Chapter 19: About The Li Family
The Li family had more secrets than Li Xinyue could have imagined. Despite their modest appearance, they were far from poor. Madam Li, whose full name was Bai Meixiu, was actually from the prestigious Bai family in the capital. The Bai family was one of the most powerful and wealthy families in the country, known for their influence in business and politics. Bai Meixiu was the only daughter of Old Master Bai Jianhong and Old Madam Bai Meiying, and she had two older brothers, Bai Jinghao and Bai Yichen.
Bai Meixiu was the pride and joy of the Bai family. She was adored by her parents and fiercely protected by her older brothers. Known for her breathtaking beauty and kind heart, she was the Bai family's most precious jewel. However, her heart had long been stolen by Li Wenjie, the youngest son of the equally powerful Li family, the Bai family's long-time business rivals.
Wenjie had fallen for Meixiu during their university years. Despite the intense rivalry between their families, they couldn't resist each other's charms. They began dating in secret, knowing their love would never be approved by their families.
One day, after years of hiding their relationship, they decided to take a bold step. They secretly registered their marriage, knowing full well the chaos it would bring once their families found out.
When the Bai and Li families discovered the marriage, all hell broke loose. Old Master Bai Jianhong was furious, and so was Old Master Li Zhenghao, Wenjie's father. Both families tried everything to annul the marriage, but it was too late. Meixiu and Wenjie were legally husband and wife.
In a desperate attempt to separate them, the Bai family planned to send Meixiu abroad. Her phone, laptop, and every device that could connect her to Wenjie were confiscated. She was practically a prisoner in her own home.
At the same time, the Li family placed Wenjie under house arrest and tried to force him to marry a woman of their choosing. But love is stubborn, and so were Wenjie and Meixiu.
One night, Meixiu bribed one of the maids to secretly send a message to Wenjie about her family's plans to send her away. Wenjie, determined not to lose her, immediately came up with a plan.
Late that night, when the Li family's guards were less alert, Wenjie escaped through his bedroom window. He climbed down the side of the house, his heart racing, and made his way to the Bai residence.
At the Bai mansion, Meixiu was locked in her room. When she saw Wenjie outside her window, she felt a surge of hope and fear.
"Meixiu, I'm here! Tie some bedsheets together and climb down," Wenjie whispered urgently from below.
Meixiu's hands trembled as she tied the bedsheets and curtains together. "What if I fall?" she whispered back, her voice shaking.
"I'll catch you," Wenjie promised, his voice steady despite his own fear.
Taking a deep breath, Meixiu climbed down, clutching the makeshift rope. Wenjie reached out to steady her as she landed safely in his arms.
"Let's go before they notice," he said, grabbing her hand.
Wenjie had already booked tickets for a flight abroad. They rushed to the airport, constantly looking over their shoulders, fearing they'd be caught.
The Final Obstacle
They arrived at the airport just in time and boarded the plane. Relief washed over them as they settled into their seats.
"Do you think they'll come after us?" Meixiu asked, her voice barely above a whisper.
Wenjie squeezed her hand. "They might, but we're already on the plane. They can't stop us now."
But just as the plane was about to take off, an announcement echoed through the speakers:
"Attention, passengers. Due to unforeseen circumstances, the flight has been delayed. We apologize for the inconvenience."
Their relief turned to dread. Meixiu's grip on Wenjie's hand tightened.
"It's them," she whispered. "I know it's them."
Before Wenjie could respond, another announcement followed:
"Passengers Bai Meixiu and Li Wenjie, please disembark the plane immediately."
Meixiu's heart sank. Wenjie clenched his fists, his mind racing.
"What do we do now?" Meixiu asked, her voice trembling.
Wenjie's eyes burned with determination. "We don't give up."