The situation at Jiang Li’s shop was mostly settled, and the shop manager had no major issues and came back to work early.
On the day the manager returned, Shang Huizhou secretly bought tickets for both of them to go back to Beijing.
Jiang Li was forced to pack her luggage.
Shang Huizhou stood by and watched her. “Bring more clothes. The weather is getting colder.”
“That’s already enough.” She had a large suitcase of clothes and a small one for skincare and daily items. She wasn’t staying in Beijing for long, except for some performances and other matters.
“It’s still not enough. I’ll help you pack.” In his mind, this was far too little. He even wanted to move everything from her place in Diannan back to Beijing.
As he said it, he really tried to help, but Jiang Li quickly stopped him. “No need. I’ll do it myself.” She had some personal clothes inside and didn’t want him to handle them.
Shang Huizhou, a little bored, walked around her study.
Her study wasn’t big, but it was comfortable. It had brushes, ink, paper, and inkstones. Everything was high quality. There was even an antique-style easel with a finished painting on it.
Jiang Li had many precious things. Behind the study was a small collection room filled with rare items that couldn’t easily be found on the market. It was clear she had spent many years collecting them carefully.
Jiang Li took out another large suitcase and said, “Jiang Jiang, come here when you’re done.”
“Okay.” Jiang Li agreed and continued packing.
When she finished, she went to the study.
“What do you need me for?” she asked.
She saw Shang Huizhou standing by her bookshelf, looking at her trophies.
He pointed at them and said, “Did you forget what you promised me last night?”
“….”
Right. She hadn’t forgotten.
Jiang Li opened the glass cabinet. It had three full layers of trophies. The one she had promised him—the biggest one from her first international youth award—was on the top shelf alone.
The shelf was too high. She turned and said, “I can’t reach it. Mr. Shang, please get it yourself. The biggest one on top is the one.”
Before she finished speaking, her feet suddenly left the ground.
Shang Huizhou had lifted her onto his right shoulder.
His voice was calm. “Like this, you can reach it.”
“….”
Jiang Li’s face turned slightly red. Sitting on his shoulder, she easily took the trophy and handed it to him.
“Here, take it.”
The trophy was quite heavy.
She said, “Why don’t we just leave it here?”
After all, their misunderstanding had already been cleared. Where the trophy stayed didn’t really matter.
But Shang Huizhou refused. “It was always supposed to be mine. Why should it stay here?”
It should have belonged to him nine years ago. Now that he finally got it back, he would definitely take it with him.
Fine.
It was just a trophy, but he had remembered it for so many years and even acted upset about it for months.
Jiang Li suggested, “I can have the shop manager mail it to your family home.”
Shang Huizhou held the trophy and said, “My things, I’ll take them myself.”
He insisted, and Jiang Li didn’t argue anymore.
“What’s the point of a trophy? You’re really stubborn. So childish.”
Shang Huizhou took the trophy and then reached out his hand to her.
“What?” Jiang Li didn’t understand.
He reminded her, “The souvenir.”
Jiang Li suddenly remembered. “That one is gone. When you didn’t want it, I gave it to Luo Luo.”
“….”
Shang Huizhou didn’t say anything. He just lowered his head and touched his nose.
Jiang Li suddenly thought of something and started searching through her desk drawer.
“What are you looking for?” he asked.
“Your bank card. I think I put it in my card holder.”
After a while, she found it.
It really was Shang Huizhou’s black card.
“Here. I’m returning it to the owner. I’ve kept it for too long.”
Shang Huizhou looked at it but didn’t take it.
“You keep it. Just change the phone number to your current one and keep using it.”
“That’s not appropriate,” Jiang Li said. “I moved back to Hangzhou years ago. I haven’t used it since then.”
He replied, “You used it more than I did. What’s wrong with keeping it? I don’t even remember I had this card.”
But she remembered clearly—he had even reminded her about it recently.
Jiang Li thought about it. She wasn’t sure if the card still worked. She would check at the bank in Beijing. If it didn’t work, she would cancel it for him.
When she finished packing, she had two large suitcases.
Shang Huizhou looked at them. “You’re still missing something.”
“?” Jiang Li was confused. She was sure she had packed everything.
Then she saw him casually put the women’s underwear from the couple set into her suitcase.
He even picked up the “protection” box, waved it in front of her, and threw it into her luggage.
Jiang Li stared at it, completely speechless.
Shang Huizhou raised his eyebrows and said with a faint smile, “You’ll need it.”
“….”
He should be the one needing it—so why did he keep putting it in her bag?
Jiang Li’s face turned red. She quickly zipped up the suitcase.
Shang Huizhou then took the luggage from her before she could lift it.
She didn’t refuse. It was too heavy for her anyway.
He also hung her small suitcase on top of the large one and carried everything easily.
Jiang Li followed behind him with nothing in her hands.
At the airport, after they finished checking in and sat in the lounge, Shang Huizhou’s grandfather called via video.
Shang Huizhou naturally pulled Jiang Li into his arms while answering.
To the grandfather, they looked very close.
The old man smiled happily. “This is great, Jiang Jiang girl. Grandpa is so happy.”
Jiang Li felt awkward. She still remembered how firmly she had refused him before.
Shang Huizhou noticed her discomfort and took the phone, turning the camera to himself.
The grandfather immediately changed expression when he saw him.
“Finally decided to chase your wife back?” he said sternly. “At least it’s not hopeless yet.”
Shang Huizhou didn’t respond.
The grandfather continued, “Be nicer to your wife.”
Jiang Li felt her face heat up hearing the word “wife.”
The grandfather then asked, “When are you boarding?”
Jiang Li answered politely, “In about thirty minutes.”
“Good, good. Your grandfather and I are waiting for you in Beijing,” the old man said happily.
Then Jiang Li learned something unexpected.
Her own grandparents were already in Beijing.
They had arrived yesterday—because Shang Huizhou had already arranged the tickets.
Jiang Li looked at him.
He turned his face away slightly, clearly a bit guilty.
The grandfather also complained about Jiang Li’s grandfather, then said,
“According to tradition, the wedding should be discussed by the groom’s side visiting the bride’s family. Your grandparents shouldn’t be the ones coming here.”
Jiang Li didn’t think too much about it.
To her, the Shang family already felt like home anyway.
Old Master Shang continued, “But I have to say, I’m very satisfied with Huizhou this time. I don’t know how he convinced your grandfather to come to Beijing for a check-up on his leg.”
“I’ve wanted someone to properly check that leg for a long time, but he never took it seriously. After so many years, your grandfather is still stubborn and refuses to take care of himself. This time, this cold-faced boy finally did something useful.”
He actually convinced her grandfather to go to Beijing for a medical check-up?
What did he do?
She and her grandmother had tried many times to persuade him.
But her grandfather always said injuries were like “medals from battle,” and refused treatment. He was extremely stubborn.
Yet Shang Huizhou managed to change his mind.
A warm feeling spread in Jiang Li’s heart. She thought—he was actually quite good.
Aside from being a little sharp-tongued, proud, and sometimes hard to understand.
It was time to board.
Shang Huizhou held Jiang Li’s hand and walked toward the gate.
Jiang Li looked at his tall, straight back and said softly, “Shang Huizhou, thank you.”
He pulled her closer in one smooth motion. Their hands, already held together, were placed inside his coat pocket, fingers interlocking tightly.
He leaned slightly toward her and said in a deep voice, “Remember my good points. Later, if my grandfather tries to make things difficult for me, you must stand on my side.”
“…?”
What was he talking about? Why would his grandfather make things difficult for him?
Even though Jiang Li didn’t understand, she was in a good mood.
She smiled slightly, and her fingers gently tightened around his hand in response.
Feeling her small gesture, Shang Huizhou’s eyes softened.
He squeezed her hand a little tighter in return.
Both of them were smiling as they walked forward, hands tightly linked inside his pocket.
At the Shang family old residence, everyone from both families was gathered in the living room.
The two grandfathers were surprisingly peaceful and not arguing.
Shang Huizhou’s grandmother had also returned from her trip. She and Jiang Li’s grandmother were close friends, and the two old ladies had endless things to talk about.
The atmosphere was warm and lively.
Old Zhang welcomed Jiang Li and Shang Huizhou inside.
Old Master Shang waved happily. “Jiang Jiang, come here.”
Jiang Li was surrounded warmly by the elders.
Shang Huizhou smiled faintly, greeted the elders, and carried Jiang Li’s luggage upstairs.
After dinner, the elders began seriously discussing the wedding.
Old Master Shang deliberately said, “Our Jiang Jiang is still young. She just graduated not long ago. I think she should enjoy a few more years first. No need to rush marriage, right, Old Jiang?”
He said this on purpose, clearly trying to annoy Shang Huizhou a little.
He had been tricked before into thinking there was an arranged engagement with another family, and later realized he had been used as a “tool” by his own grandson.
Now it was his turn to “get back” at him.
Old Master Jiang also nodded in agreement. “Yes, no need to rush marriage.”
Shang Huizhou rubbed his forehead slightly. It was rare to see the two old men on the same side—and even rarer that it was against him.
Then Old Master Jiang turned to Jiang Li. “Jiang Jiang, what do you think? Grandpa will listen to you.”
All eyes turned to her.
Even Shang Huizhou looked at her, his expression now a little less calm—almost like he was waiting nervously.
Jiang Li felt a lot of pressure.
“I think…” she began.
She actually thought Old Master Shang’s suggestion made sense. She had barely dated before, and now she was already talking about marriage.
She had no idea whether Shang Huizhou had dated before, but at least they had never really dated each other.
Maybe they could try dating first.
Shang Huizhou gently squeezed her hand again—this time clearly unhappy with her answer.
Jiang Li suddenly remembered what he said at the airport: “Stand on my side.”
So that’s what he meant.
She smiled slightly and changed her answer.
“I don’t want it to be too fast. I still have a big performance this year.”
Shang Huizhou’s hopeful expression faded instantly.
He knew it.
He had been too optimistic.
During this period, they had been together so much that he thought her feelings for him had changed.
But it seemed they hadn’t.
His eyes darkened slightly.
He Jingli felt a little troubled. “The color still isn’t right. No matter how I adjust it, I’m never satisfied. I really can’t fix it anymore.” She sounded a bit down.
“You’re just too demanding about restoration work. That’s why you feel exhausted with colors,” Shang Huizhou said. He knew she was too perfectionist in antiques and dance. “Take a break first. Let me look.”
Jiang Li gave up her seat. Shang Huizhou looked at her latest color adjustment and said, “The color is already good. Just make the blue a bit deeper.”
Jiang Li didn’t respond. She still wasn’t satisfied at all.
Shang Huizhou began adjusting it himself, adding some colors based on her work. Jiang Li sat beside him and watched as he re-glued the broken pieces and restored the color.
Then she watched him paint carefully, stroke by stroke.
After an hour, the crack on the vase was perfectly joined.
Jiang Li realized that in front of Shang Huizhou, her so-called professional skills felt useless, and even her patience was nowhere near his.
She sighed softly.
Shang Huizhou turned to her. “What’s wrong?”
Jiang Li shook her head and said softly, dragging her words, “Nothing.”
After finishing the restoration, Jiang Li was in a good mood, and it was lunchtime, so they went out to eat.
There was a mall in front of the restaurant. Jiang Li offered to buy clothes for Shang Huizhou.
He didn’t refuse. The summer in southern Yunnan was comfortable, not hot, and they walked slowly toward the mall.
The shopping area was crowded. They walked very close, and their hands accidentally touched. Jiang Li paused and moved slightly aside, but Shang Huizhou held her hand.
Not only did he hold it, he held it tighter.
They naturally held hands and walked into the mall without looking at each other.
Jiang Li took him straight to the men’s section on the fifth floor and chose a good brand.
The style was casual. When Shang Huizhou wore it, his usual cold and distant aura softened, making him look more gentle and elegant.
Jiang Li had long noticed that he looked good in both suits and casual clothes. With his height and looks, he looked good in anything.
She directly paid for his clothes.
This time, Shang Huizhou didn’t rush to pay. Instead, he seemed to enjoy her buying things for him.
With the shop assistant’s help, Jiang Li picked another dark outfit for him.
Shang Huizhou leaned close to her ear and said, “Do you want to try something too?”
Before Jiang Li could refuse, the shop assistant quickly said, “Madam, we have a dress that suits you very well. It even matches your husband.”
Who’s “husband”?
Wait… husband?
Jiang Li only then realized this was a mature men’s brand store, with advertising that focused on couples.
She had only thought the clothes looked good and didn’t notice the signs. That was careless.
While she hesitated, the assistant already brought the dress over.
It was a color she liked, simple design, soft ice-silk material.
When she tried it on, it looked very beautiful.
Her skin was fair and her figure good, so she could carry any outfit.
The dress was simple, elegant, and a bit playful.
“Wow, so beautiful,” the assistant praised. Other staff whispered, “Her figure is amazing. This is model size, not many people can wear it.”
Shang Huizhou, who was replying to messages, looked up. Jiang Li’s beauty caught his eye completely. Her waist looked even slimmer, and her figure was subtly visible. His breathing became slightly heavier.
Jiang Li felt the neckline was too low and the chest area too tight and uncomfortable.
“Madam, it really suits you. It matches your husband very well,” the assistant said.
Jiang Li and Shang Huizhou’s outfits did match.
The assistant then asked, “Sir, what do you think?”
Shang Huizhou looked at Jiang Li. His gaze made her uncomfortable.
After a moment, he nodded. “It’s very beautiful. Take this one.” He handed over his card.
The assistant then smiled meaningfully. “Sir, madam, would you like to see our new couple underwear set?”
“….”
Couple underwear?
That’s too intimate.
Before Jiang Li could refuse, Shang Huizhou lightly squeezed her finger and said, “Yes.”
Jiang Li glared at him.
He leaned closer and whispered, “I need to change my outer clothes. Don’t I need underwear too?”
“…”
She had no words.
The assistant asked Jiang Li, “Madam, what size is your husband?”
She had no idea!
Shang Huizhou calmly answered, “90–100 cm.”
The assistant smiled and prepared the items, even slipping a small box into Jiang Li’s bag.
“Wishing you both a happy night,” she said meaningfully.
Only then did Jiang Li realize it was a contraceptive item.
She immediately returned it, face red. “We don’t need this.”
But Shang Huizhou calmly took it and said, “Thank you. My wife means it’s too small. Please change to a bigger size.”
“!!!” She never said that!
The assistant misunderstood and replaced it.
Shang Huizhou casually put everything into her bag.
Jiang Li was completely embarrassed and speechless.
Then he handled her luggage too, making it effortless, as if everything was natural.
On the way to the airport, they were in the lounge when a video call from his grandfather came in.
Without thinking, Shang Huizhou pulled her into a half-embrace and answered.
His grandfather was delighted seeing them together.
He teased them, and even commented on marriage arrangements.
It was decided they would get married next year, but register their marriage first on October 1st.
Everything was suddenly settled.
Later, after arriving at the old house, the elders officially discussed the marriage.
At first, they joked about delaying it, but eventually agreed on the plan.
Jiang Li had no real chance to object.
In the end, they fixed the registration date: October 1st.
Later, Shang Huizhou went to handle work in the study, while Jiang Li stayed chatting with the elders.
Outside, life continued calmly, while business matters were being discussed upstairs.
One of the companies, Axing, was trying to reconnect with the science and technology sector, but their situation was no longer what it used to be.
Even though Xiao Yang made a strong comeback, in just a few months he had already removed all of Axing’s weak and loss-making subsidiaries. It was a major internal overhaul. But if they wanted to fully return to the tech industry, it would not be easy.
Shang Huizhou paused his pen. “Axing’s stock market is already starting to recover. Their current CEO is quite capable and should not be underestimated. Keep a close eye on R&D. Launch the new product as early as possible, and monitor Axing’s new supplier direction.”
“I understand,” Shang Shiqing nodded.
Shang Huizhou opened his pen and signed. The sound of writing matched his calm voice.
“Is Axing’s new CEO from the Xiao family?”
“Yes,” Shang Shiqing replied. “He is Xiao Laoye’s youngest son. He only returned to the country a few months ago. Compared to his older brothers, he is more skilled and decisive. Not an easy person.”
Shang Huizhou looked at her for a moment. “It sounds like you don’t think highly of him.”
“…I’m just stating facts,” she lightly coughed.
In the living room, the two grandfathers were still arguing while playing chess. Even the housekeeper looked helpless.
Shang Grandma shook her head. “Listening to them is like watching children argue. So annoying.”
Jiang Grandma smiled. “Exactly. How did we tolerate them for so many years? Let’s go for a walk in the garden. Ignore them.”
Later, they went to the courtyard. Shang Shiqing called Shang Grandma and asked her to prepare a fruit dessert.
Shang Grandma went inside to cook.
Jiang Li sat with Jiang Grandma in the pavilion, feeding fish.
Suddenly, Jiang Grandma looked at Jiang Li very seriously.
“While Shang Grandma is away, let me ask you something. Jiang Jiang, are you really planning to live a proper life with Huizhou?”
Jiang Li didn’t expect this question.
Jiang Grandma looked worried. “Before West River, you were very firm about him. I keep thinking… maybe it’s because of what your grandfather and I said back then. You’ve always been sensible, maybe you’re just doing this for us.”
She sighed. “Huizhou is a good child, but marriage is a lifetime matter. You can’t be careless. Nothing is final yet. If you have doubts, it’s still not too late.”
Jiang Li quickly replied, “Grandma, what are you thinking? I truly want to marry him.”
Half-truth, half-truth.
At first, she did approach Shang Huizhou with uncertainty.
But after spending time with him, things felt… good.
He treated her well. He treated her grandparents well.
Whatever his original reason was—whether it was responsibility, promise, or habit—they were now truly getting married with both families agreeing.
It wasn’t a fake marriage.
So of course, they should live a good life.
Jiang Li hugged her grandmother’s arm and acted a little spoiled. “Grandma, don’t worry. I won’t treat my marriage as a joke.”
She had never really imagined what kind of man she would fall in love with. So many people had pursued her, but none moved her.
Compared to them, she liked Shang Huizhou more—at least she felt relaxed and comfortable with him.
Jiang Grandma looked at her and finally believed her a little more.
Her worried heart eased.
The two grandmothers went to watch yoga videos, and Jiang Li quietly left.
As she stepped out of the pavilion, she bumped into Shang Huizhou.
He was already waiting outside.
“Are you done talking with Aunt?” she asked lightly.
Shang Huizhou looked at her for a moment. “Mm. I’ll take you to get something.”
He held her hand and led her back into the house, going upstairs.