The entire room instantly fell into dead silence.
Nan Zhenming's face froze in shock for three full seconds before he finally snapped back to reality, his expression drastically changing as his voice rose sharply: "What?!"
Nan Zhenming urgently demanded, "When did this happen?!"
"Just a few days ago."
"Last week, the two of you were still attending the old master’s birthday banquet together! How could you just break up out of nowhere?"
Nan Zhenming glanced anxiously at the room full of business partners whose expressions were turning sour. He was practically jumping out of his skin: "This—this is just a lovers' quarrel, right? It’ll blow over in a couple of days, won’t it?"
Sang Ning lowered her eyes, her face pale and weary as she shook her head. "I asked him several times about marriage, but he kept avoiding the topic. Eventually, he got fed up and outright told me he wanted to break up. He said he was bored."
The entire room gasped in shock, their eyes nearly popping out of their sockets. Hadn’t they just made a grand public announcement of their relationship, followed by a high-profile appearance at the Nan family’s banquet, acting like they were madly in love?
And now, after just a few days, he was already bored?!
If this were anyone else, it would be unbelievable. But He Siyu, that troublemaker—nothing he did was surprising.
Manager Zheng of Hao Yong slammed his hands on the table and stood up. "So the He family never had any intention of forming an alliance! And yet you, the Nan family, had the audacity to wave the He family’s banner to swindle us! I invested tens of millions into this project, and you hand me a pile of defective goods?!"
With the He family’s marriage alliance now in ruins, the business partners were no longer so easy to placate. One by one, they pounded the table and stood up, shouting furiously.
"My project’s deadline has already been pushed past the agreed date! According to the contract, you owe me double the penalty! Pay up!"
"Nan Corporation, compensate us!"
The once well-dressed businessmen were now hurling curses, ready to roll up their sleeves and throw punches.
Nan Zhenming was drenched in sweat, desperation creeping into his voice as he turned to Sang Ning. "Sang Ning, don’t be unreasonable. A man of Young Master He’s status is bound to have some temper. You need to apologize properly and win him back! How can you just break up like this? If you just try harder, he’ll definitely—"
Sang Ning lifted her gaze, her eyes filled with sorrow. "He’s already stopped taking my calls. He said he hates clingy women, and if I keep bothering him, he’ll make sure the Nan family suffers. I never expected him to turn on me so suddenly."
Nan Zhenming looked as if he’d been struck by lightning, his face gradually paling.
The business partners grew even more furious, grabbing folders and hurling them at Nan Zhenming. "You had the nerve to flaunt a nonexistent engagement to swindle money out of us?! I won’t let this go! Pay the penalty now!"
A folder struck Nan Zhenming square on the head, leaving a swollen bump. Clutching his injury, he glared at Nan Sangning and barked, "What’s wrong with you?! You couldn’t even handle this?! Do you have any idea how much trouble you’ve caused the family?!"
Sang Ning blinked, her tone eerily calm. "Did I really cause this mess?"
Nan Zhenming stiffened, his breath hitching.
As the meeting room descended into chaos, Sang Ning stood up and said quietly, "I’ve already resigned from the company. I have no decision-making power over any of its affairs, and I don’t understand what’s being discussed here. I’ll take my leave now."
With that, she turned and strode out, shutting the conference room door firmly behind her.
Nan Zhenming roared, "Stop right there!"
The only response was the loud slam of the door.
Nan Zhenming rushed after her, desperate to hold her accountable, but the enraged business partners blocked his path.
"You think you can just run away?! I’ve had enough of you! Pay me back right now, or I won’t let this slide!"
Nan Sangning had already stepped down—cornering her was pointless. But Nan Zhenming was now the official head of Nan Corporation. If he didn’t clean up this mess, they wouldn’t let him off the hook!
Nan Zhenming was frantic, his tone turning pleading. "Everyone, please give me some time! Nan Corporation is facing cash flow issues right now, but I’ll resolve each of your projects one by one!"
"Bullshit! Didn’t you just splash out a billion to acquire Chen Corporation?! And now you’re crying poor?! So you used our money to show off, is that it?!"
Manager Zheng of Hao Yong grabbed Nan Zhenming by the collar, livid.
With their projects stalled, their investments wasted, and the Nan family’s sudden loss of the He family’s backing, none of them could stay calm.
The meeting room was in complete disarray.
Nan Zhenming had never faced such a disaster—this entire mess had become a burning hot potato!
In a panic, he dialed the old master’s number.
"Father, the company’s in trouble!"
---
Outside the conference room, Nan Wenyue and Nan Zhenxing were already waiting.
The commotion inside had left them shaken, and they hurried after Nan Sangning. "Sang Ning, isn’t this going too far? If the company’s cash flow really collapses, then—"
Then the entire Nan family could be ruined!
Sang Ning glanced at them, a faint smirk playing on her lips. "Scared?"
"O-of course not! Auntie knows what you’re capable of." Nan Wenyue forced a strained smile.
What choice did she have? Nan Sangning already had dirt on her. Helping Sang Ning was her only option.
The recent turmoil in Nan Corporation? They’d played no small part in fanning the flames behind the scenes.
Sang Ning turned away, her voice cool. "Just do as I say, Auntie and Uncle. I’ll take responsibility for everything else."
Nothing ventured, nothing gained.
If she didn’t teach the Nan family a hard lesson, they’d keep treating her like a pushover.
As Sang Ning stepped out of the company building, a black Range Rover was parked by the curb.
She walked over, pulled open the door, and got in.
"Why are you here?" She frowned slightly.
"Oh, just passing by after work." He Siyu turned the steering wheel, driving off casually. "All settled?"
"Not yet. But I did enjoy quite the show." Sang Ning’s lips curled, her eyes glinting with mischief. "The main event is still to come."
He glanced at her expression—she seemed in good spirits, not like she was still holding a grudge over last night. Seizing the opportunity, he reached over and took her hand.
"Shall we go home?"
"I need to go back to my place today."
His brow furrowed.
Just then, Sang Ning’s phone rang. She pulled her hand free.
Digging the phone out of her bag, she saw Wen Meiling’s name on the screen.
She answered. "Mom."
Wen Meiling’s voice was frantic. "Sang Ning, it’s bad! Your grandfather just collapsed from chest pains—he was so angry! He’s been rushed to Huaji Hospital. Come quickly!"
Sang Ning nodded. "I’ll be right there."
Hanging up, she turned to He Siyu. "Take me to Huaji Hospital."
"Got it." He Siyu turned the car around without hesitation.
When they arrived at the hospital entrance, Sang Ning unbuckled her seatbelt.
He Siyu reminded her, "Call me if anything happens."
"I know." Sang Ning stepped out of the car.
He Siyu sat in the car, watching her figure hurry into Huaji Hospital, just as his phone rang.
He glanced at the screen—the caller ID read: Old Madam He.
He answered, his tone casual: "Grandma."
Old Madam He sounded anxious: "I heard you broke up with Sang Ning?!"
His gaze still followed her retreating figure as he leaned back in his seat, replying nonchalantly: "Yeah, so?"