Xia Qingtian took Lei Xirui’s hand and discovered her soft, boneless palm was ice-cold. Tears still clung to the delicate, long lashes of her eyes, making her look so pitiful.
How could Third Master Lei bear to treat such a delicate porcelain doll so harshly?
Xia Qingtian’s gaze shifted to Third Master Lei. He seemed to have something to say but held back, his expression grim, his jaw tight, his hands clenched into fists at his sides as if restraining himself.
You good-for-nothing, don’t you dare cry and beg Xirui to return to the Lei family in the future!
Xia Qingtian shot Third Master Lei an exasperated glare, then gently pulled Lei Xirui into her embrace. "Sister Xirui," she said softly, "let's go back."
"Mm." Lei Xirui gave a slight nod and walked out with Xia Qingtian.
"Lei Xirui!" Seeing Lei Xirui about to leave, Third Master Lei couldn't help but shout, "If you dare to step out of this door, you are no longer my sister!"
Lei Xirui's footsteps faltered slightly, but she didn't turn back. Xia Qingtian could clearly feel her trembling.
"Let's go," Lei Xirui murmured and started to walk forward again.
"Okay." Xia Qingtian held Lei Xirui's hand, cursing Third Master Lei in her mind, before preparing to leave with Lei Xirui.
This Lei family, her Xirui didn't even care for it!
Third Master Lei gritted his teeth. He couldn't understand why, after paving a smooth path for Lei Xirui, a life of ease and success, she was still dissatisfied. What was it that she lacked?
What was that Xia Qingtian? After only knowing her for a few months, she had already captivated Lei Xirui's heart!
The one he had cherished and doted on for so many years had turned out to be an ungrateful wretch!
At this moment, a sharp pain shot through his stomach, and his face turned a sickly shade of green and white.
Just then, a male voice called out from the staircase, "Heh heh, quite lively this early in the morning."
"Father." Third Master Lei immediately looked back at the sound, his tone respectful.
Hearing the voice, Lei Xirui stopped and looked back, also calling out, "Father."
The head of the Lei family swept his gaze over the scattered bodyguards on the floor and then looked towards Xia Qingtian with a chuckle. "This is the work of the Miao family, isn't it? Heh heh, a bit of a spat between the young ones, but no need to make such a fuss. Gather them up."
Miao Tong looked towards Xia Qingtian at the sound. Seeing that the head of the Lei family had spoken, Xia Qingtian could only nod lightly.
Miao Tong then waved his hand casually. Following his gesture, the men lying on the ground began to stir, groaning as if from a hangover, rubbing their throbbing temples as they shakily got to their feet.
"You can all go and rest," the head of the Lei family said with a wave and a smile. "Youngsters these days, staying up late and indulging in all sorts of excesses. Their bodies just can't compare to ours from back then."
The bodyguards withdrew from the main hall, their faces filled with shame. Third Master Lei walked over to the head of the Lei family and respectfully extended his hand. "Let me help you."
"No need." The head of the Lei family walked down the steps with his hands behind his back, heading towards the sofa. He beckoned to Lei Xirui. "Why are you crying, little one? Did your third brother bully you?"
Lei Xirui did not move closer. Instead, she looked at the head of the Lei family, her eyes welling up again, and shook her head slightly.
Her third brother hadn't bullied her. He simply didn't see her as an independent person.
"I remember you are Yaoyang's girlfriend," the head of the Lei family said, turning his gaze to Xia Qingtian. "You visited the Lei family some time ago, didn't you?"
"Thank you for your kindness then, Master Lei," Xia Qingtian replied, also recalling the head of the Lei family. After escaping her pursuers, she had indeed stayed at the Lei family's residence for a few days after being discharged from the hospital, and she had met the head of the Lei family then.
"And the two behind you are from the Miao and Tang families, correct?" the head of the Lei family's gaze shifted to Miao Tong and Er Ya. "That scent, it's unmistakable."
Miao Tong and Er Ya exchanged glances.
The Miao family cultivated poisons, and the Tang family concocted them. Both families were well-acquainted with each other's unique scents. Furthermore, if anyone could discern their identities at a mere glance, it would likely be the head of the Lei family, who had spent his life dealing with antiques and ancient texts, or perhaps the now-extinct Lu family.
"Don't just stand there. Since you're guests at the Lei family, make yourselves at home. Come and sit for a while," the head of the Lei family said with a smile, his demeanor that of a kindly elder. "Keep an old man like me company and chat, heh heh."
Xia Qingtian first glanced at Lei Xirui beside her. Seeing that Lei Xirui showed no resentment towards the head of the Lei family, she then led Lei Xirui towards him and sat down on the sofa opposite him.
Seeing Xia Qingtian go over, Er Ya and Miao Tong followed, taking seats on the single sofas on either side.
"It's been a while since we last met. It's been some time," Xia Qingtian said politely after sitting down.
"I understand that young people like yourselves are busy. I can comprehend that," the head of the Lei family said with a chuckle. "How has Yaoyang been recently? Did he come with you this time?"
"No, he's been very busy with work lately," Xia Qingtian replied with a faint smile. "We'll definitely pay you a visit together next time."
"Hmm, yes, that's good," the head of the Lei family then turned his attention to Lei Xirui, who was sitting beside Xia Qingtian. "Xirui, come sit by me. Let me take a good look. Why are you crying?"
Lei Xirui first glanced at Xia Qingtian. Seeing Xia Qingtian nod at her, she then sat down next to the head of the Lei family.
"It's really nothing," Lei Xirui's voice was soft and carried a hint of tears, making her sound so endearing. "A friend of mine got injured in Z City, and I wanted to go and see him. Third Brother... Third Brother wouldn't let me."
"If you want to go, then go," the head of the Lei family said. "It's summer vacation, after all. Go and have fun. Just be back before school starts. Don't let it interfere with your studies."
"Father!" Third Master Lei frowned. Was this really just about going out to play?
"What?" the head of the Lei family looked at Third Master Lei. "Are you really planning to disown your sister? Am I dead? Or do you think I'm too old to wield a blade? Shall I have you run ten meters first?"
"Father, that's not what I meant!" Third Master Lei quickly defended himself. "It's just that Xirui has been influenced by Xia Qingtian..."
"You still have the nerve to blame others!" The head of the Lei family glared at Third Master Lei. "What do I usually tell you? You always put on a stern face, as if everyone owes you money! Xirui only stays close to you because there's no one else reliable in this family! If I had given her an older sister, do you think she would even bother with you! I'm not dead yet, and your sister's life is not for you to dictate!"
The head of the Lei family's words left Third Master Lei speechless. Lei Xirui also became nervous, saying, "Father, Third Brother... Third Brother... he didn't mean any harm."