Part 4
Unless it were truly as the Emperor said—a loveless exchange of interests. But how could someone who had nothing, suddenly granted power and wealth, not develop feelings during those years together?
The Second Prince thought of all that had happened. He closed his eyes in pain. Then, the Emperor spoke again. “The Eldest has become like this—his crimes are unforgivable. But he is still… Old Second, tell me, how should I deal with him?”
The Prince took a long moment before looking up. “Do you want my opinion, Father? Or do you just want to hear the answer you’ve already decided on? It has nothing to do with me. Why should I help you make your choice?”
If the Emperor regretted it later, he would only blame the Prince for not stopping him.
He had learned everything there was to know about this so-called “family” over the years.
The Emperor’s brow furrowed. “Old Second, you… fine. Let’s not speak of it. Go see your mother. You’re the only child she has left now. Comfort her. Tell her not to worry about the Eldest; I will at least spare his life.”
Where else in the world was there a father as kind as him? His own son nearly killed him, yet he wouldn’t deal the final blow.
The Second Prince’s fingers clenched inside his sleeves. After a long pause, he let out a breath. “Very well.”
That afternoon, Ning Yunyi made a pearl necklace for the little kitten. Unlike the previous one, this one had two strands layered together. The little guy immediately turned into a kitten and scurried up to the attic to show off to Ning Mother.
Ning Yunyi laughed and began preparing one for Ning Mother as well. Just then, his wristband began to chime repeatedly. He opened it to find a message from White Shaozhu—a screenshot showing that Ning Yunyi was going viral. He had even surpassed his elder brother to become the second most popular “golden bachelor” in the galaxy.
Ning Yunyi’s lips twitched. He opened the Star Network. The top trending topic was indeed the news that the Second Young Master Ning was alive. The second was the recording of his three-stab retribution against Zong Ling.
He clicked into the second topic. The comments were a chaotic mix, arguing back and forth with thousands of replies.
He browsed through them with interest. They were divided into three factions. One was just there for the gossip. The second felt his methods were too cruel; since Zong Ling wasn’t the one who had harmed him, how could he be so ruthless toward an admirer?
The third faction supported him entirely, finding his personality refreshing. That kind of person needed to be taught a lesson.
The more someone softened their heart, the harder it was to get rid of such pests. Now that the man had lost his Zong family status, wasn’t he just trying to cling to the Nings to climb back up?
Ning Yunyi sent a reply to White Shaozhu: [Haven’t you gone to the braised meat shop? You’re so idle you have time for gossip?]
White Shaozhu: [I’m being caring, okay? What if someone finds out you’re the same person as No. 1 Knife of the Sect and uses the Zong Ling incident to smear you?]
Ning Yunyi: [Do I look worried? If they really want to blacken me over someone like Zong Ling, then I’ll just retire.]
His initial goal was to support himself and the cub. Later, it was to change the situation for shifters. He’d already achieved half of it. He truly wasn’t worried about being exposed. Furthermore, he didn’t believe people would truly turn against him over Zong Ling.
White Shaozhu decided he was indeed worrying over nothing. [So when are you opening another restaurant? Hehe, the BBQ and braised meat shops are already too popular. Uncle, are you opening something new?]
Ning Yunyi: [Not for a while.]
The ingredients in his spatial storage were limited. He didn’t plan to use them all for restaurants yet. Once Dean Gu finished his soil research and planting began, he wouldn’t have to worry about running out. Then he could start.
But for now, it was impossible.
White Shaozhu didn’t press the matter. He sent a mysterious follow-up: [Uncle, Old Bai bought a new mansion. Come over for the housewarming in a couple of days!]
Ning Yunyi: [So mysterious? Big Brother Bai didn’t set up home right next door to me, did he?]
White Shaozhu: […………]
He followed up quickly: [I don’t know!]
Ning Yunyi laughed at the guilty reaction. He didn’t ask further, simply waiting for the housewarming.
Sure enough, a message arrived from City Lord Bai two days later. The housewarming was set for the day after tomorrow. There was no rush; it was only two houses down from the Nings. Or rather, City Lord Bai had bought both properties. One was for White Shaozhu, and the other was for the couple.
After being apart for decades, City Lord Bai found his son a bit of a “third wheel.” He loved the boy, but he wanted his own space with his wife. Putting the boy next door was the perfect solution.
White Shaozhu supported the idea. He was in his thirties, after all. Though he claimed to be a “baby,” he couldn’t actually be one forever.
He was very considerate toward his long-separated parents. Of course, he wouldn’t tell them that living right next to the Nings made him even happier—it would hurt their feelings.
On the day of the housewarming, Ning Yunyi’s family arrived on time with gifts.
They brought two bottles of the wine that had been so well-received at the wedding, a massive food box full of fresh BBQ ingredients, and a large bouquet of Monthly Roses.
Lady Zong and the others had seen the wine before, but when Ning Mother removed the cover to reveal the brilliant, blooming bouquet, they were stunned. They couldn’t look away. “This is… the Monthly Rose?”
White Shaozhu had been pestering them to watch the livestreams, so Lady Zong had become a fan of No. 1 Knife of the Sect. She knew about the flowers he’d mentioned.
Knowing about them was one thing; seeing them in person was another. They were breathtakingly beautiful.
Lady Zong couldn’t put them down. Ning Mother looked at Ning Yunyi with a smile. “The ones the cub and I planted haven’t bloomed yet. These were grown by Yunyi. He thought a new home needed some bright colors, so we brought them over.”
Ning Mother had asked permission before bringing them. She had heard of Lady Zong’s plight; after being imprisoned for so long, she wanted the woman to forget the past. She wanted to share anything she found good.
Lady Zong seemed to glow. She thanked them repeatedly, cradling the flowers. Her mental power had recovered slightly, and her hair and complexion were returning to their former glory. Holding the bouquet, she looked exceptionally graceful, a sight that brought a sense of peace to everyone.
White Shaozhu wiped his eyes in secret, then began sniffing the food box. “Uncle, how did you know I wanted BBQ?”
Ning Yunyi looked at the “red-eyed rabbit” and patted his shoulder. “Maybe… it was telepathy?”
White Shaozhu broke into a laugh. “I’m taking that seriously! We really have telepathy?”
Ning Yunyi nodded. “…If you believe it, then we do.”
White Shaozhu looked melancholy. “Uncle, can’t you just coax me a little?”
Ning Yunyi handed over the box. “Do you want words, or do you want to start the grill so we can eat?”
White Shaozhu gripped the box tight. “Uncle is important, but a man can’t live on words alone.”
He scurried off to tend to the grill. It was already loaded with prepared beast meat and braised meats. Combined with the ingredients Ning Yunyi brought, it was going to be a wonderful day.
Ning Yunyi watched him leave, then turned to find Zong Hao standing not far away, watching him. When their eyes met, Zong Hao walked over. He didn’t speak; he just stared. Anyone else would have thought he was looking for a fight.
Ning Yunyi: “Speak if you have something to say. Otherwise, move.”
Zong Hao: “Thank you.”
Ning Yunyi: “…” All that buildup for two words?
Zong Hao felt he’d said too little. He added, “She hasn’t been very happy at the Zong manor since she returned. When City Lord Bai suggested buying a separate house, I agreed immediately. Even though only the two of us are left of the Zong family, most of her memories of that place are painful… I haven’t seen her this relaxed in a long time.”
During the wedding, she had been happy, but there was a lingering shadow of sorrow in her eyes. Today was different. He clearly saw hope and anticipation for the future in his sister’s gaze.
Ning Yunyi found himself moved by Zong Hao’s heartfelt observation. The man had truly thought the same as him. He’d noticed Lady Zong had something on her mind at the wedding, which was why he’d gone to the attic last night to force several roses to bloom early.
Ning Mother had the same idea, suggesting they bring them over. He’d agreed immediately.
Ning Yunyi met Zong Hao’s gaze, feeling a rare moment of discomfort under that intense stare. He glanced at the two bottles of wine he’d brought and spoke without thinking.
“If you really want to thank me… then don’t drink any wine today.”
Zong Hao: “!!”
Recommended Reads
![Does A Broken Mirror Reunion Exist in Esports? [Esports]](https://beereads.space/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/esports-225x300.png)
thank you for the chapter!