Chapter 6

Two days flew by in the blink of an eye.

At one of Shangshi Group’s five-star business hotels, in a luxurious private dining suite, Shang Yushang leaned lazily back in his chair, expression unreadable as he absentmindedly turned a teacup in his hand.

Across from him, Madam Shang, the family matriarch, sipped her tea with calm poise. Her son Shang Guozhang and daughter-in-law Qiu Huilin were seated beside her, also quietly drinking tea. The room was silent, save for the soft clinking of porcelain.

Roughly ten minutes later, the Yin family arrived—led in by a hotel attendant. Madam Yin, followed by her son Yin Zhiyan, his wife Cong Min, and He Changning, entered the room in a group of four.

To prepare for this meeting, Madam Yin had specifically instructed her son and daughter-in-law to dress up properly—she didn’t want the Shang family to look down on them. Naturally, she’d also reminded He Changning not to embarrass the Yin family.

He Changning merely smiled in response, giving neither agreement nor objection. Madam Yin, irritated as always, chose to ignore him. Though she couldn’t deny—even dressed casually and with zero effort—he still looked more presentable than anyone else in the family. Not wanting to be further annoyed, she gave up nagging but still warned him sternly: “Since you’ve already agreed to this, don’t take things too far.”

Madam Shang, accompanied by her son, daughter-in-law, and grandson, stood to greet them with a gracious smile.
“You must be Madam Yin—what a pleasure to finally meet you.” She nodded politely.

Madam Yin quickly extended her hand in a faux-polite gesture.
“You’re too kind, Madam Shang. I’m Changning’s grandmother.” Her beaming smile made her eyes all but disappear in tight slits.

“The pleasure is mine. Please, come in and have a seat.” Madam Shang gestured invitingly.

The two elder women exchanged the usual polite back-and-forth before everyone finally sat down. Once the attendants brought in tea and quietly exited, Madam Shang began the introductions.
“Madam Yin, it’s a joy to finally meet your family. Allow me to introduce my son and daughter-in-law.” She then turned to her grandson.
“And this is my grandson, Shang Yushang.”

Madam Yin smiled so hard her cheeks twitched.
“Lovely to meet you all. Let me introduce my son, Yin Zhiyan, and his wife…” She pointed toward them, then motioned to the young man beside her.
“And this is my grandson, He Changning. He took his mother’s surname, by the way.”

From the moment He Changning walked in, Madam Shang had been observing him closely. His calm, unflustered composure—neither over-eager nor timid—made a strong impression on her.
“Changning, is it? You’re quite impressive, young man.”

Hearing this praise, Yin Zhiyan let out a silent sigh of relief. If Madam Shang already approved of Changning, perhaps life in the Shang family wouldn’t be too hard for him after marriage.

Cong Min, however, sneered inwardly. What is that old bat seeing? I don’t see what’s so great about He Changning. But with the Yin family currently in crisis, she had no choice but to force a stiff smile.

Madam Yin, on the other hand, was practically glowing. If Madam Shang had taken a liking to Changning, that meant the marriage was essentially settled. That also meant she could push for a heftier bride price—though she’d have to tread carefully to avoid pushing her luck.

Shang Guozhang and Qiu Huilin exchanged a look, both surprised. Everyone knew Madam Shang didn’t hand out compliments lightly. If she said someone was “not bad,” it meant she already approved—something extremely rare on a first meeting.

He Changning saw it all—the fake smiles, the scheming looks, especially the unmistakable calculation gleaming in his grandmother’s eyes.

His obsidian-black eyes narrowed slightly, and the corners of his lips curled faintly. So greedy, like a snake trying to swallow an elephant. Hope they don’t choke on it.

In contrast to He Changning, who had only spared him a single glance upon entering, Shang Yushang hadn’t taken his eyes off him once. Every subtle shift in expression had been noted—his calm elegance upon arrival, his composure when praised. This boy’s poise and manners didn’t feel like they were raised by the Yin family. Perhaps he was more like his mother… or even like the He family.

Shang Yushang had also caught Madam Yin’s calculating gaze, but he paid her little mind. It was the flicker of mockery in He Changning’s eyes that deepened his own.

Madam Yin chuckled as she tried to steer the conversation.
“Please don’t laugh at us. Changning is still young and has much to learn. We’re grateful he’ll be in your care.”

Madam Shang took a sip of tea.
“No need to worry. He’s a fine young man—calm, respectful, and composed. It’s rare to see such maturity in someone so young these days. What do you think, Yushang?” She turned to her grandson.

Shang Yushang nodded slightly, and for once, the ever-present poker face softened into a faint smile. His deep, magnetic voice responded,
“Grandma’s right.”

Madam Shang smiled warmly and turned to He Changning.
“Changning, may I call you that?”

A snow-lotus-like smile bloomed across He Changning’s face, his voice as clear and fresh as spring water.
“Of course, Madam. Please feel free.”

The smile on Madam Shang’s lips widened.
“What a sweet, well-mannered child. I only worry this arrangement might feel unfair to you.”

He Changning paused, momentarily caught off guard. But then he smiled knowingly.
“Thank you for your kindness, Madam.”

She nodded without saying more.

Soon, the dishes began arriving one after another. The atmosphere loosened as everyone began to chat while eating.

Yin Zhiyan and Shang Guozhang discussed the business world, while Cong Min chatted with Qiu Huilin about fashion and jewelry.

Madam Yin spent the meal cozying up to Madam Shang, her tone practically screaming, See how agreeable I am? Let’s talk about dowry, shall we?

But Madam Shang masterfully deflected her advances while gently turning to chat with He Changning.
“Changning, you’re twenty now, right? Are you still in school?”

He put down his chopsticks politely.
“No, I’ve already graduated.”

Madam Shang looked mildly surprised.
“Already? You’re quite young.”

“Yes, Madam,” he replied with a gentle smile.

“At your age, most kids are just starting college,” Madam Shang remarked with mild curiosity. “How did you already graduate?”

“I skipped two grades during middle and high school,” He Changning replied calmly. “Then I completed all my university coursework in just two years and graduated early.”

The room fell completely silent.

All conversation stopped as everyone turned to look at He Changning—every pair of eyes filled with disbelief, as if they were looking at a rare creature.

Under such direct scrutiny, even someone as composed as He Changning showed a rare hint of bashfulness. A soft pink rose to his cheeks as he gave a small, polite smile and gently bit his lower lip.

Shang Yushang’s gaze darkened, deepened.

This side of He Changning—shy, quietly graceful, glowing with restrained charm—was far too captivating.

The faint blush across his jade-like cheeks seemed to glow under the soft light. Long, curled lashes fluttered as he blinked those bright, clear eyes. Beneath a sharply defined nose, his soft, reddish lips parted slightly to speak, the words falling like music. One slender hand subconsciously rubbed the rim of his teacup, fingers long and smooth. His grip was steady, the pale skin on the back of his hand so translucent you could almost see the veins beneath.

He had a tall, athletic figure—not the frail, delicate type, but lean with strength. The crisp white dress shirt hugged his toned frame, just enough to hint at firm muscle underneath. And judging by how those long legs filled out his jeans, his flexibility and overall fitness must be exceptional.

Suddenly, a phrase flashed through Shang Yushang’s mind, the only one that seemed to do this person justice:
“Like jade on a country path—an unmatched nobleman in all the land.”

And the thought that this beautiful, exceptional young man would soon become his husband only made the smile in his eyes deepen.

He Changning could no longer ignore that intense, burning stare. He glanced sideways at Shang Yushang, muttering internally, What’s with this guy? He’s been staring at me non-stop since I walked in. Doesn’t he get tired?

His questioning glance only delighted Shang Yushang further. The corners of his mouth lifted slightly, and he gave He Changning a rare, gentle smile.

“Changning really is exceptionally smart,” he said softly, his deep, magnetic voice surprisingly warm.

That unexpected smile from the famously emotionless Shang family heir sent a shiver down He Changning’s spine—a feeling he couldn’t quite name.