After my divorce at thirty, I developed an intelligence network.

This sentence directly broke through my defenses.

"Yuelong, you..." Yu Yue looked up at him carefully, her expression changing slightly.

I didn't expect her to fall for this.

Gong Yuelong could read his ex-wife's expression perfectly.

"You've always been smart, capable, and sensible with me."

Even though I've made some progress now, I have absolutely no right to boss you around, much less to sow discord.

He subtly changed the subject, "I just feel that if you put all your eggs in one basket and have to be mindful of others' opinions, it's more reliable to have something tangible in your own hands."

Instead of leaving that money there or filling a bottomless pit, it's better to invest in someone you know well.

He observed Yu Yue's solemn expression, and finally added softly, in a manner that sounded exactly like a thoughtful gesture afterward—something she liked best.

"After all, relying on others is not as good as relying on what you have yourself. You understand this better than I do."

Yu Yue stood there, stunned, her heart suddenly clenching painfully.

I was glad I left in time, but now I regret it.

The mosquitoes became even more rampant, buzzing around my ears.

Exactly! Why is it that her sister Lily can use her connections to climb the social ladder and earn a decent living?

She needs someone she can hold onto and rely on!

And then there's that guy at home now, all talk and no action, always walking on eggshells. Forget about helping her, she has to go to great lengths to smooth things over and cover for him, afraid that one wrong move might lead to...

"In my opinion, you need a path that can truly take you far. Unfortunately, the path you've chosen now can't give you that."

Gong Yuelong's words tugged at her heartstrings once more.

"That's all for now. It's getting late, you should head home too."

Gong Yuelong's voice pulled her out of her thoughts.

"Okay... I'll be going now."

Yu Yue responded instinctively.

She glanced at him; his profile was strong, handsome, and mature.

"Drive carefully." Gong Yuelong nodded, as if to say goodbye.

Yu Yue turned around, her steps a little unsteady.

The night breeze was still so stuffy, and mosquitoes were still buzzing around her ears, but she had forgotten when she first came here.

She wanted to use her daughter and past relationship to gain some benefits from her ex-husband, who had just made a comeback.

After walking a dozen meters, a piercing itch suddenly came from my calves.

Yu Yue hissed and gasped for breath, then hurriedly bent down to scratch—under the streetlight, several conspicuous red and swollen bumps appeared on her fair skin.

She is terrified of mosquitoes and always sprays mosquito repellent before going out in the summer. But she was so excited just now that she forgot to reapply it. Her fair and tender legs had become a feast for mosquitoes after standing there for a while.

She stomped her foot in frustration, then turned to look back.

There was no one at the entrance of the courtyard.

Only that street lamp was still lit, illuminating that low step.

……

Gong Yuelong had just returned to the house when his phone screen lit up.

This is Lin Wei's information:

"Brother Gong, let's get together again in a couple of days. I'll introduce you to a very capable friend—Yu Lili, a younger sister I've been working with quite a bit lately. She's well-connected and has a good network of contacts. You two will definitely get along well."

Gong Yuelong looked at the name Yu Lili and his lips twitched slightly.

She probably doesn't know that this is my former sister-in-law.

He recalled that in this circle, with its twists and turns, it was impossible to hide who had any old ties with whom.

If Yu Yue can come knocking on my door today, Yu Lili can casually bring it up at the dinner table tomorrow.

Rather than waiting for someone to relay distorted rumors to Lin Wei's ears, it would be better to...

He dialed Lin Wei's number directly.

Lin Wei's voice was tinged with laughter: "Brother Gong? You saw the message? So eager, wanting to get to know Sister Lily as soon as possible?"

"Mr. Lin, I will definitely attend the meeting. Thank you for thinking of me. However, there's something I need to discuss with you first."

"Hmm? You go ahead."

"The Yu Lili you just mentioned, if I'm not mistaken, she should be my ex-wife's younger sister."

There was a two-second silence on the other end of the phone.

"Huh?" Lin Wei was clearly taken aback. "This...this is such a coincidence?"

"It's not exactly a coincidence," Gong Yuelong continued. "Just now, her sister, my ex-wife, came to my place. We talked about some old things..."

He didn't elaborate.

Lin Wei was a very smart person, and she immediately understood the significance of this phone call.

This isn't complaining; it's reporting to the authorities, treating her as someone they need to know.

This kind of proactive honesty is more precious than anything else in a complex social circle.

"Understood, Brother Gong." Lin Wei's tone was more serious when she spoke again.

"Thank you for telling me directly. This... won't affect our business. I understand what's going on with Lily."

"Yes, that's what I mean. Let's not let old relationships cause any unnecessary suspicion in our cooperation."

Those who need to be met will remain met, and those matters that need to be discussed will be discussed.

"Don't worry, Brother Gong." Lin Wei smiled, this time her laughter was more relaxed.

"That's better. Everything's out in the open, which makes things simpler. So... shall we proceed as agreed? I'll introduce you then, and you can discuss things as you normally would."

"Okay," Gong Yuelong replied readily.

I hung up the phone and lit a cigarette.

The circle is only so big; nothing can be kept secret.

To avoid making wild guesses.

This feeling isn't bad.

He took a drag of his cigarette.

His mind replayed every word he had spoken and every expression he had made with Yu Yue, like a movie playing in his head.

It's not about reminiscing, it's about reflecting.

What is Yu Yue's core demand?

—To maintain and improve her existing, precarious, decent life, she sought more reliable sources of income. She feared losing it, but even more so, she feared missing out.

What is her psychological weakness at this moment?

—Aware of the potential risks of the current situation but unwilling to delve into them; harboring vague regrets about the past but suppressed by considerations of self-interest. Yearning to grasp at something certain.

What is she most likely to be moved by?

—Clearly visible short-term returns, and a financial path that she controls or participates in, which can bring long-term security.

Every word I said tonight was like bait.

Mentioning project gaps is a sign of weakness, but also an opportunity to showcase one's abilities; painting a picture of Jiang Yan and the blueprint for state-owned enterprises is just empty promises.

Finally, directly addressing the risks associated with the 500,000 and the current situation, the approach is to simultaneously burden her with both the cost and the sense of crisis.

"Oh."

Gong Yuelong revealed a mocking smile.

This woman is still the same as always.

They seem shrewd and know how to keep accounts perfectly, but their vision is ultimately limited.

People only see who is more useful in front of them, but they don't understand that the most valuable asset is the ruthless determination that comes with a person climbing out of the valley, a determination to never turn back once they've chosen their path.

When she got back, she tossed and turned all night, weighing whether the 500,000 yuan was dead money or flowing water.

Based on his understanding of her, he knew she would likely feel the pinch and hesitate, but ultimately, her greed for certain gains and future possibilities would outweigh her feelings for her current partner.

"Once we take over the project in the High-tech Zone..."

"She will naturally come to understand and realize that the 500,000 is not a repayment, but an investment."

They might even actively approach you, wanting a larger share and a tighter connection.