"Sang Ning is the most filial!" The old man nodded repeatedly.
He Siyu glanced at the waiter, who immediately stepped forward holding an ornate brocade box.
"This is a set of white jade tea utensils from the Zhou Dynasty, a gift for your birthday celebration."
The old man's eyes crinkled with delight. "Wonderful, wonderful! Young Master He is too kind!"
Regardless of the tea set's actual value, the fact that He Siyu had shown such respect by attending his birthday celebration was the greatest honor the old man had ever experienced in his life.
He Siyu took Sang Ning's hand, his tone uncharacteristically polite. "It's only proper, considering this is my first visit. Etiquette should be observed."
"You're far too considerate," the old man said, nodding again before turning to Sang Ning. "Since Young Master He is here today, make sure to entertain him properly. Don’t neglect our guest."
Sang Ning curved her lips slightly. "Don’t worry, Grandfather."
Nan Zhenming’s face instantly brightened, his posture straightening with pride as he glanced around at the guests. Their expressions were filled with nothing but envy, and hushed whispers began to spread.
"The Nan family must have ancestors smiling down on them from heaven! To have their granddaughter catch the eye of the Third Young Master He—isn’t this like a carp leaping over the dragon’s gate?"
"I thought Young Master He was just toying with her, but he’s publicly acknowledged their relationship and even personally attended Old Master Nan’s birthday banquet. Isn’t this a clear sign they’re getting married?"
Someone sneered, "It’s just that Nan Sang Ning is cunning. She must have leaked their relationship to the media to force his hand."
"Well, if she succeeded, that’s skill. Why don’t you try it yourself? Do you think Young Master He would tolerate it?"
The crowd burst into laughter.
But beneath the amusement, there was a lingering unease. After all, the Third Young Master He was notorious in Jing City as an untamable troublemaker. Who would dare openly scheme against him? The consequences would be unthinkable.
Yet Nan Sang Ning had done exactly that—and not only had He Siyu not retaliated, he’d allowed her to force his hand. Such treatment was beyond what any ordinary person could hope for.
"The Nan family has truly climbed onto the He Family’s coattails. From now on, their status will be extraordinary..." someone remarked meaningfully.
What kind of family was the He Family? The absolute pinnacle of Jing City’s elite.
With the He Family as their in-laws and backing, wouldn’t the Nan family soar to new heights?
Several business partners exchanged glances, swallowing their grievances. Given the current situation, who would dare demand repayment from the Nan family now?
Better to suffer losses than offend them.
Manager Zheng of Hao Yong eagerly approached with a wine glass in hand. "President Nan, what good fortune you have! Come, let me toast you—congratulations!"
Nan Zhenming gave him a cold look and snorted. "Manager Zheng seems much more agreeable now. Weren’t you slamming the table and glaring at me just a few days ago?"
Manager Zheng forced a smile. "That was just a moment of impulsiveness, a lapse in judgment! I’ve come to my senses now. Just having the chance to work with the Nan family is an honor for Hao Yong. As for that batch of goods, the standards don’t need to be so strict—you decide, President Nan! Hao Yong will accept whatever you provide!"
The order between Nan Corporation and Hao Yong had included additional technical requirements and private clauses—all negotiated by Sang Ning, who had even hired a high-priced engineer to ensure compliance.
But now, that engineer had been fired by Nan Zhenming.
Meeting Hao Yong’s original specifications was impossible; cutting corners was the only option.
Hao Yong had initially refused, and Manager Zheng had thrown a fit. But now that the Third Young Master He was the Nan family’s future son-in-law, Manager Zheng was scrambling to make amends.
And it wasn’t just Hao Yong. Other dissatisfied partners were now lining up to toast Nan Zhenming.
Nan Zhenming was at the peak of his pride. Wasn’t this the pinnacle of life? These once-arrogant business partners were now bowing and scraping, begging for his favor.
Every crisis facing Nan Corporation had been resolved in an instant.
Sang Ning lifted a glass of champagne to her lips, her gaze cold as it settled on Nan Zhenming, surrounded by fawning partners.
Her lips curled in disdain.
Nan Zhenming suddenly turned, his face alight with triumph, and approached her. "Sang Ning, are you taking good care of Young Master He? Don’t neglect such an important guest."
He Siyu wrapped an arm around Sang Ning’s waist, his tone casual but his dark eyes icy. "Sang Ning has been more than accommodating. There’s no need for your concern."
Nan Zhenming stiffened, a chill running down his spine under that gaze. His smile faltered.
He had wanted to scold Sang Ning to further elevate his own status, but now he could only force an awkward chuckle, not daring to provoke the young master. "Yes, yes. Sang Ning has always been sensible."
He Siyu’s voice turned colder. "She’s too sensible—always being taken advantage of."
Nan Zhenming choked, shooting Sang Ning a glare. She was the one being bullied? How could she even say that?
That wretched girl had been running wild in the Nan family!
But he didn’t dare contradict He Siyu. Instead, he plastered on another smile. "Of course, of course. Sang Ning is both sensible and sweet—it’s heartbreaking to see her mistreated."
The Chen family also approached, their demeanor uncharacteristically humble.
Chen Zheng looked haggard, clearly overwhelmed by recent troubles. The Chen Corporation's cash flow had completely dried up, and they were barely scraping by, desperately borrowing from one source to pay another. Despite pleading for help everywhere, they couldn't break free from the financial quagmire.
"I didn’t expect Young Master He to have time for this," Chen Zheng said with a stiff smile, his eyes flickering with unease.
He had been the one behind the leaks about He Siyu last time. He had assumed Nan Sang Ning would be dumped in disgrace, but instead, she had seized the opportunity to force her way into the spotlight and secure her position!
All his scheming had only ended up paving the way for Sang Ning’s rise. Her sheer luck made Chen Zheng grind his teeth in frustration.
Chen Zhihan was even more furious. How could the brilliant Third Young Master He be so blind? How could he not see that this scheming bitch was playing him?
Nan Siya’s expression was equally sour. Sang Ning had actually climbed her way up to He Siyu’s side—now, she would never have the upper hand over her again.
The atmosphere grew tense, but the silence was quickly shattered.
Yet, this was no time for the Chens to wallow in resentment. Their family was on the verge of collapse.
He Siyu remained silent, so Chen Zheng immediately turned to Nan Zhenming. "Father."
Nan Zhenming scoffed. How dare he still call him that?
"Chen Corporation is facing a liquidity crisis. I wouldn’t have come to beg if we weren’t truly desperate..." Chen Zheng forced the words out, humiliation burning in his chest.
Nan Zhenming sneered. "Our Nan family doesn’t have the means to fill the Chen Corporation’s black hole."
Back then, the Chens had acted so high and mighty, looking down on the Nans. Now that they were in trouble, they suddenly remembered they were in-laws?
"But since we are family, refusing to help would seem rather heartless."
Everyone whipped around to stare at Sang Ning, who had been silent until now.
Nan Zhenming’s expression darkened, ready to snap at her for meddling—but one glance at He Siyu’s face made him swallow his anger and force a kindly tone instead.
"Sang Ning, stay out of this. The Chen Corporation’s mess is too big—there’s no reason for our family to wade into this swamp!"
But Sang Ning shook her head. "It’s not about wading into a swamp. It’s about an acquisition."
Her voice was soft, but the moment she spoke, the room fell dead silent.
Nan Zhenming froze for three seconds before his eyes suddenly lit up.
Of course! The Nan family could take advantage of the crisis and acquire Chen Corporation at a bargain price! That would massively expand their business empire!
The Nans would rise to even greater heights!
The Chen family turned deathly pale.
Nan Zhenming hesitated. "But acquisitions still require capital. Our family..."
Sang Ning linked arms with He Siyu, tilting her chin up with effortless confidence. "What’s the problem? Don’t we have the means now?"
