After speaking of the past, Gu Cheng felt much lighter. All these years, knowing he had a son in this world, he neither dared nor wanted to disturb him. Call him cowardly or irresponsible if you will—he had only watched the boy from afar, seeing him grow day by day into a tall, handsome young man, watching him become a celebrated web novelist. He would read every word of his work with care, as if savoring life together with him. Only like this did he feel close.
Sometimes, Gu Cheng would hold He Changning’s photo and look at it for an entire day—seeing the features of his mother in his brows, and his own reflection in his gaze. These conflicted emotions had accompanied him for two decades. After that incident, his wife left him. He still remembered what she said before leaving: the Gu family was a place devoid of affection or love, and she refused to spend the rest of her life there. She left without a backward glance. Perhaps that was why he never wanted to bring his son back to this cold, dirty family. He’d rather let his son endure the highs and lows of human kindness than see him become a puppet dancing in a gilded cage.
Now, after revealing such an ugly truth to his son, Gu Cheng was racked with guilt and sadness. An unnamed sorrow hung over him constantly.
The betrayal of kin, his wife’s departure, the guilt toward Changning’s mother, the irresponsibility and unfulfilled love toward Changning—all of it wrapped around him like an ever-present shadow. Even though the Gu family was now firmly under his control, even with all his power and wealth, he felt nothing but emptiness and loneliness inside.
He wanted to see his son. He wanted to hear him say “Dad.” He wanted to be a part of his life—even if it was just silently watching from the sidelines. But he never dared take that step. He didn’t have the courage to tell his son how he came into this world, nor to expose the ugly truth of the Gu family and tell him that it was his original surname. He feared the contempt in his son’s eyes, feared the disgust in his heart, feared his son would be ashamed of being a Gu. So he chose loneliness and torment over reunion.
Gu Cheng was drowning in painful memories, unable to pull himself out. Shang Yushang had no time to bother with his emotions. He was still turning over the information Gu Cheng had revealed. It was obvious now that the He family was after Changning and the child in his belly. If they found out it was twins, with the old man’s stubborn and obsessive nature, he would stop at nothing to take them away. Shang Yushang would never allow that.
Blocking them from meeting Changning wasn’t a long-term solution. Since they wanted to see him—let them. Since they wanted to know—let them. Breaking things apart was the only way to rebuild. Once he fully understood their intentions, uprooting the He family would be an easy matter.
Shang Yushang’s voice cut through Gu Cheng’s painful daze. “Mr. Gu, Changning is indeed pregnant—he’s carrying twins, and he’s nearly eight months along. I’m telling you this not because I trust you, but because I’m not afraid. But you’d best remember your own words. If you dare lay a hand on Changning or the children, I won’t spare you—even if you’re his biological father. This concerns Changning and my children. I won’t allow even the slightest mistake. Understood? Also, show proof that you’re Changning’s biological father. Otherwise, you won’t have any chance to get close to him.”
Gu Cheng smiled faintly, the sharp glint in his seasoned eyes revealing both scrutiny and uncertainty. “Are you sure you can protect all three of them?”
Shang Yushang’s expression didn’t change, but the confidence and power in his bearing were undeniable. “They’re mine. Of course I can protect them.”
“Good. I’ll believe you—for now. I’ll be watching you. If Changning or the children suffer because of your failure, I’ll take them away at any cost. But if you prove yourself worthy of being both ‘wife’ and ‘father,’ I’ll never interfere in your lives again. Whether I get to acknowledge Changning or not is up to him. I’ll also give you the proof you asked for.”
Shang Yushang didn’t care about the title “wife.” It was just a label. As long as he held the power where it mattered—in bed—the rest was irrelevant. “Mr. Gu, until your identity is confirmed, I don’t want you appearing in front of Changning. He’s pregnant. There are things I don’t want him to worry about.”
Gu Cheng looked somber. “I understand.” After a pause, he asked, “What do you plan to do about the He family?”
Shang Yushang was unconcerned. “If they want to see Changning, let them. If they want answers, give them. But if they try anything, let them come—I’ll welcome the excuse to wipe out the He family.”
Gu Cheng found himself beginning to admire Shang Yushang. “Do what you want. I’ll fully support you. It’s time some things were put to an end.”
The two men discussed a few details before going their separate ways. Shang Yushang never once invited Gu Cheng to his home, which Gu Cheng found incredibly rude and undignified.
Shang Yushang couldn’t be bothered to spare Gu Cheng a glance. They’d been out for half the day—he was in a hurry to get home to his wife.
The next day, several uninvited guests showed up at the Fanjin Villa. In the living room, Old Master He sat on the couch with He Mingfan and He Junsheng, drinking tea as they waited for Shang Yushang and He Changning.
In the bedroom, Shang Yushang helped He Changning sit up on the bed. “They’ve arrived. I’ll go handle them first. Baby, take a rest and come out when you’re ready.”
When they came back yesterday, Shang Yushang had already told He Changning the reason for the He family’s visit this time, and briefly mentioned some things from the past. He only vaguely touched on the matters between Gu Cheng and Changning’s mother, leaving the details for Gu Cheng to explain himself—those were things he felt should come from Gu Cheng.
As for what he planned to do about the He family, Shang Yushang had already discussed it with He Changning. He saw no need to hide anything from his wife. And his dear wife didn’t disappoint—he not only supported the plan, but also gave targeted advice. So the two of them, partners in crime, worked together to drag the He family into irreversible ruin. From He Changning’s point of view, anyone who dared to target him or his children was within his range of elimination, regardless of who they were. And as for the He family, he never felt any familial bond with them. That had been severed the day his mother cut ties with them. After learning from Shang Yushang what his mother had suffered in the He family, he was even more convinced—they no longer deserved to exist.
Because of the pregnancy, He Changning’s skin had become even more smooth and fair than before, with a healthy pink glow and a gentle light in his eyes. If not for the noticeable baby bump, he would have looked like a graceful young gentleman straight out of ancient times.
He Changning smiled slightly. “Alright, I’ll come down when the time is right. I want to see for myself what this so-called prestigious family really looks like. Maybe then I’ll understand what my mother felt when she walked away. If they really are as dirty and shameless as I suspect, I won’t hesitate to let them know that in this world, they can’t just take whatever they want—everything comes with a price.”
Shang Yushang gently kissed his lover’s forehead and softly stroked his belly with his fingers. “Don’t worry. Whatever you want to do, your husband will support you unconditionally. As long as it makes you feel better.”
He Changning chuckled at the man who spoiled him endlessly. “Aren’t you afraid that one day I’ll feel like it and turn you into a pauper?”
“That’s fine. My wife can take care of me.”
“You jerk,” He Changning playfully poked his head. “Since when did you get so good at sweet-talking?”
“As long as it makes you happy, it’s worth learning.”
“Enough with the nonsense. Go on.”
Shang Yushang tucked him in and told Lao Ba and Lao Jiu to stay nearby and keep watch. After stepping out, he told Xiao Liu Shisan to guard the door before heading downstairs at a leisurely pace.
He Junsheng, already on his second cup of tea, was getting annoyed. “Really putting on airs. This is how they treat their guests? Not exactly courteous.”
Just as he finished speaking, a cold, domineering voice followed. “Showing up uninvited and still picking faults—your He family’s manners are truly eye-opening.” Shang Yushang strolled down slowly as he spoke.
Being caught gossiping behind someone’s back and immediately shut down left He Junsheng red with embarrassment.
He Mingfan gave an awkward cough. “Apologies, Mr. Shang. Junsheng is young and still lacks manners. Please don’t take it to heart.”
Shang Yushang sat gracefully on the couch, face expressionless. “No worries. It’s common for families like yours to have gaps in education—it’s hard to expect consistency even among relatives.”
He Mingfan was slapped down again without mercy and had no choice but to shut his mouth.
Old Master He frowned deeply. His son and grandson had been rendered speechless by the pressure, and this Shang Yushang really was a tough character to deal with. “Yushang, we’re here today because we want to see Changning,” the old man shifted the topic at the right moment.
Shang Yushang’s face was cold. “Old Master He, I believe I made it very clear at the ancestral home—Changning isn’t feeling well and can’t receive visitors. I’m curious why you insist on seeing him. There should at least be a reasonable explanation for disturbing someone who’s unwell.”
Old Master He suppressed the rising anger in his chest. “I’m old, and every day could be my last. I just want to leave without regrets. I wish to see my daughter’s only child. Would that reason be acceptable to you, Yushang?”
Shang Yushang remained unmoved. “Old Master He, your vitality is clearly a sign of longevity. You’re not leaving this world any time soon, so don’t worry.”
The old man’s mouth twitched. Faced with Shang Yushang suddenly playing fortune teller, he was both angry and frustrated. “You jest, Yushang. My health is nowhere near your grandmother’s—she grows younger with age, while I’m clearly declining. I probably don’t have much time left. Will you still stop Changning from seeing me?”
Shang Yushang sneered internally. He’s even cursing his own life to force a meeting—clearly, he’s completely lost any sense of shame. “Old Master He, that’s far too much pressure. My spouse is unwell and really shouldn’t be seeing guests. However, considering your deep friendship with my grandfather, it’s only proper that the younger generation greet you. It’s just that Changning has only just fallen asleep and won’t be up for a while. I ask your understanding in waiting a bit longer.”
Already furious and humiliated, He Junsheng had been holding back his anger. Now, hearing that they were expected to wait around for He Changning to wake up like they were beneath him, he lost all self-control. “What arrogance! He’s just a married man. Our He family came all this way to see him—that alone was a huge honor for him! If it weren’t for being our aunt’s child, we’d be ashamed to even look at a male wife like him. Now he has the nerve to make us wait? What a joke!”
The violent aura emanating from Shang Yushang crashed down like a storm on He Junsheng. His icy gaze was like frost-tipped arrows shot from a thousand-year-old frozen lake, locking onto He Junsheng with lethal intensity.
Terrified, He Junsheng shrank back immediately, trembling as he tried to hide behind his uncle.
Caught in the crossfire, He Mingfan swallowed hard, forcing down the little bit of saliva his dry mouth could muster, and looked pleadingly toward his father.
Old Master He frowned, clearly shocked by his grandson’s brainless outburst.
Shang Yushang barked coldly, “Guards.”
The head of the Shadow Unit appeared in the living room instantly and greeted him respectfully, “Young Master.”
Shang Yushang’s gaze, sharp as icicles, fixed on He Junsheng. “Throw him out. If he dares come within a hundred meters of the villa again, kill him.” He looked down at He Junsheng like a king wielding the power of life and death, watching with contempt as the man trembled in fear.
He Junsheng was frozen in terror, his back drenched in cold sweat. In Shang Yushang’s eyes, his life—He family’s precious young master—was as worthless as an ant. How could he possibly fight against someone like that?
With a wave of the hand, a few guards stepped in and dragged He Junsheng out like he was a helpless chicken. He didn’t even get the chance to cry for help before his mouth was gagged and he was tossed out like a piece of trash.
The sudden turn of events finally shattered Old Master He’s composure. “Yushang, you’ve gone too far! No matter what, Junsheng is still part of the He family. Who gave you the right to punish him like this?”
“I did.” A clear, resonant male voice floated down from the staircase. “I gave my man the right to deal however he sees fit with anyone who dares to insult me.”
He Lao Ba and Lao Jiu led the way, Xiao Liu and Shisan followed behind, hands at the ready, forming an impenetrable human shield around He Changning.
The moment He Changning’s voice rang out, Shang Yushang’s lips curled into a beautiful smile. He got up and stepped forward to meet him, watching carefully as He Changning made his way down one steady step at a time. “Careful, don’t bump into anything.”
Shang Yushang didn’t walk up the stairs but waited at the bottom, reaching out his hand to receive the person he cherished most.
Under everyone’s gaze, He Changning slowly descended the stairs, a gentle smile on his lips, his eyes holding no one but Shang Yushang.
Old Master He and He Mingfan, who had been sitting calmly on the sofa, both stood up. Their eyes gradually took in the figure—a man with a rounded belly and an air of serene grace. His smiling face bore features they recognized, though touched with unfamiliar traces—the shadow of the Gu family.
At the foot of the stairs, Shang Yushang carefully took his lover’s hand with one hand and supported his waist with the other, matching his pace step by step. “Careful, take your time.” He watched between He Changning and the growing bump in front of him, terrified anything might brush against him.
He helped He Changning gently into the sofa, took the thin blanket from Lao Ba’s hands, and draped it over him before sitting by his side. He then instructed Aunt Qin, “Aunt Qin, bring a glass of milk and some of the snacks Changning likes.”
Aunt Qin answered and went to prepare. He Changning smiled. “I just ate. I can’t eat anymore right now.”
Shang Yushang gently massaged his arm. “Alright, just leave it for later then. Have some milk at least, so your mouth doesn’t feel dry.”
“Okay,” He Changning replied cheerfully.
Shang Yushang said, “Put your legs up, I’ll rub them.” He frowned. “The swelling is getting worse. When will it ease up?”
He Changning watched the man carefully massaging his arm. “It’s fine. Once the babies are born, it’ll go away. Bai Mo said there’s not much that can help—this is just part of pregnancy. Don’t frown so much, I’m okay.”
“I know, baby. Just hang in there a bit longer. Less than two months now—it’ll go by fast.”
The two of them chatted tenderly, ignoring everyone else. The father and son of the He family sitting nearby were already stunned speechless by He Changning’s large belly.
Though they had suspected he might be pregnant, seeing it in person was another matter entirely. The difference between imagination and reality was stark. Even someone who had seen the world would be shocked by this scene, let alone the He family, who had longed precisely for what He Changning now embodied.
Old Master He, in particular, was the most shaken. He’d heard it clearly—the couple had mentioned “the babies,” indicating twins. A Wood-Yi Tribe male carrying twins, something seen once in a century. He understood better than anyone what that meant. And because he understood, his shock quickly turned into joy. The He family’s hopes of growth and prosperity now lay before him—this was more thrilling than anything.
His once-cloudy eyes now gleamed brightly as he stared at He Changning’s belly, as if envisioning a future where the He family flourished, full of talent, once again rising to the top of the noble clans. How could he not be overjoyed and long for such a future?
Old Master He’s voice trembled with emotion. “Changning, y-you’re carrying twins?”
He didn’t ask if he was pregnant. Didn’t ask how it was possible. He asked directly about twins—revealing just how obsessed and eager he was.
Only then did He Changning turn his head to look at the old man, his tone polite yet distant and scornful. “And who might these two be?”
It was like a bucket of ice water poured from head to toe, instantly snapping Old Master He out of his feverish state. “Changning, I’m your grandfather!”
He Changning replied with polite detachment, “I’m sorry, sir. I think you’ve made a mistake. My mother was an orphan—I don’t have any maternal relatives.”
Old Master He hurried to explain, “That’s not true, child, listen to me. I’m your grandfather, your blood grandfather!”
He Changning feigned surprise. “Oh? Is that so?” He seemed to think for a moment. “But my mother told me she was an orphan—no parents, no family. So if you’re claiming to be my grandfather, what does that mean? That she had a home she couldn’t return to? Or was there something so unbearable she’d rather give up her identity just to escape?” His voice by now was cold enough to chill to the bone.
He Mingfan pressed his lips tightly together. Though He Changning had not raised his voice or questioned them harshly, his calm words were like sharp blades piercing the He family’s hearts. Everyone in that generation knew what had happened—the only victim was the sole girl among them. For the family’s glory, she had borne the weight alone. The men of the He family had failed her so completely. And now they shamelessly came to claim her grandson. The last shred of He Mingfan’s pride crumbled under the weight of conscience and shame.
Old Master He’s face flushed with shame, but in order to win over these two children, he had already thrown away his pride. “Changning, listen to me. What happened with your mother, Grandpa is truly sorry. All these years, I’ve been living with guilt. I failed your mother, but I never forgot about the two of you. That’s why I’m here today—to make it up to you.”
He Changning sneered, “You never forgot? You just stood by and watched, is that it?”
Old Master He quickly explained, “That’s not it. I’m old now, and there are so many people and things in the family to deal with. Your uncles are all useless, and your cousins only know how to eat, drink, and play. Everything falls on me. I may have neglected you and your mother, but I’ve always seen you as family. Otherwise, why would I have allowed you to keep the He surname?”
The smile in He Changning’s eyes completely disappeared. “That’s a ridiculous thing to say. I carry the He surname because it was my mother’s, and it has absolutely nothing to do with your He family. I never needed your permission.”
Old Master He grew anxious. “Changning, how can you say that? Your mother’s surname comes from the He family. Without the He family, where would that name even come from?”
“I think my mom would’ve rather not had that surname at all. Otherwise, she wouldn’t have told me she was an orphan with no family. Isn’t that right?”
Old Master He glared at him. “You—”
He Mingfan spoke with a pained expression. “Changning, can’t you forgive what happened in the past?”
He Changning suddenly laughed. “The He family sure is generous and forgiving. One apology and you want to wipe away everything you’ve done? The world doesn’t work like that.”
He Mingfan pressed on, “Then… what will it take for you to be satisfied?”
He Changning scoffed, “It’s no longer necessary. My mother already made the choice for me. So what the He family can do now is stay out of my life—completely.”
Old Master He was furious when he heard that. “I absolutely won’t allow it! You’re part of the He family, and your child is too. I want you to come back to the He family with me right now!”
Shang Yushang was about to retort when He Changning gently patted the back of his hand to calm him down. “And what gives you the right to order me around?”
Old Master He stiffened his neck. “I’m your grandfather. I gave your mother life, so you’ve benefited from me, too. That means you must obey me.”
He Changning laughed. “You gave my mother life, so that gave you the right to trample her dignity and turn her into a pawn for the He family’s status games? Don’t forget, all you contributed was a cheap little tadpole. The one who truly gave my mother life was my grandmother. You had nothing to do with it—so stop flattering yourself.”
