Chapter 23: Birthday Gift

Back home, Lin Wanbai took advantage of Fu Juxing going to shower to find the brocade box. She opened it and immediately felt a surge of anger.

What was the meaning of this?

When Fu Juxing finished his shower and came out, he saw her sitting there, fuming. The red brocade box lay at her feet, its lid open, the jade pendant nowhere to be seen.

He wiped his hair and walked over, bending to pick up the box. “Where’s the jade pendant?”

“Why do you even want it? Planning to wear it?” she retorted.

He gave a faint smile. “It was from Grandma. Even if I don’t wear it, I should keep it safe.”

Lin Wanbai glared at him, unable to resist rolling her eyes. “I don’t know. When I opened it, it was empty. Maybe it never belonged to you in the first place. If it’s gone, it’s gone.”

She folded her arms and sat unmoving.

Fu Juxing didn’t press the matter further. He sat beside her and spoke seriously, “Have you really thought about what Grandfather said?”

“Which part?”

“Coming to work at the company with me.”

Lin Wanbai glanced sideways. “I thought you’d ask about having children.”

“I know you don’t want to.”

“Why is that?”

He wiped his hair again. “You said having children is bad for your health.”

She couldn’t recall exactly when she’d said that, but it was true; childbirth is hard on the body. Lin Jingyu, her own mother, had always been sickly after giving birth to her, her constitution weak—years of nourishment barely helped her recover. Moreover, Lin Jingyu had always murmured in her ear as a child, telling her never to have children and listing all the drawbacks of childbearing, which filled her with dread at the prospect.

Fu Juxing said, “Of course, it’s up to you. I’m just suggesting.”

“Is the New Seabay project going smoothly?”

“It’s alright. There shouldn’t be any major problems.”

“Don’t let your guard down,” Lin Wanbai cautioned. “I have a feeling that old witch is bound to stir up trouble. She won’t just sit back and watch you succeed.”

He chuckled. “I’ve scheduled the open day for your birthday. Will you come with me? I’ve built a little villa there just for you; you can spend the winter there, escape the cold. Aren’t you always chilly?”

“Oh? You never mentioned this before.”

“When we were planning, I spotted a place I thought you’d like, so I indulged myself a little.”

She laughed, delighted by such indulgence. She was almost about to leap into his arms, but restrained herself, stood up, and said, “I’ll go take a shower. We’ll see then—if I have time, I’ll go.”

When you love someone too much, their virtues grow larger and larger, so large you can’t see their flaws. It’s as if your heart is clouded by grease and you’re blind to everything else.

That night, she didn’t chase him away.

The four-legged insect carved on that jade pendant seemed to have etched itself onto her heart, making her ache for him. She couldn’t bring herself to send him away.

After that day, the two seemed to return to their previous rhythm.

Yang Ruyue kept her informed about Han Chen. She had found him an apartment, but he refused it, choosing instead to work part-time. His girlfriend, after being explained to, reconciled with him.

The little girlfriend seemed quite decent, willing to work alongside him to pay off debts, and encouraged him to be an upright person. No matter what difficulties he faced, he shouldn’t abandon his principles. If a person loses their principles, what difference is there between him and an animal?

Han Chen was moved, and began to live positively again, as if nothing could crush him. He was already in his senior year; next summer, he would graduate. He had planned to apply for postgraduate studies, but given the current situation, he only hoped to graduate smoothly and start working as soon as possible to pay off his debts.

Lin Wanbai never gave instructions nor asked Yang Ruyue to withdraw; so Yang Ruyue kept quietly observing, making no extra moves.

...

The day before Lin Wanbai’s birthday, she went with Fu Juxing to New Seabay. She had arranged her birthday party there, inviting many friends to help boost the atmosphere.

The New Seabay Resort was located in South City. After a two-hour flight and another two-hour drive, they arrived.

Lin Wanbai hadn’t slept the night before, so she spent the entire journey asleep, wearing an eye mask.

After they reached the resort, it was Fu Juxing himself who carried her into her exclusive villa. Many people saw this; Fu Juxing’s reputation as a devoted husband remained unshaken.

By the time she woke, it was already evening.

The sunset’s glow poured through the glass windows. As she opened her eyes, she saw the wide sky, the beautiful dusk, clouds like a fire phoenix spreading its wings.

She squinted, marveling at this earthly paradise. Rising, she gazed outside in a daze, a smile unknowingly blossoming across her face. Beautiful scenery sweeps all troubles away.

She walked to the floor-to-ceiling window and looked down. The villa was surrounded by flowers, lush and vibrant—truly reminiscent of Alice’s Wonderland.

“You’re awake,” came Fu Juxing’s voice, timely as ever. Her joy was so great she nearly rushed over like a puppy to leap into his arms, but she restrained herself, tossed her hair, feigned calm, and turned to smile at him. “This place is wonderful. Is it my birthday gift from you?”

“Do you like it?” He wore a black shirt, sleeves rolled up, looking a little weary as if he’d just finished some work.

“I love it.” Lin Wanbai nodded, her smile proof that she truly meant it.

He seemed tired and sat on the bed, bending slightly. “Want to come try the dishes later?”

“Sure, I’m starving.” When in a good mood, anything seemed possible. After taking in the sunset, she took her clothes to shower.

When she emerged, Fu Juxing was already asleep on the bed, one arm under his head, lying sideways, his body slightly curved.

Lin Wanbai glanced at the time and didn’t wake him immediately, but tiptoed to his side, crouching to admire his sleeping face.

Just then, his phone on the bedside table buzzed. She ignored it until the vibration persisted.

She walked over and glanced at the screen; the number looked familiar.

She thought a moment, then answered.

“Who is this?” she asked, wiping her hair, her tone indifferent.

“Miss Lin, it’s me.”

The voice was unmistakable—the famous private detective she’d hired earlier.

“Miss Lin, I was wrong before. I was bribed by Mr. Fu last time. I have evidence now—proof that Mr. Fu has someone outside!”

She paused for a few seconds, her tone unchanged. “Send the photos to my email.”