His pupils constricted as he felt the soft touch of lips against his, his entire body stiffening.
With a faint "ding," He Siyu's mind blanked for three seconds.
Lowering his gaze, he saw her face mere inches away—those clear, glass-like eyes gleaming with unmistakable mischief.
His breath hitched. In the next instant, he wrapped an arm around her waist, pulling her into his embrace before tilting his head down to kiss her fiercely.
No longer content with a fleeting, tentative brush, it was as if a spark had ignited a wildfire. Their lips and tongues tangled, his hunger devouring her, as though he wished to meld her into his very bones.
Sang Ning was nearly breathless, her tongue tingling with numbness. She turned her head slightly, but his lips merely slid to the corner of her mouth, lingering greedily.
Pressing a hand against his chest, she created a sliver of distance between them. Finally, he opened his dark, smoldering eyes to see her porcelain cheeks flushed deeper than the evening sunset.
"Is this also part of the kissing etiquette?" she asked, her voice unsteady.
He held her gaze, his voice rough. "No. This means I like you."
Suddenly, neon lights flickered on, transforming the dimming twilight into dazzling brightness.
Her lips curved, her radiant eyes sparkling as she tilted her head slightly. "Oh."
He Siyu frowned. What did "oh" mean?
It had to mean she liked him too.
The tension in his shoulders eased, replaced by an unfamiliar lightness. A smile tugged at his lips.
She had accepted his confession.
"Let’s go visit Grandma tomorrow," he said softly.
Sang Ning shook her head. "I already made plans with Ji Yan."
His brow furrowed. Why was she always meeting Ji Yan?
"Then the day after. I’ll pick you up after work." He took her hand—so soft in his grasp.
Sang Ning looked down at her fingers enveloped in his palm, a strange warmth blooming in her chest.
Was this what love felt like?
When she lifted her gaze, she met the depths of his obsidian eyes.
After a pause, she spoke again. "I don’t want Grandma He to know about this yet."
"Why? She adores you."
He Siyu wasn’t blind—he knew the old lady had been scheming to push them together.
She approved of Sang Ning.
Sang Ning met his eyes. "But we’ve only just started. It’s too soon. I’d rather wait before telling anyone."
His frown deepened. What instability was there?
Still, today was the day she’d accepted him. He wouldn’t dwell on minor details.
"Fine."
A ringtone interrupted them. Sang Ning glanced at her phone—"Grandfather" flashed on the screen.
She released He Siyu’s hand and answered. "Grandfather."
"There’s an issue with the Xinghong contract. Come home immediately."
"Understood."
Hanging up, she turned to He Siyu. "There’s a problem with the Xinghong order handover. Grandfather wants me back."
His jaw tightened. "You already secured that deal. If there’s a handover issue, why should you be responsible for production? Can’t the Nan family handle anything without dragging you back for every little thing?"
"I don’t know the details yet. I need to check."
As she spoke, she reached for his fingers again.
He glanced down at her delicate hand entwined with his—a silent reassurance.
When he looked up, his darkened gaze burned into her. "Then kiss me once more."
An hour later, Sang Ning arrived at the Nan residence.
Before stepping out of the car, she checked her reflection in a compact mirror. Her lips were slightly swollen. Frowning, she dabbed on some balm, pressed her lips together, and exited the vehicle.
"Miss, you’re back. The master is waiting in the study," Aunt Chen said as she opened the door.
Sang Ning nodded and headed straight to the study.
"Grandfather."
Pushing the door open, she found both her grandfather and Nan Zhenming inside.
Nan Zhenming immediately lashed out. "Look at the mess you’ve made with this contract! Why didn’t you mention the condition of setting up an entirely new production line? Xinghong is demanding upgraded technology, and I only found out now when reviewing the contract! Manager Wang said you took it upon yourself to promise them a dedicated line—do you have any idea how much that costs? At this rate, there’ll be no profit left!"
Sang Ning remained composed. "I did propose it."
"Outrageous! Who gave you the authority to make such decisions for Nan Group?" Nan Zhenming roared.
She turned to her grandfather. "I assumed that beyond immediate profits, you’d prioritize forging ties with the Pei family. A first successful collaboration ensures future opportunities. Xinghong needs innovation, and by dedicating a production line, we demonstrate sincerity. Excel this year, and next year’s partnership is guaranteed. With Xinghong’s endorsement, Nan Group will secure even bigger contracts."
Her voice was steady. "I trust Grandfather isn’t shortsighted enough to miss what truly matters."
Nan Zhenming’s face twisted. "How dare you! You act without permission and now have the audacity to lecture me?"
The old man’s expression was grave, but after a moment, he nodded. "Sang Ning has a point."
Nan Zhenming: "…"
"Building a relationship with the Pei family is invaluable. This time, we must proceed with full sincerity."
Grandfather then fixed Sang Ning with a stern look. "However, acting without approval is reckless. You should have reported this."
She met his gaze earnestly. "Time was tight, and I feared reporting it would lead to rejection."
The standard procedure required Nan Zhenming’s approval—something he’d never grant.
If he had vision or courage, the Nan Group wouldn’t be stagnating under his leadership.
"You still defend yourself?"
Grandfather shot Nan Zhenming a glare. "Enough! Must you nitpick every little thing? She’s your daughter, not some outsider."
"Father, she flouts authority! Where’s the discipline in this household?"
Sang Ning’s tone turned firm. "Rigidity is the death of business. Stubborn adherence to rules without flexibility will only hinder Nan Group’s growth."
The old man nodded emphatically before reprimanding his son again. "Rules serve people, not the other way around! Your inflexibility is precisely why you couldn’t secure the Xinghong deal yourself!"
Nan Zhenming’s face paled in shock. Since when did this family disregard protocol?
"Enough. Proceed as per the contract—deliver with utmost sincerity. In business, one must always look ahead," Grandfather declared.
Sang Ning smiled. "Grandfather’s wisdom is something I’ll always remember."
Nan Zhenming clenched his jaw, forced into silence.
As Sang Ning left the study, Nan Zhenming’s voice barked behind her. "Stop right there."
She turned. "Father, is there something else?"
He scrutinized her flawless, obedient demeanor, yet beneath it, he sensed nothing but defiance.
"You dare undermine me the moment you step into the company? Do I mean nothing to you?"
Sang Ning feigned innocence. "I’m your flesh and blood. I thought… I could afford to be willful just once."
Her voice softened, laced with quiet mockery. "After all, you left me abandoned for over twenty years. Weren’t you the ones who said you owed me?"
Nan Zhenming’s retort died in his throat.
She curved her lips into a smile. "It's getting late, Dad. You should rest early."
Then she turned and went upstairs to her room.
—
Sunday, Mid-Autumn Festival.
A black Bentley glided into Wisteria Lane.
"Third Young Master is back," Nanny Zhao greeted him warmly. "Commander He, Eldest Young Master, and Second Young Master have all returned today. They’re just waiting for you to have the reunion dinner."
He Siyu stepped out of the car, his expression relaxed. "Mm."
He strode into the small Western-style house and pushed the door open, only to be met with a stifling atmosphere in the living room.
Commander He and Grandma He sat on the main sofa, while He Yunzhou and He Jinxing occupied the left couch.
At the sound of He Siyu entering, Commander He fixed him with a dark glare.
He Siyu lifted his eyelids and smirked. "What’s this? A reunion dinner or a trap?"
