Li's company quickly suppressed the gossip surrounding the scandals of wealthy families. However, the internet has a memory, and far more people know about it than one might imagine. Just like the gossip surrounding the gambling king's family, it seems that only when it's mixed with intrigue and conflict does it qualify as a wealthy family.
This incident immediately satisfied everyone's curiosity about the richest man in the family, and naturally divided the Li family into two factions: the good guys and the bad guys. Li Jiaxuan and Tao Rui were undoubtedly the good guys, while the bad guys were the old man. As for the other relatives who didn't make a scene, they seemed to be in the middle.
The upper class saw this matter more deeply, as they knew more. When Li Jiaxuan's father suddenly passed away, many people were eyeing the huge pie of the Li family. Li Jiaxuan, a young girl, was suddenly burdened with such a heavy responsibility, and few took her seriously. But even then, everyone was watching her.
Everyone knows that when Li Jiaxuan was at her most desperate, the old man of the Li family intervened, insisting on an adoption. At the time, everyone secretly thought it was ridiculous, yet also saw it as a golden opportunity. But in the end, Li Jiaxuan avoided the adoption by marrying a son-in-law, perfunctorily appeasing the old man and forcefully defending the Li family. While they admired her, they also saw the old man as a possible pawn to attack Li Jiaxuan.
Actually, calling the Li family the richest was a bit of a stretch. The change in chairman had raised some questions, and the Li family's momentum had subtly declined. Many people were still itching to make a move, considering every possible strategy. Even the frequent invitations to Tao Rui for gatherings were a way of testing him.
Tao Rui proved to be a slippery figure. For a while, everyone thought he had no ambition, focused on being a family man and pursuing his art. On the other hand, they felt he wasn't completely useless, as he was incredibly proficient in everything he did with everyone, and it was impossible to get him to say anything. He was also particularly kind to Li Jiaxuan. Just as everyone was still bewildered, Tao Rui first distanced himself from the Tao family and then beat the old man back with a powerful punch. He was definitely the type to draw blood, making everyone wary of him.
Despite his ever-present smiles, his constant visits to the elderly father, and his care and concern for him, the end result has already made his situation irreversible. I believe his children's disdain is even more unbearable than the online outcry. Tao Rui's move was a perfect strike, hitting the snake where it's most vulnerable!
Nowadays, when people mention Tao Rui, they inevitably bring a bit of mystery with him, because he is a person who is difficult to understand.
The more enigmatic a person is, the harder it is to fathom. So after his actions, everyone needs to reevaluate the Li family. After all, the combination of Li Jiaxuan and a worthless husband is very different from the combination of Li Jiaxuan and a strong husband. They must be taken seriously and not be taken lightly.
While things were turbulent outside, Tao Rui, the frequently mentioned "mysterious" figure, was learning painting at home, and was learning it very seriously.
After the old man passed away, Tao Rui would tell the servants to rest every day after Li Jiaxuan went to work, and he would go to the small building to paint. Sometimes he would study with a private teacher he hired, and sometimes he would go into the spiritual space to learn from the masters of history, and then practice painting alone.
Many people speculate about what Tao Rui wants to do next, but he doesn't really have any thoughts; he simply focuses on painting. He's always been serious about learning. Life is too long, and doing nothing would be too boring. But once he decides to learn something, he gradually finds joy in it once he gets started.
From drafting to coloring and painting, Tao Rui has produced several finished works after a period of practice. Of course, the paintings are average and cannot be considered as the works of a painter.
But one day, Li Jiaxuan came home early and saw his paintings in the small building. She liked them very much and took Tao Rui's hand and said, "Let's hang these paintings in the room. Hang them in the bedroom, study, and other rooms. That way I can see them every day."
Tao Rui looked at his own paintings and then at Li Jiaxuan.
Li Jiaxuan was speechless: "What's that look in your eyes? Are you doubting my judgment?"
"You've seen many famous paintings by famous artists. It would be embarrassing to hang up my painting."
"What's embarrassing about it? These are all your achievements. I think they look good. Besides," Li Jiaxuan stood in front of him, put her arms around his waist, looked up and smiled, "when you paint better ones in the future, we can replace them. This way, we'll always have your paintings hanging in the house, and we can change the look frequently.
By the way, I want to build a warehouse to store your paintings."
"...That's not necessary." Tao Rui quickly stopped her when he saw her going to look for the housekeeper, patting her head and saying, "The room next door is empty, big enough for it. Not every painting needs to be framed, some can just be rolled up and put in a painting tube, which is great for collection. Just frame the good ones."
"Okay then, but hang these up first, and replace them when you have better paintings."
"OK."
There are six paintings by Tao Rui hanging in the villa. He can see them every day when he goes in and out. Occasionally, he can see the housekeeper gently sweeping the dust off the paintings, with an attitude of taking them very seriously, which makes him ashamed. He suddenly feels that he must speed up the process and paint a presentable painting as soon as possible, otherwise outsiders will think that there is something wrong with his family's aesthetic taste.
However, no matter how busy he was studying painting, he never gave up on expanding his network. People didn't feel inferior to him when they associated with him. Although he married into the Li family, he was actually the eldest son of the Tao family. His status wasn't impoverished; he was a genuine second-generation wealthy. So many people invited him out for parties, but Tao Rui only chose to socialize with a few reliable ones, and then attended some of their organized gatherings to get to know more people.
While Li Jiaxuan was busy with company affairs and making new partners, Tao Rui's connections within the industry were rapidly expanding like a web. He didn't know many elites; most of the people he knew were second- and third-generation wealthy people, relatives, and the like. However, this was like an unprotected information network. Because they weren't elites, it was easy for him to get their opinions.
Tao Rui would quietly collect information about this circle, as well as information about various business families, during the gatherings he attended from time to time.
Among them, club owner Jiang Hua and Tao Rui get along best, and Tao Rui knows the Jiang family best. Jiang Hua has two older brothers, and above him are his father, uncle, and four cousins. The Jiang family's sovereignty is still in the hands of Mr. Jiang, and with no clear heir, competition for succession is fierce.
Li Jiaxuan was recently discussing a partnership with the Jiang family. They were still in the exploratory phase, or rather, the bargaining phase, assessing each other's value and bottom line. Tao Rui had also learned some things from Jiang Hua and his cousin. Old Master Jiang was actually still considering other options. Li Jiaxuan was so young, having taken over the Li family for less than a year, that he wasn't entirely confident in collaborating on such a large project with them.
When Mr. Jiang celebrated his birthday, Li Jiaxuan and Tao Rui attended together. They arrived neither too early nor too late, and as soon as they entered the venue, they went to see Mr. Jiang first and presented him with gifts.
The gift was a set of warm jade tea sets, which felt warm to the touch and had a certain heat-retaining effect when used to hold tea. When Mr. Jiang saw it, his eyes lit up and he smiled, "This tea set is truly the best of the best, it's a great item!"
Li Jiaxuan smiled and said, "As long as Mr. Jiang likes it, it's good. Tao Rui took a long time to choose this."
"Oh? Was it Tao Rui who chose it?" Old Master Jiang turned his gaze to Tao Rui, looking at him sharply.
Tao Rui smiled and nodded, neither servile nor arrogant. "Mr. Jiang, nice to meet you. Jiang Hua and I often hang out together, and since he told me you like drinking tea, I chose a tea set. This set is perfect for brewing tea and will greatly enhance the taste of the tea. I hope I'm not showing off my skills in front of you."
Old Master Jiang glanced at Jiang Hua, his expression softening, and he was obviously very happy. "You are all thoughtful. I like this gift." He waved to Jiang Hua, "Please send the tea set to my study."
"Okay, Grandpa." Jiang Hua responded with a smile, and winked at Tao Rui as he took the tea set and left.
Tao Rui specifically mentioned his filial piety in front of his grandfather, so how could he not appreciate it? He remembered the thought. However, he really didn't expect that the gift Tao Rui chose would be so popular with the old man. It was amazing, he had to learn from him.
Afterward, Mr. Jiang chatted with Tao Rui about tea ceremony for a while, becoming increasingly engaged. He discovered that Tao Rui was actually quite an expert, not just trying to curry favor with him. This gave him a very positive first impression of him. Tao Rui had known everyone, and during their conversation, Mr. Jiang was amused several times.
Many people at the banquet were paying attention. They were surprised to see that Tao Rui had won the favor of Mr. Jiang, and they valued him even more. Even Li Jiaxuan was surprised. This was the first time she had seen how Tao Rui interacted with others. He was much more smooth than her, and seemed more suitable for such occasions than anyone else. She even had a vague feeling that Tao Rui was controlling the rhythm of the conversation.
When they parted with Mr. Jiang, Tao Rui had already agreed with him that he would bring his collection of tea to visit him next time.
After chatting for a long time, Tao Rui felt thirsty, so he took a glass of wine and went to the side to rest with Li Jiaxuan. Li Jiaxuan whispered, "Brother Rui, you are very good at handling this kind of situation. I am really impressed by you."
Tao Rui took a sip of wine, looked at the scene of people drinking and chatting in the hall, and said with a smile: "Do you admire me a little more?"
"Yes, I admire you a little more every day." A smile flashed across Li Jiaxuan's eyes, and she didn't ask any further questions.
Tao Rui mentioned the cooperation between the Li and Jiang families. "How is the preparation for that project going? Are you confident? Next time I visit Mr. Jiang, I'll ask him to go sea fishing with us."
"Huh?" Li Jiaxuan was stunned for a moment. "Are you here for the project I want?" She glanced at Mr. Jiang, who was surrounded by the crowd, and asked doubtfully, "But how can you be sure you can still make an appointment with Mr. Jiang next time? Or for sea fishing?"
"Don't worry about that. The mountain people have their own clever plans. Just tell me whether you want it or not," Tao Rui turned his head and whispered beside her, "Whatever you want, I can give it to you."
Li Jiaxuan pursed her lips and smiled, "That's great, if you win that project, I'll give you a great credit."
"What's the reward?"
"...I won't tell you yet!" Li Jiaxuan turned around and walked towards the crowd.
Tao Rui smiled behind her and strolled after her. Taking things from others was nothing more than an exchange of interests. Even if he didn't go to the company, he would have found a way to get them. The "virtuous wife" was probably referring to him.
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com
