Villain Is Bodyguard of Heroine’s Poisonous Stepmother

Chapter 121: Li Ting as an Obstacle

After Li Qiwen returned, he was immediately sent to the hospital. The doctors tended to his wounds, including the gunshot wound on his shoulder.

“Wait, are you sure you’ve checked thoroughly? Are you sure there’s nothing wrong with my body?” Li Qiwen grasped the attending doctor’s hand.

“Young Master Li, we’ve conducted a full examination of your body twice. Other than the external injuries, there are no other issues. You are in good health,” the doctor assured.

Li Qiwen’s face turned grim upon hearing the doctor’s words. Only he knew the truth about the Gu worms lurking inside his body, invisible to conventional diagnostic methods.

Having shown such humility before Chen Luo, upon his return, Li Qiwen sought to rid himself of this internal threat. If he could eliminate the Gu worms, he would be poised for revenge. However, with the Gu worms still inside him, he wouldn’t dare even think of revenge, even at the cost of his own life.

“Do you have any idea who your kidnappers were? Did you see their faces?” Li Zhong entered the hospital room and asked Li Qiwen with a hint of indifference.

“No… No, they all wore masks. I couldn’t identify any of them. If I could, they certainly wouldn’t let me go,” Li Qiwen responded. 

He knew who Chen Luo was from the wedding day incident that had embarrassed the Li family, but he dared not reveal this knowledge.

Li Zhong’s frown deepened, but he did not question Li Qiwen’s statement further. Indeed, if Li Qiwen had seen their true faces, would they have really allowed him to come back?

“You should focus on recovering in the hospital. I’ll arrange for bodyguards to protect you. By the way, did you manage to look into your mother’s phone as I asked?” Li Zhong asked further.

Li Zhong had become suspicious of Gu Wanyu potentially cheating on him because the bodyguards he assigned to her reported that she had been frequently going out alone recently.

“I checked, and there’s nothing suspicious. Dad, you shouldn’t unfairly suspect mom. It won’t be good if she finds out,” Li Qiwen managed to lie effortlessly, without giving anything away.

“Maybe I’m overthinking it,” Li Zhong said, his brow furrowed as he considered who might have kidnapped Li Qiwen and Gu Wanyu.

Was it purely for ransom? Even if it was, he was determined to catch the perpetrator. A loss of twenty billion wasn’t minor for the Li family. It had a significant impact, especially during their tussle with the Luo family, when they were desperately in need of funds.

The Luo family’s assault on their stock, coupled with this twenty billion loss, had caused a capital break, leading to a notable drop in the Li family group’s stock value.

Thus, Li Zhong suspected the Luo family’s involvement. However, suspicions alone couldn’t prove the Luo family’s guilt.

“Qiwen, are you alright? Let me see how bad your injuries are,” Gu Wanyu entered the hospital room, her face showing concern for Li Qiwen.

Li Qiwen’s expression stiffened upon seeing Gu Wanyu, realizing she was also observing him. Others might interpret Gu Wanyu’s gaze as one of motherly concern, but Li Qiwen detected something far more sinister.

Now fearful of Gu Wanyu, he remembered how she had genuinely intended to kill him, never really considering him as her son.

Li Zhong failed to notice Li Qiwen’s fear of Gu Wanyu. After confirming that Li Qiwen’s life was not in danger, Li Zhong left. He was burdened with numerous responsibilities and couldn’t linger.

Once Li Zhong left, Li Qiwen, swallowing hard, watched as Gu Wanyu’s caring smile faded away.

“Did you request the doctor to conduct two full-body exams?” Gu Wanyu’s voice carried a chill.

He realized she had completely changed. From Gu Wanyu’s tone, Li Qiwen sensed a killing intent.

“If you want to live, you’d better behave,” Gu Wanyu warned him. “I hope you understand what should and should not be said in front of Li Zhong.”

“I… I understand, Mom,” Li Qiwen meekly responded, his fear escalating at the sight of the familiar little bell in Gu Wanyu’s hand.

“I’d rather not have to use this,” she said coldly, after giving Li Qiwen a stern look, Gu Wanyu tucked the bell away and prepared to leave. Her visit seemed more of a warning to Li Qiwen, and after issuing her warning, she felt no need to stay.

To this son, Gu Wanyu now felt no affection.

“Mom, please wait,” Li Qiwen called out hurriedly as he saw Gu Wanyu about to leave. “You could tell Dad to capture Li Ting. Catching her would surely make Li Zhong to pay more money.”

Gu Wanyu paused momentarily but quickly understood that Li Qiwen’s reference to “Dad” meant Chen Luo. A look of satisfaction spread across her face.

“Well done, my good son. I thought about punishing you a little, but seeing that you’ve pleased me, I’ll let it slide.”

Gu Wanyu had initially planned to shake the bell as a lesson for the disobedient Li Qiwen before leaving. But now that the boy was calling Chen Luo “Dad,” Gu Wanyu was very pleased.

It appeared keeping him alive was indeed useful. Gu Wanyu had been somewhat concerned when she learned that Chen Luo had allowed Li Qiwen to return. Originally, she had thought to keep him imprisoned indefinitely, even if not killing him.

Sweat beaded on Li Qiwen’s forehead at the thought of “a bit of punishment,” his mind racing to the bell in Gu Wanyu’s hand.

He couldn’t withstand such punishment. Thankfully, by ingratiating himself with his mother, he managed to dodge the bullet.

“Catching Li Ting is indeed a smart move.”

Gu Wanyu knew all too well just how much Li Zhong adored Li Ting. Her own bitterness towards Li Zhong was intertwined with her feelings about Li Ting.

“Mom, I suspect Li Zhong plans for Li Ting to inherit the Li family. Her existence is an obstacle.”

His plots against Li Ting were fueled by personal vendettas. Li Qiwen harbored intense loathing for Li Ting, wishing nothing but her death. Why should he, the son, receive less favor than that overweight and unattractive woman? His half-sister’s presence had led to him being ridiculed by their social circle on numerous occasions.

“You’re not wrong. I’ll tell Chen Luo. For now, focus on your recovery. You’re only of use if you’re well.”

Gu Wanyu pondered deeply. Li Ting’s survival indeed posed an obstacle. While it seemed highly unlikely that Li Zhong would hand the family business to Li Ting, Gu Wanyu couldn’t dismiss her concerns outright. Li Zhong’s excessive fondness for Li Ting made even the improbable seem possible. Furthermore, Gu Wanyu disliked Li Ting. Her choice to reside outside the Li family villa was due to their discord.

Upon leaving the hospital, a professionally dressed woman approached Gu Wanyu. She appeared ordinary but bore the marks of rigorous training.

“Madam, I’ve been sent as your bodyguard by the chairman following your kidnapping. The chairman has tasked me with your protection.”

“You can leave, I don’t need a bodyguard,” Gu Wanyu responded dismissively to the female bodyguard.

Her supposed protection also meant surveillance by Li Zhong.

With this woman monitoring, how could Gu Wanyu discreetly meet with Chen Luo? Besides, did she even need a bodyguard now? After Chen Luo had enhanced her strength, she was far stronger than these bodyguards.