His gaze suddenly turned cold, and the warm atmosphere instantly darkened.
Sang Ning opened her eyes and met his pitch-black, piercing stare—like a vengeful ghost lurking in the depths of the night.
She jolted awake, frowning. "What's wrong with you?"
He glared at her darkly. "What's so regrettable?"
She was baffled. How would she know what he meant?
She had just said it offhandedly.
"Then it’s not regrettable," she replied dismissively.
As she tried to turn over and go back to sleep, his arm tightened around her waist, his obsidian eyes still locked onto her. "So is it regrettable or not?"
Irritated, she snapped, "I’m not the one marrying him—why should I care?"
The sudden reprimand left him frozen.
Angrily, she pried his hand away, wrapped herself in the blanket, and turned her back to him, shutting her eyes firmly.
He Siyu remained rigid, only realizing belatedly that she had slipped out of his embrace.
Had she just… yelled at him?
Because of Pei Songhan?
But she wasn’t marrying Pei Songhan—of course she wouldn’t care.
This was just like her. Outwardly docile, inwardly rebellious. She didn’t actually care as much about others’ feelings as she pretended, especially not insignificant people.
She had never cared about Pei Songhan.
But she did care about him. She would finish the terrible wontons he cooked, kiss his cheek to cheer him up, and even bought him a ring to propose.
The uncertainty that had festered in his chest for so long suddenly dissolved.
Her affection was never hidden—it was always written plainly on her face.
The corner of his lips lifted as he quietly moved closer, wrapping his arms around her waist from behind.
She didn’t react—maybe asleep—but he held her close, his hollow heart finally full. He rested his chin atop her head, nuzzling her hair contentedly.
He had been too slow to realize it until now: to her, he had always been different.
---
The next day, Thursday, the He and Nan families met.
This was the first formal gathering between the elders. Though they had crossed paths last year at Old Madam He’s birthday banquet, the Nan family hadn’t been significant enough to warrant any real interaction back then.
Only Sang Ning had stood out—after slapping her younger siblings, she’d ended up speaking at length with Old Madam He.
At the Qiyuan Club, the private room door slid open as the Nan family entered. The He Family had already arrived.
Old Madam He sat at the head of the table, flanked by Commander He, his three grandsons—including He Siyu—and, at the far end, He Yun’an.
Old Master Nan was overwhelmed. For a family of the He’s stature to arrive early and wait for them…
This was far more respect than the Nan family had expected.
Though inwardly shaken, Old Master Nan maintained his dignified composure, smiling politely. "Old Madam He, Commander He, you’ve been waiting too long."
Old Madam He nodded warmly. "It’s only proper. The He Family is seeking the Nan Family’s granddaughter in marriage—we should show our sincerity."
The Nan family was stunned again. The He Family was lowering themselves to propose?
A household as illustrious as theirs could easily have trampled the Nan family underfoot to take what they wanted. The Chen Family had done exactly that, leaving no dignity intact.
Yet the He Family’s attitude made it clear: Sang Ning was being treated with exceptional regard.
At this point, they’d probably agree to any condition.
"You’re too kind!"
Old Madam He glanced at Sang Ning and smiled. "Siyu and Sang Ning’s union is more than satisfactory to us. Once our families are joined, we’ll be one. No need for formalities—if the Nan family has any requests, just name them."
Old Master Nan’s aged eyes flickered faintly, his mind racing with possibilities.
Then Sang Ning’s gentle voice cut in. "Grandfather, please sit. Your health isn’t good—you shouldn’t stand too long."
The moment she spoke, Old Master Nan’s scheming gaze stiffened.
A sudden memory surfaced—the rules she had imposed on the Nan family, and the icy warning in her tone.
He turned stiffly to look at her. Sang Ning smiled sweetly, but a chill ran down his spine, as if needles were already pricking his back.
With forced composure, Old Master Nan took his seat and managed a strained smile. "This marriage is beyond what our humble family could have hoped for. But the Nan Family isn’t one to cling to status. We ask for no favors from the He Family. Once these two are wed, we expect no special treatment—only that Sang Ning is cherished."
