Nan Siya's face instantly stiffened.
Sang Ning took two steps closer, her smile cold and mocking: "If you had the guts to march into the Zhan family right now and play the dignified first wife catching her husband cheating, I might actually respect you a little."
Nan Siya's face cycled between pale and flushed, her throat seemingly clogged, unable to utter a word.
Sang Ning withdrew her smile, brushed past her, and headed downstairs to leave.
Nan Siya immediately rushed back to her room, grabbed her phone, and dialed Chen Zheng's number.
No answer.
Her heart pounded as she frantically redialed several times, only for the call to be abruptly rejected.
Refusing to give up, she tried again—this time, he finally picked up.
"Siya, I'm busy. I'll call you later."
Nan Siya clutched the phone, teeth gritted. "Where are you?"
"At the office."
"You're at Zhan Yijun's place, aren't you?!"
Chen Zheng paused, his voice noticeably sharper: "Siya, can you stop being so unreasonable? I told you I'm busy. When will you stop acting so spoiled?"
Nan Siya turned deathly pale, tears welling in her eyes. "You're clearly—"
From the other end of the line, Zhan Yijun's impatient voice cut in faintly: "Where's my water?"
Chen Zheng immediately said to Nan Siya, "Alright, I’m still busy. Gotta go."
Then he hung up without another word.
Nan Siya gripped the phone, listening to the harsh "beep—beep—beep" of the disconnected line, her face twisted with fury.
She hurled the phone across the room, wishing she could tear Zhan Yijun, that wretched woman, to pieces right then and there.
Sang Ning's taunting words echoed in her mind again: If you had the guts to march into the Zhan family right now and play the dignified first wife catching her husband cheating, I might actually respect you a little.
Nan Siya stood frozen, trembling with rage—yet she didn’t dare take a single step forward.
Who was she to provoke Zhan Yijun?
---
Sang Ning rode to school, lost in thought the entire way.
Nan Siya’s latest foolishness had served as another reminder: the Nan family was full of schemers, and delaying certain matters too long could invite unforeseen complications.
The Nan household might appear harmonious now, but how long could that fragile facade last before crumbling?
She couldn’t afford to wait any longer. Missing the most opportune moment for herself was a risk she couldn’t take.
After school that evening, Sang Ning returned home.
The Nan family gathered for dinner as usual, the atmosphere warm and cheerful—except for Nan Siya, whose eyes were swollen and red, her mind clearly elsewhere.
The family patriarch turned to Sang Ning. "The Zhan family sent gifts today, apologizing for what happened at their wine-tasting event. I only just found out you were nearly crushed by a champagne tower there. Child, why didn’t you say anything?"
Sang Ning set down her chopsticks, her tone demure. "It was just a close call. I didn’t want Grandpa or Mom and Dad to worry. Besides, the Nan and Zhan families are collaborating now. If a small misunderstanding caused tension, I’d feel terrible."
The old man nodded appreciatively. "You’re always so thoughtful."
Even Nan Zhenming’s gaze softened. "Sang Ning always puts the family first."
Sang Ning smiled faintly. "Of course. I am a Nan, after all. I spent twenty years away, unable to fulfill my filial duties. Now that I’m finally home, I cherish this family all the more."
Wen Meiling’s eyes glistened with emotion. "You’re such a good child. Your father and I owe you so much."
The patriarch beamed. "I’d thought the Zhan family looked down on us, but for them to make such a grand gesture over a simple misunderstanding… It seems the Nan family has finally secured its place among Jing City’s elite."
Sang Ning nodded. "Naturally."
She paused, then continued, "Grandpa, I’ve been at Jing University for two months now, learning a fair bit about business. But theory and practice are two different things. I’d like to gain some real experience in the company."
The old man hesitated. "Isn’t it too soon? Maybe after a full year of studies?"
Wen Meiling chimed in, "Yes, you don’t have much background yet. Joining the company is no small matter."
Sang Ning feigned slight frustration. "At the Zhan family’s event, I met some friends. When we talked, they’d discuss their family businesses and even exchange resources. But I know nothing about ours—I couldn’t contribute at all. Missed opportunities everywhere."
At this, both the patriarch and Nan Zhenming stiffened.
Friends made at the Zhan family’s event? Those were no ordinary connections!
The old man had sent Sang Ning and Nan Siya to the wine-tasting precisely to expand the family’s network among the upper echelons.
Nan Siya, that useless girl, had done nothing but chase after men. The patriarch had nearly given up hope—until now.
Sang Ning was proving far more promising than expected.
The patriarch made his decision. "Then you’ll join the company as soon as possible. Sang Ning is sharp—two months of study should be enough."
Nan Zhenming nodded eagerly. "Yes, she’s diligent too. I’ve seen her taking online courses after school."
Sang Ning spoke earnestly. "I just don’t want to hold the Nan family back. I want to contribute as soon as I can."
The old man was moved. "Such a good child."
Nan Zhenming asked, "Which department should she join?"
"Administration," the patriarch said. "Siya��s interning there too. You can support each other."
Nan Siya’s face darkened further. Seeing Sang Ning at home was bad enough—now she’d have to work alongside her?
But Sang Ning interjected, "I’d prefer the Precision Manufacturing project."
This was the Nan Group’s core division, the backbone of their empire. While the family dabbled in other ventures, Precision Manufacturing was their foundation.
Nan Zhenming hesitated. "That’s our most critical sector. Jumping straight into it…"
Sang Ning met his gaze sincerely. "Exactly because it’s the core that I want to learn it thoroughly. For the Nan family to rise higher, we must strengthen our foundation. Once I understand Precision Manufacturing better, I can leverage future connections to bring in higher-quality resources."
The patriarch nodded thoughtfully. "That’s a fair point."
Nan Zhenming remained uneasy. This division was his domain. Letting Sang Ning in… he wasn’t sure he could control her.
So far, she’d outmaneuvered him at every turn.
He felt both guilt and resentment toward this daughter.
Sang Ning turned to Nan Muchen with a gentle smile. "Besides, the Nan family’s future will one day rest in A’Chen’s hands. He’s still in high school now, but in a few years at university, he’ll join the company and inherit this very division. As his older sister, I should pave the way for him—scout out opportunities, secure the best resources."
Nan Muchen immediately nodded in agreement. "Sis is absolutely right!"