As Sang Ning walked through the company's entrance, people began congratulating her nonstop.
"Miss Nan, I heard you're getting married—congratulations!"
"Happy wedding, Miss Nan!"
"Miss Nan, may you have a child soon!"
Sang Ning: "..."
She finally couldn’t take it anymore and asked her assistant, "How do they know I’m getting married?"
Xu Yan paused. "It seems the news came from Huiyao. It was already in the headlines by noon."
"Headlines?"
Sang Ning immediately unlocked her phone and checked the news, only to find the top trending story: [Huiyao’s CEO He and Nan Group’s Heiress Set to Wed!]
Sang Ning: "..."
They hadn’t even started the marriage procedures yet.
Just then, her phone rang—the caller ID read: "Strawberry Cake."
She answered, "Hello?"
"You’re awake? Why didn’t you reply to my message?"
Only then did she remember the message she had ignored after waking up. "I forgot."
He Siyu was displeased. How could she forget?
He asked, "Are you still at home?"
"I’m at the company."
She had already skipped half a day of work. Though the company had just overcome a crisis, there was still a lot of cleanup to handle.
Sang Ning suddenly said, "I just saw the news. Our matter made the headlines."
His voice carried a hint of amusement. "Oh."
She frowned. "Why didn’t you have it taken down?"
His tone cooled slightly. "Why would I? It’s not fake news."
"Didn’t your father tell you to keep a low profile and avoid entertainment news?"
Last time their relationship was exposed and made headlines, Commander He had been furious.
He Siyu replied lazily, "It’s fine. He’ll get used to it after seeing it a few more times."
Sang Ning: "..."
"What time are you off work tonight? I’ll pick you up. Grandma wants us home for dinner." He paused, a smirk tugging at his lips. "And to discuss the wedding."
Sang Ning checked her schedule. "Six."
"Fine. I’ll pick you up at six."
---
At six sharp, Sang Ning walked out of the company, where a conspicuous Bentley was parked at the entrance.
She opened the door and got in. He smirked. "You’re early today?"
"Most of the work is done. Things aren’t as busy now." She settled in and added, "Let’s stop by the mall first. I need to get Grandma a gift..."
He tilted his chin toward the back. "Already taken care of."
She turned and saw an exquisite sandalwood gift box on the rear seat.
"A tea set. Grandma likes tea." He Siyu started the car, his tone casual.
She looked back at him, studying him with slight surprise.
Since when was he this thoughtful?
Noticing her gaze, He Siyu glanced at her. "What?"
She blinked. "I just remembered something Grandma He once said about you."
His lips curved. "Oh? What was it?"
"Your filial piety comes and goes."
"..."
---
An hour later, they arrived at Wisteria Lane.
"Third Young Master and Miss Nan are back!" Nanny Zhao announced cheerfully.
Before He Siyu and Sang Ning could even step out of the car, Old Madam He came out to greet them. "Ah, I’ve been waiting! Sang Ning, you’re here!"
Grandma He took Sang Ning’s hand, beaming. "Dinner’s ready—we’ve been waiting for you two."
Sang Ning smiled sweetly. "Thank you, Grandma He."
"Come, come, let’s eat." Grandma He led Sang Ning inside while He Siyu followed behind.
Seated at the dining table, Grandma He chatted excitedly. "I heard you two are planning to marry?"
Sang Ning pressed her lips together. "We only discussed it privately. I didn’t expect it to make the news."
"Oh, this is wonderful news! Who cares if it’s in the headlines?"
If not for the news, how else would she have learned about their progress so quickly?
Was she supposed to rely on that unfilial grandson of hers to report every development?
He Siyu gave his grandmother a lazy look. "You weren’t so lenient before."
The rule forbidding family members from appearing in entertainment news had been set by the old lady herself.
Grandma He glared at him. "And whose fault is that? If not for your internet company always being in the spotlight, Sang Ning wouldn’t have been dragged into the news so many times!"
"..."
Turning back to Sang Ning, Grandma He spoke earnestly. "Getting married sooner is a good thing. A man should settle down before pursuing his career—you can do both."
Sang Ning smiled. "You’re right, Grandma He."
Noticing the diamond ring on Sang Ning’s finger, Grandma He brightened. At least her grandson had finally done something right.
She turned to He Siyu. "Go to the Nan family soon to propose and discuss the wedding arrangements. Show sincerity."
He Siyu smirked. "Mm."
Just then, his phone rang.
The caller ID: He Wanjun.
He answered directly. "Dad."
A reprimanding voice blasted through. "Why are you in the news again? Talking about marriage? Didn’t I say you can’t rush into this? Since when did the family agree to this?"
He Siyu replied lazily, "Oh, we have approval."
He Wanjun: ???
Grandma He asked, "What’s the matter?"
He Siyu handed her the phone. "Dad seems unhappy with your decision."
He Wanjun: ???
Grandma He frowned and took the phone. "What is it?"
He Wanjun explained, "Mom, He Siyu’s marriage is too sudden. Marriage isn’t a game—given the Nan family’s situation..."
Grandma He cut in sternly. "You’re busy with the military. Stop meddling in family affairs."
"That unfilial son of mine is always causing trouble! He just broke up not long ago, and now he’s rushing into marriage? He’s being reckless! You’re spoiling him!"
Grandma He’s face darkened. "Should I invite you home for a taste of the family discipline too?"
Commander He: "..."
She scoffed. "You’re in the military year-round, barely seeing your own child. All you know are rumors from outsiders.
The old saying goes: a man handles external affairs, a woman manages the household. You know nothing about this family yet love to dictate everything. If He Siyu were truly worthless, would he have built such a successful company? You’ve never acknowledged the hardships he endured when he started!"
The line fell silent.
Sang Ning glanced at He Siyu, who raised a brow in response.
Grandma He continued, "Do you think I’m senile? Don’t I know a virtuous wife when I see one? I know Sang Ning well—this marriage is settled. No objections!"
Then she hung up.
Placing the phone down, Grandma He smiled kindly at Sang Ning. "Don’t mind him. He Siyu’s father has always been stubborn. When his mother was alive, she could still reason with him, but after her passing, he’s only grown more rigid."
Sang Ning nodded. "Commander He means well for the family."
Grandma He sighed. "Truthfully, he does approve of you. After meeting you last time, he softened. It’s clear he’s satisfied with you, but..."
It's just that the Nan family's status is indeed a bit low, and their flamboyant demeanor isn't very favorable.
But Grandma He values Sang Ning and doesn’t mind these things—though Commander He does.
Grandma He patted her hand and whispered in her ear, "Don’t take it to heart. His father is just like that. You can tell from Ah Yu—no matter how much his father scolds him, he’s actually the one he cares about the most."
Sang Ning curved her lips. "I understand. Thank you, Grandma He."
He Siyu put down his chopsticks in dissatisfaction. "What are you talking about? Keeping secrets from me?"
"None of your business!" Grandma He snorted lightly before happily serving Sang Ning more food.
After dinner, Grandma He kept Sang Ning for a long conversation.
By the time they left the He residence, it was already ten o'clock.
He Siyu and Sang Ning drove off together.
As he steered the car, He Siyu casually asked, "What did Grandma talk to you about?"
"Nothing much. Just some things about the wedding." Sang Ning gazed out the window, her eyes thoughtful.
His lips curled in amusement. "Oh."
He glanced at her, taking in her fair profile, and tightened his grip on the steering wheel slightly. His tone remained casual. "Are we going to your place tomorrow?"
"Mm. I’m heading home tomorrow."
He smirked. "Then I’ll prepare the gifts in advance—"
Sang Ning turned to look at him. "I’m going alone tomorrow."
The smile on his lips froze. He met her gaze, the warmth in his eyes cooling instantly. "What?"
Sang Ning pressed her lips together. "I have some matters to settle tomorrow."
After a pause, she added, "I’ll take you there the day after."
