The Real Heiress from the Countryside Turns Out to Be the Feudal Ancestor

Chapter 85

Sang Ning lifted her gaze to meet his eyes. The flickering fireworks in the night sky made it hard for her to discern the emotions in his expression.

Yet she could feel his grip on her hand tighten slightly.

Her lips curved into a smile. "I like it."

His heart skipped a beat—this was the first time she had confessed her feelings to him.

His throat bobbed as he pressed further, "Like what?"

Her eyes shimmered mischievously, her soft voice drawing out the words. "I like…"

Her gaze finally settled on his lips. She reached up, looping her arms around his neck and pulling him down.

Rising onto her toes, she kissed him. "I like kissing you."

His entire body stiffened, his mind short-circuiting as all sensation faded except for the soft press of her lips against his.

His heartbeat accelerated uncontrollably, drowning out even the clamor of the fireworks—all he could hear was the frantic pounding in his chest.

The next moment, he wrapped an arm around her waist and kissed her deeply in return.

He was always cautious, meticulously analyzing every situation from every angle to ensure logic and consequence aligned.

But right now, he chose to believe she loved him.

He didn’t need any proof.

---

The weekend ended, and Sang Ning returned to her routine internship in the tech department.

On Wednesday, Grandpa specifically instructed her to come home early—they were attending a banquet that evening.

It was a birthday celebration for the Chen family’s patriarch.

Given that the Nan and Chen families were now connected by marriage, with Nan Siya and Chen Zheng’s wedding date already set, the Nans naturally had to attend to show their respect.

The banquet was held at the Boyuan Hotel. The Nan family’s car pulled up at the entrance, and Sang Ning stepped out, following behind Grandpa and her parents as they entered.

Chen Zheng stood at the banquet hall entrance, greeting guests. When he spotted the Nans, he quickly stepped forward to exchange pleasantries. "Grandpa Nan, Uncle, Auntie."

Grandpa smiled and nodded. "You’ll have a busy night ahead."

"It’s my duty."

Chen Zheng’s gaze shifted to Nan Siya, who immediately moved to his side, linking her arm with his. "Brother Zheng."

The Nans proceeded inside, Sang Ning walking in without so much as a glance elsewhere.

Though there had been misunderstandings between the Chen and Nan families in the past, leading to some tension, business interests ultimately prevailed. With their marital ties and ongoing collaborations, a fallout was out of the question.

Moreover, the Chens had heard rumors that the Nans had recently secured ties with the Pei family, making them even more cautious about slighting them.

Bound by layers of mutual benefit, the two families had finally buried the hatchet, appearing as cordial as ever.

Grandpa Nan and the Chen patriarch exchanged hearty handshakes and greetings, the atmosphere lively with forced cheer.

Sang Ning maintained a composed and polite demeanor, watching as they exchanged hollow pleasantries with practiced smiles.

"I heard you secured the Xinghong deal—that’s one of the Pei family’s key ventures. Congratulations," Mr. Chen remarked with a smile.

Grandpa Nan chuckled and gestured toward Sang Ning. "This one was all thanks to her. She’s only been with the company a short while, but she learns quickly."

"Ah, the younger generation surpasses the old! Clearly, you’ve nurtured her well."

"Not at all, not at all." Grandpa’s grin widened.

While the conversation flowed smoothly, Chen Zhihan, standing behind them, struggled to conceal her resentment.

The Nans and Chens had reconciled, and Sang Ning was thriving.

Her own family had sacrificed her future without a second thought—forcing her into an engagement with Du Yao just to save face and secure the Du Family’s project!

Everyone else was celebrating, while she was condemned to a life married to that worthless scum.

Her expression darkened, but when she turned, she noticed Du Yao’s gaze fixed on Sang Ning.

Now that they were engaged, Du Yao naturally had to attend the Chen patriarch’s banquet.

Already seething, Chen Zhihan grew even angrier at his blatant disloyalty. "What are you staring at?"

Du Yao snapped out of his trance and rolled his eyes. "Since when do you get to question me?"

Even his own mother didn’t dare interfere.

Chen Zhihan choked back her fury, her face twisting further.

This marriage would strip her of all dignity—she could already see it.

Her nails dug into her palms as she glanced at Sang Ning through the crowd, then back at Du Yao. Lowering her voice, she taunted, "What’s the point of looking? Do you even dare touch her?"

Du Yao’s eyes flashed with interest before dimming again.

If not for that incident back then, he would’ve already had her!

But now that he was engaged to Chen Zhihan, what could he do?

Sang Ning was still a Nan family heiress, and with business ties between the Nans and Dus, his parents had explicitly warned him against causing trouble before the wedding. He didn’t dare make a move.

Chen Zhihan sneered. "Or are you just too scared?"

Du Yao bristled. "Who said I’m scared?!"

Her smile turned venomous. "Then why not try? You know, Sang Ning is famously traditional—the kind who memorizes archaic ‘women’s virtues.’ If you slept with her, she’d probably cling to you for life."

Du Yao’s expression tightened as desire and recklessness warred within him.

"But what if she makes a scene—"

"She wouldn’t dare. The Nans care too much about reputation. I’ve known them for years—if you go through with it, they’d probably rush to marry her off to you to avoid scandal."

Her words dripped with temptation.

Even if the Nans refused to bend, just seeing Sang Ning defiled by this trash would be satisfaction enough.

"Opportunities like this don’t come twice. If you want her, tonight’s your best chance."

Du Yao licked his lips, eyes gleaming.

Sang Ning sensed a slimy gaze on her and turned, meeting Du Yao’s repulsive stare.

The polite smile on her lips faded slightly as she spoke coolly, "Mr. Du."

Du Yao jolted, caught off guard—like a sewer rat suddenly dragged into the light.

He stammered, "Ah—Miss Nan."

Under the watchful eyes of their elders, Sang Ning’s tone remained courteous yet icy. "What are you looking at?"