After reuniting with He Mingfan and He Junsheng at the hotel, the old master of the He family rested for a night, then sent a formal visiting card, planning to visit the old Madam Shang in three days.
When she received the visiting card, the old madam paused in surprise. After thinking for a moment, she called Shang Yushang. “Yushang, the old master of the He family will be coming to visit in three days.”
Shang Yushang frowned slightly. “Grandma, you mean that one?”
“Yes, him.”
Shang Yushang was silent for a moment. “Grandma, something feels off.”
“Oh? What do you mean?”
“He Mingfan and He Junsheng from the He family came to the villa recently, asking to see Changning. I refused.”
The old madam’s sharp mind worked quickly. “It’s possible the old master regrets things and wants to make amends with his grandson. But the timing is too coincidental—it’s hard not to read deeper into it.”
“I feel the same way.”
The old madam chuckled. “No rush. Let’s hear what he has to say first. As for Changning, take extra care. Nothing must affect him. Nothing is more important than him and the children. Remember that.”
Grandma saying that meant this situation was anything but simple. Shang Yushang responded seriously, “Don’t worry, Grandma. I won’t let anyone hurt Changning or the kids.”
After hanging up, Shang Yushang sat in contemplation, piecing together recent events. There had been multiple attempts by people trying to sneak into the villa. Xiao Wu, who was stationed outside, had reported such incidents three times. Coupled with the recent behavior of the He family, Shang Yushang had a bad feeling. These people were likely after Changning—or the child he was carrying. The timing was just too suspicious to be a coincidence.
Once the little one had been coaxed into a nap, Shang Yushang went downstairs.
“Xiao Wu.”
Xiao Wu came in from outside. “Young master.”
“Call in Eldest, Eighth, and Ninth Brother. Bring the Shadow Unit. I don’t want a single mosquito getting into this villa. Also tell Tenth and Eleventh Brother to wrap up their current missions and return to headquarters—new orders await. And bring Da Zhou to see me.”
The young master rarely mobilized the Shadow Unit without a direct order from headquarters. This sudden action meant something serious. “Young master?”
Knowing this honest, upright man had probably guessed something, Shang Yushang said, “Someone wants to harm Changning.”
Xiao Wu’s eyes narrowed slightly. “I’ll go arrange it right away.” He turned and left.
Upstairs, Xiao Liu and Thirteen exchanged looks. Who was dumb enough to try and harm the young master’s treasure? Might as well go fly a kite in a thunderstorm.
The leader of the Shadow Unit arrived silently with Eighth and Ninth Brother. “Young master.”
Shang Yushang glanced at them. “Eldest Brother, the villa’s defense is in your hands. Eighth and Ninth Brother, along with Xiao Liu, Thirteen, and Twenty-Four, will guard Changning around the clock. I don’t want anyone unauthorized coming within half a step of him.”
The men exchanged looks. Eldest Brother spoke first. “Young master, who’s trying to get to Young Master Ning?”
Shang Yushang’s expression turned grim. “The He family.”
Just as he said that, Da Zhou walked in. “Young master, I’m afraid it’s not just the He family.”
Everyone looked at Da Zhou, waiting for him to continue. “There’s a rather mysterious force also paying attention to Young Master Ning. Xiao Wu told me someone tried to sneak into the villa a few days ago. I looked into it—aside from people sent by the He family, there’s another group watching Young Master Ning. Their motive is still under investigation.”
Shang Yushang stayed silent, his high-functioning mind spinning rapidly.
“Young Master, Second and Fourth Brother also sent in some men,” the eldest brother said.
“Eldest Brother, you take charge of those men. Make sure every corner is secured. Also, carefully inspect all food, clothes, and supplies before bringing them in. No one is allowed to bring anything into the villa on their own. Pay special attention to any unfamiliar faces nearby. Da Zhou, notify Tenth and Eleventh Brother to return immediately. You two are in charge of investigating the He family and that mysterious group. I want answers as soon as possible. Also, have someone watch the He family—see who they’re meeting. When there’s a chance, install surveillance in their hotel rooms. I want to know their real purpose for coming.” Shang Yushang’s voice was cold as he issued each order, fury burning inside him. Anyone who dared to target his people was courting death.
In the hotel’s presidential suite, a man stood at the floor-to-ceiling window, watching the rush of cars and pedestrians. The fading sunlight stretched his shadow long and thin, the air around him filled with loneliness and solitude. A’Yin stood silently behind him, barely noticeable.
It was a long while before the man spoke. “Ain, tell me what you know.”
Ain chose his words carefully. “The old master of the He family is still resting in the hotel. He plans to visit Madam Shang in three days. The young master’s home is tightly guarded—our people can’t get in. The men stationed around the villa don’t seem like regular bodyguards. They look more like trained professionals.”
A faint smile appeared on the man’s cold face. “The Shang family truly lives up to its legacy. They’re deep-rooted and well-prepared. Shang Yushang really cherishes Changning. Leaving Changning in his care puts me at ease.” His expression darkened. “The He family is despicable. Trying to go after Changning… I’ll make them regret their decision.”
Ain instinctively took a small step back, not wanting to get caught in the freezing aura his boss was giving off.
Gu Cheng turned and sat on the sofa. “Shang Yushang is a very smart man. We and the He family have already alerted him. The villa’s lockdown is proof enough. It also confirms my suspicion. Pull all our people back. I’ll deal with him myself.”
“Yes, boss.”
“Also, keep an eye on the He family—see what they’re planning next. Shang Yushang will be watching them too, so avoid crossing paths. If necessary, cooperate with his people. Since our goals align, working together might even help build rapport.”
Three days later, in the Shang family’s living room.
Old Master He sipped his tea with a cheerful smile. “You’re still as elegant as ever, little sister-in-law. Unlike me—time hasn’t been kind. I’m getting old.”
Madam Shang replied kindly, “If time shows no mercy to you, how could I be the exception? Our grandchildren are already grown. We elders are only good for tending flowers and growing herbs now.”
Her words sounded casual, but anyone perceptive could hear a deeper meaning beneath the surface.
Old Master He pretended not to notice, still smiling. “True, children have their own fates. But being used to worrying over everything, it’s hard to let go. Especially when it concerns the He family’s legacy—it’s only natural to give it some thought.”
Madam Shang responded, “You really are the worrying type, old brother. Sometimes I feel tired just thinking about it. We’re too old to keep using up our energy like that. Best to let the young ones grow and learn. I see things more openly than you. I let them handle everything—it’s good training.” She sipped her tea. “Old brother, it makes me happy you’ve come all this way to see me. It couldn’t have been easy. Why not stay longer? Let me fulfill my duties as host and treat you properly.”
“Then I’ll trouble you, little sister-in-law.”
“You’re too polite.”
They chatted about old times. Old Master He kept bringing up memories he shared with the late Mr. Shang, clearly trying to lay down some emotional groundwork for what he was about to say.
Then he asked, “Is it just you at home today, little sister-in-law? I haven’t seen the rest of the family.”
With a warm smile, the old madam replied, “I’ve neglected you, old brother—please don’t take offense. The children will be back very soon.”
Just as the words fell, Shang Guozhang walked in, accompanied by Shang Yushang.
After everyone exchanged introductions and pleasantries, they sat down.
Old Master He looked around and saw everyone was present—except He Changning. That didn’t sit well with him. “Sister-in-law, why don’t I see Yushang’s spouse?”
Shang Yushang replied flatly, “Apologies, Old Master He. My spouse isn’t feeling well and is resting at home. It’s not convenient to receive guests.”
Old Master He adopted the demeanor of a kindly elder. “If they’re unwell, then they should certainly rest and recover properly. It’s not too late to meet on another day.” He took a sip of tea. “However, since I’ve come all this way, I believe it’s necessary for us to meet. After all, he’s my grandson.”
Madam Shang still smiled pleasantly but her eyes had turned cold. She thought to herself: so he really did come for Changning. Perhaps it had to do with the child in Changning’s belly.
Shang Yushang was even more direct. “Forgive me, Old Master He, but I don’t understand what you mean. As far as I know, my mother-in-law was an orphan. So how exactly is my spouse your grandson?”
The sharpness of Shang Yushang’s reply wiped the smile off Old Master He’s face. He Mingfan didn’t look any happier. “President Shang, the He family doesn’t go around falsely claiming relatives. Besides, Changning is indeed my sister’s child and shares our blood. That’s an indisputable fact.”
Shang Yushang raised an eyebrow. “Oh? Is that so? Then why is it that my spouse, now twenty years old, has never known of the existence of his maternal family?”
He Mingfan was left speechless.
Although displeased by Shang Yushang’s bluntness, Old Master He wasn’t about to back down from seeing He Changning. “Yushang, there are some things that are beyond the younger generation’s understanding. But Changning is indeed my grandson. As his grandfather, I simply wish to see him—there’s nothing wrong with that. Don’t you agree, sister-in-law?”
Madam Shang smiled. “Of course, there’s nothing wrong with that. But the situation regarding Changning’s mother may be unknown to the child. If you want him to truly acknowledge the existence of his maternal family, you’ll need to provide a proper explanation. I know for a fact that he’s suffered quite a bit in the Yin family all these years. Without a mother to love and protect him, it hasn’t been easy for such a young child to grow up into the person he is today.”
Old Master He’s face flushed with shame. Madam Shang’s words pierced him like needles. “It was our negligence that caused him to suffer. Now I only wish to make it up to him. I hope you’ll give me the chance.”
“You’re too polite, old friend. Let’s not talk about making up for anything—it’s all in the past now. Changning is doing well. With Yushang by his side to love and care for him, their relationship is very strong. Besides, now that the Shang family has formally married him into our household, we’ll never let him suffer. As the head of the family, I can guarantee that Changning will live well in the Shang family, that no one will mistreat him, and he’ll receive the respect and love of everyone here.” Though Madam Shang spoke politely, not once did she acknowledge any blood relationship between He Changning and the He family.
Pushed back by Madam Shang’s gentle yet firm response, Old Master He still wouldn’t give up. “I trust the character of the Shang family completely. But since I’ve traveled so far, I can’t rest easy until I’ve seen him for myself.”
As Old Master He continued to insist on seeing He Changning, Shang Yushang grew more certain that he had ulterior motives. “I’m truly sorry, Old Master He. Changning will not be receiving guests for the time being. If fate allows, you’ll meet someday. There’s no need to rush.”
Old Master He’s face had darkened to the point it looked like water could drip from it. Shang Yushang’s obvious attempts to block him had clearly provoked him. “I’d like to know what you mean by repeatedly preventing Changning from seeing me.”
Madam Shang calmly set down her teacup. “Don’t be angry, old friend. Changning truly isn’t well lately. I hope you can understand that he can’t receive guests at the moment.”
“Apologies, sister-in-law. If I’ve offended you, please forgive me. But Yushang has kept Changning from meeting me again and again—I can’t help but suspect something’s wrong with him. While I didn’t fulfill my duties as a grandfather in the past, I’m here now, and as his grandfather, I have a right to be involved. Please don’t misunderstand me—I only want the child to live a happy life, nothing more.”
Shang Yushang replied, “Old Master He, Changning is my spouse. His happiness is my responsibility. I wasn’t part of his life for the first twenty years, but from now on, it’s enough that I’m here. As for anything else—with all due respect—Changning doesn’t need it.”
He Junsheng suddenly interjected, “You’re not He Changning. What gives you the right to speak for him?”
Shang Yushang looked at him blankly. “I’m his husband. I have the right to make decisions for him.”
He Junsheng was indignant. “And I’m his cousin. That gives me the right too.”
Shang Yushang looked at He Junsheng like he was an idiot. “If he doesn’t have a maternal family, where exactly did this cousin come from?”
He Junsheng flushed red with anger. “Shang Yushang, don’t go too far! No matter what you say, He Changning still bears the He surname. He’s my aunt’s son—that’s an undeniable fact. You can’t erase it just by denying it.”
Shang Yushang scoffed, full of disdain. “So what? You probably don’t even know the full story between my mother-in-law and the He family. Best if you stay out of it.”
He Junsheng was so furious he was practically shaking. “You—! You’re completely unreasonable! How do you know he doesn’t want to see us? Maybe he’d be glad to reconnect with us!”
Shang Yushang sneered. “Mr. He, you’re truly naïve. People as generous and tolerant as you are quite rare nowadays.”
He Junsheng froze for a moment before realizing he’d just been insulted, and steam practically shot out of his ears. Whatever vague restraint he had left evaporated. “Shang Yushang, what makes you so great? Without the Shang family, what are you? Don’t forget—no matter what happens, He Changning will always be a He. He’s part of the He family. At most, you’re just his man. Without you, the He family could find him someone better, someone who would be obedient and respectful to us. Don’t overestimate yourself—in the He family’s eyes, you’re nothing.”
Shang Yushang’s entire body radiated cold fury. “You’ve got some nerve, He Junsheng. You dare scheme about taking my lover? I’d really like to see what you’re capable of, if you think you can take Changning away from me.”
Stared down by Shang Yushang’s cold and penetrating gaze, He Junsheng snapped back to reality and finally realized the wild words that had come out of his mouth. All his bravado crumbled, and he no longer dared meet Shang Yushang’s eyes. “I—I’m not scheming anything. I just meant that he’s still a He.”
“Who told you that just because he has the surname He, he belongs to your family? Listen carefully—Changning belongs to the Shang family now. Keep your dirty thoughts to yourself. If you dare even think about him again, I’ll cripple you.”
Shang Yushang’s voice carried a chill that made everyone’s spine stiffen.
He Junsheng shrank back and didn’t dare say a word. Under Shang Yushang’s murderous stare, he felt like crawling into a hole.
Old Master He had intentionally let He Junsheng challenge Shang Yushang, but he hadn’t expected He Junsheng to be so useless. Not only had he failed to overpower Shang Yushang, he’d been completely shut down and even threatened. Furious and embarrassed, Old Master He glared at He Junsheng. “Yushang, that was going too far. Changning is my daughter’s only child. The He family has a responsibility to care for him.”
“As you said, old sir, the grudges of the previous generation are not for us juniors to worry about. The truth of the past no longer matters. What matters is that Changning is doing well now, and I don’t want anyone disturbing that. The Shang family will protect who we should, and we mean what we say.” He turned to Madam Shang. “Grandmother, please see our guests. I’m going back to take care of Changning.”
Without waiting for a response, he turned and left the old residence without a second glance.
