Chapter 10: Forcing Me to Have Multiple Wives?

Shen Chi Yan's face darkened as he avoided the topic of marriage, a light snort escaping his lips. "Do you really like her?"

"I do like her," came the response, "but more importantly, she's perfect for you."

Shen Chi Yan was known for his aloof and domineering personality. Only a soft, kind, and considerate girl like Song Qi Nian Nian could potentially match him. The matriarch had long known of Song Qi Nian's feelings for Shen Chi Yan and preferred her over the young lady from the Lin family. But Shen Chi Yan saw things differently.

"Perfect?" he scoffed, his voice dripping with sarcasm. "So you think she's suitable, and that means you want to force me into marriage? What's next? If you find other 'suitable' women, will you push me into having multiple wives?"

"What nonsense are you talking about?" The old lady swatted him twice - the blows looked heavy but were surprisingly gentle.

"Grandma, if you're trying to play matchmaker for Song Qi Nian, save your breath. I will never fall in love with her!"

Unnoticed, Song Qi Nian had entered the room, worried about the potential argument between her grandmother and Shen Chi Yan. After dismissing the servant, she stood quietly in the corner, listening.

She was well aware of Shen Chi Yan's distaste for her. Yet hearing him declare with such certainty that he would never love her felt like a knife to her heart, the pain immediate and crushing.

"How can you be so sure you'll never love her?" the old lady challenged.

"Three months isn't enough?" Shen Chi Yan retorted.

"From what I know, you've barely spent any time with her. Song Qi Nian is obedient, well-behaved, and kind. If you gave her a chance, you'd definitely see her worth."

A cold laugh escaped Shen Chi Yan's lips. "An obedient girl who schemes with her relatives to manipulate her way into my bed?"

"You—"

Before the old lady could finish, Shen Chi Yan cut her off. "I'm tired, Grandma. I'm going to sleep."

As he turned to leave, the old lady grabbed his arm, her voice earnest. "Chi Yan, you don't understand Song Qi Nian. She is nothing like you think. If you take the time to know her, she'll surely surprise you."

"Sorry, I have neither the time nor the desire to understand her!"

The old lady studied Shen Chi Yan's unyielding expression and sighed deeply. Had she made a mistake with this potential marriage?

Song Qi Nian watched Shen Chi Yan climb the stairs, her heart racing. She rushed to her room, pressing a hand against her chest.

Remembering his resolute declaration that he would never love her, she dropped her gaze. The pain of unrequited love weighed heavily on her heart. Exhausted, she collapsed onto the bed, certain that Shen Chi Yan would avoid sharing a room with her tonight.

Just as the thought crossed her mind, the door swung open.

Song Qi Nian bolted upright, shocked to see Shen Chi Yan standing there with a dark expression. Her mind raced. Was he actually going to sleep here?

Before she could gather her thoughts, his cold voice cut through the silence. "Who told you to get on the bed without showering?"

Song Qi Nian leaped off the bed, suddenly alert like a startled cat. A moment later, she realized the absurdity of his comment. This was her room, brought to her by the servants. Why would he care if she showered?

Emboldened by the earlier hurt of his words, she found an unexpected spark of defiance. "This is my room!" she retorted, her hand making a dismissive gesture.

It was an uncharacteristic moment of rebellion. Song Qi Nian, typically submissive and meek in Shen Chi Yan's presence, now showed a flash of anger. Something about her unexpected outburst caught Shen Chi Yan's interest.

Concerned, the old lady approached. Seeing Shen Chi Yan standing in the doorway, she frowned. "Chi Yan, it's late. Why aren't you in bed?"

Shen Chi Yan shot Song Qi Nian a cool sideways glance, a sardonic smile playing at the corner of his mouth. "Grandma, your well-behaved daughter-in-law won't let me enter the room."

Song Qi Nian was caught completely off guard. Her grandmother's unexpected appearance and Shen Chi Yan's provocative statement left her panicked. Her face shifted dramatically, and she began frantically waving her hands.

If Shen Chi Yan wanted to enter the room, she wouldn't dare stop him - not in a million years! But sign language was tricky when she was anxious. Unlike spoken words, which could quickly express emotions, her signs could easily become muddled. Worse, if Shen Chi Yan chose to ignore her, she'd be powerless.

The old lady, understanding the situation, knew Song Qi Nian's feelings for Shen Chi Yan ran deep. She likely recognized Shen Chi Yan was deliberately stirring up trouble. With a gentle push, she guided him into the room. 

"Qian Qian isn't petty. Go on, it's late. You two should get some sleep..." She paused, a mischievous glint in her eye. "Though young people don't need to sleep so early. Communicate more. I'm still waiting for my great-grandchild."

With that, she left with the servant, leaving Song Qi Nian alone to face Shen Chi Yan's darkened expression. Awkward and nervous, she stood frozen.

As Shen Chi Yan approached step by step, Song Qi Nian's heart raced. Her cheeks burned as he began unbuttoning his white shirt. Without gloves, his fingers moved smoothly, revealing his elegant neck and collarbone.

His expression remained cold, but his movements were undeniably sensual. Song Qi Nian couldn't deny her initial attraction to Shen Chi Yan had been largely physical. How could anyone resist someone so devastatingly handsome?

Her eyes locked onto his hands, her breathing quickening. Suddenly, he stopped. When she looked up, a mocking smile curved his lips. "Done staring?"

Her face - no, her entire upper body - erupted in a deep crimson. Just as she was about to look away, his large hand caught her chin, forcing her to meet his gaze.

"Song Qi Nian, put away those disgusting thoughts," he snarled. "You think I'd touch you just because Grandma left us alone? Look at yourself - you're revolting!"

Song Qi Nian's face drained of color. She hadn't orchestrated this situation. She desperately wanted to explain using sign language, but Shen Chi Yan wasn't looking at her. His words, practically ground out between clenched teeth, dripped with pure contempt.

"Trying to use Grandma's influence to force me to have a child with you? Keep dreaming! In this world, anyone might have a child with Shen Chi Yan - but you, Song Qi Nian? You're not even close to being worthy!"