CHAPTER 356: CHAPTER 356: SI MINGJING: ARE YOU MY BROTHER? 1

But the most pitiable of all was Mrs. Dong.

Women truly need to be exceedingly cautious when marrying; otherwise, they might fall into an abyss, like her mother, like Mrs. Dong.

Thinking of her own mother, Si Mingjing felt some sympathy for Mrs. Dong. She asked, "What kind of person is this Mrs. Dong?"

"How would I know? Your Demon King only has room in his heart for one person. Why would I care about others?"

Mo Yinhe wasn’t interested in other women, and Si Mingjing was very satisfied with his answer.

She said, "Since I’ve come to Yecheng, I want to live well here, which means I need my own social circle. My master said that connections are very important; they help us achieve more with less effort."

She had exposed the Dong family’s scandals, but it was unclear whether Mrs. Dong was grateful or resentful towards her. If Mrs. Dong felt grateful, then she was someone worth befriending. If Mrs. Dong harbored resentment, then there would be no need for future dealings.

Mo Yinhe did not object to her making friends.

His baby once said, "I don’t want to be a climbing wisteria, boasting by borrowing your high branches; nor do I wish to be a kapok tree standing by your side, merely as the image of a tree next to yours. I want to be an oak tree, just like you—equal in strength, mutually appreciating, and mutually supporting..."

She had also said, "The best love is between equals. You are excellent, and I am not lacking. If you love me, I will reciprocate with all my love. If you tire of me, I have the means to walk away at any time, rather than desperately pleading for your love and debasing myself to dust."

He deeply admired what she said, and even more so, her values. Therefore, he would never say, "You just focus on being beautiful, and I’ll handle earning money to support the family," thus breaking the wings that allowed her to fly. He wanted even more to cultivate her. By expanding her social circle, she could gradually establish her own foundation in Yecheng, creating a network of connections that no one, including him, could take away.

Ye Junqing then told her about Yecheng’s circle of power, allowing her to deepen her understanding of the city.

"In Yecheng, aside from my father’s direct brothers who hold distinguished positions, there are several major families: the Qin Family, the Chen Family, and the Han Family.

The Qin Family, led by Qin Jianzhang, controls the Chamber of Commerce. Even Yecheng’s City Hall is becoming increasingly reliant on it, as the Chamber is a valuable aide to City Hall in managing businesses. Therefore, unless absolutely necessary, do not antagonize the Qin Family."

Si Mingjing nodded; she noted it down.

Not only did she not want to antagonize them, but she also hoped to befriend Mrs. Dong.

"What about the Chen Family? What’s their status?"

"The Chen Family comes from a scholarly lineage with a vast family enterprise and many accomplished children. Yecheng has only one comprehensive university, Yecheng University, which was founded by the Chen Family.

Although established only eight years ago, the university has already supplied many top talents to various industries. In fact, Yecheng University has now secured a spot among the top 50 universities worldwide. This truly demonstrates how formidable the Chen Family is in education and culture."

Many century-old institutions haven’t managed to break into the global top 50 universities, yet the Chen Family achieved this in just eight years.

Indeed formidable.

Si Mingjing fell silent for a moment.

Today, she had let Mrs. Chen off the hook; it was a wise decision.

"And the Han Family?"

"The Han Family was originally a media mogul in A Country. Its current head, Han Chengbei, is a close male friend of my mother. After the Atlantis Undersea Empire was revealed to the world, he identified a business opportunity in sea and land tourism. He subsequently ventured into the tourism industry and established the Starlight Travel Company. Currently, he controls half of the tourism to Atlantis. My mother owns a 20 percent share in his travel company. Due to their close relationship, my father considers him a thorn in his side."

Si Mingjing chuckled inwardly. After Ye Junqing finished speaking, he laughed as well.

Holding her tightly, he said, "Mingjing, you are not allowed to have any close male friends."

"Why? Even your mother has one."

"I said no, and that means no! This is not up for discussion!"

Mo Yinhe, true to his ruthless and bloodthirsty nature, declared, "Otherwise, I’ll slaughter him. Remember that."

Si Mingjing kicked him. "Overbearing."

Mo Yinhe, far from reflecting on his actions, pressed his advantage. "This is who I am. You have to accept the real me."

Si Mingjing couldn’t be bothered with him anymore and closed her eyes to sleep.

「The next morning」

Upon waking, she saw a phone notification: one billion had been deposited into her bank account.

She exclaimed, "Where did this come from?"

Mo Yinhe hugged her, reluctant to leave the bed, and tightened his embrace. "Chairman Qin is quite efficient."

Then, he lightly pecked her lips. Holding her soft, fragrant body, only one thought filled his mind: From now on, the king does not attend morning court.

But Si Mingjing needed to get up.

Mo Yinhe was reluctant. "Why are you getting up so early?"

Si Mingjing gave Mo Yinhe a playful, sly wink. "To attend a funeral, of course. Mrs. Dong’s husband is dead, and since I’m somewhat connected to the matter, I should go pay my respects."

She specifically chose a black pantsuit that accentuated her slender, tall figure.

Mo Yinhe squinted, his eyes tracing her form, wishing he could pull her back into bed and devour her whole.

News of Dong Shangzhi’s suicide in the police station quickly spread throughout Yecheng’s elite circles.

At the funeral, Si Mingjing saw a haggard-looking Mrs. Dong.

Halfway through the funeral, Mrs. Dong collapsed from illness and was rushed to the hospital.

「Three days later」

Si Mingjing visited Mrs. Dong in the hospital, bringing fresh flowers and nutritional supplements.

Mrs. Dong was in low spirits.

Si Mingjing consoled her, "Mrs. Dong, please accept my condolences. The deceased has passed, but the living must carry on. You are still young; you will meet a better partner in the future."

Mrs. Dong reflected on her age. "I’m already 36. I married him when I was 25. Back then, I considered him a man with great potential. He was very capable, and my father liked him a lot. Throughout these years, we’ve always been loving and affectionate. Even though I couldn’t conceive, he was always good to me and never mistreated me. But..."

Tears streamed from Mrs. Dong’s eyes. "Why did he deceive me for so many years?"

Mrs. Dong thought that even if her husband had been infertile, she wouldn’t have divorced him as long as he continued to treat her well. But he had deceived her, and with her own sister... Now, Mrs. Dong no longer knew: did her husband love her for who she was, or for her status and her billion-dollar fortune?

Si Mingjing then spoke of her own mother.

Mrs. Dong was luckier than her mother.

Perhaps hearing about another woman’s more tragic experiences gradually revitalized the haggard Mrs. Dong.

「Two days later」

Mrs. Dong was discharged from the hospital. She specially prepared a gift and visited Si Mingjing’s home to express her gratitude.

Si Mingjing received her in the living room.

Mrs. Dong said, "Over the past few days, many people have tried to console me, but I found it hard to let go. Only your words truly enlightened me. I shouldn’t wallow in past sorrows. Heaven allowed me to see Shangzhi’s true colors and freed me from a deceitful marriage. I must live well. Miss Si, thank you. You are probably the little stroke of luck Heaven sent my way."