Others were momentarily stunned and began to praise out loud.
“Yes, not bad.”
“What the old leader said makes sense.”
Beside the old factory director stood a middle-aged man in military uniform. His brows were sharp and cold, his entire presence like a drawn blade—sharp and imposing.
He looked at the lively group leaving in the distance and narrowed his eyes, his voice unreadable.
“…I didn’t expect Comrade Ning’s family to be so lively.”
What surprised him even more was that Ning Zhongyi, after marrying Wen Ya, had not treated her well—causing her to die young.
He even mistreated the child she left behind.
He really had grown bold!
The old factory director shook his head, his expression filled with sympathy.
“…That little girl has had it rough.”
Before she caused a scene today, no one knew how much injustice she had suffered.
As for Ning Zhongyi—he had ability, yes, but he was far too muddled in personal matters. He was not fit for important responsibilities.
Ning You had no idea that her actions today had actually cost her scumbag father a promotion opportunity. If she had known, she would have been very pleased.
After finishing his remarks, the old factory director turned away first.
The people accompanying him hurried to follow.
“Old director, we’re not continuing the inspection?”
The old man’s loud voice rang out:
“Inspect my foot! I’m already retired. Retirement means fishing and growing flowers. Why the hell am I still worrying about this? You deal with it yourselves!”
Although he was in his sixties, he was still very agile. In just a few steps he had left the others behind.
The rest looked at each other and quickly chased after him.
“Don’t keep bothering me, get lost!”
Someone shamelessly persisted, “Old director, we’re not trying to bother you. This is a serious matter. You have experience and good judgment—please help us just this once. We’re begging you.”
The old director got goosebumps from their almost coquettish tone.
Unable to refuse any longer, he finally left a sentence:
“…The earlier candidates are all decent.”
Then he added, thinking of what he had just seen, shaking his head:
“If it were up to me, I’d choose the one with good character. Their abilities are similar, but someone righteous and loyal is more reliable.”
This was almost a direct jab at Ning Zhongyi.
Everyone present understood the old director’s dislike for him and silently crossed his name off in their minds.
Someone with poor character would only drag the whole team down.
Reject him. Must reject him.
…
Ning You, holding the agreement in her hand, was sent back to the entrance of the building by enthusiastic neighbors.
Before she entered, Liao Hongmei stepped forward and lowered her voice:
“Little You, if your father and stepmother still treat you like a servant, come find me. I’ll stand up for you.”
Of course, she wasn’t purely kind-hearted. What she said today had likely offended Comrade Ning. If she could completely crush the Ning family, she wouldn’t have to worry.
Ning You, with the original owner’s memories, understood the importance of social background and naturally wouldn’t be easily fooled.
On the surface, she looked touched and slightly confused.
“…Thank you.”
Liao Hongmei smiled brightly. “No need to thank me. I just feel sorry for you.”
Ning You thought to herself: Heh. If you really felt sorry, you wouldn’t be plotting against me.
Everyone’s just acting. No need for some moral drama.
After returning home, Ning You found the living room empty.
She curled her lips slightly.
Very sensible of them.
She glanced at where she had left her things earlier—empty.
Not surprised.
She walked over and knocked on Ning Hong’s door.
…
In the master bedroom.
Ning Zhongyi sat leaning against the bed, eyes half-closed, resting.
Recently, there had been rumors in the factory about forming a red infrared searchlight research team. His ambition was stirred.
If he became the project leader, it would bring great benefits. If successful, he might even get an audience with a top leader.
He absolutely had to win this position.
Thinking of this, Ning Zhongyi’s expression tightened. He looked at He Meili, who was applying snow cream.
“Don’t provoke Ning You these days. Whatever she wants to do, let her. I’m at a critical stage in my career. Don’t drag me down.”
He Meili felt displeased at having to tolerate that humiliating little brat but didn’t dare ruin her husband’s plans.
She nodded obediently.
“Alright, I understand.”
Her expression was gentle and virtuous.
Still resentful toward Ning You, she rolled her eyes and said with a smile:
“Before we know it, Ning You is about to turn eighteen. Should we start thinking about finding her a match?”
Ning Zhongyi lifted his eyelids and glanced at her, his gaze deep and unreadable.
He didn’t respond immediately.
He Meili felt the weight of his stare and quickly explained:
“I’m her stepmother, it wouldn’t be appropriate for me to handle her marriage. It might cause trouble again. You’re her biological father—you should take care of it.”
Her tone was humble and self-aware, even slightly self-mocking. A very skillful move.
After a moment, Ning Zhongyi lightly tapped his thigh, still silent.
He was not an unattractive man. Having married Wen Ya, a refined young lady from an ivory-tower upbringing, his appearance was decent—straight brows, average features, but an air of authority from his position.
To someone like He Meili, who valued comfort and status, he practically glowed.
She looked at him with admiration and affection.
“Stepmother is still mother. You should pay attention to Ning You’s marriage. As you said, she’s grown up—look into it secretly.”
He had no intention of raising a daughter with too many thoughts and no sense of keeping family matters private.
He simply set his stance—no other instructions, not even a reminder to choose a decent match.
He completely ignored He Meili’s malice toward Ning You, leaving his biological daughter’s marriage to be manipulated.
Cold and indifferent to the extreme.
He Meili smiled in satisfaction. “Alright, I’ll do as you say.”
She had heard that the son of the steam turbine factory director was currently being matched.
Wasn’t that perfect for Ning You?
Such a good match—she was already climbing high by even being considered.
As for rumors that the man had mental issues or hit people when he went crazy? So what? Without flaws, someone like Ning You wouldn’t even qualify.
That’s reality.
To live well, one always has to lose something.
…
Meanwhile, Ning You had no idea her stepmother had already started plotting against her again.
At this moment, she stood in Ning Hong’s room, and a flood of memories surged into her mind.
A cold light flashed in her eyes.
This room had been personally decorated by Wen Ya—the original owner’s mother—for her precious daughter. Everything inside was the best.
And then there was the storage room she was later forced into—
No chair, a hard bed, and lying on it felt like every bone was stiff. It was unbearable.
The contrast was too harsh.
Ning You’s fists clenched instantly.
Just then, Ning Hong snapped, “Why are you knocking on my door?”
Ning You didn’t bother replying.
She punched her straight in the eye.
“Here to teach you a lesson!”
She had brought a wooden pestle with her.
Before Ning Hong, who was already holding her eye and screaming, could react, Ning You raised the pestle and started hitting her.
Ning Hong screamed:
“Ning You, are you crazy?! Stop—ahhh!”