Chapter 669   - I Don’t Need Your Help (1)

The dishes for dinner were already served as the Li family took a VIP spot where they were joined by Zhang Jiren. His older brother had left in a hurry, refusing to stay in the same place as Zhang Jiren any longer than he already had. Considering he had lost face tonight when Zhang Jiren stole his thunder, Zhang Liang didn't want to stay and become a laughingstock.

Li Meili scrunched her nose lightly as she saw the dishes presented in front of her. Since she didn't have any appetite to eat anything these days, she didn't want to eat a heavy meal so soon. Li Yuanyi had noticed her hesitation and called a waiter and asked for a different meal solely for his sister.

"Here." Li Yuanyi pushed a plate of pasta salad that he knew Li Meili could eat. "Eat slowly so you wouldn't upset your stomach." He couldn't help but be worried for his sister and feared that she might do something reckless because of her grief.

Chairman Li frowned as he looked at his children. Unlike other children in their circle of acquaintances, he knew that his children were getting along well with each other, were independent and weren't bothered to fight for the inheritance. This was one of the things he couldn't say in front of his children but was very vocal when he bragged to his friends and business partners.

Even though his daughter had gone off on her own, distancing herself from their family business, she had done much better than he expected. When his daughter said that she didn't want to join her brother in managing their business and wanted to start a business on her own, Chairman Li wanted to give a hand to make sure she wouldn't fail, but Li Meili wouldn't hear any of it.

She refused his help in fear that she wouldn't have absolute control in her venture and instead had chosen Tang Moyu's help to start her fashion business. Chairman Li thought that she would eventually give up, admit her mistake and return to their family, but that never happened.

Instead, Li Meili's Black Nightingale had been thriving more than he expected. Just as his son said earlier, Li Meili had proven that she didn't need to rely on her family name to get to where she was today. Still, as her father, Chairman Li wanted the best for her. The Black Nightingale was doing well now, but who was to tell that something wouldn't happen in the future?

"Meili, how come you never told us that you are acquainted with CEO Zhang?" His wife asked, taking everyone's attention.

Li Meili gave Zhang Jiren a quick side glance before answering her mother.

"It isn't like I was aware that you were collaborating with him. Also, you never bothered to ask who I spend my time with." She replied blandly, knowing how her mother's gears were working at full speed right now.

She didn't mean to be harsh with her words and Li Meili regretted it as soon as she realized what she had said. Her mother's face fell and looked down as if she was struck in her face by her own daughter, while Zhang Jiren had noticed the sudden change in the atmosphere among the Lis.

It was obvious that Li Meili didn't have a great relationship with her parents, but she was willing to listen to her older brother. As for what had caused the misunderstanding between them; he could only guess it was caused by each other's domineering attitude that hindered them from compromising.

He had always known that Li Meili had a straightforward personality. During their high school years, she would never allow anyone to demean her nor Tang Moyu. Zhang Jiren used to hear rumors about Li Meili always getting involved with street fights, so often that even Tang Moyu had a hard time keeping her at bay, but to think that even her parents were having a hard time understanding her was something Zhang Jiren totally did not expect.

Chairman Li cleared his throat, aware that his daughter had once again failed to give him and his wife any face in front of Zhang Jiren, while Li Yuanyi could only shake his head at his sister's attitude.

"Dad, I hope it's alright with you, but I want to sign the deal CEO Zhang presented to us. I think his proposal would help us secure the business we are about to open at Shenzhen CBD. Since Shenzhen connects HK to the mainland, we can't let the chance slip from our hands. Zhang Jiren also suggested for us to open a small cafe near the Book City and Symphony Hall." Li Yuanyi attempted to divert the attention from his sister, allowing Li Meili time to eat her meal in peace while the men discussed business.

Chairman Li tapped his fingers lightly on the table, his eyes watching his daughter eat her food enthusiastically. It had been years since she had spent time with them. Li Meili didn't even bother to visit them during holiday periods and festivities.

He noticed that she looked less energetic lately and hadn't eaten her meals back at home on time. The image of her ghastly pale face laced with fear as she rushed to his door to ask for a favor a few weeks ago was still clear in his mind. She had left everything when Tang Moyu and her siblings were involved in a car accident back in Shenzhen.

"Dad?" He heard Li Yuanyi call his attention. "Did you hear what I said?"

Chairman Li leaned against his seat and took a shuddering breath. He was aware that his health hadn't been the best these recent years and he was still worried about his daughter's future.

"I think it's doable. I'll work closely with CEO Zhang if you are worried that this might not push through."

"Alright. Do what you think is right." Chairman Li conceded. "Since you are the CEO and president of the company, you shall be the one responsible for it."