Chapter 8

Everyone at the table could read between the lines.
Madam Yin wasn’t exactly subtle—and no one here was a fool.

Shang Yushang had had enough of this dragging farce. He could see He Changning sitting there, taking in the slights and manipulations with quiet grace.
He didn’t want him to endure any more.

“Grandmother,” Yushang said calmly, “I leave the decision about the wedding to you.”

Everyone turned to look at him.
Especially He Changning, whose wide eyes were filled with confusion.
What the hell is he thinking?
Even a brick could hear what Madam Yin was trying to hint at—why suddenly say something like that?

But Madam Shang nodded knowingly, a rare light in her eyes.
Her indifferent grandson was finally showing he cared.
Yes, maybe forcing him to marry a man had been the right call after all.

“All right,” she said gently, “since you agree, I’ll take charge.”

Madam Yin and her family leaned in, barely hiding their eagerness. But Madam Shang took her time.
“I’m very pleased with Changning. And it seems Yushang is, too. So, let’s discuss the marriage.”
She sipped her tea, then added,
“Since Changning is a man, the wedding won’t be too extravagant. I hope you won’t mind, child.”
Her eyes were kind, full of warmth and apology.

He Changning’s heart stirred.
He lowered his gaze to hide the moisture that gathered at the corners of his eyes and gave a slight shake of the head. He said nothing, but the silence said everything.

God, he’s too precious.
Shang Yushang looked at him and wanted to pull him into his arms, kiss away the sadness and whisper: Don’t be upset. I’m here now.

Madam Shang watched the boy’s quiet strength and felt her affection grow stronger.

“Even if the ceremony is simple,” she said, “everything that’s due to you, the Shang family will provide. And I believe your family has already explained that the marriage has a one-year term?”

He Changning nodded.
“Yes, Madam. One year.”

“About that…” she smiled. “I’ll let you and Yushang decide how long it should last.”

A silence settled over the room.
“Mother, you mean…” Shang Guozhang frowned, unsure how to interpret that.

Madam Shang gave a light laugh.
“No need to look so tense. I mean nothing more than what I said. These two will be living together. What can a preset time really dictate? Let them decide based on their feelings. Isn’t that better?”

Guozhang was baffled.
Wasn’t she the one who insisted on a full year—who even forced Yushang into this marriage?
Why the sudden change of heart?

He wasn’t the only one confused. Qiu Huilin looked puzzled too. What happened to all those fiery speeches about legacy and duty? Now she’s just letting go?

Even the Yin family was starting to sweat. If there was no set timeline, what if Yushang decided to end things early? What if Changning filed for divorce after just a few weeks?
Would the dowry be reclaimed?

The money they were counting on was starting to feel less secure by the second.
Madam Yin and Cong Min tensed. Even Yin Zhinen began to panic. Without the Shang family’s capital, Yin Corp was going under.

Yin Zhinen forced a polite smile.
“We understand your meaning, Madam Shang. But since both young men are, well, men… If news of a failed union spreads, it might harm your family’s reputation. Perhaps a bit of guidance would be helpful.”

Madam Shang stayed calm.
“Mr. Yin, I assure you—this is intentional. I want to respect the wishes of the couple. After all, they’re the ones who have to live with this arrangement. We, as elders, can’t truly understand what that’s like. And without the pressure of a deadline, perhaps they’ll grow to love each other. That would be the ideal outcome, wouldn’t it?”

Guozhang couldn’t help it—he muttered,
“Mom, you really do things differently.”

“Son, take notes,” she said dryly. “That rigid brain of yours needs a little oil.”

He Changning sat there stunned.
She was seriously handing the decision over to them?
Wasn’t she afraid he’d walk out the day after the wedding?
But looking at her calm, assured expression… she clearly wasn’t worried.
What’s her game? he wondered.

Shang Yushang, of course, understood everything.
So, she’s figured me out already.
He sighed inwardly. So much for hiding it. Grandma sees through everything. No wonder they say age brings wisdom.

But he was grateful.
She was giving him a chance. And he’d take it.
He’d keep Changning by his side, no matter what. Especially with the Mu Yi clan matter still looming—it wasn’t just about marriage.
This could change both of their lives.

Madam Shang’s eyes swept the room, noting every flicker of emotion—especially the fire in Yushang’s gaze.

“Enough about the one-year clause,” she said. “Let’s move on to something more practical—like the engagement gift for Changning.”

The word engagement gift clearly unsettled He Changning.

A blush crept up his fair, delicate cheeks.
Seriously? A guy like me being treated like some bride-to-be, complete with gifts and ceremonial papers?

He instinctively reached for his teacup to mask his awkwardness—
Only to realize his hand was still firmly wrapped in Yushang’s.

He lifted his hand without thinking—and pulled Yushang’s with it.
Their clasped hands rose into full view of everyone at the table.

The room froze.

The woman pouring tea let it overflow.
Someone burned themselves on spilled tea.
A chair creaked as someone jerked upright.

Time itself seemed to halt—until the yelp from the hot tea broke the silence.

He Changning wanted to die of embarrassment.
Dammit, Shang Yushang! Why the hell are you still holding my hand?!
He glared and yanked it back.

“Uh… Madam Shang… please, go on.”
His voice was almost a whisper.

Yushang rubbed his nose, feeling slightly wronged.
What? Holding my own wife’s hand is a crime now?

Still, for the sake of his bashful husband-to-be, he let it go—for now.
But damn, that hand felt good. Fit perfectly with mine. I wonder if other things would fit just as well…

Madam Shang chuckled.
“Don’t be shy, Changning. You’re going to be married soon, after all.”

He wanted to disappear. His face burned as he all but curled in on himself.

Yushang reached over and gently ruffled his hair.

“Grandma, maybe we should get back to business.”
Enough teasing the poor guy, his look seemed to say. He’s shy. I’m trying to marry him, not scare him off.

“You little rascal,” she laughed. “We’ll talk about that smart mouth of yours later.”
She turned back to the Yins.

“Now then—Madam Yin, do you have any thoughts on the engagement terms?”