Wen Meiling was deeply moved: "Sang Ning is truly devoted to the family and always considers her younger brother."
Nan Siya immediately became alert when she heard that Sang Ning was joining the Precision Manufacturing project.
While others might not see through Sang Ning's true nature, she knew better.
There had to be an ulterior motive!
"I want to join too!" Nan Siya blurted out.
Grandpa, however, scolded her, "What would you even do there? Do you think this is child's play? You can't even commit to your internship at the company, skipping work whenever you feel like it. Did you skip again today?"
Nan Siya instantly felt wronged: "It's because..."
Because Chen Zheng was entangled with Zhan Yijun!
Nan Muchen sneered, "Just forget it. Precision Manufacturing is the core of our family business. Who knows, if Chen Zheng sweet-talks you, you might end up leaking all our secrets."
Nan Siya's face flushed red with anger: "How dare you say that!"
"Alright, enough," Wen Meiling intervened, pulling her close. "Stop making a fuss. Your wedding with Chen Zheng is already set for next spring. Right now, your priority should be preparing for the marriage."
Nan Siya deflated instantly: "Fine."
Grandpa made the final decision: "Then it's settled. Starting next week, Sang Ning will join the company and begin rotational training in the Precision Manufacturing project. Once she's familiarized herself with all aspects, we'll decide which area suits her best."
Sang Ning smiled faintly: "Understood."
Nan Zhenming also chuckled: "It's good for her to gain experience now. Once Sang Ning gets married, we can hand things over to Muchen."
The warmth in Sang Ning's eyes dimmed slightly, but her voice remained gentle: "That's only right. As the older sister, it's my duty to pave the way for Muchen."
-
Jing University.
"What?! You're dropping out of school?!" Ye Qian was stunned by the news.
Sang Ning nodded: "My family arranged for me to start interning at the company directly."
"Unbelievable. I swear, I'm going to fight all you rich people."
Sang Ning: "..."
"Even though I won't be in school, we’ll stay in touch. I’ll still need your help whenever I’m unsure about something," Sang Ning said, holding her hand.
Lately, Sang Ning had been able to adapt quickly, all thanks to Ye Qian, who had tutored her extensively, breaking down modern business models in a way she could grasp.
"Of course!" Ye Qian patted her chest. "Just call me anytime. And Zhang Liang too! We’re all in Jing City anyway, so it’s not far."
Sang Ning suddenly asked, "About that AI startup you and Zhang Liang were discussing—if you decide to go through with it, I’d like to invest."
Ye Qian’s eyes widened in shock: "Seriously?!"
Sang Ning smiled shyly: "Though I don’t have much to contribute."
"How much do you have?"
"Three million."
It was the reward Grandpa had given her after she helped the Nan family resolve the conflict with the Du and Chen families and secured the Du Family’s project.
Ye Qian groaned: "I swear, I’m going to fight all you rich people."
-
After her last class, Sang Ning was about to head home when her phone rang.
The caller ID read "Grandma He."
She answered: "Grandma He."
A warm, affectionate voice came through: "Sang Ning, tomorrow’s the weekend. I’ll have Nanny Zhao prepare something delicious for you."
Sang Ning blinked, sensing something unusual—Grandma He seemed especially affectionate today, almost excessively so.
She nodded: "I don’t have classes tomorrow, so I’ll come visit you."
"Wonderful! I’ll be waiting."
"Alright."
After hanging up, Sang Ning stared at her phone, puzzled.
Something felt off.
The next morning at ten, Sang Ning set off for the He residence.
As her car entered Wisteria Lane and pulled up to the mansion, Nanny Zhao was already waiting at the door.
"Miss Nan, you’re here," Nanny Zhao greeted warmly.
Sang Ning stepped out of the car with a smile: "Where’s Grandma He?"
"She’s been waiting for you."
Nanny Zhao ushered her inside.
"Grandma He."
Grandma He was trimming the plants in the hanging basket by the window. Turning at the sound of Sang Ning’s voice, she beamed: "Sang Ning! Come in, have a seat."
Sang Ning walked over and asked, "What are you working on, Grandma He?"
Grandma He set down the shears: "Just pruning the plants so they grow better."
Suddenly remembering something, she added, "Since you’re here, you can help me with something. Mid-Autumn Festival is coming up, and I need to handwrite some greeting cards. I heard you’re skilled in calligraphy—why don’t you give it a try?"
Sang Ning nodded: "I’ll do my best."
She took a seat at the desk, picked up a small brush, dipped it in ink, and began writing on the cards with practiced ease.
Grandma He watched as Sang Ning’s delicate, precise strokes formed elegant characters—proof of her composure and refinement.
The more Grandma He observed, the more pleased she became. He Siyu had always been a troublemaker since childhood, and she had worried he’d bring home some unsuitable woman just to spite her.
While the Nan family wasn’t among the elite, Sang Ning was exceptionally well-mannered, the most cultured among the younger generation. Grandma He was quite satisfied.
For once, he had actually made a sensible choice. If Sang Ning, gentle and mature, really became her daughter-in-law, how much worry would that save her?
Ever since this possibility crossed her mind, she hadn’t slept well, anxious to confirm it soon.
When Sang Ning finished a card and set down the brush, she handed it to Grandma He: "What do you think?"
"Absolutely lovely. Your handwriting is exquisite."
Sang Ning smiled modestly at the praise.
Seizing the moment, Grandma He asked, "By the way, I heard your sister is already engaged?"
Sang Ning nodded: "Her wedding is next spring."
Grandma He frowned: "You’re the elder sister—why is she marrying first?"
Sang Ning explained gently: "I only returned home this year, but my sister’s engagement was decided two years ago. It’s natural for her to marry first."
Grandma He sighed: "You poor child, after all those years away, you must have suffered so much. Now that your sister’s wedding is set, hasn’t your family considered arranging a match for you?"
Sang Ning shook her head: "No, they say I’m still young and there’s no rush."
At 22, it wasn’t unusual in this era. She still had time.
"That’s irresponsible of them. Good matches in our circles are scarce. If you don’t secure one early, you might miss out later."
Grandma He wasn’t exaggerating—high society marriages were all about alliances, and options were limited. The Nan family surely knew this, but with the Du Family’s film project and Nan Siya’s wedding occupying them, they hadn’t prioritized Sang Ning’s marriage.
"This year has been hectic for my family. I understand their priorities," Sang Ning replied obediently.
Grandma He pressed on: "What about you, then?"
Just outside the door, a tall figure paused mid-step, his grip tightening on the handle as he overheard the conversation.
His gaze fixed on the demure young woman standing behind the desk.
She shook her head: "I don’t have any plans to marry."
Undeterred, Grandma He asked, "Then… is there someone you like?"
She smiled politely and said, "No."
