In just half a minute, Manager Zheng's expression went through a spectacular series of changes before he forcibly swallowed all his frustration and panic, plastering on a smile.
"Hahaha, congratulations indeed," Manager Zheng laughed, though it sounded painfully forced.
Had Third Young Master He not heard what he just said?
Would he come after him for it?
He Siyu's tone was casual: "No need for formalities, Manager Zheng. After all, you're a partner of Nan Corporation. When we get married, we’ll have to invite you for a drink."
Manager Zheng: !!!
What the—?
He actually wants to get married?!
Don’t tell me they’ll break up again in a couple of days…
Still, Manager Zheng’s smile brightened even more as he nodded eagerly. "Of course, of course! You two are a match made in heaven—meant to be together! Breaking up would be such a waste. You should absolutely stay a couple!"
Sang Ning curved her lips. "Thank you for your blessings, Manager Zheng."
"Ah, Young Master Nan, you’re too kind!" Manager Zheng’s back was already slick with cold sweat.
Would this damn girl take the chance to settle scores with him?
Sang Ning spoke again: "I’ve just returned to Nan Corporation, and the company is facing some difficulties. But I’m already sorting things out, and I’ve rehired the previous engineer. I guarantee the Hao Yong order will be delivered with full quality and quantity—I just hope you can extend the deadline by a week."
Manager Zheng quickly replied, "Absolutely, absolutely! Young Master Nan always keeps her word—I trust you completely! A slight delay is no big deal!"
Sang Ning smiled. "Then I appreciate your understanding."
Manager Zheng chuckled nervously. "Well, I won’t disturb you any longer."
He glanced at He Siyu’s expression. Seeing that he looked relaxed, with no intention of holding him accountable, Manager Zheng immediately turned and scurried into his car.
Only after the door closed did he finally wipe the cold sweat from his forehead.
His assistant handed him a handkerchief. "Manager Zheng, why are you taking Young Master Nan so seriously? Their on-and-off relationship clearly won’t lead to an actual marriage."
"You know nothing! Whether they marry or not doesn’t matter—what matters is whether Third Young Master He is backing her! Even if they only get back together for three days, that’s enough time for him to ruin me three hundred times over!" Manager Zheng grumbled.
The assistant nodded awkwardly.
Manager Zheng took a deep breath. Next time they broke up, he wouldn’t dare provoke Nan Sangning again.
Who knew if they’d reconcile again in a few days? His old bones couldn’t take this kind of stress.
---
Sang Ning watched Manager Zheng’s car drive away. He Siyu tightened his arm around her waist, prompting her to turn and look at him.
"When are you getting off work?" His voice was light and cheerful.
Sang Ning shook her head. "It’ll be late. You go home first—there’s too much to handle at the company right now."
The mess was overwhelming. She had schemed to let Nan Zhenming destabilize the company, but she hadn’t expected it to be this bad. Even if Nan Zhenming had done nothing, it wouldn’t have been this chaotic.
He glanced at the steady stream of cars outside the company entrance. It was obvious she had to deal with countless parties, expending tremendous effort.
His brow furrowed slightly, but he didn’t argue. "Fine, I’ll wait for you."
He squeezed her hand. "Call me if anything comes up."
She nodded. "I’ll try to finish quickly."
The corner of his lips lifted. Seeing how much she cared about him seemed to brighten his mood further. "Take your time," he said casually.
For the next two weeks, Sang Ning was buried in work, leaving early and returning late, barely even pausing to drink water.
But she was driven. As long as she was climbing upward, she didn’t mind the hardship.
---
At the Qimu Club.
The private room door slid open, letting in the lively chatter inside. Gu Xingchen was mid-sentence when he looked up and saw He Siyu enter. "Oh, Young Master He’s here! We were just talking about you!"
He Siyu walked in and casually pulled out a chair at the round table. "What about me?"
"About how you—"
Gu Xingchen suddenly remembered something and glanced back at the door before turning to He Siyu. "Why isn’t Nan Sangning with you? Did she dump you again?"
"..."
He Siyu’s hand, which had just picked up a glass, paused. His gaze darkened as he looked at Gu Xingchen. "Looking to die?"
Gu Xingchen burst into laughter. "I’m just joking, hahaha! Since when did you become so humorless, He Siyu?"
"Piss off."
Gu Xingchen clicked his tongue and clinked his glass against He Siyu’s. "I know—Nan Sangning’s busy with company matters. She’s rushing a meeting today to finalize the product data for the Hao Yong order. Can’t make it."
He Siyu suddenly looked up. "How do you know that?"
"Ji Yan told me. She was supposed to come too, but since Nan Sangning isn’t, she bailed. But it should only take another half-month to wrap things up. We can all meet up then." Gu Xingchen said offhandedly.
He Siyu’s expression stiffened slightly. "Hm."
All she had told him was that she was working late.
Gu Xingchen studied his face and suddenly leaned in with a teasing grin. "Don’t tell me you didn’t know?"
He Siyu’s eyebrow twitched. His glare was icy. "None of your damn business."
Gu Xingchen immediately backtracked. "Hahaha, just asking! Of course you knew—you two are so close."
Whether they were actually close was debatable. The only certainty was that they were currently together. Their constant breakups and makeups were exhausting.
He Siyu downed his drink in one go, his eyes simmering with irritation.
"Hey, no need to take a joke so seriously. This isn’t like you, He Siyu."
Gu Xingchen lazily swirled his glass, resting an arm on the table. "If you’re really that worried, why not just marry her already?"
