Chapter 797
Chapter 797
As Ning Ran didn't utter a word, Nan Zhengde assumed she was against it.
“I was going to ask my wife to have this conversation with you because I thought it was going to be easier when you're both women, but I ultimately decided to speak with you directly as it's important. I'm worried that she might not convey my message accurately, so please let me know if you disagree with anything I say.” Nan Zhengde made his tone sound as gently as possible, for he didn't want to stress Ning Ran out.
“I get what you mean, Mr. Nan. The wife of Nanshi Corporation's CEO isn't just an identity. As Nan Chen's wife, I need to be capable enough,” Ning Ran said.
Nan Zhengde nodded profusely. “I knew you'd understand what I mean. I like the fact that you're sensible.”
“Despite that, I currently enjoy being an actress. I believe that working hard is the most secure way to survive without sacrificing my self-respect. I could choose to stop working and rely on Nan Chen for financial support to lead a lavish lifestyle, but that isn't what I desire.”
Nan Zhengde was straightforward with his thoughts, so Ning Ran didn't hold back and spoke candidly as well.
Hearing her words, Nan Zhengde fell silent.
In actuality, he had already talked to Nan Chen and expressed his thoughts clearly to the latter.
As he believed that Nan Chen and Ning Ran had effectively communicated and resolved the issue, he was surprised when Ning Ran opposed his statements.
Nevertheless, he appreciated Ning Ran's humility and her ability to express herself clearly.
“Young lady, in life we often have to make choices. You can't have everything you want. To attain something, you have to give up something else. If you're too greedy and want everything, in the end, you'll end up with nothing,” Nan Zhengde told her solemnly, looking her straight in the eye.
Ning Ran pondered over his words and couldn't agree more with him.
Life was about making choices at different stages, and making different choices would bring about different results.
No one was certain which option was correct.
Perhaps each choice and its corresponding outcome would have its own pros and cons.
If that was the case, how should one make a choice? Naturally, one should make a choice that would bring happiness.
Ning Ran was content with her career as an actress, as it was something she excelled at. She had the potential for success in the industry.
“Mr. Nan, I don't plan on giving up my job for the time being. Not only does it provide me with a source of income, but it also gives my life purpose. I might lead a more comfortable life and elevate my status in society if I were to give up my job to marry Nan Chen. That way, people won't look down on me. However, I still hope I can keep my job. I want to be an independent woman instead of a parasite attached to Nan Chen,” Ning Ran explained.
Upon finishing her statement, she couldn't help but feel uneasy.
She may have expressed her own thoughts, but they were conflicting with Nan Zhengde's. To be more specific, she appeared to be challenging him.
“If that's the case, you cannot be the wife of Nanshi Corporation's CEO. You don't have the energy and time to play that role.” As expected, Nan Zhengde's voice turned cold.
“I know. I dare not ask for it.”
“Aren't you afraid you'll regret your choice?” Nan Zhengde's gaze was fixed on Ning Ran.
“I may have regrets later, but I am confident in my decision as of now. Thank you for understanding, Mr. Nan. I appreciate it. Therefore, I will respect any decision you make,” Ning Ran replied earnestly.
“Good. Very well.” Nan Zhengde nodded.
Ning Ran wasn't certain if Nan Zhengde meant what he said or if he was merely being sarcastic.
She flashed him an apologetic smile.
Right then, Chai Hua came over to inform them that dinner was ready.
During dinner, Nan Zhengde did not snub Ning Ran or show any signs of anger due to their earlier conversation. Instead, he playfully teased Dabao and Erbao. Dinner went by in a pleasant atmosphere.
After dinner, Feng Wan proposed that Ning Ran join her for a stroll in the garden.
Oh no! Is she going to try to persuade me to quit acting and focus on being a housewife? I already upset Mr. Nan earlier, and now I'm going to upset Mrs. Nan too.
Ning Ran was stumped.
However, since Feng Wan had invited her for a stroll, she couldn't say no.
Ning Ran and Feng Wan slowly sauntered along the winding path in the sprawling garden of Commoner Residence.
The night air was chilly with the spring breeze, yet the sweet scent of flowers brought a comforting feeling.
Ning Ran held Feng Wan's arm. “Mrs. Nan, I'm afraid I've offended Mr. Nan today. You must side with me.”
It was impossible to avoid the topic, so she decided to mention it herself.
“Oh? How did you upset him?” Feng Wan asked with a chuckle.
“Mr. Nan wants me to stop acting and focus on my studies in order to assist Nan Chen.”
“So? You aren't willing to do so?”
“Yeah,” Ning Ran replied quickly.
Feng Wan chuckled and came to a stop. “Are you not willing to marry Nan Chen, or are you not willing to give up your job?”
“I'm not willing to give up my job.” Content rights by NôvelDr//ama.Org.
“My guess was right.” Feng Wan beamed.
“Mrs. Nan, how did you guess it? Do you think I'm foolish to think that way?”
“No, you're smart. You wouldn't be worthy of being the Nan family's granddaughter-in-law if you gave up your life to marry Nan Chen without hesitation,” Feng Wan revealed.
Ning Ran was startled. So this isn't a multiple-choice question but a thinking question?
Feng Wan continued, “If you chose to marry into the Nan family without thinking it through, that would mean you're too ambitious, hasty, and a nose of wax. The Nan family doesn't need a granddaughter-in- law like that.”
“Well...”
“My husband is old, so he's gradually losing his control over the family. The more he loses control, the more he wants to gain control. He wants everyone to heed his advice. Don't pay attention to him,” Feng Wan explained cheerfully.
Ning Ran quickly replied, “Mrs. Nan, you can ignore him, but I can't do that. If I go against his advice, I'm afraid he might get mad at me.”
A smile nudged Feng Wan's lips. “Oh, don't worry about that. He isn't that petty. I won't even have to convince him, for he will come around eventually.”
“What do you think I should do? What's your opinion on this?” Ning Ran asked.
Feng Wan halted in her tracks and glanced at Ning Ran. “Are you sure you want to hear my opinion?”
“Yes.”
“If I were you, I'd give up being an actress. That's because being Nan Chen's wife is a more meaningful and more challenging job,” Feng Wan explained.
Her words rendered Ning Ran confused. What does she mean? Didn't she say I was right to stick to my choice? Why is she saying this now?
“If you truly love acting and see a future for yourself in the industry, then by all means, continue to pursue it. However, if you have aspirations of being a part of the Nan family as well, it would be wise to also prepare yourself for that role. Work hard to improve your acting skills and also continue to better
yourself as a person. That way, when the time comes, and you feel ready, you can decide to marry into the Nan family with confidence.”
Ning Ran still couldn't understand her words.
Feng Wan did not elaborate further. Instead, she gave Ning Ran's shoulder a reassuring pat and simply said, “You'll figure it out in due time.”