“Why did you go?” He Changning asked quietly.
Gu Cheng lowered his head. “She… she wasn’t my wife, but she gave birth to my child. Still, I let her down. I wasn’t a good father.” His voice was hoarse, barely suppressing the pain beneath.
“What if… my mom never planned to tell you about me? What if she never intended to let you know I was your son? Would you still have gone to visit her?”
Gu Cheng lifted his head, eyes filled with unwavering conviction. “Even if she never told me, even if I never knew you were my son, I still would’ve gone. I owe her. I don’t know if she hated me—but I only ever felt sorrow and regret toward her.”
His gaze drifted, as though looking through the years. “I saw Minglan a few times. We never spoke, but her gentle nature, that soft, sweet voice—I’ve never forgotten it. It was so sweet… so pleasant to hear.” His eyes flickered with embarrassment; speaking of his feelings for Minglan in front of his son made the old man blush a little. “Your mother seemed soft and tender, but she was actually very strong-willed and tough. Once she made a decision, nothing could sway her. But being that strong… it made her heart fragile. There were things—betrayals—she just couldn’t bear. So, Changning, don’t blame her. Everything that happened… it was my fault.”
Gu Cheng lowered his head again, hands clenched into fists, grief written all over his face. After a long pause, he finally asked again, “Changning… can you forgive me?”
If his son couldn’t forgive him, he knew he’d spend the rest of his life buried in guilt.
He Changning responded gently, “Since you visit my mom every year, come with me this year too.”
His clear, warm eyes were like sunlight filtering into the dry, withered corners of Gu Cheng’s heart—reviving a tree thought long dead. Slowly, it began to sprout again, branches stretching, leaves unfurling, life returning.
Gu Cheng was so overwhelmed his fingers trembled. His eyes shimmered with tears, his voice choked, “Yes… I’ll go. I’ll go with you.”
That simple invitation, that act of forgiveness, filled Gu Cheng with bittersweet relief. The guilt and loneliness of half a lifetime were suddenly lifted. He felt like he could live again. For his son—and his grandchildren—he wanted to live long and make up for everything he’d missed. He wanted to give his son the very best the world had to offer. As long as Changning was happy, he was willing to do anything.
Shang Yushang was thrilled for his beloved. Though he still wasn’t thrilled about Gu Cheng, if Changning was happy, he wouldn’t complain. That said, he wasn’t going to pass up any opportunity to secure benefits for his wife and child.
Shang Yushang held He Changning’s hand. “Baby, you’re too softhearted—just forgave him like that. But if you’re happy, I won’t say anything… though I’m feeling a little neglected here. What are you gonna do about that, huh?” He even blinked pitifully at He Changning, as if to say, If you don’t give me something, I’ll start crying right now.
He Changning twitched the corner of his mouth. This damn man—never forgets his businessman instincts. If he doesn’t get something out of it, he’ll whine. So to keep him happy, he’d have to toss him a bone.
Gu Cheng, of course, understood exactly what Shang Yushang was angling for. But he didn’t mind—he was more than willing to give his son everything. If Shang Yushang wanted to play a little game, so be it.
“The 30% stake in ZK I mentioned earlier—it takes effect immediately,” Gu Cheng said casually. Then he shot Shang Yushang a knowing look. “Happy now, President Shang?”
Shang Yushang didn’t even bother responding to the teasing. All he cared about was locking in the benefit. Now that his beloved’s clothing budget was secured, he was beaming. “Baby, your allowance just got a major upgrade! Don’t forget who made it happen!”
The way Shang Yushang was sucking up and fishing for credit left everyone in the room speechless—jaws practically hit the floor. Seriously, whose “allowance” comes in hundred-million-dollar chunks? That kind of overkill should be illegal. It’s not just showy—it’s lethal.
Xiao Wu, however, remained calm. This kind of behavior from his young master around He Changning was nothing new. He’d already grown numb from all the secondhand embarrassment. With a light cough, he stepped in to save face. “Young Master, it’s time to arrange dinner.”
Shang Yushang collected himself and thought for a moment. “We’ve got guests tonight—make sure the dinner’s lavish. Changning’s meal stays the same: meat porridge, milk, eggs, and some light, tasty side dishes. Also prepare fresh juice and some snacks—not too sweet, he doesn’t like that. Oh, and make some custard buns, but don’t add sugar, just milk and eggs—he doesn’t like them too sweet. And—”
He Changning quickly grabbed his hand. “Jianzhi, enough. I can’t eat that much.”
Shang Yushang insisted, “Make a few more dishes. That way, whatever you feel like eating, it’ll be there.”
He Changning chuckled, “That’s already plenty. Any more, and you’re eating it with me.”
Just thinking about all those sweet and rich dishes made Shang Yushang shut his mouth immediately. No more menu suggestions.
Seeing how affectionate and close the two of them were, Gu Cheng’s eyes were full of joy. His son was living a much happier life than he had—he had someone who truly loved him by his side. That gave him peace of mind.
Suddenly, an idea popped into Gu Cheng’s mind. After giving it some thought, the more he considered it, the more it seemed like a great plan.
“Yushang, how about this—I hand ZK over to you to manage, and then I’ll have more time to help look after the little ones for you two. How does that sound? I know you’ve always been interested in ZK, and honestly, I’d feel confident leaving it in your hands.”
Shang Yushang felt like he’d just shot himself in the foot. He was only being petty earlier because Gu Cheng had won over his baby so easily—he needed to score some points back. But he never had any intention of actually taking over ZK. That massive conglomerate would suck up all his energy and time—and that would mean less time with his husband and their kids. No way was he signing up for that.
“Your ZK, you manage it,” Shang Yushang said firmly. “I don’t have time. I’ve got to stay with Changning and the kids.”
Gu Cheng got serious. “Young people should prioritize their careers. Leave the kids to us old folks. I’m sure your grandma would agree. So how about this: you take ZK, and we’ll take care of the babies. You two can focus on your work and ambitions without worries.”
Shang Yushang stiffened. “No way. Our kids, we raise them. Your company is still your responsibility. I’m not interested.”
“That’s not how it should be,” Gu Cheng argued. “Young people shouldn’t get too caught up in domestic stuff. Your career should come first. ZK was always going to be passed down to Changning anyway—giving it to you now is just moving the timeline forward a bit. There’s no need to make it complicated. It’s settled. Once the babies are born, I’ll move back home and settle down. I’ll spend my days spoiling the grandkids. You two handle the company. Later, I’ll discuss with the old lady what kind of education plan we should have for the little ones.”
Gu Cheng was already lost in his own daydreams of becoming a doting grandpa. Meanwhile, Shang Yushang was staring at him like he’d grown two heads.
He Changning leaned in and whispered gleefully, “Serves you right.”
Shang Yushang deflated instantly, giving his husband a wounded look full of betrayal—How could you just stand there and watch me suffer like this?
Ayin, who’d been standing off to the side with his large frame, looked like he’d just witnessed something out of a soap opera.
What is going on here?
A massive conglomerate like ZK was being tossed around like a hot potato no one wanted. And the boss? He was practically begging someone to take over—like it was a burden. A company that others would kill to manage, and these two were batting it away like it was a rag.
What kind of madness is this? How are we mere mortals supposed to survive in this kind of world?
Xiao Wu glanced at Ayin’s twisted expression and those baby-blue eyes full of bitterness and grievance. For some reason, he felt a wave of satisfaction.
Serves you right, foreigner, he thought smugly. Still staring at my young master’s belly like it’s treasure? You got what’s coming to you. Pretty soon, my young master’s gonna be the new head of ZK, and when that day comes, we’ll settle accounts properly. Hmph!
No conclusion was reached regarding the future of ZK. Both sides were dead set on their own opinions and refused to budge. Just when things looked ready to explode, He Changning stepped in and calmly said they’d discuss it later. Only then did the father-in-law and son-in-law call a truce and agree to resume the battle another day.
Dinner that evening went smoothly and joyfully. Even though the two had nearly come to blows earlier, at the dinner table they were suddenly united in one cause: coaxing He Changning to eat more.
The tonics Gu Cheng had brought were stored away in the pantry for later use. And just like that, Gu Cheng moved in—under the noble excuse of “taking care of his son during pregnancy” and “discussing the ZK succession.”
Fortunately, the villa was big enough—housing thirty to fifty people was no problem.
Normally, Ayin wouldn’t be allowed to stay, especially now that the boss himself had moved in. But no one knew what Ayin had whispered to Gu Cheng. After a quiet conversation, Gu Cheng mentioned it to Shang Yushang, and the next thing anyone knew, Ayin was living there too. To be fair, he didn’t just freeload—he volunteered to join the security team taking care of He Changning.
After Gu Cheng filled him in on Ayin’s background, Shang Yushang agreed and assigned him to the same shift as Xiao Wu, specifically telling Xiao Wu to keep an eye on him.
Xiao Wu never disobeyed his young master’s orders, but his face twitched slightly, his usual poker face breaking for just a second.
Shang Yushang and He Changning exchanged a knowing glance.
He Changning’s eyes sparkled with amusement, though he said nothing. But Shang Yushang could see it—he hadn’t seen that glint of mischief and excitement in his husband’s eyes for a long time.
Raising an eyebrow, Shang Yushang thought, Alright, what exactly did I just miss?
After sending Xiao Wu out, Shang Yushang held He Changning in his arms and kissed the corner of his lips. “So, tell me, baby—what did you notice?”
He Changning wrapped his arms around Shang Yushang’s neck and rubbed against his shoulder like a lazy, well-fed cat. His relaxed and playful demeanor was especially enticing. “You want to know?”
His warm breath hit Shang Yushang’s shoulder, and when he spoke, his soft lips inadvertently brushed against his skin, making Shang Yushang’s breath hitch slightly. “Mm, tell me, baby.”
Completely unaware of how seductive he was being, He Changning chuckled softly. “A’Yinwas looking at Xiao Wu like he was shooting thirty thousand volts of electricity out of his eyes. What do you think that means?”
Shang Yushang had no time to think about what it meant. He pulled that fuzzy little head up, grasped He Changning’s chin, and kissed him deeply. Lips and tongues tangled, and the kiss was drawn-out and intense.
When the kiss finally ended, both were panting heavily. Shang Yushang’s deep gaze locked onto He Changning’s. “Changning, I love you.”
He Changning answered with a sincere kiss of his own. “Jianzhi, I love you too.”
Later that night, when they were resting, He Changning lay in Shang Yushang’s arms, absentmindedly playing with his fingers. “Who exactly is A’Yin? He looks like someone who can really handle himself.”
Shang Yushang kissed the corner of He Changning’s forehead. “A’Yinis definitely no ordinary man. Anyone who can stay by your father’s side isn’t just average.”
That piqued He Changning’s curiosity. “Tell me more.”
Shang Yushang looked at him with a knowing glint in his eyes and tightened his arm around him. “ZK is a well-known company in Europe—large-scale, with ties to all sorts of people. Your father runs it extremely well. A’Yinis a descendant of British royalty, though his family has long since fallen from grace. He used to be a Navy SEAL. After retiring, he worked as a mercenary for a while. During one mission, he got seriously injured—nearly died. Your father was the one who saved him. He’s been deeply grateful ever since and left the mercenary world to become your father’s personal bodyguard. Over the years, he’s become your father’s most loyal right-hand man.”
“I see. Then he must be really skilled. No wonder he requested to be part of the villa’s security detail.”
Shang Yushang narrowed his eyes thoughtfully. “If what you said is true, baby, I’m afraid he might have some… ulterior motives.”
He Changning grinned. “Exactly. But I’m kind of curious to see what it looks like when that poker-faced Xiao Wu finally cracks.”
If Xiao Wu ever heard how his own master was setting him up like this, he’d probably cry his heart out.
