Chapter 72

After thinking, Song Huan Yan shook her head and denied, "No."

Nan Gong Yu looked at her, his expression cold, and said, "Huan Yan, tell the truth, you don't need to hold back."

It seemed he was quite certain.

"Alright," Song Huan Yan said, "I'm speaking the truth. The two of them did approach me, but I don't think that was bullying."

"Oh?" Nan Gong Yu raised an eyebrow, a hint of smile appearing on his cold face, "What is that?"

"It's… concern and protection for you." Song Huan Yan smiled faintly, "The two of them are probably both brother‑obsessed."

Nan Gong Yu nodded and asked, "What did they tell you?"

"Nothing much," Song Huan Yan replied without elaborating, "They just hope I care more for you, be considerate, and live well with you. They didn't say anything harsh, so it can't be called bullying, right?"

"So that's why you didn't tell me proactively?"

"Mm," Song Huan Yan nodded, "They didn't bully me, so why tell you? It's just sibling reminders and worries. They're good people."

Nan Gong Yu slowly raised an eyebrow.

He naturally understood the temperaments of Nan Gong Jue and Nan Gong Lin.

It wasn't really bullying, but… their words were certainly not overly polite.

Especially Nan Gong Lin, who has been spoiled.

Song Huan Yan not only didn't lodge a complaint or criticize her brother and sister, but also understood them so well and spoke highly of them.

It seemed that choosing Song Huan Yan as his wife was indeed the wisest, best choice.

"If anything comes up later, feel free to talk to me about it," Nan Gong Yu said.

Song Huan Yan pursed her lips and agreed readily, "Alright!"

Nan Gong Yu's smile widened a bit, and he asked, "Is work tiring?"

Song Huan Yan replied, "It's okay. Not working makes me idle and bored."

Nan Gong Yu nodded; indeed, he wasn't in the country either, and it was fine that she was busy with something.

"Mm." Though Nan Gong Yu's voice was cold, it was also gentle, "If you're tired, rest and let the subordinates handle it; after resting, you can go later, no rush."

"Alright." Song Huan Yan smiled; being cared for always warmed her heart.

"By the way," Nan Gong Yu said, speaking more than usual today, "Second brother says he has a crush; if all goes well, he'll probably marry soon."

Hearing that, Song Huan Yan was surprised for a moment, then laughed, "That's a good thing."

"Mm," Nan Gong Yu pressed his lips together, "His age is just right. Don't be like me, only busy with work and delaying things."

Song Huan Yan thought that this man was not only a perfect husband but also, as an elder brother, cared deeply for his siblings.

He… is truly wonderful… perfect.

Song Huan Yan, in a good mood, continued, "It's not too late; the best match comes at the right time, everyone's timing differs."

Hearing that, Nan Gong Yu's gaze fixed on her beautiful face, "Suitable. Huan Yan, you think it's very suitable, right?"

Song Huan Yan was startled, feeling inexplicably that… he seemed… to be flirting with her.

Was it just her illusion?

"Very suitable," Song Huan Yan pursed her lips, a bit embarrassed but still admitted it.

"I think so too," Nan Gong Yu said.

"Won't you be busy later?" Song Huan Yan asked

"Mm. No meetings later, today is a bit freer. Second brother said that once he successfully finds his crush, he'll have a meal with us."

"Oh. Okay." Song Huan Yan nodded, but asked curiously, "Still… hasn't found?"

Nan Gong Yu laughed, "He probably is playing some childhood drama. His mother kept urging him to marry; after looking around without finding anyone suitable, she remembered someone he has always held in his heart."

Song Huan Yan raised an eyebrow, with a gossipy feeling, "Oh, I see! That sounds not bad."

At least… it's something he hasn't forgotten.

She didn't expect… Nan Gong Jue actually still has a childhood White Moonlight.

"By the way," Nan Gong Yu added, "You don't like shopping, group meals, or outings?"

Song Huan Yan was momentarily stunned, a bit puzzled, "I'm fine, average, not particularly attached to those. What's up?"

Nan Gong Yu laughed, "You spend too little money."

Song Huan Yan's eyes widened slightly.

This…

So does he mean she should spend more?

Otherwise he lacks a sense of achievement?

Is the big brother pointing at her?

Look at his gaze.

Like!

Too similar!

After thinking, Song Huan Yan said, "I really don't like those much, they're optional. I'm a plain person with few friends, just… Sang Sang and Ge Er; even with food, drink, and fun I can't use much. Moreover…"

She didn't finish the 'moreover' part, but Nan Gong Yu understood.

Moreover, there's never a shortage.

So it's not that fresh anymore.

"And the three of us are now partnered in busy ventures," Song Huan Yan said while racking her brain for places she could spend money.

"By the way," Song Huan Yan thought of something, "Does investment count? I could use your money to invest in my drama; if it blows up we profit, if it loses… it's on you. Is that okay? Other investments work too, venture capital is fine."

Her words made Nan Gong Yu laugh; he wanted her to spend money, and she thought of investing. If her judgment is right and luck is good, it wouldn't cost money but earn it.

"Alright." Seeing her a bit anxious, Nan Gong Yu nodded, "It's up to you; do whatever you want."

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

Then… the two of them suddenly fell silent.

The conversation ended, as if there was no topic left to continue.

Just staring like that… felt a bit foolish.

Song Huan Yan tried hard to think of something to say.

Nan Gong Yu suddenly spoke, "Huan Yan… have you ever thought of me?"

Song Huan Yan was stunned.

After several seconds she managed, "You…?"

Counting the time, it had been almost half a month since they got their certificates, and they had always been in different cities.

With no emotional foundation, their contact was always brief, each caring for the other; he had also been constantly busy.

On this question, Nan Gong Yu lowered his eyes, as if pondering carefully.

Song Huan Yan became inexplicably nervous, nervous and thinking at the same time, asking herself whether she had thought of him.

After a moment, Nan Gong Yu said confidently, "I have."

"I've already married a wife, and someone is waiting at home; I couldn't possibly… not have thought about it at all."

"Sometimes, when I have ten minutes to spare, I suddenly think of her."

After all, he is not alone now.

Song Huan Yan's eyes slowly brightened, "…has…?"

"Maybe… I think… yes, perhaps."

Their communication was almost always initiated by him.

"What about you?" Nan Gong Yu asked again.

"Hmm." Song Huan Yan lightly bit her lip, "…yes."

She now spends every night at Yu Yuan, sleeping in his bed.

Opening her eyes and turning over, the first thing she sees is his rows of books.

It's impossible that she hadn't thought of him.

She has also flipped through his books.

Although she can understand them, there are many things she doesn't grasp.

Those books are written too obscurely and are hard to comprehend.

Indeed, she really isn't good at the financial field.

Song Huan Yan thought of these things while looking at the flawless man on the screen.

A handsome face, always with a slightly uncontrollable warm glow.

Hearing her words, Nan Gong Yu seemed to have received a satisfactory answer, looking pleased, he said, "Mutual, it's quite nice."

Song Huan Yan stared at him, feeling a different sensation stirring inside her.

So… "treat each other with respect as guests" is like this?

"Don't you hope I return to the country soon?" Nan Gong Yu asked again.

Song Huan Yan snapped back; she really hadn't thought about that question.

Song Huan Yan shook her head and honestly said, "I know you're busy. I think… after you're done, when it's time to come back, you'll return, right?"

That statement wasn't false.

"Hmm." Nan Gong Yu nodded, "Right. Then do you want me to come back earlier?"

"Do… you plan to come back?" Song Huan Yan's eyes seemed to hold a hint of expectation.

Nan Gong Yu pressed his lips together, looked at her, reached out, and his strong fingers tapped his glasses, suddenly… trying to tease the little girl.

"I'm sorry." Nan Gong Yu began, "It may be impossible; I have to follow the schedule."

"Oh." Song Huan Yan nodded, not too disappointed.

Actually she was also a bit unprepared…

She didn't even know what living together would be like, or what it would be like to lie on the same bed…

Especially, there was no thing called love between them.

Both held no hope for romance.

Her reaction was exactly what Nan Gong Yu expected.

He didn't say much, only feeling that today's talk… was a bit too much.

"It's fine." Song Huan Yan said first, "You can go at your own pace. It's not like you never come back."

"Hmm." Nan Gong Yu nodded, "There's plenty of time ahead. Huan Yan, are you sleepy?"

Song Huan Yan nodded, knowing the chat should end now.

But Nan Gong Yu hadn't spoken yet, when suddenly a high‑heel sound rang out.

Click‑click, neither fast nor slow, with a steady rhythm.

One could imagine the newcomer's steps were both coquettish and resolute.

Soon Song Huan Yan saw a pair of fair, tender hands on the screen, offering a glass of plain water.

Then a woman's voice said, "Lord Nan, drink water."

Song Huan Yan recognized it.

It was… Chu Yue's voice.

"Hmm." Although Nan Gong Yu reached out, his gaze never wavered; he didn't even give Chu Yue a look.

However…

The moment he took the water, the cup suddenly tipped over.

It was unclear whether he hadn't steadied it or Chu Yue's hand was unsteady.

In short, in an instant, the warm water in the cup splashed onto Nan Gong Yu's body.

Chu Yue, frightened, immediately knelt on the ground and, panicking, apologized, "I'm sorry, Lord Nan Gong, I'm sorry, I was reckless, I'll clean it for you right now."

After speaking, she, in utter panic, snatched a napkin from the table and, still kneeling, wiped Nan Gong Yu.

She wiped his chest, then his trouser legs.

Song Huan Yan stared at the screen without a word.

Nan Gong Yu furrowed his brows into a knot, waved her hand away, stood up, and coldly rebuked, "All jittery?"

"I'm sorry, I'm sorry," Chu Yue repeatedly apologized, continuing to wipe Nan Gong Yu.

Nan Gong Yu stepped back and said, "Stop wiping."

After speaking, he immediately took off his coat and tossed it aside.

He then loosened his tie and began unbuttoning his shirt.

His shirt and tie have always been impeccably neat.

At this moment, a few buttons were undone, revealing a solid, powerful chest.

Water still splashed on his Adam's apple, and a few drops rolled down from it.

Combined with his already handsome, cool face and those gold‑rimmed glasses…

Song Huan Yan stared blankly for two seconds.

Coming to herself, she heard Nan Gong Yu's voice laced with anger, "How can you still wear that? Get out of the way."

From that, it meant he was going to change.

Chu Yue was still apologizing, then bowed and apologized to the screen, "I'm sorry, Young Madam, I didn't mean it."