Chapter 141: Memorial Service

Liang Yusheng had never had a favorable impression of this group of people. The seemingly heartfelt apologies just moments ago felt entirely like a show.

It was infuriating.

They were capable of poisoning the old man to death, yet their so-called apologies were nothing short of a joke.

Liang Yusheng said, "I have a feeling this bunch has bad intentions. We need to be careful."

"I know. But right now, the person who needs to be most careful is you."

"Me?" Liang Yusheng smiled. "What can they do to me? Do they think that because I usually appear amiable, I am truly a pushover? How utterly ridiculous. Out of this entire crowd, who is even of any consequence? Who can possibly stand against me? Aside from Fu Yanchuan, who still has some ability, who else is of any use?"

Fu Xingxing said, "Back then, all of them thought I was useless. They simply didn't take me seriously, which is why they ended up in such a state. Never underestimate anyone who returns for revenge. From the moment they step into this house, they cannot be taken lightly."

The two exchanged a glance and shared a brief smile, saying no more.

Remaining in Sibai as the head of the Fu family, managing the funeral arrangements was Fu Xingxing's duty.

The mourning hall was set up quickly. Fu Yonghui and Fu Yongyi bustled about, appearing entirely devoted. Every detail of the hall's decoration was meticulously crafted.

They had not given him a shred of respect while he was alive, yet they suddenly seemed remarkably filial now that he was dead.

Fu Xingxing sat in his chair, watching them move back and forth without a moment's rest.

A servant brought a cup of tea and placed it on the table beside him, while Leisen stood at attention nearby, ready to obey any command.

As the daughter, Fu Tianyi had cleaned the old man inside the room, dressed him in his burial garments, and neatly combed his hair.

The two children stood watching nearby. The younger girl was somewhat fragile, and coupled with the hardships of recent years, she was prone to weeping, gradually sinking into a deep despair. Now, she could not hold back her tears—not out of genuine grief for Fu Changjun's death, but because life felt so hopeless and devoid of any light.

Yuan Heng frowned and said, "What are you crying for..."

"Let her cry. Someone has to shed tears. If you won't let your sister cry, why don't you do it yourself? The old man died so miserably; how can there be no one to weep for him?"

Yuan Heng fell silent. After a moment, he walked out on his own, unwilling to put on such a hypocritical display.

Once she finished, Fu Tianyi sat down in a nearby chair, wiped her hands with a towel, and tossed it aside. She smoothed her hair, her gaze falling upon Fu Changjun's face—a distorted, discolored face that was truly hideous.

He was the root cause of everything, the man who had sparked every tragedy.

All of it because of a word he constantly had on his lips: love. What was love, anyway? When men became sentimental, they were sometimes far worse than women.

A perfectly good family had been ruined to this extent.

She looked toward Yuan Lu and murmured involuntarily, "A perfectly good family, ruined like this."

She was speaking those words to herself.

Hearing her, Yuan Lu finally stopped crying. The tears welled up again, and she hurried over to Fu Tianyi, sitting down heavily beside her, clutching her arm tightly without saying a word.

Fu Tianyi curved the corners of her mouth, patted the girl's head, and said, "Stop crying. You're a young girl, don't always be weeping. Nobody likes a harbinger of gloom. Although the road ahead of you will be very difficult, as long as you work hard—put in two hundred percent effort—I believe you can make it."

Yuan Wei had hit his children—and consequently all future generations—the hardest.

Fu Tianyi felt hatred, but was utterly powerless.

At the time, Yuan Heng had just graduated and was on the verge of starting a business; just as the company was getting off the ground, it was ruthlessly crushed. As for her daughter, she had entered a good university, but her future prospects remained bleak.

Not to mention herself—every action of hers was restricted. Though she had not been thrown in prison, her life was far more agonizing than being behind bars.

She hated. She hated Yuan Wei most of all, followed by Fu Changjun, and then Fu Xingxing.

Not a single one of these men was any good.

With the initial tasks nearly complete, Fu Yonghui came over to check. "Is everything done?"

Coming back to her senses, Fu Tianyi immediately restrained her emotions and turned to look at him. "Yes, everything is ready."

Fu Yonghui walked over to her side. Seeing that Yuan Lu was still crying, he patted the girl's head and asked, "Why is Xiaolu crying? Still, someone really ought to cry; the rest of us will have to cry when the time comes."

Fu Tianyi asked, "Where is he going to be buried?"

"Naturally, alongside Mother."

"And does he agree to that?"

"Do you think Fu Xingxing has any humanity left? I suspect he doesn't have much affection for the old man either. Someone like that is a scourge to society; the old man brought this upon himself. What's the situation with Yuan Wei? Is there any chance of overturning his case?"

"Don't even think about it. I don't want to mention him."

"No matter what, at least Eldest Brother is still here."

Fu Tianyi said nothing more, merely offering a quiet word of thanks.

When the auspicious hour arrived, the two sons carried the old man into the mourning hall and settled him in place.

After a flurry of activity, everyone changed into mourning attire and remained inside the hall.

The kitchen prepared small snacks and served them to everyone to stave off their hunger.

Fu Xingxing sat in the primary seat, Fu Yanchuan occupied the secondary seat, and the others seated themselves wherever they pleased.

Only the family members were inside the mourning hall.

Pei Cong offered Fu Yanchuan a bite to eat, but he shook his head, refusing further food and claiming he had no appetite.

Seeming to recall something, he looked toward Fu Xingxing and asked, "Where is your son? Why isn't he here to send his grandfather off on his final journey?"

"He'll come on the day of the funeral procession. He's still too young; coming here would only add to the chaos."

"How old is he now?"

"Four."

"Ah, right. At that age, they certainly love to make a fuss and play around. In the blink of an eye, your son is already four, while I remain entirely alone, destined to live out my remaining years in solitude. Young women nowadays are utterly practical; unless they're doing charity work, not a single one of them would be willing to marry a cripple like me."

Fu Xingxing took a sip of tea and replied, "You shouldn't speak like that. If you want to, and if someone catches your eye, taking her as your wife is quite an easy feat."

Fu Yanchuan gave a light laugh. "Are you suggesting I should force a marriage?"

"And why not?"

He shook his head. "I couldn't do such a thing. As the saying goes, a forced melon is never sweet. Furthermore, my hands and legs cannot move; forcing someone to marry me wouldn't allow me to do anything anyway. Why should I subject myself to such humiliation?"

He looked at Fu Xingxing, a faint smile in his eyes, his tone half-serious, half-joking. "I still envy you. As a human being, as a man, one should be just like you."

Fu Xingxing turned his head to meet his gaze, gave a faint, noncommittal smile, and remained silent.

That evening, during dinner, the family discussed the old man's funeral.

Although Fu Changjun had long since lost any real standing in the business world, his name still carried weight. Moreover, three years ago, when Fu Xingxing rose to prominence and became the head of the Fu family, Fu Changjun had not exactly kept a low profile while recuperating at home.

Even though his limbs had been crippled, it failed to curb his ambition.

He invited this person to dinner, then that person. Though old in years, his heart was young, harboring a persistent desire to dominate the commercial sphere.

Alas, he was old after all.

Despite a brief period of activity and appearances at various functions, he ultimately lacked real authority. Those who had initially sought to latch onto him realized he had no real voice and naturally stopped trying to cozy up to him.

Yet, his reputation remained.

And because his reputation was intertwined with Fu Xingxing's, his actions—good or bad—genuinely impacted Fu Xingxing's standing.

Therefore, the timing of the announcement required careful consideration.

However, before the news could even be officially released, whispers leaked out that Fu Changjun had died a miserable death—that he had been poisoned.

Public opinion spread rapidly, with various versions circulating. Within a single day, rumors flew everywhere, and the business community was abuzz with discussion. Numerous phone calls poured into Liang Yusheng's and Fu Xingxing's phones, inquiring about the situation.

The media also began to turn their attention toward the family.

Paparazzi even managed to slip into the Sibai residential area, hoping to capture an exclusive scoop, but they were caught red-handed by Fu Yanchuan's men.

The intruder was dragged into a side parlor, and his press card was confiscated.

Upon learning of the incident, Fu Xingxing went over to take a look.

The reporter was shockingly fearless; seeing them all draped in mourning clothes, he still dared to covertly pull out his phone to take pictures.

Leisen stepped forward, snatched the phone, checked the gallery, and handed the device over to Fu Xingxing.

Fu Xingxing merely glanced at it without taking it into his hands. He gave the order: "Search him and throw him out. If you dare to write a single word, I will make sure you can no longer survive in any industry. If you don't believe me, feel free to try."

With that, Leisen called his men over and had the intruder hauled outside, giving him not a single chance to utter another word.

Fu Yanchuan sighed. "These reporters have zero professional ethics. They even want to photograph the dead to sell an exclusive—truly shameless."

Without a word, Fu Xingxing stood up and prepared to return to the mourning hall.

Fu Yanchuan called out, "Second Brother, do you have a mole by your side?"

Fu Xingxing paused. He did not turn around, nor did he speak, simply standing quietly as if waiting for him to continue.

Fu Yanchuan maneuvered his wheelchair closer, looked at him, and said, "Only a few of us knew about the old man being poisoned; not even the distant relatives were aware. Yet word leaked out to the outside world. At the time, aside from us few, the only outsider present was him."

He cast his gaze toward Leisen, who was standing by Fu Xingxing's side. "Of course, I know he is your capable assistant and your trusted confidant. But one can never be too careful; this matter needs to be thoroughly investigated."

In truth, Fu Xingxing did not wish to have the slightest interaction with him.

He didn't care about the people before him in the slightest, feeling not an ounce of hatred. He had no desire to waste his time and energy fighting them, nor were these people worthy opponents.

They were merely a bunch of defeated foes. No matter how much they thrashed about, what waves could they possibly make?

Leisen wanted to retort, but Fu Xingxing stopped him, stepping in front of him a fraction of a second earlier. Fu Xingxing took a step forward, closing the distance between himself and Fu Yanchuan. Then, slowly bending down, he rested both hands on the armrests of the wheelchair, looking down at him with a chilling gaze.

"I disdain fighting with a dying man," Fu Xingxing said. "Older Brother, you should just enjoy your remaining days. You only get one life, and as the old saying goes, a miserable life is better than a good death. As long as you're alive, everything is possible; once you're dead, you have nothing."

"I honestly never imagined you would be so narrow-minded."

His voice was very low, pitched at a level only the two of them could hear.

The expression on Fu Yanchuan's face froze instantly, though he quickly recovered his composure. The corners of his mouth twitched upward as he raised his eyes to look at him. "Thank you for the trouble you've taken, Second Brother. I never expected you to care about me so much. But you aren't me; you cannot comprehend the pain I feel right now. A miserable life is better than a good death? Well, one has to be able to live freely—to run, jump, and move unhindered. But I can't. I never will again. Living like this—what meaning do you think it has?"

Fu Xingxing raised an eyebrow, straightened up, and said, "You chose this path yourself. I've said all I have to say."

He started to walk past him, but as if remembering something, he stepped back, stood before him once more, and leaned down close to his ear.

"Also, don't trouble yourself with vetting the loyalty of my people, Older Brother. Do you know why I was able to win so easily back then?"

Fu Yanchuan pressed his lips together in silence.

Fu Xingxing smiled. "Because I understand psychology. I can pierce the inner thoughts of every single one of you. Do you suppose I can see through you now?"

Their eyes met. A wicked, sinister smile played across Fu Xingxing's lips. He patted Fu Yanchuan's shoulder and walked away without another word.

At that instant, Fu Yanchuan felt a palpable wave of terror. His heart leaped into his throat, then plummeted rapidly back into his chest. He pressed his lips together tightly, his complexion turning slightly pale.

Seeing this, Pei Cong asked in a low voice, "Mr. Fu, are you alright?"

Gritting his teeth, Fu Yanchuan closed his eyes. After a long moment, he regained a semblance of composure, let out a soft huff, and muttered, "We shall see about that!"

***

News of Fu Changjun's poisoning eventually reached Lin Wanbai.

On the very second day after recovering her memories, Lin Wanbai had asked Yang汝月 (Yang Ruyue) to compile all the major and minor events that had occurred in the business world over the past few years, including details about Zhaosheng and Liang Yusheng. She needed to catch up on what she had missed.

"Fu Changjun was poisoned to death? How much truth is there to this rumor?"

Yang Ruyue shook her head. "Uncertain, because there are many different versions circulating outside. But every single version revolves around poisoning, so I suspect the poisoning itself is probably true. After all, there's no smoke without fire; if news is leaking out, something must have happened. Tomorrow is the funeral procession and the public memorial service, so they'll likely announce the details and clear up the rumors."

"A public memorial service?"

"Yes."

Lin Wanbai pondered for a moment and said, "Prepare a suit of clothes for me. I'm going tomorrow as well."

"Ah?" Yang Ruyue could hardly believe her ears.

Lin Wanbai smiled. "What? Fu Xingxing and I haven't divorced yet. As his grandson's wife, it wouldn't look right if I didn't show up."

"Where do you think you're going, and whose grandson's wife are you supposed to be?"

Lin Linye walked in abruptly, his face set in a stern expression. It was unclear how long he had been standing at the door, but judging by his expression, he must have heard everything.

Unflustered, Lin Wanbai propped her chin in her hands and smiled. "Fu Changjun's grandson's wife. He has passed away, and it's only right that I attend."

"You think your reputation has bounced back, so you can just waltz in there? Are you trying to steal the spotlight from a corpse?"

Lin Wanbai scoffed. "If you speak to me like that, we won't be able to remain relatives."

Lin Linye walked over to the desk, rifled through the miscellaneous items scattered across it, and frowned upon seeing magazines from several years ago. He glanced at Yang Ruyue and said, "I wouldn't have guessed it, little Yang, but you're quite capable. You even managed to dig up these ancient relics. As expected of someone who has stayed by Xiaobai's side for so long; you certainly have some tricks up your sleeve."

He pulled over a chair, sat down, and turned to Lin Wanbai. "How about this? I'll trade someone to you. What do you say?"

Lin Wanbai raised an eyebrow, straightened her posture, took a sip of water from her cup, and said, "Uncle, it's hard enough for me to have a single trusted confidant by my side, and you want to snatch her away? That's not very charming of you. Besides, you have all sorts of talented people at your disposal; there's no need to fight me for staff. That's hardly fair."

Yang Ruyue gave a light cough, tidied up the tablet in her hands, and stood up. "I'll go attend to my work then."

"Go ahead."

She hurried away from the dangerous vicinity.

Only the two of them remained in the study. Lin Linye frowned and said, "Speaking of which, how is the design for High School A coming along? The first draft is due in a week. Did you actually put any effort into it?"

"I have my own arrangements; I certainly won't miss the deadline. Since you're so busy, you don't need to babysit my affairs. I'm not a child; I don't need you holding my hand or scheduling my work."

A smile lingered in her eyes as she leaned back in her chair, her demeanor leisurely.

After a moment of silence, seeing that he was still seated, Lin Wanbai smiled and asked, "What is it? Are you taking the day off? You're so leisurely, just sitting here with me and daydreaming."

"Don't go to Fu Changjun's funeral."

She smiled without speaking. Though she didn't answer, her expression made it abundantly clear: she intended to go regardless.

Lin Linye said, "Can you stop acting so reckless? Do you really want Fu Xingxing to drag you back and lock you away again?"

"If I go back this time, I certainly won't let him lock me up. Besides, I suspect he might not even imprison me."

"As expected, you're still going to go, aren't you?"

Lin Wanbai nodded. "Of course I'm going. This is my chance to re-enter the public eye, and my chance to return to Fu Xingxing's side. Going back to him will be immensely helpful for whatever you all plan to do next. Trust me—"

"No." Lin Linye's face was rigid, looking somewhat angry. A few seconds later, he slammed his hand down on the desk for emphasis and repeated, "No!"

"Fu Linsheng is still with him."

"I said I'll find an opportunity to bring the child back."

"Then tell me, why weren't you able to bring the child back smoothly when we were in Hong Kong? You couldn't manage to bring Linsheng back even with such a prime opportunity, so what kind of opportunities do you think you'll have in the future? We've already witnessed Fu Xingxing's methods and abilities. He even has countless secrets we know nothing about. To deal with him, even if you and Fu Yanchuan joined forces with the Tianhe Guild, you might not completely crush him."

Before Lin Linye could retort, Lin Wanbai continued, "I'm not questioning your capabilities. I simply believe that since you're going to do this, you must be rigorous, meticulous, and step-by-step. How long did it take him to reach where he is today? He didn't even have to dirty his own hands when everyone else fell; yet he managed to preserve such a pristine reputation. Every single step he takes is rigorously calculated. He has seen through every one of you, weaving a tight net using your nature and your weaknesses so that not a single one of you can escape."

"Therefore, even if we realize it in the end, it's of no use. I can tell you clearly: you won't find anyone more suitable than me to send to his side. Absolutely no one else."

Lin Linye pressed his lips together. "Then have you ever considered what he will do to you if he finds out?"

"At the very least, he won't kill me," Lin Wanbai said with near-certainty.

Lin Linye laughed. "You're that confident?"

"What do you think?"

Lin Wanbai met his gaze, and the two stared at each other for a long time.

Lin Linye was the first to look away. With a dark expression, he said, "I said no, and that's final. You don't need to say another word." With that, he scooped up all the miscellaneous documents and carried them away with him.

Lin Wanbai didn't mind. She was going to clean those things up anyway, since she had already read through them and saved all the important points in her phone documents. Let him take them.

Fu Changjun's memorial service was scheduled early, taking place right after his cremation, followed immediately by burial at the cemetery.

The entire process would occupy just a single morning.

Cremation at five, memorial service at seven, and burial around ten o'clock.

Every hour had been meticulously calculated, down to the exact second without a margin for error.

After obtaining the schedule, Lin Wanbai ate dinner, returned to her room to shower, and prepared to turn in early while laying out the clothes she would wear the next day.

That night passed peacefully. Lin Linye did not say another word to her, though he instructed the head of household security to deploy extra personnel the following day and strictly forbade Lin Wanbai from stepping outside.

Anticipating this move, Lin Wanbai had left herself a backup plan.

A little past four in the morning, she slipped out of the villa, where Lu Mian and Yang Ruyue were already waiting outside.

However, they were two of a kind. Just as she had anticipated his move, Lin Linye had anticipated hers, playing the mantis stalking the cicada, unaware of the oriole behind.

Disguised as a servant, she had attempted to slip out alongside Uncle An. When they reached the front gate, she spotted Lin Linye standing there smoking a cigarette.

Escape was out of the question, and Lin Wanbai had no intention of running anyway.

She told Uncle An to go ahead, walked up to Lin Linye, and removed her hat and wig. "You can't stop me."

"You still haven't learned your lesson."

"I have learned my lesson. I remember everything—every single detail, piece by piece. That's why I feel I must do this, and it has to be me. Otherwise, there will forever be a knot in my heart, and I'll never live in peace. I've already died once; I won't let myself die a second time. Besides, Fu Xingxing won't hurt me. Even Fu Yanchuan can see that—why can't you?"

Lin Linye replied, "I can see it clearly enough, but I refuse to use you as a weapon. Do you understand?"

"I understand. But I am not a chess piece; we are doing this together. Unless you're afraid I won't be able to complete the mission, or perhaps you're afraid I'll let my emotions interfere in the end."

"That's not it."

"Good then. He started his ascent with a war of public opinion, so we shall begin with a war of public opinion as well. Aside from that, I have to snatch my son back. Right now, the boy only has eyes for his father and hasn't accepted me as his mother yet. I'm going to make him willingly follow me back."

Lin Wanbai stepped forward, patted his shoulder, and said, "Don't worry, I'll be fine."

"I'm going with you."

Knowing he couldn't stop her, he couldn't simply stand by and watch her face the storm alone.

Fu Xingxing had arranged the memorial service specifically for the media to see. There would undoubtedly be a multitude of reporters of all kinds. Although several years had passed since the incident involving Lin Wanbai, gossipy journalists would certainly refuse to let the matter rest.

Back when the scandal first erupted, Lin Wanbai had been placed under house arrest by Fu Xingxing. Reporters had tried frantically to dig up more dirt but came up empty, never even catching a glimpse of Lin Wanbai again.

Over the years, rumors concerning Lin Wanbai in Beicheng had been numerous, mostly negative.

Once hailed as Beicheng's premiere socialite, peerless in every way, she had since been branded by public consensus as a licentious woman.

Whenever the name Lin Wanbai was uttered, it was met with sighs of disdain. Because of her, the entire Lin family's reputation had been dragged through the mud.

Even though Lin Zhaowei had performed countless charitable deeds during his lifetime, people still gossiped, claiming he was a hypocrite in saint's clothing. Hearing such talk made Lin Wanbai's heart turn bitterly cold.

Yet what could she do? When three men make a tiger, people actually start to believe the lie; even friends of several decades had ended up believing those absurd fabrications.

Human nature was the most complicated thing in the world.

Lin Wanbai said, "Come along if you want. But your current outfit won't do—go change into something more formal."

Without a word, Lin Linye grabbed her hand and pulled her back toward the house. Lin Wanbai offered no resistance, letting him drag her indoors. Initially planning to leave her by the doorway, he changed his mind and hauled her all the way inside the room.

Amused by his actions, Lin Wanbai stood by the wardrobe and asked, "Do you want me to pick something out for you?"

"Go stay over there."

She smiled, turned away, and walked to the window. It was a little past four in the morning, and the sky had yet to brighten; the surroundings were dead silent.

Lin Linye casually grabbed a change of clothes, tidied himself up briefly, and the two set off together.

Outside the villa complex, three Mercedes-Benz sedans were waiting, carrying the bodyguards Lin Linye had summoned.

Should any unexpected situation arise, they would have a response ready.

Once the cars passed the Fifth Ring Road, they quickly arrived at the funeral parlor.

Along the route, special decorations had been set up. Small chrysanthemums lined both sides of the road all the way to the entrance of the memorial hall, accompanied by numerous wreaths, exuding an air of grand solemnity.

As the main entrance of the memorial hall slowly came into view, Lin Wanbai felt her heart leap into her throat. A sudden wave of tension washed over her; she instinctively straightened her back and sat stiffly upright in her seat.