The Rolls-Royce’s high beams cut through the coastal night, driving straight across the front lawn toward the main entrance.
No sooner had Shang Mingbao finished speaking than she saw her brother’s expression drastically change. He abruptly rose to his feet and reached the window in just a few strides.
In their line of sight, the Rolls-Royce was slowing down, about to turn the steering wheel for parallel parking.
The man’s jaw tightened as he gritted his teeth – clearly, he was holding back a swear word at that moment.
There was no time for lengthy explanations. Shang Shao grabbed Ying Yin’s arm, pulling her toward the study door while giving calm instructions. “The house is big enough. Find some remote corner to hide for a while – don’t go outside, I’ll worry. He won’t stay long. Wait for me to make arrangements.”
Ying Yin didn’t even have time to put on shoes, stumbling along barefoot behind him. Her long legs were completely exposed beneath the men’s shirt – any parent who saw them would find the two utterly improper.
Downstairs, the black sedan had already finished parking. The driver got out, walked around to the side, and bent to open the door.
Shang Qingye stepped out from the back seat, still wearing the same suit he had on during the group meeting – dressed impeccably, exuding an air of dignity and presence.
He had welcomed his first child into the world at twenty-two. Now fifty-eight, he was roughly the same age as Lin Cunkang, but the two men carried themselves very differently.
One would think that Shang Qingye, with more affairs to manage and five ‘good-for-nothing’ children constantly vexing him, might show signs of wear. Yet he was well-maintained and spirited – or perhaps it was simply the natural Shang family genes – that he looked barely fifty.
After taking a few steps, Lin Cunkang, who had been alerted to his arrival, hurried over with a rare look of tension. “Sir.”
Shang Qingye grunted in acknowledgment and asked directly, “How is he?”
Lin Cunkang wasn’t aware of the full situation, but replied cautiously with deliberate ambiguity, “The young master is very well. He’s in the study at the moment.”
Shang Qingye frowned. “He’s running a fever. Why is he still working?”
Lin Cunkang understood immediately and gave a light cough before answering. “As you know, the young master never allows himself a moment’s rest.”
Shang Qingye’s expression softened slightly, but he still let out a cold snort.
Lin Cunkang was racking his brains for ways to buy time, but Shang Qingye’s presence was too imposing – he was perceptive and sharp, and any flimsy excuse would only arouse his suspicion. For a moment, Lin Cunkang could only call over a male servant: “Go upstairs at once and tell the young master that the chairman is here to see him.”
Catching Lin Cunkang’s meaningful look, the servant gave a small nod and said, “Yes, sir,” then hurried upstairs with measured but quick steps.
Upstairs, Ying Yin had already been pulled by Shang Shao to the middle of the hallway. Shang Shao held her shoulders and looked her straight in the eyes. “I can’t delay any longer. Stay here by yourself for a while and wait for me, alright?”
Ying Yin nodded earnestly, still somewhat dazed.
Shang Shao had already turned his foot to leave, but after a moment’s thought, he added one more thing, unable to set his mind at ease. “Promise me – don’t overthink it.”
Only after he left did Ying Yin understand what he meant by “don’t overthink it.”
He was afraid she might misunderstand – that being hastily hidden away when a parent arrived meant she wasn’t being treated like a real girlfriend. That she would feel neglected, wronged, humiliated?
In fact, Shang Shao was the one overthinking it.
Ying Yin had never wanted to meet his parents, especially his authoritative father.
By the time the servant reached the study door, Shang Shao had just hurried back. He gave a casual ‘Noted,’ then cleared his throat and went with the servant to greet his father at the elevator.
Shang Mingbao followed behind him, hearing her eldest brother instruct, “Be sharp when we get down there, got it?”
Shang Mingbao seized the opportunity to drive up the price. “Five million for sharp, ten million for very sharp, fifteen million for giving it my all!”
Shang Shao gave her a deep, meaningful glance and pointed a finger at her as if about to scold her – but when he spoke, his words took an unexpected turn. “Deal.”
They had barely reached the elevator when it arrived.
The doors opened, and Lin Cunkang stepped out, following behind Shang Qingye.
Both Shang Shao and Shang Mingbao were taken aback at the sight of their father.
Lin Cunkang had no idea when Shang Mingbao had sneaked in. He could only exchange discreet glances with Shang Shao, who signaled him to calm down and not worry. Just as Shang Shao let out a quiet sigh of relief, he broke into a violent fit of coughing.
“Why are you coughing?” Shang Qingye asked, his concern hidden behind tightly knitted brows, making him look more like he was conducting an interrogation.
Shang Shao roughened his voice by coughing a few more times, then replied with a hand against his lips. “I got caught in the rain while rowing yesterday. Caught a cold and a fever at the same time.”
Shang Qingye nodded, then turned to his youngest daughter. “And you? Why are you here too?”
Shang Mingbao just put on a coquettish act. “I… I missed my brother!”
“He’s just someone who goes to work, comes home, and attends social functions all day. What good is missing him?” Shang Qingye’s tone made it impossible to tell whether he meant it kindly or not.
Mingbao thought to herself, Well, not anymore – now he has time to fool around with a female star in his study!
Shang Shao led his father toward the study, speaking with respectful but somewhat distant politeness. “Father, did you come over today on business?”
Shang Qingye had originally come to check on his health. Caught off guard by the question, he replied stiffly, “You’ve been in the mainland for a while now. I want to hear your thoughts and plans.”
They reached the study. On the cream-and-coffee-colored embossed carpet with its subtle patterned design, a pair of women’s sheepskin leather house mules stood out conspicuously.
Shang Shao: “…”
In the rush, mistakes were made. For all his meticulous planning, a single detail had slipped through.
Shang Qingye frowned. Shang Mingbao quickly ran over, bent down to pick up the shoes, hugged them to her chest, and gave Shang Qingye an appeasing smile.
She only smiled and said nothing, afraid that speaking more would mean making more mistakes.
Her sharp glance crossed with Shang Shao’s, the message clear as day: I, a young lady of a prestigious family, am carrying your girlfriend’s shoes for you – pay up!
Shang Shao wore a helpless expression, as if to say, Fine, have it your way. With a slight nod, he impatiently flashed the number five with his fingers.
“Didn’t you forbid her from entering your study?” Shang Qingye asked calmly.
Shang Mingbao rushed to answer, “He is seriously ill. I came to bring him tea and water!”
Seriously ill…
Shang Shao had no choice but to put on a look of being overwhelmed. He called out “Mingbao” again – half a reminder, half a threat – “Don’t talk nonsense. You’ll make Xiao Wen worried.”
Wen Youyi wasn’t even present, yet he claimed to be afraid of frightening her. As for the father standing before him, he might as well have been air.
Shang Qingye exercised tremendous restraint before finally managing to soften his expression.
He truly regretted not bringing Youyi along. Then the situation wouldn’t have been so awkward. But this unfilial son was working alone in the mainland and had suddenly come down with a fever. He had been afraid that Wen Youyi would be so worried she wouldn’t eat or sleep properly, so he had come alone to check on him.
Under these circumstances, making him give a work report – that wasn’t just failing to act like a father; it was hardly even human. Shang Qingye changed his mind. “Since you have a fever, rest early. Recover your strength before you go back to work.”
Shang Shao breathed an almost imperceptible sigh of relief. “I’ll see you downstairs.”
“I didn’t say I was leaving.”
“…”
Shang Qingye said casually, “The Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge isn’t short either. Since I’m here, I might as well drop by Qinde tomorrow and meet with Tan Beiqiao. If you have any difficulties or inconveniences, tell me, and I’ll go talk to him.”
Of course, there were difficulties. But after a moment’s silence, Shang Shao replied, “Everything is going smoothly. Don’t trouble yourself.”
“You still resent me for sending you to the mainland.” Shang Qingye paused. “Shangyu has owed much to you over the years. I know you’re not happy about it, but remember – the harder something is, the more valuable it becomes.”
“I don’t resent anything. All your decisions are correct and far-sighted.”
Shang Mingbao and Lin Cunkang hardly dared to breathe.
Here it comes again, here it comes again – the father and son’s verbal sparring, veiled praise laced with hidden barbs. They had witnessed this too many times over the years.
But her eldest brother hadn’t always been like this, Mingbao thought to herself.
Shang Shao used to be a very gentle and humble person, the epitome of a graceful gentleman.
Thousands of employees at Shangyu’s headquarters, from top to bottom, all liked him and trusted him. Every New Year’s Eve, he would visit the staff on duty and send blessings to colleagues in overseas markets, handing out generous red envelopes.
Compared to Chairman Shang Qingye’s sharpness and severity, Shang Shao – though equally perceptive – was known for saving people’s dignity and leaving them an out in public. In private, he never dragged things out, handling matters with remarkable finesse.
As for family, needless to say, Shang Shao was beyond reproach. He was filial and respectful to his parents, caring toward his siblings. As the eldest son, his actions were steady and reliable, so everyone loved to seek his advice. Whenever they wanted something expensive but hesitated to buy it, it would appear in their rooms before long.
Shang Lu’s authentic Chang Yu painting worth 80 million Hong Kong dollars, Shang Mingbao’s rare discontinued vintage Hermes bag worth over 6 million, and countless other gifts and problems – all were handled by Shang Shao.
Mingbao had always remembered that it was her younger brother Shang Lu who often angered their father, not her eldest brother Shang Shao.
He was faultless in every way, so perfect in his conduct that his mother, Wen Youyi, once said, “Leo, it’s okay to relax a little.”
When did he change? The once consistently gentle person became reticent and inscrutable. He would rather spend hours watching fish, sitting in a tent in the forest listening to the rain, or sailing on the sea than share his innermost thoughts with those close to him.
The atmosphere was tense. Shang Mingbao couldn’t help but take Shang Qingye’s arm. “Dad, since this is your first time here, why don’t we take a look around?”
Shang Qingye’s expression softened slightly, and he nodded.
A long string of people followed step by step behind him. After a few paces, he gave a cold order, “Uncle Kang will come along. The rest of you, go rest.”
Once the outsiders had cleared out, leaving only his youngest daughter and eldest son by his side, Shang Qingye finally felt some peace. He carefully examined every space where Shang Shao lived and worked, using this as a way to ascertain whether he was doing well, whether his heart was settled here, whether he was just getting by or truly taking care of his daily life.
“If you’re still bothered by what happened with Shasha…” He thought for a long while before speaking.
“I’m not bothered,” Shang Shao said sincerely.
“I admit, the way I handled things with you back then lacked respect and was very high-handed. If you hold a grudge, I accept that.” Shang Qingye pressed on, then paused, his tone heavy. “But Leo, it’s been so long.”
Mingbao touched the back of Shang Shao’s hand, urging him to seize the opportunity and not let this rare moment of their father’s vulnerability slip away.
“Shasha did something wrong. I ended things willingly; it had nothing to do with you. I also greatly admire your foresight and sharpness – there’s no grudge to speak of.” Shang Shao’s expression didn’t waver as he gave a watertight reply. “Don’t overestimate Shasha’s place in my heart.”
This was, in fact, a veiled insult. How could the trigger be mistaken for the real cause? He was asking Shang Qingye to take a good hard look at himself.
Shang Qingye certainly caught the implication. He choked back a sardonic laugh, forcing it to stay in his chest.
He had no right to be sardonic, because each of his five children rebelled against him in their own way, each with their own temperament. Over the years, if not for Wen Youyi’s gentle tolerance, his family relationships would likely have been quite dire.
Shang Mingbao sighed and rubbed her forehead.
There’s no saving this. No saving this at all. She could only try to change the subject. “Dad, will you be staying here tonight?”
Just as Shang Qingye was about to nod, Shang Shao immediately refused. “I only have one guest bedroom, and it’s already…”
Before he could finish, the door to the guest bedroom opened.
The two sides stood several meters apart, frozen in place.
Ying Yin was wearing her theater work uniform from the night before – a small blazer, white shirt, and pencil skirt – looking completely out of place here.
Shang Qingye’s face was expressionless. “And this is?”
The moment he spoke, Ying Yin’s legs nearly gave way.
So terrifying! Ying Yin gripped the doorknob, swallowing involuntarily. In that instant, she felt that this man’s presence was overwhelmingly frightening – compared to him, Shang Shao could practically be described as gentle and amiable!
A weight of a thousand pounds pressed down on her head, her mind went completely blank, and Ying Yin instinctively glanced at Shang Shao.
She had thought it over and decided that wearing that shirt was just too impractical, so she had specifically come back to change her clothes and then planned to slip away by car.
She hoped Mr. Shang wouldn’t blame her.
And even more so, she hoped Mr. Shang wouldn’t misunderstand that she had done this on purpose.
Shang Shao’s accumulated emotions had reached their peak. He wouldn’t mind angering Shang Qingye one more time.
But before he could show his hand, Ying Yin had already reacted first. She bowed deeply and said, very nervously, “Hello, I’m here today applying for a housekeeping position. I got lost. Sorry!”
The look of bewilderment in Shang Shao’s eyes vanished as quickly as it appeared, eventually transforming into a complex, subtle darkness.
Qili Hotel Entertainment Group was merely a secondary business loosely attached to the Shangyu Group. Its endorsers and commercials had never reached the threshold of Shang Qingye’s attention.
As a chairman with a million matters to attend to, over half a century old, he had neither the time nor the interest to follow the entertainment industry. Thus, Shang Qingye and Ying Yin were complete strangers – even if they met, he wouldn’t recognize her.
Still, his expression remained far from pleased.
A housekeeping job that required living on the premises – with a woman this “beautiful” doing such work, it was downright scandalous and a disgrace to the family name.
“Uncle Kang,” Shang Qingye called out.
Lin Cunkang, who had been following behind all along, stepped forward. “Sir.”
“You explain.”
With no other option, Uncle Kang braced himself and started fabricating. “She came for a trial today. We found her rather unsuitable and have already let her go.”
Shang Qingye said nothing. His gaze lightly swept over Ying Yin from head to toe, then he nodded. “Since she’s lost, have someone show her out.”
Just like that?
It seemed simpler than expected.
Ying Yin let out a long breath, bowed once more, and walked down the hallway under the gaze of everyone present, before being escorted out.
The guest bedroom door stood half-closed. Shang Qingye pushed it open with his fingertip and cast a quick glance around.
Fresh flowers were arranged in a vase. The bed clearly showed signs of having been slept in. A man’s dress shirt lay draped over the bench at the foot of the bed.
Shang Mingbao, quick-eyed and swift-handed, took a large step and planted herself in front of Shang Qingye. “Dad, I’m a grown-up now. You can’t just walk into my room whenever you want.”
“This is your room?” Shang Qingye narrowed his eyes.
“I slept here when I came over yesterday,” Shang Mingbao declared with complete conviction.
“And those jewels – are they yours too?” Shang Qingye had sharp eyes.
Mingbao turned her head and saw a dazzling assortment of loose diamonds scattered on the coffee table. She gave a firm “Mhm,” then said decisively, “They’re all mine. Shang Shao gave them to me – right, bro?”
But Shang Shao’s mind was entirely on Ying Yin. He hadn’t been paying attention to this little Pixiu – mythical creature known for drawing in wealth – as she went about her usual money-grubbing. Distracted, he responded vaguely, “Yes, I gave them to her.”
Shang Qingye said nothing more. He turned and walked out. “If we need household staff, we can’t possibly send them all from Hong Kong. It’s fine to find your own people here, but…”
He reminded Shang Shao in a casual tone. “Given your status, you shouldn’t keep such beautiful servants by your side. For the sake of your future wife, it’s better to find someone more ordinary.”
Shang Shao’s house was filled with windows, offering an unobstructed view of the outside.
Under the night sky, a small car drove out from the front courtyard. Its headlights were weak, its presence modest.
It was clearly an economy car – just a basic means of transportation.
Shang Qingye watched in silence for a long while, and for once, he was genuinely puzzled.
Could it be that this wasn’t a case of Shang Shao hiding a mistress in a gilded cage? Had she really come to apply for a job?
Ying Yin gripped the steering wheel, her heart still racing even after she had driven down the mountain road.
She had indeed needed to go home, and this little car was indeed for practical use, but she couldn’t shake the feeling that something about this scenario wasn’t quite right…
The journey was thirty kilometers. Fortunately, the manufacturer hadn’t engaged in false advertising – the car had enough charge to get her all the way home.
Zhuang Tiwen had shed her identity as a wealthy heiress and moved back into her luxury apartment in the city center, leaving only Junyi alone in the apartment.
When Junyi saw Ying Yin, she rushed forward as if welcoming Odysseus home after his perilous journey, tears streaming from her eyes as she threw her arms around her. “I thought you weren’t coming back!”
Ying Yin kicked off her shoes weakly. “Don’t ask me anything. I need to take a bath first.”
Only after soaking for half an hour did she feel her soul return to her body.
Shang Shao had sent her a WeChat message earlier: [Why did you actually leave?]
Ying Yin turned over in bed and replied after a delay: [I was going home anyway. Tomorrow I have to have dinner with the director and go to the company to terminate my contract.]
Shang Shao responded after a while: [I’ll buy you a new car. Don’t drive that one. I don’t feel safe with it.]
Ying Yin quickly replied: [I have a car. That one was just a toy purchase. Mr. Shang, has your father left yet?]
Shang Qingye had originally intended to stay overnight, but Shang Shao’s house – totaling 2,000 square meters across both floors – preferred to use 300 square meters to display an authentic Fulong masterpiece rather than build an extra guest bedroom. Clearly, he didn’t welcome any disruptions. The only guest room had been taken over by Shang Mingbao, so Shang Qingye had no choice but to stay at a hotel.
As soon as Shang Shao had seen his father out the door, he called Ying Yin. “He just left. Were you scared today?”
“No, I’m the one who caused you trouble.”
She was so understanding that Shang Shao didn’t know what to say for a moment. After thinking it over, he asked, “Are you still in pain?”
There was actually a little, but Ying Yin shook her head. “No.”
They exchanged a few more simple words before hanging up.
Exhausted, Ying Yin fell asleep quickly, unaware that Shang Shao was already on his way.
He had driven over himself. On the passenger seat sat a paper bag containing medicine prescribed by a doctor. He drove right at the speed limit – fortunately, the roads were clear late at night, and he barely hit any red lights. By the time he arrived, Ying Yin had only managed to get through half a dream.
It was not a pleasant dream. She was roused by the sound of voices coming from beneath the half-open window.
“Mr. Shang?”
“Is she asleep?”
“Yeah. Why are you here?”
“To bring medicine.”
“What kind of medicine?”
“Shh – don’t wake her.”
After that, there was no more conversation, only the soft sound of footsteps falling on the patterned tiles.
Upstairs, Cheng Junyi hesitated, not wanting to let him into the room. “Should I wake her? Or just give me the medicine? Mr. Shang, aren’t you worried about what people might think?”
Shang Shao stood there holding the paper bag with its sealed top, looking somewhat helplessly at Junyi, saying nothing.
Junyi was dumbstruck for a few seconds, then suddenly had a moment of clarity and understood. Her face turned as red as a tomato. She quickly stepped aside. “Th-th-then…”
Shang Shao raised one finger. Junyi immediately fell silent and whispered, “Do you want me to park your car for you? Are you staying or going?”
“We’ll see.”
One side of the French double doors was silently turned open. In the gray-black darkness, his figure appeared faint.
Shang Shao first took off his jacket unhurriedly, then pressed himself down on top of her through the blanket.
Ying Yin was already half-asleep, unable to tell whether she was dreaming or awake. She let out a soft “Mmm…” and, with her eyes still closed, sought out his lips, wanting his kiss.
Shang Shao stroked the corner of her eye and brow with his thumb as he kissed her.
His lips were hot, his tongue was hot, his breath was even hotter – carrying an intoxicating, addictive fragrance that made the mundane world seem to fall away.
Ying Yin slowly woke up. She opened her eyes and, in the light of the moon hanging high in the sky, made out Shang Shao’s features.
He had showered and was wearing a fitted T-shirt.
“Mr. Shang?” Her tone was surprised and confused, as if she hadn’t expected this.
“You didn’t know it was me? Then who were you asking for a kiss from, hmm?”
Ying Yin couldn’t explain it. In a soft voice, she said, “I dreamed of you.”
Those four words were utterly devastating. Shang Shao gazed at her deeply for a long moment, then cupped her face and kissed her even more deeply.
The room remained dark, their voices barely above a whisper.
“Why did you come over so suddenly?” Ying Yin’s arm lay outside the blanket, wrapped around Shang Shao’s neck.
In the moonlight, her arm looked like a jade-white curve.
“I was worried about you.”
“Tell Junyi to offer the driver some tea. Jun…”
Shang Shao covered her lips with his hand. “I drove myself. She’s gone to bed. It’s almost one o’clock.”
Ying Yin’s heart rose and fell like waves on the tide, her breathing following its rhythm.
Her eyes, even in the dim shadows, were very bright – as if she had something to say, or as if she were hoping for something.
“Do you want me to leave, or do you want me to stay?” Shang Shao asked, his voice low.
Ying Yin couldn’t find the words. Thinking back to that unpleasant half-dream, she crossed her arms over Shang Shao’s shoulders and kissed him first.
She wanted him to stay.
The high-thread-count cotton sheets rustled softly as they embraced and kissed.
As their kisses deepened, the blanket became cumbersome and was pushed aside.
They pressed close together, intimately entwined.
Breathless, Ying Yin rested in Shang Shao’s arms, fully awake now from her drowsiness.
“Does your father suspect anything? That was so awkward. I just went to change clothes, I didn’t know…”
“Don’t worry about it. Mingbao led him the wrong way. It’s not your fault.”
Ying Yin made a soft, nasal “Mm.”
“Since we were caught, why didn’t you wait for me to introduce you?”
“It didn’t occur to me.” Ying Yin silently curved her lips into a small smile. “We’ll talk about it next time.”
She brushed past it so lightly that Shang Shao didn’t press further, instead kissing and caressing her deeply.
“I brought you medicine.” His tone was serious, but the warmth in his breathing was unmistakable. “Apply it now?”
“It’s already better.” Ying Yin struggled gently, but he held her firmly in place.
His breath, warm and humid, enveloped her ear.
He said, “Be good. Let me see.”
But without the light on, how could he see?
The faint light was barely enough for Ying Yin to make out a small white tube of ointment. The cap was twisted open, and a dab was squeezed onto his fingertip.
The wound was shallow. He looked into her eyes as he gently smoothed the medicine over it.
Unable to withstand the depth of his gaze, Ying Yin could only close her eyes, her delicate brows furrowed, her lashes fluttering.
The medicine was applied for what felt like ages, but with little effect.
Shang Shao kissed her earlobe, his voice as low and calm as ever – yet utterly outrageous. “The medicine keeps washing away. Does that mean you’ll never get better, sweetheart?”
It truly wouldn’t be getting better anytime soon.
As he took hold of her ankle, Ying Yin thought to herself, Tomorrow, I absolutely must change my WeChat name to [Yinyin Working With Pain].
