Nan Zhenming suddenly felt a cold sweat break out across his back, his face stiffening.
"I'll give you five minutes to consider."
Sang Ning leisurely picked up her teacup, taking a sip. The tea wasn’t bad.
Across from her, Nan Zhenming sat rigidly, his face cycling through shades of pale and green, yet he couldn’t force out a single word.
The tension in the teahouse was thick, but Sang Ning remained perfectly composed, watching with endless patience as Nan Zhenming struggled in vain.
She had spent months with him now and knew her father inside out.
He was all bark and no bite—vain, impulsive, quick to anger, and deeply paranoid.
She had played on his suspicions, deliberately leaving clues to lure him into following her and discovering her connection with He Siyu.
Fearing the He Family’s involvement in an investigation, he would inevitably seek out Grace’s people again to renegotiate and ensure everything was airtight.
She had Lin Yuan plant a bug on him. She knew he wouldn’t dare wait.
Sure enough, he rushed to meet Grace’s representatives in a panic.
Now that she had him by the throat, his struggles were meaningless.
Five minutes later, Sang Ning set down her cup and lifted her gaze to him.
Nan Zhenming seemed to have finally been drained of all strength, his face sagging with defeat as he spoke weakly.
"I agree."
Sang Ning smiled. "Good. Then I’ll leave it to you, Dad, to clear my name regarding the leaked company secrets."
Nan Zhenming gritted his teeth. "What about the recording from the bug—?"
"You and I are on the same boat now. What’s there to worry about? If this gets out, the whole family goes down together. As long as you give me what I want, I won’t let us all end up homeless."
"Better remember that!"
Sang Ning met his eyes. "One more thing—keep my relationship with Third Young Master He a secret."
Nan Zhenming let out a cold, gritted laugh. She had the nerve to bring that up!
This girl had used He Siyu to mislead him, sending him running in circles with her deception!
He ground his teeth. "Fine."
Then he took a deep breath. "The Lin Family Bank’s daughter just returned from abroad. The He and Lin families are already discussing a marriage alliance. Once their engagement is settled, you cut ties cleanly. I won’t have any mistress scandals dragging the Nan name through the mud!"
The Nan Family was still a prominent household. Even if they couldn’t match the He Family’s status, a Nan daughter had to marry properly. Becoming some kept woman would trample the family’s dignity into the dirt.
Sang Ning replied coolly, "That’s my business."
Nan Zhenming choked on his words, instinctively wanting to scold her but not daring to push her too far.
After all, he fully believed she was capable of making them all homeless.
He stood abruptly, shooting Lin Yuan a glare before storming out.
Lin Yuan only smiled respectfully. "President Nan."
Sang Ning rose as well, turning to Lin Yuan. "Thank you for today."
Lin Yuan grinned. "Anything for Manager Nan’s orders."
Sang Ning smiled faintly and left the teahouse with her bag.
She had known Lin Yuan since her internship. After becoming a manager, she transferred his entire team under her to build her own power base.
Lin Yuan was a smart man.
---
The next morning, Sang Ning went to see the family patriarch again.
This time, the entire household was present. The old man sat sternly in the center of the living room sofa.
Nan Zhenming wiped sweat from his brow. "I never imagined Wang Zhong would do something like this. He colluded with Grace’s people on his own, selling company secrets for profit. After Sang Ning secured Grace’s big order, he deliberately leaked information to frame her."
Wen Meiling looked shocked. "Manager Wang has been with the company for years. How could he dare?"
"The longer someone’s been here, the bolder they get!" Nan Zhenming said darkly. "I confronted him yesterday, and he confessed."
The patriarch slammed his hand on the armrest. "Outrageous! Wang Zhong must be made an example of."
"Of course, Father. Leave it to me," Nan Zhenming said quickly.
The old man then turned to Sang Ning. "You were nearly wronged. I knew a sensible girl like you would never do such a thing."
Sang Ning nodded slightly. "As long as the truth is uncovered and the company is rid of a traitor, I don’t mind the hardship."
"Good girl."
Nan Zhenming added, "Sang Ning has secured two major deals for the company, proving her exceptional skill. As compensation, I think Precision Manufacturing should be handed over to her management. I also plan to transfer 10% of my shares to her. After all… she was lost to us for over twenty years. I owe her this much."
Nan Siya’s face twisted in shock.
What?!
Father was giving Nan Sang Ning control of Precision Manufacturing—and 10% of his shares?!
She didn’t even have a single share in the company yet!
"But Dad, why her?" Nan Siya blurted out.
Nan Muchen also frowned. "What about me?"
Wen Meiling hesitated. "Isn’t this too hasty? You only hold 20%. Even if divided equally among the children later, Sang Ning can’t take this much. It’s unfair."
Nan Zhenming, already irritated, shot them a glare. "Can Siya or Muchen land deals like this? They’re lucky if they don’t cause trouble for the family!"
Wen Meiling swallowed her words.
Sang Ning smiled. "Thank you for your trust, Dad."
The old man was momentarily stunned—he hadn’t expected his son to suddenly grow a conscience.
Truthfully, after Sang Ning secured those two deals, the patriarch had already considered handing Precision Manufacturing to her.
His greatest ambition now was elevating the Nan Family’s standing. He had spent his life being looked down on—called a pauper when poor, called tasteless when rich.
Now that he had wealth and power, all he wanted in his old age was respect.
Sang Ning had talent. She had accomplished what Nan Zhenming failed to for years. With her at the helm, Precision Manufacturing would take the Nan Group to new heights.
The Nan Group’s glory was his glory.
He had worried Nan Zhenming would oppose it—no father liked being overshadowed by his daughter. But to his surprise, his son proposed it himself.
The patriarch had no objections. "Very well."
As for the shares, those 20% were theirs to distribute as they pleased.
"But—" The old man’s sharp gaze suddenly locked onto Sang Ning, his tone warning. "That no-good man of yours—cut him off immediately!"
Nan Zhenming’s breath hitched. The phrase "no-good man" made his head buzz, and he instinctively held his breath.
Sang Ning pressed her lips together. "Understood."
