Volume One, Chapter Ten: Are You Forcing Me to Have Multiple Wives?

Shen Chiyan had no desire to discuss the events of the past. His expression was cold and sour as he curled his lips in a scoff. "Isn't it you who likes her?"

"I do like Niannian, but more importantly, Niannian is the right match for you."

Shen Chiyan was cold, aloof, arrogant, and overbearing. Only a girl as soft, kind, and considerate as Song Qinian could be his perfect match. Furthermore, the old lady had known for a long time that Song Qinian liked Shen Chiyan, and compared to that young girl from the Lin family, she much preferred Song Qinian.

Shen Chiyan, however, did not share this sentiment.

"A match? Hah... You think she is suitable for me, so you force me to marry her. If one day you decide someone else is suitable, will you force me to have a house full of wives and concubines?"

"You brat, what kind of nonsense are you spouting?"

Shen Chiyan was struck twice by the old lady. Though they looked heavy, the force was actually very light.

"Grandma, if you want to be a lobbyist for Song Qinian, I advise you not to waste your breath. I will never fall in love with her!"

After entering her room, Song Qinian, worried that her grandmother and Shen Chiyan might quarrel over her, dismissed the servants and stood at the corner of the hallway to listen. She knew clearly that Shen Chiyan hated her, but hearing him declare that he would never love her felt like a sharp blade piercing her chest, the pain washing over her instantly.

"How long have you spent with Niannian to be so sure you will never love her?"

"Isn't three years enough?"

"As far as I know, you have rarely seen her in these three years. Niannian is sweet, obedient, gentle, and kind. As long as you spend more time with her, you will surely grow to love her."

Shen Chiyan sneered, "A sweet and obedient person? Is that why she conspired with her mother to climb into my bed?"

"You..."

The old lady wanted to say more, but Shen Chiyan interrupted her flatly, "Grandma, I'm tired. I'm going to sleep."

Seeing him turn to leave, the old lady grabbed him, pleading earnestly, "Chiyan, you don't understand Niannian. She is absolutely not the person you think she is. If you just take the time to get to know her properly, she will surely surprise you."

"Sorry, I don't have the time, nor the inclination to get to know her!"

Watching his resolute departure, the old lady let out a heavy sigh. Had she truly made a mistake back then?

...

Song Qinian watched Shen Chiyan head upstairs and rushed into her room in a panic. She clutched her chest, her heart racing. Yet, thinking of how firmly he had declared he would never love her, she lowered her eyes, her heart aching with sorrow. This unrequited love, destined to go nowhere, was meant to be her own private turmoil.

Song Qinian let out a long, heavy breath. She was indeed exhausted, so she walked to the bed and threw herself onto it. Surely, since Shen Chiyan hated her so much and didn't want to see her, he wouldn't sleep in the same room tonight.

Just as this thought crossed her mind, the door suddenly opened.

Song Qinian sat up in surprise, only to see a sullen-faced Shen Chiyan. She was stunned. What was happening? Was he really going to sleep with her tonight?

Before she could speak, Shen Chiyan’s icy voice cut through the air, "Who told you to get on the bed without taking a shower?"

Song Qinian felt like a cat whose tail had been stepped on; she jumped off the bed and stood at attention. A few seconds later, it dawned on her: the servants had brought her to this room, and since Shen Chiyan wouldn't be staying, why did he care if she showered or not? Recalling his hurtful words from earlier, she found a spark of courage and used sign language to retort, "This is my room!" The implication was that she would do as she pleased.

Song Qinian had always been meek and submissive in front of Shen Chiyan; seeing her indignant expression was a novelty for him.

The old lady, worried about the two of them, came up to check. Seeing Shen Chiyan standing at the door, she frowned and said, "Chiyan, it's late. Why aren't you inside sleeping?"

Shen Chiyan glanced coldly at Song Qinian, a wicked smirk playing on his lips, "Grandma, this sweet, obedient, and kind granddaughter-in-law of yours won't let your grandson into the room."

Song Qinian was shocked that her grandmother had come up, and even more shocked that Shen Chiyan would say such a thing. Her face paled, and she waved her hands anxiously. If Shen Chiyan wanted to sleep here, she wouldn't have the audacity to stop him! Sign language was far less efficient than speech; when speaking, one could express their meaning quickly despite any anxiety. But sign language was prone to errors when panicked, and if the other party refused to look, she was helpless.

Fortunately, the old lady was a reasonable person. Knowing how much Song Qinian doted on Shen Chiyan, she knew it was impossible for her to bar him from the room; it was likely Shen Chiyan giving her a hard time again. She patted Shen Chiyan’s back and pushed him into the room, "Niannian is not that petty. Alright, it's very late, you two get some sleep..." She paused, then coughed lightly, "Young people don't need to sleep so early. Spend time talking; I'm still waiting for a great-grandchild."

After the old lady and the servants left, Song Qinian was left alone with a dark-faced Shen Chiyan, feeling awkward and nervous. Just as she was at a loss, Shen Chiyan took a step toward her. Her heart hammered, and her cheeks gradually flushed red, because Shen Chiyan was unbuttoning his white shirt.

He wasn't wearing his gloves, and the buttons slipped through his thumb and fingers with a light flick, revealing his sexy, prominent Adam's apple and his elegantly defined neck and collarbone. His expression was cold and gloomy, but his movements were erotically charged, making Song Qinian’s throat go dry.

She didn't deny it: her love at first sight for Shen Chiyan was, in large part, an attraction to his appearance. Who could resist a man as handsome and well-built as Shen Chiyan? Certainly not her. Her eyes were fixed on his hands, her breathing growing more rapid.

Suddenly, Shen Chiyan stopped. Song Qinian blinked, looking up at his face with lingering desire, only to see a mocking smile on his lips. "Have you seen enough?"

"Boom..."

Song Qinian didn't just blush; her ears and neck turned crimson as well. Just as she guiltily looked away, her chin was suddenly gripped by his large hand, forcing her to face him.

"Song Qinian, tuck away your filthy little thoughts. You think that by getting Grandma to make us stay at the old mansion, I would touch you? Look at your face and your body—it makes me sick!"

Song Qinian’s face turned from red to white. She never imagined that Shen Chiyan would think she was the one who asked the old lady to make them stay and share a room. She didn't want him to misunderstand, and just as she began to sign, Shen Chiyan refused to even look. His voice, squeezed through gritted teeth, was filled with intense anger and hostility.

"Don't dream of using Grandma’s authority to force me into giving you a child! In this world, anyone can bear a child for Shen Chiyan, but you, Song Qinian—you are not worthy!"