Chapter 13: This Is Your Fruit

Lin Wanbai smiled radiantly, the light in her eyes almost dazzling.
She said, "Take a guess."
There was no need to guess; it was all too obvious.
"You'll help me, won't you?"
Their gazes met, her eyes sparkling with a coquettish smile, as if she were being playful.
In the end, her ever-considerate husband naturally took care of it for her.
Liang Zhixia was easier to handle; after all, as the Liang family’s daughter, her status carried some weight. Han Chen was trickier, but nothing in this world is truly difficult for those who are determined.
Fu Juxing was not one of those determined people. Still, despite the challenge, Han Chen was eventually pulled out of his predicament.
Lin Wanbai and Liang Zhixia waited at the entrance. Soon, they saw the two men approaching, one after the other.
Fu Juxing walked ahead, his expression calm, betraying no hint of displeasure. Han Chen trailed behind with his head down; Fu Juxing was clearly taller, and his poise was in a class of its own.
Yet for a brief moment, Lin Wanbai felt as if she saw two versions of Fu Juxing walking toward her: one the boy he once was, the other the man he had become.
When they drew near, Lin Wanbai had already gathered her thoughts.
Fu Juxing stepped to her side, opened the car door, and asked, "Shall we go home?"
Liang Zhixia walked over to pull Han Chen aside and clasped her hands in thanks to Fu Juxing. “Thank you both for today. Truly, thank you.”
Lin Wanbai said nothing to Han Chen; she simply cast him a silent glance before turning to get into the car.
They drove home in silence.
Once there, Lin Wanbai went straight to her room. Fu Juxing followed, but she stopped him at the door. "Separate rooms."
She looked him in the eye, took a step back, then quickly closed and locked the door.
For the next few days, Lin Wanbai remained peaceful and quiet, never leaving the house, simply resting and recuperating.
One day, Liang Zhixia came to visit, bringing her some information on private investigators, and to check in on her as well.
They sat in the living room while Aunt Rong brought over some fruit and quietly withdrew.
"Why have you been so well-behaved lately? You didn’t even come to the gathering the other day. Did the old man put you under house arrest?"
"No. I just wanted some rest, and my hand still isn’t well. Even if I went out, I wouldn’t enjoy it, so I might as well stay home. By the way, how are things going for Han Chen? Did you find him a place? And what about all those creditors—did you settle that for him?"
"No," Liang Zhixia replied frankly.
"He refused?"
"Who would refuse such a great offer? I just don't want you wasting your money. Sure, you have plenty, but we're not here to throw it away."
Lin Wanbai only smiled, saying nothing. If she didn't help, there were always others who could.
Liang Zhixia changed the subject. "Did you know Fu Juxing won an award?"
"What?"
"Outstanding Young Entrepreneur. The ceremony is this Saturday at Financial Plaza. Apparently, it's because of the project he’s been leading. You didn’t know?"
He hadn’t mentioned it to her.
"I had no idea."
"He hasn't told you? Maybe he's planning to surprise you."
Lin Wanbai bit the rim of her glass, thoughtful. "Without realizing it, he’s become so accomplished."
"Thanks to your guidance. Everyone knows he got lucky when you took a fancy to him and made him the Lin family’s son-in-law. If it weren’t for you, who knows in what backwater he’d be suffering now."
"Don’t say that—he’s worked hard himself." This was true; Fu Juxing had always been diligent. She took a sip of her juice, a sweet and tangy flavor lingering in her mouth.
"No matter how hard he tries, he couldn’t have done it without your halo. This is your achievement."

On Friday night at dinner, Fu Juxing brought up the subject himself. “The Chamber of Commerce is hosting a youth award event at Financial Plaza this Saturday. They’ve sent me an invitation card. Would you accompany me?” His tone was one of gentle consultation.
She lowered her eyes, not responding immediately.
Fu Juxing waited patiently, serving her more food as he did.
Five minutes later, Lin Wanbai spat out a fish bone and asked, “Do you want me to go?”
“Of course.” His eyes smiled at her, soft and gentle, with a hint of anticipation.
“You’re only telling me now—I hardly have time to prepare.”
“I’ve taken care of everything. All you need to do is say yes.”
“Alright, I’ll show up and steal some of the spotlight.”
He added a piece of her favorite pumpkin with salted egg yolk to her bowl, reminding her, “Eat more. You’ve lost weight.”
He’d been busy lately, but still came home on time every evening, ate dinner with her, and never went out at night. After dinner, they watched TV together or simply sat in companionable silence. Sometimes, if she’d eaten too much and wanted to take a walk, he always accompanied her.
Once home, he never took work calls, devoting himself entirely to her.
Of course, Lin Wanbai still wouldn’t let him into her room. Every night before bed, she checked the lock, just in case he tried to play the devoted husband again.

The next day, Lin Wanbai slept until noon. After lunch, she headed to the spa.
Since she had to attend such a grand occasion, she made sure to have a full treatment—hair, facial, every detail tended to. It took the entire afternoon.
Fu Juxing had prepared a black backless evening gown for her, simple and elegant in design, which became all the more striking once she wore it.
She also changed her hairstyle, cutting her long hair to a medium-short length that was just right for a neat ponytail, adorned with a delicate, simple hairpin—nothing too much, nothing too little, just perfect.
Once she was ready, she picked up her purse and headed out. Fu Juxing had been waiting outside for some time.
The spa manager remarked, “Mr. Fu has been waiting here for two hours. He didn’t want us to tell you, afraid you’d feel rushed.”
Lin Wanbai gathered her skirt and walked over.
Fu Juxing wore an outfit in matching color—a custom-made suit that perfectly suited his demeanor.
He smiled at her. “You look beautiful.”
“And you’re very handsome,” she replied.
She approached and naturally took his arm.
Only then did he notice her hair was shorter. “You cut your hair?”
“I haven’t changed my hairstyle in years. I wanted something new.” She showed him her hair. “Does it look good?”
She’d always treasured her long hair. He’d never imagined she’d cut it one day.
Fu Juxing’s expression didn’t change. “It looks great.”
Then they left the spa together.
Just as they were about to get in the car, Lin Wanbai’s phone buzzed. She opened a message from her personal assistant.
[Han Chen is being surrounded by a group of people. What should we do? Should I call the police?]
Lin Wanbai paused, studying the screen for a moment, then looked up and met Fu Juxing’s eyes.
He’d seen the content of the message.
Her smile turned a touch helpless. “What now? It seems I have something else to take care of.”