Lin Shuyan's smile instantly froze.
Ji Yan finally caught her breath and said triumphantly, "Oh! That's right! Sang Ning, weren’t you just invited to Grandma He's house for dinner tonight?"
Sang Ning nodded. "Grandma He did invite me over for dinner, saying she hadn’t seen me in a while and wanted to treat me to a meal."
"Oh my! What perfect timing! Grandma He is currently selecting a granddaughter-in-law for Third Young Master He, and I heard she’s being extremely meticulous about it! Family background, character, temperament, appearance, education—nothing can be lacking!" Ji Yan exclaimed dramatically.
Sang Ning agreed, "Yes, Grandma He comes from an aristocratic family and values etiquette and upbringing the most. Naturally, she has high standards for her granddaughter-in-law—she’d only choose a poised and well-bred lady from a distinguished family."
"As for those sharp-tongued, ill-mannered women, no matter how high their birth, Grandma He would never spare them a second glance!"
As she spoke, Ji Yan cast a leisurely glance at Lin Shuyan. "What would happen if Grandma He found out about the face you’ve been hiding behind her back, looking down on her esteemed guest?"
Lin Shuyan’s face instantly turned ashen, then deathly pale. Watching the two of them tag-teaming against her, her nails dug so deeply into her palms they nearly drew blood!
Yet she didn’t dare act recklessly anymore!
She had always presented herself as graceful and dignified in front of Grandma He because the old lady favored well-mannered young ladies from respectable families.
Over the years, Lin Shuyan had made it a point to visit the He Family during holidays, and Grandma He had always been fond of her.
But if this recording were to reach Grandma He’s ears…
She didn’t even dare imagine the consequences!
At the very least, any hope of marrying into the He Family would be completely dashed!
Seeing the tables turn, Zhan Yijun immediately shut her mouth, stiffly watching Lin Shuyan’s expression.
Lin Shuyan was in no state to settle scores with Zhan Yijun now—she was practically panicking to death.
In contrast, Sang Ning remained perfectly composed, sitting back down on the sofa and taking another sip of her milk tea.
Ji Yan also sat back down, her mood so elated she could practically float.
The tense silence lasted three full minutes before Lin Shuyan finally stiffly shuffled forward, her arrogance completely deflated.
"I spoke out of turn earlier. Can you delete the recording?"
Ji Yan sneered sarcastically, "Oh? Wasn’t Miss Lin just acting all high and mighty? Now you’re begging a favor from the granddaughter of a nouveau riche? Not looking down on her ‘low status’ anymore?"
Lin Shuyan’s face twisted in humiliation, her nails nearly breaking from how hard she clenched her fists.
Of course, she still looked down on Nan Sangning—but the marriage she had dreamed of since childhood couldn’t be ruined over something so trivial!
Grandma He commanded immense respect within the He Family. If she were to truly despise Lin Shuyan, there would be no chance left for her to marry in.
Gritting her teeth, Lin Shuyan shot a glare at Zhan Yijun. "This wouldn’t have happened if you hadn’t deliberately provoked me!"
Only now did she realize—Zhan Yijun had been using her as a pawn!
Zhan Yijun paled in fear. "I didn’t—"
Ji Yan was overjoyed—this dog-eat-dog drama was a sight to behold!
Swallowing her pride, Lin Shuyan turned back to Nan Sangning. "Can you delete the recording?"
Sang Ning set down her milk tea cup and met her gaze. "I can. But I have a condition."
Lin Shuyan suppressed the fury bubbling inside her. "What condition?"
Sang Ning raised five fingers with a smile. "Five million."
"..."
Lin Shuyan choked back her rage, grinding her teeth. Truly the granddaughter of a nouveau riche—money was all she cared about!
Through clenched teeth, she spat out, "Fine."
Sang Ning arched a brow. "Then draft a gift agreement first. Once the money is transferred and I’ve confirmed everything, I’ll delete the recording."
Lin Shuyan’s lungs nearly exploded from sheer frustration—she was even meticulous about this!
But with her back against the wall, she didn’t dare provoke her further. Suppressing her anger, she nodded stiffly, then fetched pen and paper to draft the agreement before transferring the money from her own account.
She couldn’t possibly ask her family for the money—if her parents found out about this blunder, they’d skin her alive. She had no choice but to dip into her own savings.
After verifying the agreement and the transfer, Sang Ning tucked the document away and deleted the recording in front of Lin Shuyan.
"Pleasure doing business with you, Miss Lin," Sang Ning said with a smile.
Lin Shuyan bit down hard on her molars, not daring to utter another word of defiance before storming off in a huff.
Ji Yan couldn’t stop grinning. "Did you see her face just now? I’ve never seen her so humiliated in my life—I could die laughing! Lin Shuyan has always acted like she’s too good for the world, and aside from He Siyu, you’re the only one who can put her in her place!"
Ever since befriending Nan Sangning, Ji Yan’s life had become infinitely more entertaining—drama followed them everywhere!
Sang Ning smirked and waved her phone. "I’ll treat you to shopping this afternoon."
"Deal!"
But Ji Yan still felt a little dissatisfied. "Still, why delete the recording? I’d rather skip the money and expose her to Grandma He—let’s see how she acts all high and mighty then!"
Sang Ning took a sip of milk tea and shook her head slightly. "Even if she can’t marry into the He Family, she’s still the Lin Family’s daughter. What if she comes after me for revenge? No need to stir up unnecessary trouble."
It was always wise to leave some room for reconciliation. After today’s lesson, Lin Shuyan would have to treat her with respect from now on, not daring to act recklessly again.
As for whether Lin Shuyan could marry into the He Family—that wasn’t Sang Ning’s decision to make.
Ji Yan nodded immediately. "You’re right!"
She couldn’t help but sigh. "Sang Ning, how does your brain even work? Why can’t I think like you? It’s so unfair!"
Sang Ning tilted her head slightly. "You have me, don’t you?"
Ji Yan: !!!
Ji Yan reached out and pinched her cheeks. "Woman, stop seducing me!"
---
On Monday, Sang Ning officially assumed her position as product manager at Precision Manufacturing—under the identity of the Nan Family’s eldest daughter.
The entire company was in an uproar. They had known this new hire had strong connections, but no one expected them to be this formidable!
Before meeting Nan Sangning, Team Leader Lin had mentally reviewed their past interactions eight hundred times, ensuring he hadn’t been overly rude, before mustering the courage to knock on her door.
"Manager Nan." Team Leader Lin swallowed nervously.
He had called her "Little Sang" before—surely she wouldn’t hold a grudge?
Sang Ning smiled politely. "Team Leader Lin, I’ve just taken up this position and still have much to learn. I’ll be counting on your guidance in the future."
Team Leader Lin was flattered. "Oh, I wouldn’t dare!"
Sang Ning continued warmly, "Since I’m now overseeing the bidding projects and have previously worked with your team, I’d like to continue collaborating with you. I’ve already discussed it with Manager Wang—your team will be assigned to me. Does that sound acceptable?"
Team Leader Lin’s eyes lit up in pleasant surprise. "Thank you for your trust, Manager Nan!"
The same bidding team, but under the direct leadership of the young mistress? The opportunities for advancement were incomparable!
"Then let’s work well together from now on."
"Of course! We’ll give it our all and never hold you back!"
That day, Sang Ning spent time familiarizing herself with the business operations. Grateful for her recognition, Team Leader Lin shared his knowledge generously, and Sang Ning gained invaluable insights.
At seven in the evening, Sang Ning left work and spotted the familiar Land Rover parked outside.
She was a bit surprised as she opened the car door and got in. "Didn’t you say you had a dinner event tonight?"
He Siyu was reclining in the seat with his eyes closed, lazily opening them at the sound of her voice. "Mhm. It was boring, so I made an appearance and left early."
Sang Ning smiled. "Really? I thought you and Miss Lin hadn’t seen each other in a while. Shouldn’t you have caught up for longer?"
He Siyu’s drowsy eyes suddenly sharpened as he turned to look at her.
Her expression was calm, her tone even.
Yet the corner of his lips curled into an ambiguous smile. "Nan Sangning, are you jealous?"
