He coldly averted his gaze.
Sang Ning also tactfully withdrew her eyes and turned to look at Ji Yan.
"Let's go take photos first!" Ji Yan pulled Sang Ning away from them, heading toward the flower-adorned bridge for pictures.
Sang Ning followed her lead.
The venue was lively, filled with laughter and chatter, so no one noticed the subtle tension between He Siyu and Sang Ning.
Then again, given He Siyu’s notoriously bad temper, it wasn’t unusual for him to disregard others’ feelings.
Ji Yan wore a sheer, blush-pink gown adorned with sparkling gemstones, her hair half-braided, exuding an uncharacteristically gentle charm.
Sang Ning, dressed in a sleek beige trench coat, stood beside her with one hand casually tucked in her pocket as Ji Yan clung to her arm, posing affectionately for the camera.
The photographer snapped several shots in quick succession, praising, "Stunning! Miss Sang and Miss Ji both have such great presence—and such chemistry!"
"Let me see, let me see!" Ji Yan eagerly grabbed the camera to review the photos, with Sang Ning leaning in to look as well.
Suddenly, someone teased, "Young Master Gu, isn’t today supposed to be your and Ji Yan’s engagement? Aren’t you two going to take a picture together?"
"No!"
"No!"
They answered in unison.
The crowd fell silent.
Everyone quickly tried to smooth things over, fearing an argument might erupt. "Well, there’s really no need for photos now. You’ll have plenty taken later when you’re on stage."
Sang Ning also reassured Ji Yan, "How about we take a few more? Otherwise, all this effort you put into looking beautiful today would go to waste."
Ji Yan scoffed but soon dragged Sang Ning back into posing happily.
Gu Xingchen couldn’t help glancing at Ji Yan—she really did look stunning today.
Meng Lai teased, "Young Master Gu, I’m genuinely looking forward to seeing your married life. Think you two will actually make it to the wedding? Don’t pull a Pei Songhan and call it off last minute."
Gu Xingchen rolled his eyes. "My rebellious phase ended at eighteen. I’m not like those lunatics."
As he spoke, he glanced at He Siyu and noticed his icy demeanor.
Gu Xingchen sidled up to him. "Why the long face? You look like you just got dumped."
He Siyu: "..."
His temple twitched, and his frosty gaze darkened with a dangerous glint as it swept over Gu Xingchen.
Gu Xingchen laughed nervously. "Just kidding! As if anyone would dare dump our Young Master He?"
Since when had he become so humorless?
"Hey, why isn’t Pei Songhan here yet?"
"He should be arriving soon. He’s been swamped lately." Gu Xingchen took a sip of his wine and shook his head. "Calling off an engagement probably cost him dearly."
"Wait, so it’s really over?" Meng Lai whispered.
"Obviously. It’s already mid-December—the wedding date’s passed. What a mess. No idea what he was thinking."
"Maybe it was a case of ‘beauty overthrowing kingdoms’?" Meng Lai joked.
"Please. He’s not like you."
He Siyu stood silently nearby, listening to their conversation, his detached gaze drifting across the crowd before settling on the woman near the flower bridge.
She was intently reviewing photos with Ji Yan, occasionally laughing and sharing comments.
His expression darkened further, and he looked away coldly.
"These shots are all amazing! Sang Ning, you’re so photogenic!" Ji Yan gushed.
She turned to the photographer. "Please send me the photos as soon as possible."
"Don’t worry, Miss Ji. I’ll have them ready by this afternoon."
"Perfect!"
Ji Yan tugged Sang Ning toward the exit. "Let’s head to the dressing room. It’s too crowded here, and I have something to tell you..."
Just as they stepped out, a familiar voice called, "Miss Sang."
Sang Ning paused and looked up, meeting Pei Songhan’s gaze.
She greeted him politely. "Young Master Pei."
Ji Yan brightened. "Pei Songhan! You made it! I thought you weren’t coming. Did you settle things at home?"
Pei Songhan nodded, his eyes still on Sang Ning. "It’s handled."
Sang Ning was puzzled. Handled what?
But since it was a private matter, she didn’t pry.
"Xiao Yan," Mrs. Ji called out.
"Mom?"
"Come greet the guests. An important visitor just arrived."
"Okay." Ji Yan gave Sang Ning’s hand a squeeze. "See you in the dressing room."
Sang Ning nodded. "Alright."
Ji Yan hurried off, leaving Sang Ning alone with Pei Songhan. She was about to excuse herself when he spoke again.
"I heard about your promotion. Should I call you ‘Director Sang’ now? Congratulations."
Sang Ning smiled. "Thank you."
"I’ve been preoccupied with family matters lately, so I handed the Xinghong project to Manager Zheng. From now on, I’ll oversee it personally."
Sang Ning inclined her head slightly. "Since you’re taking charge, we’ll naturally give it our all."
He chuckled. "Aren’t you going to ask what kept me so busy?"
Sang Ning hesitated. "What were you busy with?"
His voice was calm. "I called off my engagement."
Her breath caught.
He what? How could he just cancel an engagement like that?
No wonder he’d been absent lately—even Ji Yan had been shocked.
Sang Ning didn’t know how to respond.
Any polite remark felt inappropriate.
"Songhan." Gu Xingchen appeared just then, slinging an arm around Pei Songhan’s shoulders. "Glad you showed up."
Pei Songhan smiled. "Wouldn’t miss your engagement."
"That’s my brother!"
Gu Xingchen studied him. "You’ve had a rough time, huh? You’ve lost weight."
Pei Songhan shrugged. "It’s fine."
Sang Ning seized the moment. "I’ll head to the dressing room to wait for Ji Yan."
Pei Songhan nodded. "Of course."
As she walked away, his gaze lingered on her.
Gu Xingchen clapped Pei Songhan’s shoulder. "Siyu and the others are inside. I’ll go welcome more guests."
Pei Songhan finally looked away. "Sure."
Gu Xingchen headed out, while Pei Songhan turned toward the banquet hall—only to find He Siyu and the others standing nearby.
"Songhan, you’re here!"
Their childhood friends greeted him warmly. "Did your dad let you live?"
Pei Songhan smirked. "Barely."
"Damn, I never knew you had such a spine," Meng Lai said, punching his arm lightly.
"But was it worth it? You’ve pissed off both families. What a mess."
Pei Songhan just smiled without answering.
"So… it’s really over?" someone pressed.
Pei Songhan turned, his eyes meeting He Siyu’s silent stare. His tone was even.
"Yes. It’s done."