The boardroom scene was still lingering in everyone's mind when Su Ning turned her gaze toward Yang Feng the managing director who had been trembling in her presence since the start of the meeting.
"Director Yang," her voice was soft, but it carried an undeniable authority.
Zhao Qi immediately straightened. "Yes, Miss Su!"
"I want to see your office," she said, rising gracefully from the chairman's seat.
He blinked once, then nearly stumbled over himself as he hurriedly nodded. "Of course, of course. Please—this way!"
Yang Feng's office was a wide, polished suite on the top floor, its French windows opening up to the bustling skyline of City F. The desk was lined with perfectly arranged files, and a crystal chandelier spilled warm light onto the plush carpet.
As soon as Su Ning stepped in, Yang Feng gestured nervously to the couch. "Miss Su, please sit."
She sat down elegantly, crossing her legs with an air that made her school uniform look like a tailored designer piece. Yang Feng's secretary came rushing in, setting down a steaming cup of fragrant Longjing tea in front of Su Ning with trembling hands before bowing deeply and retreating.
When the door closed, Su Ning lifted the porcelain cup to her lips. Her calm eyes flickered toward Yang Feng, who was standing stiffly across from her.
"Sit," she ordered lightly.
"Yes!" He obeyed at once, perching on the edge of the couch opposite her, his back straight, sweat gathering faintly on his brow.
Su Ning swirled the tea lazily before asking, "Tell me about your company's best properties. Villas, apartments—the most luxurious projects you have completed or are currently developing."
Yang Feng blinked, then quickly leaned forward. "Yes, Miss Su. Currently, Shennan Real Estates oversees several premium projects: the Heavenly Cloud Residences in the Capital, the Azure Lake Villas near the outskirts of City F, and the Crown Imperial Tower, which dominates the financial district. Among these, the Azure Lake Villas are newly completed, each with private gardens and direct access to the artificial lake. They are… extremely exclusive."
Su Ning's lips curved faintly. "Good. Arrange one of the Azure Lake Villas for me. Prepare the property documents—I'll sign them soon."
Yang Feng's hands trembled slightly as he bowed from his seat. "At once, Miss Su! Consider it done before sunset."
She set her teacup down with a delicate click. Her voice dropped lower, cold but steady. "And Director Yang…"
His heart leapt into his throat. "Yes, Miss Su?"
"Oversee this company diligently. I don't like waste, and I don't tolerate betrayal. Every major report comes to me first. Understand?"
Yang Feng swallowed hard. "Y-Yes! I swear, I will personally ensure everything is in order. Shennan Real Estates will flourish under your command."
Su Ning stood gracefully, smoothing her skirt. Yang Feng rose so fast he nearly knocked over the table, bowing so low that his forehead almost brushed the floor.
Rumors had already begun spreading like wildfire through the building: the new boss of Shennan Real Estates was a sixteen-year-old girl.
When Su Ning stepped out of Yang Feng's office, dozens of managers and executives were already waiting in the hallway, lined up on both sides, bowing deeply. Their voices rang in unison:
"Respectfully sending off Miss Su!"
The sight was so surreal that passing employees gawked in disbelief.
Yang Feng himself escorted her all the way to the lobby, his smile fixed, his posture bent in reverence. Just before she left the revolving glass doors, he offered timidly, "Miss Su, may I arrange the company car to take you home?"
Su Ning shook her head faintly, her expression indifferent. "No need."
With that, she walked off into the busy street, leaving the stunned crowd behind.
Turning into a quiet alley, Su Ning exhaled softly, then her body blurred.
In the blink of an eye, her figure vanished into mist, shadows folding around her form as though the night itself had swallowed her. A heartbeat later, she appeared before her villa's gates—miles away—her hair fluttering, her breath steady.
It was as if she had teleported.
Her heart thudded wildly with exhilaration. The Shadow Ghost Steps wasn't just a martial art. It was transcendent.
She darted forward again, vanishing and reappearing on the balcony above her villa. Her laughter slipped past her lips, light and genuine. But just as she prepared to go around a few more times, she stopped.
Chen Anya.
She had promised to meet her parents soon.
Inside her villa, Su Ning drew a warm bubble bath. The scented foam caressed her skin as she leaned back, her thoughts calm, her mind sharp. When she emerged, her skin glowed faintly, supple and radiant like porcelain kissed by moonlight.
She was dressed in a tailored off-shoulder Chanel blouse, soft ivory with gold threading at the cuffs, a sleek, high-waisted Gucci pencil skirt that hugged her slender curves perfectly.
Her Louboutin stilettos, glossy black with red soles that gleamed under the light, a delicate pair of Cartier diamond drop earrings, sparkling with every subtle movement and her handbag—a limited edition Hermès Kelly in sapphire blue leather—rested gracefully on her wrist.
Every detail was flawless. She looked like she had stepped off the cover of a luxury magazine.
She also took a long Chen Anya's gift along.
In the garage, her BMW stood polished, but her gaze fell instead on the matte-black Phantom IX Sport, sleek and predatory.
She smiled faintly. Tonight, she would drive herself.
She had just slid into the driver's seat when her phone buzzed.
"Anya?" she answered.
On the other end, Chen Anya's voice shook with panic. "Su Ning! My dad—he's at the police station! He… he offended someone rich and they arrested him. What do I do?!"
Su Ning's eyes narrowed, her voice calm and steady. "Which station?"
Anya sobbed out the name, her words tumbling over each other.
"Calm down," Su Ning cut in firmly. "I'm on my way. Don't panic."
She hung up before Anya could reply.
Su Ning's fingers tapped the wheel once before she dialed another number.
The call connected almost instantly.
"Miss Su!" Mu Fucheng's tone was bright with delight. "What an honor to receive your call—"
Su Ning interrupted softly. "I need information. Do you know anyone at the Municipal Police Station? My friend's father has been detained. He needs to be released immediately."
Mu Fucheng hesitated only a second before replying swiftly, "Miss Su, say no more. I will personally call the Inspector General of City F this instant."
"Thanks." Su Ning ended the call.
Her eyes gleamed as she pressed the accelerator. The Phantom IX roared to life, surging down the city streets like a predator unleashed.
When she arrived, the scene was chaotic. Chen Anya was in tears at the entrance, clinging to her mother's arm. Both women froze when they saw Su Ning enters.
Anya's mother's eyes widened at the sight of the girl's elegance and poise. She opened her mouth but said nothing, too stunned.
Anya ran to Su Ning, choking on sobs. "Ning… they took my dad! They—"
"Its okay Anya." Su Ning brushed her friend's tears away with cool fingers. "He'll be out soon."
Then she turned to Chen Anya's mother.
"Aunty"
"Ning child, you didn't have to come" the older woman said gently.
"Don't worry Aunty, it will be fine" Su Ning assured her.
Almost on cue, the heavy doors of the station burst open. The station chief ran inside, face pale, voice booming like thunder.
"Who did you just arrest? Release him! Immediately!"
The officers scrambled, terrified. Moments later, Chen Anya's father stumbled out, confused and shaken, while the station chief bowed deeply before him.
"Sir, please forgive us! It was a misunderstanding! You are free to go, On behalf of the station, I apologize!"
Gasps spread through the onlookers. Even Anya's mother covered her mouth in shock.
A wealthy woman in a fur coat—clearly the one responsible for the arrest—stepped forward, her voice shrill. "What is the meaning of this?! Do you know who I am? How dare you release him—"
"Shut your mouth!" the station chief roared, his voice cracking with fury. "I just received a direct call from the Inspector General himself! If you cause more trouble, you'll find yourself behind these bars instead!"
The crowd went deathly silent.
Whispers broke out.
"Who is that man?"
"How does a man like him have this kind of backing?"
Even Chen Anya's father stood frozen, bewildered. He turned toward his family, then saw Su Ning standing calmly beside them.
"Su Ning" he greeted as he walked towards them.
"Dad!" Anya cried, hugging him tightly.
Her father patted her back, still in shock. "How… how did this happen?"
Anya glanced at Su Ning, her voice trembling. "It was because of her. Su Ning did it."
Her parents both turned wide eyes toward the girl, their disbelief plain. Before the flood of questions could start, Su Ning's calm voice cut through.
"Let's go home. I'll explain there."
Outside, eyes followed them in disbelief as Su Ning guided the Chen family toward the Phantom IX. Gasps echoed as the sleek car's doors opened.
"That's… that's a Phantom IX Sport!"
"Worth tens of millions!"
"Who is that girl?!"
Chen Anya's parents froze at the sight, horror and awe on their faces. "We… we can't possibly—" her father stammered.
"Its okay, we need to leave this place," Su Ning said simply, her tone brooking no refusal.
Anya slipped into the passenger seat, while her parents carefully slid into the back, their movements stiff and cautious as though afraid to dirty the car.
The engine purred to life. The city lights reflected on the sleek windshield as Su Ning steered smoothly into the night.
The ride was silent, tense with unspoken questions.
But in the front seat, Su Ning's eyes were steady, her aura unshakable.