He Siyu's expression grew increasingly grim. He took a deep breath and said, "Do you want me to have you packed onto a plane and shipped back to Australia right now?"
He Yun'an widened his eyes in alarm, turned on his heel, and declared, "I'm going to bed!" Then he dashed away at lightning speed.
He Siyu tossed his phone aside with a dark scowl.
---
The next morning, Sang Ning went to school as usual.
The Nan household had returned to its harmonious tranquility, like a perfectly balanced scale—though one that remained fragile.
By Friday evening, after returning from school, Sang Ning joined the Nan family for dinner.
Grandpa cheerfully brought up the topic: "Our family's newly invested film project has officially begun production. This project holds great significance for us—it marks a step up for the Nan family."
This was the kind of high-profile, guaranteed-success project the Nan family had never had access to before. Even among the investors, the Nans were barely scraping by to secure their spot.
"The Zhan family sent an invitation today. Miss Zhan is hosting a wine-tasting event this weekend. It’s good for you young people to socialize more—meet new connections and gather resources."
Of course, the Zhan family’s wine-tasting event had high standards for attendance.
As for Nan Muchen, a high school student, he wouldn’t fit in even if he went.
Sang Ning nodded. "Alright."
Nan Siya, who had just gotten back together with Chen Zheng, was in high spirits and agreed eagerly. "Got it, Grandpa."
After all, Brother Zheng would be there too.
---
The next afternoon, Sang Ning changed into a long lavender chiffon gown, her hair lightly curled and cascading loosely over her shoulders. She left for the event with Nan Siya.
Nan Siya, as always, went for a princess-like aesthetic—a fluffy pink dress that made her glow, with none of her previous exhaustion in sight.
Since they were going separately, Nan Siya refused to share a car with Sang Ning, so they rode in separate vehicles.
The venue was a private vineyard estate owned by the Zhan family—more of a sprawling manor than just a winery.
When Sang Ning stepped out of the car, she couldn’t help but marvel at the vast estate.
The Xie family owned plenty of estates too—three of them were even part of her dowry—but they were mostly hot spring resorts, orchards, or farmland.
A servant guided them inside. Past the grand entrance, a lush green lawn stretched out before them. Following a cobblestone path, they soon heard the faint sounds of laughter and chatter.
The wine-tasting event was set up outdoors.
Several long tables were arranged across the lawn, laden with an assortment of desserts and wines, while a towering champagne fountain stood at the center.
Suddenly, a voice rang out: "Brother Zheng!"
Nan Siya quickened her pace and latched onto Chen Zheng’s arm.
Chen Zheng affectionately ruffled her hair. "What took you so long?"
"I spent forever picking a dress," Nan Siya cooed.
Sang Ning walked past the lovebirds without a flicker of expression.
"Sang Ning!"
Ji Yan waved at her.
Sang Ning brightened and hurried over. "When did you get here?"
"Just arrived. Try this—it’s surprisingly good." Ji Yan handed her a glass of wine.
Sang Ning took a sip and nodded in approval. "Why are you here, though?"
It was no secret that Ji Yan and Zhan Yijun didn’t get along.
The two rarely attended the same events, and even when they did, they were seated far apart.
Before leaving, Sang Ning had seen Ji Yan’s message saying she’d be attending today.
Ji Yan smirked. "You’re coming, aren’t I? I had to be here to back you up—what if Zhan Yijun tries to bully you?"
Sang Ning smiled and handed her a gift bag. "Your birthday present."
"Ugh, I told you not to bother! But since you did..."
Ji Yan wasted no time unwrapping it. Inside was a Van Cleef & Arpels 18K gold diamond watch.
Sang Ning lifted her wrist, revealing an identical one. "Matching set."
Ji Yan squealed and hugged her. "Ahhh, I love it!"
Zhan Yijun strode over, her voice icy. "What’s going on? This is an invitation-only event. Since when do uninvited guests just waltz in?"
Ji Yan released Sang Ning and rolled her eyes. "Are you talking about me?"
"Who else?"
The butler quietly interjected, "Miss Ji did present an invitation."
Zhan Yijun snapped, "Who gave it to her?!"
Didn’t everyone know she couldn’t stand Ji Yan?
Ji Yan grinned. "Oh, I had my mom ask your mom for one."
While the two of them were at odds, the Ji and Zhan families still maintained normal relations. A mere invitation was something Mrs. Zhan wouldn’t refuse.
Zhan Yijun: "..."
She gritted her teeth. "You’ve got no shame. I didn’t invite you, yet here you are, barging in anyway!"
Ji Yan smiled sweetly. "Just to annoy you."
Zhan Yijun: "..."
The butler wiped his forehead and whispered, "Miss, the event is about to begin."
Zhan Yijun had no choice but to swallow her fury.
Just then, a voice chuckled from behind. "Quite the lively gathering today."
Zhan Yijun turned and froze—Pei Songhan and He Siyu had arrived together.
She had expected Pei Songhan. The Pei and Zhan families had many collaborations, not to mention marital ties. Since Pei Songhan had just returned from abroad, it made sense he’d attend to show face.
But she never imagined He Siyu would come.
No event organizer would dare exclude the He family from invitations, but He Siyu almost never showed up.
Was it because of Pei Songhan? The two had always been close.
Whatever the reason, Zhan Yijun was thrilled. She greeted them warmly. "I thought you weren’t coming."
Pei Songhan smiled. "I’ve just returned, so I have free time. A-Yu happened to be available today, so we came together."
He Siyu’s gaze drifted to Sang Ning, who stood chatting with Ji Yan a short distance away.
Ji Yan tugged Sang Ning closer and whispered, "Look at her fawning over them. Ugh, her mood swings are ridiculous!"
Sang Ning nodded. "Absolutely!"
The wine-tasting officially began as servers circulated with trays of fine wines.
"With Young Master He and Young Master Pei gracing us with their presence, I must ensure everything is perfect. These two bottles are my prized 1989 Burgundy—please, enjoy." Zhan Yijun beamed.
The servers uncorked the bottles, let them breathe, then poured the wine into glasses before serving them to the guests.
Sang Ning lifted her glass, inhaled the rich aroma, and took a satisfied sip.
He Siyu casually picked up a glass, his eyes lingering on Sang Ning as she drank with evident pleasure. The corner of his mouth lifted imperceptibly before he took a sip himself.
Not bad.
Zhan Yijun smiled. "This Burgundy red has been cellared for years—now is the perfect time to enjoy it. Burgundy is known for its depth, and with age, the complexity only deepens, leaving a long finish. What do you think, Young Master He?"
"Passable."
Zhan Yijun’s smile stiffened slightly, having expected a more elaborate review. She turned to Sang Ning instead. "Miss Nan, is this your first time attending? Are you comfortable?"
Ji Yan’s instincts flared, her eyes narrowing.
Sang Ning nodded. "Very."
"Then why don’t you give us your thoughts, Miss Nan?"
Ji Yan sneered. She knew it! Zhan Yijun had never invited Sang Ning with good intentions!
Sang Ning smiled. "Not bad."
Zhan Yijun looked surprised. "Aren’t you going to give a proper critique, Miss Nan? I brought out such fine wine to entertain everyone today. Surely you came with sincerity?"
Ji Yan rolled her eyes. "He Siyu only said two words earlier. Why didn’t you call him out?"
Zhan Yijun’s expression darkened. "Third Young Master He has always been a man of few words. Besides, he’s an honored guest. His presence alone is a courtesy to everyone here today. Not everyone can afford to put on airs so shamelessly."
Nan Siya immediately chimed in, "That’s right, sister. Miss Zhan kindly invited you to this wine-tasting event. Since it’s your first time, you should at least show some respect to the host and demonstrate a little sincerity. How can you act so high and mighty?"
Zhan Yijun smirked coldly. She was determined to humiliate this country bumpkin in public to avenge the shame of being exposed for wearing counterfeit jewelry!
Just as Ji Yan was about to retort, Sang Ning cut her off.
"The taste is rich and mellow, with a long finish. The only flaw is a slight astringency. This bottle was best enjoyed the year before last. I suppose Miss Zhan treasured it so much that she saved it until now. But fine wine isn’t about aging indefinitely—there’s such a thing as overdoing it."
Ji Yan gasped dramatically. "Oh my, how frugal of you."
The room fell silent for a moment.
Zhan Yijun stiffened, her face turning pale with fury. "Who’s frugal?! What do you know?!"
Ji Yan snorted. "You were the one who insisted on having the guests critique the wine. Now you can’t handle the truth?"
Zhan Yijun’s hand trembled as she gripped her glass.
The butler stepped forward at just the right moment, wiping his brow as he reminded her, "Miss, perhaps we should let everyone enjoy the wine freely now."
They couldn’t afford to ruin the event.
Pei Songhan also spoke up smoothly, "Since the elders aren’t here, there’s no need to be so formal. Let’s all relax."
Zhan Yijun had no choice but to swallow her rage.
After that, the atmosphere gradually loosened as guests freely sampled various wines and mingled.
He Siyu rarely made appearances, so many took the opportunity to approach him.
His patience wore thin as he responded half-heartedly, his gaze drifting toward Sang Ning, who was happily tasting wines without sparing him a glance. His expression darkened imperceptibly.
Sang Ning, rarely attending such an intriguing event, was genuinely enjoying herself, sampling wines along the long table. However, her alcohol tolerance wasn’t great, so she only took small sips.
Zhan Yijun watched Sang Ning’s carefree demeanor with seething resentment. That wretched woman had ruined her event again today!
How could she let this grudge go unavenged?!
Coincidentally, Ji Yan had stepped away to the restroom. As Sang Ning wandered near the champagne tower, glass in hand, Zhan Yijun stood behind it, a vicious glint flashing in her eyes.
Without hesitation, she kicked the table supporting the champagne tower with all her might.
The table toppled, sending the towering stack of champagne glasses crashing toward Sang Ning.
Sang Ning suddenly looked up just as the entire structure—glasses and sharp metal frame—came hurtling down at her.
"Miss Nan, watch out!"
A hand yanked her aside. As the champagne tower collapsed, the man raised his arm to shield her. Glasses shattered against his arm, and the metal frame sliced across his skin.
Bright red blood instantly dripped from the back of his hand.
Sang Ning’s pupils constricted in shock as she cried out, "Songhan-gege, are you okay?!"
Pei Songhan froze, stunned.
He Siyu, who had rushed over, paled, his gaze snapping toward Pei Songhan in disbelief. What had she just called him?!
The entire room seemed to plunge into dead silence...
---
(Sang Ning stomps her foot: What a disaster!)
(For the record, Sang Ning is the only transmigrator here, so no worries!)
