Chapter 408 - Chapter 408: Chapter 415: Only Possibility (1/2)

Chapter 408: Chapter 415: Only Possibility

“I’ve said before, if you want to be by my side, you should know your place. What to ask, and what not to ask. I thought you understood that very clearly?” Liu Xiu’s words were his sternest warning to Chen Li yet. If Chen Li continued to lack discretion, even if he had intentions of using her to counterbalance the Su Family, he wouldn’t keep her around. Besides, Liu Xiu might be more aware of Chen Li’s feelings for Han Yu than she realized. A woman like that, once she saw some benefit, could easily turn traitor.

Chen Li didn’t expect that her probing would not only fail but also result in such a harsh warning from Liu Xiu. Did this mean that if she didn’t show discretion, he wouldn’t want to keep her around?

Chen Li was certain her interpretation was correct. While fear and worry consumed her, she was also filled with rage and resentment. Men really are ungrateful creatures. She had helped Liu Xiu a lot when he was in a tough spot, and now that he had gained some power, he discarded her like an old shoe. Where was the patience and tolerance he had initially shown? Even so, she was powerless against him. Without what Liu Xiu brought to the table, she was just a businesswoman—she had no capital to turn against him, neither then nor now.

“Big Brother Liu, I… I was just worried about you. If you don’t want to talk about it, then don’t—we don’t have to be so fierce. When you’re like this, it makes me feel so bad,” Chen Li said, regardless of her inner thoughts, putting on an act of being a pitiful, bullied and heartbroken woman.

Liu Xiu had no real intention of discarding Chen Li at that moment. Seeing her show weakness, he decided to relent, softening his attitude somewhat.

“Lady Li, it’s not that I’m heartless. But as you know, I have ambitions. To achieve my goals, I need to set strict requirements, clearly separate my personal and public life, and ensure no lines are crossed. In the future, don’t meddle or speculate in matters that aren’t your concern. One day, when I’ve achieved my goals, I will not treat you unfairly,” Liu Xiu explained. It was a classic carrot and stick approach—he needed to handle the woman with a mix of severity and comfort, offering prospects of reward.

“Big Brother Liu, I was wrong. From now on, I won’t ask about things I shouldn’t. You’ll still be as good to me as you were before, won’t you?” Chen Li felt deep contempt for Liu Xiu’s actions, but he was her only support, and he was the one who historically ascended to that high position. She had no choice but to compromise.

Liu Xiu found Chen Li’s reaction quite satisfying. This woman, if nothing else, knew the importance of timing.

After leaving the Liu Mansion, Han Yu secretly instructed his people to keep an eye on Chen Li’s movements. Chen Li’s visit today was sufficient proof that she was growing impatient and plotting against the Heavenly Pavilion. As for Liu Xiu, Han Yu trusted that a clear-headed man like him would not harm his daughter-in-law over a woman. At this time, it wasn’t appropriate for Han Yu to do much within the Liu Mansion. Although he had his own spies there, they should not be used rashly unless absolutely necessary.

Liu Xiu seemed to rely on and trust him greatly for now, but Han Yu knew it was only on the surface. Deep down, Liu Xiu harbored doubts and suspicions about him. If roles were reversed, Han Yu would feel the same. After all, their relationship before this hadn’t been deep. How could they fully share and trust each other? Liu Xiu was already acting very gentlemanly by showing this much trust. Now was a time of testing and observation for Han Yu. He couldn’t afford to let any slip occur; otherwise, making amends wouldn’t be easy. It might ruin everything he had worked for so far. He could not take any risks with this matter.

“Daughter-in-law, be cautious these days. Have Uncle Fu put aside other matters for now and keep watch over the Heavenly Pavilion. Shopkeeper Yu, although loyal and capable, still lacks some shrewdness. Faced with those cunning and calculating people, it’s easy for him to be at a disadvantage if he’s not careful.” Han Yu wouldn’t involve his spies at the Liu Mansion over such a trifle, but he could defend from the front. No matter what schemes Chen Li concocted, with an old hand like Fu Lu watching, nothing would go wrong.