13 Sleeping Volcano

Friday morning was a busy day for the employees of Li Textile. It was the last day of the week and most of them were looking forward to the weekend.

Five minutes before eight o'clock, a black Dodge Viper GTS stopped in front of the Li Headquarters. Everyone looked at the car as they hold their breath. Was it a new investor? Who was the person driving the car? These were the questions floating in the minds of Li Textile employees.

A minute has passed and everyone's prayer was answered. The car door opened and a man wearing a black business suit went out. It was a bit windy that day so the man ran his fingers thru his hair to fix some strands.

Who would have thought that a lot of women have fainted internally because of that?

The Young Master Li!

Although Li Chao doesn't go to the Li Headquarters often, he was a member of Country C's tennis national team so obviously, the people knew him. Add to the fact that the Lis and Yangs have announced Li Chao and Yang Lina's engagement before cancelling it with a press statement. Of course, the Young Master Li was indeed famous.

Li Chao was used to people staring at him. Being a tennis player, he was used to people especially women crowding him. He sat on the hood of the car, pulling his phone from his pocket. Glancing at his watch, it was a minute before eight. At eight am sharp, a white BMW stopped just behind Li Chao's car.

An amused smile broke out from Li Chao's lips. Not a bit early. Not a bit late, he mused.

A woman with short black hair got down from the car. As usual, she was wearing her signature black-rimmed eyeglasses that framed her almond-shaped eyes. Her lips were red as cherry has added to the allure of her chocolate brown eyes.

Wearing a black satin dress embroidered with chrysanthemum that fell two inches below her knees, the woman paired it with black stilettos and a purse. Her straight back and natural gait made the onlookers followed her move. With decisive steps, she walked towards Li Chao.

Once again, the onlookers buzzed with gossips.

"Who is she? Is she the new woman? No wonder Young Master Li showed up."

"They must be going steady for Young Master Li to bring her here at Li Headquarters."

"Hmmmmp. I've seen women with better face and figure than her," someone spat out the words.

"Indeed. She must be one of those noveau riche families."

Li Nuxie's expression remained stoic even after hearing them. It was not as if she did experience some bullying when she was still in the university. Although a lot of people approached her due to her surname, Yang Shana and her friends made her university life a living hell.

As she stood in front of her brother, Li Nuxie leaned closer and gave him a peck on the cheek. "Let's go?"

"Sure," both of them walked side by side towards the building. A few walks from the main entrance, Dao Ze was already standing outside, waiting for them. Bowing his head, he greeted the two siblings.

"Young Master, Young Miss, the Old Madam is already waiting in her office," he said as he ushered them inside.

The people were wide-eyed when they heard the secretary of CEO Li said that.

"That woman is the Young Miss Li?"

"Impossible. I thought it was Li Chanying?"

"CEO Li doesn't seem to like her though."

"You'll never know. Remember when CEO Li promoted the Ying Design Limited? Anyway, be careful of what you say about Young Miss Li."

Others nodded. No matter what, the woman at the side of Young Master Li was the Young Miss of Li Family. They cannot afford to offend her.

The ride upstairs was swift and the three of them were already standing in front of CEO Li's office. Knocking three times, Dao Ze opened the door. "Old Madam, they're here."

"Send them in."

"Please go in, Young Master, Young Miss," Dao Ze pushed the door wider.

Taking a deep breath, Li Nuxie took a step inside. Li Chao followed behind her. Her nose wrinkled as she smelled a hint of tobacco which still lingered in the air.

Li Jiayie was seating at the sofa when her two grandchildren went in. Li Nuxie was the first to greet her.

"Grandma, how are you?" she leaned closer to kiss her cheek.

"I'm fine," Li Jaiyie's line of sight went behind the Li Nuxie. With a tightened jaw, she clenched her fists. "So, you decided to show yourself now, Li Chao?"

Li Nuxie flinched at the sharpness of Li Jiayie's tone. Standing at the side, her brows drew together. Biting her lips, she glanced at Li Chao. Their grandma was very vocal in her displeasure with the Young Master Li. Whereas Li Nuxie was taking her MBA overseas, Li Chao was busy competing in tennis tournaments.

Li Chao maintained his calm expression and occupied the seat in front of Li Jiayie. "I just took a vacation, grandma."

Li Jiayie sneered. "Don't pull that trick on me. What happened between you and that woman?"

Leaning back on the sofa, Li Chao eyed his grandmother. "You don't need to concern yourself with these petty things, grandma."

Li Jiayie slammed her fist on the table. "Petty? The Li Textile became a laughingstock in the business circle!"

"I don't care about those things."

"Y-You –" With wide eyes, Li Jiayie clutched her chest, her breathing became shallow.

The blood on Li Nuxie's face left when Li Jiayie clutched her chest. Her jaw slacked as her heart pounded at a rapid pace. She sat down beside Li Jiayie and with shaking hands, she held her grandma's hands. "Grandma!"

"My – medicine," Li Jiayie pointed at the cabinet. Opening the cabinet, Li Nuxie almost tripped herself as she gathered the medicine box. Bringing it to her grandma, Li Jiayie opened the box shakily and pour the tablets directly at her mouth. After a minute, her breathing returned to normal.

Pointing her finger to Li Chao, she took a deep breath. "Get out. I don't want to see you."

"That's bad –"

Li Nuxie cut him off. "Chao-ge, please. Just get out for a moment."

Li Chao sighed as he shook his head. Looking at the two women, he stood up and headed towards the door.

"Your brother will be the death of me, Xiaoxie."

Li Nuxie pressed her grandma's hand. "Grandma, please understand. Chao-ge was hurt because of what happened. He can't possibly think about the company at the moment."

"As the future CEO, he should know how to control his emotions. What does he take the position for? A walk in the park?" Li Jiayie gripped Li Nuxie's hand tightly. "I'd rather give the Li Textile to outsiders than watch it crumble at the hands of my own grandson!"

Li Nuxie's body went stiff, her ears were ringing as she let go of Li Jiayie's hand. She stared at her grandma. Her grandma was clannish but due to being disappointed with his brother, CEO Li was willing to give the Li Textile to outsiders.

"You can't," her voice almost came a whisper.

"I can't?" Li Jiayie raised an eyebrow. "You're just my granddaughter, Nuxie. A granddaughter that I took under my wing when your parents cannot be bothered to raise you," her lips formed a slight close-lipped smile.

Staring at the old lady in front of her, Li Nuxie remained silent. Was this the same grandmother who raised her? Who let her do whatever she wanted? Where did her doting grandmother go?

She lifted her chin and stared right into Li Jiayie's eyes. "Didn't you say I'm a sleeping volcano? Aren't you afraid I will ruin Li Textile if you give it to other people?"

Li Jiayie's eyes gleamed with anger as she stood up. "Impertinent! I have been Li Textile' CEO for the last thirty years. You have guts to threaten me?"

Gritting her teeth, Li Nuxie also stood up. "I am not threatening you grandmother. My action will still depend on your decisions," picking up her purse, she headed towards the door.