Shang Yushang didn’t even bother saying goodbye—he just held He Changning’s hand and went straight upstairs.
“Changning, can I take a look at your room?” He was trying to distract him, hoping to ease the sting of what just happened.
Of course, He Changning understood the man’s intentions. This man was always so thoughtful. He smiled slightly.
“If you don’t mind the mess, be my guest.” He gestured with a slight wave of his hand.
He led him inside and gave him a brief tour.
“So? What do you think?”
Shang Yushang genuinely liked the décor—the soft, understated tones made the room feel serene and cozy.
“It’s very warm… I think staying in a room like this would be really comforting.”
They walked out onto the balcony, and Shang Yushang tugged him down into a lounge chair.
“This is my favorite spot. I like reading here in the sun.”
“Mmm, I can see that. You really know how to enjoy life.”
He Changning chuckled.
“Just some small pleasures.”
Shang Yushang reached out and pulled him closer, resting against the balcony railing. Bit by bit, he wrapped his arms around him. When he felt no resistance, he held him tighter.
“Changning, what happened yesterday… it’s over. What matters is today and tomorrow. Don’t let the past drag you down. You have me now.”
He Changning looked up at him with bright, deep eyes. This man had barged into his life like a force of nature, overbearing and relentless, never giving him a chance to say no. But there was no denying it—he was sincere, gentle, indulgent, always watching over him carefully, afraid he might be hurt. He stood up for him without hesitation, defended him without reason.
He saw all of it. And it touched him.
In his heart, he said to himself once again: Fine… let’s give this a chance. Let’s try to accept him, accept his feelings. Having someone like this by your side through the days and nights ahead… maybe it’s not so bad. Even if one day I realize I made the wrong choice—at least right now, I know his feelings are real. That’s enough.
He leaned his face gently against Shang Yushang’s chest, listening to the steady, strong rhythm of his heartbeat. The sound grounded him, gave him peace.
“…Mm.”
The warm sunlight poured over their two tightly embraced figures, casting a golden glow around them. It was a quiet, beautiful moment.
After a long while, He Changning’s cheeks were tinged with a faint blush. He gave Shang Yushang a small push. The man loosened his hold slightly.
“Go do what you need to do.”
“Mm, I’ve got some company matters to deal with over the next few days. After that, I’ll focus fully on our wedding. When it’s time, I’ll come pick you up.”
“Okay. I’ve got some work to finish up too—need a few more days.”
“Don’t overwork yourself. Weddings are exhausting enough.”
“I know.” He stepped out of the embrace.
“Let’s go, I’ll walk you out.”
Shang Yushang frowned slightly.
“If you’re not happy living here at the Yin house, move to the Jingyuan apartment for now. After the wedding, we’ll live at the old estate.”
His concern warmed He Changning’s heart.
“It’s fine. I want to finish things up here.”
Knowing he had his own reasons, Shang Yushang didn’t press. But he still reminded him,
“Be careful. If anything comes up, contact me right away. I’ll have people nearby—just call out if you need help.”
He Changning couldn’t help but laugh at how cautious he was acting.
“There’s really nothing. Even if something happens, I can handle it.”
“Be good, alright? Don’t make me worry. Got it?”
He Changning rubbed his nose—Since when did this guy turn into a nagging mom? But seeing the worry in his eyes, he couldn’t bring himself to brush it off.
“Alright.”
Shang Yushang leaned in and pressed a soft kiss to his forehead, took his hand, and said,
“Let’s go.”
After seeing Shang Yushang off, He Changning went straight back upstairs, opened his laptop, and got back to work. With the wedding coming up, he needed to stockpile as many drafts as possible—if his editor turned into a vengeful ghost over missed deadlines, he wouldn’t be able to explain himself even in the afterlife.
He flexed his hands, stretched his shoulders, then began typing at lightning speed.
Meanwhile, back in the living room, the Yin family sat in awkward silence, exchanging glances. Not a word between them. The look Shang Yushang gave them on his way out still lingered in the air like a noose around their necks.
Cong Min’s face was still pale as a ghost.
“Son, what… what did President Shang mean with that look he gave us?”
Yin Hao rubbed his temples irritably, voice sharp.
“How should I know?”
She didn’t even care about her son’s tone.
“If… if President Shang knows about the fake numbers in the report—won’t this be bad for Yin Corp?”
Yin Zhinen, the only one left with some business sense after years of experience, kept his voice low and steady.
“Judging from the situation… he knows.”
Cong Min’s eyes bulged.
“Then what do we do?! If he pulls the investment, we’re finished!”
“If he knows and still hasn’t said anything… that means he’s holding back for Changning’s sake. That’s the only reason he hasn’t come down on us.”
Anyone with a brain could see Shang Yushang’s feelings for He Changning weren’t ordinary.
And just like that, Yin Hao felt a storm of emotions churning inside him. On one hand, he was relieved—because of He Changning, Yin Corp had dodged a bullet. On the other hand, he was filled with bitter jealousy and hate.
Why does that useless punk get to save the family? He had always believed that he was the one indispensable to the Yin name. But when crisis came, he was powerless. That realization cracked his overinflated ego into pieces.
Twisted by jealousy and frustration, he blamed everything on He Changning. If that bastard hadn’t existed, none of this would’ve happened!
Old Madam Yin looked just as grim. She’d tried to pull a fast one and ended up losing the game and a million in cash. Her pride was in shreds, and her heart ached like it was bleeding money.
She had spent her whole life bossing people around—sons, daughters-in-law, even He Minglan had to bend to her will. But today, not only had she been put in her place by He Changning, she had to swallow the humiliation and say nothing. She was so furious she nearly had a stroke—but still had to keep it all bottled up.
As much as she hated it, Old Madam Yin had no choice but to speak up.
“Everyone listen up. From this moment until He Changning gets married, no one—I repeat, no one—is to cause him any trouble. Treat him well. Feed him good food. Keep him comfortable. The day he steps out of this house to get married is the day we cut all ties with him—completely and permanently. Am I clear?”
Her sharp eyes swept over each person in the room.
“We are not going to let someone’s petty temper bring unnecessary trouble to the Yin family.”
He Changning, for his part, was focused solely on work. Whatever the Yin family was plotting or thinking wasn’t something he had the energy or interest to care about—for now, he just wanted to finish his projects. The wedding would soon demand all his attention.
After lunch, as usual, He Changning sat on the balcony with a glass of milk in hand, lounging on the recliner, eyes closed, giving his mind a short break.
When he opened them again, he was met with the silent presence of a tall, imposing young man standing right in front of him. He blinked, surprised for a moment, then curved his lips slightly.
“You’re one of Shang Yushang’s people?” Though phrased as a question, his tone left no doubt—he already knew the answer.
Xiao Wu gave him an internal nod of approval. Smart. Calm. Good instincts.
Expressionless, he responded, “Yes, Young Master Ning. The Young Master sent me to protect you. You can call me Xiao Wu.”
“Thanks for your trouble.” He felt a bit awkward being addressed as “Young Master Ning,” but… he couldn’t deny it was kind of nice too.
“We’ll be nearby. If anything happens, just give a signal.”
“There are others?”
“Yes, sir. Besides me, there’s Xiao Qi and Twelve.” He gave a low whistle, and two more youthful faces quickly appeared from a distance.
“These are the only three of us assigned to your surroundings. No one else will be near you.”
He Changning couldn’t help but feel impressed by Shang Yushang’s thoroughness. The man was meticulous, always two steps ahead. His plans were always calculated and yet somehow completely natural.
A man like that, smart, powerful, and resourceful… once he decides he wants you—what choice do you really have but to surrender?
“Got it. I’ll remember your faces. No need to push yourselves too hard if there’s nothing urgent.”
“Thank you for your concern, Young Master Ning. We’ll stay within bounds. You don’t need to feel uncomfortable—we’re only here to ensure your safety.”
The message was clear: We won’t interfere in your life. Just pretend we’re not here.
He Changning smiled faintly.
“Understood. You may go. Just… maybe try showing up a little more human next time?”
Xiao Wu looked a little embarrassed.
“Yes, sir.” And then disappeared in a manner so strange and sudden that it was difficult to describe, let alone accept.
He Changning rubbed his nose with a laugh.
“Yep… the kind of men you raise says a lot about the kind of man you are.”
