Chapter 183: Sisters and Friends

Chapter update reminder: Chapter 182: Sisters and Friends, reading address.

For the next two days, the four of them spent most of their time in the villa, only occasionally going out for a walk.

Equipment will occasionally drop in the villa's living room, sofa, swimming pool, balcony, stairs, and even the kitchen counter.

Includes, but is not limited to:

Women's clothing, pet supplies, educational materials, electronic toys, and tails and ears of all kinds of cute little animals...

Before we knew it, it was the last night of the holiday.

The sea breeze blew in through the floor-to-ceiling windows, causing the sheer curtains to sway gently.

Ding Heng sat alone on the balcony, holding a cup of cold tea, gazing at the distant sea.

"Boss."

Lin Man sat down next to Ding Heng.

She wore a light gray cotton nightgown, her long hair was loose, and she looked as simple and plain as a girl next door.

Ding Heng turned his head: "Why aren't you sleeping?"

"They're just here to keep the boss company."

"What about the other two?"

"Going to sleep."

Lin Man yawned: "They barely slept a few hours today, they collapsed the moment their heads hit the pillow. Boss, does your medicine have any side effects?"

"What, are you afraid I'll harm you?"

"Then they are willing to do it."

Lin Manchong blinked at him, her allure still undiminished.

"Boss, did you have fun these past few days?"

"good."

Ding Heng took a sip of her iced tea: "You've made good arrangements."

"hey-hey!"

Lin Man's eyebrows curved into crescents, like a little girl who had just received praise from her teacher.

Ding Heng reached out and pulled her into his arms.

Lin Man simply lay down, resting her head on Ding Heng's lap, curling up in the wicker chair, and looking up at the stars.

Ding Heng ran his fingers through her silver-gray hair, gently touching her scalp.

The wicked fox squinted comfortably, nestled obediently and docilely in its owner's arms.

Ding Heng asked, "Something on your mind?"

Lin Man confessed, "My eldest uncle's 60th birthday is in mid-May, so I have to go back. I asked my boss for leave in advance."

"Didn't you say you didn't want to associate with your maternal grandfather's relatives?"

"I don't want to, but that's all I want to do."

Lin Man sighed, "After my grandfather passes away, my eldest uncle will be the head of the family. I'll still have to ask him for money, so I can't afford to make things too strained."

"What, are you worried that I won't give you enough money in the future?"

"Um... Boss, you know I didn't mean that~"

Lin Man tried to use her charm to steer the conversation away, and Ding Heng didn't press the issue.

From Ding Heng's perspective, he was 99% certain that he could guarantee Lin Man's investment returns.

But for Lin Man, betting on Ding Heng still carries unknown risks, so she must leave herself a way out.

Thinking about it that way, this silly fox is actually quite awkward.

He clearly hated the Lin family to the core, yet he couldn't let go of the comfortable life they provided, leading to self-loathing and further psychological obsession.

Lin Man added, "More importantly, my mother insisted that I must go."

"Your mother? When did you last see her?"

"It was her birthday after Qingming Festival, and I went to see her."

Why didn't you tell me?

"Back then, they hadn't been with you for very long and didn't know your temperament, so they didn't dare tell you everything."

Lin Man pouted, her tone guilty.

Ding Heng's fingers stopped in her hair: "From now on, say what you need to say, don't hesitate."

Lin Man lifted her face from Ding Heng's palm, a bright light appearing in her foxy eyes: "Yes! Thank you, boss."

Ding Heng continued stroking her soft, long hair: "Also, it's your uncle's birthday. Do you need me to go with you?"

Lin Man froze, then looked up at him.

"Boss, you..."

"What, you're not welcome?"

"No... thank you, boss!"

She didn't say anything more, buried her face in Ding Heng's palm, closed her eyes, her breathing gradually became steady, and she fell into a deep sleep with her head on the man's lap.

The system interface quietly appeared in Ding Heng's mind.

Crown of Thorns: Lin Man

[Current Status: A Princess Defiled by Worldly Affairs]

[Penalty Value: 48%]

Atonement Value: 1%

[Refuge Value: 6%]

…………

A five-day holiday is neither too long nor too short.

It was long enough to leave tan lines on everyone, yet short enough that before you knew it, you were already back in the classroom.

May 6th, the first day of school after the holiday.

The professor stood on the podium reading from the PowerPoint presentation, his tone so calm it was like a lullaby. The audience below was drowsy, still recovering from their holiday.

Ding Heng sat in the third-to-last row, silently replying to Hua Qing's messages.

As usual, Ding Heng, Liu Chiwang, Qian Pu, and Chen Mo sat in a row.

The difference is that now, Ding Heng stands between Liu Chiwang and Qian Pu.

Before going to Hainan Island, the two of them occasionally bickered, but their relationship was still quite good.

When Qian Pu boasts, Liu Chiwang chimes in; when Liu Chiwang insults someone, Qian Pu laughs and retorts.

But after returning from Hainan Island, everything was different.

The fact that the student council's team-building activity was canceled became a thorn in the side between the two.

Liu Chiwang didn't mention it again, but his attitude said it all.

Qian Pu did try to smooth things over, taking the initiative to talk to Liu Chiwang in the dormitory, asking him if he wanted to play games together or go to the cafeteria together.

Liu Chiwang's responses were always "No need," "Never mind," or "Go by yourself," as polite as if he were talking to a stranger.

Ding Heng was caught in the middle, neither taking sides nor offering any advice.

He could understand Liu Chiwang's annoyance.

The trip involved about ten people, and Qian Pu had made all the promises—hotels, vehicles, local tour guides—but when they arrived at the destination, none of them were delivered. Anyone would be furious in that situation.

But while he understood, he didn't intend to sever ties with Qian Pu because of it.

During your four years of university, you'll see each other all the time, so there's no need to make things too awkward.

"Brother Ding."

Since Liu Chiwang ignored him, Qian Pu simply approached Ding Heng to talk, his face beaming and his tone ingratiating.

Ding Heng had just finished chatting with Hua Qing and looked up at him.

After returning from Hainan Island, Ding Heng began to be regarded as a rich second-generation heir, and Qian Pu's address changed from "Old Ding" to "Brother Ding".

Ding Heng neither offered an explanation nor maintained the situation.

He had a premonition of this ever since the day he arranged a car for Wenjing.

Ding Heng asked in a flat tone, "What?"

Qian Pu asked curiously, "Brother Ding, is your villa on Hainan Island located on the mountainside of Baiyang Bay?"

"Have you been there?"

"I've never been there, but my cousin mentioned it. A single villa in that area costs at least tens of millions. I was thinking, Brother Ding, if you own a house there, that's really impressive."

"No, it's rented."

Ding Heng remained unmoved by Qian Pu's flattery: "It's just a friend knowing the landlord, a friendly price."

"That's pretty impressive."

Qian Pu chuckled twice: "Why didn't you invite me to your BBQ the other day? It only takes me half an hour to drive there, and I could have brought you some fruit."

Ding Heng replied in his usual tone, "Hi, I was going to call you, but didn't you say you had something to do at home?"

"Yes, yes, something did happen that day."

Qian Puqian chuckled twice: "Next time you go to Hainan Island, Brother Ding, you must call me. I'll make sure everything is arranged properly for you."

Ding Heng smiled and replied dismissively, "Okay, I'll definitely do it next time."

Liu Chiwang sat on the other side of Ding Heng, and sneered when he heard this, without glancing at Qian Pu once from beginning to end.

After class, Ding Heng went to find Wen Jing as usual.

The little white rabbit's round face showed little smile, and a faint sadness lingered between its brows and eyes.

Ding Heng habitually reached out and asked, "Who upset my little Jingjing?"

Wenjing let Ding Heng rub and squeeze her, and said sullenly, "It's about Xiaoshu."

Ding Heng released his grip: "What? Her grades have slipped again?"

"We haven't retreated."

Wenjing sighed, "She's stuck between 180 and 200, unable to go up or down. You know how fast she improved when she first transferred schools? I thought she could break into the top 100, but she hasn't made any progress since."

Seeing her worried expression, Ding Heng couldn't help but laugh out loud: "Is it really that bad? She's only been at this school for a short time, and you're already expecting her to soar to great heights?"

"I'm not expecting her to soar to great heights overnight, but she should at least show some improvement..."

Wenjing pursed her lips, then suddenly mustered her courage.

"Ding Heng, I want to ask you for a favor."

"What is it?"

"that is……"

Wenjing tentatively asked, "I'd like to rent a place for Xiaoshu to commute to school..."

Ding Heng joked, "What, you want to accompany her to university? Aren't you going to go to university yourself?"

Wenjing choked.

After a long pause, she spoke again: "I... I was just thinking casually."

Ding Heng softened his tone: "Don't put too much pressure on Xiao Shu, she knows better than you do."

Wenjing nodded obediently, her tense shoulders relaxing slightly.

The two walked a little further, and Wenjing took out her phone to check the message. Zhao Yanxi had sent her a message.

Wenjing relayed, "Ding Heng, Yan hope asked if we're going to a hotel tonight?"

Ding Heng countered, "Do you want to go?"

"Hmm... if you really can't take it, it's okay to rest for a couple of days."

Her tone was gentle and incredibly sincere.

In her opinion, she had gone on too wild a few days on Hainan Island; even an ox would need a couple of days of rest.

Ding Heng stopped in his tracks and turned to look at Wen Jing.

The little white rabbit's eyes were clear and innocent; she was genuinely considering his feelings, without a hint of teasing or joking.

But when Ding Heng heard this, he felt incredibly annoyed.

no!?

How dare you question your man's ability?!

"It's fine if we don't go to the hotel."

Ding Heng said in a calm tone, "Come back to the villa with me."

Wenjing was taken aback: "Why go back to the villa?"

"Sister Jiang took the day off today, and Baima is home alone. I'm worried about leaving her alone overnight."

Am I alone?

"That's right."

"what?"

Wenjing's eyes widened.

The thought of what might happen tonight made me very anxious.

She stammered, "But I have class tomorrow..."

Ding Heng sneered.

"Don't worry, it won't cause any delays!"

-

At six o'clock in the evening, Ding Heng parked his car in the garage.

Wenjing got out of the passenger seat, carrying a large bag of groceries she had just bought from the supermarket.

As Baima went upstairs and into the house, she yawned as she walked down the stairs. Her yellow cartoon pajamas were printed with a chubby Totoro, her hair was messy, and she looked drowsy from just waking up.

"Brother! Sister-in-law!"

She chuckled and leaned closer, asking, "What brings you all here?"

"I came to see you."

Ding Heng changed into slippers: "Sister Jiang isn't here, I'm worried you'll starve. Didn't you go to school again today?"

"I stayed up all night last night, so I need to take a day off..."

Baima gave a casual reply, her gaze shifting to the large bag of groceries in Wenjing's hand: "Sister-in-law, what did you buy?"

Wenjing took things out of the bag one by one... ribs, green vegetables, tofu, eggs, and a box of strawberries.

She smiled at Pema and said, "You haven't eaten yet, have you? I'll cook you something delicious tonight."

"No, no!"

Baima was very supportive: "It's been so long since I've tasted your cooking, sister-in-law! I'm so craving it!"

"Wait, it'll be ready soon."

Wenjing tied on her apron and turned to walk towards the kitchen.

"My quiet and gentle sister-in-law is the best!"

Bai Ma kept flattering Wen Jing, making her feel embarrassed.

Turning back, Baima plopped down in front of Ding Heng, crossed her short legs, rested her chin on her hands, and tilted her head to look at him.

"Brother."

"Um?"

How was your holiday?

Sister Man even sent me several swimsuit photos, wow... I'm not envious at all, really! Not at all!

Ding Heng was both amused and exasperated: "Why don't you go out and have some fun by yourself? Make some friends, don't stay cooped up at home all day."

"Who says I don't have friends?"

Pema remained defiant, raising her voice by half an octave: "People chat with me every single day!"

"Play with me?"

"No, that's not true. They didn't cost me a penny, and they're available whenever I call!"

Who is it?

"Can I tell you?"

Baima jumped off the sofa, ran upstairs, and didn't forget to turn back and make a face at Ding Heng before disappearing around the corner.

Because I was running so fast, I didn't even notice that my phone was still on the coffee table.

Ding Heng wanted to chase after her to return it, but his gaze inadvertently swept over the screen.

Bean bag?

He scrolled up and saw that the chat history was very long.

"Doubao, what do you think I should eat today?" "Doubao, do you think my hairstyle looks good?" "Doubao, do you also think I'm boring?"

Doubao is always gentle and considerate, always responsive, and never leaves the room silent.

Is this the friend that Baima was talking about?

Ding Heng looked up at the stairwell and couldn't help but feel a sense of pity.

Dinner was a lavish meal.

Baima buried herself in her food, praising it as she ate, until Wenjing was embarrassed by the compliments.

Ding Heng, on the other hand, had little appetite and slowly ate the bowl of vegetables in front of him.

After thinking for a long time, he suddenly asked, "Wenjing, what are you planning to do about Wenshu living at school?"

Wenjing looked up, blinked, and didn't understand why Ding Heng suddenly brought this up at the dinner table.

She countered with, "So, what are your thoughts?"

Ding Heng put down his chopsticks: "Why don't we just have her move here?"

Wenjing was stunned.

Baima also stopped chewing, her eyes wide open.

"Anyway, there are plenty of empty rooms in the villa."

Ding Heng picked up his water glass and took a sip: "It's not far from her school, only a ten-minute drive. Sister Jiang usually takes care of her, so it's convenient for you to come over and cook her a meal occasionally."

Wenjing opened her mouth, then closed it again.

Her own man had made such thoughtful arrangements for her sister; it would seem pretentious for her to refuse.

Seeing that Wenjing was hesitant, Ding Heng teased, "Are you afraid that Baima will lead Wenshu astray?"

"No, no!"

Wenjing quickly shook her head: "That's not what I meant... I just thought that if Xiaoshu moved in, would it cause trouble for Baima?"

"What trouble would I cause?"

Baima swallowed the rib in her mouth and quickly waved her hand, "No trouble at all! I'm quite scared living alone in such a big house at night. Wen Shulai will keep me company!"

Ding Heng turned to Bai Ma: "You and Wen Shu met during the last Lantern Festival. You didn't dislike each other, did you?"

"How is that possible!"

Baima patted her chest and assured her, "Wen Shu is a really nice person, and she's funny too. We had a great time chatting!"

"Then it's settled."

Ding Heng made the final decision: "We'll arrange for Wen Shu to be a day student tomorrow or the day after, so she can move in directly."

"Then I'll call Xiaoshu later."

Although Wenjing felt something was off, her husband had already put it that way, so she had no room to refuse.

After dinner, the three of them went out for a stroll and returned home around ten o'clock, each preparing to go to bed early.

After taking a shower, Wenjing came out of the bathroom, changed into cotton pajamas, sat down at the dressing table, and picked up the hair dryer.

Ding Heng followed closely behind, a bath towel wrapped around his waist. He had broad shoulders and a narrow waist, and water droplets trickled down his chest muscles.

Wenjing glanced back, then quickly looked away.

She'd already been through a lot while taking a shower, and she wondered if Ding Heng would let her off the hook later...

Ding Heng stepped forward and took the hair dryer from Wen Jing, gently blowing the girl's long hair and massaging her scalp.

The hand movements were neither too light nor too heavy, the force was just right.

After her hair was completely dry, Ding Heng put down the hairdryer and reached out to pull Wen Jing into his arms.

Wenjing shrank back and pleaded softly.

"Ding Heng, aren't you really going to take a couple of days off?"

"She can't rest, or someone will say her man is no good again!"

"Well……"

"Be good, you'll get punished if you move around."

……

In the early hours of the morning, the villa finally fell completely quiet.

Wenjing nestled in Ding Heng's arms, her forehead damp with sweat, her breathing not yet fully calm, her whole body... I don't even want to move a finger.

Ding Heng placed one hand on her waist and teased, "Want to rest another day tomorrow?"

Wenjing buried her face in his chest, her voice trembling with tears, "Please call Yanxi, okay? I can't manage alone..."

Ding Heng chuckled, pinched her cheek, and felt the same way as always: "Alright, I won't tease you anymore."

Wenjing finally relaxed completely and nestled obediently in Ding Heng's arms.

After a moment of silence, Ding Heng's voice rang out again, much more serious than before.

"Quiet".

"Um?"

What are your thoughts on Wen Shu moving in?

"Didn't you already make up your mind?"

Wenjing raised her head and met Ding Heng's gaze.

"I admit, I had ulterior motives."

Ding Heng didn't beat around the bush and spoke frankly.

"You've seen Baima, too. She doesn't have many friends, and she stays at home alone every day, chatting with AI on her phone. It makes me feel really bad for her."

Wen Shu is emotionally intelligent, mature for her age, and has a clear understanding of things. Her living with Bai Ma will definitely be a positive thing for Bai Ma. But conversely, I can't say what kind of impact Bai Ma will have on Wen Shu.

First, Baima spends money extravagantly; if Wenshu follows suit, it won't be a good thing. Second, you've seen how much Baima loves playing games; no matter how strong Wenshu's self-control is, seeing her play every day will inevitably tempt her.

Ding Heng frankly admitted, "At the dinner table just now, I felt sorry for Baima and made a decision on impulse. Now that I've calmed down and thought about it, I still need to ask for your opinion."

After listening to Ding Heng's sincere speech, Wen Jing pondered for a long time.

"Ding Heng".

"Um?"

"Bai Ma only has one month left in this semester."

Wenjing analyzed, "It's only a month. Even if there are any negative effects, there's still time to correct them. Besides, Xiaoshu has been complaining to me lately that she can't get along with those rich classmates at school."

She found their conversations and games uninteresting, but she couldn't ignore them, otherwise she'd seem antisocial... She seemed quite tired, without any true friends.

Ding Heng reached out and gently brushed the tip of Wen Jing's nose: "Okay, I'll listen to you!"

Wenjing nodded obediently. After confirming Wenshu's matter, her spirits improved considerably.

Ding Heng then gently lifted her up.

Before Wenjing could react, she was already lying on top of Ding Heng.

The little white rabbit begged pitifully again, "Ding Heng..."

"Um?"

"Didn't you say you weren't going to tease me anymore?"

"I meant 'I'm not kidding,' but I didn't say 'I won't...you!'"