Hearing the door open, Shi Nian looked up.
"Grandma, you're here so early," she greeted softly.
"You usually sleep in," Grandmother Cheng said as she walked in. "I thought I'd check on you before you woke up—but you're already at work."
Before Shi Nian could respond, the elder continued, "Why don't you rest a bit more?"
Grandmother Cheng's gaze drifted to the coffee cup beside the laptop. Her heart ached—Shi Nian must have been up far earlier than she'd thought.
She knew the girl carried far too much responsibility on her shoulders.
Seeing her grandmother's worry, Shi Nian reached out and led her to the couch. She smiled faintly and held her hands.
"Grandma, I promise I slept well. I haven't rested this soundly in a while," she said gently.
"I just got up early to prepare for my meeting with Team Leader Qing Bai. The trip to the company takes almost three hours."
But the more she spoke, the more her grandmother's eyes filled with concern. Shi Nian's words trailed off.
Just then, the door burst open.
"I knew Grandma would be here! The grandma-and-granddaughter duo finally reunited after months apart!"
Hearing the abrupt noise and loud voice, both women looked up.
Cheng Youmin had walked in—Shi Nian's youngest cousin. It wasn't unexpected to see him this loud.
He was almost an odd variant of the family, a few years younger than Shi Nian and just starting college.
From high school till now, he'd done all sorts of mischief—from skipping classes to dyeing his hair pink and green.
Except for the good looks inherited from their family genes, he seemed to have missed out on the scholarly aura and calm disposition that defined the Chengs.
As soon as Grandma Cheng saw him—this little king of mischief—she grabbed his ears and tugged them sharply.
"How can you rush into your sister's room like that? So ungentlemanly!" she scolded.
"Ouch! Big Sis, help me! Grandma's about to beat me!" he exaggeratedly shouted, darting behind Shi Nian for cover.
Shi Nian could only smile helplessly as she watched the scene unfold.
"Come over here, Youmin. Don't think I won't lecture you just because your sister is here," Grandma Cheng warned.
Youmin shuffled forward, still holding his ears, and looked pitifully at Shi Nian as if begging for rescue.
Just as Grandma Cheng was about to grab him again, he dodged and yelled,
"Grandpa! Your precious grandson is about to be beaten by your wife again!"
Downstairs, the rest of the family was already gathered, waiting for Youmin to bring Grandma Cheng and Shi Nian for breakfast.
Hearing the commotion, they exchanged puzzled looks—and moments later, saw Youmin rushing toward them, yelling dramatically.
Behind him came Grandma Cheng and Shi Nian, both wearing equally helpless expressions.
Youmin hid behind Grandfather Cheng, only to be scolded again for causing such a ruckus so early in the morning.
"Grandpa!" he cried out, as if heartbroken by the lack of support.
"I don't have a silly grandson like you," Grandfather Cheng snorted, feigning irritation.
The family burst into laughter. Somehow, Youmin always had a way of brightening the atmosphere.
Knowing Shi Nian had to leave that morning, the air had been a bit solemn earlier.
But now, their smiles softened the mood.
They shared breakfast together—warm, lively, and full of quiet affection.
Yet when it was time for Shi Nian to leave, the warmth faded again.
Still, they knew they couldn't hold her back, no matter how much they wanted to.
So, they simply said their goodbyes.
Shi Nian's chauffeur drove swiftly to the entrance. Without hesitation, she stepped into the car.
As they passed the mansion gate, she glanced back to see the Cheng family still standing there, watching her leave.
Shi Nian's heart swelled with emotion, and she clenched her fists, looking forward.
During the ride, Shi Nian reviewed the project documents once more before deciding to close her eyes and rest briefly.
Morning traffic slowed them slightly, but eventually, they arrived at the company.
Employees greeted her warmly as she walked through the building.
Word of yesterday's meeting seemed to have spread, and the office buzzed with a noticeably more motivated energy.
Compared to yesterday, the atmosphere was brighter, more focused.
In her office, Shi Nian found Secretary Shang Wei and Bei Chuan waiting.
Shi Nian pushed the door open and led them inside without delay, moving straight into the day's discussion.
"I want Old Bai's team investment approved as soon as possible," Shi Nian instructed Bei Chuan.
"I've sent the relevant details to your email."
Though she was the chief director, Shi Nian handled major decisions herself, leaving routine matters like this to Bei Chuan.
Bei Chuan felt both surprised and honored—he had anticipated Shi Nian using him eventually, but not so soon.
She handed him the printed documents she had prepared earlier that morning.
As they discussed the project details, Secretary Shang Wei observed quietly. He was surprised she hadn't sent him away, knowing he had previously worked directly under Shi Wang.
Shang Wei thought about how Shi Wang had officially transferred him to Shi Nian's side, leaving him a few words:
"No matter what the situation over there is, I hope you inform me—that way I can help her more."
Shang Wei knew what those words truly meant. He had been sent here as a spy.
He wondered whether Shi Nian underestimated him—or if her confidence in herself was simply that strong.
Either way, he didn't want to guess. Shi Nian had been full of surprises lately, and he felt a familiar thrill—the same excitement he had once felt when first meeting Shi Beicheng.
But unfortunately, he had chosen the wrong side back then. He shook his head.
Shi Nian's voice rang, snapping him out of his thoughts.
"Secretary Shang, since you've been entrusted by my uncle to assist me, I expect your full focus," she said firmly.
"After the morning meeting, we'll inspect the laboratory and storehouses. Prepare all necessary materials for the discussion—I've already sent you an email."
She gave them a few more instructions, then gathered her laptop and documents.
With both Bei Chuan and Shang Wei following, she headed toward the meeting room.