A reborn mother longs for her daughter's happiness.

Chapter 148 Li Shiqing's Identity

That morning, the heated argument between Li Shiqing and her biological father, Wang Qiang, was like a pebble thrown into a calm lake, creating ripples in her otherwise peaceful life. When she returned to the office area with Zhang Chen, she was still not fully recovered from the emotional turmoil.

In the office area, colleagues gathered in small groups, their voices rising and falling in discussions. Li Shiqing keenly noticed that the gazes directed at her held a newfound curiosity and inquisitiveness. She hadn't walked far when she heard Sister Zhang and her colleagues from the sales and marketing departments discussing something in hushed tones, yet with barely concealed excitement.

"Do you guys think Li Shiqing is our Chairman Li Yuan's daughter? I heard this morning that someone saw her arguing with a man near the company. That man looked unusual; maybe he has some connection with the Chairman," said Xiao Zhao from the sales department, his face full of gossip.

Xiao Li from the marketing department chimed in, "I also find it strange. Li Shiqing's work performance is indeed quite good, but she's been involved in some projects too smoothly. Could there really be such a connection?"

Sister Zhang frowned and scolded in a low voice, "Don't talk nonsense. Be careful that things you don't prove don't reach the chairman's ears."

However, everyone's curiosity had already been ignited, and the discussion grew increasingly heated.

Li Shiqing took a deep breath. She knew she couldn't let these speculations spread any further. She strode into the middle of the crowd, her voice clear and firm: "That's right, I am Chairman Li Yuan's daughter."

In an instant, the entire office area seemed to be paused; everyone was stunned. They looked at each other, their eyes filled with surprise and disbelief. Sister Zhang opened her mouth, as if wanting to say something, but then fell silent.

“The person I argued with this morning is my biological father. However, he left my mother and me when I was very young. Over the years, my mother has raised me single-handedly, giving me love and teaching me how to grow. I entered the company based on my own efforts and abilities, and I have always hoped to gain a foothold on this platform through my own skills, rather than relying on my mother's fame.” Li Shiqing’s gaze swept over her colleagues, her eyes revealing a hint of stubbornness and composure.

Zhang Chen stood to the side, casting an encouraging glance at her. She patted Li Shiqing on the shoulder and whispered, "Shiqing, you did the right thing."

After a long silence, Sister Zhang broke the silence first: "Li Shiqing, so that's how it is. We really shouldn't have made wild guesses before. I hope you don't take it to heart."

Other colleagues echoed her sentiments and expressed their apologies. Li Shiqing nodded slightly and forced a smile: "It's alright, everyone was just curious. I only hope that in the future, everyone can see me the same as before, and that I will still be the hardworking Li Shiqing."

After speaking, Li Shiqing turned and walked towards her workstation amidst the complex gazes of the crowd. She spent the day under the constant scrutiny of her colleagues; although she appeared focused on her work, her heart remained restless.

Finally, the workday bell rang. Li Shiqing dragged her slightly tired body home. As soon as she entered, she saw her mother, Li Yuan, sitting on the sofa in the living room, flipping through a magazine. Hearing the door open, Li Yuan looked up, a gentle smile on her face: "Shiqing, you're back. How was work today?"

Li Shiqing didn't answer immediately. Instead, she sat down next to her mother and remained silent for a moment. Li Yuan noticed her daughter's unusual behavior, put down her magazine, and asked with concern, "What's wrong, Shiqing? Did something happen?"

Li Shiqing took a deep breath and slowly recounted everything that had happened that day to her mother, from meeting Wang Qiang in the morning, to arguing with him, to hearing her colleagues' discussions after returning to the company, and the fact that she had revealed her identity.

Li Yuan listened quietly, a complex emotion flashing in her eyes. There was heartache for her daughter's ordeal, and also a sense of感慨 (gǎnkǎi, a complex feeling of mixed emotions, often including regret or nostalgia) about the past. She gently held Li Shiqing's hand and said, "Shiqing, you were very brave. Mom knows that all these years you have tried so hard to rely on yourself and didn't want to be treated specially because of my identity. It was my oversight that made you suffer so much."

“Mom, it’s not your fault. Actually, I also struggled with whether or not to reveal my identity. But given today’s situation, I feel I can’t hide it anymore. I don’t want those unfounded speculations to affect my work and life,” Li Shiqing said softly, leaning on her mother’s shoulder.

Li Yuan gently stroked Li Shiqing's hair, "Silly child, I'm so glad you think this way. Actually, from the moment you decided to join the company, I knew you had your own ideas and pursuits. I've always been proud of you, and I'll support you no matter what decision you make."

“Mom, I also had a long talk with Wang Qiang today. All the grievances that have been building up inside me over the years finally came out. I told him that I have a new family now, a loving father, you, and my younger brother and sister. My life is very happy.” Li Shiqing’s voice trembled slightly.

Li Yuan's eyes reddened slightly. "Shi Qing, I'm really happy that you can let go of the pain of the past and bravely face the future. Although you and Wang Qiang are related by blood, it is our family that truly gives you love and warmth. Liu Xuan has always treated you like his own daughter, and Yi Xin and Qi Cheng are also very dependent on you as their older sister."

“I know, Mom. I cherish my family very much. After revealing my identity at the company today, I actually feel much more at ease. From now on, I can face my colleagues more openly and focus more on my work.” Li Shiqing sat up straight, her eyes showing determination.

Li Yuan smiled and nodded: "That's good. However, Mom still wants to remind you that after revealing your identity, you may face some new challenges. Some colleagues may look at you differently because of your identity, so you should be mentally prepared."

“I understand, Mom. I will prove my abilities with my actions and show everyone that I work here not just because I am your daughter.” Li Shiqing clenched her fist, her eyes filled with fighting spirit.

The mother and daughter chatted for a long time, from funny stories of Li Shiqing's childhood to future plans. Li Shiqing felt her mother's love and support, and the gloom in her heart gradually dissipated.

Just then, Liu Xuan returned home from get off work. Seeing the mother and daughter chatting on the sofa, he walked over with a smile: "What are you two talking about? You seem so happy."

Li Yuan said with a smile, "We were talking about what Shi Qing did at the company today. She revealed today that she is my daughter."

Liu Xuan was slightly taken aback, then smiled with relief: "Shi Qing, you did the right thing. Dad supports you. No matter what difficulties you encounter, face them bravely."

"Thank you, Dad. I will." Li Shiqing looked at Liu Xuan, a warm feeling welling up in her heart. This man, who was not her biological father but was more than a father to her, had always given her endless love and encouragement.

Just then, Liu Yixin and Liu Qicheng ran out of the room. Liu Yixin asked curiously, "Sister, what are you talking about? What do you mean by revealing your identities?"

Li Shiqing smiled and briefly told her younger siblings what had happened. Liu Yixin blinked her big eyes, took Li Shiqing's hand, and said, "Sister, no matter if you are the chairman's daughter or not, you are my favorite sister."

Liu Qicheng nodded vigorously beside him: "Yes, my sister is the best."

Looking at her younger siblings' innocent and carefree faces, Li Shiqing was filled with emotion. This warm home was her eternal safe haven.

In the days that followed, just as Li Yuan had predicted, Li Shiqing did indeed face some new situations at the company. Some colleagues became more respectful towards her, even deliberately trying to curry favor; while others doubted her abilities, believing that her achievements were all due to her mother's connections.

Faced with these challenges, Li Shiqing did not back down in the slightest. She worked even harder than before, proactively taking on more project tasks and proving her abilities through her actions. In one important project planning, Li Shiqing, with her outstanding creativity and solid professional skills, proposed a perfect solution, winning the company an important client.

When the news spread throughout the company, even her former doubters had to look at her with new respect. Sister Zhang gave her a thumbs up: "Li Shiqing, you're truly amazing. We underestimated you before; you've proven yourself with your abilities."

Li Shiqing smiled and said, "Thank you for your recognition, Sister Zhang. I have always hoped to earn everyone's respect through my own efforts, and I will continue to work hard in the future."

As time went on, Li Shiqing's colleagues gradually accepted her dual identity. They saw her not only as the chairman's daughter, but also as a hardworking, capable, and outstanding employee.

Li Shiqing also underwent a personal transformation during this process. She no longer felt troubled by her identity, but instead saw it as motivation, moving more firmly towards her goals. On this challenging yet opportunity-filled professional stage, she shone with her own unique brilliance, which also strengthened her bond with her family. Because she knew that no matter what happened, her family would always be her strongest support, and she would use her own efforts to protect this warm home.