The question caught Song Qi NIan completely off guard. She stared at Shen Chi Yan, trying to read the swirling emotions in his dark eyes.
A wedding. The word hung in the air between them.
Years ago, when she'd first fallen for him, she'd dreamed of this. In her mind's eye, she'd seen herself in white, radiant and nervous, her father by her side. Shen Chi Yan would have waited at the altar in a perfectly tailored black suit, his smile gentle and sure. Her father would have placed her trembling hand in Shen Chi Yan's steady one, a silent prayer for her happiness. They would have exchanged rings under a cascade of flowers, sealed their vows with a kiss, and Shen Chi Yan would have promised forever in whispered words meant only for her.
But dreams were dreams. She'd never found the courage to tell him how she felt, instead letting her feelings simmer quietly in her heart. When they did end up married, it wasn't anything like her fantasy – just a practical arrangement born of circumstance, without the celebration she'd yearned for.
Did she want a proper wedding now? Of course she did. Nothing would make her prouder than to stand before everyone and claim Shen Chi Yan as her husband.
But the words stuck in her throat. She knew better than to hope he actually wanted this.
The old lady shot Shen Chi Yan a disapproving look, clearly unhappy he'd put Song Qi NIan on the spot. Song Qi NIan quickly smiled and shook her head, trying to smooth things over. After all, what was the point of a wedding when they'd already been married for three years?
But the old lady wasn't fooled by Song Qi NIan's attempt to protect Shen Chi Yan. Her heart ached for the girl, and she fixed Shen Chi Yan with a stern glare. How could her grandson be so blind to the treasure right in front of him?
After just one day at the family estate, Shen Chi Yan was at his limit. The old lady barely acknowledged his existence, while the servants fussed over Song Qi NIan as if she were made of glass. Meanwhile, he – the young master of the house – might as well have been a ghost for all the attention he received.
Even Song Qi NIan, who used to watch his every move when he was home, now treated him like he was invisible, just like everyone else.
During the afternoon rest period, Shen Chi Yan pulled Song Qi NIan into the bedroom. His face was hard as stone as he glared at her. "Do you plan to live at the old estate forever?"
Song Qi NIan couldn't fathom why he was suddenly so angry. Her staying here didn't affect him at all—what right did he have to be upset?
"You're coming back to Xiangshan Yue with me tonight."
The words hit her like a physical blow. This made no sense. He'd always made it clear he despised her presence—why would he suddenly want her back?
Still, she understood one thing: since arriving at the old estate, everyone had been bending over backwards to accommodate her, from changing their routines to adjusting their meals. The guilt of imposing on them had been gnawing at her.
Before she could voice these thoughts, Shen Chi Yan pressed on.
Noting her silence, his voice turned razor-sharp. "Your brother failed one of his exams. His chances at a good university are finished. But I know how to fix this."
At the mention of Song Jiashu's college entrance results, her heart clenched. But hope flickered at his last words. Without thinking, she grabbed his arm.
"Hiss..."
Pain shot through her fingers where they gripped him, making her wince.
Irritation flashed across Shen Chi Yan's face. "The moment your foolish brother comes up, you lose all sense. You two really are cut from the same cloth."
Missing the jealousy lacing his words, she pressed eagerly, [What's your solution?]
The more he looked at her, the more his annoyance grew. A cold smile twisted his lips. "Come back to Xiangshan Yue with me, and you'll find out."
Song Qi NIan was left speechless.
Thirty minutes later, they descended the stairs together.
In the living room, the old lady sat watching television, tea in hand. When she spotted them, she completely ignored Shen Chi Yan, reserving her warm smile for Song Qi NIan. "Nian Nian, come try this fresh Lushan Yunwu tea."
Shen Chi Yan watched Song Qi NIan's uncertain expression before addressing his grandmother flatly. "Grandma, we need to leave now."
The old lady shot Shen Chi Yan an icy look. "Leave if you want. Nobody's keeping you here."
Shen Chi Yan couldn't find words to respond.
If he didn't have absolute proof he was born into the Shen family, he might've thought he was adopted.
He turned a cold stare on Song Qi NIan. Taking his hint, she hesitantly signed to the old lady, [Grandma, my hand's mostly better now. I should go back.]
"Better isn't the same as healed. You're doing fine here. What's the rush to leave?"
Song Qi NIan was terrible at lying, especially to the old lady. She fidgeted nervously, practically digging her toes into the floor.
[I... I have some things I need to take care of.]
The old lady, sharp as ever, saw right through to the truth—Song Qi NIan was being pressured by Shen Chi Yan.
After mulling it over, she realized something had changed. Her typically cold, distant grandson, who kept everyone at arm's length, had started paying attention to Nian Nian. His hatred seemed to be fading.
"Fine then. If you're set on going, I won't stop you. But be careful with that hand. No heavy lifting for now. If you need anything, just ask Zhang Qiaoqiao."
Song Qi NIan nodded quietly.
Watching how gentle and reasonable Song Qi NIan was, the old lady felt her heart warm. She reached out and patted her head softly. "Good girl. Once you're back there, if anyone gives you trouble, tell Grandma. I'll make sure they regret it."
As she spoke, she fixed Shen Chi Yan with a piercing look. There was no question who she meant by "anyone."
On the drive back, Shen Chi Yan's mood was black as thunder.
Song Qi NIan knew better than to provoke him when he was like this.
But worry about Jia Shu clouded her judgment. She gently nudged Shen Chi Yan's arm.
When his cold eyes swept over her, she instinctively pulled back. Still, she gathered her courage and nervously signed, [You mentioned you had an idea about my brother's education…]
Shen Chi Yan, already seething, couldn't believe she'd missed his obvious anger. Instead of trying to smooth things over, here she was, still obsessing over her worthless brother!
His lips curved in a cruel smile. "I don't. I lied."
Song Qi NIan stared at him, hurt and disbelief flooding her eyes as they welled with angry tears. How dare he lie about something that meant everything to her?
He had dangled hope in front of her, only to snatch it away with cruel satisfaction.
When her tears started falling freely, Shen Chi Yan felt an unfamiliar ache in his chest. His frown deepened. "Stop crying!"
Song Qi NIan shot him a furious glare before turning to stare out the window, shutting him out completely.
Shen Chi Yan's irritation spiked as he watched her turned back. A sudden, piercing headache struck him. Damn it...
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