Chapter 422 - Chapter 422: Chapter 429: Mixing Everything into One Discussion (1/2)

Chapter 422: Chapter 429: Mixing Everything into One Discussion

Without waiting for the housekeeper to speak, Chen Li blurted out the servant girls’ earlier actions with exaggerations, leaving the housekeeper no chance to interject.

Liu Xiu already felt somewhat guilty about the engagement with the Yin Family, and even though he thought Chen Li’s request was excessive, he did not rebuke her. Although the Liu Family was known for treating servants kindly, this did not change the fact that in the eyes of the masters, servants were nothing more than contemptible playthings, easily dealt with. If sacrificing two servants could placate Chen Li, of course, he would comply, especially since those maids had indeed erred. Chen Li had helped him significantly over the days and had come up with several good ideas; he still needed her.

Chen Li felt somewhat comforted when Liu Xiu agreed to her demands regarding the maids, but the news of Liu Xiu’s engagement to Yin Lihua remained unexplained, causing the brief smile on her face to fade as she looked at Liu Xiu with a melancholic gaze.

Liu Xiu, under such a resentful stare from Chen Li, felt quite uncomfortable, as if he were a heartless scoundrel—though there was some truth to that. However, Liu Xiu believed he had no reason to feel guilty, as he had never made any promises to Chen Li. It wasn’t he who initiated anything; it was Chen Li who had approached him for backing. Since he had helped Chen Li establish herself, wasn’t it natural for her to repay him?

There were no deals in the world that were all benefits and no losses. Even now, his treatment of Chen Li was nothing more than that towards a subordinate; there wasn’t any overstepping. It was Chen Li’s own delusion. Of course, Liu Xiu wasn’t entirely blameless—in full awareness of Chen Li’s feelings, he continued to use her to his advantage without offering reminders or firm refusals, declining to voice his true thoughts.

“Big Brother Liu, Uncle Wen, I thought you understood my feelings. Why would you marry Miss Yin? Where did I fall short for you to treat me so?”

“Ah Li, I hold no romantic feelings for you, and thus, I’ve never made any promises in that regard. I thought you’ve always known that our relationship is built on mutual benefit. If, through all this time, we’ve developed a connection, it’s still different from romantic affection,” Liu Xiu gently explained.

Chen Li couldn’t accept Liu Xiu’s words: “Big Brother Liu, how can you say that? How can it not be romantic affection? I’ve told you before, if you had no such intentions, why didn’t you refuse?”

Liu Xiu, pressured by Chen Li’s questioning, admitted his discomfort: “I confess that I was wrong in that regard. If you cannot accept it, I won’t force you. If you desire any form of compensation, as long as it’s not too excessive, I will do my best within my capabilities to make amends.”

Chen Li had aspired to be the one second to none, standing by Liu Xiu’s side. His so-called compensation was of no significance to her. However, understanding that the marriage between Liu Xiu and Yin Lihua was inevitable and wouldn’t change because of her, she knew she needed to ponder her next steps.

Liu Xiu now showed understanding toward Chen Li: “You needn’t decide right away. Let me know what you wish after careful consideration, and I’ll arrange for someone to escort you home.”

Chen Li, uninterested in staying any longer, nodded her head and left the Liu Mansion in a daze. Contemplating the unworthy man she had dealt with, she had thought of severing ties, but she lacked the means; should she truly fall out with Liu Xiu, there would be plenty eager to mock her.