Right now, the place Yin Hao hated most was the family living room—not just hated, but feared. That space seemed to amplify every ounce of his anxiety, helplessness, and dread. It was a mirror of the chaos in his heart.
Old Madam Yin sat stiff and cold, her expression darker than storm clouds. Not even the steaming hot tea in her hands could bring warmth to her icy fingers.
“Yin Hao,” she said, voice biting, “is this what you use your so-called intelligence for?”
The damage was done. Blame was meaningless now—especially when it was her own son under fire. Cong Min tried to hide her displeasure. “Mom, there’s no point arguing now. Let’s just focus on figuring out a solution.”
Old Madam Yin shot her a glare so sharp it could slice skin. “A solution? And what would that be? The people are gone—how exactly do you plan to solve that?”
“We can’t just do nothing!” Cong Min snapped, trying to suppress her growing panic. If they couldn’t handle this well, it would drag down the entire Yin family.
Ever since discussions about He Changning’s marriage began, Yin Zhiyuan seemed to have aged by a decade. His health was clearly on the decline, and he looked utterly drained.
“That’s enough,” he said, voice low but firm. “Stop bickering. The only thing that matters now is finding Changning. If we can’t produce him before the wedding date… think about what that would mean. Do any of you still feel like wasting time on petty arguments?”
Old Madam Yin’s eyes narrowed to cold slits. “Yin Hao, are you telling me you just fell asleep, and when you woke up, they were gone?”
Yin Hao’s expression twisted in fear. He still didn’t understand how he could’ve fallen asleep at such a critical moment. If someone had drugged him… then killing him would’ve been as easy as turning off a light. The thought sent a chill down his spine.
“I… I don’t know what happened,” he said. “I’d arranged everything with Dao-ge. He was supposed to leave once the job was done and I got what I needed. But somehow, I fell asleep, and when I woke up, they were all gone. No signs. Nothing. It was like they vanished into thin air.”
Old Madam Yin’s sharp eyes shifted slightly. “Then someone must’ve taken He Changning away.”
“But who? If it was Dao-ge, I’d have heard something. We had an agreement. I’ve contacted everyone who knows him—no one’s seen him.”
Yin Jun piped up, “Then it has to be someone else! Otherwise, why would Aunt Qin be missing too?”
Everyone turned to look at him, making Yin Jun fidget nervously. “I-I was just guessing.”
But the old lady’s voice was calm. “Jun might not be wrong.”
Yin Zhiyuan suddenly had a terrible feeling gnawing at his gut. “Could it have been… Young Master Shang?”
The atmosphere in the room froze.
Yin Jun swallowed hard. “No way… right?”
“I’m not ruling it out,” Zhiyuan said grimly. “Think about it—who else has the power and precision to make someone disappear without leaving a trace?”
He wanted to reject the idea, to bury it. But his instincts said otherwise.
“What do we do now?” Cong Min asked, completely shaken. For all her years of living in luxury and control, she now looked like a panicked bird in a burning cage—utterly lost.
“What can we do?” Old Madam Yin snapped. “Find He Changning, fast. That’s all that matters.”
She turned a fierce glare on Yin Hao. “Why are you still sitting there? Go! Find out what the Shang family is up to. And have someone quietly tail their young master. If he did take Changning, he’ll lead us to him.”
Yin Zhiyuan added quickly, “Make sure it’s done discreetly. Don’t get too close. We just need to confirm that Changning is safe.”
Yin Hao took a breath, trying to calm his nerves, then got up to make arrangements.
Cong Min was twisting her fingers anxiously. “If Shang Yushang did take him… doesn’t that mean he knows something? If he finds out what we tried to do—he clearly cares deeply about He Changning—won’t he come after us?”
Old Madam Yin stiffened. “So what if he does? We never admit Yin Hao had anything to do with it. We say that Dao-ge went rogue. That we weren’t vigilant enough. The guy’s vanished, hasn’t he? Probably fled out of guilt. So we just pin everything on him.”
“I agree,” Zhiyuan nodded. “We stick to that story—no exceptions. If the Shang family comes asking, that’s what we say. Yin Jun, this is life or death. Don’t mess it up.”
“Yeah, got it,” Yin Jun muttered, clearly unwilling. He sulked upstairs, thinking, Why do I have to take the fall for this? Hao’s the idiot who messed up, not me.
While Yin Hao was running around in a panic, the Shang residence was in full-blown wedding preparation mode.
After several days of secret tracking and watching from the shadows, they finally confirmed He Changning’s location. But knowing where he was didn’t ease anyone’s mind—in fact, it made things worse.
Cong Min’s eyes were red. “He’s at Shang Yushang’s home. He must know something. He wouldn’t have brought him home otherwise. Once the wedding is over and he has time… he’s definitely coming for us.”
Old Madam Yin rolled her eyes in disgust. “What good are tears now? Didn’t we already agree on a plan? Pin it on Dao-ge. He hasn’t shown up—maybe he ran off. So we blame him. Don’t lose your nerve now.”
The constant pressure, physical and mental, was starting to take a toll on Yin Hao. “There’s nothing else we can do.”
A gloomy storm cloud hung over the entire Yin household. At this point, Yin Zhiyuan could only sigh. It was no longer in their hands. Everything now depended on the Shang family—or more specifically, on how much He Changning meant to Shang Yushang. If they’d misjudged the situation… both the Yin family and their business empire would be destroyed.
—
At last, the preparations were complete. All that was left now was to wait for the wedding the next day.
After dinner, Shang Yushang naturally pulled He Changning into his arms and settled with him on the balcony to sip tea and admire the night view.
He held Changning’s hand in his palm, gently rubbing each slender finger. His hands were like carved jade—elegant and clean, but not feminine. Years of typing had left a light callus on each fingertip, adding a touch of rugged masculinity to their beauty.
“Tomorrow’s the big day,” Shang Yushang said softly. “Are you nervous?”
He Changning looked up at him. “Are you nervous?”
Yushang gave a small smile. “A little.”
“You? Nervous?” Changning raised an eyebrow. “Though, I guess I am too.” He turned away, slightly embarrassed, watching the city lights in the distance. “Besides being nervous, it just feels… surreal. Like I can’t believe I’m really getting married. I mean, I’m only twenty. And to a man, no less. If my mom knew, she’d probably break my legs.” He laughed at himself as he said it.
Shang Yushang tightened his embrace, holding him closer. “She wouldn’t. She’d smile and bless us. Because I’d make her believe—giving her son to me was the best decision she ever made.”
He Changning scoffed. “You’re so full of yourself.”
“Can’t help it,” Yushang said with a grin. “With a wife like mine, confidence is a survival skill.”
Changning elbowed him lightly in the ribs. “Be serious.”
Rubbing his forehead gently against his lover’s cheek, Shang Yushang whispered, “If a husband acts all proper with his own spouse, then the wife should be crying. The less proper he is, the happier the life. Don’t you think? Hmm?”
The tremble in his voice resonated through their skin, flowing like a pulse straight to the heart.
He Changning flushed, eyes glossy with emotion. “Since when did the mighty heir of Shang Group learn to say things so…explicit?”
He teased with a faint smirk. “Weren’t you known as the permanently expressionless iceberg CEO of the business world? If people heard you talking like this, they’d think you’d been swapped for an imposter—or possessed. I mean, they might believe some wild spirit took over their cold, aloof business idol and turned him into a shameless flirt!”
Shang Yushang looked genuinely aggrieved. “I swear I’m not like that.”
“Oh?” He Changning raised a brow. “Then what are you like?”
Leaning in, Shang Yushang kissed his cheek with a smile. “Doesn’t matter what the world says. As long as you know I’m a man who understands affection, decency… and desire.”
One arm wrapped around He Changning’s waist, the other cupped the back of his head. Then came a kiss—deep, slow, and heated, their lips and tongues entwining, conveying emotion no words could express.
As they pulled apart, breathless, Shang Yushang whispered, “Baby, don’t be afraid. Don’t be nervous. I’ve got you.”
—
Before dawn even broke, Aunt Qin came knocking gently on their door, her voice calm and measured.
“Young Master, Changning—time to get up.”
Still tangled in each other’s arms, the two blinked themselves awake, exchanged a soft good morning kiss, and headed to the bathroom hand in hand to freshen up.
Downstairs after breakfast, stylists had already arrived.
They each took a separate room to get dressed and styled. After hair, they put on custom-tailored Italian suits—handmade dress shirts, slightly bold ties with delicate clips, and polished calfskin shoes. Fitted to perfection, the two grooms looked stunning. Dashing and elegant, the epitome of charm and refinement.
In the living room, Shang Yushang’s eyes tracked He Changning with unhidden admiration. He’d always known Changning was outstanding—but today, he’d surpassed even that.
Tall and graceful, with balanced, lithe lines, porcelain skin that practically glowed, long lashes, soft lips, and bright, intelligent eyes… He truly was like a prince from some ancient dream.
Without thinking, Shang Yushang reached for his hand, pulling him closer, their noses brushing together.
“You’re beautiful, Changning,” he said, voice low and magnetic.
He Changning shot him a mock glare. “Stop it. I’m not a girl.”
Shang Yushang smiled, happiness radiating from his face. “I’m out of words. I don’t know how else to describe you. You’ve bewitched me. I can’t resist you—so I won’t. I’ll just surrender myself completely to you.”
Changning blushed. “You better not regret it.”
“I only obey my wife’s orders,” he replied solemnly, kissing those soft lips before whispering, “Come on, let’s go.”
He led Changning out of the living room hand-in-hand, leaving behind a trail of stunned spectators with their jaws practically on the floor.
Xiao Wu muttered silently, Seriously, Young Master? Public display of affection like this? You’re murdering us single folks!
He rolled his eyes and quickly followed. Before stepping out the door, he pulled the dazed Xiao Qi along with him. No way am I letting you slack on today of all days.
—
The wedding was held in the garden of the Shang family’s ancestral home, just as the old madam had wished.
As the car rolled up, Madam Shang led the welcoming party herself. The turnout was grand and a bit overwhelming. When Shang Yushang helped He Changning out of the car, the latter almost froze on the spot, but Yushang’s firm hand holding his own grounded him.
Madam Shang came up smiling warmly, taking his hand in both of hers, gently patting it.
“Child, don’t be nervous. You’re home now.”
Her words were like a warm current running through his heart, washing away the unease.
“Thank you, Madam,” Changning said with a small smile.
She feigned mock anger. “What’s this? Not calling me Grandma just because the ceremony isn’t done yet?”
He Changning’s face flushed deep red. His eyes shimmered. “Please don’t be mad, Grandma.”
She laughed heartily. “Good. From today on, we’re family, you hear me?”
Though her words were directed at He Changning, everyone around clearly heard the message—she was publicly acknowledging his status and place in the Shang family.
Changning felt genuine gratitude toward this dignified and kind woman. Her recognition was the best kind of reassurance. No one would dare belittle him now.
“Thank you, Grandma.”
He gently hugged her, filled with respect, warmth, and affection.
She patted his back. “No, thank you—for giving me another caring, thoughtful grandson.”
Releasing him from her embrace, she lovingly tapped his hand. “Go get some rest. Once the guests have all arrived, we’ll begin the ceremony.”
Shang Yushang brought He Changning straight to their wedding suite. He pressed down gently on his shoulders to sit him on the bed.
“Take a nap—you got up too early.”
“I’m fine,” Changning said. “Besides, the ceremony’s starting soon. I can’t mess up the suit.”
Shang Yushang wrapped an arm around his waist, resting his chin on Changning’s shoulder. His voice dropped to a low hum.
“You’re really looking forward to our wedding that much? Makes me feel incredibly lucky to be your husband.”
Changning poked his forehead. “When did you become such a sweet talker?”
“Hmm, let me think…” he said with mock seriousness. “Oh! I know. It started the day you agreed to marry me. I figured that telling my wife sweet things daily would make for a very harmonious marriage.”
Changning rolled his eyes. “I bet you only learned that nonsense recently.”
Grinning, Yushang nuzzled his cheek. “When you love someone, you say what makes them happy. Nothing strange about that.”
“You keep pretending,” Changning teased. “One of these days, all those women who worship you with pink sparkly eyes will find out that their cool, ruthless Shang heir is actually a sweet-talking flirt. They’ll either faint from shock or chase you down with kitchen knives while yelling, ‘Give us back our cold CEO!’”
Shang Yushang burst into laughter. “Only you, Changning, could make death threats sound like literary gold. That’s why you’re a writing genius.”
The two of them cuddled, trading teasing words and affection, momentarily forgetting about wedding nerves and pressure.
—
By the time Aunt Qin came to summon them, the guests were nearly all present.
In the room, the grooms were fixing each other’s clothes—smoothing out wrinkles, straightening ties, adjusting tie clips. When they looked into each other’s eyes, they saw not just love, but admiration—and smiled in quiet understanding.
“Changning,” Shang Yushang said gently, “From today on, we’re truly married. I promise to love you, to protect you, to spoil you. So give me your heart. Trust me—can you?”
Holding onto his arms, He Changning looked him in the eye and answered earnestly,
“I can. I do.”
Among the guests attending the ceremony, aside from immediate family and the core members of the Shang family, the entire Yin family had also arrived. Several highly respected senior executives of Shang Corporation were present as well, along with long-time family friends and some of Shang Yushang’s close companions. Even Su Yang, who had flown in from across the ocean, was among the honored guests.
As soft, elegant music began to play, everyone’s attention shifted to the grand staircase.
Hand in hand, Shang Yushang guided He Changning down the stairs under the collective gaze of the crowd.
The room fell silent. Everyone held their breath at the sight of this perfect couple—one strikingly handsome and tall, the other gentle and graceful like polished jade. Their sheer beauty made everyone, men and women alike, want to scream.
Bai Mo nudged Su Yang with a finger. “Told you I wasn’t exaggerating.”
Su Yang nodded. “Yeah… He’s definitely got what it takes to drive Yushang crazy. Rare to see someone who can stand beside him without being overshadowed. They’re a good match.”
Madam Shang was positively glowing with pride. Her grandson had always been outstanding—now his partner was just as exceptional. How could she not be overjoyed?
A few of the senior executives from Shang Corporation, who had already met He Changning once, exchanged approving nods.
Zhang Nian chuckled like a cheerful Buddha. “He might be a man, but he and President Shang still make a stunning couple.”
Jiang Fangzheng laughed and agreed, “Yeah, I’ll give them that.”
Wang Shounian, his general’s belly leading the way, chuckled heartily, “Absolutely.”
Only Lin Changqing narrowed his eyes, his expression sharp and disapproving. “Whether they’re a good match or not is one thing—but how long can a marriage without children really last?”
Zhang Nian kept smiling. “Come on, don’t be so old-fashioned. Young people today don’t care about that anymore. Besides, let’s not forget—having kids doesn’t always guarantee a better marriage.”
Wang Shounian grunted, rubbing his belly. “True. Still, the Shang family legacy needs someone with the Shang name to carry it on.”
Jiang Fangzheng waved off the concern. “Why worry so much? President Shang is still young. Who knows what the future holds?”
Lin Changqing snorted. “People who don’t plan ahead end up with trouble knocking on their door.”
Jiang Fangzheng gave a wry smile. “Well, in any case, it’s the Shang family’s business—not ours.”
Lin Changqing scowled. “Let’s not forget—our fortunes are tied to Shang Corporation.”
Jiang Fangzheng still looked unconcerned. “Really, Old Lin? I heard the interest from your private vault alone outperforms the company’s two-month revenue.”
Lin Changqing’s face darkened. “Old Jiang, you’d better watch your mouth with those baseless rumors.”
Zhang Nian quickly raised a hand to stop them. “Alright, enough. We’re here for a wedding, not to argue. Let’s keep it classy.”
While they chatted, the two grooms had already reached the crowd, and the emcee beckoned everyone toward the garden where the ceremony would be held.
Madam Shang and Shang Guozhang took their seats behind the large ceremonial table. With the emcee’s guidance, Shang Yushang led He Changning forward.
The host waxed poetic, nearly spitting with enthusiasm as he praised the newlyweds—offering congratulations and gushing about their beauty and presence. He called Shang Yushang a man of unmatched ability and He Changning an unrivaled beauty. Just as the crowd began to squirm under the over-the-top compliments, the ceremony officially began.
With an uncharacteristically serious tone, the emcee declared, “First, bow to Heaven and Earth.”
Shang Yushang and He Changning held hands and bowed in perfect unison to the heavens.
“Second, bow to the elders.”
They turned and gave a deep, respectful bow to Madam Shang and Shang Guozhang.
“Third, bow to each other.”
Facing one another, the couple bowed sincerely, eyes filled with emotion. As they straightened up, Shang Yushang clasped both of He Changning’s hands and gently pulled him into an embrace. Whispering in his ear so only they could hear, he said:
“Happy wedding day, sweetheart. I love you.”
A blush bloomed across He Changning’s cheeks. He leaned in and murmured back, “Happy wedding day. I love you too.”
Down below, the younger guests erupted into cheers and teasing.
“Kiss! Kiss! Kiss!”
The older guests just chuckled good-naturedly, letting the youngsters have their fun.
Shang Yushang, not the least bit shy, released his lover only to pull him close again, kissing him on the lips. It wasn’t a fiery kiss, but it was full of love—enough to make the crowd scream in delight.
Su Yang stared in disbelief. “This guy’s done a full 180.”
Bai Mo shrugged, lips pursed. “Yeah. I guess even the iciest iceberg melts when it meets the right person.”
He sighed inwardly. Poor guy—when was he going to find his own true love? He glanced at Su Yang, who was looking a little too sparkly-eyed for comfort. God, if only the couple on stage could be swapped out for him and Su Yang… then that would be a happy ending.
—
After the formalities, it was time for everyone to relax and enjoy. The younger crowd toasted the couple with cheer and wine; the elders sipped tea and chatted about the newlyweds, families, and even their own children.
Su Yang raised his glass. “To Yushang and Changning—congratulations on your marriage!”
Shang Yushang and He Changning lifted their glasses in unison. “Thank you.”
Bai Mo joined in the toast, and the four of them drank together.
Shang Yushang gently squeezed He Changning’s hand and leaned in to whisper, “You okay? Feeling alright?”
Changning shook his head. His jade-like complexion was tinged with a soft blush, and his slightly tipsy eyes glistened. His breath carried a faint sweetness of wine.
“I’m fine. Don’t worry.”
Su Yang watched their quiet, affectionate exchange. “You two really are something else. I’m jealous.”
Bai Mo rolled his eyes. “Don’t just envy them—go find someone of your own.”
Su Yang sighed dramatically. “Easier said than done. All the good ones have already been taken. By the time it’s my turn, even the cabbage leaves are gone.”
Bai Mo blinked hard and leaned in. “Who told you that? You just haven’t been paying attention. The good ones are still out there—you just missed ‘em.”
He Changning watched the two banter and suddenly had a thought. He turned to look at Shang Yushang with a questioning glance. Shang Yushang immediately understood and gave a subtle nod.
He Changning smiled knowingly.
