.
“I’ll take care of it right away.”
On the second floor, early in the morning, many people crowded into Li Li’s room.
The doctor in charge examined her, while Li Ruobing checked her pulse once more, and Li Langhua showed concern for her condition.
“Does it still hurt?” Yun Xiao asked, seated at the bedside.
Li Li’s sleeve was lowered, and her complexion looked much better than yesterday—at last, she managed to force a smile.
“It doesn’t hurt anymore—Wen Li’s painkillers really are quite effective.”
After briefly explaining the condition, the doctor left. Li Ruobing let out a sigh of relief, and the dark circles she had endured over these days had faded somewhat.
“That’s good. The snow was heavy this morning, so it’ll be a while before we can return to the Imperial Capital. Just treat this as a chance to recover here—rest well.” Yun Xiao spoke gently to the person lying in bed.
“You’re talking about me, but aren’t you covered in wounds yourself? How’s your recovery going?” Li Li said, pinching Yun Xiao’s elbow as she spoke.
He raised his hand and brushed her claw away. “Worry about yourself instead—you’ve been half-dead, lying in bed, and only just now managed to catch your breath.”
Yun Xiao was shot twice—once in the arm and once in the chest—but both missed vital organs, so the wounds were not fatal.
Still, years of training had made his physical condition far superior to that of ordinary people. Though technically still a patient, he could move about freely outside.
In contrast, Li Li’s condition was far weaker.
“Be gentle, don’t touch Yun Xiao’s wounds.” Li Langhua spoke to Li Li.
This granddaughter has always been so careless. And now Yun Xiao was injured saving her—what a child she is.
“It’s alright, Grandma. She’s always been like this, and I’m used to it.” Yun Xiao spoke politely and sensibly to the old lady.
Seeing him like this, Li Langhua grew even fonder of him.
“Tch.” Li Li snorted.
“Li Li, you’ve escaped danger this time and still haven’t properly thanked Yun Xiao—yet you’re still teasing him.” Li Ruobing added.
“Alright, alright, I get it. In my heart, I’m truly grateful to him, okay?” Li Li said.
They grew up together since childhood—there’s no need to keep thanking each other, it’s too sappy.
“When can I go see Wen Li?” Li Li asked.
She was told yesterday it would be today, yet Grandma still hasn’t said when she’ll let her go out.
If they don’t go find Wen Li soon, what if she leaves?
The smile faded from Li Langhua’s face; she glanced at Li Ruobing beside her, then at Yun Xiao.
“It’s time for breakfast.” Ruiqiu carried Li Li’s meal over.
“Ruobing, take Yun Xiao downstairs for breakfast first. I have something to discuss with Li Li.” Li Langhua instructed Ruobing beside her.
Li Ruobing nodded and spoke to Yun Xiao. The two left the room one after the other.
From the bed, Li Li glanced at the old lady across from her and picked up the bowl of red date and longan porridge.
“Grandma, you go have breakfast first, don’t worry about me. It’s just one hand that’s hurt.”
As Li Li spoke, she lifted her uninjured hand to show the old lady.
Li Langhua walked two steps to the bedside, sat down, and set the tray beside her.
“Grandma has something to tell you—listen carefully.”
Li Langhua had never spoken to Li Li so seriously before, and Li Li realized the gravity of the matter.
She unconsciously sat up straight.
“This time you escaped danger thanks to Wen Li’s rescue—you know that much yourself.”
Li Li suddenly interrupted Li Langhua, lowered her head, and said, “Grandma, I know you don’t like Wen Li.”
Her words left Li Langhua stunned.
“But Wen Li saved my life—she’s rescued me so many times. I just can’t understand why you don’t like her.”
From the very first time Li Li saw Li Langhua meet Wen Li, she could tell from her grandmother’s expression that Li Langhua disliked Wen Li.
She even knew about Grandma giving Wen Li a check, but she didn’t want to bring it up.
One was the grandmother who loved her most; the other, her dearest friend and lifesaving benefactor. Li Li simply couldn’t understand why her grandmother disliked Wen Li.
“Wen Li is indeed a bit cold in temperament, and to many elders she may seem impolite—but that’s just her nature. She’s saved me so many times. If she were really what you all think she is, then why would she have gone into North Mountain to rescue me this time?”
“Grandma, you’ve never interfered with me making friends, and in my eyes you’ve always been reasonable. So why is it that only when it comes to Wen Li, you can’t let it go?”
Li Li threw out such a string of words that Li Langhua was left somewhat stunned.
“A person who didn’t even know you has saved your precious granddaughter countless times. People say she’s after money, but Wen Li doesn’t lack money. She’s more capable than me, and she’s the famed ‘Medicine God,’ even more skilled than my sister. You’ve always told me to make friends with outstanding people—Wen Li is the most outstanding person I’ve ever met. So why is it that you just don’t like her?”
Li Langhua gave a bitter smile. “Yes… why don’t I like her?”
Such an outstanding child—placed in the Imperial Capital, which young master or heiress of a noble family could compare?
Why does she still not like her?
“Grandma, could you accept Wen Li—for my sake?” Li Li looked at Li Langhua with utter sincerity.
For the first time in all these years, she treated the matter of making friends with her grandmother so seriously.
She only hoped that Grandma could understand her.
"Li Li," She said. As Li Langhua raised her eyes, the careful upkeep could not hide the fine lines at the corners.
“Wen Li is your biological elder sister.”
The room fell silent for a moment. Li Li blinked, clearly finding it hard to believe what she had just heard, and she was somewhat dazed.
“What are you saying, Grandma?” Li Li asked, feeling a bit embarrassed.
Grandma must have been muddled by anger.
Li Langhua’s gaze was firm and utterly serious. “You are twins—born of the same mother and father. You are the younger sister, and she is the elder.”
Li Li froze, as if struck head‑on by a heavy blow, unable to recover her senses.
But Grandma had said that her parents were already dead, and she had lived with Grandma since childhood. So why has an elder sister suddenly appeared now?
“Grandma…”
“I’m not joking with you—the paternity test results are right here. Take a look.” Li Langhua pulled out the already‑prepared report from the cabinet beside her and handed it over.
Twins—their DNA match index was highly similar, and the test results confirmed it.
They are sisters of the same father and mother.
“But I… Wen Li and I don’t look alike at all?” Li Li still hadn’t recovered from the immense shock.
“You are fraternal twins, so of course you look different. You resemble your father, while she takes after your mother—that’s why you don’t look the same.”
Having spoken those words, Li Langhua felt as though a heavy burden had been lifted from her shoulders.
Ever since she saw Wen Li, the heavy stone pressing on her chest was completely lifted, and now the old lady felt ease from body to heart.
“Wen Li is really my sister?” Li Li’s eyes nearly bored holes into the test report.
“These matters are complicated, and Grandma will explain them to you one by one in time. In a while, we’ll go see Wen Li. You are sisters by blood—this time, talk to her properly as sisters.”
Li Langhua rose to leave, but Li Li grabbed her wrist to stop her.
“Grandma… what about my father and mother?” Li Li’s eyes reddened as she looked up at the old lady.
If Wen Li is truly her elder sister, does that mean she can believe her parents have always been alive?
She also has parents, doesn’t she?
Li Langhua felt as if needles were piercing her heart. She lowered her head to soothe Li Li’s emotions: “You will see them, and they will like you very much.”
“But Grandma…” Li Li clung tightly to the old lady’s wrist, refusing to let go. “Am I truly your granddaughter? Or… was I a child you brought back?”
Just like in a TV drama, she was picked up and raised by Grandma.
Li Langhua lowered her head and embraced her granddaughter. “Of course you are Grandma’s own granddaughter—you and Wen Li both are. It’s just that, due to certain circumstances, you grew up with Grandma, while Wen Li was raised by your parents.”
Li Li’s voice was muffled. “Then why… why didn’t they want me, only my sister?”
Those words pierced Li Langhua’s heart like a knife, stirring up years of guilt.
Every time they went to the amusement park, Li Li would see other families all together in neat harmony. At those moments, she too would lift her little face and ask.
Where are my father and mother? Why is it that Li Li doesn’t have parents?
Gradually, as time went by and she grew older, she stopped asking that question.
But Li Langhua knew exactly what the child was thinking in her heart.
All the love and pampering in the world can never make up for the absence of a father’s and mother’s love.
This had always been the guilt weighing on Li Langhua’s heart.
.........
Inside Beicheng Hotel, after finishing breakfast, Wen Li was about to enjoy the hot spring in her room when a knock sounded at the door.
As soon as she opened the door, Xia Chen rushed in, flustered and in a hurry.
“Boss, Li Li is here—she says she wants to see you.”
Wen Li pushed aside the things she had prepared. “Is Li Li the only one?”
Xia Chen thought for a moment, then counted carefully on his fingers. “There’s also her grandmother, Li Ruobing, and a servant.”
The three of them appeared at the hotel together, surely to thank Wen Li for saving their lives.
“Let them come up.”
After hearing the order, Xia Chen went downstairs to bring them up.
Almost at the very instant the doorbell rang, Fu Yuxiu stepped out of the bathroom, towel-drying his hair. A single bath towel was wrapped around his waist, leaving his lean and muscular physique fully revealed.
“Who’s here?” the man asked while toweling his hair.
Wen Li stepped forward and pushed him back into the bathroom. The man, still full of confusion, smiled faintly at the corners of his lips and pulled Wen Li into his arms.
“Baby, so early in the morning you’re already throwing yourself into my arms?”
“You stay here, I’ll meet with guests,” Wen Li said.
The man raised his brows, glanced toward the living room, and agreed quite readily.
Wen Li pulled the door open and stepped out, leaving the room door ajar.
The moment the door opened, Li Li rushed forward and threw herself into Wen Li’s arms, bursting into loud sobs, tears and snot streaming uncontrollably.
Li Ruobing was moved and wiped the corners of her eyes, while Li Langhua, standing to the side, clearly had reddened eyes.
“Wen Li, I never imagined you were truly my elder sister. From the very first time I saw you, I thought—how wonderful it would be if you were my sister…”
Li Li’s sobbing hiccups filled the air as she clung to Wen Li with both hands, gripping tightly, crying with utter seriousness.
“Isn’t your hand still injured?” Wen Li reminded her.
Li Ruobing hurriedly pulled her aside. “Li Li, let go quickly, or your wound will split open again.”
Li Li’s eyes were red from crying, like a little rabbit’s, her nose twitching as she looked at Wen Li.
“Come in.” She stepped aside to let them enter.
In the bathroom, the man—bored and restless—picked up the cigarette pack and lighter from the sink, lit a cigarette, and set it burning.
Li Ruobing looked at Wen Li and, a bit embarrassed, rubbed her nose.
Why does it feel like Wen Li isn’t very warm toward them, even after the truth has been revealed?
“You all know now?” Wen Li asked as she sat down across from the three.
Li Li nodded frantically. “You’re my sister—we’re twins.”
In the bathroom, the man smoking tilted his head back and gently exhaled a veil of smoke; within the curling haze, his eyes grew hazy and distant.
There was neither surprise nor sorrow on Wen Li’s face; sooner or later she would know, it was only a matter of time.
“Wen Li, besides thanking you for saving our lives, we also want to bring you back. We’ve always been a family. Now that you’ve come to the Imperial Capital, you should live at home from now on,” Li Ruobing spoke first.
Wen Li’s attitude was very different from that of an ordinary family reunion, leaving people caught off guard.
Li Ruobing thought for a moment; this was the only thing she could say to break the awkward situation.
“Yes, we’ll go home together.” Li Li looked at Wen Li, on the verge of tears again.
Li Langhua gently patted Li Li’s back; her attitude had softened much compared to before. At this point, there was no need to keep insisting on anything.
“Wen Li, the fact that you were able to come to the Imperial Capital shows that Xu Qian must have told you about me. Back then, you sisters were separated, and I also caused them father and daughter to be apart. After so many years, there’s little more I can say. Since you’ve come to the capital, it must be with their guidance.”
Li Langhua’s attitude gradually grew firm as well.
Ruiqiu, watching from the side, smiled with her eyes. This was how it should be—after all, he was the old lady’s son.
After so many years, what could be wrong with a mother seeing her son again?
“I’d like our family to gather together. Tell your parents to come over—I haven’t seen Xu Qian in many years. Only if they’re all here can we speak openly and make everything clear.”
Otherwise, Li Li would forever carry doubts in her heart, and an unpassable barrier would remain.
For the sake of her granddaughter, Li Langhua was truly willing to do anything.
Even if it means breaking the vow made in those early days, it doesn’t matter anymore.
Wen Li lifted her gaze, fixing her eyes on Li Langhua without moving.
“If it’s inconvenient for them, Li Li can go visit them instead. Where do they live?” Li Langhua continued.
Ruiqiu looked a little helpless. “Madam, can’t you go see them yourself?”
But that’s your own son—why keep up the airs?
“Ningzhou… the suburban cemetery…”
Wen Li slowly, deliberately, let out those few words.
The room fell into complete silence. Li Li stared at Wen Li in shock, while even Li Ruobing, standing nearby, looked bewildered…
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