Chapter 107: Gentle Sentiments

As a top student, Liang Jinshang’s memory was undoubtedly far better than most. Moreover, the words of little Nian Nian were so pointed and specific.

Suddenly, Liang Jinshang recalled that time at the Red Gate Club when Gong Xueyuan had shouted at Shang Yucheng, “For Nian Nian’s sake, don’t let him treat me like this.”

At that moment, she hadn’t given it much thought. But now, with the real Nian Nian standing before her, she realized the matter was far more complicated.

It turned out Nian Nian was a little girl.

If she wasn’t mistaken—Liang Jinshang turned around and asked, “Your name is Gong Xue Nian?”

This time, Nian Nian didn’t ignore her but loudly retorted, “No! My name is Gong Nian!”

Whether or not there was a “Xue” in the name was irrelevant; as long as she bore the surname Gong, there was no escaping the connection to Gong Xueyuan.

Such a small girl could casually wait in Shang Yucheng’s office. And judging from Gong Xueyuan’s pleading tone, it seemed Nian Nian’s favor outweighed that of a “former fiancée.”

Shang Yucheng’s meeting ended. Upon entering, before even noticing Liang Jinshang, Nian Nian leapt into his arms, exclaiming, “Brother! Brother! Nian Nian misses you so much!”

This proud little princess’s attitude towards Shang Yucheng sharply contrasted with how she treated Liang Jinshang.

Shang Yucheng, matching her enthusiasm, lifted her up and spun her around, a faint indulgent smile playing at his lips.

Only then did he notice Liang Jinshang seated on the sofa.

He set Nian Nian down. “Jinjin, when did you get here?”

Liang Jinshang didn’t answer but fixed her gaze on his hand gently ruffling Nian Nian’s hair.

No matter what, Shang Yucheng’s affectionate and natural manner toward Nian Nian was undeniable.

Though Liang Jinshang had a half-sister with a different father, she had no experience with sibling relationships.

Still, she thought, even Shang Ao’er, who had been spoiled by Shang Yucheng since childhood, wouldn’t be treated quite like this.

Shang Yucheng took Nian Nian’s hand and approached. “Nian Nian, call her sister.”

Liang Jinshang forced a smile and made a dismissive gesture.

Thanks, but she was barely managing to digest Gong Xueyuan’s man; a little sister was truly out of the question.

“She’s not my sister. Nian Nian already has a sister,” the perceptive child said. “Brother Acheng, who is she?”

Shang Yucheng released Nian Nian and sat beside Liang Jinshang on the sofa.

His long arm draped over her shoulder, pulling her close. “She’s your brother’s girlfriend.”

“You’re lying!” Nian Nian’s face flushed red. “Brother Acheng is already married to my sister!”

Ah, so she was indeed Gong Xueyuan’s sister.

Though Shang Yucheng and Gong Xueyuan never married, the engagement banquet must have been grand.

To a child, that probably counted as being married.

Shang Yucheng remained patient. “We’re not married. Right now, my girlfriend is Sister Jinjin.”

He glanced at Liang Jinshang as he spoke. She didn’t seem angry but certainly wasn’t pleased.

He bent down and kissed the top of her head lightly. Though speaking to Nian Nian, it was clearly meant to soothe Liang Jinshang. “Nian Nian, if you keep talking nonsense, my girlfriend will get upset.”

Nian Nian paid no heed to any anger. Pulling at Shang Yucheng’s sleeve, she tried to separate them.

She liked Shang Yucheng and naturally wanted him to be only her brother-in-law.

“No, no! Brother Acheng doesn’t have a girlfriend! You’re Nian Nian’s brother-in-law!” Tears welled up and spilled down her cheeks. “Brother Acheng, come with me to find my sister! She’s shopping at the mall nearby. Let’s go find her together!”

Liang Jinshang knew a child wouldn’t come alone—Gong Xueyuan must have sent her.

Quite the indirect rescue plan.

Nian Nian’s persistent fussing showed no signs of stopping anytime soon, but Liang Jinshang had had enough.

She wouldn’t quarrel with a child. But Shang Yucheng’s lenient attitude toward Nian Nian grated on her.

They were strangers; how could she not notice that Shang Yucheng was this patient with someone else?

“Jinjin,” Shang Yucheng stopped her by the elevator. “Why didn’t you wait for me?”

Liang Jinshang glanced behind him, smiling faintly. “I thought you had other plans.”

Shang Yucheng said simply, “Wait for me to go home together.”

“And the kid? Aren’t you going to take care of her?”

“As it happens, we’ll drop her off with Gong Xueyuan on the way. You’re coming with me.”

“No need,” Liang Jinshang replied coldly, pressing the elevator button. “Your sister and brother-in-law are just figures in a painting. I won’t join the fun.”

Shang Yucheng hadn’t seen the painting of Nian Nian.

But although he might not understand his girlfriend’s words, he could not miss the fact that she was angry.

“Why take a child’s words so seriously?” Shang Yucheng circled her, blocking the elevator. “I’m not her brother-in-law, but I can be her brother. As her sister-in-law, you should be more magnanimous...”

Shang Yucheng rarely showed such tenderness.

But the more patient he was now, the more Liang Jinshang felt she was merely basking in the glow of that little girl.

“Shang Yucheng, I don’t care who she is to you. I only know she’s Gong Xueyuan’s sister. The better you treat Gong Nian, the more you’re giving Gong Xueyuan a chance for a roundabout rescue. Don’t you understand?”

With other employees passing by, Liang Jinshang struggled, so Shang Yucheng released her with a calm, conciliatory expression. “Fine, I’ll have Gong Xueyuan come pick her up.”

Shang Yucheng took a step back, and Liang Jinshang pressed further, “Then won’t you have to contact Gong Xueyuan?”

“What do you suggest?”

Liang Jinshang thought for a moment. “Have a secretary send her.”

Shang Yucheng had no objection and readily agreed.

Since his attitude was acceptable, Liang Jinshang let the matter drop.

But it wasn’t until nightfall that she understood: when a man yields unconditionally and grants every request, he must have ulterior motives.

In short, there’s no such thing as a free lunch.

Especially from a cunning businessman like Shang Yucheng—how could he possibly suffer losses?

Liang Jinshang lay sweating in the master bedroom of the Yunshui Residence.

The bed was comfortable, yet she still longed for the Guanlan Villa, where she had only stayed once on her birthday.

She hadn’t spent enough time there, having been coaxed back to Yunshui Residence by Shang Yucheng for two days straight.

Not only that, but she was being “sold out” to work hard.

She wondered where Shang Yucheng found such energy.

When a couple’s relationship is solid, living together is a natural progression.

But she had never heard of two people moving in together just after starting to date.

Shang Yucheng’s current persistent entanglement made her feel things were unusually “overheated.”

She poked Shang Yucheng. “Next week, I want to hold a housewarming party. Can President Shang spare some time?”

“You want to move out?”

“Yes, I...” Liang Jinshang tried to explain. She had finally regained the Guanlan Villa and wanted some space to herself.

“Not enough?” Shang Yucheng’s hand wandered unabashedly. “Just say so next time.”