Chapter 149: The Only Way to Have the Best of Both Worlds
"Do you think you can take them away just because you want to?"
Li Beijue did not suppress his emotions either; his voice rose a notch, and his face carried an irrepressible flare of anger.
Jiang Baobao sneered, not taking his emotions to heart at all.
"Li Beijue, the reason I came back is because I feel for Mobai and Yanbao, not because I am afraid of you. You can refuse my conditions, but you should know that if I leave, what will those two do? Although Yanbao has been by your side since he was small, Mobai grew up by my side. I understand him. Even if you lock them up, once they are adults, do you really think you can still control them? By then, who they want to follow will not be something you can decide."
Jiang Baobao spoke unhurriedly, her tone full of confidence.
Her hands, hanging at her sides, could not help but break out in a cold sweat.
She was not sure if such a threat would be useful.
But now, the only bargaining chip left was the two little ones' love for her.
Li Beijue's gaze flickered for an instant; he did not reply immediately.
Jiang Baobao closed her eyes, then simply continued, "Right now, only I can persuade them to go with you to attend the banquet. Otherwise, as long as I don't go, those two will definitely cause another huge scene!"
"Are you threatening me?"
A sharp look flashed in the depths of Li Beijue's eyes, and the aura around him was so cold it seemed as if it would freeze the air.
Jiang Baobao shook her head, a smile blooming at the corners of her lips: "It's not a threat; it's negotiating terms with you. Besides, you won't lose anything. As long as I am here, Mobai will definitely stay here obediently. And since Yanbao is still here, you don't have to worry about him leaving with me when he grows up. Two sons—although we each have one in terms of custody, they are both growing up by your side. Isn't that fair enough?"
The atmosphere fell into silence once again.
Li Beijue did not speak, seemingly lost in thought.
After a long while, he finally nodded slightly.
"I can agree to you. Is there anything else?" His tone was icy, and his mood was somewhat poor.
Jiang Baobao raised her eyebrows in some surprise and said with rapid speed, "Nothing else. You had better remember what you just said and don't go back on your word."
With a serious expression, she dropped this sentence and turned to leave the study.
As soon as she closed the door, she couldn't help but stand in the hallway, revealing a look of joy.
Li Beijue was way too easy to talk to today!
She had thought they were going to get into an argument just now!
He really couldn't do anything about those two little ones!
At least for now, she shouldn't be kicked out at every turn, and she could still see them every day.
It was just that there was no way to take them away.
Thinking of this, the joy Jiang Baobao felt just moments ago was suddenly covered by heartache and helplessness.
She sighed and turned back to her room.
Inside the study—
Li Beijue also had a sunken face, looking deeply troubled.
He had to quickly find out Jiang Baobao's identity!
Only then could he confirm what to do next!
Early the next morning, Jiang Baobao took the initiative to gather all three little ones at the dining table.
Mobai immediately asked impatiently, "Mommy! Have you thought about it yet? Are you going to come with us to attend Great-Grandpa's banquet?"
Hearing this, Jiang Baobao couldn't help but shake her head with amusement, then persuaded, "Mommy thought about it and still feels it's better not to go. After all, Mommy isn't very familiar with the people in Daddy's family, and since you two aren't there, Mommy still has to stay at home to keep Tiantian company! Otherwise, Tiantian will be bored being home alone!"
"Right! Mommy has to stay home to keep me company!" Tiantian also had no interest in the Li Family's banquet and chimed in.
Mobai and Yanbao exchanged a look, both looking disappointed.
Jiang Baobao saw the two little ones' dejection and hurriedly spoke to persuade them, "Don't be unhappy, you two. You just need to go keep Great-Grandpa company and talk to him; Great-Grandpa misses you both very much, right? Besides, you'll be able to see Mommy as soon as you get home in the evening. We aren't being separated for very long!"
She tried her best to persuade the two little ones.
However, Mobai and Yanbao still pouted.
Jiang Baobao had no choice but to continue patiently, "Great-Grandpa is so old; if you don't see him more often, you might not be able to see him in the future. He is your Great-Grandpa, after all; every time you see him is one less time. Don't you think so?"
What she said made sense, and the expressions of the two little ones softened somewhat.
After a long while, they finally nodded reluctantly.
Only then did Jiang Baobao let out a heavy sigh of relief and ruffled the two little ones' small heads: "That's right! Mommy knew you two were the most obedient!"
Upstairs—
Li Beijue was holding his phone with a serious expression.
"Didn't you say before that the matter of custody could be handled?"
Li Laoyezi's tone was uncharacteristically stern, carrying a hint of dissatisfaction.
Li Beijue's gaze flickered for an instant, but the words reached his lips and were swallowed back down.
He did not intend to reveal the matter of Jiang Baobao possibly being the girl from sixteen years ago just yet.
Li Beijue was silent for a long time before changing his explanation: "Mobai has grown up by Jiang Baobao's side since he was small. If he finds out about this, I'm afraid he won't be able to accept it for a while. It would be better to let him stay here for a period of time first, and wait until he is more familiar before processing the custody paperwork. Also, his personality... is truly a bit too lively. If he starts a scene at home, I'm afraid he might hurt himself. That's why I don't intend to act rashly for the time being, and I haven't told you about this matter."
Upon hearing this, Li Laoyezi couldn't help but sigh: "If that's the case... it is indeed a bit difficult to handle. After all, that child isn't familiar with you... Then let's wait a bit longer. But his custody, in the end..."
"In the end, it must be with the Li Family." Li Beijue took over the sentence.
"Hmm, as long as you know." Li Laoyezi's expression finally looked better, and he immediately said: "I have already sent out notifications for the family banquet; it will be the night after tomorrow. Remember to bring them and arrive on time. Also..."
Li Laoyezi paused for an instant before saying: "Also, I intend to invite Jiang girl over as well."
"Why are you inviting her?" Li Beijue frowned abruptly, his expression puzzled.
Li Laoyezi said unhurriedly: "Even if you are already divorced, she is still Mobai and Yanbao's mommy, isn't she? Why can't I invite her? Don't you worry about this matter. Give me her phone number, and I will invite her personally!"
"Grandpa..." Li Beijue still wanted to stop him.
But Li Laoyezi said in an unquestionable tone: "I have already decided on this matter. Hurry up and send me Jiang girl's phone number!"
Li Beijue was helpless and had no choice but to hang up the phone and send Jiang Baobao's number to Li Laoyezi.
On the other side—
Jiang Baobao was just planning to go to the kitchen to make some small snacks when she suddenly heard her phone ring.
Looking at the unfamiliar number displayed on it, she frowned in confusion.
She then found a quiet corner and answered the call.
"Hello? Hello, who is this?"
Jiang Baobao asked politely.
The next second, she heard a familiar voice ring out in her ear.
"Girl Jiang, it's Grandpa! You can still recognize me, right?"
End of Chapter
