Chapter 128: Chance Encounter

"Don't you have eyes?!"

For a moment, Lin Wanbai couldn't restrain herself. The sentence that slipped out hadn't been disguised, making her voice sound somewhat androgynous.

Xu Chuan was a bit flustered at the moment and didn't read into it. He simply apologized while reaching out to steady her.

"I'm sorry, I'm truly sorry."

Lin Wanbai glanced at him and didn't let him help her up. Instead, she gritted her teeth and stood up on her own, feeling as though her hand, which had just been treated, had nearly been dislocated again. Frowning, she scolded, "Watch where you're going. Everyone who comes to the hospital is in a rush."

"Yes, you're right. Are you hurt anywhere? Would you like me to accompany you to see a doctor?"

"What's going on?" Just as they were speaking, Fu Xingzhi's voice came from behind.

The moment Lin Wanbai heard it, every hair on her body stood on end.

She recognized his voice instantly and never expected to run into him in such a place and under such circumstances.

Had he gotten out of Heping Village? Had his memory returned as well?

She didn't dare turn her head—not even a fraction—terrified that he would recognize her.

Her heart raced wildly, entirely beyond her control. Even though she was currently disguised as a man, she still felt an overwhelming sense of panic. Her intuition told her that Fu Xingzhi could instantly see through her disguise, no matter what she looked like.

Lin Wanbai swallowed hard, pulled her cap down lower, and said, "I don't have time to chat with you, I've got things to do."

With that, she turned and hurried away.

Fu Xingzhi glanced in that direction, and Xu Chuan said, "It was my fault. I was in too much of a rush and accidentally bumped into him."

Fu Xingzhi remained silent, his gaze fixed on the retreating figure, deep in thought.

After collecting her medicine, Lin Wanbai didn't dare walk back that way. Instead, she found another exit and called Ye Qiu to let her know her location.

After waiting for five or six minutes, she saw the car arrive.

Once inside, she could still feel her heart pounding, refusing to slow down for even a second.

Her cap and face mask remained firmly in place. Noticing something amiss, Ye Qiu reached out and pulled off her cap. Lin Wanbai reacted violently, immediately snatching the cap back and shoving it firmly onto her head.

Ye Qiu asked, "What's wrong with you? You were fine until you went to get your medicine. Did you run into someone at the hospital?"

"No."

Ye Qiu didn't press further and simply said, "Mr. Fu wants you to return to Banshan for dinner."

Lin Wanbai nodded to indicate she understood.

Along the way, Lin Wanbai had Ye Qiu stop at a dessert shop to buy some treats before finally returning to Banshan.

By the time they reached the villa, it was almost time for lunch.

Fu Yanchuan operated his wheelchair out of the elevator by himself. The smart wheelchair was relatively useful for mobility, but since he couldn't independently open and close doors, someone still needed to be nearby.

However, the system he was using now was entirely voice-controlled, so operating it wasn't too difficult.

Entering the villa, Lin Wanbai finally took off her mask and cap, handed the desserts to Uncle Fang, and walked over to the back of Fu Yanchuan's wheelchair to push him.

Fu Yanchuan said, "No need to bother, it moves on its own. Just walk beside me."

Lin Wanbai obediently walked alongside him. Within Fu Yanchuan's line of sight were her hands; his fingers twitched, but it was all in vain.

He closed his eyes, refusing to let his thoughts wander any further. They reached the dining room and took their seats.

Noticing that she seemed a bit off—and having received a heads-up text from Ye Qiu earlier regarding the situation—Fu Yanchuan asked, "What's wrong? You look like you're in a bad mood. Is it a problem with work, or something personal? Did going to the hospital jog any memories?"

She shook her head. "No." After a few seconds of silence, feeling she ought to mention it, she raised her eyes to meet his gaze and said, "I think I ran into Fu Xingzhi."

"Where?"

"At the hospital. I didn't look—I only heard his voice, and it sounded very much like him. I didn't dare turn around because I felt that if he saw me, he would definitely recognize me. I got away in time, so hopefully, he didn't see me."

"You're very nervous."

Lin Wanbai slowly exhaled a breath, nodded, and said, "Yes, I am a bit nervous. I wasn't mentally prepared, and I never expected to cross paths with him under such circumstances."

Nor did she expect that he would actually be in Macau.

"Judging by this, he probably knows you're here. On the other hand, he likely subscribes to the idea that the most dangerous place is the safest place. Previously, when Li Ting searched for him, combing through both Hong Kong and Macau without a trace, hiding out in Macau or Hong Kong really would be the most suitable choice if he wanted to stay off the grid."

Lin Wanbai lowered her eyes in silence, her fingers interlocked, unable to relax her mind.

The dishes were served, all of them her favorites, and each one meticulously prepared.

Fu Yanchuan said, "Eat first. There's no need to be too nervous about running into Fu Xingzhi. At least one thing is certain: even if he discovers you or uses his means to bring you back, he won't harm you in the slightest. The only ones who will truly get hurt are the people around you."

"Take a rest these next few days and don't think about it too much. He won't be able to find you for the time being. I'm here."

Hearing this, Lin Wanbai lifted her gaze, met his eyes, forced the corners of her mouth up, and nodded. "Mm, I know."

"Eat up. Do you still like these?"

Lin Wanbai asked, "Were these my favorite dishes from before?"

Fu Yanchuan nodded. "Yes. You were born rather delicate, picky about food, and quite high-maintenance. You could tell if the exact same dish was made by different chefs; you had a golden tongue."

"Is that so?"

"It is."

"Well, I'm much easier to feed now. I can eat anything and I'm not picky." She picked up her chopsticks and first sampled a nearby dish of braised pork belly. The color was gorgeous, the aroma was enticing, and the taste was genuinely excellent.

She nodded. "Delicious."

Fu Yanchuan said, "Then eat more."

After finishing a bite, Lin Wanbai picked up another piece and started to stand up to feed him, but he stopped her. "No need. Just sit here and keep me company while I eat."

Seeing him say this, Lin Wanbai didn't say anything more and sat back down, though she placed that piece of meat on his plate anyway.

Driven by the delicious food, Lin Wanbai gradually relaxed, shedding the tension she had felt earlier.

The chef who prepared this table of dishes was someone Lin Wanbai had praised in the past, whom Fu Yanchuan had specifically hired back as a reward for her.

Lin Wanbai ate quite a bit. That afternoon, she accompanied Fu Yanchuan at the Banshan villa for two hours until he rested, then returned to her own apartment.

Once home, she finally let go completely, collapsing onto the sofa with her mind in a chaotic mess.

Why was Fu Xingzhi at the hospital?

She regretted not turning around to take a look at the time.

***

All the shards of glass embedded in Fu Linsheng's flesh had been removed. Fortunately, they were superficial wounds that missed vital areas, and the cuts were not deep. After receiving treatment, he was transferred to a hospital room so he could lie comfortably and be hooked up to an IV drip.

The little fellow was quite brave; he didn't make a huge fuss while the doctor was picking out the glass fragments.

By now, he was probably tired from the pain and had fallen asleep shortly after. The IV line was taped securely to his head with quite a bit of medical tape.

He hadn't cried while the glass was being extracted, but when the needle went in, he acted like he had taken mad-dog medicine, throwing a massive tantrum and wailing endlessly. His face was still stained with tears and snot, and he couldn't be touched anywhere without bursting into tears again.

Taking advantage of his sleep, Fu Xingzhi picked up a tissue and carefully wiped his face with meticulous movements. Looking at such tender skin pierced by glass shards made his heart ache immensely.

At that moment, a knock sounded at the door. Fu Xingzhi frowned instinctively, and the door was gently pushed open. Xu Chuan poked his head in and said tremblingly, "Mr. Lin, Song Lin would like to see you."

"No."

He refused flat out, giving no room for discussion.

Xu Chuan nodded and backed out quietly, turning to look at Song Lin, who was standing nearby. "Did you hear that?"

"I heard." Song Lin nodded. He had already checked the security footage from the house: it was just a matter of turning around for a second when the child slipped off the sofa and landed right on some shattered glass. It was also Ye Ying's carelessness not to clean up those large shards in a timely manner.

Most importantly, the child was wearing very little—just a thin cotton undershirt. If he had been dressed more thickly, the situation probably wouldn't have been this severe.

Fu Linsheng had fallen face-first. Thankfully, the glass fragments weren't large; otherwise, the consequences would have been unimaginable. Fortunately, his little face was unharmed; only his small palms, belly, and chest had been pierced by the glass.

Even so, it was suffering enough.

Fu Xingzhi didn't seem to care much about Fu Linsheng on ordinary days, always acting cold and expressionless around the child, almost like a stepfather.

Yet when real trouble struck, he was more anxious than anyone. He had slapped Ye Ying right across the face on the spot, saying nothing, his mere gaze enough to kill.

Ye Ying stood off to the side without a word, her small face deathly pale, not even daring to utter an apology.

Song Lin asked, "Then what do you suppose we should do about this? What will Mr. Lin do?"

Xu Chuan frowned, equally irritated. "How would I know? I gave you repeated warnings and instructions, yet you people didn't keep your wits about you, and an incident happens just days in. And you assured me you were the most professional and the best. I think this is purely your own selfish agenda!"

At this, Song Lin's expression changed instantly, and Ye Ying lowered her head even further. His face alternated between red and white as he gave a dry cough and smiled, "Brother Xu, you can't really put it that way. Ye Ying is truly one of the most professionals in my company—or rather, everyone in my company is a professional. This time, it was clearly an accident, and none of us wanted this to happen. How about this? You can withhold my salary, and from now on, I'll work as unpaid labor. How does that sound?"

"Do you think Mr. Lin cares about that bit of money?"

"I know Mr. Lin doesn't lack money, but isn't this about solving the problem?"

"It's no use telling me. Wait until Mr. Lin decides to see you both, and you can explain it to him yourselves."

That was the only option left.

To show sincerity, the two of them naturally had to stand guard outside.

After standing for a while and craving a cigarette, Song Lin beckoned Ye Ying to join him by the stairwell to smoke.

He grew frustrated when his lighter failed to spark, so Ye Ying took it from his hand, lit it for him, and said, "It was my fault, and I'll take responsibility for it."

"Take responsibility my foot—how are you going to take responsibility?"

"By serving like an ox or a horse."

Song Lin sneered. "You think quite highly of yourself. With that idea, do you think this fellow surnamed Fu would want you? Have you no shame?"

Ye Ying lowered her eyes. "Then otherwise, I'll die to expiate my crimes."

"I'm not talking nonsense with you. Tell me honestly, what were you thinking at that moment?"

Ye Ying pressed her lips together and remained silent with her head bowed.

"Not telling me?"

"Anyway, it was just my carelessness for not watching the child properly. Don't ask anymore; what good does asking do? Mr. Lin won't forgive me either, so let's just leave it to fate."

Dropping those words, she pushed open the door and walked out.

Song Lin couldn't even call her back.

This woman's temper was getting worse and worse. The cigarette lost its taste, and after smoking only half of it, he stubbed it out, consumed with irritation.

Fu Linsheng slept until evening before waking up because he was hungry.

Opening his eyes, he was greeted by Fu Xingzhi's poker face. His mood plummeted, his two faint brows furrowed, and he turned to look the other way, asking, "Where's the big sister?"

"Are you hungry?" Fu Xingzhi's voice was rigid and dry.

Fu Linsheng nodded. "Mm-hmm."

Ten minutes before he woke up, Xu Chuan had delivered a relatively bland dinner. Ye Ying had also brought a meal she prepared, but she had been driven away.

Fu Xingzhi raised the head of the bed, personally set up the small table, and took out the food.

With his little hands injured, he couldn't feed himself. Fu Xingzhi fed him personally, first giving him water and then spoonfuls of rice.

Fu Linsheng shook his injured hands, glanced toward the door from time to time, and repeated, "Where's the big sister?"

"Do you need something from her?"

"Daddy, you're too fierce." Putting on a serious expression with rice still unswallowed in his mouth, he waved his little hand and said, "You can't be like this, Daddy. You won't have any friends."

"When did you learn to say things like that?"

Fu Linsheng smiled. "Saw it on TV. The most important thing in life is to be ha-ppy." The way he grinned looked like a ray of sunshine.

Fu Xingzhi couldn't help the slight upward curve of his lips. "Swallow your food first. Don't keep it in your mouth."

He nodded, swallowed the food, and then, like a broken record, asked again, "Where's the big sister?"

Immediately following that, he added, "I want the big sister to feed me."

"She's the one who caused you to get hurt, who made you cry and suffer. Have you forgotten already?"

Unhappy, Fu Linsheng insisted on having the young lady. When Fu Xingzhi tried to feed him another spoonful, he refused to eat, making a fuss and demanding Ye Ying.

Ye Ying was standing right outside the hospital room. Hearing his commotion, she immediately pushed the door open. Remaining outside on the threshold with her hands tightly clasped together, she looked at Fu Xingzhi and said, "Mr. Lin, please give me a chance."

Seeing her, Fu Linsheng was overjoyed and shouted, "Big sister! Come quickly!"

Ye Ying didn't dare move, continuing to look at Fu Xingzhi.

Seeing her stay put, Fu Linsheng tried to get out of bed and run over, but Fu Xingzhi pinned him down. "Have you had enoughing making a fuss? Do you want to hurt even more?"

Realizing Fu Xingzhi was angry, Fu Linsheng instantly cowered, pouting his lips with a wronged expression. He was the patient here—why was his father so fierce? With an attitude like this, he was definitely destined to live out his old age alone.

Fortunately, he had a son like himself.

Hmph, but he was a son with a temper too.

Fu Xingzhi glanced at Ye Ying standing in the doorway and said coldly, "Get out. Did I tell you to come in?"

Obediently, Ye Ying retreated outside.

Fu Linsheng threw a tantrum, clamping his little mouth shut and refusing a single bite of the food Fu Xingzhi offered.

He didn't speak either, simply turning his head away to refuse the food, letting out intermittent huffs to demonstrate his dissatisfaction.

"Not eating?"

"Hmph!"

"Fine, then don't eat. There won't be anything later even if you starve."

"Hmph!!"

With a sharp *thud*, Fu Xingzhi set the bowl and chopsticks down.

Father and son were locked in a stalemate. Within a few minutes, the sound of kitten-like crying began—crying filled with utter grievance.

Fu Xingzhi glanced sideways and saw Fu Linsheng pressing his small fists against his eyes, rubbing them repeatedly while parting his lips. He wasn't howling loudly, just crying softly in a way that truly tugged at one's heartstrings.

Large, heavy tears fell like lead weights onto Fu Xingzhi's heart, leaving it aching and sour, making his own flesh feel as though it were hurting too.

In the end, he got up, opened the door himself, and called Ye Ying inside.

Overjoyed, Ye Ying bowed deeply. "Thank you, thank you! I will never make the same mistake a second time. I'll take good care of Xiao Bao!"

Cba to entertain her words, Fu Xingzhi stepped aside to let her pass. Song Lin was also waiting by the door and bowed respectfully when he saw him. "Mr. Lin, this is truly our responsibility. No matter how you wish to resolve this matter, I will show the utmost sincerity to ensure you are satisfied."

"Naturally, I won't let this matter rest here. Once my son's injuries have healed, I'll settle accounts with you two."

With that, he returned inside the room.

He sat on the sofa, watching Ye Ying feed Xiao Bao.

Fu Linsheng stopped crying immediately, happily chatting with Ye Ying and eating cheerfully, as though the injuries on his body didn't hurt at all anymore.

Ye Ying tended to Fu Linsheng until he fell asleep. Then, she walked on tiptoe to Fu Xingzhi, knelt down without a word, and kowtowed heavily against the floor.

Frowning, Fu Xingzhi didn't wait for her to strike a third kowtow before using his foot to block her shoulder. "Spare me that routine. That's the one thing I have no tolerance for."

Lifting her eyes to look at him, Ye Ying said sincerely, "I sincerely want to kowtow and admit my mistake to you. I know every child is the apple of their parents' eye. With something like this happening, you must feel terribly distressed. Even though you look cold, I understand that you love Xiao Bao a hundred percent. This time it was my negligence, my absent-mindedness in failing to look after the child properly, that led to Xiao Bao getting hurt. Fortunately, he's unhurt majorly; otherwise, even if I died, I couldn't compensate for it."

"Pretty words have no meaning; the most important thing is actions. I will take good care of Xiao Bao. Give me a chance to make amends, and I'll surely look after him well so he never suffers even the slightest bit of harm again. Mr. Lin, leave things here to me and go back to rest."

Naturally, Fu Xingzhi had no intention of leaving. "You don't need to stay tonight. Bring breakfast tomorrow morning."

Hearing this, Ye Ying breathed a sigh of relief internally—it at least showed that Fu Xingzhi's attitude had softened.

She kowtowed once more and said, "Thank you, Mr. Lin, for giving me this chance. Thank you."

"Go." Fu Xingzhi waved a hand, dismissing her impatiently.

Hastily standing up and smoothing her clothes, Ye Ying hurried out.

Song Lin was still waiting outside. Seeing her come out intact, he finally relaxed. "Did he give you a hard time?"

"Why are you still here? Your wife is waiting for you at home."

"I told her I'm not going back tonight. Did he give you a hard time?" he asked again.

Ye Ying shook her head. "No."

"That's good. You go back first, I'll keep watch here."

Without standing on ceremony, Ye Ying gave a brief acknowledgment and hurried away.

After a brief wash, Fu Xingzhi pulled a chair up to the bedside to keep watch.

Late at night, Xu Chuan arrived at the door of the hospital room and, noticing Song Lin still lingering by the entrance, lowered his voice. "Go back. Don't stay here; Mr. Lin doesn't like this sort of thing."

Song Lin didn't argue, but under Xu Chuan's watchful gaze, he had no choice but to leave first.

Seeing Song Lin disappear into the fire exit staircase, Xu Chuan pushed the door open, stepped softly behind Fu Xingzhi, and glanced at the little figure sleeping soundly on the bed. Seeing that the child was fine, he let out a slight breath of relief, handed his phone over, and whispered, "Even though I was quick, this is as far as I could get—the hospital's surveillance system was hacked."

Fu Xingzhi raised an eyebrow, took the phone, and pressed play.

The video on the screen began to roll. It was footage from the emergency room lobby, trimmed down to a short segment capturing the exact moment Xu Chuan bumped into the man that morning. The camera zoomed in, enlarging the masked man several times over. However, the footage was somewhat blurry and lacked clarity, requiring professional tools to sharpen the image so the features could be distinguished. Besides, the man was wearing a mask, and one of his eyes seemed injured, meaning his appearance probably couldn't be clearly seen anyway.

At least Xu Chuan hadn't noticed anything unusual about the person.

Fu Xingzhi pressed pause, stared quietly at the screen for a long while, and then handed the phone back to Xu Chuan. "Send this video to my phone."

"Understood." Hesitating for a moment, Xu Chuan couldn't help but ask, "Mr. Lin, is there something wrong with this person?"

"You talk too much."

Xu Chuan shut his mouth immediately and promptly forwarded the video.

"You can leave."

"Yes."

The next morning, Ye Ying personally prepared breakfast and brought it to the hospital for Xiao Bao.

When the nurse came by in the morning to change Xiao Bao's dressings and clean his wounds, he was remarkably cooperative, not crying at all. He only struggled and resisted briefly when the needle went in, but under Ye Ying's comforting words, he behaved, letting a tear spin in his socket without letting it fall.

Xiao Bao's condition wasn't bad, and after staying in the hospital for two days, he was discharged, with instructions to return in a week for a check-up and to carefully manage the wound care and medication at home. Ye Ying memorized all the doctor's instructions. After returning home, she devoted herself entirely to caring for Xiao Bao with one hundred percent dedication.

She was so focused that even when Song Lin wanted to make small talk, she didn't have time to entertain him.

Song Lin hadn't gone home recently either, staying behind to help care for the child. With two people watching one child, mistakes were naturally avoided.

Fu Xingzhi remained his usual self, though his attitude toward the two of them grew slightly colder. When he worked in his study, he kept real-time surveillance active, and at the slightest sign of trouble, he would step out to remind them.

He watched them extremely closely.

***

Lin Wanbai spent several days recovering at home, finished drafting all her blueprints, and handed them over to the engineering department. Construction on the Hong Kong villa had already begun, so she decided to make a trip there to inspect the site in person and give brief instructions to the construction contractor.

Upon learning that she had arrived in person, the client specifically invited her to dinner and even introduced another client who was currently renovating a villa and searching for a good designer.

Lin Wanbai exchanged WeChat contacts, though the other party didn't accept the request until several days later.

During her break, Fu Yanchuan invited her to the Banshan villa for dinner every day—lunch there, dinner with him coming over.

Each time he came, Lin Wanbai would take him for a stroll downstairs afterward. Fu Yanchuan didn't mind at all, and the two of them got along quite harmoniously.

On this day, Lin Wanbai cooked herself. When Fu Yanchuan arrived, she was busy in the kitchen. Her apartment was compactly designed with high ceilings, allowing for a lofted upper level where her bedroom was located. Downstairs served as the living room and dining area, along with an open kitchen.

Though the sparrow was small, it had all the vital organs, and living alone there was quite comfortable.

Lin Wanbai opened the door for him, wheeled him into the living room first, turned on the television, and then hurried back to the kitchen, calling out, "Give me just a moment, it'll be ready right away."

Fu Yanchuan turned his head, directed his wheelchair toward the kitchen, peeked in, and said, "You're cooking yourself?"

"Yeah, I discovered that I actually know how to cook."

Of course she knew how. Before marrying Fu Xingzhi, she had already learned culinary skills; in her bid to be a virtuous wife, she had learned everything. However, after the marriage, Fu Xingzhi acted like a devoted, twenty-four-filial husband, completely eliminating any need for her to step into the kitchen.

Consequently, her cooking skills had rusted, used only on rare occasions.

Now, cooking a meal for him brought an indescribable feeling to Fu Yanchuan's heart. Was he happy? Naturally happy—uncontrollably happy. Irritated? Naturally irritated as well.

The two emotions intertwined until happiness ultimately took the upper hand.

"Why didn't you have Ji Jie come help?"

"I'm only making three dishes, no help needed. I just had her buy the groceries. Go watch TV in the living room, it's smoky here."

"It doesn't matter. Do your cooking, don't mind me."

Lin Wanbai looked back at him and smiled. She had clipped a small bear hairpin into her short hair. Today she wore no makeup, and dressed in women's clothing, her feminine aura was instantly apparent. Even with short hair, she exuded femininity.

It was a completely different kind of beauty compared to when she had long hair.

She was pretty, and looked good no matter what she wore.

Entranced, Fu Yanchuan sat there in a slight daze. Lin Wanbai was still somewhat rusty, her movements while stir-frying not entirely fluid, but she managed to whip up three dishes that looked quite presentable.

She set out the tableware, wheeled him to the table, and produced a bottle of red wine. "Manager Chen's wife gave this to me. I don't know how it tastes."

"I don't drink alcohol," Fu Yanchuan said.

"Not even a little?"

He shook his head. "Not even a drop."

Lin Wanbai nodded and didn't press the matter, pouring him a glass of plain water instead before starting to eat.

The bruises around Lin Wanbai's eyes had faded considerably, though traces remained, giving her the distinct look of a panda.

Fu Yanchuan's gaze fell upon her face. Lin Wanbai would take a bite herself, then switch chopsticks to feed him a bite. After a few glasses of wine, she became a bit more talkative. "When should I take you out for a stroll? Staying cooped up at home every day must drive you crazy. Actually, one should be more optimistic and focus on the bright side. There are plenty of people in this world worse off than you, and yet they manage to pick themselves up. You should live a proper life too, make everyone admire you—isn't that great?"

"Don't feel inferior just because you can't move your hands and feet. There's nothing to feel inferior about. Plenty of people with fully functioning hands and feet still fail to reach your position. You should dress yourself up nicely, attend various social functions. Hiding away is hardly the style of someone like you."

Fu Yanchuan asked, "Then what style should I have?"

Lin Wanbai thought for a moment. "You should have plenty of presence, poise, and grace. Something like that, right?"

She took another sip of wine, turned to look at him, casually peeled a peanut, and popped it directly into his mouth.

Her hand was warm, brushing against his cool lips, and instantly imbued his lips with a trace of warmth.

Seeming to remember something abruptly, Lin Wanbai went back to the kitchen. She had also bought prepared braised beef, which she sliced and brought out, feeding him a piece first. After acting like a man for so long, she had grown somewhat uninhibited, treating him like a brother.

Occasionally, if she saw another woman, she would deliberately keep her distance; after all, physical contact between men and women should be avoided.

Fu Yanchuan gradually grew silent. His heart beat rapidly and powerfully. His entire body grew hot, and his chest felt as though something was burning him to ashes.

By a slip of the hand, Lin Wanbai mistakenly let him drink a sip of her red wine.

Only after he swallowed did she realize her mistake, sticking out her tongue with an apologetic smile. "I'm sorry, I grabbed the wrong glass."

She instinctively shrunk her neck back. Under the lights, her eyes shone brilliantly—strikingly beautiful.

Though it was only a tiny sip, he felt as though he had downed a vat of wine, his mind spinning. Looking at her while remaining utterly helpless to act, he closed his eyes, recalling everything he had done when she was drugged earlier.

He felt even more parched, his heart feeling as though it might leap out of his mouth.

Swallowing hard, he suddenly thought that his current plight might just be his retribution.

Back then, he had taken advantage of her vulnerability—and though he hadn't gone all the way, it was hardly different from assault. Now, harboring those exact same desires, he was utterly powerless and could do nothing. He couldn't even imagine what it would be like if he were still whole.

As he was thinking this, a warmth brushed his forehead. Opening his eyes, he saw Lin Wanbai's face just inches away, her clear, crystal-like eyes fixed on him; he could practically see his own reflection in her pupils.

His mind exploded. Utilizing every ounce of his remaining strength through his parted lips, he lunged forward, crashing against her mouth.

Reflexively, Lin Wanbai dodged away, stumbling back several steps, her eyes wide as she covered her mouth with one hand. In that sudden movement, Fu Yanchuan toppled right out of his wheelchair, crashing onto the floor.

Time seemed to freeze, the surroundings plunging into absolute silence.

Seconds later, Lin Wanbai hurried over, hoisted him up from the floor, and gritted her teeth as she hoisted him back into the wheelchair.

Using proper leverage, she managed without expending too much effort.

Once seated, Fu Yanchuan's expression remained dark. Neither of them spoke. Lin Wanbai sat back in her original spot without intentionally increasing the distance, yet the atmosphere instantly plunged to freezing point.

Wiping her mouth, Lin Wanbai coughed and broke the silence first. "I'm sorry, I..."

What was she supposed to say? That she wasn't ready? Why should she be ready!

She hadn't wanted him to kiss her.

Her brows twitched back and forth before she finally uttered another apology and fell silent once more.

Fu Yanchuan's expression darkened further. Remaining silent for a long while, even his gaze turned gloomy. "Kiss me."

Lin Wanbai paused, offering a dry chuckle. "W-what did you say?"

"Was I not clear enough?" He lifted his eyes, his gaze icy. "Is kissing me really that hard? Is it that disgusting?"

"N-no, that's not what I mean."

"Lin Wanbai, do you know that it was precisely because you rejected me that your Lin family was driven to such a state?! If you had married me back then, none of this would have happened! No one would have been hurt! You chose wrong! It was your mistaken decision that made everything happen, causing everyone to suffer and face severe retaliation and revenge!" Seeming enraged, his eye rims turned red as he glared fiercely at her.

The smile slowly faded from Lin Wanbai's face. Every single word of his sank into her ears and landed heavily upon her heart.

Did those words mean... did those words mean that she was the one who ruined her own family?