"Third Young Master He, Miss Nan, lunch is ready." Nanny Zhao called from upstairs.
Sang Ning withdrew her gaze and replied obediently, "Alright."
She carefully placed the pipa back into its case before standing up to head downstairs.
He Siyu watched her retreating figure as she hurried down, suddenly wondering—what kind of woman was she, really?
Pressing his lips together, he rose as well, following a few steps behind her.
Grandma He was in high spirits today, even eating an extra bowl of rice.
The dining table was set not only with He Siyu’s favorite phoenix-tail shrimp but also Sang Ning’s preferred clear-soup meatballs.
The meal was warm and pleasant, yet the subtle tension from earlier had completely dissipated.
He Siyu watched Sang Ning eat quietly, feeling an inexplicable hollowness in his chest.
After the meal, Sang Ning excused herself.
"Should I have someone see you off?" Grandma He asked kindly.
"No need, Grandma He. My family arranged a car for me—the driver is waiting outside," Sang Ning replied with a bright smile.
Grandma He nodded in relief. "That’s good. Come visit again when you have time."
"Of course! Goodbye, Grandma He."
She then turned to He Siyu. "Goodbye, Mr. He."
With that, she opened the door and stepped out. Uncle Zhang was already waiting with the car. Sang Ning got in and left.
Grandma He stood at the doorway, watching the Nan family’s car drive off before sighing softly.
"I was worried that since she just returned from the mountains, her family might neglect her. But it seems the Nans treat her well—she has everything she needs. Sang Ning mentioned her family is very kind to her. The Nans do have some decency after all."
He Siyu raised an eyebrow. He believed Sang Ning lived comfortably in the Nan household, but not because the Nans were kind-hearted.
Would she ever let herself suffer?
Whether it was the Nans, the Chens, or the Dus—hadn’t she played them all like puppets?
Yet the image of her clear, sincere eyes flashed in his mind. She had honestly confessed the truth about that day at the Intercontinental Hotel.
He thought she would deceive him like she did others, but instead, she told him the truth.
"I didn’t want to hide it from you," she had said earnestly.
The corner of He Siyu’s lips curled slightly, and he suddenly felt inexplicably pleased.
---
"You actually confessed to He Siyu that you used him?!" Ji Yan gasped, slamming her hands on the table.
Sang Ning, who had been sipping orange juice, choked slightly before swallowing slowly and nodding.
Ji Yan grabbed her face in horror, scrutinizing her. "And you came back completely unharmed?"
Sang Ning: "..."
She removed Ji Yan’s hands. "I already came clean—what else could he possibly hold against me?"
He Siyu was too sharp. Even if she hadn’t confessed, he would’ve guessed. Clever people appreciated honesty.
Ji Yan narrowed her eyes skeptically. "Something’s off. Third He’s temper is legendary—how did he just let you go?"
The Ji and He families had been close for generations. Ji Yan had attended the same school as He Siyu since elementary and witnessed his ruthless methods firsthand. Those who crossed him never got off lightly—only worse.
She had always avoided him.
Suddenly, she leaned in, eyes gleaming. "I think he treats you differently."
Sang Ning blinked. "Really?"
"Absolutely! You should go for it—win him over! If you become Mrs. He someday, wouldn’t all those scheming relatives of yours grovel at your feet?"
Sang Ning shook her head. "The He family’s status is too high for the Nans to reach."
Though wealthy, the Nans were still nouveau riche—beneath the Hes’ notice.
"If He Siyu likes you, that’s all that matters! Commander He might be strict, but Grandma He already adores you. What’s the problem?"
"Grandma He only likes my pipa playing, not me as a granddaughter-in-law. As for He Siyu," Sang Ning said coolly, "if he really had the final say, his illegitimate child’s mother would’ve entered the family long ago."
Ji Yan paused. "...Fair point."
"Besides, mismatched statuses only lead to a marriage where I’d have to lower myself. What’s the appeal?"
Being the head of the Nan household was far more comfortable.
Ji Yan pouted. "Then why bother with him at all?"
Sang Ning took a sip of juice through her straw.
"I can’t just ignore him either."
"Why not?" Ji Yan frowned.
Sang Ning smiled. Of course she couldn’t—having an extra card up her sleeve was never a bad thing.
Her current resources were too scarce. She couldn’t afford to waste any opportunity.
"Preparing for a rainy day."
Ji Yan scowled. "Speak plainly—I’m not book-smart like you."
Sang Ning set down her glass. "The juice is finished. Let’s go shopping."
"Are you changing the subject?"
Sang Ning touched Ji Yan’s beret. "This hat is lovely. Where’d you get it?"
Ji Yan brightened immediately, lifting her chin proudly. "A niche designer brand! You like it? I’ll take you! Their hats are so unique, especially berets—super elegant and slimming!"
Sang Ning blinked. "No wonder you look extra pretty today."
Ji Yan grabbed her arm excitedly. "Come on, let’s go!"
---
The Du family’s banquet was held at Junyue Hotel, a grand affair attended by many of the capital’s elite.
The Dus had launched a major film production project, backed by powerful connections, making it a near-guaranteed success with numerous investors.
The Nan family’s car pulled up at the hotel entrance, where a valet opened the door.
Sang Ning and Nan Siya stepped out. Sang Ning wore a light green satin dress, her wavy hair cascading over her shoulders, paired with five-centimeter diamond-studded heels.
Tonight was a rare high-profile event for the Nans, and Grandpa had insisted on formal attire.
Nan Siya was also meticulously dressed—a white tulle bustier dress with a short front and long back, eight-centimeter stilettos, and her hair styled in a princess updo, maintaining her usual sweet, doll-like image.
Yet her face was pale beneath her makeup, her expression uneasy.
Chen Zheng hadn’t contacted her in three days. She had learned the Chens would attend tonight—after all, Chen Zhihan and Du Yao were now "dating," and rumors said the families were discussing marriage.
She had longed to see him, but now that the moment arrived, her anxiety only grew.
Grandpa and the others exited the car and turned to warn them, "Don’t cause trouble."
The words were directed at Nan Siya.
She clenched her jaw, her face darkening further. In the past, Grandpa would only scold Sang Ning for embarrassing the family.
Swallowing her anger, she muttered, "Understood."
Grandpa strode inside, flanked by Wen Meiling and Nan Zhenming.
Sang Ning and Nan Muchen followed behind.
Nan Siya stood frozen, her fingers digging into her palms. Without realizing it, she had become an outsider in her own family.
For twenty years, she had been the Nan family’s beloved princess. Yet the moment Sang Ning returned, she was suddenly… disposable.
No! She absolutely couldn't just sit there waiting for death, watching Sang Ning snatch away everything that rightfully belonged to her!
