"Young Master Nan, the person has been thrown out."
Sang Ning flipped through the documents in her hand—an overview of Chen Corporation's assets, which she had already investigated thoroughly some time ago.
"Keep a close eye on Chen Corporation. Their recent financial losses are severe, and their cash flow will inevitably collapse."
A sharp glint flashed in Sang Ning's eyes. "It's time we added fuel to the fire. The Nan Family will withdraw its investments from Chen Corporation and let the Chen Family destroy themselves."
"Understood."
Sang Ning's phone rang. She glanced at the caller ID: [Grandfather].
She answered.
"Grandfather."
The old man's anxious voice came through. "I just heard that LunJia Company is a shell corporation—they've already absconded with the funds! That overseas project was a scam too. You weren’t involved, were you?!"
Sang Ning replied calmly, "Don’t worry, Grandfather. I sensed something off about that project from the start, so when the Chen Family fought us for it, I didn’t insist and let them have it. Nan Corporation didn’t invest."
The old man finally exhaled in relief. "Good, good. That’s a relief." Then, with a hint of reproach, he added, "You child, why didn’t you tell me your plans earlier? You had me worried for nothing!"
Sang Ning chuckled. "Next time, I will."
Grandfather cleared his throat. "If you’d explained it to me sooner, I wouldn’t have scolded you."
Sang Ning remained composed. "You’re right, Grandfather."
Pleased by her obedience, the old man relaxed.
"The Chen Family is in deep trouble this time," Grandfather sneered. "They were so arrogant before, pouring everything into that project. Now their cash flow is about to snap."
Sang Ning smiled faintly. "Don’t worry, Grandfather. The Chen Family is still our in-laws. We’ll help where we should."
"You’re a smart girl. I trust you know what to do."
"Rest assured."
"You haven’t been home in days. Remember to come back for the family dinner next week."
"Of course."
After Grandfather hung up, Nan Zhenming and Wen Meiling, who had been waiting anxiously nearby, immediately pressed him.
"Well? Sang Ning didn’t invest in that LunJia Company project, did she?!"
Grandfather scoffed. "Do you think she’s as foolish as you two? She saw through LunJia Company’s scheme long ago—that’s why she didn’t fight the Chen Family for it."
Nan Zhenming and Wen Meiling finally relaxed.
Grandfather exhaled deeply. "Sang Ning is a clever girl. I was right to trust her."
Nan Zhenming’s expression darkened again. "She knew the project was a scam and deliberately kept it from the family! Making you worry like that—doesn’t that prove she doesn’t respect you?"
Grandfather’s face stiffened.
Nan Zhenming pressed on angrily. "Father, Sang Ning is capable, no doubt, but haven’t you noticed she’s becoming harder to control? She’s already acting like she owns Nan Corporation, looking down on everyone. At this rate, who knows if this family will be yours or hers soon!"
"Nonsense!" Grandfather slammed the table, glaring at him.
Nan Zhenming feigned concern. "Father, I’m only thinking of the Nan Family’s future. Sang Ning is just a girl—she’ll marry out sooner or later. If we let her ambitions grow unchecked, it won’t end well."
Grandfather fell into thought. While he valued Sang Ning, he had never intended for her to inherit the family business.
He had only let her manage the company because of her talent, hoping she could elevate Nan Corporation further.
With her intelligence and beauty, in a few years, she could easily secure a prestigious marriage, bringing the Nan Family even greater benefits through alliance.
Sang Ning had always been obedient, never giving him reason for dissatisfaction.
But lately, she had indeed grown defiant.
Seeing Grandfather’s hesitation, Nan Zhenming seized the moment. "Father, in my opinion, we should remove her from the company before she becomes unmanageable. Besides, Young President Pei seems quite taken with her. This could even speed up a marriage alliance with the Pei Family. If Sang Ning marries into the Pei Family, what would the Nan Family have to fear?"
Grandfather narrowed his eyes, considering for a moment before snapping, "Don’t think I don’t see your game! You just want Sang Ning to hand power over to you!"
Nan Zhenming froze, unable to hide his guilt. "I—I’m only thinking of your best interests—"
"Enough! I know what I’m doing. I don’t need your meddling!"
The Pei Family’s recent press interview made their stance clear—they wanted Pei Songhan to distance himself from Nan Sangning. The Pei Family looked down on the Nan Family.
Even if Grandfather wanted Sang Ning to marry into the Pei Family, it would only happen if the Pei Family agreed.
Besides, Sang Ning was still useful to the company. At this critical juncture, the choice between her and Nan Zhenming was obvious.
Still, her recent disobedience displeased him.
With a grim expression, Grandfather stood and left.
---
Chen Residence.
"Nan Siya!" Chen Zheng stormed in, seething with rage.
Hearing his voice, Nan Siya trembled. "What’s wrong?"
Chen Zheng grabbed her arm, his voice dripping with venom. "You lied to me!"
"I—I don’t know what you’re talking about."
"You colluded with Nan Sangning to deceive me! Do you have any idea that LunJia Company was a fraud? They’ve taken most of Chen Corporation’s cash flow!" Chen Zheng was livid.
Nan Siya forced down her panic, shaking her head firmly. "I knew nothing about it. I only did what you told me. If even you couldn’t see through her scheme, how could I?"
Chen Zheng studied her, suspicion flickering in his eyes. True, Nan Siya wasn’t clever enough to outwit Nan Sangning’s calculations.
They had all been fooled!
Clenching his teeth, Chen Zheng spat, "I’ll deal with you later!"
He stormed out, leaving Nan Siya pale and trembling as she collapsed onto the sofa.
Nan Sangning’s words echoed in her ears:
—"Let me give you some advice: the closest bonds can also be the most distant. This time, you must act completely ignorant. Only by being utterly innocent can you survive in the Chen Family."
Nan Siya bit her lip hard, glaring at Chen Zheng’s retreating figure.
All of this—you brought it upon yourself!
Chen Zheng strode out of Chen Residence, his fury uncontainable. The Chen Family’s mess had spiraled beyond control, and now the Nan Family had announced their withdrawal of investments—kicking them while they were down!
Nan Sangning was circling like a vulture, tightening her grip step by step. She clearly intended to devour the Chen Family whole!
If Nan Sangning remained in power, the Chen Family was doomed!
Chen Zheng steeled himself and dialed a reporter.
"Little President Chen, what brings you to call?"
Chen Zheng’s voice was icy. "I have breaking news for you. Spread it immediately."