Chapter 172: The Li Family
After the handshake, Li Yanyan also stood up and gave Li Xinjie a soft pat on the shoulder. She said, "It won’t be an easy journey, but we will fight this war together. You two are the only existing sons of the Li family, and I feel the need to tell you both something."
Li Chen was also confused because it felt like there were more secrets coming out one by one. Sun Lixia sighed and said, "Yes, I think it’s time we tell you everything."
Li Yanyan added, "Li Chen, you might have to sit down for this one." They all sat down, and Li Yanyan began, "I am sure you know that the Sun family is the second richest family in Shanghai... Most people have wondered who took the number one spot."
Li Chen wore a more confused expression, wondering where this conversation was headed. Finally, Li Yanyan revealed, "The first richest family, which has influence not just in Shanghai but across the whole country, is the Li family... our family."
Li Chen, processing the information, said, "You mean?"
Sun Lixia confirmed, "Yes, you two, besides your aunt, are the sole survivors of the richest family. Your father was the only son, but he chose a different life. He loved science, and his father, your grandfather, was not very happy about his decision. He wanted him to take over the family business as he was getting old, but your father resisted. The two became estranged until your father died. Later, your grandfather died."
Li Xinjie analyzed this information and said, "If the whole family is gone, how are their businesses still flourishing, and how have they managed to keep their identity so well hidden?"
Li Yanyan explained, "My father always loved his privacy. He instilled upon us that we had to remain private, not dare to mention that our family was the one in the number one spot. We grew up with that in our heads, and when he died, I used my influence I had gained with having my own assassin organization to conceal everything about us, even the surname."
Li Yanyan continued, "We still don’t know why Dad wanted us to maintain our privacy, but we respected his wishes until the very end."
Sun Lixia added, "You two will soon take over the empire. You have to form a strong connection so nothing can shake you."
Li Chen and Li Xinjie exchanged glances, sensing that something was amiss. Li Chen voiced his concerns, "Is it possible that Grandpa was hiding from something or someone?"
Li Yanyan replied, "I have thought of that possibility but was too scared to take the risk. The only way to find out would be to make ourselves known, and I always thought I still didn’t have enough manpower to handle what would come." The weight of family secrets and the impending responsibilities of their hidden legacy began to press heavily on the shoulders of the newfound siblings.
Li Xinjie asked, "What about now?"
Li Yanyan replied, "I don’t know... I fear for your safety."
Li Chen smirked and said, "You know that is the last thing you should worry about, right?" Sun Lixia and Li Yanyan exchanged glances, and Li Yanyan said, "I will think about it."
Li Xinjie then mentioned, "The organization called last night."
Sun Lixia inquired, "What did they want?"
Li Xinjie explained, "I have failed to complete the mission, so they are sending in 19 to take over... You two need to be very careful. 19 is a lunatic."
Li Chen boldly stated, "Well, he should bring it on." Li Yanyan turned to Ding Chengxi and instructed, "Ding Chengxi, make sure we are ready to give Agent 19 a very warm welcome, would you?"
Ding Chengxi responded, "Yes, ma’am," and left the room to prepare for the impending battle.
Sun Lixia, with a slightly apologetic tone, said, "I don’t mean to come off as being too much, but... you have an uncle and a grandfather, my father."
Li Xinjie responded, "Oh, more family."
Sun Lixia explained the story of how she was kidnapped as a baby and raised by an old woman who found her. She elaborated on her recent reunion with her family and how her brother, Sun Weilong, and father insisted on hosting a welcome banquet. Sun Lixia wanted Li Xinjie to be part of the banquet but acknowledged that they had just established their relationship. Maybe he needed more time to decide.
To everyone’s surprise, Li Xinjie said, "I would love to meet them... and besides, how else would the organization know the truth is out if we don’t parade it?"
Li Yanyan smiled and remarked, "You are a true Li indeed."
Sun Lixia acknowledged, "We are all fully aware that after the banquet, our lives will never be peaceful."
Li Chen added, "If we don’t face them now, they might launch a surprise attack on us. So, I am with you, brother. Rub it in their faces."
Li Xinjie agreed, "They will panic and attack without proper planning. I know them very well." Li Chen and Li Xinjie shared a look that could send shivers down someone’s spine. The two brothers were ready for the coming war, and they were going to face it side by side. The determination in their eyes reflected a shared resolve to confront their enemies and unveil the truth that had been concealed for far too long.
Sun Lixia couldn’t contain her excitement. She had been having sleepless nights since finding out about Agent 17, and now that they were together, and her son was willing to accept her, she felt over the moon. She wished her husband was here to witness all of this. She wished he could see their boys together, and she wished he was here so they could face the organization together and make them pay for everything they had done to their family.
Sun Lixia quickly introduced Shadow, Xu Zhonhao, and Ren Zirui, who were still in the room. Li Yanyan instructed, "Get one of our best men to protect Li Xinjie. If even a strand of hair goes missing, you will pay with your lives." Ren Zirui responded, "Yes, ma’am."
Li Xinjie protested, "I don’t need bodyguards."
Li Chen interjected, "Good luck trying to convince them." They all shared a laugh, and for the first time in his life, Li Xinjie felt like he belonged. He felt the amazing familial bond that he never thought he needed in his life. The prospect of facing the organization and unveiling the truth seemed daunting, but with his newfound family by his side, he felt a strength that he never knew he had.
They delved into their pasts, with Li Chen vividly sharing his experiences growing up in orphanages and later living with the Gu family. His storytelling was so detailed that Li Xinjie felt like he was there witnessing it. Through the narratives, Li Xinjie realized that even though Li Chen was never taken by the organization, his life had been harder than he had imagined.
Li Xinjie then shared his own past, recounting the intense training they underwent from a young age. Hearing about their struggles, Sun Lixia couldn’t hold back her tears. Li Yanyan patted her back and reassured her, saying, "It’s all over now." The family’s bond was growing stronger with every minute shared in that living room.
As the discussion continued, Li Xinjie eventually expressed his intention to leave. Sun Lixia suggested, "No, you can stay with us."
Li Chen added, "Xu Zhonhao will move to Aunt Yanyan’s villa, and you can take his room."
Li Xinjie said, "I will think about it," then put his mask back on and left, leaving the family contemplating the newfound connections and the challenges that lay ahead.
