Chapter 7

To the Shang family, especially Shang Guozhang, that rare smile from their cold and stoic heir was nothing short of shocking.

He knew all too well why his son never showed emotion—what kind of scars lay beneath that frosty exterior. And now this young man, this He Changning, had actually drawn a genuine smile from him? It was unbelievable.

Guozhang’s eyes flicked back and forth between the two of them. He was sure they’d never met before—yet there was an ease in the air, a pull, something unsaid. His son wasn’t the type to be swayed by a photo and a dossier. Not unless something had genuinely caught his interest. And considering this was only a one-year arrangement, it made even less sense—unless, of course, there was more beneath the surface.

He Changning remained calm, unbothered by the astonishment on everyone’s faces.
“I suppose you could say that,” he replied lightly, his voice neutral and devoid of pretension.

Shang Yushang’s lips curved a little further.
“You’re being modest.”

He Changning gave a small shake of the head and looked down, lips lightly pressed together.
“Just stating the truth.”

Madam Shang, observing their exchange with quiet delight, felt a rare sense of relief. For once, Yushang wasn’t shutting the world out—he was engaged, speaking, even smiling. Maybe this match wouldn’t be so bad after all. Maybe, given time, they’d even grow close.

Yushang’s gaze fell to Changning’s eyelashes—long, trembling slightly under the light. He couldn’t see his eyes, but that didn’t matter. He continued casually,
“Have you thought about continuing your studies?”

Changning lifted his head, dark eyes shining with quiet intelligence.
“Not at the moment.”

“So that means, maybe someday?”

“Who knows what the future holds.”
He was beginning to wonder—Wasn’t this man supposed to be reserved and silent? What’s with all the questions?

“For example, a year from now?”

“Maybe. I don’t know.”
His answer was honest. He really didn’t have any set plans yet.

But Shang Yushang wasn’t someone who left things to chance. This boy had piqued his interest—and as his soon-to-be spouse, that made him his. And Yushang didn’t share what he considered his. Ever.

On the other side of the table, the women of the Yin family remained oblivious to who they were truly dealing with. But Yin Zhinen—he knew. He understood very well what kind of man Shang Yushang was, at least in the business world—and that was enough.

Seeing the two young men converse, Yushang even smiling a little, gave him a rare sense of relief. Maybe—just maybe—Changning’s life at the Shang household wouldn’t be too miserable.

Madam Yin, meanwhile, was nearly glowing with glee. As long as the Shangs approved of Changning, everything else could be negotiated—including the dowry.

Dinner was nearly over. Time to talk about the real reason they’d all gathered.

Madam Shang set down her tea, calm and collected.
“Madam Yin, I hope the food tonight was to your liking?”

“Absolutely. Very much so,” came the quick, eager reply.
Finally, she thought. Time to talk business. She’d been holding it in all evening.

“Good, good. Then perhaps we can now discuss the marriage between Yushang and Changning?”

Madam Yin paused, suddenly adopting a coy, reluctant air.
“Well…”

“Is there something you’re not satisfied with?” Madam Shang asked with a polite, pointed smile. “If so, now’s a good time. Both families are present—this is the perfect opportunity to talk things through.”

“Oh no, of course not,” Madam Yin said quickly, her tone falsely magnanimous. “As long as the children are willing, that’s all that matters.”
Act generous first, she thought, and then when we bring up money, they’ll feel obligated to agree.

He Changning saw through her act immediately.
She’s playing the long game again, he thought with a touch of contempt. Let’s see how far she thinks she can push the Shangs.

Madam Shang simply sipped her tea, refusing to acknowledge the bait. So Madam Yin pressed on with her well-rehearsed performance.
“You know, Changning hasn’t had it easy. His mother passed away when he was young, and as his grandmother, my heart has always ached for him. All we’ve ever wanted is to give him the best, to ensure his future. No matter the sacrifice, it was worth it. Wouldn’t you agree, Madam Shang?”

He Changning’s fingers curled tightly into fists under the table, his composed smile slipping away, replaced by something colder—sharper.
How dare she?
She was using his mother’s death as leverage—to win sympathy, to demand more money.

Just as he opened his mouth to speak, a warm, steady hand enveloped his.

He turned, startled, to find Shang Yushang holding his hand.
A quiet comfort. A silent show of support.
He knows, Changning thought. He understands what kind of family I come from. That’s why… he’s holding my hand right now.

He was so wrapped up in those thoughts that he didn’t even try to pull his hand away—until he heard that deep, low voice again.

“Don’t rush. Let’s hear what Grandmother has to say.”
Yushang gave him a glance filled with calm assurance. And never once let go of his hand.

Madam Shang’s tone was smooth, deliberate.
“Raising children is a parent’s duty. Giving them a future is their responsibility. It’s hard, yes—but seeing them live well, that’s all the reward a parent really needs.”

“Exactly, exactly,” Madam Yin echoed quickly, masking her frustration. She lifted her tea to hide the flicker of irritation in her eyes.
Easy for her to say—she’s not the one who needs the money.

But she wasn’t giving up. Not when the goal was so close. She set her teacup down, smiling once again.

“Changning, even though he’s young, has always been a responsible child. He never gives us trouble. He’s very devoted to his father. Even though he doesn’t understand the company’s operations, he still worries, still cares. We’re so proud of the young man he’s become.”

Changning let out a barely audible laugh.
The lies just keep coming, he thought bitterly.
Money really is a magical thing—it brings out the worst in people.

Yushang felt the hand in his tightening, holding on so tightly it turned his skin pale. But he didn’t move. Let him cling. Let him vent. All he felt was pain for this stubborn, resilient young man beside him.

His gaze drifted coldly toward Madam Yin, now filled with a storm of contempt.

They dared to cheapen the person he cared about?

Fine.
They wanted money?
He’d give them money.

But they would also pay the price.

You’ll learn what happens to people who treat what’s mine like trash, he thought, as the memory of what Da Zhou told him about the Yin family’s infighting flashed in his mind.

A cruel smile curled at the corner of his lips.