Sang Ning pursed her lips slightly, her voice a little stiff. "Mr. He."
He noticed the faint tension in her delicate face, and the corner of his lips lifted imperceptibly. So she could still feel guilty? He had assumed she was always unflappable.
Grandma He smiled warmly. "Today's He Family New Year banquet is also to thank everyone for their support this past year. Please, make yourselves at home."
"You're too kind, Madam! We’re the ones who should be grateful," the guests quickly responded.
As the banquet officially began, Grandma He made sure to show special attention to Sang Ning. The solid wood lazy Susan rotated slowly, bringing a bowl of clear soup with meatballs to her.
Grandma He patted Sang Ning’s hand. "I ordered this especially for you. Isn’t it your favorite?"
Sang Ning, flattered, quickly accepted. "Thank you, Grandma He."
She ladled two bowls—one for herself and one for Grandma He.
When the lazy Susan turned, He Siyu reached out and scooped a spoonful as well.
Out of the corner of her eye, Sang Ning saw his movement. Her fingers tightened around her chopsticks, and she instinctively glanced around to gauge the others' reactions. Sure enough, the entire table was watching He Siyu.
He Siyu remained composed, long accustomed to being the center of attention.
He Jinxing, sitting beside him, suddenly asked, "Since when do you like this dish? I’ve never seen you eat it before."
He Siyu replied casually, "Do I need your permission to change my tastes?"
He Jinxing choked back a retort, then smirked meaningfully. "As if I’d dare interfere."
He Siyu ignored him, turning his gaze to Nan Sangning instead. She was either focused on her food or chatting with Grandma He—not once did she spare him a glance.
How cautious of her.
His expression cooled as he withdrew his attention, stabbing a meatball with his chopsticks.
Sang Ning sipped her soup absently. Though the broth was rich and flavorful, her mind was elsewhere.
Her seat was far too conspicuous—Grandma He on her right, He Siyu on her left. Now, everyone in the banquet hall was stealing glances at her.
She knew Grandma He was elevating her status. After tonight, the elite circles would have to show her some respect. It was a kind gesture.
But the man seated beside her was like a ticking time bomb, making it impossible for her to relax.
"Sang Ning, eat more," Grandma He urged gently when she noticed her only drinking soup.
Sang Ning snapped back to attention. "Oh, the soup is just too delicious. Please don’t worry about me, Grandma He. I won’t hold back."
Grandma He nodded approvingly. "Good."
Perhaps out of nervousness, Sang Ning’s left hand accidentally brushed the table napkin off the edge.
She turned to retrieve it, but a slender hand had already caught it midair.
He picked it up and handed it back to her under the table.
Sang Ning reached for it politely. "Thank you, Mr. He."
But when she took hold of the napkin, he didn’t let go.
She froze. Then, with a subtle tug, he pulled the napkin—and her hand—toward him.
In the next moment, his large hand closed around hers, gripping firmly.
Sang Ning’s pupils constricted. She shot him a discreet glare beneath her polite facade.
His fingertips traced lightly over her soft palm, lingering for a heartbeat. His expression remained indifferent as he replied coolly, "You’re welcome."
A shiver ran down her spine. Before she could react, he had already withdrawn, picking up his chopsticks with perfect composure, the picture of a refined gentleman.
Sang Ning sat stiffly, clutching the napkin as if it had suddenly turned scorching.
Grandma He continued warmly, "When you’re free, you must visit. It’s been so long since I last heard you play the pipa."
Sang Ning forced herself to focus. "After the New Year, perhaps. I’ve been busy lately, but I’ll play you a new piece then."
"Wonderful. I’ll look forward to it."
Sang Ning smiled demurely, her palm damp against the chopsticks.
Grandma He added, "And if you ever face any difficulties, don’t shoulder them alone. You’re still young—some problems are too much for one person. Ask Siyu for help. I’ve already told him to assist you."
The name "Siyu" sent an inexplicable pang of guilt through her. A flicker of panic flashed in her eyes before she masked it.
He Siyu’s tone was smooth and unhurried. "Miss Nan, feel free to reach out if you need anything."
Sang Ning forced another smile. "Thank you, Mr. He."
Amusement glinted in his eyes as he replied, his words laced with double meaning, "You’re Grandma’s honored guest. It’s the least I can do."
Sang Ning: "..."
The rest of the meal passed in quiet tension. Thankfully, He Siyu behaved—mostly. Aside from his veiled remarks, he remained the picture of propriety.
After the banquet, Sang Ning personally escorted Grandma He to her car.
"Take care, Grandma He," she said softly, standing by the vehicle.
Grandma He smiled. "You head home early too. Come visit when you have time."
"Of course." Sang Ning’s dimples appeared as she smiled.
The Rolls-Royce drove off, and Ji Yan tugged Sang Ning’s arm. "Come on, I’ll take you home."
Sang Ning nodded. "Alright."
Once Ji Yan’s car was brought around, the two left together.
He Siyu stepped out of the hotel moments later, watching her depart without a backward glance, his brow furrowing.
"Still staring even though she’s gone?" A voice teased beside him.
He turned to see He Jinxing’s mocking grin.
He Jinxing lowered his voice. "So, Miss Nan is the one you like?"
He Siyu’s gaze flickered briefly before he looked away. "No."
"Please. I know you too well." He Jinxing chuckled. "But that Miss Nan didn’t spare you a single glance all night. Avoided you like the plague. Don’t tell me she’s not interested?"
The fact that He Siyu had stayed by Grandma He’s side the entire evening had already tipped He Jinxing off. Now, his probing had confirmed it.
He Siyu’s expression darkened. "None of your business."
"With that temper, no wonder she’s not into you. A refined, cultured woman like Miss Nan? She probably prefers gentlemen—polished and well-mannered," He Jinxing taunted, thoroughly enjoying his brother’s rare frustration.
It wasn’t often he got to see his unruly younger brother so flustered.
"You know nothing," He Siyu snapped, striding toward his car and yanking the door open.
He Jinxing laughed so hard his shoulders shook.
He Xingzhou walked out just then, frowning. "What’s wrong with you?"
"Me? Nothing. But He Siyu’s about to lose it."
He Xingzhou: ?
He Jinxing smirked. "Just wait for the show."
—
Ji Yan took Sang Ning to the CBD for a stroll. With the New Year approaching, the area was hosting a drone light show. They watched the spectacle, snapping plenty of photos together.
By ten, Sang Ning finally returned home.
She pushed the door open cheerfully—only to freeze at the sight of He Siyu lounging on her sofa.
"Why are you back so late?" he asked.
"Ji Yan and I went to see the drone show," she answered, her eyes still bright with excitement.
He took her wrist and gently pulled her onto his lap, settling her sideways.
"Do you like it?"
She nodded happily, "Yes, it's amazing! I've never seen a performance like this before."
He leaned in closer, wrapping his arms around her. "Do you like me?"
She paused, caught off guard by his sudden question.
"I do," she replied.
His dark eyes held hers intently. "What do you like about me?"
