Pei Songhan pressed his lips together tightly, his hand hanging by his side clenching once more.
Gu Xingchen and the others were even more stunned—they had all grown up together as brothers, so how had the two of them suddenly become this close?!
But why did the atmosphere seem even more tense now?
"Young Master Pei, the press interview is ready to begin," the assistant reminded.
Pei Songhan lowered his gaze. "Understood."
He turned to Nan Sangning and gestured politely. "Young Mistress Nan, please."
Sangning gave a slight nod and followed him to the designated interview area. As she approached, she was surprised to spot a familiar face.
Zhu Jiani rose from the sofa with a smile, extending her hand. "Miss Nan, hello."
Sangning shook her hand courteously. "Miss Zhu, when did you arrive?"
"I’ve been here for a while. I just prefer to avoid the crowds, so I waited here," Zhu Jiani replied with a light laugh. Naturally, she had witnessed the earlier spectacle.
It was the first time she had seen Lin Shuyan in such a disheveled state. While she had no particular feelings toward Lin Shuyan, she was surprised that Pei Songhan had taken the matter so seriously this time.
She had always assumed his heart was devoid of warmth.
"Everyone, please take a seat," Pei Songhan said, settling into a single armchair.
Sangning and Zhu Jiani sat across from him.
The reporter raised the microphone, and the formal interview began.
"My studio keeps me very busy, so I rarely attend these banquets. I came today specifically because I heard there were misunderstandings surrounding my broken engagement with Songhan, and I wanted to help clarify," Zhu Jiani explained, glancing at Pei Songhan.
"Our decision to end the engagement was solely due to incompatibility—we didn’t feel confident about building a life together. It was a mutual decision, and it involved no one else."
The reporter nodded. "I see. Miss Zhu, even after the broken engagement, you’re willing to help Young Master Pei clear up the rumors. It seems your relationship remains amicable?"
Zhu Jiani chuckled lightly. "Not exactly. We haven’t been in contact since the breakup. I simply didn’t want Miss Nan to be unfairly implicated. A woman’s reputation is fragile—even a hint of suspicion can ruin it."
Sangning looked at Zhu Jiani, her eyes flickering with gratitude. "Thank you," she said sincerely.
Zhu Jiani glanced at Pei Songhan and smiled. "No need. I just wanted peace of mind."
The reporter continued, "I heard Miss Nan faced a lot of skepticism?"
Sangning nodded slightly. "At first, yes. But fortunately, justice prevailed. Many kind-hearted netizens spoke up to defend me, and I’m deeply moved. Let me reiterate—my relationship with Young Master Pei is strictly professional. There’s no personal connection."
Her voice was calm and steady, devoid of any emotion. Pei Songhan pressed his lips together, lowering his gaze to conceal a faint trace of disappointment.
The reporter nodded. "Indeed, this scheme has caused significant damage to both Nan Corporation and the Pei family. Young Master Pei, what are your thoughts?"
Pei Songhan took a deep breath, his tone solemn. "Business competition has always been fierce. We welcome fair competition, but malicious tactics without principles will never be tolerated by the Pei family."
The interview concluded after half an hour. Since those in their circles valued privacy, it was a written interview, but the transcript would be published the next morning, officially putting an end to the controversy.
After the interview, Pei Songhan personally escorted the reporter out.
Sangning thanked Zhu Jiani again. "Miss Zhu, I truly appreciate you taking the time to help me today."
She hadn’t expected Zhu Jiani to show up at all.
Zhu Jiani shook her head. "You should thank Pei Songhan. He was the one who called and asked me to come."
She smirked faintly. "He cares a great deal about you."
Sangning paused, suddenly catching the implication behind her words. She clarified earnestly, "Miss Zhu, you might be misunderstanding. My relationship with Young Master Pei is purely professional."
Zhu Jiani seemed surprised by her earnest explanation, then laughed. "Ah, my mistake. Apologies."
"Oh, one more thing," Zhu Jiani added, as if remembering something. "Last time you visited my studio, I took your measurements and made a dress for you. It’s ready—I’ll have it sent to you soon."
Sangning was taken aback. She had completely forgotten about it. At the time, she had been so flustered after stumbling upon an awkward scene that she assumed Zhu Jiani was just being polite. She never expected her to actually follow through.
"I made it myself. I hope you’ll like it," Zhu Jiani said with a smile before turning to leave.
Sangning stood there, watching her retreating figure with surprise. Zhu Jiani was far more composed than she had imagined.
Pei Songhan saw the reporter out of the banquet hall.
"Young Master Pei, no need to escort me further. I’ll draft the article promptly and send it for your review before publication," the reporter said.
Pei Songhan gave a slight nod. "Very well. Thank you for your trouble."
"Of course, of course," the reporter replied before departing.
Pei Songhan lingered for a moment before turning back toward the banquet hall—only to see Zhu Jiani stepping out just then.
"Leaving already?" he asked politely.
"Yes, my studio has plenty of work waiting. I won’t stay longer," Zhu Jiani replied coolly.
Pei Songhan nodded. "Thank you for coming today."
Zhu Jiani’s lips curled slightly. "Pei Songhan, do you know what I dislike most about you?"
Pei Songhan was momentarily taken aback but remained composed. "What would that be?"
Zhu Jiani met his gaze. "Your eternally unflappable politeness."
He always looked at her with that same detached calm, indifferent to her emotions, never showing the slightest fluctuation.
Outwardly the perfect gentleman, yet ice-cold beneath.
Pei Songhan’s tone remained mild. "I hope you find someone who truly suits you."
Zhu Jiani laughed. There it was—still perfectly courteous, still devoid of warmth. Not that she had expected any real reaction from him.
She shook her head. "Young Master Pei, instead of wishing me well, perhaps you should wish it for yourself."
His eyes flickered faintly.
Seeing the rare ripple in his composure, she felt a petty satisfaction and lowered her voice. "Miss Nan doesn’t seem interested in you. What will you do?"
Pei Songhan’s expression stiffened, his throat tightening as if blocked. For once, he had no reply.
Zhu Jiani smirked. "Never mind. This is pointless. Pei Songhan, take care of yourself."
Without waiting for a response, she walked away.
Pei Songhan stood rooted in place, his face frozen.
Inside the banquet hall—
"Sangning, how did the interview go?" Ji Yan asked as she approached.
Sangning nodded. "It went smoothly. Miss Zhu even spoke up for me."
"Jiani-jie is really kind. With this clarification, once the interview is published tomorrow, your name will be cleared completely."
Sangning smiled. "Yes."
Her gaze drifted to the distance, where He Siyu stood surrounded by a crowd, as carefree and indifferent as ever—unchanged.
"Sangning?" Ji Yan called, tugging her hand gently.
Sangning snapped out of her thoughts. "I’m going to the restroom. I’ll be back soon."
"Alright, hurry. The banquet’s about to start—I’ll save you a seat."
"Okay." Sangning released her hand and walked away.
He Siyu held a wine glass, engaging in casual conversation as those around him exchanged pleasantries. He nodded intermittently, his attention only half-present.
Then, out of the corner of his eye, he caught sight of her moving in his direction. Instinctively, he turned his head, his gaze meeting hers—clear, calm, yet dazzling.
She didn’t avert her eyes. Instead, she walked straight toward him.
His heartbeat quickened inexplicably, his fingers tightening around the glass.
The voices around him blurred into meaningless noise, fading entirely from his awareness.
Nan Sangning stopped briefly in front of him. As she passed by, her fingers lightly brushed against his hand, hanging loosely at his side.
His fingertips twitched, his dark eyes flickering with surprise—but her touch was gone as quickly as it came, and she walked away.
Nan Sangning headed to the restroom, turned the faucet on and off, then stepped back out.
Meanwhile, He Siyu set down his glass. "Excuse me," he murmured before slipping away from the crowd.
He had seen her enter the restroom. The banquet hall’s restrooms were tucked behind a corner, cleverly designed to shield them from the noise outside.
As he rounded that corner, his steps halted abruptly—Nan Sangning was waiting for him.
His brow furrowed slightly. "What’s wrong? Did you need something?" he asked immediately. If she had sought him out in such a public setting, it had to be important.
She lifted her eyes to his, taking a step closer. "I just…"
Her hand slid around the back of his neck, pulling him down as she rose onto her toes. Her lips met his in a soft, deliberate kiss.
"Suddenly wanted to kiss you," she whispered.
