Nan Siya noticed Sang Ning's hesitation and spoke up first: "Sister, this blind date was arranged by Aunt Chen’s efforts to persuade the Du Family. Otherwise, given your background, the Du Family wouldn’t have even considered you. Such a rare opportunity—you mustn’t waste it."
Both the Chen Family and the Nan Family were eyeing the lucrative opportunity the Du Family had dangled before them. Marriage alliances were the easiest way to secure such advantages.
But...
Sang Ning feigned confusion: "I recall Aunt Chen mentioning last time how worried she was about Chen Zhihan’s marriage prospects. Why wouldn’t she save such a good match for her own daughter?"
Nan Siya’s smile faltered slightly: "Sister Zhihan... already has an arranged engagement."
"Oh?"
"Yes, Aunt Chen intends for Sister Zhihan to marry Third Young Master He."
Sang Ning was surprised. Chen Zhihan planned to marry He Siyu? How did she manage that? Did He Siyu even know about this?
And what about Lin Shuyan, the rumored future granddaughter-in-law of the He Family—had she agreed?
Wen Meiling chimed in: "The Chen Family’s status is higher than ours, so naturally, they aim for something even better. If not for their lofty ambitions, this chance wouldn’t have fallen to you. I’ve always hoped to secure a good marriage for you. Now that such an opportunity has come, you mustn’t let it slip away."
Everyone in the Nan Family knew that Nan Siya’s current enviable engagement had originally been meant for Nan Sang Ning.
Yet no one intended to let Nan Siya give it up.
As a mother, Wen Meiling felt somewhat guilty. She was determined to arrange a good marriage for Sang Ning, if only to make amends.
Nan Siya looked at Sang Ning timidly: "Sister, why aren’t you saying anything? Are you still unwilling to forgive Mom and Dad?"
At this, Wen Meiling and Nan Zhenming frowned, their dissatisfaction resurfacing.
They had already done so much for her—how could she still be ungrateful?
Grandpa’s expression darkened. To him, this was a matter of the Nan Family’s financial interests. If they could secure the Du Family’s major project, the Nan Family would thrive for at least three years. Naturally, he disliked defiance.
The gazes of the entire Nan Family settled on Sang Ning, their seemingly gentle looks laced with subtle pressure.
Sang Ning glanced at Nan Siya and smiled: "Since Aunt Chen went through the trouble, of course I won’t let such a good opportunity pass."
The tension instantly eased.
Yet Nan Siya felt an inexplicable chill, as if she were being watched.
"Good. I’ll send you the time and location. Make sure to dress beautifully tomorrow," Wen Meiling said, satisfied.
"Alright."
Nan Siya beamed sweetly: "Don’t worry, Mom. Du Yao is sure to like Sister."
Du Yao adored pretty women. Though Sang Ning, a country girl with no refinement, had nothing else to offer, her face was undeniably stunning. The moment her photo was sent over, Du Yao had been pleased.
If this marriage succeeded, it wouldn’t just benefit the Nan Family’s business—it would also help the Chen Family. And once Nan Siya married into the Chen Family, her standing would rise even higher.
More importantly, if Sang Ning married Du Yao, she’d be doomed to live under Nan Siya’s shadow forever!
What a delightful thought!
Back in her room, Sang Ning turned on her phone and saw a message.
He Siyu: [The wristwatch arrived.]
Sang Ning replied: [Good.]
[Where are you?]
Sang Ning frowned. Did this man have no sense of boundaries?
[Is there something you need, Mr. He?]
He Siyu’s eyes cooled, as if he could already picture her polite yet insincere smile.
[Are you free tomorrow? Grandmother would like you to visit and play the pipa.]
Sang Ning: [I have plans tomorrow. The day after.]
He Siyu scoffed. She was busier than a head of state.
[Fine.]
Sang Ning lay back on her bed, staring blankly at the crystal chandelier overhead, her mood somber.
Nan Siya had gone out of her way, using the Chen Family’s connections to arrange this blind date for her? It was obvious nothing good would come of it.
Nan Siya simply couldn’t behave herself.
Perhaps she had been too lenient with her.
The next morning, Wen Meiling hired a makeup artist to prepare Sang Ning at home.
"First impressions matter the most. I heard Du Yao likes sweet, cute girls. Just follow the makeup artist’s advice today—he’ll definitely be smitten!"
Sang Ning nodded: "Alright."
She had to meet this man, if only to see what he was really like. As for the process, she had no strong objections.
The makeup artist gave Sang Ning a soft, doll-like look. Her features were naturally delicate, but her usual style was understated, and her glass-like eyes often held a distant coolness, making her appear docile yet aloof.
The makeup artist curled her hair, braiding the front sections and leaving the rest cascading down her back. A rosy peach-blossom makeup complemented the look, paired with a Miu Miu mist-blue silk dress—a short, princess-style frock. When the transformation was complete, Sang Ning stared at her reflection, momentarily stunned. It felt... unfamiliar.
"Miss Nan suits this style perfectly. You look like a real-life princess."
The makeup artist gushed, thoroughly pleased with her work.
Wen Meiling nodded in agreement: "Sang Ning is beautiful no matter how she dresses."
Nan Siya, watching from the side, clenched her teeth, jealousy burning in her chest as she took in Sang Ning’s suddenly sweet and adorable appearance.
Cute and girlish was Nan Siya’s signature style. All her dresses were princess-like, and Brother Zheng adored her sugary charm.
But she never expected that Sang Ning, dressed in the same frilly fashion, would completely outshine her.
As if Sang Ning were the true princess raised in the Nan Family.
No! She didn’t deserve that!
As Sang Ning turned, Nan Siya plastered on a sugary smile: "Sister, you look gorgeous. Du Yao will be head over heels."
Sang Ning curved her lips, too indifferent to bother with a response.
Uncle Zhang drove Sang Ning to the meeting spot—an upscale café near Zhongmen Tower.
"Young Miss, we’re here."
"Alright."
Sang Ning stepped out of the car, wobbling slightly in her five-inch heels. She wasn’t used to walking in them, so she moved slowly.
Pushing open the café door, she spotted a man already waiting by the window.
Zhongmen Tower was a landmark in Jing City, standing a hundred stories tall. Inside its glass elevator, a tall figure stood with one hand in his trouser pocket, his gaze lazily sweeping over the city below.
