Chapter 251: Chapter 251 Engagement Banquet 2
Fengjue said, "The Mu Continent hosted a state banquet in your honor, Your Excellency. You drank too much at the banquet and were unconscious for a whole day and night."
Si Mingjing couldn’t control the smile tugging at the corners of her mouth.
She was now one hundred percent certain that Mo Yinhe had orchestrated Qu Gaoyang’s attack. This man certainly knew how to create an alibi for himself.
In her heart, Si Mingjing silently gave Mo Yinhe a thumbs-up.
Today was Ye Shen’s engagement party. The afternoon was already bustling, with guests filling the venue, so Si Mingjing chose not to join the excitement.
By evening, the engagement party had begun. Si Mingjing made her way to the opulent banquet hall.
The palace’s banquet hall was packed with guests. There were elegantly dressed ladies of high society and influential, wealthy gentlemen, creating a very lively scene.
Si Mingjing was led by an attendant to Ye Siyuan’s table and immediately caught the attention of the other guests.
"Who is that?" a guest whispered.
Most of the guests present didn’t recognize Si Mingjing and were very curious about this unfamiliar figure. They noted the gown she wore, adorned with fine, beautiful diamonds that sparkled along the hem, and her graceful yet strikingly beautiful demeanor.
Someone couldn’t help but remark, "Anyone sitting at that table must be a relative of the Ye Family, right?"
"She doesn’t look very old, and she’s so beautiful. She’s worth pursuing." Some of the more rakish gentlemen present felt their hearts stir.
If she were a relative of the Ye Family, winning her over could mean becoming connected to them. This would be an excellent match.
Some were growing restless, eager for the banquet to proceed so they could later invite this girl to dance.
At that moment, Mo Yinhe arrived.
He immediately caused quite a stir; many people, intentionally or not, found their gazes drawn to him.
Mo Yinhe was dressed in a very distinguished and grand suit: a single-breasted vest paired with a white shirt, and a suit jacket of a matching color, all of which made him look incredibly noble and handsome. His hair, too, had been meticulously styled by a professional, resulting in a look that was fluffy yet casually elegant, utterly captivating the ladies.
As soon as he entered, he became the center of attention.
"It’s the Crown Prince!"
"I heard the Crown Prince has a new love interest?"
"Is he looking for a stepmother for his two children?"
"Isn’t her name Si Mingjing? Didn’t the Crown Prince kiss that woman in public at the Four Nations Summit? Is Atlantis about to welcome a new Crown Princess Consort?"
"Is the little princess following behind him Sheng Liangliang?"
Animated discussions erupted all around.
Mo Yinhe had not come alone; his son and daughter were tagging along happily behind their father, looking proud and lively. They were Sheng Liangliang and Ye Nianbai. Yun Xiaosu did not make an appearance tonight.
Mo Yinhe’s gaze swept across the banquet hall, landing squarely and boldly on Si Mingjing’s face. Remembering how she had slept nestled against his heart the previous night, his own heart softened. A dashing smile touched his lips as he strode toward her.
Onlookers thought he was heading toward Ye Siyuan.
But when Mo Yinhe reached them, he leaned in and, in full view of everyone, kissed Si Mingjing—who was chatting with Ye Siyuan—on her beautiful cheek.
Only then did Si Mingjing notice Mo Yinhe.
She turned her face and looked up. Just as her eyes met his, Mo Yinhe gently pinched her chin again, his lips naturally finding hers in a soft kiss.
Though it was a kiss as light as a dragonfly skimming water, it sent shockwaves through the banquet hall.
Si Mingjing instantly felt the barbs of countless gazes from all directions, as if she were about to be riddled like a hornet’s nest.
Her cheeks flushed. "Behave yourself!"
Mo Yinhe casually pulled up the empty seat beside her and sat down, lowering his head to ask her, "Did you sleep well this morning?"
"Fairly well."
Si Mingjing picked up Ye Nianbai, whose handsome little face was adorably tense, and placed the boy on her lap to use as a human shield.
Her little human shield, however, was also proving to be unruly.
"Jingjing, I want to kiss you too."
Ye Nianbai leaned in and planted a loud, enthusiastic kiss on her cheek.
Mo Yinhe lifted Sheng Liangliang onto his lap, settling her in his embrace. "Mingjing," he said, "do you think others will assume we’re a family of four?"
"I’m not!" Si Mingjing muttered.
Mo Yinhe smiled without saying a word. How could you not be? he thought.
The crowd, recovering from the shock, began to whisper among themselves.
"Could that girl be Si Mingjing?"
"How did this girl manage to catch the Crown Prince’s eye?"
"Do you think the Crown Prince will remarry?"
"Perhaps it’s just a fleeting affair; it’s too early to be envious..."
Sheng Liangliang sat in Mo Yinhe’s arms, staring at the delicious crab legs on the table and smacking her little lips.
"Daddy, Liangliang wants to eat this."
Mo Yinhe then began to peel one for her.
Little Ye Nianbai’s eyes darted around, a thoughtful expression on his face.
"Jingjing, do you want some? I’ll peel it for you."
"No need," she replied. "If you want some, I’ll peel it for you."
"How could I let you do that? Jingjing, you’re my most cherished treasure! Such tasks, of course, must be done by a man!"
Ye Nianbai was putting in a great effort. He was determined not to be outdone by his father, his great rival in love.
At that moment, the banquet officially began.
Ye Junqing took the stage with a microphone and announced Ye Shen’s engagement. His few words conveyed a father’s profound blessing for his son, deeply moving everyone present.
Si Mingjing had never attended an engagement party before; she found it intriguing and novel, her curious gaze fixed intently on the stage.
Later, Ye Shen and Song Tangtang took the stage.
In front of everyone, Ye Shen knelt on one knee before Song Tangtang. He nervously asked Song Tangtang, "Are you willing to marry me?"
He held up the diamond ring, its dazzling brilliance sparkling under the lights.
Song Tangtang’s face flushed red as she whispered softly, "I am."
At that moment, the banquet hall fell utterly silent. Those three simple words echoed, sending ripples through the hearts of everyone present.
Si Mingjing was deeply moved by the atmosphere.
Mo Yinhe also felt gentle emotions stir within him. He couldn’t help but recall how, several years ago, his baby had tearfully said to him before everyone, "I am."
That scene was vivid in his mind, seared into his very bones...
Sadly, while he remembered such a crucial moment, his baby no longer did.
Mo Yinhe held his wine glass, taking a light sip as gentle emotions stirred within him.
"Jingjing, do you like diamond rings? I’ll give you one."
"You can’t give me that," she objected.
Si Mingjing withdrew her gaze.
Ye Nianbai huffed. "Do you want Daddy to give it to you?"
Mo Yinhe, who was leisurely sipping his whiskey, turned his head upon hearing that, his profound gaze landing on Si Mingjing’s face.
Si Mingjing’s mind went blank for a second. She quickly stuffed a piece of meat into Ye Nianbai’s mouth to stop his innocent but potentially troublesome words.
Si Mingjing said earnestly, "I’m your little wifey. Eat more. I’ll wait for you to grow up and give it to me then."
Ye Nianbai was successfully placated. He chewed the meat in his mouth with gusto, eating with great enthusiasm.
I must grow up quickly! he vowed internally. By then, Dad will be an old man, past his prime! I, this young master, am like the new wave of the Yangtze River that overtakes the one before it. I’ll leave Dad washed up on the shore!
Mo Yinhe was unaware that his son was plotting such a grand rebellion.
He leaned back against the chair, his posture relaxed yet dashing. Still nursing his wine glass, he sipped slowly as an idea began to take shape in his mind.
So what if my baby has forgotten? he mused. I can propose to her again! Any memories she’s lost, I can help her create anew!