The next morning, new explosive revelations surfaced.
【Xinghong’s Rival Company Colluded with Hotel to Slander Pei Family’s Heir】
【Wenze Hotel Manager Admits Temporary Staff Gave Wrong Key Card】
【Pei Family Targeted by Malicious Business Rivalry, Framed in a Setup】
【Unethical Business Competition Knows No Bounds】
【Xinghong’s Stocks Plummet】
【Pei Family, Three-Time Consecutive International Trade Chairman, May Lose Title This Year】
Some enthusiastic netizens even compiled a detailed breakdown of yesterday’s so-called "romance scandal," exposing the truth.
Public opinion erupted once again, with the tide completely turning.
Outraged netizens began voicing their support.
"Ms. Nan is the real victim here—she was splashed with wine for no reason, went to her room to change her dress, and then had her reputation ruined by someone barging in and taking those photos."
"Some claimed Ms. Nan only secured the Xinghong deal by cozying up to Second Young Master Pei. Anyone who knows the truth understands the Nan Group went through the proper bidding process—they didn’t even profit from this deal."
"A little-known fact: the Nan Family has many sons, yet they entrusted a granddaughter to take the helm. What does that tell you? It means Ms. Nan must be exceptionally capable."
"This is just tragic. CEO Nan worked tirelessly for six months on a project with zero profit, only to get dragged into this malicious business scheme and have her reputation tarnished."
Sang Ning sat in the car, sipping from a bottle of milk while scrolling through the news and online discussions on her phone.
Huiyao’s PR team really knew their stuff. After this series of maneuvers, public opinion had completely shifted.
Now, not just netizens—even the Pei Family must be seething at the mastermind behind this.
With the scandal blowing up this big, the culprit wouldn’t stay hidden for long.
Sang Ning smirked and took another sip of milk.
Suddenly, her phone buzzed with an incoming call—Ji Yan.
She answered. "Yan."
Ji Yan’s frantic voice exploded through the speaker. "What the hell is going on?! I was scared out of my mind yesterday—you didn’t pick up any of my calls!"
"Sorry, I was swamped. My phone was bombarded with calls and messages from all sides, so I muted it."
Yesterday had been chaos. Until things were resolved, there was no point in responding to everyone.
Ji Yan pressed on, agitated. "That’s not the point! The point is—are you and Pei Songhan really…?"
"No," Sang Ning cut in bluntly.
"Ah… okay." Ji Yan wasn’t ready to let it go. "Really, though?"
Then why did Pei Songhan break off his engagement?
Sang Ning replied casually, "Didn’t you see this morning’s news? He was set up—someone swapped his key card, so he accidentally entered my room. We’re just business partners. If we were together, why would I take a loss on this deal?"
"Fair point. Pei Songhan isn’t that petty."
Ji Yan then fumed, "Those people are downright evil! Who would pull such a dirty trick?"
Sang Ning was far calmer now. "We’ll find out soon enough."
Whoever was behind this was probably panicking more than she was.
The Pei Family would undoubtedly hunt them down.
"You’re something else—how are you so composed at a time like this?" Ji Yan was still fuming. "I didn’t sleep all night, arguing with those online trolls."
After yesterday’s "romance" scandal broke, countless people had jumped in to smear Nan Sangning, claiming she only got projects by cozying up to men. Ji Yan had been livid.
"..."
"Oh," Sang Ning paused. "Well… thanks for that."
"At least public opinion shifted fast today. Justice always prevails!" Ji Yan declared passionately.
Sang Ning hesitated, then admitted, "That was my PR team’s doing."
Ji Yan: ???
"What?! Why didn’t I think of that?! Ugh, I wasted a whole night!"
Sang Ning chuckled. "Thanks, Yan."
"You should’ve told me sooner! Now I feel like an idiot. Whatever—as long as you’re okay!"
After a moment, Sang Ning added, "Actually, there is something you could help me with."
"What is it?!" Ji Yan perked up instantly.
Sang Ning thought for a moment. "Could you get someone to keep an eye on Zhan Yijun for me?"
"Why her? You think she’s behind this?!"
"Not exactly," Sang Ning smiled faintly. "I have other plans for Zhan Yijun."
"Consider it done!" Ji Yan agreed eagerly.
---
Lin Family Residence.
Lin Shuyan stared at her phone, watching helplessly as last night’s scandal suddenly transformed—now, the "truth" was everywhere, and everyone was pitying Nan Sangning as an innocent victim!
After all the effort she put into this scheme, Nan Sangning ended up looking like a blameless bystander?!
Then her phone buzzed with a breaking update—the Pei Family had issued an official statement vowing to pursue those responsible for this malicious business sabotage to the fullest extent.
Lin Shuyan’s heart skipped a beat, a chill creeping down her spine.
"What’s going on with the Pei Family? This is blowing up everywhere. Who would dare target them so openly?" Madam Lin frowned.
Lin Yunfei looked skeptical. "Not many would have the guts to challenge the Pei Family head-on."
"That’s what I thought. But the Pei Family’s stance is clear—they won’t let this slide. Songhan is such a steady young man—I’ve watched him grow up."
Lin Yunfei suddenly turned to Lin Shuyan, who had been silent. "This doesn’t have anything to do with you, does it?"
Lin Shuyan’s grip on her phone tightened. "Of course not."
"Stay out of trouble, or you’ll regret it," he warned.
Her heart pounded, cold sweat forming on her back. This situation was spiraling out of control.
---
Sang Ning left work early that day, clocking out at 5 PM. As she stepped out of the building, she spotted the familiar Bentley and slid into the passenger seat.
"How’s the company? No one giving you trouble?" He Siyu asked.
"Everything’s fine. Business as usual."
She wasn’t so incompetent that her own employees would dare disrespect her. Hadn’t she proven herself over the past six months?
Her relaxed tone eased his concern. With a turn of the wheel, he drove off.
"What about those reporters?" Sang Ning asked.
His gaze sharpened. "Just wait. It won’t take long."
"It won’t be easy. With the scandal growing, the mastermind must be pressuring them harder. They’ll be too scared to talk."
He Siyu smirked coldly. "There’s no mouth that can’t be pried open."
Only inadequate methods.
He’d make sure they regretted crossing him.
"Don’t worry," he said calmly. "We’ll have answers by tomorrow morning at the latest."
Sang Ning nodded thoughtfully.
He took her hand. "Let’s get dinner first."
"Sure."
When they arrived at the restaurant, He Siyu parked, and Sang Ning stepped out.
But then he reached into the backseat and pulled out a small box.
Sang Ning blinked. "What’s this?"
His tone was casual, but his dark eyes held hers. "Strawberry cake. You like it, don’t you?"
