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 family’s 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.
“The children are having fun with the old master. I came over to accompany you, just in case you’re bored.” 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 – 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 – 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.
“You don’t have to accompany me. Go spend time with your family. Return the children to me once you’re done.” Ning Ran was calm, not angry at all.
“Can the children stay here today? It’s safer.” Nan Xing said.
“No.” Ning Ran outright rejected.
“Why not? This is their home too.”
“I still have full custody of my children so they should stay with me. I want to bring them to visit Xiangyun, now that we’re back. Cheng Xiangyun was the one who took us in, after all.”
All I’m 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, “I’d never wanted to steal your children, you know that. They’re yours…”
“I know. They’re mine. You don’t have to tell me.”
“Alright, let’s go and see my granddad then…”
“Forget it. He would have called if he wishes to see me. I’d rather not see him.”
“You’ve misunderstood. You know, the Nan family is just a little cautious about such things…”
“I know and I understand, which is why I just want my kids. Nothing else matters.”
Nan Xing took a deep breath, realizing he was in a difficult position.
“I’ll try to work things out.” 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.
“It’s just too dangerous! Thank goodness my two precious grandchildren are back!” Nan Zhengde said in agitation.
“Great 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 couldn’t do!” Erbao said with pride.
Dabao frowned, as he was baffled by Erbao’s exaggeration. He didn’t even catch any fish in the river, how could he simply say so?
“Si Rui will be the pillar of the family. He looks exactly like Nan Chen when he was young!” 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.
“But I was just as great! When my brother was rescuing people, I was there to help as well!” Erbao wanted a pat on the back too.
“Of course you are! Women are no inferior to men!” 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, “Great grandpa meant both boys and girls are equally good.”
“Yes! Yes! I’m better than a lot of boys. I’m a genius.” Erbao was radiant with joy.
It was at this point Nan Xing walked in. Erbao looked behind him but saw no one.
“Where’s mum? Is she still in the shower?” 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.
“She feels a little uncomfortable and needs to take a rest.” Nan Xing said casually.
“Is mum sick?” Dabao stood up and asked out of concern.
“Nope, she’s just tired. She should be fine after taking a rest. You all just stay here and play a while.” Nan Xing tried to keep them under control.
“We want to go check on our mum.” Dabao stood up.
“Me too.” Erbao responded as well.
“Let’s have some fun here okay? Talk to great grandpa. Mum’s fine, really.” Nan Xing explained.
“No, we want to see our mum.” Dabao demanded.
Nan Xing looked at Nan Zhengde and hoped he could step in.
“Let them go. it’s good that they understand the importance of filial piety. I’m tired anyways, and should take a break.” Nan Zhengde said while waving his hands.
“Alright, I’ll bring you to her.” Nan Xing said.
“Xing, I’d like to have a word with you. Let them bring the kids to their mum.” Nan Zhengde stopped Nan Xing.
Nan Xing stayed back, and the maids took over the children.
“Xing, how’s your relationship with that girl now?” Nan Zhengde asked.
“Grandpa, haven’t I told you? I will marry her.” Nan Xing replied.
“You’re marrying her because of the kids, or because you love her and wish to spend the rest of your life with her?” 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.
“Will you still marry her if she hadn’t had your children?” Nan Zhengde asked again.
Nan Xing shook his head, “I’ve not thought of this before. I wouldn’t even think of answering this kind of hypothetical question.”
