Sang Ning’s brow twitched. "I did no such thing."
"Oh?" He leisurely curled his lips. "Then why did your question just now sound so sarcastic?"
Sang Ning’s face tightened. "I was just asking casually."
"Ah, casually—and yet you specifically asked about Miss Lin? There were at least dozens of people at today’s dinner, but she’s the one you suddenly cared about? Are you two that close?"
Sang Ning choked, her chest tightening with frustration. She regretted her momentary carelessness, giving him ammunition to corner her!
He Siyu smirked. "What was it that monk master of yours taught about feminine virtues again? Something about being tolerant, virtuous, and obedient? Three obediences and four virtues? Nan Sang Ning, jealousy is a grave sin."
Sang Ning pressed her lips together, refusing to speak.
His mood lifted. "So you really do care that much about me?"
"......"
Only then did he cheerfully take her hand, explaining with a smile, "Today’s dinner was a business banquet hosted by the Lin family. Since I’m collaborating with them professionally, skipping it wasn’t an option. I barely exchanged two words with Lin Shuyan."
Sang Ning still felt a suffocating weight in her chest and woodenly pulled her hand away.
He leaned in to kiss her. "You’re really going to be angry over this? Next time, I won’t even greet her, alright?"
Sang Ning pressed a hand against his chest, expressionless. "I suddenly recall the teachings of feminine conduct—men and women should not touch when giving or receiving. You—don’t touch me!"
"......"
The smile on He Siyu’s lips froze.
He reached for her hand again. "Sang Ning..."
She glared. "If you keep getting handsy, I’ll go home by myself."
"......"
Silently, he withdrew his hand and rubbed his nose. "Let’s go eat first."
On Tuesday, Sang Ning received the new bidding proposal.
This time, the target project was Greetech Corporation.
At ten in the morning, she gathered her team for a meeting, delegating the preparation tasks for the proposal.
"It’s not just Greetech’s detailed information—we also need data on our key competitors, Xingrui Tech’s past collaboration proposals, their personnel changes, and market research. Everyone, split the work and get it to me within three days."
Sang Ning’s instructions were clear, and the team responded with enthusiasm.
After all, most of them had worked with her to secure the big deal with Xinghong Trade, earning generous bonuses.
Anyone could see that the young miss was serious about making her mark—who wouldn’t want to ride that wave to success?
Once the meeting ended, everyone dispersed to their tasks.
As Sang Ning stepped out of the conference room, she nearly collided with a group approaching from the opposite direction.
Her gaze lifted, landing on Pei Songhan at the center of the entourage.
Nan Zhenming walked on his left, enthusiastically explaining something.
Pei Songhan nodded occasionally, but when his eyes swept the hallway, they locked onto Sang Ning’s.
She approached politely. "Vice President Pei."
Pei Songhan smiled. "Manager Nan, congratulations on your recent promotion."
Nan Zhenming waved it off. "The old man just wanted her to gain some experience in the company. We also owe thanks to Vice President Pei for letting her luck into the Xinghong deal."
Pei Songhan shook his head with a chuckle. "You’re too modest, President Nan. Manager Nan’s capabilities speak for themselves. While I was the one who approved it, partnering with Nan Group was a decision unanimously supported by our team. Manager Nan showed remarkable initiative by dedicating an entire production line for Xinghong—that kind of commitment doesn’t go unnoticed."
Nan Zhenming laughed awkwardly. "Is that so?"
Sang Ning smiled politely. "You flatter me, Vice President Pei. I’m still young and have much to learn."
Pei Songhan studied her. "I’m here today to inspect the production line. If Manager Nan has time, perhaps you could give me a tour?"
She nodded slightly. "Of course."
Nan Zhenming’s smile stiffened. Accompanying an important figure like Pei Songhan was his responsibility—now, halfway through, Sang Ning was taking over? It made him look neglectful.
Sang Ning personally led Pei Songhan to the production floor.
The assembly line had been rebuilt just last week, equipped with brand-new, cutting-edge machinery.
Having recently interned in production, Sang Ning knew every detail of its setup and explained each step with precision.
Pei Songhan lingered half a step behind, watching her professional demeanor as she elaborated—yet his mind drifted to that day at Boyuan Hotel, when she’d swung a golf club at Du Yao with chilling fury.
Those usually calm eyes had been icy and ruthless.
It struck him then—he’d never truly understood her.
"Vice President Pei, do you have any further questions?" Sang Ning paused, turning to him politely.
Pei Songhan snapped back to the present, lips quirking. "None at all."
"Shall I call in two engineers from the technical team to explain the finer production processes?"
He shook his head. "That won’t be necessary. Nan Group’s sincerity is evident, and I trust you’ll give this project your all."
Sang Ning curved her lips. "Thank you for your confidence, Vice President Pei."
He checked his watch. "It’s almost noon—how about lunch together?"
She declined courteously. "I already have plans with a friend."
Pei Songhan’s lips thinned slightly. "My apologies for the presumption."
"Shall I arrange for President Nan to join you instead? You could discuss production plans further over the meal."
"No need. Your briefing was thorough enough."
Sang Ning nodded. "Thank you again. I heard your wedding is next month?"
Pei Songhan’s gaze faltered. "Yes."
She smiled. "Congratulations."
His fingers curled imperceptibly at his sides, lips pressing tight. "Thank you."
"Manager Nan." Wang Qi’s voice cut in as she approached.
Sang Ning acknowledged her before turning back to Pei Songhan. "If you’ll excuse me, I have some matters to attend to."
"Of course." He nodded.
As she stepped away, another manager smoothly took her place.
"Manager Nan, Team Leader Lin has finished the project proposal and asked me to deliver it." Wang Qi fell into step beside her.
Sang Ning took the file. "Go ahead to lunch."
"Are you heading to the cafeteria? Let’s go together."
The two had grown close during Sang Ning’s internship.
Just as she was about to agree, her phone buzzed. She glanced at the screen.
Strawberry Cake: Come out for lunch.
Her brow furrowed. Since when did he drop by for midday meals? They usually only met after work.
Strawberry Cake: Nanny Zhao sent me with food.
Sang Ning: "......"
She locked her phone and turned to Wang Qi. "Not today—I’ve got plans."
Wang Qi grinned. "With your boyfriend?"
Sang Ning blinked. "Keep it quiet. My family doesn’t know."
"Your secret’s safe with me!"
With a smile, Sang Ning strode out of the building, file in hand.
Parked just ahead was a familiar Land Rover. She pulled open the passenger door and slid inside.
He Siyu was dressed in a business suit—a white shirt and black trousers, a stiff and formal ensemble, clearly having just arrived from the office.
He handed her the food container: "Your favorite clear-soup meatballs."
Sang Ning smiled. "President He has quite the free time, running errands for Nanny Zhao."
He Siyu replied flatly, "Oh, I’ve always been soft-hearted and obliging."
"..."
Nan Zhenming personally escorted Pei Songhan out of the company, still making every effort to cozy up to him with small talk.
Pei Songhan, accustomed to such overtures, responded with detached politeness, when his gaze suddenly landed on a familiar figure in the distance.
She pulled open the door of a Land Rover and got inside.
He paused briefly. A friend of hers?
