Chapter 130: May I Kiss You?

Lin Shengfu wore an innocent and carefree expression, completely unfazed by the quarrels among the three adults around him. To remain so composed while speaking to her like this—truly, he was an extraordinary little child.

At this moment, Lin Wanbai felt a swirl of emotions she couldn’t quite name. With her memory missing and no experience interacting with children, she wasn’t overly emotional; rather, she simply wished to step forward, embrace him, speak to him a little more, grow closer. Gazing at his smiling face, her heart softened, a warm current flowing gently within.

She couldn’t help but smile, almost slipping into her natural voice. With a slight smile, she said, “I’m sorry, I don’t know your mother. Could you tell me which one she is?”

Lin Shengfu blinked, then turned to Fu Juxing. “Daddy, which one is my mommy?”

When Fu Juxing’s eyes met hers, Lin Wanbai’s heart felt as if it was about to leap from her throat. She forced herself to appear calm, holding his gaze for a second before quickly shifting her attention to Meng Jiayi, who was now arguing with Song Lin.

Meng Jiayi grabbed a cup from the table and hurled it toward them, shouting, “I knew there was something wrong between you two! Adulterers! Ye Ying, I really misjudged you! You’ve disappointed me so much!”

Song Lin, realizing this wasn’t the place for a fight, restrained his temper and said softly, “Let’s go outside and talk. Don’t make a scene in front of the client.”

Meng Jiayi sneered, “Why go outside? I think it’s better here so this important client, who pays well, can see how you abuse your power—bringing some unprofessional woman here to take care of the child!”

Fuming, Meng Jiayi strode toward Ye Ying, reaching out to pull her, but Song Lin restrained her and turned to Ye Ying. “You go inside.”

Ye Ying glanced at Meng Jiayi, lowered her head, and quickly walked in.

Lin Wanbai saw Meng Jiayi was about to leave, so she stood up, preparing to follow.

Fu Juxing spoke, “Mrs. Song, please stay. I think what you said is not unfounded. We should clarify in front of me what ‘unprofessional’ means. Mr. Song told me Ye Ying is the most professional in his company. As the client, I have the right to know. Regardless of your relationship, I just want to know if, Mr. Song, you are abusing your power, using work as a pretext for an affair with me.”

Fu Juxing’s words turned Song Lin’s face pale. He tightened his grip on Meng Jiayi’s hand and shot her a glare filled with anger.

After a moment, he reluctantly walked with Meng Jiayi into the living room.

Fu Juxing looked at Lin Wanbai. “Please have a seat. Making tea doesn’t require skill; Ye Ying, you should be able to handle it, right?”

Ye Ying lowered her eyes, pale-faced, and went straight to the kitchen to boil water and make tea.

Meng Jiayi lifted her chin, glaring fiercely at Ye Ying, then looked at Fu Juxing. “Mr. Lin, Ye Ying has only been with the company for a year. She was once a wealthy young lady, but her family declined. Her mother, unable to escape debt collectors, jumped to her death. Her father disappeared, and her brother now gambles wildly in underground casinos. I was once her friend, and seeing her plight, I wanted to help by bringing her into my company to work in childcare.”

“I didn’t hire her as a nanny; I intended her to be an early education teacher. But due to her family troubles, she couldn’t focus. Her problems even affected our company—paint thrown, staff harassed, all kinds of trouble. I, being a good husband, paid off some of her debts. I thought it was nothing; we were friends, and since we were close, helping was the right thing to do.”

“Unfortunately, my goodwill was met with ingratitude. She destroyed my family and tried to steal my husband!” Meng Jiayi’s anger surged as Ye Ying brought out the tea.

The water was freshly boiled, still steaming, and Meng Jiayi tried to splash it onto Ye Ying’s face. Quick as lightning, Song Lin stopped her. “Have you lost your mind? Is this never-ending?”

Meng Jiayi remained silent, teeth clenched, struggling against him. But clearly, she was no match for his strength. The cup tipped, scalding both their hands red.

Meng Jiayi yelped sharply, and Lin Wanbai quickly handed her a tissue. “Rinse it with cold water; it’s probably just-boiled water.”

At this moment, Song Lin noticed Lin Wanbai and, seeing their hands clasped, grabbed her wrist. “Who are you?”

At that instant, Lin Shengfu suddenly slipped from Fu Juxing’s lap with a little cry. Fortunately, Fu Juxing was quick to catch him, and the fall wasn’t severe. Pouting, the little boy looked up at Fu Juxing pitifully. “Daddy?”

He had been sitting peacefully, but as Fu Juxing stood, he was jostled and fell. He looked at Fu Juxing with wide, questioning eyes.

Ye Ying moved swiftly, bringing over his small sofa and gently suggesting, “Little treasure, sit here. Daddy’s legs aren’t good, and you’re heavy. He might have hurt his leg.”

Lin Shengfu glanced at Fu Juxing, nodded obediently, and settled into his small sofa, looking adorably nestled.

Lin Wanbai and Song Lin’s attention was drawn there simultaneously. Song Lin looked toward Fu Juxing, whose gaze was chillingly cold, as if ready to kill. Instinctively, he loosened his grip on Lin Wanbai’s wrist but continued to look at her coldly. “Are you the one stirring trouble in front of my wife? Secretly investigating me, huh?!”

Lin Wanbai cleared her throat. “You’re mistaken. I’m not a private detective; I’m a designer. I came here today to discuss a design plan with Mrs. Song, but unexpectedly stumbled upon this situation. Instead of fixating on my identity, wouldn’t it be better for you to clarify things? It’s only fair for everyone involved.”

Fu Juxing nodded in agreement. “I think this lady is right.”

Lin Wanbai glanced at him sideways, smiling politely yet distantly, as if she truly didn’t know him.

Her act was convincing.

Fu Juxing lowered his eyes, revealing a faint smile.

Lin Shengfu tilted his head, resting his chubby hands on his chin. Seeing Fu Juxing smile, he exclaimed as if finding treasure, “Ah, Daddy, you smiled!”

Their eyes turned toward the boy. Fu Juxing immediately composed himself, wearing a poker face. He looked at Song Lin. “You’d better tell the truth. If you lie again, don’t expect your company to keep running.”

“I pay you not to have an affair here.”

Ye Ying, who had been silent till now, finally spoke, looking at Meng Jiayi. “Jiayi, there’s really nothing between Song Lin and me. Yes, I’m not the most professional and not top in the company. Because of past troubles, no one wants to hire me anymore. And those people started taking advantage, saying no money means meat. Song Lin arranged for me to work at Mr. Lin’s house partly because he’s an outsider and doesn’t know everything, plus he’s generous. He wanted me to earn some money. Also, Mr. Lin has many bodyguards, so those people dare not cause trouble and can protect me. So…”

“Enough!” Meng Jiayi interrupted. “Don’t pretend here—stop your fake act. I won’t believe you anymore; not a word!”

She tried to walk over but was pulled back by Song Lin. “Are you still going to make a scene? Haven’t you embarrassed yourself enough? You’re trying to push her to death, aren’t you?!”

Lin Wanbai wanted to advise Meng Jiayi to stop this madness. There was no need to escalate; it was already clear who this man protected. From the moment they entered, Fu Juxing had always guarded Ye Ying, pulling Meng Jiayi back whenever she moved, fearful she would lash out and hurt Ye Ying.

With things as they were, if it exploded, Meng Jiayi would be the one hurt, without any complaint.

But women, once trapped in love, become foolish and obsessed, losing all reason, resorting only to hysterical fighting.

However, such outbursts won’t win anything. When a man no longer loves you, crying, screaming, or threatening—none of it matters; all seem repulsive and distasteful to them.

Grabbing the purse strings, however, might just bring him back, calling you “good wife” again like a dog.

Lin Wanbai, though, didn’t want to interfere. She didn’t have the standing nor the desire to stir up trouble.

She just wanted to leave this place of conflict, this space where Fu Juxing existed.

She wasn’t ready for this encounter; it left her bewildered.

Who would have imagined such a meeting under these circumstances? Fate truly enjoyed toying with people.

Meng Jiayi and Song Lin’s quarrel had escalated, seemingly discarding all restraint, trading barbs rapidly. Fu Juxing surprisingly did not intervene.

Lin Wanbai felt restless, wanting to interrupt but unable to. Just as she prepared to leave, a small hand suddenly grasped hers.

Looking down, she saw Lin Shengfu staring up at her with bright, earnest eyes.

“Mom,” he said softly.

Lin Wanbai’s heart skipped a beat. That gentle voice—just that one word—“Mom”—made her feel as if she had lost control.

After a few seconds, she smiled slightly and patted his head. “Little one, I’m your big brother, not your mother.”

“You look so much like my mommy,” he said, tilting his head thoughtfully.

Then, as if recalling something, he squeezed Lin Wanbai’s hand. “Wait here.”

He dashed to the bedroom and quickly returned with a photo, handing it to her. “Look, this is my mommy.”

In his hand was a photo of Lin Wanbai herself—taken sometime before, with long hair and a happy smile.

Lin Wanbai glanced at it, raising an eyebrow. “You’re right. You really do look alike. Your mother is very beautiful, and you resemble her.”

She placed the photo beside his cheek. “Like two peas in a pod.”

“I was born by my mommy,” his chubby hands grabbed the photo back, smiling broadly. He kissed it gently, then hugged it to his chest. “Kiss mommy.”

Watching this, Lin Wanbai’s heart ached a little.

Lin Shengfu then looked up at her. “Can I kiss you, big brother?”

“Why?”

“Because you look like mommy.”

Lin Wanbai glanced at Fu Juxing, who was walking over to them.

Fu Juxing knelt slowly behind Lin Shengfu, one hand resting on the boy’s shoulder. “What are you talking to big brother about?”

Nearby, the argument was raging, but over here was surprisingly peaceful.

The little one said, “I want to kiss big brother.”

Fu Juxing looked at Lin Wanbai. “They really do look alike.”

Lin Wanbai gave a dry laugh. “A little bit, yes.”

“More than a little,” Fu Juxing said amicably. “You said you’re a designer?”

Lin Wanbai nodded. “Yes.”

“Do you have a business card?”

She shook her head. “No, I just started and haven’t printed any yet.”

“What’s your name?”

“Lin Qin,” she answered calmly, subtly promoting herself—otherwise, it wouldn’t fit her character.

Fu Juxing pulled out his phone. “How about adding me on WeChat first? That way, if there’s any business, I can contact you.”

Damn, Lin Wanbai thought she had shot herself in the foot. She had expressed eagerness to cooperate; if she refused to exchange contacts now, it would be embarrassing. According to her role, she should have happily accepted.

After all, this man was a substantial opportunity.

She took out her phone. “I’ll scan yours.”

Fu Juxing presented his QR code; Lin Wanbai scanned it and added him. “I’ve added you. Approve it when you’re free.”

“Hmm, I’m free now,” he said, immediately approving.

Lin Shengfu stood between them, looking left and right, then seemingly had an idea. He tiptoed to shield Fu Juxing, leaning his face close to Lin Wanbai’s. “Big brother, can I kiss you?”

“Sure, sure, little one can kiss as much as you like,” she said with a playful, coaxing expression.

Lin Shengfu planted a heavy kiss on her cheek, leaving her face wet with drool. The smack echoed loudly, striking directly at her heart, making her feel utterly soft inside.

She laughed, rubbing his chubby face. “I think I’m no longer needed here. I don’t want to get involved in their family matters, so I’ll be going now.”

Fu Juxing stood as well. “Need me to see you out?”

“No, no, thanks for the trouble.” She gathered her things and headed toward the door.

Just as she reached it, Meng Jiayi noticed her. Perhaps disheartened by Song Lin, she didn’t listen to further explanations and called out, “Lin Qin, wait!”

She wiped away tears, squeezed between Song Lin and Ye Ying, and grabbed Lin Wanbai’s hand. “I’ll walk with you.”

At the door, she paused and looked at Song Lin. “If you love her so much, why not give her everything and leave?”

Then she pulled Lin Wanbai quickly outside, closing the door behind them.

The elevator was slow, so Meng Jiayi, impatient, led Lin Wanbai down the stairs.

They stopped on the first floor, both gasping for breath, hands on their knees as if having run a thousand meters.

Lin Wanbai wanted to pat her back but reconsidered, given her current identity. “Mrs. Song…”

“Don’t call me Mrs. Song. I’m not anymore!”

“Then, Miss Meng, don’t be too heartbroken. It’s not bad to see a scumbag’s true colors early. You were a bit impulsive. If you had collected evidence, it would be more advantageous.”

Meng Jiayi straightened up, snorted, wiping away tears. “I was stupid. I should have secretly transferred assets to catch him off guard and leave him with nothing. Let’s see how much his love weighs! But I was too upset; I couldn’t bear it, not even for a minute. It’s disgusting, heartbreaking—you wouldn’t understand.”

She took a deep breath, swaying as she left the stairwell.

Lin Wanbai followed, deciding to see her home safely before leaving.

Back at her own home, Lin Wanbai finally exhaled, leaning against the door and sitting down, unwilling to move another step. Her mind was chaotic, replaying the encounter with Fu Juxing earlier. She felt she had performed poorly.

Fu Juxing had probably seen through her but hadn’t exposed or captured her on the spot.

Instead, he pretended not to know her. What was his purpose?

He didn’t seem amnesiac; he must have regained his memory and remembered everything.

In Heping Village, she had abandoned him so abruptly. Given his personality, he should have immediately caught her. Yet now, he was still playing along. Or perhaps he truly hadn’t recognized her?

Lin Wanbai scratched her head, unable to make sense of it.

Just then, Fu Yanchuan called, saying he wouldn’t come for dinner tonight; he was busy.

Lin Wanbai hesitated before asking, “Are you free now?”

“What?”

“I have something to tell you.”

On the other end, Fu Yanchuan told his entourage to step back, then spoke. “Go ahead.”

“I ran into Fu Juxing today—or rather, I went directly to where he lives. The husband of my client happened to be working there, and the client dragged me along to catch them. I didn’t expect to see him.”

Fu Yanchuan was silent for a moment before asking, “Did he recognize you?”

“I don’t know.” Lin Wanbai thought that given his attitude, he probably did. Otherwise, he wouldn’t have been so polite to a stranger.

“Recognized you?”

Lin Wanbai thought a moment and nodded. “I think he did, but he didn’t expose me and was courteous.”

“Is that so? So, what do you plan to do now?”

“Running away isn’t a solution. I can’t hide forever. No matter how painful the memories, I have to face them. Since he’s not exposing me but willing to play along, then I’ll play along. Before, when he was hiding, I was fearful. Now that he’s openly acting, it’s easier, right?”

Fu Yanchuan chuckled. “I knew you’d say that, even if you feel uncertain inside.”

Lin Wanbai clicked her tongue. “Are you a worm in my stomach? How do you know I’m uncertain?”

“Don’t worry, he won’t hurt you. Since he’s willing to play along, it means his feelings for you haven’t changed. So be confident to be yourself.”

“And you?”

“I’ll be fine. He can’t hurt me now. If anything, I should be worried about him.”

“What are you going to do?”

Fu Yanchuan smiled lightly. “Kill him.”

Lin Wanbai was silent for a moment, then whispered, “That would make you a murderer.”

“Are you saying that because you can’t bear to lose him or me?”

Lin Wanbai said nothing. She had no attachment at all.

After a while, Fu Yanchuan hung up.

Since he wasn’t coming for dinner, Lin Wanbai made a simple meal and ordered takeout.

While waiting, Fu Juxing sent her a WeChat message: [Are you there?]

Annoyed by the dull opener, Lin Wanbai waited ten minutes before replying: [Yes. Mr. Lin, what do you need?]

Fu Juxing: [I have a project that needs an architectural designer. Can you handle it?]

That was quick.

Lin Wanbai replied: [What kind of project? I’m a bit busy lately, not sure if I can make it.]

Fu Juxing: [We’ll discuss it in person.]

Lin Wanbai sighed. [I’m a bit busy these days. When are you free?]

Fu Juxing: [Whenever you’re free to come over.]

Lin Wanbai thought: If you were really so easy, it’d be a miracle.

She sent a “Thank you, boss” emoji.

Fu Juxing didn’t respond.

He looked at the screen, where a little figure kept bowing repeatedly. He smiled faintly, locked his phone, and set it aside.

Looking up, Ye Ying and Song Lin sat side by side.

Fu Juxing said, “Do you still have matters to discuss?”

He was in a good mood today; everything seemed more agreeable.

Ye Ying tried to kneel again, but Fu Juxing stopped her. “No need to kneel. Once is worth gold, many times and it loses value.”

Song Lin pulled her close. “I came to apologize for my private matters disturbing Mr. Lin and your son. Little treasure wasn’t frightened, right?”

“No.”

“There’s one thing I want to clarify: Ye Ying and I have done nothing improper. She’s wholeheartedly caring for little treasure.”

“That’s enough. Whether you had an affair, I can tell. I’ve been silent out of laziness, but now Mrs. Song is causing a scene at my door, so spare me the pompous words.”

Song Lin said, “Here’s what I think…”

“Don’t bother. What happens next is none of your business. Please leave.”

Ye Ying’s eyes were teary as she glanced toward Lin Shengfu’s room. “May I say goodbye to little treasure?”

“No need. Little treasure doesn’t want to see you.”

Ye Ying was stunned.

Fu Juxing added, “Don’t underestimate children. They understand right and wrong. They know who they can be close to and who they cannot.”

The implication was clear: Ye Ying was not someone little treasure should be close to.

Song Lin, unwilling to be humiliated further, stood and grabbed Ye Ying’s hand. “Let’s go. We’ve said what we needed. Others can think whatever they want; we can’t control that.”

Fu Juxing hardly cared about them.

But Ye Ying was unwilling to leave just like that. She broke free from Song Lin’s grip, stepped before Fu Juxing, and pleaded, “Mr. Lin, if you want to find someone else to care for little treasure, it will take time. Please let me stay for now. I beg you! If I leave, they’ll catch me… I’ve worked so many jobs, and only here am I safe. Mr. Lin, I beg you…”

She knelt again, clutching Fu Juxing’s clothes. “Please.”

Fu Juxing said, “Let go.”

“Mr. Lin…” she raised her voice intentionally, hoping little treasure inside would hear. They were usually close; she believed he would come to help.

“I don’t need long. Just give me a month…”

Song Lin couldn’t bear it and pulled her up. “Fine. I’ll help pay your debt. You can work for me from now on.”

“You haven’t repaid it.” Ye Ying broke free. “You go explain to Jiayi. You won’t manage my affairs anymore. I’ll pay you back when I have money.”

Fu Juxing seemed to consider something. Without waiting for Song Lin’s response, he nodded. “Little treasure doesn’t need your care. Just do the household chores here.”

Ye Ying’s face brightened. “Good, good! I’ll do whatever you say. Thank you, Mr. Lin!”

Song Lin was surprised Fu Juxing agreed. He glanced at him.

Fu Juxing said, “As for you, Mr. Song, I won’t keep you.”

Ye Ying pushed him out. “Go explain to Jiayi. Don’t ruin your already happy family because of me. Don’t forget, you have a son!”

Song Lin was stunned and was pushed out.

Ye Ying stood at the door, took a deep breath, and bowed deeply. “Thank you.”

...

After that, Lin Wanbai didn’t deliberately contact Fu Juxing; she didn’t take any action on WeChat but continued working as usual. She worked at Yuan Corporation, handling clients, placing orders, signing contracts.

Soon, she replaced the previous sales champion and officially became the department manager.

She hired new staff, canceled the previous high base salary, and set a base pay of three thousand yuan. To earn more, they had to make sales and achieve performance.

The veteran employees complained. They were there to fill numbers; now with lower pay and less comfort, fewer benefits, they refused to work.

They submitted complaints several times. Lin Wanbai listened but made no changes.

They bypassed her to complain to higher-ups.

Lin Wanbai implemented a comprehensive rewards and penalties system. Each person had monthly targets. The monthly champion earned two percent more commission and could take one percent from others.

Benefits were tiered according to performance.

On the surface, the benefits were better than before, but only for the diligent. The lazy got nothing.

With this system, the veterans had no complaints, and their criticisms became their own fault.

In the end, they returned to work.

Lin Wanbai maintained good relations with every client, steadily increasing her client base. Her excellent memory kept track of each client’s preferences and dislikes. Her courage and drinking skills improved—it became less difficult.

Miraculously, Fu Juxing lay quietly in her WeChat contacts, silent.

Since the last encounter, they hadn’t spoken once.

She scrolled through the chat; their last conversation was two months ago.

Ye Qiu called to remind her of an evening banquet.

She agreed and set her phone aside to finish her work.

...

At the Mid-Mountain Villa.

Pei Cong said, “He acquired a Japanese-funded company. We’re currently negotiating a big order with them. Lin Wanbai is personally handling it.”

Fu Yanchuan asked, “Is that his only move?”

“Yes.”

Fu Yanchuan raised an eyebrow and smiled lightly. It seemed Fu Juxing had changed, preparing to soften his approach, aiming for the heart.