Stepdaughter of a wealthy family? The little darling of a Beijing tycoon

The car slowly drove into a quiet, upscale residential area. Shen Jingshu looked up and immediately understood – this was the gathering place of Beijing's top elites, where almost all the truly prominent and established families of Beijing lived in this area.

This villa area is built against the mountain, with distinct levels. The higher up the villa area, the more prominent the family's status in Beijing.

The mansions at the foot of the mountain are already beyond the reach of ordinary people. The further you go up the mountainside, the more magnificent and exquisite the buildings become. The villa that occupies the top of the mountain is the Lu family, the undisputed top family in Beijing.

The Li family's residence is located on a hillside slightly lower than the Lu family's, a secluded courtyard in a quiet oasis amidst the bustling city, showcasing the family's wealth and status.

The car pulled up to the wrought-iron gate, which slowly opened to both sides. The driver drove smoothly straight to the main entrance of the villa. As soon as the car came to a stop, the butler quickly stepped forward and respectfully opened the car door.

Lin Wanqing led Shen Jingshu out of the car and looked up to see a middle-aged man standing at the door.

He was dressed in a well-tailored dark suit, with a tall and straight posture. His eyes and brows carried the authority of someone who had been in a high position for a long time. His temperament was calm and reserved, and he exuded an aura of authority without anger. He must be the head of the Li family and Lin Wanqing's second husband, Li Wenqian.

Seeing this, Li Wenqian stepped down the steps and walked straight to the two of them. His gaze first fell on Lin Wanqing, and his tone was calm with a hint of concern: "Wanqing, has everything been handled?"

"It's all taken care of." Lin Wanqing nodded gently, then turned to pull Shen Jingshu in front of him and introduced her in a gentle voice, "Mr. Li, this is my eldest daughter, Shen Jingshu."

Upon hearing this, a barely perceptible hint of surprise flashed in Li Wenqian's eyes.

Lin Wanqing had previously mentioned to him that she planned to bring her younger daughter to the Li family after the divorce, but now it was her older daughter instead. Although he was a little surprised, he didn't ask any further questions.

This is a private matter between Lin Wanqing and the Shen family. To him, it's just about having another stepdaughter; it makes no difference which one he takes.

Lin Wanqing then turned to Shen Jingshu and softly instructed, "Jingshu, call him Uncle Li."

Shen Jingshu composed herself, her face showing a docile expression. She lowered her eyes slightly and spoke in a clear and proper voice: "Uncle Li."

She was born with a bright and dignified appearance. At this moment, she was quiet and gentle, with no trace of awkwardness, making her very pleasing to the eye.

Looking at the well-behaved girl in front of him, Li Wenqian felt a surge of affection. His four sons were all mischievous and naughty, and he had always dreamed of having a sweet and caring daughter. This stepdaughter seemed to suit his taste.

"Let's go inside, we're home."

Li Wenqian didn't say anything more. He naturally took Lin Wanqing's hand, his tone softening, and led the two of them towards the hall.

Stepping into the Li family's main hall, the decor is understated yet extremely luxurious, blending Chinese and modern styles. It is spacious, bright, and exudes an air of order and grandeur.

The maid was quick and efficient, serving hot tea, freshly squeezed juice, and exquisite fruit platters at just the right time. After arranging them neatly, she quietly stepped aside, behaving with impeccable manners.

Shen Jingshu remained quiet and composed, sitting peacefully beside her mother with upright posture and a calm gaze as she surveyed her surroundings without the slightest hint of recklessness.

Lin Wanqing sat down beside Li Wenqian, her cheeks flushing slightly as she recalled something. She spoke with a hint of embarrassment, "Mr. Li, I'm truly sorry to have troubled you with this matter..."

Her words were loaded with meaning. When she first asked Shen Mobai for a divorce, he refused to agree no matter what. Relying on the fact that she had no powerful family connections, he made things difficult for her in every way.

Finally, having exhausted all other options, she sought help from Li Wenqian. With just a few words, Li Wenqian managed to get the arrogant Shen Mobai to relent, and the divorce proceedings were successfully completed.

She remembered this favor, but also felt guilty for causing trouble for Li Wenqian.

In fact, Lin Wanqing and Li Wenqian had a long history together, and their relationship was not a chance encounter.

Li Wenqian had many old injuries from his early years in the army. One time, an old injury flared up acutely, and his condition became critical, requiring a highly complex surgical operation.

At that time, Lin Wanqing was already a renowned chief surgeon in Beijing, with superb medical skills, calmness and decisiveness, and an excellent reputation in the industry. This life-or-death surgery ultimately fell into her hands.

Lin Wanqing lived up to expectations, relying on her superb medical skills to work tirelessly for several hours through the night and successfully completed the surgery, pulling Li Wenqian back from the brink of death.

After the surgery, Li Wenqian rested in the hospital. Lin Wanqing, as the attending physician, often came to check on him, ask questions, and give instructions on postoperative precautions.

After spending time together several times, Li Wenqian's heart quietly began to flutter.

He had seen too many sycophants and obsequious people, but Lin Wanqing was different. She was gentle and polite, focused and professional at work, gentle and reserved in private, and treated all patients equally. She had no worldly ambition or utilitarianism.

His wife passed away many years ago, and he devoted himself to his career and four sons. His heart was already as still as water, but he unexpectedly developed feelings for this gentle and resilient female doctor that he had kept hidden for many years.

However, upon learning that Lin Wanqing was already married and had a family, he suppressed his feelings deep in his heart and never revealed them.

But feelings of affection are impossible to hide. Even though Li Wenqian tried to restrain himself, the appreciation and care in his eyes were still noticed by the perceptive Lin Wanqing.

She didn't want to cause trouble, nor did she want to let her family down, so she deliberately kept her distance, adhered to her doctor-patient relationship, and avoided suspicion at all times.

Li Wenqian was incredibly perceptive; he understood her thoughts at a glance. He didn't pester her or force her, but simply suppressed his feelings and silently cooperated.

On the day of his discharge, Li Wenqian made a special trip to find Lin Wanqing and handed her a personal business card with his rarely revealed private number on it. He said in a solemn and sincere tone, "Dr. Lin, thank you so much for saving my life this time. If you ever need any help in the future, please feel free to call this number. I will do my best to help you."

Lin Wanqing took it as a patient's expression of gratitude and politely accepted it, never imagining that one day she would actually dial that number.

Later, discovering Shen Mobai's betrayal became the final straw that broke the camel's back in her marriage.

She witnessed Shen Mobai having affairs, and not just one. Thirty years of marriage were shattered in an instant.

She was devastated and could not tolerate her husband's infidelity, so she immediately filed for divorce.

But Shen Mobai was arrogant and domineering, refusing to agree no matter what, and even mockingly said, "You're an orphan with no parents, no background, no support. You can't live without me! As long as I don't give in, you'll never get a divorce in this lifetime!"

Shen Mobai had calculated that she was isolated and helpless, and knew she couldn't resist, so he made things difficult for her in every way and refused to let go.

Lin Wanqing was heartbroken and didn't want to spend another day with this man. When she was desperate, she remembered the number Li Wenqian had left behind and his promise.

Clinging to her last shred of hope, she dialed the number and told him everything that had happened to her.

After hearing the whole story, Li Wenqian immediately expressed his willingness to help her put pressure on the Shen family to finalize the divorce.

But he also made a condition, which was straightforward and frank: "I'll help you get a divorce, and you'll marry me."

Li Wenqian had been in charge of the Li family for many years. He was calm, decisive, and used to being in control of the overall situation.

He knew that what he was doing was somewhat taking advantage of someone in distress, but he genuinely liked Lin Wanqing and didn't want to miss out on her again.

Instead of hiding it, it's better to put your feelings out in the open, protect her in the most direct way, and give yourself a chance as well.

Lin Wanqing was stunned when she received this request.

She wasn't officially divorced yet, but someone was willing to wait for her and even offered to marry her.

But then she thought again, she had long since given up on marriage and no longer expected any deep love; she just wanted to escape the quagmire of the Shen family.

Li Wenqian, on the other hand, is a man of integrity who has remained unmarried for many years after his wife's death and has never had any scandals. He is upright and responsible, making him a hundred times more reliable than Shen Mobai.

After much deliberation, she agreed, but also proposed three conditions: the two of them would try to get married first and live together for three years.

If, after three years, the couple still cannot develop feelings for each other, Li Wenqian must agree to a peaceful divorce and will not pursue the matter further.

Without the slightest hesitation, Li Wenqian immediately agreed.

He had complete confidence in himself. This was the first time he had been moved since losing his wife. He was willing to spend time warming Lin Wanqing's heart and to touch her with his sincerity. One day, he would be able to make her truly accept him.

Thus, the two reached an agreement. Li Wenqian kept his word and put enough pressure on the Shen family. Shen Mobai was afraid of the Li family's power and dared not resist. He could only obediently agree to go through the divorce procedures with Lin Wanqing.

As agreed, Lin Wanqing, after her divorce, brought her daughter and stepped into the Li family's door.