Chapter 90: Li Chengxiu’s Love-Struck Mind

Chapter 90: Li Chengxiu's Lovesick Devotion

"..."

Li Yanxiu had always known his mother was a master manipulator, but to still try and fool Laosi when he was already this foolish—his mother truly had a heart of stone!

Tsk, tsk, tsk. Yet, as his elder brother, he felt a pang of unease.

"Laosi, perhaps we should reconsider. I know Jiang Wan is beautiful, but you only have one life. When it comes to cherishing yourself, you should really do so. Don't you agree?"

"What are you thinking? I'm your own brother, and Wan Jie'er is your sister-in-law. What unspeakable thoughts are you harboring? Let me tell you, Li Laosan, if you dare try to poach my girl, I'll tell Mother—no, I'll grab a hoe and dig up the very foundations of Song Ziying's family!"

The narrow-minded Li Laosi immediately put up his guard, kicking his own brother, Li Laosan, who was desperately trying to save him, a hundred miles away with a resounding thud.

Li Yanxiu swallowed hard, finally unable to resist raising a righteous fist at his "clever" brother.

"You're asking for a beating!"

"Wan Jie'er, help!"

Though Li Chengxiu, with his immense strength, could easily swat his handsome brother aside, his father had taught him a secret: always seize the moment to display his tender side before the girl he adored.

His father hadn't specified how, but Li Chengxiu, a master of selective interpretation, could improvise. He was already an iron-willed man; how to manifest tenderness was a skill he was still diligently exploring.

For instance, at this very moment, being lightly knocked to the ground by his "weak-kneed" brother and wailing dramatically immediately drew attention.

Having vented her anger, Jiang Wan tossed aside the brick and strolled over, feeling refreshed. She casually pulled the "well-behaved" Li Laosi up from the ground.

"Your Highness, I'm finished. What should we do next?"

Li Yanxiu glanced at his foolish brother, who was now standing attentively beside Jiang Wan, helping her smooth her slightly disheveled sleeves. He could only turn away in exasperation, preferring not to see.

Forget it. This good-for-nothing brother of his was clearly enjoying himself; he shouldn't interfere and play the villain. After all, with him as the older brother around, Laosi probably wouldn't suffer much loss... right?

"Ahem," he cleared his throat awkwardly, "I'll go take a look over there."

Clearing his throat loudly to remind the clueless fellow to know his limits, Li Yanxiu quickly walked towards the bloody heap curled on the ground.

Jiang Wan reached out and gripped the hand patting her shoulder. The ferocity in her eyes had receded, replaced by a clear tranquility.

"Oh, don't move. The back of your collar is a bit dirty; let me wipe it for you..."

"Li Chengxiu."

"What?"

"Aren't you afraid of me?"

While dealing with Li Shenxiu, Jiang Wan had still overheard the brothers' squabble. So now, looking at her future husband, her expression visibly softened.

"Why would I be afraid of you? You're just a young girl; it's not like you can devour a grown man like me, can you?"

Li Chengxiu pouted, glanced at his brother not far away, then leaned close to his "wife," lowering his voice to a whisper.

"Don't be afraid. I'm here."

He truly understood everything.

The light in Jiang Wan's eyes flickered slightly, slowly revealing a hint of tenderness—just a hint. But it was enough to make Li Chengxiu, who was watching her intently, break into a joyful smile. His strong hand turned over to grasp her snow-white one, then quickly released it.

"Did you get it all out?"

"Yes!"

The beautiful young girl nodded, and the handsome young man beamed.

"Don't worry. If anything happens, I'll bear the brunt. I'm Father's own son; he can't possibly beat me to death!"

The young man's shoulders might not yet be broad, but they were already capable of bearing responsibility.

Jiang Wan also smiled.

Perhaps Li Chengxiu wasn't the best person she had ever met, but he was definitely the one most suited to her. He always openly offered his sincere heart, showering her with all his unconditional favor.

He clearly knew Jiang Wan wasn't perfect, yet he was willing to protect her, flaws and all. Meeting him in this lifetime was truly a stroke of luck for her.

The smile at the corner of her lips gradually brightened.

"Stop playing the hero. What does any of this have to do with you?"

Li Yanxiu listened to his brother pledging loyalty and felt his teeth ache with irritation. Pulling out a small porcelain bottle, an essential tool for murder and robbery, he rolled his eyes and scolded his brother.

"Come over here and lend a hand already! What did I bring you here for?"

"Why the rush? I'm coming!"

Li Chengxiu walked over and grabbed the moaning Li Shenxiu on the ground, grumbling complaints.

"Can't you handle this yourself? Don't think I don't know why you dragged me along—you just don't want to dirty your hands with this bloody mess. You're truly my own brother, always pushing the dirty work onto me since we were kids..."

"Enough, shut up. Quickly pull that cloth out of his mouth. Let's finish this sooner so we can go back. Why are you always complaining? I was the one who found this gelsemium; why don't you mention that?"

Li Yanxiu pulled open the bottle's stopper, ready to pour it into Li Shenxiu's mouth.

Though he appeared elegant and refined, he was no saint. From the day he gained understanding, his heart had been filled with resentment.

How could he not resent it?

If his mother had been a concubine from the start, it might have been different—but she wasn't! He was supposed to be the legitimate heir, yet he was stuck in limbo, while his family had vast fortunes to inherit.

If he hadn't grown up with his eldest brother, if there weren't some brotherly affection between them, they would have been at each other's throats long ago!

But what was Li Shenxiu? Even Second Brother, ambitious as he was, didn't dare get involved. How dare this dog try to compete with them for the family fortune?

If he didn't crush him completely, Li Yanxiu felt he'd have to sleep with one eye open forever.

"Third Brother, don't kill me..."

With the gag removed, Li Shenxiu, even barely breathing, had to struggle desperately.

"...I'm willing to follow you, Third Brother... I'll be your subordinate in the future... please spare my life..."

How truly adaptable—it was just a pity he had run into the kind-faced but ruthless Li Laosan.

"Laoliu, your lies might fool Laosi, but even Eldest Brother probably wouldn't believe you.

At this point, I certainly can't let you go. So there's no need to pledge loyalty to me. Just curse if you want; save it for later when you won't have the chance."

Shaking the small bottle in his hand, he estimated that half should be enough. Uncle Yunyue said this stuff was highly toxic and quite expensive.

The thrifty Li Laosan thought to himself that if he hadn't confiscated it from Li Laoliu, he wouldn't have been willing to waste it on him.

"...You... *cough*... *cough*..."

A breath caught in his throat, choking him. Li Shenxiu had plenty of curses for the other's ancestors, but he lacked the strength to utter them.