Chapter 105: How White Moonlight Came About

But within two or three seconds, Nan Gong Yu stopped thinking and stopped wrestling with the question.

Because of this issue, there is no "if", "maybe", or "perhaps", only a single constant answer.

It's like a math problem: one is one, it won't be two.

If it exists, it exists; if it doesn't, it doesn't.

Moreover, he truly doesn't mind, so there's no need to consider the matter at all.

The reason he doesn't mind is simple: Nan Gong Yu, as the standard heir raised from childhood under devilishly harsh training.

His reservoir of knowledge is also enormous; one could say he has read extensively and possesses a grand outlook.

Not only is he accomplished in finance and economics, his literary foundation is also quite profound.

Citing classic texts, chastity has never represented anything.

Life is a series of journeys, long and full of ups and downs.

A few lucky people meet the right person from the start and enjoy lifelong happiness.

Most people stumble and fumble before they naïvely grow up.

Nothing more, that's all.

Nan Gong Yu detached his thoughts; regardless, she is already his wife.

Before him, one can only regret that the person wasn't him.

After him, he perfects himself and has a clear conscience.

"By the way," Nan Gong Yu suddenly said, "the thing you wanted to ask has been asked."

Song Huan Yan raised an eyebrow and turned her gaze, "Hmm?"

Nan Gong Yu: "The second brother and his partner's childhood matters."

Song Huan Yan, curious, asked, "What kind of past memory makes him cling to it, and even as an adult deliberately seeks it out?"

Nan Gong Yu's eyes darkened, his tone also heavy, saying, "You know my family was very strict with us three siblings when we were children."

Song Huan Yan's eyes also narrowed, nodding, "I know."

That is indeed the case.

Nan Gong Ren and Gu Qinghe are two very good people, and likewise extremely outstanding.

But perhaps because of their lofty birth and abundant wealth, they constantly pursue perfection, which also shows in their child‑rearing.

The Nan Gong family's upbringing is extremely strict, almost saint‑like in its instruction.

"Hmm," Nan Gong Yu said, the pressure of his grip on her hand slightly lessening, "When we were kids we were absolutely not allowed to eat food outside. The second younger brother was sugar‑loving, so a few of his teeth were ruined. Mother, fearing health issues, forbade him from any sweets. The household also stopped giving him desserts, even sweet fruits. The more he cried and begged, the more Mother scolded him for lacking self‑control and being irresponsible toward himself."

Hearing this, Song Huan Yan understood that Gu Qinghe treated the children as if they were perfect, outstanding adults.

Regarding this original family issue, Song Huan Yan offered no comment, nor labeled Gu Qinghe as "bad", nor said Nan Gong Jue was "pitiful".

Being born into a Nan Gong family, a household others can only gaze at from afar, is a wealth and status that many strive for but cannot obtain.

Many families, rich or poor, probably have some degree of "pain"; how many are truly perfectly happy?

People can never be perfect.

Nan Gong Yu continued, "Later, when he was eight or nine, during an outing the carriage broke down and happened to stop at the entrance of a candy shop. While the driver dealt with the vehicle, he got out and stood watching outside the shop. Though he had an unlimited‑amount card, he didn't dare buy even a single candy. As he was lost in thought, a three‑ or four‑year‑old little girl gave him a candy, saying 'please have this.'"

"Qiao An," Song Huan Yan said, a bit surprised, "So it was because of a single candy?"

"Hmm," Nan Gong Yu nodded, "Exactly because of that candy. That candy is still kept by him in his Bedroom to this day."

Song Huan Yan: "....."

It's hard to imagine, the illustrious Nan Gong family.

The Nan Gong family has always been a Top-tier wealthy family that dominates Kyoto's wealth, the nation's richest, with a deep lineage.

But if Qiao An weren't of that temperament, if Qiao An were a very good girl, it would indeed be a beautiful story, a wonderful fate and a fine tale.

What a pity....

There aren't that many fairy tales in this world.

Who could have known that the Qiao An who once freely gave a stranger a candy would grow up to become like that.

But if she hadn't uncovered Qiao An and Qin Zi Mo's affair, she would have been deceived by Qiao An's outward appearance.

Before exposing the affair, as Qiao An said, Song Huan Yan was quite good to her.

At that time Song Huan Yan truly favored Qiao An; otherwise she wouldn't have been promoted.

Thus their betrayal wasn't only Qin Zi Mo causing her heart‑breaking pain, but also Qiao An.

That once was a talent she had high hopes for, she invested effort in, and once loved.

Who would have thought Qiao An's thoughts were so sordid, not only ungrateful but treating her as an "enemy", insisting on outdoing her, using covert humiliation as stimulation and glory.

The little girl who gave a candy back then, innocent and kind, now… evil, filthy, unbearable…

Song Huan Yan regained composure and asked, "But did he ever ask Qiao An's name? How did he only recall his childhood White Moonlight when his mother arranged a Marriage Alliance?"

Nan Gong Yu said, "He asked. But she said her name was 'baby', which isn't really a name. He didn't ask further and hopped away. However, the second brother said he remembered that little girl had a flower‑shaped birthmark on her chest."

Song Huan Yan pressed her lips together, "Chest…"

That location is indeed hard to describe, especially for a girl.

"It was summer then, which is why we saw it," Nan Gong Yu continued, "It's actually quite hard to find. Perhaps after growing up the second brother looked for it himself but didn't locate it. He said he only saw it at your birthday banquet."

Song Huan Yan slowly raised an eyebrow; Qiao An indeed has a petal‑shaped red birthmark on her chest.

It's strikingly bright, placed there, and after adulthood… retains a certain alluring scent.

Nan Gong Yu stroked her finger, "That day the second brother and the younger sister both went. The second brother said he met Qiao An at the banquet hall entrance; she happened to be wearing a low‑cut evening dress."

I see, Song Huan Yan suddenly realized, and said, "At last night's banquet, Qiao An's birthmark was also faintly visible."

At a banquet, any low‑cut dress will reveal it.

"No wonder Nan Gong Jue is so doting on Qiao An…" Song Huan Yan sighed.

Found the little White Moonlight who gave a candy back then; White Moonlight was again wearing that kind of formal dress, and that birthmark constantly reminded Nan Gong Jue of the beauty of that time.

So even if he might think Qiao An is somewhat at fault, he is willing to tolerate, even indulge.

As Nan Gong Yu's younger brother, the Second Young Master of the Nan Gong Clan, he actually is willing to publicly apologize on Qiao An's behalf.

Song Huan Yan rubbed the bridge of her eyebrows.

She actually didn't know what to say.

This is truly more exciting than a TV drama.

It's also a pity, a bit laughable and absurd.

The Second Young Master who was given a candy back then, pitifully, grew up into a poised gentleman—gentle, refined, handsome and restrained.

Meanwhile, the girl who was willing to give a stranger a candy grew into a complete villain.

If Qiao An hadn't gone astray and had become a beautiful, kind girl, this would truly be a wonderful fairy‑tale.

Only a pity… life… never has "ifs".

Nan Gong Yu hummed, then said, "Later, the Second Brother said he actually never thought about that direction. After meeting her, he didn't even contact Qiao An privately, never mentioned it. He just treated it as encountering the childhood beauty, feeling a sense of release. He said he became more steady, said nothing, but in the days that followed he kept recalling it. Afterwards, his mother urged him to promptly choose a suitable Marriage Alliance partner. That Qiao Family was far from qualifying for his selection."

"Hmm." Song Huan Yan nodded, "I understand."

The Qiao Family and the Nan Gong Clan are far apart, so after reaching adulthood, even if Qiao An attends banquets within her own family circle, wearing a low‑cut dress, she still cannot encounter Nan Gong Jue.

They are not even in the same tier, not in the same circle.

"He couldn't find a match, and kept thinking of her more, which finally clarified his feelings. Then he told his mother, and approached the Qiao Family to propose a Marriage Alliance."

Song Huan Yan pressed her lips together and involuntarily sighed.

Nan Gong Yu looked at her, a faint smile rising on his cool, handsome face, "Madam, why the sigh?"

Song Huan Yan thought for a moment, "I feel a bit regretful, a bit sorry."

Nan Gong Yu said, "Tell me."

Song Huan Yan pressed her lips, "When we were children, our parents were strict because they wanted us to become excellent, to avoid regret as adults. But after growing up, their demands became less strict."

Song Huan Yan looked at Nan Gong Yu, "Given the Nan Gong Clan's status and conditions, they no longer need a Marriage Alliance, or rather, there's no economic or status requirement for such families. The Qiao Family was wholly unqualified for a Marriage Alliance, yet the mother didn't oppose. As Head of the Family now, you may still have expectations, needing a suitable aristocratic Marriage Alliance to appear proper. But the Second Younger Brother seems freer in this regard."

"Hmm." Nan Gong Yu nodded, "You're right. This Marriage Alliance was still proposed by the mother herself to the Qiao Family."

"So," Song Huan Yan said, "The strictness in childhood led to the candy; the lack of strictness later allowed Qiao An to be smoothly matched. I think the mother's attitude toward Qiao An was good, and the Second Younger Brother was even better to her. Yet, things have changed."

Nan Gong Yu chuckled, "Hmm. The Second Brother today even got a Bieshu from the Imperial Emperor and gave it to her."

Song Huan Yan, still sighing, widened her eyes slightly, "A Bieshu in the Jin Hai Economic Zone?"

Nan Gong Yu nodded, "Yes. That's not a problem; it's not about the money."

Song Huan Yan wanted to roll her eyes; indeed, it wasn't about the money.

But giving it to Qiao An…

Nan Gong Yu said, "Let's see later, no rush. Whether it's a mule or a horse, we'll know after a while."

Song Huan Yan said nothing, thinking, "We don't even need to wait that long, do we?"

So that means tonight, after returning to Yu Yuan, she should tell Nan Gong Yu.

Or… after dinner, should she first tell Nan Gong Jue?

A hint would be fine.

She could give a heads‑up, so Nan Gong Jue has an idea, some mental preparation.

So he won't be shocked and unable to accept when the time comes?

She really hadn't thought it through, and was a bit conflicted.

She didn't know how Nan Gong Jue would react after she said it.

Would he, out of face‑saving, or because of the beautiful filter of White Moonlight, ask her to give Qiao An a pass?

Song Huan Yan's eyebrows twitched slightly.

Nan Gong Yu thought she was silent because she was still emotional, and said, "Huan Yan, you don't need to feel regret or sorrow. It's all destiny; some people are wrong from the start. It's just that even the wrong people have one or two fleeting moments of goodness… but what can those one or two fleeting moments of goodness change?"

Song Huan Yan was startled for a moment, then turned her gaze toward him.

This lofty, cool, handsome man was, at this moment, calm and rational to the point of being almost indifferent.

But what he said was the truth.

Having understood Qiao An's shabby side, Song Huan Yan related even more deeply to such words.

Suddenly she realized… why his Four Great Capable Assistants were so willingly reverent toward him as—God.

This man—rational, insightful, cool, and when necessary, cold, ruthless, decisive.