Ning Ran had no choice but to return with the others on the next day.
Once they reached Jiangcheng, their helicopter landed on the helipad in the backyard of the Nan familyâs residence.
Housekeeper Chai Hua and the maids were there on standby to welcome them.
Of course, I have to shower and change first before meeting the old man.
Ning Ran looked around and reckoned that the house was enormous. It was like a manor which consisted of a few independent but interlinked buildings in all four cardinal directions and another one in the center.
The design and layout of the house were sophisticated, almost like a royal mansion in ancient times.
A maid well-trained in professional childcare took the two children away, and Ning Ran was led somewhere else.
This was the rule in the Nan family. Professional caretakers will look after the children, instead of their mothers.
Ning Ran was brought to a room in the west side. Maids were there to help her shower and change, but she rejected the offer, as she was used to doing it herself.
After getting dressed, she waited in the room for quite some time. Soon, Nan Xing appeared.
âThe children are having fun with the old master. I came over to accompany you, just in case youâre bored.â Nan Xing said.
Deep in her heart, Ning Ran knew the Nan family was only interested in the children, not her.
This was normal. They had blood ties with the children, and she was just an unknown actress. She will remain unrelated to them, as long as she was still not married into the family.
Even if she had borne them two children, this would not change the fact that she was just an outsider â
unless and until she married into the Nan family, had a marriage certificate to legally prove that she had become a part of the family.
This was going to be difficult as well, because she would need to be a part of everything here, if she decides to take the leap of faith.
She would be a part of everything in this family â not just her identity, but more importantly, she would also have a share of the immense wealth the Nan family possessed.
This was why marrying into a wealthy family can be difficult. Ordinary folks can get married just because they wanted to. It was not the case for wealthy families, as everything was built upon benefits and interests.
And because of all the benefits and interests, people became more vigilant, mean and cold towards each other.
Ning Ran was not bothered by all of those. She did not want to be a part of that world in the first place, as she was comfortable with what she has now.
âYou donât have to accompany me. Go spend time with your family. Return the children to me once youâre done.â Ning Ran was calm, not angry at all.
âCan the children stay here today? Itâs safer.â Nan Xing said.
âNo.â Ning Ran outright rejected.
âWhy not? This is their home too.â
âI still have full custody of my children so they should stay with me. I want to bring them to visit Xiangyun, now that weâre back. Cheng Xiangyun was the one who took us in, after all.â
All Iâm trying to say is, where were you when I was lost and down? And where was the Nan family when I needed help? Now that the children have grown up, you want to take them away from me?
Nan Xing did not know what to say, âIâd never wanted to steal your children, you know that. Theyâre yoursâ¦â
âI know. Theyâre mine. You donât have to tell me.â
âAlright, letâs go and see my granddad thenâ¦â
âForget it. He would have called if he wishes to see me. Iâd rather not see him.â
âYouâve misunderstood. You know, the Nan family is just a little cautious about such thingsâ¦â
âI know and I understand, which is why I just want my kids. Nothing else matters.â
Nan Xing took a deep breath, realizing he was in a difficult position.
âIâll try to work things out.â He said powerlessly.
Nan Xing returned to the living hall, and at this time, the children were talking to Nan Zhengde.
Erbao was actively describing the events that took place in the forest, and may have exaggerated a story or two to make it more interesting.
Nan Zhengde had been through a lot in life, yet he was still taken aback by the stories.
âItâs just too dangerous! Thank goodness my two precious grandchildren are back!â Nan Zhengde said in agitation.
âGreat grandpa, we were very brave. My brother was even more invincible, as he helped navigate the way, rescue people and catch fish. There was nothing he couldnât do!â Erbao said with pride.
Dabao frowned, as he was baffled by Erbaoâs exaggeration. He didnât even catch any fish in the river, how could he simply say so?
âSi Rui will be the pillar of the family. He looks exactly like Nan Chen when he was young!â Nan Zhengde said in a serious and thoughtful tone.
He definitely spoke highly of Dabao!
Nan Chen was the man behind the entire Nanshi Corporation. It was almost as if he was implying that Dabao will grow up to be like Nan Chen, and will one day rule the Nanshi empire.
âBut I was just as great! When my brother was rescuing people, I was there to help as well!â Erbao wanted a pat on the back too.
âOf course you are! Women are no inferior to men!â the old man praised.
Erbao kept her eyes wide open and looked confused. She was unsure if it was a compliment, as she could not quite understand.
Dabao knew what his sister was thinking. He explained, âGreat grandpa meant both boys and girls are equally good.â
âYes! Yes! Iâm better than a lot of boys. Iâm a genius.â Erbao was radiant with joy.
It was at this point Nan Xing walked in. Erbao looked behind him but saw no one.
âWhereâs mum? Is she still in the shower?â Erbao asked.
This question put Nan Xing in an awkward position. He cannot be telling Erbao that her mother was not allowed to come to the living hall before marriage.
âShe feels a little uncomfortable and needs to take a rest.â Nan Xing said casually.
âIs mum sick?â Dabao stood up and asked out of concern.
âNope, sheâs just tired. She should be fine after taking a rest. You all just stay here and play a while.â
Nan Xing tried to keep them under control.
âWe want to go check on our mum.â Dabao stood up.
âMe too.â Erbao responded as well.
âLetâs have some fun here okay? Talk to great grandpa. Mumâs fine, really.â Nan Xing explained.
âNo, we want to see our mum.â Dabao demanded.
Nan Xing looked at Nan Zhengde and hoped he could step in.
âLet them go. itâs good that they understand the importance of filial piety. Iâm tired anyways, and should take a break.â Nan Zhengde said while waving his hands.
âAlright, Iâll bring you to her.â Nan Xing said.
âXing, Iâd like to have a word with you. Let them bring the kids to their mum.â Nan Zhengde stopped Nan Xing.
Nan Xing stayed back, and the maids took over the children.
âXing, howâs your relationship with that girl now?â Nan Zhengde asked.
âGrandpa, havenât I told you? I will marry her.â Nan Xing replied.
âYouâre marrying her because of the kids, or because you love her and wish to spend the rest of your life with her?â Nan Zhengde asked.
Nan Xing hesitated. He had not seriously thought of this question before.
No doubt Ning Ran was gorgeous, and would definitely not bring shame to the Nan family if she decided to become a part of them.
But Nan Xing was uncertain whether the intention to marry her was just because of the children.
Nan Zhengde was a man of experience; he could easily tell Nan Xing was hesitant.
âWill you still marry her if she hadnât had your children?â Nan Zhengde asked again.
Nan Xing shook his head, âIâve not thought of this before. I wouldnât even think of answering this kind of hypothetical question.â
Next Chapter q