"Are you free next Saturday?" He Siyu asked.
Sang Ning turned to look at him: "Does Mr. He need something?"
Noticing the faint wariness in her eyes, he replied casually, "There's an auction next week. I need an appraiser. If successful, I can offer payment."
The word "payment" caught Sang Ning's attention. She blinked: "I'm free."
He glanced at her again, his gaze cool—now she wasn’t wary anymore.
"Fine. I’ll pick you up next Saturday."
The Bentley stopped at the school gate. Sang Ning checked her phone—1:30 PM, just on time.
"Thank you, Mr. He." Her tone was much friendlier this time.
Who knew if it was because she’d seen his body or because of the promised payment.
He Siyu responded lazily, "Mhm."
Sang Ning opened the car door and stepped out, politely bidding farewell, "Goodbye, Mr. He."
He Siyu slightly lifted his chin, turned the steering wheel, and drove off.
Through the rearview mirror, he saw her still standing there, watching his car leave.
The corner of his lips curled, his mood lifting slightly.
Sang Ning remained in place until He Siyu’s car disappeared before entering the school gates.
After two encounters, she’d more or less figured out his temperament—petty and vindictive. Every detail had to be perfect.
Watching his car leave might not be something he’d notice, but if he cared and didn’t see her waiting, he’d surely hold a grudge.
Back at school, Ye Qian was waiting for her.
"You’re finally back! I brought you food—was worried you wouldn’t get to eat."
"I’ve already eaten, but thank you."
"Oh? Where’d you eat?"
Sang Ning smiled, "At an elder’s place."
She didn’t like revealing too much, especially since the He family name carried too much weight—even taxi drivers would react. She didn’t want unnecessary trouble.
Over the week, Sang Ning gradually began understanding her classes.
For anything she didn’t grasp, she’d study on her own afterward. There were plenty of online lectures, explained clearly, and through learning, she felt herself slowly adapting to this era.
A week later, Sang Ning started preparing clothes for the auction.
Tomorrow was Saturday. Rumor had it this auction would be more formal, even allowing close inspection of items. She was eager to broaden her horizons.
More importantly, He Siyu’s payment was generous—one million per session.
More than her monthly allowance.
"Sang Ning, it’s time for dinner."
Wen Meiling knocked on her door.
"Coming."
Sang Ning stepped out and followed Wen Meiling downstairs.
The Nan household was much more harmonious now. Nan Siya had stopped causing scenes, genuinely afraid that too much fuss would make their parents resent her. Nan Zhenming and Wen Meiling also felt some guilt toward Sang Ning, treating her with more warmth.
Built on layers of falsehoods and lies, this fragile semblance of a happy family wobbled on.
"I asked Aunt Chen to make your favorite meatballs today."
"Thank you, Mom."
Sang Ning pulled out a chair and sat. Nan Zhenming glanced at her, asking somewhat awkwardly, "How’s school lately?"
Sang Ning smiled, "It’s good. I’ve adjusted."
Nan Siya smirked, "No need to force yourself if you don’t understand."
Nan Zhenming lightly scolded, "Siya, your sister just started learning. It’s good she’s willing to improve."
Nan Siya bit her lip, tears welling up—Dad was actually defending Nan Sangning now!
"After this year, you can join the company for an internship, just like Siya," Nan Zhenming said.
Sang Ning curved her lips, "Okay."
Grandpa came downstairs and took his seat.
The servants brought out the dishes, and dinner began.
Then, a sharp shriek cut through the air:
"Where’s Nan Sangning?! Tell her to get out here!"
Grandpa frowned, his face darkening, "What’s the commotion now?"
The front door burst open as Nan Wenyue stormed in like a madwoman: "Nan Sangning!"
Nan Zhenming and Wen Meiling were stunned, "What’s—?"
But Nan Wenyue ignored them, charging straight at Sang Ning, pointing a finger in her face:
"You dare trick me?!"
Sang Ning raised a brow, feigning confusion, "What do you mean, Aunt? I don’t understand."
"Don’t play dumb! Jifeng Automobile just announced bankruptcy today! If it weren’t for you leading me astray, I wouldn’t have sunk half my fortune into their stocks!"
Nan Wenyue looked ready to strangle her.
Sang Ning wasn’t surprised. She smiled, "I just came from the mountains—I don’t even know what Jifeng Automobile is. How can you blame me for this?"
Wen Meiling also frowned, "Wenyue, even if you lost money in the stock market, you can’t blame a child. What does she know? If you, a grown adult, took investment advice from a kid, that’s on you."
Sang Ning blinked innocently.
Nan Wenyue was seething. If Nan Sangning hadn’t claimed she’d heard He Siyu himself say he’d invest in Jifeng Automobile, she’d never have bought those doomed stocks!
This little wretch had played her!
Nan Wenyue sneered, "Fine, Nan Sangning. You tricked me, ruined half my wealth, and now you want to play the innocent Nan family heiress? Dream on!"
She turned to Nan Zhenming and Wen Meiling, shrieking, "You still defend this brat? Did you know she kicked Siya into the pond?!"
Nan Siya’s eyes lit up—finally, justice!
Wen Meiling paled, "Th-that can’t be…"
Nan Zhenming’s voice hardened, "Back then, you testified it was Siya who fell in herself!"
"It was this wretched girl who kicked her in!"
Nan Wenyue was livid. She’d thought she had leverage over Nan Sangning, that she’d tamed a obedient dog.
But from the start, this girl had been scheming against her!
She’d invested most of her assets into Jifeng Automobile, waiting for the news of Huiyao’s investment to send stocks soaring. Instead, she got bankruptcy!
Her dreams shattered, she now wanted to drag Nan Sangning down with her.
She turned to Grandpa, shouting, "Dad! This girl is vicious and cunning! A wild child from the mountains—she’ll never be loyal! First, she kicked Siya into the pond, then she tricked me! Keeping a granddaughter like her will only bring disaster! We should kick her out now!"
Grandpa’s expression darkened. He looked at Sang Ning and asked gravely, "Is what your aunt said true?"
