CHAPTER 206: CHAPTER 197: STOP CAUSING TROUBLE FOR YOUR SISTER-IN-LAW! (FIRST UPDATE)

Leon ended up with a nose full of dust, but instead of getting angry, he laughed out loud. "I’ll follow Uncle’s lead. Whatever you say is what I’ll do, as long as you’re not upset."

Long Che snorted coldly.

Big Bao and Little Bao dashed off as instructed.

"Luowa, weren’t you planning to fix the car model? Why are you back?" Connie asked with a smile.

Connie pouted. "If this gets found out, we’ll get scolded at best, but our sister-in-law won’t be able to explain herself."

"I had no choice."

Bert chuckled, "Uncle’s message is clear. When Aunt Ni Lu arrives, let her stay at the palace and make sure she doesn’t bother you."

Long Che had a general idea of their first meeting. Seeing Yi Luowa’s embarrassment, he smirked slightly. "Alright, go take a look."

"I didn’t say anything!" Long Che curled his lips slightly, "Are the two of you staying for dinner tonight?"

The group conspired secretly, settling the plan. Meanwhile, Yi Luowa finished repairing the car model before Tong Yao called them outside, saying the uncles and aunties had all arrived.

Ai Ni shot her a look. "Don’t you have an ounce of empathy? We’re practically treated as public enemies at home—as soon as we’re together, all eyes are on us. We can’t even talk freely."

"Do you have a reason to ask?" Qiqi asked, puzzled.

"You troublemaker!" Ai Ni glared at Yi Luowa angrily.

"Audric Hotel is quite a nice option," Long Che shot him a sideways glance.

"Got it!" Connie nodded firmly. "Next time, I’ll rip his clothes!"

After all, the gifts were clearly sent as favors owed to Tong Airui’s family; taking them would likely open her to criticism for being ignorant.

As Yi Luowa stepped out, the sight before her shocked her. Luckily, the Duke’s residence had a massive living room—otherwise, this gathering of twenty or thirty people wouldn’t fit.

"Dad, I’ll accompany my sister-in-law, okay?" Ai Ni was beyond grateful—her sister-in-law’s suggestion was far more convincing than her own.

Yan Zi pursed her lips. "Wow, look at you pampering your wife! No, wait—Rui’er spoils his wife more than you do. Truly surpassing the master! What is it with the Audric family producing men like you two?"

Yi Luowa, holding Big Bao and Little Bao, had just stepped out of the side hall when she overheard Long Che’s last remark. She smiled, then pulled the two kids back inside.

Ai Ni shook her head in exasperation. "If he tears your dress, you tear his clothes! Simple!"

"We’re here to deliver gifts to my sister-in-law. It’d be rude to not let us stay for dinner!" Leon looked at Tong Yao, who had been smiling silently. "Auntie, wouldn’t you agree?"

With the matter settled, evening approached, and Yan Zi arrived with Baili Bi and their group.

"Haha... Angry already? Alright, don’t be mad. Seriously, I’d also love to check out Red Valley since that’s where Tong Airui and I first met."

"I’m as empathetic as it gets!" Yi Luowa laughed.

"Luowa and her group just arrived..." Qiqi grew increasingly confused by Ai Ni’s behavior.

Long Che nodded. "One day only—you must return by tomorrow evening!"

"Everyone’s here. Let’s eat," Long Che said to the butler.

"I asked Big Bao and Little Bao to bring it in. I’ll fix it here."

Yi Luowa chuckled as she explained, "Dad and Aunt are talking outside. I didn’t want to interrupt."

"Then just act clueless. I’ll take full responsibility, but you have to cooperate with me—otherwise, I won’t even make it out the door." Ai Ni’s expression hardened as she said, "Think about it! Maybe if I’m feeling generous, I’ll help you fulfill your own wishes."

Leon continued, "Uncle, Aunt Ni Lu is coming in a few days. Should she stay at the palace or here?"

Only after hearing everyone’s approval did Yi Luowa express her thanks and accept the gifts. Interestingly, though she received the gifts, she didn’t intend to take them with her. Smiling, she asked Tong Yao to store them for her.

Yi Luowa realized that, including Uncle Mi Xiaotian, these ten were the legendary "Ten Tigers of the Duke’s Residence." Back then, these ten had fought battles alongside Long Che, earning great renown. Though they were now in their fifties, they remained spirited and imposing.

"If you’re scared, just stay at the Duke’s residence," Ai Ni sneered at her. "No loyalty!"

Yan Zi frowned and grumbled, "This is all wrapped up now. From now on, I don’t want to deal with those two troublemakers—just treat them like your own sons and discipline them properly."

Yi Luowa smiled slyly. "Looks like you’ve had this planned for a while!"

She recognized Shen Zichan and Yu Jian, greeting them first. Tong Yao then took her hand and started introducing everyone: Second Uncle, Third Uncle, Fourth Uncle, Fifth Uncle, Sixth Uncle, Seventh Uncle, Eighth Aunt, Ninth Aunt, and Tenth Uncle.

Yi Luowa patted her hand comfortingly and spoke in a calm tone. "Don’t worry—just focus on your meal. If you don’t eat enough, I’ll take you for some late-night snacks. I know a great spot in Red Valley."

"Thanks, Dad!" Yi Luowa passed Ai Ni a meaningful glance.

Yi Luowa couldn’t help laughing at Ai Ni’s assertive demeanor. Ai Ni resembled her mother, but her domineering attitude came straight from her father.

Leon froze for a moment.

"If you’re going home, let Mom know—I’d like to stay at your place for a few days." Ai Ni glanced toward the doorway as she spoke.

"Exactly," Ai Ni joined in, walking over to whisper to Qiqi, "Big Sister-in-law, are you going home tonight?"

"Ah, you’re so uptight!" Ai Ni squeezed her nose. "Can’t you let loose even once?"

"Won’t we get scolded? Uncle can be terrifying when he’s angry," Connie asked timidly.

"Fine, I’ll go with you!" Yi Luowa said boldly. "If anything goes wrong, blame it all on me. Let’s make sure our sister-in-law doesn’t get in trouble."

"Of course, you can!" Ai Ni giggled. "We’ll bring Shanshan along too—four of us together."

Yi Luowa grinned. "Dad, if there’s nothing urgent, I’d like to revisit some old memories. Do I have your approval?"

"Truth be told, I haven’t been scolded in days—it is feeling a bit unnatural." Leon chuckled, realizing Uncle Che still hadn’t forgiven Aunt Ni Lu. Oh well, patience is key.

Tong Yao smiled and nodded. "You two know full well how your uncle is, yet you keep provoking him. You think getting scolded feels nice, don’t you?"

Ai Ni turned her attention to Yi Luowa and the others. "How about we take a trip to Red Valley?"

Jimo Shanshan spoke up leisurely, "I don’t care."

With sharp ears, Long Che turned back toward Yi Luowa. "Planning to visit your brother tonight?"

Long Che paused. "I’ve heard that’s where you and Rui’er first met."

"Then I’ll go find my sister-in-law!"

Qiqi pulled Ai Ni’s hand away. "Then we need a decent excuse."

Qiqi smiled knowingly. "When Dad and Aunt talk, it’s like they’re fighting. But don’t worry—their relationship is solid."

Lady Jing Ya laughed and patted her hand. "This is a token of your King Muta’s goodwill. Just accept it."

Long Che noticed the girl looking at him too and laughed lightly. "Go ahead and take them. Your King Muta isn’t dumb—a single year’s tax revenue from PCw could buy him hundreds of these gift boxes."

The butler nodded and led everyone into the dining room. Connie clung to Yi Luowa’s hand. She wasn’t new to grand occasions, but dining with such a large group was a first.

"Pampering your wife is a virtue!"

Ai Ni gave her a playful nudge. "Now that’s loyalty!"

Ai Ni quickly covered Qiqi’s mouth and lowered her voice, "He snuck back. Make sure Dad doesn’t find out—he has to leave again in just two days."

Long Che glanced at her sideways. "I haven’t even gotten a handle on my own kids."

"Can I come too?" Connie finally mustered the courage to speak up.

"We’ll take them along, and once we’re there, I’ll disappear while you all hang out."

"Don’t bother her!"

Yi Luowa nodded. "That’s a good idea—it’ll definitely get approval. But really, you’re gutsy to be pulling this behind Dad and Mom’s backs."

Yi Luowa smiled, glancing at Tong Yao, who nodded reassuringly.

"Alright, I want you to bring back our Fourth Brother—go make that happen."

Remembering the story of how she met Tong Airui, Yi Luowa’s cheeks flushed. "Yes."

"Alright, I’ll go!" Connie reluctantly agreed. "I’m just worried our fifth brother will find out and rip my dress."

"Yes, I can tell. Their bond is just like Tong Airui and his siblings—always bickering and undermining each other, but when it counts, no one is more united."

Ai Ni grinned mysteriously, whispering, "Someone is waiting for me in Nanwu."

Upon entering, Yan Zi immediately wanted to brief Long Che on the press conference arrangements, but Long Che shook his head slightly, "I already know. You handled it well. Tell Shuoshuo to be mindful of these matters in the future."

After introducing the Ten Tigers, Tong Yao also introduced their wives. Yi Luowa felt overwhelmed, but she didn’t need to remember everything immediately—calling each one appropriately would suffice.

Qiqi remained silent but approved inwardly. Yi Luowa and Ai Ni had played their cards well, ensuring she wouldn’t be implicated. Truth be told, even after all these years of marriage to Lance and raising their children, she still felt intimidated by Long Che.

"Luowa—" Connie looked at Yi Luowa hesitantly.

While the four chattered away about their plans for Red Valley, some of the men felt left out. Mi Chenxuan nudged Tong Aino. "Should we go too?"

Leon had the servants bring in the gifts. Seeing the dozen or so boxes of varying sizes, Yi Luowa could barely sit still. She wasn’t yet Tong Airui’s wife—how could she accept gifts from the King of Muta?

"Have you thought about what happens if our fifth brother and eighth brother insist on tagging along?" Yi Luowa asked.

Qiqi immediately broke into laughter. "Oh, You Jia hasn’t returned to the country yet?"

Tong Aino glanced at Connie’s flushed, nervous face and gave a quiet nod.