Shen Chi Yan cast a cold, threatening remark before returning his attention to the documents, his gaze sharp and unforgiving. Song Qi Nian felt a wave of sadness wash over her, but something else flickered in her eyes—a sudden spark of realization.
Wait. Shen Chi Yan had just been to her hospital room, hadn't he? Did he see the male doctor there? Could he be... jealous? She quickly dismissed the thought. Shen Chi Yan didn't like her. How could he possibly be jealous?
Yet, once the idea took root, her mind began to race with wild speculations.
After a long moment of hesitation, Song Qi Nian gathered her courage and tentatively poked Shen Chi Yan's arm. He turned, his gaze cutting and sharp, his brow furrowed with clear irritation.
"The doctor is just a doctor," she signed to explain, her wide eyes intense—always watching, always seeking understanding. Those deer-like eyes caught Shen Chi Yan off guard, stirring something unexpected within him. His expression softened momentarily before hardening again.
"Is this how you seduce people?" he asked, his voice dripping with disdain.
Panicked, Song Qi Nian waved her hands. In an instant, Shen Chi Yan seized her delicate hand. His dark eyes fixed on her slender fingers, a cruel smile playing at the corner of his mouth.
"You're a mute who can only communicate through gestures," he said, his voice low and menacing. "If I were to cripple these hands, you'd be—"
Like a startled bird, Song Qi Nian jerked her hand away, pressing herself against the car door. She tried to put as much distance between herself and Shen Chi Yan as possible, as if he were a predator ready to strike.
Shen Chi Yan's expression darkened, his mood increasingly volatile. Mercifully, they arrived at the Shen family's old mansion at that moment.
As soon as Gao Kunlun opened the car door, Song Qi Nian darted out, her movements quick and nervous. Shen Chi Yan watched her retreat, letting out a light snort. He couldn't help but wonder where her previous boldness had gone—the same courage that had led her to climb into his bed.
The Shen family matriarch had been eagerly awaiting their arrival, instructing the servants to prepare an elaborate meal. When Song Qi Nian entered, the old lady rushed forward, her eyes sparkling with excitement. "Oh, my precious granddaughter-in-law Nian Nian, how are you?"
Despite her completely white hair, the elderly woman radiated energy. Frameless glasses hung from a silver chain, and her face bore a kind, gentle expression. She pulled Song Qi Nian close, studying her carefully. Song Qi Nian responded with a warm smile, using her hands to sign, "Grandma, I'm doing well."
Noticing Shen Chi Yan's intense gaze fixed on her hands—remembering his earlier threat to cripple them—Song Qi Nian instinctively hid her hands behind her back.
The old lady, perceptive as ever, immediately lashed out at Shen Chi Yan. "You rascal! I entrusted Nian Nian to you, and this is how you take care of her? Letting servants bully her, letting her get sick and hospitalized! Are you threatening her to stop using sign language?"
Before Shen Chi Yan could respond, Song Qi Nian tried to intervene, "It's not—"
He coldly cut her off. "In your eyes, her status is even higher than your own biological grandson. How would I dare to bully her?"
The old lady knew her grandson well. With just one look, she understood his lingering resentment about being forced to marry Song Qi Nian three years ago. "Hmph, as long as you understand!" she retorted.
Quickly shifting her attention, she pulled Song Qi Nian closer. "Nian Nian, I had the auntie prepare all your favorite dishes. You're too thin—you must properly nourish yourself."
Song Qi Nian knew her grandmother was nothing like Shen Chi Yan. Her care was genuine, rooted in true compassion—not about bloodlines or obligations. A genuine smile lit up her face as she sat down beside her grandmother.
During the meal, the old lady eagerly served Song Qi Nian, filling her plate with care. Their interactions were warm and loving, effectively rendering Shen Chi Yan—the supposed head of the family—completely invisible.
After eating, they settled on the sofa to watch television. A female-led drama was playing, starring Gu Zhiyan—an actress Song Qi Nian had first seen on her wedding day to Shen Chi Yan.
Gu Zhiyan, a movie queen and Shen Chi Yan's biological mother, had dominated the entertainment industry for years. Her acting talent was undisputed. The old lady, however, offered a critical commentary: "A woman over fifty, still running around filming? What's the point of earning so much money? Isn't it better to simply enjoy life?"
Song Qi Nian understood the depth of the old lady's care for her daughter-in-law. Years ago, when Shen Chi Yan's father, Shen Zhenghao, was determined to divorce Gu Zhiyan, the old lady had been so furious that she'd cast her own son out of the family—while keeping her grandson and daughter-in-law close.
In the Shen family, the matriarch wielded absolute authority. Even Shen Chi Yan had to bend to her will.
Song Qi Nian smiled and signed, "It's not about money. Mom loves acting. It's her career, her dream. She finds happiness and fulfillment in it."
The old lady lovingly patted Song Qi Nian's head. "My Nian Nian is so thoughtful."
A moment of contemplation crossed her face. "Nian Nian, are you truly happy being married to that boy Chi Yan?"
Song Qi Nian glanced toward the balcony, where Shen Chi Yan was taking a phone call. She turned back and signed, "As long as I can be with him, I am happy."
Seeing the heartache in her grandmother's eyes, Song Qi Nian brightened her smile. "Grandma, I'm truly doing well. And thank you. If not for you, I might never have had the chance to marry him."
"Poor child, you've suffered," the old lady murmured.
Song Qi Nian quickly shook her head. Suffering? No. Compared to those who love but cannot be together, she considered herself incredibly fortunate to be Shen Chi Yan's wife.
Frustrated by the lack of emotional progress in their three-year marriage, the old lady decided to intervene.
When Shen Chi Yan finished his call, she announced, "Chi Yan, you and Nian Nian will stay here tonight. I've already prepared the room."
Shen Chi Yan's brow immediately furrowed.
Song Qi Nian started to gesture, but the old lady's authoritative voice cut through: "What? You dislike my place?"
Instantly, Song Qi Nian froze.
The matriarch's sharp eyes locked onto Shen Chi Yan, her stance suggesting she would enforce family law if he dared object.
Shen Chi Yan was getting older, and he had no desire to upset her over such a trivial matter. His dark eyes casually swept over Song Qi Nian. With a light snort, he conceded, "Fine."
Satisfied, the old lady nodded. "Nian Nian, go shower and rest. I need to speak with Chi Yan."
A servant approached Song Qi Nian. "Madam, please follow me."
She nodded, repeatedly glancing back as she followed the servant to her room.
After watching Song Qi Nian disappear, the old lady motioned Shen Chi Yan to sit. "I know you're still angry that I forced you to marry Nian Nian. But have you ever considered why I did that?"
0 Comments