His thin lips pressed together as his arm around her waist tightened again. He lowered his head, brushing his chin against the top of her hair.
Ten minutes later, the Maybach entered Palm Beach.
The driver opened the car door, but he didn’t wake her, simply carrying her out and upstairs instead.
She must have been exhausted, sleeping soundly in his arms with her eyes closed.
---
Sang Ning continued working tirelessly for another half-month before the internal mess at Nan Corporation was finally sorted out.
All previous collaborative projects had resumed normal production, and the products were completed with quality and quantity assured, barely salvaging the company’s reputation.
"Miss Nan, here’s the progress report on the acquisition of Chen Corporation. Please take a look."
Sang Ning took the document, skimmed through it, and signed without hesitation—there were no major issues.
"Now that the goods from Hao Yong and Yun Sheng have been handed over, we need to speed up arrangements with the remaining partners," Sang Ning said.
"Don’t worry, all departments are back on track, and the remaining partners have expressed their trust in you, Miss Nan. None of them are pressing for urgency."
Sang Ning nodded. Whether they trusted her or the influence of He Siyu behind her, she didn’t care. As long as these clients gave Nan Corporation breathing room, she was satisfied.
Her phone buzzed. She tapped the screen, and a message popped up.
Strawberry Cake: "The product launch for the AI medical system, Huiyi, is tonight. Can you make it?"
Sang Ning blinked in surprise—she hadn’t expected the product to hit the market so soon.
She checked her company schedule. With light workload today, she could leave on time.
She typed back: "Sure."
Strawberry Cake: "I’ll pick you up."
After a moment’s thought, she sent a sticker: [Petting a dog.gif]
He Siyu’s phone vibrated again. He glanced at the screen—a ridiculously exaggerated dog wagging its tail while being petted.
His brow furrowed. What nonsense is this?
At six in the evening, Sang Ning got off work, and He Siyu arrived to pick her up.
She got into the car, and he drove off.
"Should I change into a formal dress?" she suddenly asked.
He turned to look at her. She was dressed simply—a beige trench coat over a blouse and trousers, her wavy hair cascading over her shoulders, casual yet polished.
She frowned, running a hand through her hair. "I should’ve prepared an outfit if I knew we were going to a launch event."
His gaze lingered on her bright face for three seconds before he looked ahead. "No need. You’re fine as you are."
"Really?" she asked skeptically.
His tone was lazy. "You’re the major shareholder. You could show up in pajamas, and no one would dare say a word."
"..."
She wasn’t him!
In the end, Sang Ning didn’t change—there wasn’t enough time anyway.
By the time they arrived at the venue, it was already bustling. The launch of Huiyi was a grand affair, with nearly every industry professional in attendance, along with reporters and media crews.
Zhang Liang, the project lead, was nervously answering press questions, introducing the newly launched AI medical product.
All investors were also present.
"Sang Ning!" Ji Yan spotted her immediately, waving excitedly.
Sang Ning let go of He Siyu’s hand and hurried over. "Yan Yan."
He Siyu, mid-conversation, felt his hand empty. He glanced back to see Sang Ning already walking away, his brow creasing slightly.
Ji Yan looped an arm through hers, chattering nonstop. "I haven’t seen you in a month! You’ve been so busy I barely caught a glimpse of you! I thought you wouldn’t make it tonight!"
Gu Xingchen had also invested in the project, so as one of the backers, he and his wife naturally attended.
"I just wrapped up most of the company work. Huiyi’s launch is important—of course I’d come," Sang Ning said cheerfully.
"Yes, yes, our major shareholder!"
Sang Ning laughed sheepishly. "Don’t tease me. I just happened to invest three million in my friends’ startup from Jing University. I never expected it to grow this big."
Ji Yan snorted. "No wonder. You and He Siyu had zero connection before, then suddenly got together. Turns out you two were scheming behind the scenes!"
Sang Ning: "..."
That sounded weird.
"Sang Ning, you’re here?" Ye Qian and Zhang Liang had just stepped away from the interview area, leaving Fang Han to handle the presentation.
Sang Ning quickly introduced Ji Yan. "These are the founders, Ye Qian and Zhang Liang—my friends from Jing University. The product’s success is all thanks to them."
Ji Yan greeted them enthusiastically. "Nice to meet you."
Sang Ning turned to Ye Qian and Zhang Liang. "This is—"
She paused.
Ye Qian smiled. "Mrs. Gu, right? I saw you arrive with Mr. Gu earlier."
Ji Yan forced a polite smile. "Yes."
Sang Ning glanced at Ji Yan, noticing her clenched jaw.
"..."
Did she really dislike Gu Xingchen that much?
Just then, another familiar face entered the venue.
"Miss Nan," the man greeted politely.
Sang Ning nodded. "Dr. Sheng."
They had only met once at Huiyao, but basic courtesy was necessary.
Ji Yan turned at the sound and froze, surprise flashing in her eyes.
Dr. Sheng’s polite smile faltered for a second.
Sang Ning introduced him. "This is Dr. Sheng from Huaji Hospital. The medical data for Huiyi’s final product came from Huaji, and Dr. Sheng, as the liaison, provided a lot of guidance."
Ji Yan nodded blankly. "Oh."
Sang Ning turned to Dr. Sheng. "This is—"
She hesitated, then said, "Mrs. Gu, one of the project’s investors."
Dr. Sheng’s gaze stilled for a moment before he smiled faintly. "Mrs. Gu."
Ji Yan’s eyes flickered before she nodded. "Dr. Sheng."
Suddenly, Zhang Liang called out, "Mr. He!"
He Siyu was approaching. Dr. Sheng greeted him politely. "Mr. He."
He Siyu gave a slight nod. Meanwhile, Gu Xingchen, who had been walking beside He Siyu, stiffened the moment he saw Dr. Sheng.
Dr. Sheng turned and met Gu Xingchen’s gaze.
Gu Xingchen’s expression grew tense.
The sudden silence thickened the air with unspoken tension.
He Siyu shot Gu Xingchen a strange look but didn’t bother probing.
He leaned toward Sang Ning, voice low. "The launch is hectic. I have some things to handle. Wait for me at the banquet later."
Sang Ning nodded. "Okay."
He glanced at Zhang Liang, who immediately followed. As Huiyao’s key project, He Siyu took the launch seriously.
Meanwhile, the awkward silence stretched for a few more seconds.
Gu Xingchen suddenly turned to Ji Yan, his usually playful eyes now uncharacteristically dark.
Ji Yan’s heart skipped at his glare, but she defiantly glared back.
He had the nerve to glare at her?!
Bring it on!
Sang Ning sensed the tension in the air and promptly pulled Ji Yan aside. "Xiao Yan, let's head to the banquet first."
Ji Yan scoffed. "Fine."
With that, Sang Ning led Ji Yan away.
The lively crowd from moments ago had dispersed, leaving only Gu Xingchen and Sheng Nian standing in place.
Sheng Nian spoke calmly, "President Gu."
Gu Xingchen reverted to his usual playful, nonchalant demeanor. "Old classmate, it's been years. I never thought we'd cross paths again."
"Neither did I," Sheng Nian replied.
Gu Xingchen smirked. "Had I known you were in Jing City too, I’d have sent you an invitation. Ji Yan and I just got married."
---
Sang Ning finally couldn’t hold back her curiosity once they entered the banquet hall. "That Dr. Sheng earlier—do you know him?"
Ji Yan took a sip of her cocktail and nodded. "I do."
"Who is he?" Sang Ning had never been this nosy before.
"My ex-boyfriend."
Sang Ning froze for three full seconds before processing it. "Huh?"
"But it was ages ago—high school. He probably doesn’t even remember me," Ji Yan muttered, frowning thoughtfully.
Suddenly, Sang Ning asked, "Does Gu Xingchen know him too?"
"Of course he does. Sheng Nian was from the school next to ours. They even played basketball together."
Ji Yan suddenly bristled with defiance. "So what? Is he going to hold it against me? Ours is a business marriage, not some grand romance!"
And yet, he had the nerve to glare at her!
"..."
The banquet began.
He Siyu, having finished his tasks, joined Gu Xingchen.
Noticing Gu Xingchen’s dark expression, He Siyu raised a brow. "What’s wrong with you? It’s your wedding day—why the long face?"
"Nothing."
"Did Sheng Nian provoke you?" He Siyu had noticed Gu Xingchen’s odd behavior since spotting Sheng Nian.
"You don’t remember Sheng Nian?"
"Who’s that?" He had better things to do than memorize names.
"From Yubei High, basketball team. Played against us," Gu Xingchen paused, then added icily, "Lost miserably."
He Siyu narrowed his eyes, finally recalling. "The one who dated Ji Yan?"
Gu Xingchen: "..."
Gu Xingchen’s jaw clenched so hard it might shatter.
He Siyu shrugged. "What’s the big deal? That’s ancient history. You’re still hung up on it?"
Gu Xingchen sneered. "Let’s see how magnanimous you are when you run into Nan Sangning’s ex."
He Siyu remained unbothered. "She doesn’t have one."
Gu Xingchen: ?
He Siyu said breezily, "She only ever liked me."
