Chapter 103: Who Are You Calling "Baby"?

A week after Song Qi Nian's stitches came out, the Shen family matriarch's 88th birthday celebration was upon them. In Jinghua City, where she was a towering figure, reaching such a venerable age was cause for citywide celebration.

They booked the city's finest seven-star hotel for the occasion. Three days before the event, the hotel cleared out all regular guests, preparing exclusively for the birthday festivities. The city's elite would be there—business magnates, social leaders, media personalities—all coming to pay their respects to the Shen family matriarch.

The Shen family members had spent weeks preparing, each hoping to leverage the event to strengthen their social connections and win favor with influential guests. Only Song Qi Nian felt her anxiety mounting as the day approached.

She'd expected an intimate gathering at the family estate, where she could help from behind the scenes. But this? With hundreds of guests and her marriage to Shen Chi Yan still under wraps, she doubted he'd want her there at all.

While she was still wrestling with her doubts, Shen Ke Qin breezed into the villa carrying a garment bag. "Sister-in-law, Grandma was very clear—everyone else can skip her birthday, but not you."

Noticing Song Qi Nian's hesitation, Shen Ke Qin gave her a gentle pat. "Don't worry. Grandma and I will be right there with you tomorrow. No one would dare give you trouble."

Song Qi Nian managed a weak smile. Being bullied wasn't what worried her—she just couldn't bear the thought of embarrassing the old lady.

"Look," Shen Ke Qin continued, "whatever's going on between you and my brother, you're still his wife. Tomorrow's the perfect opportunity to make it official and silence the gossip."

Her phone buzzed. "Sister-in-law, I need to run—Grandma's gift just arrived. See you tomorrow! And remember to dress to impress!"

Song Qi Nian nodded, her resolve strengthening. Grandma had shown her nothing but kindness. She wouldn't let fear or uncertainty keep her from celebrating this milestone.

The next morning, Song Qi Nian slipped into the dress the old lady had chosen for her—a black, Hepburn-style strapless gown paired with elegant black gloves that concealed the scars on her fingers.

She had barely finished dressing when a knock echoed at her door. Opening it, she found herself face-to-face with a flamboyant figure in fishnet stockings, a black pencil skirt, and a yellow T-shirt.

"Hello, cutie! Been ages, hasn't it? Miss me?"

It took her a moment to place him—Nancy, the makeup artist Shen Chi Yan had hired for her before. Her mind raced. Was he here on Shen Chi Yan's orders?

Nancy circled her, eyes widening. "Oh my God! I always thought the Hepburn look was just for women with strong features, but look at you! Absolutely divine, cutie!"

Song Qi Nian felt her cheeks warm at the praise.

"Now sit! The world's most fabulous stylist is about to make you the star of tomorrow's show!"

For the next hour, Song Qi Nian sat still as Nancy worked his magic, his running commentary punctuated with occasional squeals of delight. When he finished, he whipped out his phone for a few quick shots.

"Sweetheart, ever thought about showbiz? With those looks, you'd be an overnight sensation!"

Before she could respond, an icy voice cut through the room: "Who are you calling sweetheart?"

Nancy spun around to face Shen Chi Yan's thunderous expression. "P-President Shen!" he stammered, forcing a laugh. "I was just saying what a waste it is that Madam Shen isn't in entertainment!"

Shen Chi Yan's dark gaze finally settled on Song Qi Nian. The strapless gown emphasized her graceful neck and delicate collarbones. It fell just past her knees, revealing shapely calves that drew the eye. Nancy had swept her hair into an elegant updo, crowned with a delicate tiara—she looked every inch the aristocratic princess.

Under Shen Chi Yan's intense scrutiny, Song Qi Nian nervously twisted her hands together.

His voice cut through the silence like winter frost. "Beautiful? No."

Song Qi Nian bowed her head, her heart sinking with disappointment.

Nancy stood dumbfounded. Were Shen Chi Yan's standards truly that impossible to meet? If this wasn't beauty, what was?

He opened his mouth to speak but caught Shen Chi Yan's piercing stare.

Taking the hint, Nancy quickly disappeared.

"Why are you just standing there?" Shen Chi Yan's words were sharp and cold.

Song Qi Nian bit her lip before walking toward him. The moment she came close, his arm snaked around her waist, and his fingers tilted her chin upward.

His frown deepened as he studied her face, his expression unreadable.

Their bodies were so close that Song Qi Nian's heart thundered in her chest. Was it her makeup that displeased him?

"Zhang Qiaoqiao," Shen Chi Yan called out abruptly.

"Yes, coming!"

As Zhang Qiaoqiao's footsteps approached, Song Qi Nian tried to pull away, but his grip only tightened.

Zhang Qiaoqiao entered, wearing an elegant dress for the old lady's birthday celebration. Seeing them locked in an embrace, she stifled a laugh behind her hand.

Heat rushed to Song Qi Nian's cheeks.

"What can I do for you, Young Master?" Zhang Qiaoqiao asked.

"Don't you think she's missing something?"

"Pardon?"

Zhang Qiaoqiao studied Song Qi Nian intently, captivated by her young mistress's beauty but noticing nothing amiss.

Shen Chi Yan's frown deepened at Zhang Qiaoqiao's obvious admiration. "There's a box in my bedside table drawer. Get it."

"Oh... right away."

When Zhang Qiaoqiao left, Song Qi Nian tried to pull away again, but Shen Chi Yan's voice stopped her cold. "Move one more time and you won't be at Grandma's banquet tomorrow."

Song Qi Nian froze.

People always said you should stand your ground when threatened, but under Shen Chi Yan's overwhelming presence, Song Qi Nian's resistance crumbled in seconds.

Zhang Qiaoqiao hurried back with the box.

"Open it."

Inside was a pink pearl necklace. Zhang Qiaoqiao gasped. "It's stunning!"

Without a word, Shen Chi Yan lifted the necklace and fastened it around Song Qi Nian's neck.

"Perfect!" Zhang Qiaoqiao clapped in delight. "That's exactly what was missing. Young Madam looks even more beautiful now!"

Zhang Qiaoqiao wasn't just a talented cook—she had quite the silver tongue too.

Shen Chi Yan gave Song Qi Nian one last penetrating look before releasing her. "We're leaving."

He strode out first, while Zhang Qiaoqiao bubbled with enthusiasm. "Young Madam, you're breathtaking! I've never seen anyone as beautiful in my entire life!"

Song Qi Nian held back a sigh.

Just how old was Zhang Qiaoqiao anyway?

Still…

She hadn't expected Shen Chi Yan to come get her personally. Grandma must have insisted.

But the necklace—why had he given her that?

Her fingers traced the perfectly smooth pearls. They were flawless, obviously worth a fortune.

At the hotel, as they stepped out of the car, Shen Chi Yan gripped her arm and bent close to her ear. His voice was low and threatening. "Behave yourself. No more flirting with everyone you see."