Sang Ning returned to the Nan residence, where Grandpa was already waiting for her.
Grandpa smiled warmly, his expression uncharacteristically affectionate. "Today, both the Chen Family and the Du Family sent gifts to express their gratitude to our family. The Du Family, in particular, felt guilty and even offered to let the Nan Family invest in their new project."
Of course, the Du Family had every reason to feel guilty. After all, they had been in the middle of marriage negotiations with Sang Ning when Du Yao was caught fooling around with another woman in the very hotel room Sang Ning had booked.
What’s more, if Sang Ning hadn’t stepped in to help clarify the situation, the scandal wouldn’t have been contained so quickly.
Du Yao’s previous misdeeds had only just been swept under the rug, and keeping a low profile was crucial for him now. If the rumors were allowed to spread, it wouldn’t be long before his past transgressions resurfaced. If that happened, Du Yao would be beyond saving—and the Du Family might even suffer collateral damage.
That was why the Du Family was making such a grand gesture: partly to thank Sang Ning for defusing the situation, and partly to ensure the Nan Family kept quiet.
Sang Ning curved her lips into a smile. "Congratulations, Grandpa."
Grandpa patted her shoulder. "This is all thanks to you."
Sang Ning replied modestly, "It’s only what I should do. The family’s interests come before everything else. As a member of the Nan Family, I can’t afford to be selfish or think only of myself. Whatever benefits the Nan Family and makes you happy is worth doing."
Nan Siya’s face twisted with discomfort—who was she trying to shade with those words?
Nan Zhenming couldn’t help but glance at Sang Ning a few more times. If only he had her way with words, maybe Grandpa wouldn’t scold him so often.
Grandpa’s eyes crinkled with delight as he looked at Sang Ning, his satisfaction growing by the minute. These past few days had been chaotic for the Nan Family, with none of its members giving him a moment’s peace—forcing him to clean up their messes.
Only this granddaughter of his knew how to share his burdens, working tirelessly for the Nan Family and swallowing every grievance without complaint, dedicating herself wholeheartedly to the family’s welfare.
And then there were the rest of them—useless, the lot of them. The contrast was painful.
"Good child, I won’t forget your sacrifices and your understanding," Grandpa said warmly.
"Thank you, Grandpa."
Grandpa then took out a bank card and handed it to Sang Ning. "The Du Family’s project is of great significance to us, and securing it was entirely your doing. There’s three million in this card—consider it your reward. Keep it safe."
Sang Ning’s smile deepened, her eyes lighting up with genuine pleasure. "Thank you, Grandpa."
Nan Siya’s eyes nearly bulged out of her head—that was half a year’s worth of her allowance!
How could Grandpa be so biased?
The Nan household settled back into rare tranquility, with dinner passing in cheerful harmony. Everyone was in high spirits.
Except for Nan Siya.
She picked at her food absentmindedly, stealing glances at her phone every now and then.
Chen Zheng still hadn’t sent her a single message.
Today, when the Chen Family sent their gifts of gratitude, it was Chen Zheng’s father’s assistant who delivered them. In the past, Chen Zheng himself would have personally brought over gifts for the family during festivals.
But now, he couldn’t even be bothered to show up.
It was clear that the Chen Family was only playing nice to smooth things over—but in reality, they still resented the Nan Family. And they resented her.
How could Nan Siya not panic?
But with the Du Family now allowing the Nan Family to invest in their new project, the Nan Family no longer relied so heavily on the Chen Family. The Chen Family’s displeasure didn’t matter as much—it wouldn’t significantly impact the Nan Family’s interests.
The joint project between the Nan and Chen Families had already concluded successfully.
The only thing at stake now was her engagement.
"Oh, and in a couple of days, the Du Family will be hosting a banquet for their new project. They’ve invited our family, so everyone should prepare accordingly," Grandpa announced cheerfully.
Nan Zhenming nodded eagerly. "Of course."
Nan Siya wanted to ask if the Chen Family would be attending, but she didn’t dare—afraid Grandpa would scold her again for being disloyal. She could only sulk and poke at the rice in her bowl.
Sang Ning, too, was lost in thought.
The Du and Chen Families were putting on a show of goodwill to settle the matter peacefully—at least on the surface.
Especially the Chen Family, who had no choice but to grit their teeth and accept the situation.
But Chen Zhihan was unlikely to let things go so easily. She hated Sang Ning to the bone and would surely stir up trouble again.
The Chen Family still held considerable influence in the capital. If Sang Ning didn’t prepare in advance, the consequences could be endless.
But how exactly should she prepare?
After dinner, Sang Ning returned to her room and curled up in the hanging chair on her small balcony, lost in thought. After a while, she took out her phone and dialed a number.
"Miss Nan, what a pleasant surprise! Old Madam He was just talking about you," Nanny Zhao answered politely.
Sang Ning had exchanged contact details with Nanny Zhao when she last visited to deliver sheet music.
"Don’t be so formal, Nanny Zhao. Grandma He did invite me to visit often, but I’ve been busy with school and family matters. Tomorrow’s Saturday—would it be convenient for me to come see her?"
"Oh, of course! Old Madam He has nothing much to do at home and has been missing you terribly!"
Sang Ning smiled sweetly. "Then I’ll come tomorrow."
The next morning, Sang Ning rose early and changed into a soft yellow cotton dress—a modest, girlish piece that fell just past her calves. The white collar of her blouse was embroidered with two tiny roses.
She slipped on a pair of white canvas shoes and had Uncle Zhang drive her to Wisteria Lane.
"Miss Nan, you’re here!" Nanny Zhao had been waiting for her and ushered her in warmly.
"Old Madam He has been looking forward to your visit since early this morning."
Sang Ning quickened her steps and pushed open the door.
"Grandma He."
Old Madam He was sipping tea on the balcony. When she saw Sang Ning, she set down her cup and smiled kindly. "Sang Ning, come sit."
Sang Ning pulled up a chair beside Old Madam He and sat down, smiling obediently. "I’ve been swamped with schoolwork and only found time to visit you today."
"You’ve just returned home—it’s natural for you to be busy. And you’re so diligent, always focused on your studies. You’re a hardworking girl," Old Madam He praised.
Old Madam He didn’t pay much attention to tabloid gossip, so she remained unaware of the scandal involving Du Yao and Chen Zhihan. Sang Ning didn’t bring it up either.
"I’ve learned a new piece—would you like to hear it?" Sang Ning asked brightly.
"I’d love nothing more."
Old Madam He quickly had someone fetch the pipa.
Sang Ning cradled the instrument in her arms, her fingers gliding over the strings as a clear, melodious tune filled the air.
The serene notes of the pipa resonated through the small building, creating a warm and cozy atmosphere.
Then, out of the corner of her eye, she noticed movement below the balcony—the gate opening as a black Bentley rolled into the courtyard.
Her fingers never faltered on the strings, but her calm gaze drifted toward the car door as it swung open.
Unsurprisingly, a familiar figure stepped out.
Dressed in black slacks and a white shirt—a formal, businesslike outfit—it was clear he had come straight from work on a whim.
