Chapter 1500: Chapter 1549: The Future Path of the Li Family
Su Mengxin called Li Yifei, and after their conversation, Su Mengxin asked if Li Yifei was in a place where he could talk. Li Yifei responded, "Yes, no outsiders are here."
These few words didn’t mean much to himself, but Koboto Kobayashi was incredibly excited.
Su Mengxin then said, "I just called Grandpa. He said this money is burning a hole in our pockets."
"What do you mean?"
"Bringing it back to the country is difficult. It’s considered a huge asset; how can we use it back home?"
"I’ve been thinking about that, whether to keep it abroad for investment or use it for something else."
"Hehe, honey, what are your other uses? Can I hear them?" Su Mengxin deliberately teased, not revealing Grandpa’s suggestion first.
Li Yifei smiled slightly, tapped Meng Xiaofei’s hand playfully nearby, paused for a few seconds, and then replied, "Ill-gotten gains are easy to come by and should be spent just as easily. I’m thinking of contributing to something to silence public opinion, so that many forces won’t have issues with our family’s expansion."
The more Su Mengxin listened, the broader her smile became. After Li Yifei finished speaking, she said, "Good husband, Grandpa just said you’d think of it, no need to ask him."
"Hmm?" Li Yifei raised an eyebrow slightly, feeling a bit proud. It wasn’t often he got praised by Su Mengxin, this well-informed wife. Li Yifei actually looked forward to her admiration, each time boosting his confidence immensely. He said, "What is Grandpa’s suggestion?"
"Grandpa only said a few words, I’ll repeat them for you." Su Mengxin cleared her throat, deliberately deepening her voice, "Grandpa said it’s time for the transition, and this term he’ll be stepping back."
Upon hearing this, Li Yifei’s heart stirred. The reason the Su Family is a top-tier family is because of Old Master Su. Even though at his level and prestige, stepping back scarcely impacts the Su Family’s influence, if he truly steps aside, his influence might slightly diminish.
Feeling a bit uneasy, Li Yifei swallowed, but it was inevitable. One cannot stay in power indefinitely; it’s good for the old generations to step down and enjoy family life.
Li Yifei said softly, "Did Grandpa say anything else?"
Su Mengxin continued, "Grandpa also said the Li family’s movements this time are quite significant, their steps quite large."
Just a few words made Li Yifei understand what Old Master wanted to convey, making him feel touched.
Old Master Su dedicated most of his life to the country in fairness and selflessness, but ultimately couldn’t let go of family matters. It’s not just the Su family anymore; now there’s also the Li family where his beloved granddaughter is. The Su family’s development has been substantial with Old Master watching over it, ensuring it doesn’t go astray. But the Li family is a bit too free, a newly established family that has climbed to provincial family status within a few years, and in recent months has expanded significantly. Old Master is quite concerned for Li Yifei and others.
Unexpectedly, it was successful. Old Master had thought if the Li family really failed, he’d intervene for his granddaughter. While success is undoubtedly wonderful, it also draws more attention.
This country doesn’t have just one Old Master Su; there are many in high status, with more upper-level competition, intrigue, and politics. As he’s about to step back, others might not dare to confront the Su family, but they might not tolerate Li Yifei’s Li family.
That’s why he’s hinting to Li Yifei. Smart people only need a hint to understand the intent.
Li Yifei now understands Old Master’s meaning. The Li family is indeed drawing too much attention. Once Old Master steps aside, the pressure diminishes, and someone might reach out.
After all, most families grow step by step, rarely exploding in growth like the Li family, taking too large strides that risk tripping.
Li Yifei’s smile faded, his expression becoming stern, his brow slightly furrowing.
Meng Xiaofei, seeing Li Yifei silent and serious, also quickly stopped teasing him.
In the front seat, Koboto Kobayashi accidentally caught a glimpse of Li Yifei’s expression, his heart grew fearful, and he subtly signaled the driver to pull over. After parking, Koboto Kobayashi softly said he’d step out for a smoke, taking the driver out of the car.
Li Yifei thought for a while then said to the phone, "Mengxin, did Grandpa say anything else?"
"Grandpa wanted you to speak first."
"Then let’s not bring this money home. It’s not a huge amount anyway; I’ll use it for something worthwhile." Li Yifei said.
Su Mengxin’s expression wasn’t as severe as Li Yifei’s. It’s not that she didn’t think of it, but as a wife, these matters require Li Yifei’s decision-making. Besides, those were just speculations, and it might not be the case that anyone dares to confront the Li family.
Li Yifei’s serious attitude made her highly appreciate him.
"Alright, but do you have a direction?" Su Mengxin asked.
Li Yifei chuckled and said, "We have a direction, but not the specifics. Anyway, it won’t be too difficult—it’s just doing some things for the country and for the next generation to prove that the Li family is not arrogant, not harmful, and not an unjust family."
This proof is quite necessary, Li Yifei added in his heart. Involving national top-level affairs, Li Yifei didn’t want to mix in too much, nor was he able to, but some things still needed to be done.
Su Mengxin said, "I always knew my husband was the smartest. You go ahead and think about it; I’ll respond to Grandpa and reassure him."
"Okay, give Grandpa a call first and tell him I understand and will carefully consider how to proceed."
After hanging up, Li Yifei stayed silent. Meng Xiaofei didn’t ask him what was going on either. From the few words she heard, she realized Li Yifei was deciding on something significant, connected to those two hundred billion US dollars. However, to Meng Xiaofei, whether it’s two hundred billion or two hundred dollars, having enough to spend is enough—Li family’s money could last for generations, having more is useless.
Li Yifei sat for nearly ten minutes, then he had made up his mind, chuckled lightly, reached out, and ruffled Meng Xiaofei’s hair, saying, "Let’s get Koboto Kobayashi and the others back. We’ll talk when we return."
Koboto Kobayashi was called back, but he didn’t ask Li Yifei what it was about and arranged for people to continue driving.
Later, Li Yifei and the others returned to Aoki Ryota’s house. Aoki Reiko greeted them, while Koboto Kobayashi instinctively did not go in. He knew Aoki Ryota didn’t want any ties with the Yamaguchi Group, so he refrained from joining the atmosphere, and upon saying goodbye to Li Yifei, he returned to his own place.
Sophia had healed and left earlier to attend to her own matters. Li Yifei returned to his room and called Su Mengxin again.
This time Xu Yingying answered. She already knew about Li Yifei’s affairs—Su Mengxin had told her, and Xu Yingying immediately understood, though she still had some lingering grudge. It wasn’t Li Yifei’s fault; he did try to call her but was interrupted by Xu Shanshan, which led the two sisters to sulk against each other.
When the call came through, Su Mengxin had just gone to the bathroom, so Xu Yingying picked it up.
"Yifei?"
"Oh, Yingying, why are you at Mengxin’s house?" Li Yifei recognized Xu Yingying’s voice immediately but asked a silly question, then added, "Earlier today, I was indeed busy. Later, I talked to Mengxin, did she tell you?"
"She did. Husband, these things are better discussed with Mengxin because she can consult with Grandpa Su. I’m not upset." Xu Yingying replied straight.
Li Yifei smiled and said, "Thank you for understanding. Initially, I wanted to tell you first."
"I know, Mengxin went to the bathroom and will be out soon, so you can talk to me for now," Xu Yingying said with a gentle sigh. "My husband is really impressive; going out for a day and making more money than us working hard at home for months."
Li Yifei proudly said, "That’s right, take a look at who your husband is. But I’m just passing through; I don’t plan to bring the money home, it’s meant for other purposes. Don’t worry, I’m not using it to support a mistress."
Xu Yingying was amused and covered her mouth as she laughed, saying, "Two hundred billion US dollars for supporting a mistress—even a saint wouldn’t be worth that much."
"Haha, indeed it’s not worth it," Li Yifei said. "I’ll explain more at home. If this needs to be done, I might not be able to return home soon; I need to finish some tasks first."
"I understand, husband, feel free to handle it. There’s nothing to worry about at home. Everyone is doing great. Ningxiang went for a check-up yesterday, the baby is developing normally. As for other matters, there’s nothing to worry about."
Li Yifei nodded with satisfaction, saying, "Thanks for your hard work. Once everything is settled, I won’t go anywhere and will stay at home to be with you all."
"I’m looking forward to that day, but no rush, take care of yourself while you’re out," Xu Yingying said softly.
During the call, Su Mengxin came out, noticing Xu Yingying’s tone and expressions, she knew it was Li Yifei and leaned closer, deliberately speaking in a sweet voice to the phone, "Guess who am I?"
"Surely it’s that girl Xiaoyao," Li Yifei could tell but pretended to guess wrong.
"Nope."
"Then... is it Yiyi?"
"Even more wrong."
Li Yifei smiled slightly, saying, "Alright, silly wife, let’s talk about serious matters. I have a rough idea in my mind, and it’s right to share it with both of you now."
"Mm-hmm, go ahead."
Li Yifei organized his thoughts and said, "My idea is to contribute this money to the country, preferably to one of the next generation’s leaders—to either boost achievements or strengthen political capital—in exchange for a Lifesaving Gold Medal for the Li family, at least ensuring peace for ten years. With ten years, it should be enough for the Li family to thrive and grow, and then we’ll discuss future matters."