A Star Reborn: The Queen’s Return

She’d walked down the red carpet in the spotlight for two lifetimes and yet still couldn’t help but blush today, as Li Lei carried her down the aisle with her feet bare and her ankle injured.

He looked at her ears which had gone red and laughed quietly. “Relax, nobody’s going to eat you up here. They’re all so envious of you.” It was an ultimate honor to be the mistress of the Li clan leader. Even the other magnates and wealthy families all around the world were in awe by this. Well, except for the Xia family.

Her ears got even redder as she hid in his chest, too embarrassed to look up.

Everybody he walked past—with her in his arms—was standing in two straight rows. They bowed slightly with their right hand over their chest, offering their greatest respect to their leader and his wife.

Among them, a three-year-old girl looked up in awe and turned to her mother. “Mom, look! That big sister is so beautiful.” From her view, she could only see the extravagant, gem-studded gown, her long hair, and part of her face. She looked like a princess and a goddess all at once.

The little girl was mesmerized.

Her mother hurriedly nudged her. “Keep your head down.”

The children did not quite understand the situation, but the adults knew full well why Second Young Master, who had been raised by Old Master Li, rebelled. They heard that it was all because of this woman here. Some said it was romantic, while others said it was absurd, but there was no denying the ugly truth that lay beneath this extravagant ceremony today. Chaos had broken out in the Li family, lives were lost in the midst of it, and people had turned against one another, just for the fate of this “throne.” It was a hefty price to pay…

Only this lady named Ye Xingling was being pampered by the new leader.

Second Young Master Li was making a statement—she was his bottom line.

Trespass it at your own risk.

After a long walk, Li Lei had finally reached the main hall with Xia Ling still in his arms.

He carefully placed her on the throne before sitting beside her. Among the people lined up in two rows, those of higher status had entered the main hall as well and were now standing before them.

Li Lei said in a serious voice, “This is your mistress.”

Everyone bowed with respect once again.

Xia Ling raised her chin as she sized them up. Some of the faces were familiar to her, while others weren’t. She had seen a few of them the last time she came, and as for those she had never seen—according to Li Lei, they were the important leaders who had been assigned to different parts of the world for their tasks and were called back to especially witness the welcoming of their mistress.

“The one right in front of you is in charge of the ASEAN region, Li Fangxian.” Li Lei began introducing each of them to her. “On his left is Li Pengcheng, in-charge of the North American region. In the second-last row are Li Qingyun and Li Chang’an, both in charge of the security and logistics of our clan.”

She committed each of their names and faces to memory and nodded her head to every single one in acknowledgment.

They were being extremely polite to her now, and one could barely tell that these were the same people who’d wished her dead when she arrived years ago. Yet, behind this facade could be unhappiness that they couldn’t display.

A young man stepped forward and asked, “Second Young Master, she hasn’t been married in and still isn’t part of the family yet. How could she deserve a grand welcome ceremony like this, as if she was our great Madam?”

“She will become your Madam.” Li Lei left no room for doubt.

“Then what about Sister Su Tang!” That young man was evidently on good terms with Su Tang. “And Xiao Rui!”

Li Lei’s expression darkened, and he was about to lose his cool when Xia Ling squeezed his hand.

She held her gaze at that young man and spoke in a crystal clear voice that sounded somewhat like Xia Moyan. “How could you even think of comparing me to Su Tang? And comparing my son to Li Rui? I’m Li Lei’s only woman in this lifetime, and my son is the oldest son of this generation of Li’s. What does she have to be in my league?”

The young man was shocked by how imposing her tone was.

That was how majestic a Phoenix was.

Yet, he refused to give in, and said angrily, “Sister Su Tang and Young Master are childhood sweethearts who grew up together!”

“Childhood sweethearts, huh.” Xia Ling scoffed. She scanned the room slowly. “But I heard Li Lei isn’t Su Tang’s only childhood sweetheart. All the children in the Li family grew up together, isn’t it? Whoever grew up with her, step forward.”

Everyone in the hall exchanged glances, but nobody moved.

Li Lei echoed in a somber voice. “Step forward.”

Only then did some of them begin stepping forward. Including that young man, there were seven of them who grew up with Su Tang, five of whom were men. Xia Ling sneered. “How about all of you marry Su Tang instead?”

“You’re too vile!” The same young man responded.

Xia Ling gave him the death stare. “Am I wrong? According to your reasoning, childhood sweethearts who grew up together should get married. In that case, I’m applying it to all of you.”

The young man was at a loss for words.

Xia Ling got serious. “All of you grew up with Su Tang, and it’s alright that you admire and respect her. But please be clear about who Li Lei’s woman is, and don’t create trouble for her.”

The last few words sounded a little sinister.

It sent a chill down their spines. It was strange, the one sitting in the throne was just a female celebrity, a girl who had no experience in the triad matters. Yet, everyone here, despite having been trained in combat, felt oppressed and intimidated by her when she spoke.

At that moment, some of them were beginning to change their minds about her.

They initially felt that she was unworthy of the title, but now began to think otherwise.

A few bowed their heads even lower.

Xia Ling was satisfied with this result. If there was anything she learned the last time she went to the Li family headquarters, it was that she could not always depend on Li Lei alone. Even if Li Lei loved her to bits, and did all he could to protect her, she would still be in danger if she couldn’t win the heartfelt respect of the rest.

She wanted everyone to approve of her.

Li Lei, on the other hand, was still unhappy with what had happened. He ordered. “Take Li Xiaoyao to get some sea breeze and wisen up.”

Li Xiaoyao was the young man who had spoken up.

Upon hearing what Li Lei had said, a few people in the hall grimaced. “Young Master!”

Li Lei calmly added, “You people should join him as well.”

No one dared say another word.

That young man and the few others who tried pleading for him were taken away.

Xia Ling asked out of curiosity, “What does it mean to get some sea breeze?”

Li Lei smiled but did not answer her question. He simply lifted her from the throne. “Let’s go, I’ll take you to get some rest.”