He Yining sighed. "Grandma, I won't have a child with her."
The old Madam He's voice turned stern. "Yining! You haven't even met her, and you're already saying such irresponsible things. Here's what we'll do: come back and see her. If you truly don't like her, Grandma won't force you! But as long as you don't dislike her, you must agree to let her conceive as soon as possible!"
He Yining helplessly tugged at his ear. "She was originally meant for big brother. Why not let him come back and meet her?"
"Nonsense! Who told you to take your brother's place in the wedding? Since you've already married her, the family hierarchy can't be disrupted." The old Madam He said firmly, "That's settled. Six o'clock the day after tomorrow. If you dare not come back, don't bother seeing me again!"
Hearing the old Madam's threat, He Yining could only relent. "Fine, fine, fine, you win! I'll come back, alright?"
After hanging up, He Yining tossed his phone onto the table, a storm brewing in his phoenix-like eyes.
No way. There was no way he'd let that gold-digging, brainless, idiotic woman bear his child!
He needed to think of a way to make her back off on her own...
Shen Yinyin, that fool—she could go right back where she came from!
That night, neither of them slept well.
Shen Qi worried about how she would face He Yiqi.
He Yining worried about how to make Shen Yinyin retreat.
The next morning, Shen Qi woke up with dark circles under her eyes.
Shen Lu saw them and immediately pointed at her eyes. "Xiao Qi, giant panda."
Shen Qi leaned her head on Shen Lu's shoulder, hugging him and acting spoiled. "I'm a little panda, and big brother is a giant panda. We're both pandas."
Shen Lu's eyes curved gently. "Mm, we're both pandas."
Wei Wei came back from buying breakfast and set it on the table. "Xiao Qi, is something bothering you?"
Shen Qi slumped her shoulders. "Nothing, just a small problem. But I'll figure it out."
Better not let others know about those things.
Even if they knew, they couldn't help, and it would only add to their worries.
She'd have to think of a way to avoid meeting him as much as possible.
Then come up with a few excuses for why they couldn't be together, and drag it out as long as she could!
After breakfast, Shen Qi took Shen Lu out again to mingle with people.
Unlike her usual enthusiasm, Shen Qi was clearly distracted today.
After walking in the park for a while, Shen Qi suddenly said to Shen Lu, "Big brother, if I ever do something that makes you unhappy, will you still accept me as your little sister?"
Shen Lu looked down at Shen Qi, his beautiful eyes lowered, hiding his amber irises.
"Xiao Qi is the most important." Shen Lu couldn't speak sweet words like other men; he only used the simplest language to express his feelings.
Shen Qi was deeply moved. She threw her arms around Shen Lu's waist and buried her face in his chest.
"Brother, when you recover, don't blame me." Shen Qi said gloomily. "I know I shouldn't go to the He family, but I really have no choice. Right now, I can't leave H Province and take you far away. Give me a year. I'll clean up all the loose ends and deal with all the feelings! Wait for me!"
Shen Lu didn't understand what Xiao Qi was saying. He only knew that his Xiao Qi was fragile right now and needed comfort.
He could only gently stroke Shen Qi's head, offering her warmth.
The appointed day finally arrived.
Shen Qi stood in front of the mirror, carefully examining herself several times to make sure her outfit wasn't improper, before picking up her bag and leaving the house.
The He family mansion was located near the coast of H City.
A vast stretch of sea in that area was the He family's private property.
A top-tier luxurious estate rivaling Suzhou gardens was the He family mansion.
Covering dozens of acres, it had thirty-eight standalone villas, twenty private garden courtyards, a gate approaching the standards of the Forbidden City, roof tiles made of pure copper, and eaves inlaid with blue-and-white porcelain.
Most importantly, the corridors connecting these thirty-eight villas featured the finest carving techniques, showcasing Chinese architectural aesthetics to their fullest.
Each villa had a complete, independent system, including master bedrooms, guest rooms, dining rooms, indoor pools, media rooms, and reception areas, along with antique furniture from the Song Dynasty that most people might never see in their lifetimes.
Every piece and part here, if placed outside, would be a sought-after masterpiece or unique item.
But in the He family, it was just an ordinary ornament or piece of furniture.
That was the He family's foundation and heritage.
True top-tier aristocracy, distinct from the nouveau riche.
Standing before the He family gate for the first time, Shen Qi was struck speechless by the exquisite beauty before her, even before stepping inside.
At the entrance, someone was already waiting for her.
Shen Qi said with slight nervousness, "Hello, I'm Shen Qi."
"Miss Shen, please come in. The old Madam has been waiting for a while," the person replied.
Shen Qi nodded in thanks and followed them slowly inside.
Shen Qi gazed at the breathtaking sights around her—the masterful designs and carvings that made one linger and forget to leave.
If she weren't here at the old Madam He's summons, she would have loved to thoroughly admire the architecture and every plant here.
Being able to appreciate such beauty up close might be a rare opportunity in her lifetime.
After passing through two corridors, they arrived at the most exquisite, magnificent, and grand villa. The guide said, "Miss Shen, please go in. I can only accompany you this far."
Shen Qi thanked them and stood still, not daring to move.
Soon, a middle-aged woman in a purple cheongsam emerged, exuding an air of nobility.
Shen Qi stood respectfully, careful not to be rude.
"Miss Shen, I am Steward He." The middle-aged woman glanced at Shen Qi, a hint of approval in her eyes.
Good. No small-mindedness.
Her makeup was dignified and elegant, without a trace of frivolity.
Her eyes were clear, and faced with the He family's opulence, she showed only appreciation, not greed.
"Hello, Steward He. I'm sorry to have kept you waiting." Shen Qi bowed politely.
Steward He nodded. "Come in. The old Madam wants to see you first."
"Yes." Shen Qi immediately inclined her head in acknowledgment.
Meanwhile, in another villa, He Yining tossed his tie onto the sofa, looking displeased.
"Grandma is really something! Using such an excuse to force me back. Just thinking about seeing that vulgar woman makes me sick." He Yining complained.
Xiao Chun stood to the side, silent.
A subordinate shouldn't meddle in the boss's affairs.
Just then, Xiao Xia hurried in from outside and whispered something in Xiao Chun's ear.
Even the usually composed Xiao Chun exclaimed in shock, "What did you say?"