C16 Big Tail Wolf

Just as she reached the bottom of the stairs, Shanshan heard Zhen Hanmeng's cheerful laughter. Qiao Lishan instinctively frowned and peeked out to see a familiar figure. A chill ran down her spine, and she took a half-step back, considering a quick exit through the back door. But Zhen Hanmeng spotted her and called out, "Shanshan, come down! We have a guest!"

A guest... More like a wolf in sheep's clothing! A wolf ready to whisk away your daughter!

Lishan's expression shifted slightly as she hesitated, then slowly made her way downstairs. "Uncle, you're quite enthusiastic, coming over so early to discuss business?"

She deliberately emphasized "business," subtly distancing herself from him.

"It's not business, just thought I'd give you a ride," Tianche replied slowly, his gaze intense and unwavering.

Lishan felt a bit uncomfortable under his scrutiny, but her smile remained steady. "Isn't that a bit much, Uncle? Your schedule is busy enough as it is. This might not be the best idea."

Zhen Hanmeng looked at Lishan in surprise. "Shanshan, didn't you two make plans last night?"

Plans? With him? No way!

"No."

"Of course!"

They both answered at the same time, but their responses couldn't have been more different.

They exchanged a glance, and Tianche spoke first, his tone calm, "Mom, Shanshan is young and a bit shy. She might need some time to adjust."

Young?

Ha, the hardships she endured in her past life far outweighed the money he made in this one. Lishan chuckled inwardly but maintained a distant and indifferent smile on the outside. "Mom, I didn't agree to Uncle's suggestion yesterday."

"Since your uncle already mentioned it, why not go along with it? It's nice of him to offer," Zhen Hanmeng gently squeezed her daughter's arm, reassuring her.

Lishan's expression shifted slightly, and after taking a deep breath, she turned to Tianche. "If Uncle doesn't mind the trouble, then please take me to the company."

Her words were skillfully crafted, distancing herself while pleasing Zhen Hanmeng.

Tianche looked at Lishan with a hint of a smile, though to Lishan, his gaze seemed ambiguous.

That look was familiar. In her past life, when Tianche was misunderstood and removed from the Chi family's list of heirs, he had the same look. Back then, she was naive and didn't understand the meaning in his eyes.

Now, she realized his gaze was one of pity.

"Shanshan agreed, so could you please take her to the office?" Zhen Hanmeng smiled gently, pulling Qiao Lishan by the arm and nudging her toward Chi Tianche, whispering goodbye.

Qiao Lishan looked incredulously at her mother, who seemed to have just sold her out. Was this really her mom? I'm your daughter, remember?

"Stop glaring like your eyes are about to pop out," Chi Tianche remarked, noticing Lishan's stubborn expression. His cool gaze softened slightly as he glanced at the little woman beside him, full of resentment.

Seeing her reluctance yet helplessness, he suddenly felt a bit amused.

"Why did you come to my house?" Qiao Lishan asked awkwardly.

Chi Tianche's lips curled into a smile. "I wasn't planning to come inside, but your mom was so welcoming that she pulled me right in."

Would her mom have invited him in if he hadn't parked his car downstairs?