Ming Jingshui noticed that the reporters outside had suddenly left in a rush. He couldn't help but wonder what had happened.
"What's going on?" Ming Jingshui muttered to himself.
"What happened?" Fang Qianan asked as she came over.
Ming Jingshui pointed outside, "The reporters are gone."
"Could something have happened with Yutong?" Fang Qianan guessed.
Ming Jingshui shook his head, indicating that he didn't know, and left the study. He happened to see Ming Silian coming down the stairs.
Ming Jingshui's face darkened, and Fang Qian'an's heart tensed.
Fortunately, Ming Jingshui didn't say anything.
He called Ming Jingshan, only to find out that they had the same situation—reporters had left their location as well.
Ming Jingshan was also puzzled and wondered if Ming Yutong had discovered something. Then, Ming Jingshan mentioned on the phone:
"Don't hang up yet," Ming Jingshui said, waiting by the phone.
After a moment, Ming Jingshan continued, "It's Zhang Yunlin. He's been treating Yutong and has come forward to speak for her."
It turned out that Alpha Guards had brought Zhang Yunlin out. The esteemed figure in traditional Chinese medicine made a public statement:
"I've been treating Miss Ming's condition all along. Who said she can't have children? Who spread such rumors? Have you no shame? Aren't you afraid of retribution? Miss Ming merely has a common cold condition, and with proper treatment, it's nothing to spread rumors about!"
"Whoever told you this nonsense should be ashamed! And you media people, do you have any professional ethics? This is slander, and yet you're broadcasting it widely. Do you realize how much harm you're causing the young lady?"
"Even if it were true, do you have the right to expose her privacy? Whether she can have children or not, it's none of your business!" Zhang Yunlin, tapping his cane, was clearly enraged, almost resorting to swearing.
"Just wait and see. When the young lady gets pregnant, we'll slap your faces with the truth! Let you see how wrong you were!"
With that, Zhang Yunlin left dramatically, his presence commanding respect and authority.
His words were so authoritative that no one dared question them. Even if he wasn't quite a miracle worker, he was undoubtedly the best in traditional Chinese medicine.
If Zhang Yunlin came forward to defend Ming Yutong, it meant that Ming Yutong was indeed being wronged. Regardless, the reporters had no reason to continue harassing Ming Yutong.
Ming Jingshui sighed in relief. "I didn't expect such a reversal."
Ming Silian also seemed to breathe a sigh of relief and smiled. "It was never true. They were just fabricating stories about my sister."
Ming Jingshui gave Ming Silian a deep, enigmatic look and said, "Yes, good deeds will be rewarded."
Ming Silian was puzzled by Ming Jingshui's sudden comment and could only respond with a forced smile.
With the reporters gone, Fang Qian'an took Ming Silian to get her makeup and hairstyling done. Despite her earlier suspicions, Fang Qian'an felt uneasy and couldn't enjoy the process. The two remained mostly silent throughout the appointment.
Ming Silian was taken aback when she noticed an older sanitation worker staring at her with a mixture of surprise and disbelief.
The worker appeared to be in her late forties or early fifties, with a weathered face that had been marked by years of sun exposure and harsh working conditions.
The sanitation worker seemed to recognize Ming Silian and walked directly toward her.
Ming Silian quickly turned away, pretending not to notice, and entered the beauty salon.
However, the sanitation worker paused just outside the salon, hesitating before peering inside.
Eventually, she lowered her head and returned to her cleaning duties but continued to cast glances toward the salon.
Ming Silian, feeling uncomfortable under the worker's gaze, decided to leave the salon to get some fresh air.
As she exited, she saw that the worker was still there, lingering nearby.
Ming Silian frowned and tried to walk away, but the sanitation worker followed her. The salon staff noticed the unusual behavior but chose not to intervene.
Ming Silian walked briskly to the street corner and turned out of view from the salon. She paused when she realized the sanitation worker had followed her.
"Silian, it's really you. I didn't mistake you," the sanitation worker said, her voice filled with concern.
She took in Ming Silian's changed appearance—dressed in expensive clothing and having just visited a high-end salon. The worker had seen the luxury cars and well-dressed women frequenting the salon and knew it was far beyond her means.
"You look so different," the sanitation worker said. "What are you doing now? Don't you know your grandmother has been waiting for you to come home?"
Ming Silian's expression hardened. "I know. I will visit her."
"What's going on with you?" the sanitation worker continued, her tone growing more urgent. "You're dressed so well and going to such an expensive salon. Why aren't you helping your grandmother with some living expenses? She's old and struggling, picking up trash and cardboard boxes to make ends meet."
Ming Silian's voice grew stern. "That's none of your business."
The sanitation worker's eyes were filled with disappointment and worry. "You've managed to live well, but you've abandoned your grandmother. Just because you're wearing nice clothes and visiting fancy places doesn't mean you should neglect your family. Your grandmother shouldn't have to suffer while you enjoy a comfortable life."