"Marriage should always follow the parents' arrangements and the matchmaker's words. Since Mom and Dad have arranged this marriage for me, I naturally won't defy them." Sang Ning declared righteously.
Nan Muchen was momentarily stunned by her unwavering devotion.
He cleared his throat lightly. "Good that you understand."
Sang Ning smiled. "Of course. Please reassure Mom and Dad—I’ll marry Du Yao as they’ve decided."
She took a step back and closed the door.
Nan Muchen stood frozen outside for several minutes before finally walking away in a daze.
He still hadn’t fully processed the shock of her words.
"So? Did Sang Ning agree?"
The moment Nan Muchen descended the stairs, Nan Siya eagerly pulled him aside to ask.
Nan Muchen glanced at her, suddenly recalling Sang Ning’s words—
The Nan family has been drained dry by the Chens. By the time it’s handed to you, you’ll barely be clinging on as a puppet.
"She agreed."
Nan Siya’s eyes instantly lit up. "Really? That’s perfect! Du Yao already said that as long as she agrees to meet him at the Intercontinental Hotel in two days, he’ll forgive today’s incident and proceed with the engagement to the Nan family! Then we’ll finally secure that project with the Dus!"
As she spoke, Nan Siya excitedly pulled out her phone. "I need to share the good news with Brother Zheng."
Nan Muchen frowned, inexplicably irritated.
He suddenly asked, "If this project is based on the Nan-Du marriage alliance, and the Nan family is funding it, why does the Chen family need to be involved?"
And take the lion’s share, no less.
Nan Siya’s triumphant expression faltered, as if she herself hadn’t considered the question. She stiffened slightly. "Without the Chens, how would the Nan family ever have gotten close to the Dus? We mustn’t forget our roots."
Nan Muchen fell silent, but inwardly, his suspicion of Nan Siya’s divided loyalties grew.
If Du Yao were truly such a catch, the Chen family would’ve long since married Chen Zhihan to him. Instead, they pushed the Nan family to offer their daughter for the project while the Chens reaped the benefits without lifting a finger.
And Nan Siya was still wholeheartedly siding with the Chens.
Compared to her, Sang Ning was willing to sacrifice herself for the Nan family—for him.
All this time, he’d treated Nan Siya like a real sister. But blood truly was thicker than water—some bonds could never be forged.
Noticing Nan Muchen’s dark expression, Nan Siya quickly soothed him. "A-Chen, the Nan and Chen families are already bound by marriage. We’re one family. And once Sang Ning is married off, she’ll leave the Nan household. Didn’t you say yourself that ever since she returned, our home has been in chaos?"
"With her gone, things will finally go back to normal. Plus, the Nan and Chen families will secure a major project together. It’s a win-win, isn’t it?"
Nan Muchen pressed his lips together. There was nothing more to say. Logically, this was a mutually beneficial arrangement.
At this point, there was no reason to refuse.
He suppressed the flicker of doubt rising in his chest.
From the second-floor corridor, Sang Ning watched the scene unfold in the living room below, her face expressionless.
Such a touching sibling bond—undone by just a few words.
But twenty years of affection couldn’t be shattered so easily. A few provocations weren’t enough. Unless... she stoked the flames further.
Sang Ning glanced at the slip of paper in her hand—the hotel address—and allowed a faint smirk to curl her lips.
She pulled out her phone and typed slowly.
[Can you get me He Siyu’s schedule?]
Ji Yan replied instantly: [!!!]
[So between the cabbage and the stepmom route, you’ve finally chosen to fight for the stepmom title, huh?]
Sang Ning: "..."
[I support you, but He Siyu’s schedule is impossible to get. His whereabouts are always confidential. If I could access it, I’d have made my move already.]
Sang Ning: "..."
[But I believe in you, Sang Ning. Don’t let me down. pats shoulder]
Sang Ning narrowed her eyes. If even Ji Yan couldn’t obtain He Siyu’s schedule, then...
No one could!
And if no one had it, then his location was whatever she said it was.
Sang Ning arched a brow, satisfied, and turned off her phone.
---
The Nan and Chen families’ joint urban development project was a resounding success, celebrated with a grand banquet.
Nan Siya, radiant in a pink chiffon gown with her hair styled in a princess updo, looked every bit the cherished young miss of the Nan family as she clung to Chen Zheng’s arm, toasting guests.
By the time Sang Ning arrived, the atmosphere was already lively.
Nan Zhenming and Director Chen took turns delivering speeches on stage, full of warmth and camaraderie.
"Our two families have achieved a true collaboration. The project is a triumph, and now we’re just waiting for Siya and Chen Zheng’s wedding!" Wen Meiling chimed in, chatting with Mrs. Chen.
The engagement had been settled two years prior, but the Nan family was clearly more eager for the marriage—after all, it was an advantageous match for them.
The Chens, however, were in no rush. Had the project failed, the engagement would’ve been called off. But now that it was a success, they were satisfied.
Yet, the Chens wanted more.
Mrs. Chen glanced meaningfully at Sang Ning. "Yes, Siya and A-Zheng’s wedding should’ve been planned long ago. I’ve been looking forward to it. But tradition dictates that the elder sister marries first. Our Chen family values such customs."
Of course, this was merely pretext. The unspoken message was clear: unless Sang Ning secured the Dus’ major project for the Chens, the wedding wouldn’t proceed.
Wen Meiling quickly reassured her. "Don’t worry, Mrs. Chen. Sang Ning met with Du Yao just yesterday. There was a minor misunderstanding, but it’s been resolved. Du Yao himself said that after their next meeting in two days, the engagement will be finalized!"
Mrs. Chen smiled, relieved. "Excellent. A double celebration—the Nan family is truly blessed this year, with both daughters marrying well!"
"Thank you for your kind words, Mrs. Chen!"
As the two women chatted, Sang Ning’s phone suddenly rang. Her eyes flickered, but she didn’t answer.
She stood abruptly, feigning urgency. "Mom, I need to step out for a moment."
Wen Meiling frowned. "Today’s a big occasion. I specifically brought you here to introduce you to people. Where are you running off to?"
"I... It’s urgent." Sang Ning hesitated, as if struggling to explain.
Wen Meiling sighed. "Fine, but hurry back."
"Of course."
Sang Ning hurried out, phone in hand.
Sharp-eyed Mrs. Chen immediately sensed something amiss. Her gaze followed Sang Ning, noting her evasive demeanor—as if hiding something.
With the Chen family’s interests hinging on the Dus’ project, Mrs. Chen couldn’t afford any mishaps. Rumor had it that Sang Ning had already offended Du Yao during their first meeting. The Nans claimed they’d disciplined her, and she’d obediently agreed to apologize tomorrow.
But Mrs. Chen wasn’t convinced.
What if that wretched girl was scheming again?
Mrs. Chen glanced at Chen Zhihan beside her and gave her a meaningful look. Understanding the silent cue, Chen Zhihan stood up and followed at a discreet distance.
Sang Ning stepped out of the banquet hall, where Ji Yan was already waiting for her.
"Why did you come at this moment?" Sang Ning quickly pulled her aside to a secluded corner.
"I got what you asked me to find," Ji Yan replied.
"Really?"
Ji Yan produced a small vial and discreetly handed it to Sang Ning, lowering her voice. "Here, this fragrance is an aphrodisiac. Just place it in the room, and I guarantee even the most resistant man won’t be able to resist."
Sang Ning swiftly tucked the vial into her clutch. "If this works, I’ll reward you handsomely."
"If it works, you’ll be the rightful Mrs. He—what wouldn’t you have then?"
The words struck Chen Zhihan like a thunderbolt, her pupils dilating in shock.
