After dinner, Li Qiao politely declined Shang Yu’s offer to drive her home herself.
She got into Luoyu’s car, waved goodbye to the figure outside the window.
She had no idea when he would be able to return from Parma.
After all, the bombing of Shang Lu’s cruise ship didn’t sound like an accident.
As the Mansion gradually shrank from view, Li Qiao couldn’t help but sigh softly.
Hopefully, he would return sooner rather than later.
At nine in the morning, Luoyu parked the car under the apartment building in Elegant Villa Garden.
As Li Qiao got out of the car, she turned back to Luoyu and said indifferently, "You can go back, there’s no need to follow me today."
She was going to her grandfather’s birthday celebration, a occasion where Luoyu’s presence wouldn’t be appropriate.
"This is my job," Luoyu replied matter-of-factly, his tone not harsh, but somewhat biting.
Li Qiao raised her eyebrows nonchalantly and curved her lips, "Then suit yourself."
As soon as she finished speaking, Li Qiao closed the car door and walked into the apartment.
A few days earlier, her uncle had made a point to remind her not to forget to prepare a gift for the old man. Therefore, Li Qiao went to Elegant Villa Garden specifically to choose a gift. After much deliberation, she assembled a set of the precious Four Treasures of the Study and then switched off the lights before leaving.
However, Li Qiao didn’t leave through the main entrance but called a car service and left directly for the Yan Emperor Group from the south gate behind the apartment to pick up her car.
On Saturday morning, the traffic was good, and in less than fifteen minutes, Li Qiao arrived at the company and, carrying her briefcase, got into her Mercedes-Benz G-Class.
Palm Residence was located near South Sea River.
With a picturesque landscape surrounding it and lush forests along the banks, it truly was a wonderful place for peaceful retirement.
Li Qiao parked her car by the roadside in front of the entrance, and carrying her briefcase, went through the gate. Passing the screen wall inscribed with ’the greatest virtue is like water’, she immediately saw the butler, beaming, come forward to greet her and announced as he entered the hall, "Master, Qiaoqiao is here."
As soon as the butler’s voice dropped, a feigned angry rebuke came from the living room, "Let her go, how long has it been since she came to see me? I don’t have such an unfilial granddaughter!"
Hearing this robust complaint, Li Qiao shared a smile with the butler and walked slowly into the living room, then bowed slightly to the elderly man at the head, "Grandfather, please don’t be angry, I’m here now!"
Duan Jingming, the former head of the Duan Family, was seventy-six years old, with kind eyes and a benevolent look, and despite his head full of white hair, he was still spirited and vigorous.
At this moment, her uncle, Duan Yuanhui, sitting in the living room, couldn’t help but tease, "Dad, Qiaoqiao has been busy with graduation lately, and it’s not easy for her to come here, are you sure you want to send her away?"
Duan Jingming was already looking at Li Qiao with eyes full of satisfaction, but at these words, he frowned and glared at him, "Shut up, why are you in every conversation!"
After scolding Duan Yuanhui, the old man turned to Li Qiao, unable to stay angry, and quickly beckoned, "Qiaoqiao, you must be exhausted, eh? Look how the child has become thinner."
Li Qiao couldn’t help but smile, stepped forward and handed the briefcase to Duan Jingming, "Grandfather, this is your birthday gift. I wish you good health and peace year after year."
Duan Jingming took the briefcase and put it on the coffee table next to him, his attention entirely on Li Qiao, pulling at her wrist affectionately, "Good girl, you’re so thoughtful. Qiaoqiao, is graduation bothering you much?"
"Not really, it’s almost over."
In reality, it was just an excuse her uncle had given her, but Duan Jingming didn’t see it that way.
As he saw how Li Qiao’s small face had almost thinned beyond recognition, he couldn’t help but glare at Duan Yuanhui again, "What’s wrong with you? Our Qiaoqiao is about to graduate, and you, as the director, don’t know how to make things easier for her? What kind of uncle are you?"
Duan Yuanhui, caught in the crossfire for no reason: "..."