"Ji Yan is here too," Old Madam He remarked as she noticed Ji Yan.
Ji Yan pouted, "Old Madam He, you're being too biased. I was here first."
"Oh dear, my old eyes aren't what they used to be. How could I react so quickly?" Old Madam He feigned ignorance with a chuckle.
Sang Ning greeted her warmly, "Old Madam He."
"Come, sit with me," Old Madam He urged, pulling them both to her side as she chatted happily with them.
More guests arrived to offer their congratulations. After all, Commander He rarely returned home, so social obligations were inevitable. He Wanjun stood up to attend to them, instructing his sons, "Stay here and keep your grandmother company."
"Yes," He Xingzhou and He Jinxing replied in unison.
He Wanjun then glanced at He Siyu, intending to issue another warning, but to his surprise, the young man was sitting obediently, his gaze fixed attentively on Old Madam He—uncharacteristically well-behaved.
He Wanjun was baffled, almost doubting his own eyes.
Had he really become so docile after just a few months away?
"Commander He," another guest approached to exchange pleasantries.
He Wanjun had no time to dwell on He Siyu’s behavior and nodded before stepping away to mingle.
Old Madam He held Sang Ning’s hand and asked, "You haven’t visited in so long. I’ve been thinking of you. I heard you’ve been busy lately and didn’t want to disturb you."
Sang Ning replied politely, "I’m sorry, Old Madam He. I’ve just taken over the company, and there’s been so much to handle at home. I’ve been swamped and haven’t had the chance to visit you."
"Focus on your work. It’s good for young people to be ambitious," Old Madam He said, then her tone darkened slightly. "I heard about that scheme against you—how the Lin Family and Pei Family’s feud dragged you into it. Thankfully, both families issued clarifications, or your reputation could have been ruined!"
Ji Yan immediately chimed in, "Exactly! Sang Ning was so unlucky to get caught up in this. Lin Shuyan is downright malicious! Colluding with hotel staff to give Sang Ning’s room key to Pei Songhan—if Pei Songhan weren’t such an honorable man, it wouldn’t just have been her reputation at stake!"
Old Madam He nodded in agreement. "Songhan is a good boy. I’ve watched him grow up—he’d never do something so outrageous."
Sang Ning nodded as well.
He Siyu’s lips pressed into a thin line, his gaze cooling slightly.
Just then, the crowd parted again as Pei Songhan and Gu Xingchen arrived together.
"Old Madam He, happy early New Year!" Gu Xingchen strode forward with a cheerful grin, even giving a playful bow.
Old Madam He smiled. "How thoughtful of you. I believe your wedding with Ji Yan is set for March? After the New Year, it’ll be here before you know it. I’ll be there to celebrate. You two grew up together and always got along so well—make sure to cherish each other after marriage."
Gu Xingchen chuckled awkwardly, glancing at Ji Yan, who rolled her eyes in response.
His smile stiffened slightly, and he muttered through gritted teeth, "Thank you for your blessings, Old Madam He."
Pei Songhan’s gaze lingered on Sang Ning, seated to Old Madam He’s left, for a brief moment before he greeted, "Old Madam He."
Old Madam He beamed. "We were just talking about you."
Pei Songhan blinked in surprise, his eyes flicking back to Sang Ning. "What about me?"
"That you’re a fine young man—upright and principled. I’ve known you since you were a child, and I’ve never been wrong about you."
Pei Songhan smiled faintly. "Thank you for your kind words, Old Madam He."
She sighed sympathetically. "It’s a shame things didn’t work out with Jiani. But don’t worry—I know a few excellent matches for the Pei Family, all from respectable backgrounds. After the New Year, I’ll introduce you. Settle down soon so your parents can stop worrying."
He Xingzhou and He Jinxing exchanged glances.
Since when had Old Madam He stopped nagging about He Siyu’s marriage—or theirs, for that matter—and taken up matchmaking for Pei Songhan instead?
Pei Songhan’s smile faltered slightly. "I appreciate your concern, Old Madam He."
She patted his hand affectionately. "To me, you’re no different from my own grandsons. Of course I’d want the best for you."
Gu Xingchen couldn’t help but glance at the three actual He grandsons sitting nearby. Had Old Madam He given up on them entirely?
She turned back to Sang Ning. "With the New Year approaching, if you have time, could you write a few greeting cards for the He Family’s gifts? The ones you did for Mid-Autumn Festival were so well-received!"
Sang Ning nodded. "I’ll start on them as soon as I return."
"I’ll have Siyu pick them up and deliver the gifts to you," Old Madam He said, casting a meaningful look at He Siyu.
Sang Ning finally looked at He Siyu. His eyes held hers for a brief moment before he turned to Old Madam He and lazily agreed, "Fine."
Old Madam He was satisfied—there was progress. The two seemed much more familiar now.
She resumed chatting with Sang Ning and Ji Yan about New Year preparations.
Sang Ning returned her attention to the conversation, not sparing He Siyu another glance.
He Siyu lounged on the sofa nearby, his gaze resting on them, lips slightly pursed.
He Jinxing leaned toward He Xingzhou and whispered, "Old Madam He seems quite fond of this Miss Sang. Which family is she from? I don’t recall hearing of them before."
"The Sang Family isn’t particularly prominent," He Xingzhou replied dismissively.
"Really? Yet Old Madam He holds her in such high regard."
"As long as it makes her happy, why question it?"
Old Madam He had always favored well-mannered young ladies, and Miss Sang’s refined demeanor naturally appealed to her.
Besides, at her age, who in the He Family dared interfere with her preferences?
He Jinxing, however, remained thoughtful. Wasn’t this a bit too much favor?
His eyes then drifted to He Siyu, still seated across from them. He hadn’t slipped away at the first opportunity?
His youngest brother usually couldn’t stand these social gatherings.
He Jinxing raised an eyebrow in surprise, following He Siyu’s gaze.
Wait—was he actually listening to Old Madam He’s stories?
Had he changed this much?
Soon, the banquet began. In high spirits, Old Madam He insisted Ji Yan and Sang Ning sit beside her at the main table.
Sang Ning hesitated. "Won’t this be inappropriate?"
The seats near the host were reserved for those of high status.
Ji Yan plopped down without hesitation. "Relax! If Old Madam He says it’s fine, no one will dare object."
Not even Commander He would protest.
"It’s been so long since we’ve shared a meal. Humor an old woman," Old Madam He coaxed, tugging Sang Ning into the seat.
Sang Ning finally nodded and took her place.
As soon as she settled beside Old Madam He, the rest of the guests found their seats. The banquet hall held twenty tables, with the main one reserved for Old Madam He’s party.
The moment Sang Ning sat down, curious glances swept over her.
Seating arrangements reflected status—anyone Old Madam He elevated would naturally draw attention.
Then, the chair beside her was pulled back, and a figure sat down casually.
She turned, her fingers tightening slightly in her lap.
He Siyu greeted her evenly, "Miss Sang."
