Sang Ning whispered, "Don't talk nonsense."
"You've gone all out—climbing into He Siyu's bed, and if you’re lucky enough to get pregnant, the He Family won’t dare ignore the scandal. Old Madam He is desperate to find a wife for Third Young Master He, hoping marriage will settle him down. Your timing couldn’t be better!"
Sang Ning’s voice trembled slightly. "I didn’t want this either, but my family has forced me into a corner. If I don’t seize this chance, I’ll have to marry Du Yao. That Du Yao is short, ugly, and sleeps around—just looking at him makes me sick. But my parents are pressuring me. The only way out is… unless I climb into He Siyu’s bed."
"You should’ve done this sooner! You’ve already got his schedule, haven’t you?"
Sang Ning nodded seriously. "I heard from Old Madam He that he has a private engagement tomorrow at the Intercontinental Hotel in Lin'an District. If I wait for him there, I’ll definitely catch him."
"Are you sure? Don’t get it wrong—He Siyu’s schedule is always confidential. It’s nearly impossible to track."
After all, He Siyu was the ultimate golden bachelor. The line of women scheming to get into his bed could stretch all the way to France. No one could ever pry into his private life.
"It’s true. Old Madam He mentioned it casually while we were chatting. You know she enjoys listening to me play the pipa. I’ve visited the He Family twice and barely managed to exchange a few words with her. I can’t let this opportunity slip away."
Chen Zhihan stood hidden around the corner, her hand clamped over her mouth, her face a mask of disbelief.
That little bitch Nan Sang Ning was scheming after all!
A country bumpkin like her, daring to look down on Du Yao? And now she’s aiming for He Siyu?
How dare she!
Mother was right—this wretched girl was up to no good, plotting behind their backs.
But the little tramp had some brains, managing to extract He Siyu’s schedule from Old Madam He’s loose lips—something Chen Zhihan had spent ages trying and failing to uncover.
Chen Zhihan’s eyes gleamed. Since she’d stumbled upon this secret, the opportunity was rightfully hers!
She couldn’t bear to listen any longer. Gritting her teeth, she slipped away silently.
Ji Yan and Sang Ning stood in silence for two minutes.
Sang Ning blinked at Ji Yan, who subtly leaned back, casting a glance toward the corner.
She turned back, winking at Sang Ning. "She’s gone."
Sang Ning curved her lips. "Thank you."
Ji Yan’s eyes sparkled with barely contained excitement. "I can’t believe I walked into such a juicy drama! This is going to be fun—I haven’t been this thrilled in ages!"
Even the male models at the club couldn’t get her this worked up!
Sang Ning casually pulled out a small bottle of ordinary perfume from her clutch, twirling it between her fingers. "This world is all about playing games—whoever outplays whom wins."
Too bad she never lost.
"You should head back first. I’ll contact you tomorrow if anything comes up."
"Got it!"
Ji Yan left immediately, while Sang Ning tucked the perfume back into her bag and strode back into the banquet hall in her stilettos.
The atmosphere inside was lively. On stage, Nan Siya and Chen Zheng played a piano duet—"Wedding in a Dream"—their fingers dancing in perfect harmony.
Their eyes met frequently, brimming with affection, the picture of a perfect couple.
"What a golden pair—so well-matched in looks and talent."
"A match made in heaven, and so deeply in love. It’s enviable."
As Sang Ning entered, Nan Siya happened to glance up. Spotting her, a faint trace of smugness flickered across her sweet face.
Even if Nan Sang Ning attended as the eldest daughter of the Nan Family, she could only watch helplessly as Nan Siya shone in happiness and glory!
Though they were both Nan Family heiresses, Nan Siya had won the love of the dashing Chen Zheng, while Nan Sang Ning was only fit to marry trash like Du Yao! Soon enough, she’d catch his filthy diseases and rot away!
Nan Siya was euphoric. She reveled in the feeling of looking down on Sang Ning’s downfall—only then did she truly feel she’d won.
She wasn’t the fake heiress.
Sang Ning’s gaze swept over the piano-playing couple, her thoughts icy. Her dear sister’s blissful days might be numbered.
"Sang Ning, where have you been?" Wen Meiling found her.
"I just stepped out to take a call. Is something wrong?" Sang Ning’s tone remained obedient.
Wen Meiling felt uneasy. Earlier, Mrs. Chen had seemed displeased, and she worried Sang Ning had done something to offend the Chen or Du Families.
The Nan Family still relied on the Chen Family’s support. She couldn’t risk Sang Ning causing trouble.
But Sang Ning appeared docile, showing no signs of resistance.
Still, she pressed on earnestly, "Sang Ning, Du Yao may be a bit of a playboy, but he’s young. It’s normal for men to fool around at his age. In families like ours, marriage is about status first. You’ll be his lawful wife—once you win his heart, he’ll settle down after marriage."
Sang Ning looked up at Nan Siya and Chen Zheng on stage and suddenly asked, "Is that what Mother thought when choosing Siya’s fiancé?"
Wen Meiling stiffened.
Of course it was different. Back then, she’d handpicked Chen Zheng for Siya—a handsome, ambitious man from the illustrious Chen Family.
After all, at the time, Siya was her only daughter.
But now…
Wen Meiling’s voice turned stiff. "The Du Family’s status is higher than the Chen Family’s."
Du Yao was far inferior to Chen Zheng in personal qualities, but his family background was indeed better.
Sang Ning smiled. "True. Mother’s considerations are thorough."
This question was for Nan Sang Ning.
She’d suddenly wanted to know—just how much weight Nan Sang Ning held in Wen Meiling’s heart.
She believed Wen Meiling loved her. But love had its limits, and Wen Meiling’s love for her was too light.
Too insignificant to matter.
"Don’t worry, Mother. I’m very pleased with this marriage. I’ll… cherish it." She emphasized the word "cherish."
Wen Meiling, initially unsettled, finally relaxed at Sang Ning’s resolute and submissive gaze. Warmth seeped into her voice. "I knew you’d understand."
The next day, Sang Ning dressed meticulously and set off for the Intercontinental Hotel.
