Sang Ning's tone was indifferent: "Grandfather, your health hasn't fully recovered yet. Be careful not to aggravate your condition. You should focus on resting rather than meddling in family affairs. I will fulfill my filial duties and ensure you enjoy your golden years in peace."
"You—!" The old man's eyes nearly bulged out of his head.
He could hardly believe that the granddaughter he had always considered the most obedient and sensible could be so audacious!
Wen Meiling spoke stiffly: "Sang Ning, your marriage to Young Master He is approaching. Do you really want to create such a rift with the family? What if he finds out how harshly you treat your own relatives…?"
Sang Ning smiled. "Then let him find out. Would you like to call him right now?"
Wen Meiling's face froze in shock.
She actually didn’t care about He Siyu’s opinion at all?!
Sang Ning regarded her coldly. "I hope you understand—whether or not the marriage with the He family proceeds, Nan Corporation belongs to me."
Wen Meiling suddenly felt a chill crawl down her spine, staring at her daughter with unfamiliar fear.
"I’ve been too busy managing the company to return home, which has led some to forget who truly holds power in Nan Corporation now."
Sang Ning’s voice remained calm, yet it carried an unspoken pressure that sent shivers down everyone’s spine.
The living room fell into dead silence, heavier and more fearful than before.
They had grown accustomed to her meek compliance, foolishly assuming her authority was just child’s play—that anyone could push her around or manipulate her.
Did they really think it would be that easy?
Sang Ning lifted her gaze, sweeping over the shifting expressions in the room. Her voice turned icy. "Does anyone else have objections?"
The entire Nan family stood frozen. The once-noisy room was now deathly quiet, not a single person daring to speak.
Sang Ning rested her right hand on the armrest of the leather sofa, tapping her fingers lightly. "Since no one has any objections, let me lay down my rules."
Her eyes were sharp and cold. "I won’t be the obedient granddaughter of the Nan family, nor will I be the daughter who bends to her parents’ whims. The only promise I can make is Nan Corporation’s future."
The old man gritted his teeth. "Are you threatening me?!"
"You’re overthinking it, Grandfather. Haven’t you always wanted Nan family’s prestige and glory? But people shouldn’t be greedy—you can’t demand both the glory I bring and a puppet you can control."
Sang Ning’s lips curled into a cold smile. "An obedient dog wouldn’t be able to secure Nan Corporation’s future."
The old man choked, unable to retort.
The head of a corporation needed decisiveness and strength—how could a docile child possibly command a conglomerate like Nan Corporation?
He should have known this.
But for the past several months, Sang Ning had been too perfect. She handled everything flawlessly, always compliant, making the old man believe this was how things should be.
Now, meeting her piercing gaze, his face stiffened.
He finally realized—she was never someone he could control.
His aged eyes dimmed, his spirit deflating.
The old man said nothing more, and the others didn’t dare even breathe, watching Sang Ning’s expression nervously.
Sang Ning turned to Nan Muchen, whose face had gone pale.
"As for Muchen’s studies abroad, arrange it quickly. If he performs well in university, he can return after graduation and join the company. If not…"
Wen Meiling hurriedly interjected, "He will perform well!"
Nan Muchen nodded stiffly, terrified of being exiled forever.
Sang Ning’s gaze shifted again. Chen Zheng tensed, afraid she’d target him next.
Chen Corporation had already been acquired by Nan Corporation—he was humiliated enough!
If she removed him from the management team, he’d have nothing left!
"Out of consideration for Nan Siya, I didn’t replace Chen Corporation’s entire management—only half. Young Master Chen, Nan family has been more than generous." Sang Ning’s tone was calm.
Chen Zheng clenched his teeth. Out of consideration for Nan Siya?!
Back then, this marriage had been the Nan family climbing up to the Chen family!
But he didn’t dare argue. Whether he liked it or not, Chen Corporation now relied on Nan family’s mercy.
Sang Ning lowered her gaze, her imposing aura softening. Her voice returned to tranquility. "Tomorrow, I’ll bring He Siyu to visit Grandfather and my parents."
Her tone was gentle, her demeanor docile—as if the woman who had just laid down the law was someone else entirely.
Nan Zhenming and Wen Meiling remained stiff, not daring to speak. The old man took a deep breath. "Fine."
With everything settled, Sang Ning didn’t linger. After finishing her tea, she stood and left.
As she stepped out of the Nan residence and moved toward her car, a voice called from behind.
"Nan Sang Ning."
She paused, turning to see Nan Siya.
"Do you need something?" Sang Ning replied coolly.
Nan Siya approached stiffly. "How dare you confront the family like this? Aren’t you afraid the He family will—"
"You’ve been so obedient and dutiful. Has the Chen family treated you well for it?" Sang Ning’s voice was indifferent.
Nan Siya’s expression twisted.
Sang Ning studied her. "The only thing you’ve ever done right was help me bring down Chen Corporation. I judge actions, not people. In return, Nan family gives you dignity, and Chen family wouldn’t dare disrespect you. Whether you divorce or remain Young Madam Chen is your choice."
Nan Siya’s face tightened, emotions warring within her.
She hated Sang Ning—she always would! Hated how effortlessly she gained everything, how a country girl could outshine her at every turn.
Yet the person she despised most was the one who secured her status as Young Madam Chen.
Since Nan Corporation took over Chen Corporation, the Chen family had treated her with reverence. Even Chen Zheng had become more attentive than before their marriage, never seeing Zhan Yijun again.
They were all terrified she’d file for divorce.
"Don’t think I’ll thank you for this," Nan Siya hissed.
Sang Ning remained unfazed. "Your gratitude is worthless anyway."
"You—!"
Without another word, Sang Ning opened the car door and stepped inside. They were never sisters—at most, temporary allies. There was no need for heartfelt talks.
She didn’t care about Nan Siya’s answer.
The Audi drove off smoothly.
Chen Zheng hurried out, feigning concern. "Siya, why are you out here alone?"
Nan Siya turned, meeting his gentle gaze. After a pause, she asked softly, "Are you worried about me?"
"Of course! A scheming woman like Sang Ning—I was afraid she’d take advantage of you!"
Nan Siya suddenly laughed, sweet yet eerily cold. "Really? Or were you afraid she’d kick you out of Chen Corporation?"
Chen Zheng stiffened. "How could I—"
Nan Siya stepped closer. "Zheng-ge, as long as we don’t divorce, you’ll always have a place in Chen Corporation."
Chen Zheng knew it well—Nan Siya was now the only bridge between the Chen and Nan families. The entire Chen clan treated her like a lifeline!
He grasped her hand. "Siya, I’ve never once thought of divorcing you."
Nan Siya smiled, her eyes glinting with something dark. "Is that so? Then that’s perfect… because I won’t let you go either."
Chen Zheng shuddered, a chill crawling down his spine.
Early the next morning, a black Bentley pulled into the Nan residence, followed closely by several Rolls-Royces.
He Siyu and Sang Ning stepped out of the car, while the doors of the other vehicles opened as well, revealing two rows of impeccably dressed servants carrying betrothal gift boxes.
Aunt Chen hurried inside to deliver the news: "Third Young Master He and the eldest young lady have returned!"
Hand in hand, Sang Ning and He Siyu entered the Nan family's living room, where the entire household had gathered, seated politely as they waited. The atmosphere was warm, their smiles welcoming.
"Sang Ning, you're back! And Third Young Master He—what a rare visit. Please, have a seat."
