The Riverside Gallery was situated by the Lanxi Lake. As the car door opened and Nan Sangning stepped out, her eyes were met with an endless expanse of shimmering water, its surface rippling like satin under the sunlight, a breathtaking sight.
A gentle breeze brushed past, and Sang Ning tucked a loose strand of hair behind her ear before walking in.
"Hello, may I ask for your name?" the server greeted politely.
"I'm Nan Sangning."
"Ah, Miss Nan, welcome. Mr. He has already reserved a table. Please, this way."
The server gestured for her to follow and led the way inside.
The restaurant's outer hall was decorated dreamily, but as they ventured further, the space opened up, with tables arranged by the lakeside. Each table was secluded, offering high privacy.
The server pulled open a door. "Miss Nan, please."
Sang Ning stepped inside—a semi-private dining area with a table set on the balcony overlooking the boundless lake.
He Siyu stood on the balcony, his back to her, one hand tucked into his trouser pocket as he gazed at the glimmering water. He was unusually well-dressed in a sleek black suit.
Hearing the sound of her arrival, he turned. The lakeside breeze tousled the strands of hair on his forehead.
Sang Ning walked forward. "Sorry, I was delayed by some family matters. I’m late."
Just as she was about to leave, her grandfather had asked for details about the recent bid, keeping her until six. It was already half past now.
He Siyu, uncharacteristically amiable, replied, "It’s fine."
Sang Ning paused slightly. She wasn’t used to him not being sarcastic for once.
As she approached, she caught a flicker of nervousness in his eyes.
She blinked and pulled out a chair to sit.
He Siyu did the same across from her. The food had already been served, and the server stepped in to pour them each a glass of red wine.
"Please enjoy your meal," the server said softly before retreating.
Once the door closed, He Siyu asked casually, "Now that the deal with Xinghong is signed, did they show any appreciation?"
Sang Ning nodded. "Young President Pei treated us to dinner."
He Siyu’s grip on his wineglass tightened slightly, but he smiled. "Is that so? Will you continue working on this project?"
"Probably not. I’ll be interning in the tech department next week, mainly to learn."
Technology wasn’t Sang Ning’s forte, but as someone aiming for management, she needed some understanding of it.
He Siyu’s tone was indifferent. "I heard the Pei and Zhu families discussed marriage plans at a gathering yesterday. Since the Nan and Pei families are now collaborating, you should attend when he gets married."
Sang Ning couldn’t help but glance at him. Why was he being so cryptic?
"If the Pei family invites me, of course I’ll go," she replied with a smile, though her words carried a subtle warning.
If he dared mention "Brother Songhan" again, she’d shove his face into the plate.
Hearing her firm response, devoid of any regret or longing, He Siyu felt a flicker of satisfaction.
So she really had no interest in Pei Songhan.
Of course—what was there to like about such a dull man?
He Siyu cleared his throat and changed the subject.
"I heard the Nan family has been trying to secure the Xinghong project for years, always losing the bid. Now that you’ve helped them win it, did they reward you?"
At this, Sang Ning’s eyes finally brightened, and she grinned. "Grandfather said if I complete another month of rotation training, I’ll get to lead a team."
He Siyu frowned. "How is that a reward?"
Wasn’t that just more work?
Sang Ning lifted her chin. "Of course it is!"
Securing a major deal had earned her the chance to lead a team. Next, she’d take over management at Precision Manufacturing!
He rarely saw her so proud—chin raised, eyes sparkling, her face alight with confidence.
The corner of his lips quirked up. "Hm."
In high spirits, Sang Ning speared a piece of shrimp with her fork and took a bite.
He Siyu, preoccupied, had little appetite. He picked up his wineglass and took a sip.
He Yun'an had said, "Confessing requires perfect timing, setting, and mood. Miss Nan just closed a big deal—she’s in the best state of mind right now, so your chances are highest!"
"This couple’s restaurant has the best ambiance. It’s ranked the top confession spot online."
"In a romantic atmosphere, people are most impulsive. That’s how it always works in dramas!"
He Siyu narrowed his eyes. The kid’s nonsense didn’t seem entirely reliable.
"The food here is pretty good. A lot of dishes I’ve never seen before," Sang Ning remarked, satisfied.
Though the portions were small—almost bite-sized.
She suddenly looked up at him. His gaze flickered, and he said offhandedly, "Yeah? I just picked a random place."
She blinked. "Oh."
Just then, the glow of sunset spilled across the lake. Sang Ning turned, her eyes widening in awe.
The sky was painted in soft pink hues, and the satin-like surface of the water shimmered with streaks of peach and gold under the fading light.
"So beautiful."
She stood and walked to the balcony railing, leaning slightly over it, her face alight with wonder.
He Siyu followed. She suddenly turned to him, her bright eyes brimming with joy. "The sunset here is stunning! I’ve never seen one so beautiful. I’m glad I didn’t miss it!"
His breath hitched, his heartbeat skipping.
His gaze lingered on her radiant smile. The lakeside breeze played with the strands of hair cascading over her shoulders, and her porcelain skin seemed bathed in the sunset’s soft glow—stunningly beautiful.
His dark eyes deepened, voice low. "Do you like it?"
She nodded happily. "I love it."
"Then how will you thank me?"
Sang Ning: ?
He wanted gratitude just for treating her to a meal? How shameless.
She smiled. "Well, thank you."
He Siyu pressed his lips together. "Nan Sangning, have you forgotten the rules of thanking someone?"
She froze.
One hand braced against the railing, he leaned in. She thought he was going for another hug, but the next moment, his lips brushed the corner of hers.
Her lashes fluttered as she stared at his suddenly magnified face—his eyes closed, long lashes casting shadows, softening his usually defiant gaze.
Bathed in the sunset’s glow, he looked uncharacteristically tender.
This was the closest they’d ever been. She caught a faint scent from him—sweet, like cream.
His throat moved as he restrained the urge to take more, pulling back.
He didn’t want her to snap at him.
Straightening, he met her eyes, his voice rough. "That’s a kiss of gratitude—the sincerest form of thanks."
Sang Ning looked up at him, her clear, glass-like eyes studying him. "Is that how it’s done?"
She reached out, grasped his tie, and tugged. Instinctively, he bent down—and she rose onto her toes, pressing her lips to his.
