Song Qi Nian felt a surge of indignation. From the moment they first met to their current marriage, her heart had been devoted to him alone. If she were to flirt—which was absolutely out of the question—it would only be with him.
Why did he twist her intentions so grotesquely? As if she were some unfaithful wife waiting to stray.
The truth was painfully simple. She was mute. Any potential admirer would quickly retreat once they realized she couldn't speak. Who would genuinely love a woman incapable of verbal communication?
In stark contrast, he was Jinghua City's most coveted bachelor. His looks were impeccable, his physique sculpted, his family background unimpeachable. Women pursued him like a swarm, their numbers rivaling the stars. Even knowing the near-impossibility of marrying into the Shen family, they still fought desperately for his attention.
If anyone needed a warning, it was him. He should be the one reminded not to parade his charm so recklessly.
Though Song Qi Nian remained silent, her eyes spoke volumes. Shen Chi Yan caught the warning glinting within them.
Ha… She's getting bolder, daring to challenge him.
"Wipe that look off your face," he snapped. "You don't get to control me."
Frustrated, Song Qi Nian averted her gaze, her lips forming a subtle pout.
Double standards! He could issue warnings, but she was forbidden from doing the same?
Before the banquet commenced, they visited the family matriarch. Today, the old lady wore an elegant dark red Tang suit. At 88, her body remained remarkably robust—a proof of her enduring strength.
On this joyous, grand occasion, her mood was jubilant. A warm, kind smile softened her features.
Seeing Shen Chi Yan and Song Qi Nian approach, she immediately beckoned to Song Qi Nian. "Nian Nian, come here."
Song Qi Nian hurried over to her. The old lady's eyes swept over her, a warm smile spreading across her face. "Nian Nian, you look absolutely radiant today."
The genuine praise brought a sparkle to Song Qi Nian's eyes. She signed, [It's because of the beautiful dress Grandma gave me.]
"A beautiful dress means nothing if the person wearing it isn't special. But you—you're stunning," the old lady replied.
Watching the bright smile bloom across Song Qi Nian's face, Shen Chi Yan's dark eyes narrowed slightly.
This woman… She might be plain most of the time, but when she smiles, she's almost bearable to look at.
After her compliment, the old lady's gaze shifted to Shen Chi Yan, her smile cooling almost imperceptibly. "Nian Nian's hand is still recovering. Your job today is to take care of her. Understood?"
Noticing Shen Chi Yan's impassive expression, Song Qi Nian tensed. She quickly signed, [My hand is much better. I can—]
"Got it," he cut her off flatly.
Song Qi Nian blinked, surprised by his unusual cooperation. Then it clicked—today was Grandma's birthday banquet. No matter how much he might dislike her, he wouldn't risk disappointing the family matriarch.
Soon after, Shen Ke Qin and her family arrived.
Gone was the pink hair, replaced by a more mature black. She wore a pale yellow dress that made her look more composed. Yet, the moment she spoke, she was unmistakably the same Shen Ke Qin.
"Wow, Sister-in-law, you look absolutely stunning today. Someone here is incredibly lucky," she chirped.
Song Qi Nian cast a cautious glance at Shen Chi Yan. Seeing no anger brewing, she relaxed and signed back with a smile, "Ke Qin looks beautiful too."
"Hug hug… Ke Qin wants to hug Sister-in-law…"
Shen Ke Qin adored Song Qi Nian. There was something about her—so soft, so sweet, with a temperament that seemed to dissolve all worries. Just being near her brought an inexplicable warmth.
As Shen Ke Qin leaned in, her cheek nearly touching Song Qi Nian's, Shen Chi Yan's frown deepened. In one swift motion, he pulled Song Qi Nian into his arms, leaving Shen Ke Qin embracing nothing but air.
"Shen Chi Yan, what are you doing?"
A steady, authoritative voice cut through the air: "Shen Ke Qin!"
The intimidating tone from her father instantly froze Shen Ke Qin. She stood motionless, fear flickering in her eyes.
The old lady chuckled warmly, "Oh, come now. Ke Qin and Nian Nian are just playing around. It's nothing serious."
Shen Zhengcheng let out a helpless sigh. "Mom, you've completely spoiled her."
"She's my granddaughter," the matriarch replied defiantly. "What's wrong with a little spoiling?"
Emboldened by her grandmother's support, Shen Ke Qin hugged the old lady, playfully rubbing her shoulder. Her voice dripped with saccharine sweetness, "That's right, Dad. You already have Mom's love—why are you jealous of me now?"
"Such impudence!" Shen Zhengcheng retorted.
Xi Ruxue, holding his arm, smiled gently. "Enough. This is Mom's birthday banquet, not a courtroom. Put on a smile and let's enjoy the day."
Though strict and meticulous at work, Shen Zhengcheng was the quintessential henpecked husband. Where his wife directed, he obediently followed.
Xi Ruxue approached Song Qi Nian, her smile warm and welcoming. "You must be Nian Nian. What a beautiful young lady."
This was a momentous occasion. Song Qi Nian and Shen Chi Yan had only registered their marriage, never holding a proper ceremony or introducing her to the family. Apart from Shen Ke Qin, these were her first encounters with the Shen family members.
Noticing Song Qi Nian's unease, Shen Ke Qin jumped in enthusiastically. The old lady beamed with delight at her granddaughter's eagerness.
"Sister-in-law, this handsome gentleman is my dad—your elder uncle. And this elegant lady is my dearest mother, your aunt-in-law."
Unable to speak, Song Qi Nian simply nodded in acknowledgment.
"And this cool-looking guy is our eldest brother, Shen Liuyan. A little secret—he's an engineer and quite dull."
Shen Liuyan smiled helplessly. "I can hear you, you know."
"Blah, blah, blah..." Shen Ke Qin stuck out her tongue at her brother, then turned to Song Qi Nian with a mischievous grin.
"And this is our sister-in-law, Lin Zhuyin. She owns a few flower shops now—quite the impressive entrepreneur!"
Song Qi Nian studied Shen Liuyan and Lin Zhuyin discreetly. They seemed perfectly matched—both talented and striking.
Unlike Shen Ke Qin's bubbling chatter, Lin Zhuyin projected a cooler, more distant elegance. Her light blue cheongsam and intricate updo spoke of refined sophistication, almost untouchable in her nobility.
Lin Zhuyin offered a slight nod to Song Qi Nian, who responded with a polite smile.
"Sister-in-law, my eldest sister-in-law might not talk much, but she's genuinely wonderful. Oh, and she loves lychees—just like me!"
Shen Ke Qin leaned closer, whispering conspiratorially near Song Qi Nian's ear, "My dad and big brother are total pushovers with their wives. You've got to step up your game and make my second brother completely submissive. If you tell him to go east, he shouldn't even think about going west!"
Song Qi Nian glanced at Shen Chi Yan, who was deep in conversation with Shen Liuyan.
As if sensing her gaze, his dark eyes suddenly met hers. Her heart fluttered, and she quickly looked away.
More like I'm the one being controlled, she thought. Turning Shen Chi Yan into a henpecked husband? Impossible.
The old lady's warmth extended to all her granddaughters-in-law. Holding Lin Zhuyin's hand, she asked kindly, "Zhuyin, isn't running the flower shop exhausting?"
Lin Zhuyin's smile was gentle. "Thank you for asking, Grandma. I love what I do, so it never feels tiring."
When Lin Zhuyin smiled, she transformed. If Song Qi Nian was the sweet, approachable type everyone adored, Lin Zhuyin embodied an ethereal, almost unreachable beauty—a goddess among mortals.
Shen Liuyan, one couldn't help but think, was truly blessed.
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