Suddenly, the private room door was pulled open, and a lively group walked in.
"What a coincidence, everyone’s here today too?"
Someone immediately greeted them, "Oh, if it isn’t Miss Zhan?"
Sang Ning turned her head and saw Zhan Yijun enter, followed by a group of people, including Chen Zheng and Chen Zhihan.
Sang Ning’s gaze met Chen Zheng’s, and a hint of mockery flashed in her eyes. These people really had no shame.
A flicker of guilt crossed Chen Zheng’s eyes—he hadn’t expected to run into Nan Sang Ning here.
Originally, he had heard that Young Master He was here, and Zhan Yijun wanted to come over to greet him. Naturally, Chen Zheng had followed, hoping to find an opportunity to climb the social ladder. But he never imagined he’d bump into Nan Sang Ning.
He had promised the Nan family that he would cut ties with Zhan Yijun, and now Sang Ning had caught him red-handed. Of course, he felt guilty. But then again, the Nan family had dared to palm off a fake heiress on him—so what did his little indiscretion matter?
Besides, the Nan family wouldn’t dare expose him. If they offended the Zhan family, they’d regret it!
Chen Zheng straightened his back with renewed confidence.
Zhan Yijun walked in with a smile. "I was bored at home and happened to be hosting a gathering here. When I heard Young Master He was present, I thought I’d come over to say hello."
Chen Zheng quickly stepped forward, raising his glass. "Young Master He, a toast to you."
Ji Yan rolled her eyes. What a bootlicker.
Zhan Yijun picked up her wine glass, smiling at He Siyu. But He Siyu remained indifferent, not lifting his own glass.
The atmosphere grew tense. Zhan Yijun’s smile stiffened—she hadn’t expected He Siyu to snub her so blatantly.
The Zhan family might not compare to the He Family, but now that she was engaged to Qi Ming, her status had risen considerably. Most in their circle treated her with more respect these days.
Yet He Siyu outright refused to acknowledge her.
Chen Zhihan, standing behind them, couldn’t get a word in, but she instinctively glanced at Nan Sang Ning, her expression darkening.
Young Master He’s coldness must be Sang Ning’s doing!
Gu Xingchen laughed, trying to smooth things over. "Guests are always welcome! Come on, everyone, let’s toast together!"
The others followed suit, raising their glasses to clink with Zhan Yijun’s. Chen Zheng and Chen Zhihan, trailing behind her, eagerly joined in.
The awkwardness finally eased.
Ji Yan rolled her eyes again. Sang Ning swirled her wine glass, watching Chen Zheng and Zhan Yijun thoughtfully.
"Have you and Qi Ming set a wedding date yet? We’ll have to come celebrate," someone asked casually.
Zhan Yijun lifted her chin slightly, a touch of pride in her eyes. "The family is currently selecting an auspicious date. It shouldn’t be long now. Once it’s finalized, I’ll let everyone know right away."
"Congratulations!"
The two groups chatted warmly. With the New Year festivities, everyone was in high spirits.
He Siyu leaned back on the sofa, taking a sip of his drink, his patience clearly wearing thin from the noise.
His gaze drifted to Nan Sang Ning, only to see Chen Zheng speaking to her. His brow furrowed.
"What a coincidence, you’re at this kind of gathering too," Chen Zheng said with a smile.
Sang Ning replied coolly, "If you can be here, why is it strange for me?"
Chen Zheng gritted his teeth. How dare the Nan family compare themselves to the Chens?
Suppressing his irritation, he said in a low voice, "Don’t mention today’s incident to Siya. She’ll make a scene, and the family’s finally been peaceful these past few days."
After all, he had promised Nan Siya he would cut ties with Zhan Yijun.
Sang Ning’s voice was calm but icy. "So you do know the family’s just settled down? If you’re aware it’ll cause trouble, why can’t you behave during the New Year?"
Chen Zheng stiffened, his face darkening.
What did she mean, he wasn’t behaving?!
"I’m here for business—"
Sang Ning smirked faintly. "Save that excuse for Siya. I know exactly how Chen Corporation’s performance has been."
Chen Zheng froze, his face flushing with humiliation.
Clenching his teeth, he sneered, "The Nan family just got lucky with a few big contracts last year. Now you dare lecture the Chens? Seems like your family’s luck is about to run out."
A smug glint flashed in his eyes.
He had secretly connected with Manager Wu of Lunjia Company, using the Nan family’s proposal and undercutting their price to steal the deal right from under them!
While the Nan family celebrated the New Year in blissful ignorance, they’d soon learn who really held the power.
Sang Ning arched a brow. "I’ll be waiting."
Her lack of rebuttal or aggression only made Chen Zheng feel even more stifled.
"Brother, let’s go. Yijun’s already left," Chen Zhihan called.
Chen Zheng stormed off.
Once outside the private room, his anger was plain on his face.
"Brother, what did you say to Nan Sang Ning?"
Chen Zheng scowled. "What else? Warned her not to blab to Siya, or she’d make a scene again!"
"She didn’t agree?" Chen Zhihan pressed.
Chen Zheng hesitated. She hadn’t outright refused.
But it still infuriated him! Every time he faced Nan Sang Ning, he felt an inexplicable pressure.
Gritting his teeth, he scoffed, "Good thing I didn’t marry her in the end. What man could stand a woman like that?"
Chen Zhihan stiffened, suddenly recalling Sang Ning’s secret involvement with He Siyu.
She had held onto this information, not daring to act rashly. But letting it go? She couldn’t bear that either.
---
Back in the private room, He Siyu set his glass down with a deliberate clink. The sound drew everyone’s attention, and they glanced at him cautiously.
His expression was cold. "I’m stepping out to the restroom."
With that, he stood and left.
Gu Xingchen, in the middle of playing dice with Meng Lai, blinked in confusion. Why had He Siyu suddenly left in a bad mood? He’d been in high spirits all this time—what could have upset him during the New Year?
Weird.
Ji Yan shoved the microphone at Sang Ning. "Let’s sing!"
Sang Ning hesitated, then set the microphone down. "I need to step out and make a call."
"What’s so urgent?"
"Family matters. I’ll be back soon." She stood and left.
"Don’t take too long!"
As the door closed behind Sang Ning, Ji Yan stared after her, puzzled. Why did she feel like Sang Ning was acting strange today?
Frowning, Ji Yan turned back—only to lock eyes with Gu Xingchen.
Her expression soured. "What are you looking at?"
Gu Xingchen stiffened, then retorted loudly, "Who’s looking at you? I was watching the door!"
"Then why do you look guilty?"
"Who’s guilty?! As if you’re so irresistible!"
"I’m not good-looking?! Look in the mirror yourself first!" Ji Yan bristled.
The others quickly intervened before their bickering escalated. "Enough, enough! It’s the New Year!"
---
Outside the private room, the hallway was empty—He Siyu was nowhere in sight.
Sang Ning glanced around, then headed in the direction of the restrooms.
She had only taken a few steps when suddenly the door of a nearby private room swung open. A hand reached out, seized her wrist, and yanked her inside.
A soft gasp escaped her lips, only to be silenced the next moment as she was pinned against the door, her mouth captured in a fierce kiss.
The unused room stood dark and empty, the dim lighting making it impossible to distinguish his features. Yet she recognized that familiar sweet fragrance clinging to him.
His towering frame caged her in that confined space, leaving no room for escape. One hand cradled the nape of her neck, fingers tangling roughly through her long hair as his heated kiss alternated between desperate urgency and lingering tenderness.
