When the scandal broke, Grandma Zhao firmly believed Li Qianfan would never do something so ungentlemanly.
Even if he had indeed "occupied" Su Nanyin.
It was Su Nanyin, relying on her undiminished beauty of yesteryear, who took advantage of Li Qianfan's youthful ignorance and shamelessly seduced him!
How could a beardless lad like Li Qianfan possibly resist the tactics of an old hand like "Su Nan Guanyin"?
Never caring about Mr. Zhao's work matters, and thus knowing nothing, Grandma Zhao had, on several occasions, wanted to personally intervene and have a good chat with Su Nanyin.
Now.
Grandma Zhao saw Li Qianfan and Su Nanyin.
When she first saw Li Qianfan, Grandma Zhao was overjoyed from the bottom of her heart.
But upon seeing Su Nanyin—
Li Qianfan and Su Nanyin released their entwined arms and quickly walked up to Zhao Tingshan, offering greetings.
The female guests who had been sent off by Grandma Zhao did not recognize Su Nanyin.
After being momentarily stunned by her beauty, they were about to ask Grandma Zhao who this stunning woman was when they noticed her expression was off.
They immediately and wisely closed their mouths, bid farewell with smiles, and quickly departed.
"Qianfan, Deputy Manager Su."
Zhao Tingshan pointed towards the entrance of the small courtyard and said with a wry smile, "You two are not outsiders, make yourselves at home. I still have to stand guard here on the old man's orders."
"Alright."
Li Qianfan nodded and, as he walked towards Grandma Zhao, opened his arms: "Grandma Zhao, Happy New Year."
In the past, when he came with Sister Wujiang to wish Mr. Zhao a Happy New Year, Li Qianfan, who was greatly favored by Grandma Zhao, would always embrace her.
This year, despite the widespread criticism against him, he still expressed his affection for Grandma Zhao in the same way.
"Happy New Year, hehe."
As Grandma Zhao hugged Li Qianfan, the warmth in her eyes and the gentle pat on his back were no different from previous years.
This was enough to prove that Grandma Zhao's fondness for Li Qianfan was genuine.
It was her next statement, however, that was particularly noteworthy: "Qianfan, I would be even happier if you could come with Qingyun Su Ziyu to wish Grandma a Happy New Year."
Qianfan's wife, I only recognize Qingyun Su Ziyu!
Apart from Su Ziyu, any other woman who comes to my house arm-in-arm with him (Li Wujiang excluded) is a disreputable character!!
This was the clear message being conveyed by Grandma Zhao, who cared deeply for Li Qianfan.
Li Qianfan, of course, understood.
What kind of person is Su Nan Guanyin?
Even with her little toe, she could understand that Grandma Zhao's words were directed at her.
She maintained her smiling appearance, but her toes dug fiercely into the sole of her shoe.
"Grandma Zhao, I will definitely bring Ziyu to wish you a Happy New Year next year."
Li Qianfan released Grandma Zhao and said, "Let's go home."
"You go in first, I need to have a few words with Deputy Manager Su, some girl talk between us women."
Clearly aware that Li Qianfan feared she might embarrass Su Nanyin, Grandma Zhao playfully pushed him away with a reproachful gesture.
"Okay."
Li Qianfan pretended not to notice anything and walked into the small courtyard, stopping just inside.
"Auntie, Happy New Year."
Su Nanyin bowed to Grandma Zhao and offered a smiling New Year's greeting.
"Fortunately, you still know that Qianfan calls me Grandma, while you call me Auntie."
Grandma Zhao shot her son Zhao Tingshan a glare, signaling him to get lost, before saying calmly, "Deputy Manager Su, I, this old woman, don't understand and dare not interfere in your work. However, I believe I am still qualified, albeit barely, to meddle in your private affairs with Qianfan. This is because Li Nanfang served as my father-in-law's personal bodyguard more than twenty years ago. My son and Li Nanfang's son, Li Xiao, were also sworn brothers. I regard Qianfan as my grandson, you have no objections, do you?"
Su Nanyin slowly nodded: "Of course, I have no objections."
"I only have one request."
Grandma Zhao stared into Su Nanyin's eyes and stated directly: "Su Nanyin, let go of that child."
Su Nanyin smiled: "Auntie, I am very sorry. I will not let go of him."
Grandma Zhao frowned: "Why?"
Su Nanyin's smile faded: "It's too late."
Too late.
What did that mean?
Grandma Zhao understood immediately: "You... have already defiled that child?"
Su Nanyin nodded: "Yes."
Before Grandma Zhao could say anything further, Su Nanyin smiled again: "Auntie, I can guarantee that any man who has witnessed the charm of Su Nan Guanyin will be utterly captivated. Li Qianfan is no exception!"
Grandma Zhao fell silent.
She did not become furious or anything of the sort.
Her character and status spoke for themselves.
Alas.
Grandma Zhao sighed softly, then reached out to gently tuck a stray strand of hair behind Su Nanyin's ear. Her gaze towards Su Nanyin was no longer filled with the earlier displeasure.
Instead, it softened with a sense of resignation: "Su Nanyin, take good care of that child. I believe that no matter how hard your heart may be, you wouldn't truly destroy him."
"Auntie, I will keep your words in mind."
Su Nanyin bowed slightly, indicating her sincerity, and quickly walked into the courtyard.
She suddenly felt an urge to cry.
She, who had—
done nothing wrong, and had even willingly played the villain for the reputation of the Li family mother and son (Li Wujiang and Li Qianfan); who had been willing to face death to avoid implicating Li Qianfan; and who had dedicated herself wholeheartedly to her duties until death!
Yet, why had she become the bad woman who even Grandma Zhao so sternly warned?
Waiting for her, Li Qianfan asked, "What did Grandma Zhao say to you?"
Su Nanyin, on the verge of tears, could no longer control herself.
As tears welled up and spilled out, she spat out in a voice barely audible, "Get lost!" to the concerned Li Qianfan.
Li Qianfan was not angry.
He could feel the deep-seated grievance and sorrow that Su Nanyin was experiencing at that moment.
He took out a tissue and handed it to Su Nanyin.
Su Nanyin took it and quickly wiped away her tears.
Then, after taking a few deep breaths, she said softly, "Qianfan, I'm sorry. Please forgive my lapse in composure."
"It's alright."
Li Qianfan shook his head and quickly walked towards the living room entrance.
The living room door of Mr. Zhao's house was made of frosted glass.
People outside could not see in, and people inside could not see out.
Yet, Li Qianfan could faintly hear Mr. Zhao's hearty laughter from within the living room.
He opened the door—
Seven or eight people were inside, chatting happily.
Li Qianfan spotted Mr. Zhao immediately.
It was natural for Li Qianfan to see Mr. Zhao, whose aura was undeniable to anyone.
Li Qianfan's second glance—
was immediately drawn to a woman wearing a simple black suit.
The woman appeared to be in her thirties, stood at about 1.7 meters, with a figure comparable to a supermodel. Her features were somewhat sharp, yet she possessed a natural, alluring charm.
Crucially, even in the presence of Mr. Zhao, she did not seem as constrained as others; she carried herself with poise and dignity.
This was sufficient proof that the woman was not only confident but also possessed an inherent arrogance.
As Li Qianfan looked at her, the woman's gaze also turned towards him.
The moment their eyes met.
Su Nanyin's voice was heard from behind Li Qianfan: "He Lan Tingmei."
"So, she is He Lan Tingmei, whom Mr. Zhao values so highly."
Li Qianfan understood.
"Nanyin, Qianfan!"
Mr. Zhao, seeing the two of them, immediately stood up with a smile: "Come in, come in quickly. It's cold outside."
After they arrived at the Zhao residence, He Lan Tingmei and the others who had come to wish Mr. Zhao a New Year's greeting sensibly took their leave.
Mr. Zhao did not insist on them staying, merely advising them to be careful of the slippery roads on their way back.
Perhaps it was a delusion—
As Li Qianfan stepped aside to let He Lan Tingmei and the others exit, he felt that the woman's gaze swept over his and Su Nanyin's faces with a hint of disdain.
But when Li Qianfan looked closely again, she had already offered a pleasant greeting to Su Nanyin in a soft, melodious voice, put on her coat from behind the door, and quickly departed.
"Damn it, I didn't sleep last night, and now I'm seeing things."
Li Qianfan shook his head inwardly and saw the bedroom door open.
A young man in a wheelchair waved at him, signaling him to come over, and then closed the door.
It was Junzi.
Junzi, who was very proud, did not want to be seen due to his leg injury.
However, upon hearing Mr. Zhao call out "Qianfan," he immediately opened the door and beckoned him over.
The two had been good friends since childhood.
Li Qianfan had also spent considerable effort worrying and working on Junzi's ability to stand again.
Junzi had been eagerly awaiting Li Qianfan's New Year's visit.
"Grandpa Zhao, I'll chat with Junzi first."
Li Qianfan said, then quickly entered Junzi's room and closed the door.
"Nanyin, let's talk in the study."
After Su Nanyin offered her New Year's greetings, Mr. Zhao stood up and walked towards the study.
Currently.
Su Nanyin, who was in the spotlight, and Li Qianfan arriving together in broad daylight, put a certain amount of pressure on Mr. Zhao, who had already been aware of their intentions.
After all, whether Li Qianfan could successfully inherit Long Xu was also crucial for Mr. Zhao.
Especially since Mr. Zhao had also learned that Su Nanyin had gone to the Miao family, and the Miao family intended to marry Shen Chongchong to Miao Desheng!
Mr. Zhao was also furious.
He even suspected that the Miao family's ignorance might bring them the most brutal disaster on the first day of the Lunar New Year!!
With such a significant matter at hand, Mr. Zhao naturally had to have a serious discussion with Su Nanyin.
In the study.
Mr. Zhao personally poured Su Nanyin a cup of tea: "Nanyin, what do you plan to do?"
Su Nanyin, however, asked, "Mr. Zhao, may I cry here at your house for a while?"
Mr. Zhao was taken aback.
He then nodded and took out some tissues.
Su Nanyin sat in front of the desk, looking at Mr. Zhao, and suddenly tears welled up in her eyes.
Yet, she did not make a single sound of sobs.
She merely allowed the tears to silently stream down her cheeks.