Arriving at Li Xiuli's home, the moment the door was pushed open, a familiar figure was seen busily moving about.
Chen Lishu's brows furrowed. Li Xiuli, being such a gossipy person, couldn't possibly not have found out what Qin Yue did to be kicked out of her home.
Knowing that they had issues with Qin Yue, yet still inviting her over, Chen Lishu couldn't help but suspect they had ulterior motives.
Just as Chen Lishu was filled with doubt, Qin Yue put down the vegetables she was holding, a faint smile appearing on her face, and called out, "Everyone, come in quickly and sit down. The dishes are almost ready."
Li Xiuli, in a cheerful mood, chimed in, "Yes, Lishu, Xingdong, what are you two standing at the door stunned for? Make yourselves at home and hurry up and sit down to eat."
Gu Xingdong, holding Chen Lishu's hand, sat down as far away from Qin Yue as possible.
Seeing this, Qin Yue's hands paused while arranging the dishes. A sharp glint flashed across her deep eyes, but she quickly concealed it.
"This whole table of dishes today is thanks to Qin Yue's help. What a wonderful girl; I wonder which lucky boy will get to marry her," Li Xiuli said meaningfully. She then subtly glanced around, only to find no one listening to her, and awkwardly tugged at the corner of her mouth.
Just then, Li Na suddenly raised her glass, glancing at Chen Lishu with a smug expression, and said, "Qin Yue, sister will toast you. Thank you for helping me find a job as a manager at the ham sausage factory, allowing our family to have an income!
I heard your uncle's factory is quite large. Lishu, aren't you also starting a ham sausage factory recently? Perhaps I can ask Qin Yue's uncle to give you a channel?"
Chen Lishu hadn't expected Qin Yue's family to be in business. With business and politics intertwined, it was no wonder she could continue to stay.
Upon hearing this news, Chen Lishu merely mused a few thoughts in her mind and didn't pay it much attention.
Compared to the calmness on their side, Qin Yue appeared rather angry. She had repeatedly told Li Na not to spread this matter around. Yet, this wretch, in her desire to show off, almost ruined her plan!
To prevent Li Na from saying more than she should, Qin Yue had to interrupt with a darkened face, "Sister Li Na! These are minor matters. Please don't dwell on them. Lishu's capabilities are evident to all; why would she need our help?"
Li Na scoffed. Even if Chen Lishu's business grew, it was only in the apparel industry. To achieve success in the food industry? That would depend on their company's approval. The boss had already said they would never let Chen Lishu get a foothold!
Seeing Li Na as a dense person, Qin Yue's face turned red with anger. She subtly glared at Li Xiuli, signaling her to quickly step forward and stop this fool.
Upon receiving the signal, Li Xiuli was stunned for a moment. Then, she pinched Li Na hard on the waist. "Nana, didn't you say you wanted to thank Lishu today for saving you from prison? I've brought her to our home now, quickly toast her."
A toast?
Li Na's expression was filled with disbelief. She had invited Chen Lishu and the others over for dinner today, and it was considered generous that she hadn't flipped the table. Now she wanted her to toast?
It was precisely because of Chen Lishu that she had ended up in prison! Why should she be expected to thank her?
Li Na crossed her arms in front of her chest, stubbornly stating, "I won't!"
"Li Na!" Li Xiuli slammed her hand on the table.
She couldn't understand it. She was, after all, a shrewd person, otherwise, she wouldn't have replaced Li Xiulan in marrying into the capital. How could such an intelligent person give birth to such a foolish daughter?
Li Na hadn't expected Li Xiuli to lose her temper so severely and shrank her head in fear. She had intended to stick to her decision, but Li Xiuli continued, "Don't go to the company. I thought after all these incidents, you would have matured a bit, but you still act without thinking.
The company has assigned you so many tasks; how can you complete them without thinking? It's better not to drag them down and obediently stay at home! I think my niece is capable of handling your current work. Miss Qin..."
Upon hearing this, Li Na dared not argue with her any further. She immediately suppressed her anger, picked up her glass, and said with a strained smile, "Lishu, I toast you. I've caused you a lot of trouble these days and made you use your connections to get me out of jail. Please don't hold grudges against a junior after this drink!"
Although Chen Lishu didn't know what scheme this family was up to again, she followed suit since one doesn't refuse a smiling face. She also raised her glass, drained it in one go, and said, "It's a minor matter."
After drinking the toast, Li Xiuli eagerly whispered into Chen Lishu's ear, "Lishu, when will your company officially open? Find some time for Li Na to visit your company.
After all, she doesn't have much understanding of the food industry, and you're all relatives. You can explain more about the factory to her, which will help her navigate her career path with fewer detours."
Chen Lishu felt that things were far from as simple as they appeared, but she couldn't pinpoint what felt off. She didn't rush to refuse Li Xiuli's request, instead replying ambiguously, "We'll see then."
After this statement, the atmosphere fell into silence. Everyone quietly ate the food in their bowls.
By the end of the meal, Qin Yue hadn't looked up at Gu Xingdong even once, as if the events of that day were a misunderstanding, and she had never harbored feelings for Gu Xingdong.
Chen Lishu glanced at the clock on the wall, intending to find an excuse to leave. However, Qin Yue's actions were even quicker.
"Everyone, I've eaten enough. I'll be leaving now."
With that, she stood up to head for the door. Li Xiuli quickly called out to stop her, "Xiaoyue, wait a moment. It's gotten dark, and your place is quite remote. You're such a beautiful young lady; what if you encounter danger?"
Qin Yue stopped, turned around, and said with a frown, "It should be fine. Besides, where would I stay if I don't go back?"
Li Xiuli said, "You can stay at my place."
Qin Yue, however, shook her head with a troubled expression, saying, "That's not proper. If word gets out, and my father finds out, he might get angry. Don't worry, I'll call you when I get home to let you know I'm safe."
After saying this, Qin Yue insisted on opening the door to leave.