Nan Wenyue’s eyes immediately lit up: "He Siyu? He spoke to you? Did you get his contact information?"
The He Family was prestigious yet low-key, especially when it came to secrecy. Commander He and his eldest son, He Yunzhou, were in the military, and their whereabouts were never publicly disclosed. The second son, He Jinxing, managed the family’s business empire in Shencheng.
Only the youngest son of the He Family was different—he neither joined the military nor took charge of the family business, much to Commander He’s frustration. Yet, despite his rebellious nature, no one could rein him in. In high school, he raced cars; in college, he ventured into internet startups. Now, the company he founded, Huiyao, was worth hundreds of billions of dollars.
Old Madam He had long retired and never interfered in her descendants’ affairs, nor did she pry. Even if one managed to win her favor, it didn’t guarantee immediate, substantial benefits.
But He Siyu was different.
If he so much as stamped his foot in Jing City, the ground would tremble.
If Nan Wenyue could use Nan Sangning to get close to He Siyu, even the slightest favor from him would be enough to turn their family’s fortunes around.
Nan Wenyue looked at Sangning eagerly, but Sangning shook her head. "No, we only exchanged a couple of words. He only acknowledged me out of respect for Old Madam He."
Disappointment flickered in Nan Wenyue’s eyes.
But then Sangning added, "However..."
"Old Madam He asked him to drive me home. While he was on a call in the car, I think I heard him mention plans to invest in Jifeng Automobile."
"Really?!" Nan Wenyue’s eyes brightened again, brimming with urgency.
But then she grew suspicious. "But Jifeng Automobile isn’t doing well right now. Why would He Siyu take on such a mess?"
Sangning shook her head blankly. "I don’t know. I only overheard him mention it on the phone. If Auntie isn’t sure, maybe you could ask He Siyu directly?"
Nan Wenyue’s gaze wavered—how could someone like her have the privilege of meeting He Siyu?
Looking at Nan Sangning’s clueless expression, Nan Wenyue felt a surge of disdain. What was the point of asking this ignorant country girl?
If He Siyu said he was investing in Jifeng Automobile, he must have his reasons!
Nan Wenyue cleared her throat. "Fine. From now on, if anything happens involving the Nan Family or the He Family, you must report every detail to me."
Sangning frowned hesitantly. "Auntie, I really shouldn’t gossip about the He Family. I didn’t even tell Grandpa about this, afraid they might take offense. Maybe it’s better to—"
Nan Wenyue’s expression darkened instantly. "What? You think this little piece of information is enough to settle things between us? Listen here, Nan Sangning—I have dirt on you. If you dare disobey me, I’ll tell your parents everything and have them throw you out!"
Sangning fell silent.
Nan Wenyue was triumphant. After all the drama today, she was the only real winner.
"Behave yourself!" Nan Wenyue warned her once more before turning and strutting away.
Sangning lifted her gaze, watching as Nan Wenyue swayed her plump figure into the car and drove off. The fear in her eyes had completely faded, replaced by nothing but cold indifference.
Making a deal with a tiger was dangerous, of course.
But who could say for sure which one was the real tiger?
That day in the car, He Siyu hadn’t been on a call. The first time she’d heard of Jifeng Automobile was in today’s MBA class, where the professor discussed a classic case of business failure.
—Within three months, Jifeng Automobile would go bankrupt.
He Siyu’s right eyelid suddenly twitched.
His hand, holding a fountain pen, paused mid-signature. His brow furrowed slightly, an inexplicable unease settling over him.
"Mr. He?" Assistant Yan prompted.
He Siyu snapped out of it and finished signing with a flourish. "Continue."
"Aside from the Lüzhou project inauguration, there are several other invitations—Jing University’s centennial celebration, Yicheng International’s victory banquet, and a tech expo."
He Siyu didn’t even look up. "Decline everything except Lüzhou."
He had no time for such trivial engagements.
"Understood."
He Siyu handed the signed documents to him.
Assistant Yan accepted them with both hands and was about to leave when He Siyu suddenly asked, offhandedly, "What’s the situation with the Nan Family?"
Assistant Yan hesitated.
A few days ago, He Siyu had ordered an investigation into the Nan Family—especially that recently returned eldest daughter.
Since she was visiting the He Family’s old residence to see Old Madam He, Assistant Yan knew better than to take it lightly. Despite his boss’s seemingly casual demeanor, he was meticulous when it came to serious matters.
He would never allow someone into the He Family’s home without thorough vetting.
Assistant Yan replied, "The Nan Family has been quiet. Miss Nan must not have spread any rumors after returning."
He glanced at He Siyu, who met his gaze. "That’s it?"
Though his tone was relaxed, Assistant Yan’s years of experience told him his boss wasn’t satisfied.
Sweat beaded on his forehead as he hastily elaborated. "The Nan Family recently botched two projects, leaving Mr. Nan scrambling. The old patriarch had to step in and pull strings just to smooth things over. They’re too preoccupied to act rashly, even though they’re desperate to latch onto the He Family."
"Internally, things aren’t peaceful either. The eldest daughter just returned, and she’s clashing with the second daughter. Now, the second daughter is interning at Nan Corporation while the eldest is studying at Jing University—they’re keeping their distance."
Assistant Yan stole another glance at He Siyu’s expression. He seemed thoughtful, but his demeanor was calm.
Assistant Yan exhaled inwardly. Strange—usually, He Siyu demanded concise reports, with no room for unnecessary details.
This time, when he kept it brief, He Siyu was displeased. Yet now, as he rambled about trivial family drama, his boss actually seemed engaged?
He Siyu looked up, and Assistant Yan straightened attentively.
"Nan Sangning is studying at Jing University?"
Assistant Yan nodded. "Yes. Since the eldest daughter never attended university, the Nan Family patriarch arranged for her to audit classes at Jing University. Otherwise, her lack of education would be too glaring. But she’s only an observer."
He Siyu’s brow arched slightly. "Earlier, you mentioned some other invitations?"
Assistant Yan blinked, struggling to keep up with the sudden shift.
"Jing University’s centennial celebration, Yicheng International’s—"
He Siyu tapped the desk once and tilted his chin. "Schedule the university event."
"Ah?"
