A Star Reborn: The Queen’s Return

He recalled that Xiao Ling and he never had a real conversation about it before.

She never really talked about her life, past, present, her family or social relationships… Everything he knew about Xiao Ling was mostly learned from his investigation rather than a conversation with her.

It turns out that, from the start, their relationship was so distant.

Tan Ying said, “When Ye Xingling debuted from the Trainee Center, I reviewed her personally. During an interview, an interviewer asked her about her private life. He asked the usual questions, you know, like when the artiste would date, what the artiste felt about marriage, and how the artiste’s relationship would affect his or her career progression. At that time, Ye Xingling’s answer was very unique…”

“What did she say?” Li Lei probed.

Tan Ying was quiet for a moment before continuing. “She said that it was not possible for her to fall in love in her lifetime and that it was even more impossible for her to get married. She even added that she hoped the company would not give her any roles that involved kissing or being close to men. She seemed to averse to men.

“The only reason why I remember it so deeply,” Tan Ying said. “Is because she was really young. Logically speaking, she should have been at the age when people look forward to love the most. How could she dismiss it so easily? Boss, that’s why I asked if you knew what her dream was. During the review, I asked Ye Xingling this question, and she said that her dream was to earn enough money and grow old alone.”

Grow old alone.

Li Lei trusted Tan Ying, and that was really something Xiao Ling would say. Even from the start when she agreed to be his girlfriend, she was reluctant, uninterested, and could easily leave when difficulties arose.

All this time, he was the only one trying to make her stay.

Tan Ying lightly tilted his body to look at Li Lei. “Boss, give it up.”

“Give up?” Surprisingly, Li Lei laughed and looked at Tan Ying deeply. “She said that she would not date but agreed to be my girlfriend. She also said that she would not get physically close to any man but did not resist me when I hugged her…” At least, she did not resist in the past.

Li Lei continued, “Tan Ying, the things you said today only made me more determined. I have already changed her so much. What reason do I have to doubt that she will not marry me?”

Tan Ying was speechless.

“Tell me, how do I win her heart?” Li Lei asked. “Right now, she intends to move out.”

“The methods I used to win Hongshan’s heart are not applicable to her.” Tan Ying gave Big Boss Li a helpless expression. “At that time, when Hongshan was sick, I prepared porridge for her every day. When she could not pay her rent and was chased out, I took her in. Every Valentine’s Day, I would give her small gifts like roses and so on… Boss, if I remembered correctly, you have tried all of these ways, right?”

Li Lei did not know how to respond.

Not only did he use those methods, but he also did them better than Tan Ying. He did not just prepare porridge for Xiao Ling, he literally spent 24 hours a day beside her bed. He only charged her a small symbolic rental fee when he rented out his apartment to her. When it came to gifts like flowers, he even sent her high-end designer gowns. In fact, he even wanted to give her a villa as a gift in the past. Unfortunately, she did not want it… These methods could not move her at all!

Sometimes, he really wished that she was a materialistic woman.

Li Lei was extremely irritated.

Tan Ying said, “Women always say they do not want something, but in reality, they want it…”

Big Boss Li shot him a murderous glare.

Tan Ying quietly changed the topic. “In their hearts, they actually really care about it. Have you shown great concern for her 24 hours a day and accompanied her wherever she went? Women always notice every small action and think about it the whole day. If it doesn’t work, just continue to pester her. Besides, there is no better way.”

“Are you sure pestering her would work?” Big Boss Li was very suspicious.

Tan Ying irresponsibly said, “Well, that was how I won Hongshan’s heart. For your case… it depends on your luck.”

After their conversation ended, Li Lei became even more depressed. It seemed that chasing Xiao Ling was really a herculean task. She was a unique girl, and the conventional way was not effective. Perhaps, he could only continue to pester her?

Li Lei left Tan Ying’s house and entered his car.

After some thought, he dialed a secret number.

At the other end of the line, Old Master Li’s voice could be heard. “Xiao Lei, what made you think of calling your grandpa today?” Old Master Li was very happy. Ever since Li Lei knelt in front of him in Calming Heart Garden to save Xia Ling, the two of them had drifted apart and lost their closeness.

Now that Li Lei was willing to take the initiative to call him, Old Master Li’s eyes were sparkling with joy.

However, Li Lei’s next sentence made Old Master Li’s expression darken again. “Grandpa, I have decided to chase Xiao Ling again. We will give you gifts when we visit you during the holidays. Please don’t make things difficult for her.”

“Li Lei.” Old Master Li held the chawan in his hands more tightly. It was rare for him to call Li Lei by his full name. “Don’t forget what you promised me! If you don’t keep your promise, don’t blame me for being harsh on that little girl!”

“I was afraid that you would be harsh on her, that’s why I made this call.” Li Lei sounded very calm. “Didn’t you say that Xiao Ling was cursed with misfortune? I brought her to an abbot, and he introduced us to an expert… who says that even you would not dare to offend. That expert cast a spell, and from now on, her adversity will be shared with me.”

“What did you say?” Old Master Li thought that he had heard him wrong.

Li Lei patiently repeated what he said and added, “As such, don’t hurt Xiao Ling, because I will be affected as well.”

Old Master Li became pale as he hung up and immediately looked for the abbot that Li Lei consulted.

Over the phone, the abbot confirmed that Li Lei was telling the truth. “Young Master Li really did bring Miss Ye over to see the Preceptor… Yes, the one from the Xia Family who is said to be omniscient. The Preceptor did say that he was able to divert the curse of adversity to someone else.”

Old Master Li’s heart sank. “Where is the Preceptor now? I really need to see him and ask him to break up this unrightful couple.”

“The Preceptor’s whereabouts are secret, even I do not know where he is now.”

The call ended.

Old Master Li was so enraged that he developed a headache. “Devil’s spawn! They’re all devil’s spawns!” How could the grandson he loved so dearly foolishly sacrifice himself for an undeserving little girl? Old Master Li hurled the porcelain cup in his hands and smashed it into pieces.

Caretaker Uncle Liu walked in and was shocked by the broken pieces on the ground. “Old Master, who made you this angry?”

Old Master demanded furiously. “Quickly pick up Li Feng’s call! Tell him that he is not to lay a finger on Ye Xingling at all costs. If he slightly hurts her, Li Lei will be affected too! It is considered harming his family member and is against the rules!” In the Li Family, that was the most severe crime.

Since Ye Xingling’s and Li Lei’s lives are now linked, no matter how angry Old Master Li was, he could only accept the fact.

No matter what, he had to ensure that his precious grandson was completely safe.

“Also, send more people to protect Ye Xingling!” Old Master Li yelled as he smashed things around him.

Just as Uncle Liu was about to leave, Old Master called for him again.

“There’s more! Send someone to look for Preceptor Xia, the one whom the abbot doesn’t dare to mess with. Once you find him, report back to me as fast as you can!”

He wanted to undo the binding curse for Xiao Lei.

This Preceptor Xia? He could do no good by interfering in other people’s affairs!