"He Siyu."
Sang Ning's voice came from behind. He immediately hung up the phone, turned around, and lowered his gaze. "You're done?"
Sang Ning paused, unsure if it was her imagination, but for a fleeting moment, she thought she saw a dark, ruthless glint in his eyes.
When she looked up at him again, his expression had softened, his voice deliberately gentle. "The ceremony is about to start. Let's take our seats first."
Sang Ning nodded. "Okay."
He took her hand and led her to the head table on the far right.
Pei Songhan sat at the adjacent table, watching as He Siyu openly walked in holding Sang Ning's hand. She let him guide her, their movements so natural it seemed like a long-established habit.
Yet she had refused even a single meal with him, claiming it was due to traditional reservations.
When rumors about them had spread, she had distanced herself from him. But when gossip linked her to He Siyu, she acknowledged him without hesitation.
Pei Songhan pressed his lips together, his usually calm eyes clouded with bitterness.
Mrs. Pei frowned disapprovingly. "This He Siyu is truly outrageous. Bringing a mere girlfriend to such an occasion—how inappropriate."
President Pei shook his head. "Given He Siyu's temperament, nothing he does surprises me. The He Family will have their hands full again."
Mrs. Pei sighed. "Thankfully, Songhan has always been sensible. He’s never given us any trouble."
President Pei shot Pei Songhan a sharp glance, his tone laced with warning. "But we can’t let him act recklessly either. Songhan’s marriage should be settled as soon as possible. This time, there must be no mistakes."
Pei Songhan lowered his eyes without responding.
The rest of the guests had already taken their seats. He Siyu, ever the center of attention, drew eyes the moment he entered. Naturally, those gazes also fell on Sang Ning, scrutinizing her as hushed whispers spread.
"Is that He Siyu’s girlfriend? Which family is she from? Doesn’t seem very prestigious."
"The Nan family—not high-ranking, but it looks like He Siyu is serious about her."
"Huiyao already released an official statement. This isn’t some casual fling. The question is, what does the He Family think?"
"Exactly. What matters is whether the He Family accepts her. Otherwise, it’s just child’s play."
"With He Siyu’s temper, I doubt the He Family can control him. Since he’s this serious, we’d better tread carefully and not provoke him."
After murmuring among themselves, the guests cast uneasy glances at He Siyu. Everyone present had witnessed the notorious troublemaker’s methods.
It didn’t matter whether the He Family approved—if He Siyu had claimed this woman, she was off-limits.
Sang Ning, unused to being openly scrutinized by so many, pursed her lips uncomfortably.
He Siyu pulled her into her seat and asked softly, "What’s wrong?"
"Nothing. It’s just... a lot of people are staring."
He Siyu replied casually, "They’re just trying to read your mood. You’ll get used to it."
Sang Ning: "..."
The lights dimmed as piano music filled the room. Gu Xingchen stepped onto the stage in a crisp suit, his usually playful face uncharacteristically tense.
At the neighboring table, Meng Lai leaned over and teased He Siyu, "Look at Gu Xingchen—what a nervous wreck. Thought he didn’t care?"
He Siyu glanced at the stage and scoffed. "Let’s hope he doesn’t."
"Ha! Who’s he fooling? We’ve known each other since childhood. If not for that incident back then, he and Ji Yan might’ve started dating in high school. He’s just stubborn."
Meng Lai suddenly realized his slip and clapped a hand over his mouth before retreating.
Beside them, Sang Ning blinked. She had just overheard something rather interesting.
The host announced enthusiastically, "Please welcome the bride!"
The banquet hall doors swung open, and a spotlight illuminated Ji Yan in her white gown.
Arm in arm with her father, she walked slowly down the flower-strewn aisle.
Gu Xingchen stepped forward, and Ji's Father placed Ji Yan’s hand in his, saying solemnly, "Take good care of her."
Gu Xingchen took a deep breath and nodded. "I will, Dad."
The word "Dad" made Ji Yan’s head spin. She maintained a graceful smile.
Hand in hand, they stepped onto the stage, exchanging rings under the officiant’s blessings.
As the ceremony concluded, thunderous applause erupted.
The moment they stepped offstage, Ji Yan immediately pulled her hand away.
"Remember our agreement—live separately," she warned.
Gu Xingchen snorted, shoving his hands into his pockets. "That’s my line. Don’t go getting any ideas about me."
Ji Yan rolled her eyes. "Relax. Every time I close my eyes, I see you in diapers. Not a single thought crosses my mind."
Gu Xingchen’s eyes widened. "Ji Yan!"
Smirking, Ji Yan lifted her chin and strode off to the dressing room. "I’m changing for the toast."
Gu Xingchen gritted his teeth in frustration.
By the time the banquet ended that evening, Sang Ning bid Ji Yan farewell and left with He Siyu.
Suddenly remembering something, she asked, "Does your family know about yesterday?"
He Siyu turned the steering wheel, unfazed. "Yeah."
"What did they say?"
"Nothing much."
She bit her lip, recalling the dark look in his eyes that morning. Something felt off.
Sensing her unease, he reached over and clasped her hand firmly. "Don’t worry. I’ll handle everything."
His large hand enveloped hers, warm and secure. Her heart softened.
"Tomorrow, we’ll visit Grandma," he said cheerfully. "She misses you."
She didn’t press further, smiling instead. "Okay."
---
The next morning.
He Family Old Mansion.
A black Cayenne pulled in, and Nanny Zhao hurried out. "The Commander is back?"
He Wanjun stepped out, his face stormy as he marched inside.
He Xingzhou followed, his expression grave with concern.
Old Madam He, tending to her plants, looked up in surprise. "What brings you back so soon?"
They had left after New Year’s—less than a month ago.
"If I hadn’t returned, this household would’ve turned upside down! Do you know about He Siyu’s mess?" He Wanjun demanded.
The old lady chuckled. "Oh, you mean Siyu and Sang Ning? They’re good together."
He Wanjun was taken aback before scowling. "That Nan Sang Ning comes from an upstart family. I looked into the Nans—nothing respectable, full of scandals. What kind of daughter could they raise? She was even entangled with Pei Songhan. A woman like that would only bring chaos into our family!"
He Xingzhou watched Old Madam He anxiously.
She waved a hand. "Sang Ning’s different. She’s well-mannered and principled. The incident with Pei Songhan was a setup—she was an innocent victim. I’ve known her for over half a year. I know her character."
He Wanjun was stunned. "Mother, you’re being far too protective of her!"
"You still doubt my judgment? Just wait till you meet her. The Nan family may not be prominent, but if it weren’t for Sang Ning, I wouldn’t even consider them. Among the younger generation of girls these days, Sang Ning is the most outstanding. If He Siyu marries her, I’d be completely at ease."
"Mom! You’re spoiling He Siyu too much!"
Old Madam He rubbed her temples. "I have a headache. I’m going to lie down for a while."
He Wanjun: "..."
At eleven o’clock, the Bentley pulled into the courtyard.
He Siyu and Sang Ning stepped out of the car.
Nanny Zhao hurried out to greet them. "Third Young Master is back, and Miss Nan is here too."
He Siyu noticed a Cayenne parked in the courtyard and his expression shifted. "Is Dad home?"
Nanny Zhao gave an awkward smile. "Yes, he returned early this morning."
"Third Young Master, please come inside," Nanny Zhao urged.
He Siyu’s brow furrowed as he recalled He Wanjun’s tone during their phone call yesterday. He worried whether his father might say something unpleasant to Sang Ning.
His steps faltered, and for a moment, he hesitated to enter.
Sang Ning’s hand, held in his, moved slightly. He turned to look at her, and she squeezed his hand in return, as if offering reassurance. "Let’s go in," she said.
His gaze lingered on her.
She smiled. "It’s the perfect chance to greet your father."
----
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