Chapter 28: The Stranger

"Li Chuxi, aren't you supposed to have such great integrity?" When Li Kunjie looked at Li Chuxi, there was not a trace of paternal love in his eyes, only coldness and disgust. "Since you are so determined to survive in the entertainment industry, then rely on yourself to earn your living expenses! What right do you have to take money from the Li family while defying us at the same time?"

"If the Li family were to cut off my living expenses, I would have no complaints," Li Chuxi replied, looking at Li Kunjie and Li Fengmei with a smile that did not reach her eyes. "However, if the money is nominally for me but in reality being funneled to others, that is something I cannot accept."

"You—" Li Kunjie was struck speechless by her insolence.

Li Chuxi, conversely, remained perfectly composed, appearing entirely unbothered. Seeing her attitude, Li Kunjie and Li Fengmei were even more infuriated. Beside them, Li Xuehui wore a mask of concern, though she was secretly gloating. As expected, Li Chuxi was a complete fool. Let her cause trouble! The more the better. Within this household, Li Chuxi had already alienated almost everyone. In their parents' eyes, she alone was their true, cherished daughter. If things continued this way, she would remain the young lady of the Li family, and Li Chuxi would be nothing.

"Dad, Mom, please stop getting angry," Li Xingjue interjected. "Let's get back to the matter at hand."

Li Kunjie took a deep breath and looked toward Li Fengmei. She inhaled sharply as well, turning to Li Chuxi. "Your grandfather's birthday is next Saturday. He doesn't intend to hold a grand celebration, so the family will just have a meal together to mark the occasion."

"Oh," Li Chuxi replied flatly, not even bothering to look up.

Watching her reaction, Li Fengmei felt a surge of indignation clog her throat. "Make sure you come."

"Fine, I understand," Li Chuxi said dismissively. "Is that the only reason you called me back today? Now that I know, I won't bother you any further." She began to stand up.

"Wait a moment," Li Fengmei said hastily. "Sit back down. We have one more thing to discuss with you."

Li Chuxi raised an eyebrow and sat back down. As expected, there was never a good reason for them to summon her. She wondered if this request would push the boundaries of her tolerance.

Li Fengmei cleared her throat and looked at her. "Xuehui is participating in the National Piano Competition next month. If she wins, she will have the chance to represent our country in the world competition in Vienna."

Li Chuxi’s expression remained unchanged, unmoved by the news.

Seeing no reaction, Li Fengmei continued, "This competition is very important, both for our family and for the Li family as a whole. If she takes first place, it will bring great honor to all of us. Therefore, we must take this seriously."

"And what does that have to do with me?" Li Chuxi suppressed the urge to roll her eyes. "It’s not as if I am the one competing. Do you expect me to go and cheer for her?" Even if she dared to go, would Li Xuehui dare to accept it?

Hearing the sarcasm in her tone, Li Fengmei frowned, but keeping her objective in mind, she suppressed her irritation. "I asked you here because I want to borrow a piece of jewelry from you. Xuehui’s competition is crucial, and we cannot afford any mistakes. I remember that your grandmother once gave you a diamond necklace called 'The Heart of Radiance.' It matches the gown Xuehui plans to wear perfectly. Just lend it to her for this occasion. Go get it now."

Li Xuehui, sitting beside her, remained silent, but the glint of pleasure in her eyes betrayed her excitement. She had long coveted that necklace—a masterpiece consisting of 188 small diamonds surrounding a ten-carat centerpiece, shimmering brilliantly under the light. It was the dream of every girl, and she was no exception. She had first seen it at Li Chuxi’s eighteenth birthday party, a gift from Grandmother Li, reportedly purchased at a Paris auction for a nine-figure sum. Now, she finally had a chance to claim it.

If she could borrow it, she was confident she could find a way to keep it.

Watching Li Fengmei’s sense of entitlement, Li Chuxi found it laughable. Her voice remained devoid of emotion. "I refuse."

"This is an opportunity for you—" Li Fengmei began, but Li Chuxi’s cold interruption stopped her mid-sentence.

"Li Chuxi, do you know what you are saying?" Li Kunjie’s expression darkened. "It’s just a loan, not a gift."

"Exactly," Li Fengmei added indignantly. "Xuehui is your sister. You won't even lend her a necklace? Do you even consider us your family anymore?"

"I’m sorry, but I really don't," Li Chuxi shrugged, appearing utterly indifferent. "I thought this was something we had tacitly agreed upon. In your hearts, you stopped seeing me as your daughter long ago, and I no longer wish to acknowledge you as my parents. Wouldn't it be better if we just maintained the polite distance of strangers? It would be comfortable for everyone."

These calm words left Li Kunjie and Li Fengmei stunned. They had long been dissatisfied with Li Chuxi, especially in contrast to Xuehui, and had consistently ignored her. But they had never expected her to voice such a sentiment. Could it be that they truly no longer existed in her heart?

Even Li Xingjue, who had said little, looked up abruptly, his expression one of pure shock. If one looked closely, there was even a flicker of panic, though he himself had not yet realized it.

"You—" Li Fengmei’s throat felt constricted, her voice thick with choked emotion. "Chuxi, what... what do you mean by this? You’re not planning to recognize us anymore, are you?"