Madam Yin cleared her throat.
“Well, here’s how we see it—since Changning is marrying Young Master Shang, that makes us all family now, doesn’t it? And within a family, there’s no need for formalities. Whatever you decide about the engagement gifts, we’ll defer to you. It’s just that…”
She trailed off deliberately, playing coy.
“If you have something to say, just say it.”
Given permission, Madam Yin went straight for the ask.
“It’s like this. Zhinen’s company has run into a bit of trouble. I wonder if we could ask our in-laws for a little help. I know this may seem abrupt, but with Changning about to marry your grandson, we’re going to be family soon. If his father’s business succeeds, it’ll reflect well on Changning too, right? So… we’d really appreciate your support.”
He Changning suddenly let out a cold laugh.
“Aren’t you rushing things a bit, Grandma? As of now, I’m nothing to the Shang family. Nothing at all.”
His words struck like a slap.
Madam Yin’s face darkened instantly.
“Don’t forget,” she snapped, “you may bear the He surname, but you’ve still got Yin blood in your veins.”
“Then tell me, Grandma,” Changning replied coolly, “how should I properly dishonor the blood you left in me?”
Furious, Madam Yin slammed her plump hand on the table.
“He Changning! Don’t you dare be so insolent!”
Worried she would lose control in front of Madam Shang, Yin Zhinen quickly intervened.
“Mom, please, calm down. Everyone’s watching.”
Then he turned toward his son, his voice low and tense.
“Changning, you’re an adult now. Watch your mouth. You should know better.”
Changning’s face, usually fair and clear, had turned deathly pale.
His fists were clenched so tightly that the knuckles gleamed with white-blue tension.
Ever since entering this room, his grandmother had been trying to sell him like a product—
Even dragging his deceased mother into the bargaining table.
Disgusting.
To her, he was nothing but a pawn with a price tag.
And his mother—who had served this family for nearly ten years—was still being exploited, even in death.
Everyone at this table knew why his mother took her life, even if no one dared say it.
Yet here was Madam Yin, speaking so shamelessly as if she had a moral high ground.
The entire Yin family were vultures—narrow-minded, selfish, disgraceful.
And yet his mother had spent ten years of her life on them.
In the end, they sold her only son like a piece of merchandise.
Mom… did you ever regret staying with them?
He Changning stood slowly.
His obsidian eyes were sharp as ice, void of warmth, fixed squarely on his father.
This man—this coward—had destroyed his mother’s life.
If not for him, she might still be alive.
And now, for the sake of his new family and business, he was willing to sell off the one thing his wife left him.
This father… didn’t deserve forgiveness.
And just then, He Changning made up his mind.
He would not agree to this marriage.
Even if it meant offending the Shang family, he would drag the entire Yin clan into hell with him.
The air around him turned cold, dense with fury and resolve.
A deathly silence fell.
The Yins instinctively recoiled from the chill in his aura, shrinking in their seats.
None of them could meet his eyes.
His glare was sharper than knives.
Just as he was about to speak, Shang Yushang stood up.
He reached out, took Changning’s hand, and gently pulled him closer.
His deep, calming voice resonated softly,
“Changning, don’t throw yourself away like this. They’re not worth it.”
Changning’s eyes trembled.
His grip on Yushang’s hand tightened.
He lowered his head, teeth gritted, trying to hold back the storm raging inside.
It took several long seconds for him to regain control.
He exhaled slowly and opened his eyes.
Then, with a faint smile—tired but composed—he said,
“I’m fine.”
Yushang’s brows furrowed slightly.
God, this boy made his heart ache.
He squeezed his hand a little tighter.
Let me carry it with you. I’m here.
Seeing Changning begin to settle, Madam Shang leaned forward and spoke gently.
“Changning, Yushang asked me to handle the marriage arrangements. Do you trust Grandma?”
The question startled him.
Her choice of words—“Grandma”—was not lost on him.
It was an acknowledgment, a public recognition of him as family.
He turned abruptly, momentarily dazed.
Madam Shang chuckled at his flustered look.
Such a child—everything shows on his face.
“Changning,” she called again.
He snapped out of it and nodded earnestly.
“Yes. I trust you.”
Shang Yushang guided him gently back into his seat.
Madam Shang took a sip of tea, then said plainly:
“As for Madam Yin’s request—I’ve decided on Yushang’s behalf. He’ll help with Yin Corp’s situation. Now, let’s talk about Changning’s engagement gifts.”
She turned to her grandson.
“Yushang, listen closely. I want every item I mention to be written into a formal contract by your lawyer. You and Changning both sign it. It must clearly state: all assets listed belong solely to Changning. You are not allowed to touch them without his consent. Understood?”
Her gaze swept across the room, sharp and commanding.
The Yin family didn’t dare breathe.
Even Guozhang and Huilin dared not object.
“The villa at Luobin Bay—transfer it to Changning’s name. Pick a comfortable apartment for him from our units in Jingyuan. As for the private islands your grandfather left behind, let Changning choose one. Whichever he likes, it’s his. That includes mineral rights.”
“Take him to pick a car. He can use his allowance to pay for it. The standard amount is ten million. That’s what your grandfather set.”
“I’m also giving him ten million from me personally. A gift from Grandma.”
“And the main city branch of Shang Group’s [Company Name]—give it to him. He doesn’t own shares, so just give him 50% of the profits. You and he can decide how to manage it.”
“I’ll take care of wedding prep. As for clothes and jewelry, that’s your decision. After the wedding, live at the family estate for now. Use Yushang’s room—it’s large enough.”
“Fix up that villa in Fanjin too. If the estate gets stuffy, you two can move there. Don’t be sloppy—make it livable. Don’t let Changning suffer.”
“Guozhang, Huilin—go to the temple, find a nearby auspicious date. We’ll discuss the guest list later. That’s all for now.”
She took another sip of tea.
“Yushang, did you get all that? Once you take Changning home, go straight to the lawyer. I want those papers signed before the wedding.”
Shang Yushang nodded firmly.
“Understood, Grandma. I’ll take care of it.”
She turned to Changning.
“Is there anything else you want? Tell Grandma. If it’s within my power, I’ll make it happen.”
Changning shook his head, still slightly in shock.
What kind of empire just gives this away without blinking?
Compared to this, the little money he earned through his own hard work felt like pocket change.
His stunned expression amused Shang Yushang, who gently patted the back of his hand.
“You deserve all of it. Take it.”
I think that is too much too early. Like why do they even like him? Out of Pity?
I agree!!! Way too much too fast. We’ve only had some looks and some oddly timed hand holding between the main characters, no hint at either of them actually liking me either. Suddenly Changning gets all this money??
Why? He’s a man; no blood heirs will be born by him. The only thing I can think of is that they know he can birth kids. Something special about the He clan that enables him to give birth and prob’ some other mystical thing. And they’re doing this to keep him tied to them, not out of the goodness of their hearts.