Shang Yuchen didn’t say a word.
He had no right to.
Faced with the accusations and scorn of the board members, he bowed his once-proud head and stayed silent.
Truth be told, this was already the best possible outcome for him.
Shang Guozhang looked at his son, Shang Yushang, with silent gratitude—but the calm, unreadable expression on his son’s face made his heart sink even deeper. That feeling of failure, of regret, twisted tighter around his chest.
He let out a quiet sigh.
That guilt… it would stay with him for the rest of his life.
The stormy, dramatic shareholders’ meeting had finally come to an end.
The aluminum-framed doors of the conference room opened once again, and the shareholders trailed out behind Shang Yushang. Each of them carried a heavy silence, their faces marked by fatigue and troubled thoughts.
Shang Yushang, however, had no time for their melancholic musings.
He called Da Zhou in and began issuing a series of rapid-fire instructions to his assistant. Within hours, the entire Shangshi Group had kicked into overdrive. The staff—all of them—snapped into high-alert mode, working like their lives depended on it. The once-bleak atmosphere that had hung over the company like a storm cloud was soon swept away by the whirlwind of tension and urgency.
Shareholders got back to their respective posts, scrambling to execute the CEO’s directives. The workplace had returned to its usual high-stakes, high-efficiency state—the kind where driven professionals worked like machines, chasing after bonuses and titles and fully-loaded bank accounts.
Once the battlefield had been set in motion and every task was accounted for, the mighty CEO… casually drove himself home.
Straight into his lover’s arms.
Shang Yushang, who had never been known to hold back, had no shame in indulging in a little midday passion.
As for He Changning, at this point, he really didn’t know what to say anymore.
He didn’t even have the strength to roll his eyes.
It happened that same afternoon, right after the shareholder meeting.
Changning had just finished lunch and was back at his computer, dutifully typing away—playing the role of the dedicated writer he was.
That was when Shang Yushang came home.
Aunt Qin came upstairs to call him.
When Changning came down, he found Shang Yushang sitting at the dining table, mid-meal.
“You’re back?” he asked, surprised. He glanced at the clock. “It’s already past one—why are you only just eating?”
Shang Yushang reached out and pulled him into the seat next to him. “Just wrapped everything up.”
Changning ladled him some soup, blowing gently on the spoon before bringing it to his lips. “Slow down. Drink some soup first.”
Shang Yushang opened his mouth obediently, swallowing it down.
“Another,” he said.
Changning repeated the process.
And so, one feeding the other, they finished the meal in no time at all.
Later, upstairs on the balcony, Shang Yushang lay beside Changning, sipping tea as he digested, recounting everything that had happened at the company.
The more Changning listened, the deeper his frown grew.
When Yushang explained how he had dealt with Shang Yuchen, Changning finally spoke.
“It’d be best if he took some time to reflect… but his mother’s going to be a problem.”
Shang Yushang tightened his grip slightly.
“That’s something Father will have to handle.”
Changning thought for a moment.
“It might even reach Grandma.”
Shang Yushang didn’t seem concerned.
“If she dares, let her come.”
Changning reached out and poked his forehead.
“You… I really don’t know what to do with you.”
Shang Yushang caught his hand, kissing the back of it.
Gone was the cold, ruthless CEO who could destroy lives with a flick of his wrist. In his place was a man full of warmth, brimming with affection for the person beside him.
“I know what you’re going to say.”
He rolled on top of Changning, raining kisses across his brow, cheeks, down to his neck—then tugged open his collar to reach the delicate dip of his collarbone.
He kissed and nipped, dragging his lips across the warm skin.
Desire lit in an instant.
But skin-on-skin wasn’t enough—not for the hunger that had built up inside him.
His hands moved down to trace the silky surface he’d missed so much.
He wanted more.
Clothes fell to the floor from the balcony chaise lounge, scattered all the way to the bedroom.
The air filled with the sounds of bodies entwining, colliding, moaning—intimate, breathless.
The scent of sweat and passion lingered thick in the room, sweet and wicked, like something forbidden.
The curtain swayed gently in the evening breeze, and the entire room danced with shadow and firelight—until the break of dawn.
Afterward, Shang Yushang held Changning’s freshly cleaned body in his arms, his gaze filled with quiet adoration.
He had indulged for nearly seven or eight hours, relentless in his longing—craving his lover over and over.
Days of pent-up yearning had poured out in waves of intense physical connection.
This person… he could never let go.
He was going to keep him at his side—forever.
He had never thought he could fall in love with someone.
Much less love someone this deeply.
For more than twenty years, his heart had been barren—until He Changning had filled it, nourished it, brought it to life.
He had once thought he would walk this life alone.
Because of his parents, he had long given up on marriage, never mind love.
In his eyes, even the deepest affection couldn’t withstand the temptations of money or beauty.
Betrayal was just a matter of cost.
His mother’s once-radiant smile—so full of love for her husband and child—was now only a faint blur in his memory.
Those days felt like a lifetime ago, distant and unreachable.
Back then, he had been too young to understand.
Too young to know what it meant for his mother to let go of his hand and walk away from it all.
He vaguely remembered her saying she never wanted to see anyone from the Shang family again.
But he was a Shang too.
Had she meant him as well?
Whatever the answer, he never saw her again.
It had been more than twenty years.
Was she doing well now?
Where was she living?
Was she happy?
Did she ever… think of him?
He closed his eyes tightly and forced the emotions down.
He was too old to yearn for a mother’s protection.
He tightened his embrace until there wasn’t a sliver of space between them, letting the warmth of Changning’s body seep into his own.
That was enough.
He wasn’t alone.
The person lying in his arms… was his husband.
He Changning woke up because of hunger.
His body was utterly spent, but his stomach had started a full-blown revolt—forcing him out of his blissful sleep with a vengeance.
If it didn’t get what it wanted soon, it would riot.
His eyes fluttered open in a daze.
Then, gently, he was lifted up, and a cup of warm water was brought to his lips.
“Baby,” came the soft voice, “drink a little water. Then we’ll eat something.”
The warmth slid down his throat, soothing the dry burn in his mouth and esophagus.
The empty ache in his belly eased just a little.
With some strength returned, He Changning shot a long, accusing glare at Shang Yushang—wordless, but crystal clear:
You’re a brute. And completely inconsiderate.
Shang Yushang, for once, felt a little guilty. He rubbed his nose awkwardly.
“Ahem… Changning, I was wrong. I’ll be more careful from now on. Be good, drink some porridge first, yeah?”
“You jerk,” He Changning muttered, grumbling as he scolded him.
“I am a jerk,” Shang Yushang admitted shamelessly, “so eat something first—then you’ll have the strength to keep yelling at me.”
He sealed the apology with a kiss to those soft lips, his attitude completely earnest.
A real man knows when to yield—especially if it means securing future benefits.
For the sake of his marital happiness, he’d let his wife scold and hit him all she wanted without ever talking back.
Fully embracing his role as an obedient husband, Shang Yushang helped Changning lean against his chest. With one hand holding the bowl of porridge, he fed him spoon by spoon, occasionally offering a bite of light side dishes.
After the meal, he even coaxed him into drinking a warm cup of milk with honey.
Now full and content, He Changning leaned lazily against him, enjoying the massage from those strong hands.
His sore waist finally felt better, the cool medicinal ointment easing the ache between his legs.
Eyes drooping from drowsiness, he yawned. “I’m sleepy.”
“Okay. Sleep. I’ll hold you.”
“Your arm’s going to go numb. I’ll just lie down.”
“It’s fine. I’ve been so busy lately, I haven’t had time to hold you properly. I’ve missed you. Let me hold you for a while, please?”
Changning smiled softly. “Whatever makes you happy.”
He shifted slightly, found a comfortable spot in his arms, and drifted off to sleep.
Shang Yushang watched him quietly for a long time before finally turning his gaze away.
One hand gently rubbed Changning’s shoulder, while the other balanced his laptop as he handled company affairs—pausing now and then to check whether the little one in his arms was resting comfortably.
Near noon, He Changning finally woke up.
His eyes blinked open groggily, his cheek nuzzling against the warmth of Shang Yushang’s chest.
“Mmm… What time is it?” he mumbled.
Shang Yushang kissed the top of his head. “It’s noon. Want to have lunch up here or go downstairs?”
“I slept that long?” Changning struggled upright. “Let’s go downstairs. I didn’t even join Grandma for breakfast.”
He glanced back and saw Shang Yushang rubbing his numb arm. He reached out and gave it a squeeze.
“Your arm’s asleep, isn’t it?”
Shang Yushang sat up and wrapped his arms around Changning’s waist, pressing a kiss to his cheek.
“It’s nothing. If you spent the rest of your life lying in my arms like this, I’d be thrilled.”
Changning’s cheeks flushed. “You’re so over-the-top sometimes.”
“You’ll have to get used to everything I bring with me—including me. We’re going to spend the rest of our lives together.”
Soft lips touched his again.
Bare skin pressed close.
He was pinned beneath Shang Yushang, breath mingling, familiar and intimate.
Their kiss deepened, slick and heated, obscene with the wet sounds of their mouths.
Shang Yushang’s large hand traced down his smooth, firm body, slipping into the dark curls to cup his still-soft length, giving it a teasing squeeze.
Changning shivered and pulled away slightly, panting, “Don’t start. We still need to have lunch with Grandma.”
Shang Yushang pressed a firm kiss to his lips and chuckled, eyes gleaming with mischief.
“Fine. I’ll behave—for now.”
Once their morning affection had run its course, the couple got dressed and headed downstairs.
In the living room, someone was chatting warmly with the old matriarch.
A crisp, charming female voice rang out.
“Grandma, you haven’t changed a bit all these years! I really need to ask you your secret to staying so young. You have to share it with me!”
Old Madam Shang laughed heartily. “You’re still as sweet-tongued as ever. I don’t have any secret tricks. Just don’t stress too much—that’s the real key to longevity.”
“Oh please,” the woman said with a playful pout, “without your guidance, we wouldn’t have amounted to anything!”
The old lady waved her off.
“Children grow up. Once their wings are strong enough, they should find their own sky to soar in. Me? I’m just happy seeing them live well.”
“You’re truly the most wise and open-minded grandmother ever. If you were my grandma, I’d probably smile in my sleep every night.”
“You silly girl. Come on, have some tea.”
“Thank you, Grandma.”
Lin Jingxian picked up her cup and took a sip.
The crisp, clean aroma of the tea spread in her mouth—its lingering flavor rich and long-lasting.
“This is wonderful.”
Old Madam Shang sipped her tea with a content smile.
“Mmm. This was a gift from one of Changning’s friends who brought it back from Wuyi Mountain. I’ve really come to love the taste.”
As if on cue, Shang Yushang walked in with Changning on his arm and said,
“If Grandma likes it, I’ll make sure to bring back more next time.”
At the sound of his voice, both the old lady and Lin Jingxian turned toward the couple.
Old Madam Shang beamed and waved them over.
“Come, sit with me and have some tea.”
They sat on the double-seater.
Changning spoke up naturally,
“Grandma, lunch is almost ready. Don’t drink too much tea—it’s not good for your stomach.”
The old lady chuckled. “Alright, alright. This will be my last cup. I’ll have more after lunch.”
Lin Jingxian looked at the old woman in disbelief.
Everyone in the Shang family knew—you didn’t talk back to Old Madam Shang.
Her reputation for authority and shrewdness was infamous among politicians and tycoons alike.
People would think three times before daring to speak in front of her, let alone correct her.
Yet this young man had casually offered a near order—and the old lady had not only obeyed, but smiled while doing it.
She couldn’t believe it.
Back then, if it hadn’t been for the old lady’s difficult personality, the Shang family’s intimidating status, and her own lack of confidence in handling Shang Yushang, Lin Jingxian would never have walked away.
As if sensing her thoughts, the old matriarch spoke lightly, with unmistakable affection in her tone.
“My little grandson-in-law is perfect in every way—except he nags like a little old man.
This isn’t good, that’s not allowed, always going on and on… Honestly, I’m tempted to run away from home just to get some peace.”
Changning couldn’t help but laugh and called out helplessly,
“Grandma…”
The old lady teased, “See that? I’m not even allowed to finish a sentence anymore. I’m really losing my status in this house. Sigh!”
He Changning chuckled softly, eyes half-lidded with mirth.
“Grandma, are you complaining because you didn’t get any candy today?”
Old Madam Shang feigned a scowl.
“You little brat—who you hang out with is who you become. You think I’m a toddler who can be bribed with sweets?”
He Changning’s expression turned playful.
“What do you think, Grandma?”
The old lady lightly poked his forehead.
“You rascal, daring to make fun of your grandma—got a death wish, huh? Want me to stock you up on even more health tonics?”
He Changning’s mouth twitched.
“Grandma, I was wrong. Please spare me.”
Just hearing the word “tonic” made him break out in a cold sweat. That stuff she gave him before… he still hadn’t recovered.
Having won that little round, the old matriarch cheerfully turned to the rest of the room to introduce their guest.
“Changning, this is Miss Lin Jingxian—her father is the elder brother of our former board member Lin Changqing.”
It was a subtle yet deliberate introduction.
She acknowledged Lin Jingxian’s identity: to the Shang family, she was merely “Miss Lin”—a polite, distant acquaintance.
At the same time, she pointed out her blood ties to Lin Changqing, which, given the preamble, became awkward and strategically minimized.
Even if Miss Lin had hoped to speak on her uncle’s behalf, the clear message was: you’re not close enough to have a say.
Then she introduced Changning.
“This is Yushang’s partner, the Shang family’s grandson-in-law—He Changning.”
One had to admire the old woman’s deft command of language.
She didn’t just present He Changning’s name—she established his deep ties to both Shang Yushang and the family at large.
Any comment Lin Jingxian had planned to make would now have to pass through three layers of internal political filter before being spoken aloud.
Changning nodded graciously. “Hello, Miss Lin.”
Lin Jingxian smiled stiffly.
“Hello, Mr. He.”
But the disdain and loathing in her eyes were poorly concealed.
Changning noticed. He didn’t mind the contempt—he could shrug that off easily.
But there was something else in her gaze: hostility.
Where did that come from?
He was sure they’d never crossed paths before.
So this… this must be about Shang Yushang.
The moment he realized it, he pinched Yushang’s side under the table—hard.
Shang Yushang stiffened for a second, then quickly composed himself. He turned to Changning with an aggrieved expression.
“Changning, I swear, this has nothing to do with me.”
If Changning saw it, how could he not?
That woman was clearly trying to stir up trouble and make him look bad. It was infuriating.
Shang Yushang’s seemingly random outburst didn’t go unnoticed.
The old matriarch glanced between her grandson and grandson-in-law, eyes twinkling as the picture became clear.
She let out a hearty laugh.
“Well, well… Yushang, looks like you’re finally getting a taste of your own medicine.”
Her eyes sparkled with mischief—she was clearly enjoying the show.
“Grandma, are you really just going to sit there and laugh at me?” Shang Yushang looked at her with a dramatic, wounded expression.
That look said, I’m your own flesh and blood—how could you do me like this?
Meanwhile, Lin Jingxian sat there completely confused.
She didn’t follow any of that cryptic back-and-forth.
Clearing her throat awkwardly, she tried to reassert herself.
“Grandma, what did Yushang just say? I didn’t quite catch it…”
But by then, Shang Yushang had already switched back to his usual frosty, unreadable business face.
His voice was cold and clipped.
“Nothing.”
