A single stab shatters brotherhood—this strike, guard against pride and impatience Two supreme beings from one family

Ocean City, the Shen Family Estate.

This Shen family was Brother Doudou's main branch, not the Du family's old residence. Because Du Wanyi had married out, the Du family's old residence had been given as part of her dowry. So, while it was nominally the Shen family mansion, it practically still belonged to the Du family.

The Shen family was considered a rising star. Their main branch wasn't in the central area of Ocean City; after all, not everyone was like Du Wanyi, who had absolutely no concept of money.

There was also a residence in the core area of Ocean City made entirely of pure golden thread nanmu, ebony, and other precious woods, which commanded great authority.

The prestige of being Ocean City's paramount ruler was still very high, even if it was just a thing of the past.

The Shen family's estate was located by the sea, and they had built their fortune through shipping and fishing.

Situated at an excellent fishing spot, the location was uniquely advantageous and fully equipped. Below was a specially treated partitioned cliff mouth.

Below the cliff was the convergence point of cold and warm currents, causing a large amount of nutrients to be pushed up. Phytoplankton would follow, acting as bait and triggering a series of chain reactions.

Fish.

Lots of fish, all kinds of fish!

A fisherman's dream paradise!

It was essentially a small fishing ground. If developed, it would definitely make a fortune. With an entry fee of ten thousand yuan a day, they probably wouldn't even be able to collect all the money fast enough.

For fishermen, fishing was never about the money; it was about the feeling, that thrill of struggling for half a day only to end up half-dead without catching a single fish!

Thrilling, absolutely thrilling!

They just loved the feeling of frantically throwing in bait without seeing a single fish; they loved the feeling of tossing money into the water!

There was a fishing ban period every year to allow for buffering and growth, but during this ban, recreational fishing wasn't prohibited. It's so hard to guess, why on earth could that be?

Surely it couldn't be because they only throw bait and never catch fish, right?

Oh, it probably isn't...

Fishing here didn't have that problem. You didn't even need to put bait on the hook; just casting the rod out would catch a fish. This kind of fishing was satisfying!

Dongfang Zhan and Shen Ming sat at the cliff's edge. Both wore beach shorts and sunglasses, each holding a fishing rod. Next to them was a holding tank filled with the fish they had caught...

The contract had already been signed; this was just a casual meet-up.

There was no need for much gamesmanship. Everything remained the same. After all, both families had reached such a massive scale that maintaining the status quo was the best outcome, as long as they prevented the people below them from interfering.

"Brother Dongfang, why do you look so unhappy? Have you run into something troubling?"

Shen Ming asked casually, seemingly by accident.

After laying the groundwork for so long, he could finally get straight to the point.

The reason Brother Doudou could become a lady-killer in Ocean City's aristocratic circles was not just his handsome looks, but more importantly, his brilliant mind.

To minimize the possibility of being suspected, Shen Ming waited until the two had been fishing for half an hour before speaking up.

Dongfang Zhan sighed. "Ah, I still can't hide anything from you, Brother Shen. There is indeed something troubling me, but I don't know how to bring it up."

Dongfang Zhan shook his head, looking very conflicted and troubled.

Shen Ming smiled, very talkative. "If you don't know how to bring it up, just rest for a while. Brother Dongfang, you've just been too tired lately. Go up and take a soak later, and maybe your mood will improve. Oh, I've got another fish on the line!"

Coincidentally, right after Shen Ming said this, his fishing rod moved. He had a bite.

Fishing here was truly as simple as eating and drinking. How satisfying!

The bait had been cast; now he just needed to wait patiently for the fish to bite. Patience was the one thing Shen Ming never lacked. Life was a contest of endurance at every turn.

Winners stand out, losers are out of the game. By a stroke of luck... Shen Ming had never been knocked out.

The more casually and relaxedly they chatted, the less guarded and suspicious Dongfang Zhan would be, making it much easier to backstab him later.

Since he had decided to do it, he shouldn't hesitate anymore. He had to thrust the knife all the way in!

It would be a lie to say he had no selfish motives. Although Shen Ming wasn't quite sure what his own family was plotting, he could tell that his daughter really liked Ye Cheng.

After all, in all these years, a classmate relationship like the one with Ye Cheng was the only one that had ever appeared, wasn't it?

Since his daughter liked him, as a father, he naturally had to do everything in his power. So... sorry about this, Brother Dongfang!

After agonizing for a long while, Dongfang Zhan finally spoke.

He was truly feeling suffocated with frustration. The only person around who he could talk to and trust was his younger brother Shen Ming; he couldn't trust anyone else.

His poor younger brother had been brilliant his whole life, only to stumble at the hands of some crazy woman. Ah... Dongfang Zhan felt a deep ache in his heart for him.

"Brother, I wonder if you've been paying attention to what's going on at the school lately?"

Shen Ming asked in confusion, "Did something happen at the school? Could it be that the construction contractors cut corners?"

Dongfang Zhan shook his head. "It's not that kind of problem. It's a problem with your little girl and my little girl."

"They're eighteen, they're adults now. I don't think there's anything wrong with dating, but shouldn't they at least find someone a bit more normal?"

"Sigh..."

The old father sighed. Looking at Dongfang Zhan's miserable expression, even though he already knew part of the cause, he still couldn't help but feel a bit uneasy. It wasn't just Dongfang Zhan; Su Su felt the same way.

Even if there wasn't a huge problem with Ye Cheng's character, the things he did were somewhat bizarre. How was he a normal person!

Of course, there was an even more important reason: the influence of Du Wanyi. Growing up under Du Wanyi's domination left a lingering shadow even after all these years.

One look in childhood caused childhood trauma; now grown up, one look caused adult trauma.

That incident at the hospital earlier had instantly knocked some sense into Dongfang Zhan. He wasn't some iron-blooded tough guy; he was just a pitiful middle-aged man!

He was truly scared, scared that his home would never know a day of peace in the future. Sigh...

Shen Ming rejoiced inwardly. It was finally happening.

He instantly entered combat mode, furrowing his brows with a look of utter confusion. "Brother Dongfang, what do you mean by that? Could it be that my niece Zhixia is dating someone?"

"Brother Dongfang, there's no need to be too heartbroken over this. Children will eventually leave us parents; they will grow up one day. We can't tie them to our sides for a lifetime, can we?"

"They will have their own families, their own careers..."

"Niece Zhixia is quite independent and has a mind of her own. Her judgment in people shouldn't be too bad. You can rest assured, Brother Dongfang."

Shen Ming kept steering the conversation in the wrong direction, completely packaging himself as someone who knew nothing, all to make it easier to deliver a brutal backstab next. This strike carried twenty years of skill; Brother Dongfang, you better not be able to withstand it!

Otherwise, he'd have to stab him again later...

"A mind of her own?" Dongfang Zhan smiled bitterly.

She certainly has a mind of her own. It has almost gotten to the point of severing their father-daughter relationship. In the past, when he heard others say his daughter was independent, he was thrilled and incredibly proud. Now... he couldn't even find a place to cry.

Maybe so, sigh... That crazy... cough, didn't your Wanyi tell you?

Dongfang Zhan coughed twice. Even if he didn't like Du Wanyi, she was still his good brother's wife, so he had to give some face. Calling her a crazy woman to her face wasn't very polite.

Shen Ming channeled his inner Best Actor: Tell me? Tell me what?

Uh... maybe she did, I might have just forgotten, hahaha. Shen Ming laughed it off, smiling as he took the blame for the whole thing.

Dongfang Zhan sighed. Seeing his good brother like this, he knew absolutely well that a certain crazy woman hadn't said a word, keeping his brother completely in the dark!

That damn crazy woman!!!

Furious, Dongfang Zhan completely dropped his guard around his good brother and gave Shen Ming a rough rundown of what had happened previously.

Along with some of his own thoughts.

Brother, to be honest with you, it seems your daughter also... Dongfang Zhan paused here.

Shen Ming frowned. Hanhan hasn't mentioned this to me. I'll ask her when I get back.

Then, changing the subject, Shen Ming began his performance!

If this is true, I will absolutely not agree to it!

Dongfang Zhan's robust frame shuddered!

A glimmer of hope flashed in his eyes. He knew his good brother's personality well, highly composed. He would never make empty promises without being certain. If he stated his disapproval now, it most likely meant he would maintain this attitude in the future!

Great, this was just great! Finally, someone understood him!!!

Brother Dongfang, you and I both know how our circle works. Countless people want to get in, millions of them, and there is no shortage of those with ulterior motives.

Shen Ming didn't explicitly say who this person with ulterior motives was, but Dongfang Zhan knew very well that he was hinting at Ye Cheng!

As for those things from when we were young, I'm not afraid of you laughing at me, Brother Dongfang, but when it comes to experience, I have far, far more in this area than you do...

The experience here naturally referred to his reputation as the Housewife Killer of Da Hai City.

However, in his youth, he was known as the Heiress Killer of Da Hai City, a very prominent title. Dongfang Zhan had heard of it too, and had marveled at it for a long time back then. His brother really had what it took, he was a natural at living off women!

Dongfang Zhan nodded, agreeing with his brother's words.

Shen Ming's tone softened slightly. This person has bad intentions. I won't watch our Hanhan jump into a fire pit. Classmates, friends, that's all fine, I won't stop that. But anything else... he shouldn't even think about it!

Shen Ming's tone grew sharp!

Dongfang Zhan was so excited he stood right up. Fantastic! This was his true brother, speaking right to his heart!

Yes, exactly, that's exactly what I mean! Brother, I'm truly afraid! Dongfang Zhan said excitedly. His wife didn't understand him, his daughter didn't understand him, he was almost completely isolated and alienated.

Finally, he had a brother who understood him!

Making friends with him was definitely worth it!

That was about enough; it was time for the next step!

Shen Ming continued, I'll go back today and properly question Wanyi. We can't fool around with this matter, otherwise it'll ruin Hanhan for the rest of her life!

It was a rare sight. Brother Doudou finally showed a bit of manly courage, giving off an air of absolute authority, ready to settle the matter once and for all.

If a certain Madam dared to say a single word of refusal, he would immediately... get slightly angry in a fit of rage!

No way, no way, you didn't really think Brother Doudou would dare to get physical, did you? Brother Doudou was clearly a man of culture, not a warrior. See, the guy next to him was a warrior, and he almost broke a bone from taking a hit...

Take that, warrior! Take that, warrior!

Speak, are you still a warrior or not? Do you like the Madam's flying kick, huh? Speak!

Even though the two brothers combined couldn't win a fight against them, it didn't stop them from sharing a common enemy and unleashing their mutual rage as old fathers!

They hit it off instantly!

Alright, brother, you're right. I can't ruin my daughter's life. Even if she hates me and doesn't understand me right now, she'll eventually understand me in a few years! Dongfang Zhan gritted his teeth. He was all in!

Shen Ming also looked excited. Big Brother, you have to hold your ground. Niece Zhixia has a stubborn personality. As an outsider, she wouldn't listen to anything I say, otherwise I would definitely help you talk some sense into her!

Good brother, I appreciate the thought. I'll hold my ground on my end. If you need any help on your side, just say the word. We brothers will advance and retreat together!

Dongfang Zhan patted Shen Ming's shoulder, his tone firm!

Alright, advance and retreat together! We absolutely cannot compromise on this! Shen Ming shouted, his voice rising, his tone equally unwavering!

Brother Dongfang, you've got a bite, hurry!

Whether it was a coincidence or not, the very moment the two brothers made their pact and aligned their stories, Dongfang Zhan hooked a fish!

Their conversation finally ended on a joyous note.

Besides, their Hanhan and Xiaocheng were originally just classmates anyway, there was no way for them to take it a step further...

Sorry about that, Brother Dongfang!

One stab to shatter their brotherhood; this stab was to guard against arrogance and impatience!

Big Brother, you still need more practice!

...

Meanwhile, at the entrance of Da Hai City's Aristocratic Academy.

Little Hanhan, I need to go park the vehicle. Why are you pulling me? Du Wanyi asked with a confused look.

The Eldest Miss said nothing, merely continuing to drag the certain old hag along. She knew very well that the moment she let go, the old hag would vanish, and the phone would be gone too. Then she wouldn't be able to see what was sent last night!

She had to see it!

At death's door, Du Wanyi was still struggling. Someone who didn't know her might have actually fallen for it and let go.

What a pity... the opponent the Madam was facing was the Eldest Miss, who knew her inside and out.

Just park it at the entrance. Shen Qinghan signaled with her eyes toward the empty space by the school gate.

Du Wanyi's attitude was resolute. No way, this is my baby. What if someone scratches it?

No one is going to pay attention to your junk ride, Shen Qinghan said calmly.

Du Wanyi was displeased and pouted. It's not a junk ride, it's my baby! Someone out there will appreciate it. You amateur, you country bumpkin, you loser, you just classmates...

Shen Qinghan: ...

Screech!

The moment Du Wanyi finished speaking, the Eldest Miss pulled out a fruit knife and slashed it across Du Wanyi's precious motorcycle, leaving a long scratch.

Du Wanyi: ...

Ahhhh, my bike! Boohoo, you venomous woman, boohoo...

Du Wanyi threw herself over her beloved motorcycle, crying at the top of her lungs. Quite a few people gathered around, casting curious and strange glances their way, though they didn't dare to linger for too long.

After all... they might not know Du Wanyi, but they definitely knew the Eldest Miss!

A genuine underworld heiress, the top boss of Da Hai City, the leader of the delinquents, with countless lackeys...

As more and more people gathered at the gate to watch the spectacle, Shen Qinghan narrowed her eyes and frantically slashed her knife at the certain old hag's beloved ride.

Screech, screech, screech...

"Noooo, boohoo, I'm leaving, I'm leaving, boohoo! Stop stabbing it, it's innocent, boohoo..."

Looking back every couple of steps, Du Wanyi's eyes were filled with reluctance as she was marched toward the hospital by the young miss at the point of a fruit knife.

The two hadn't been gone for long.

"Holy shit, a Kawasaki!"

"Holy crap, what a gorgeous baby!"

At the entrance stood two absolute legends. The people who "knew their stuff" that Du Wanyi had talked about suddenly appeared—and two of them at once!

There was Wang Defa, leaning on crutches with a bandaged neck and a cigarette dangling from his lips, and Li Yong, sitting in a wheelchair wrapped up like a mummy, the proud owner of the limited golden title "My Father is Li Erhe"!