After finishing work around 5:30 p.m., Sang Ning headed straight to Wisteria Lane.
As usual, she took a taxi there.
Uncle Zhang was someone arranged by her grandfather. Removing him rashly might alert others, and keeping him around could prove useful later. For now, Sang Ning decided not to disturb this piece on the board.
"Miss Nan is here," Nanny Zhao greeted her warmly.
"Nanny Zhao."
"I just finished preparing dinner, waiting for you to arrive."
Sang Ning entered the courtyard and pushed open the door to the small Western-style house. "Grandma He."
Her gaze lifted, landing on the man sitting on the sofa flipping through a magazine. Her smile faltered slightly.
Why was he back too?!
He Siyu looked up, meeting her eyes. His dark, inscrutable gaze revealed nothing before he lowered them again, continuing to browse the magazine.
"Sang Ning, you're here! Come, let's eat. Nanny Zhao has already set the table," Grandma He said, stepping out of the dining room with a cheerful smile as she took Sang Ning's hand.
Sang Ning forced a smile. "Thank you, Grandma He."
"Come, come, let's eat."
Grandma He led Sang Ning to the dining table, where they took their seats. He Siyu casually tossed the magazine aside and followed them in.
At the table, Grandma He occupied the head seat, while He Siyu and Nan Sang Ning sat opposite each other on either side.
The table was laden with dishes, and Grandma He was in high spirits.
"It's been almost half a month since I last saw you. You've gotten thinner from all the work," Grandma He said, serving Sang Ning some food. "You mustn’t overwork yourself, no matter how busy you are."
Sang Ning curved her lips. "I know."
Grandma He then placed a shrimp on He Siyu's plate. "A-Yu has also been so busy lately, barely seen at home. You young people have so much going on, while an idle old woman like me feels like an extra."
Sang Ning quickly reassured her, "Grandma He, don’t say that. Without you, this house wouldn’t feel like a home."
Grandma He patted her hand. "You’re so sweet. That grandson of mine never has a kind word to say."
Sang Ning smiled. "Mr. He just isn’t one for words, but his care is there."
He Siyu replied leisurely, "Miss Nan is indeed thoughtful, always knowing just what to say to warm hearts and lift spirits."
Seeing them interact so harmoniously, Grandma He felt reassured and nodded happily.
"Yes, as long as you both understand!"
An oddly warm atmosphere settled over the table.
Sang Ning glanced up, meeting He Siyu’s gaze.
She hadn’t expected to share a meal with him again, let alone one so "peaceful."
Given his temperament, she’d assumed that if Grandma He invited her to the old house, he would refuse to set foot in it.
Grandma He turned to Sang Ning. "If you ever need help, just ask A-Yu. Don’t hesitate."
She then instructed He Siyu, "And you, look out for Sang Ning more."
Sang Ning smiled. "Mr. He has always been kind, offering me plenty of assistance."
He Siyu smirked. "Miss Nan is also very appreciative, showering me with gratitude."
Grandma He nodded in satisfaction. "As long as you support each other, that’s what matters."
After dinner, Grandma He insisted that He Siyu drive Sang Ning home.
He Siyu agreed, and Sang Ning thanked him politely before they left.
Once the car pulled out of the courtyard, Sang Ning’s smile faded.
"Please drop me off downtown."
He Siyu glanced at her. "Miss Nan isn’t holding back now, I see."
Catching his sarcasm, she didn’t respond.
Her phone buzzed—a message from Ye Qian:
[Huiyao has decided to invest in us!!!]
Attached was a confirmation email from Huiyao.
Sang Ning frowned, opening the image before turning to He Siyu.
"Did President He approve the AI medical project out of respect for Grandma He?" she asked.
He Siyu kept his eyes on the road, lips pressed thin. "I never said I wouldn’t invest."
Sang Ning nodded. "Then thank you, President He."
After all, it was Ye Qian and Zhang Liang’s hard work—she didn’t want any complications because of her.
Silence filled the car again.
After a long pause, he suddenly spoke.
"‘The masses’—I’ve never paid them much mind."
Sang Ning stiffened slightly.
Still staring ahead, he continued, "Have you?"
She turned to him. "At least I see them more clearly than you do."
"Then… did you see me?"