Chapter 25: Protection

The next day, Lin Wanbai slept until nine, only to be roused by the persistent sound of the doorbell. Bleary-eyed, she fished out her phone and glanced at the time—dozens of missed calls. She had silenced her phone before going to bed. At that moment, Fu Juxing’s call came through again.

Rolling over, she rose lazily from her bed. “Mm, I’m up,” she murmured, her voice still soft and kittenish from sleep.

There was a brief silence before Fu Juxing replied, “I’ve sent someone over. Once you’re ready, come straight here. Everyone’s waiting for you.”

She agreed and hung up.

Fu Juxing turned around just as his secretary, Liang Xi, approached. “Mr. Lin has arrived.”

“Good.” He pocketed his phone and went out to greet him personally.

The guest was Lin Zhouye.

They were of similar age, but their relationship was rather distant. Back when Lin Wanbai intended to marry Fu Juxing, Lin Zhouye had been the first to oppose it.

Fu Juxing stepped outside and saw Lin Zhouye approaching in a sightseeing cart. The PR lady on board was giving him a brief introduction to the resort. Lin Zhouye sat there, relaxed, sunglasses perched on his face, gazing off to the side, seemingly unaware of Fu Juxing’s presence.

After a while, the cart stopped in front of Fu Juxing. He took a step forward. “Uncle.”

Lin Zhouye withdrew his gaze, removed his sunglasses, and handed them to his companion before alighting from the cart. He straightened his clothes slightly and nodded. “Where’s Xiaobai?”

“She’s still getting ready. She’ll be here soon.”

“Mm.” Lin Zhouye’s demeanor was cool and aloof. Upon seeing a familiar face, he merely patted Fu Juxing’s shoulder and walked on.

Fu Juxing had chosen this date deliberately, using Lin Wanbai’s birthday as an opportunity to invite people he otherwise could not reach. After all, for the Lin family’s sake, no one would decline. To miss Lin Wanbai’s birthday banquet would be a loss.

Normally, such a small occasion wouldn’t warrant Lin Zhaowei’s personal attendance. But since it was Lin Wanbai’s birthday, and Lin Zhaowei doted on his granddaughter, he would certainly be present. With Lin Zhaowei there, Jiang Shuzhi had no choice but to attend as well, and if she didn’t show up, Fu Changjun would have to make an appearance for the family.

With two such influential figures present, the guest list would only grow longer, not shorter.

The occasion was grand enough. On a day like this, anyone with intentions to stir up trouble would have to weigh their actions carefully.

Fu Yanchuan arrived just after Lin Zhouye. Fu Juxing noticed from afar and remained where he was, watching as the vehicle approached and stopped before him.

“Big Brother.”

Fu Yanchuan smiled, disembarking from the sightseeing cart. “Very impressive.”

Fu Juxing replied modestly, “Thank you for making time to come today, Big Brother. I really appreciate it.”

“It’s only right. We’re family—of course I’d be here.”

With that, the two of them walked inside together.

All the heirs of the major families in Northern City were present—an extraordinary turnout for someone of Fu Juxing’s status. Even when Fu Yanchuan had launched his first project, the scene hadn’t been so prestigious.

…

Lin Wanbai arrived precisely on time. She wore a milky-white gown that instantly made her the center of attention. Her attire was prim and proper, and her natural makeup gave her a look of pure innocence.

Fu Juxing was waiting outside.

“Sorry to keep you waiting.”

“Not at all. You’re meant to be the star of the show.”

“The outfit you chose is beautiful—I really like it.”

“You’re even more beautiful.”

They exchanged a smile. Lin Wanbai slipped her arm through his, and the ribbon-cutting ceremony was about to begin.

Under the watchful eyes of all, they ascended the stage together, standing at the center. After the hostess finished her formal speech, just as everyone was preparing to cut the ribbon, a figure suddenly burst through the crowd, stormed onto the stage, and, catching everyone off guard, lunged at Fu Juxing with a short knife, stabbing toward his abdomen.

Though Fu Juxing reacted swiftly, he was still struck.

Lin Wanbai was stunned with shock, but instead of retreating, she moved forward, grabbing Fu Juxing’s hand and stepping protectively in front of him without hesitation—just as she had done when they were children, standing in front of him whenever he was bullied.

She radiated authority, utterly unafraid, and snapped at the staff, “Are you all dead? Hurry and restrain him!”

Before she finished speaking, Fu Juxing had already pulled her behind him.

The assailant was still thrashing wildly. As he swung the knife, Lin Wanbai’s forearm was accidentally slashed. At that moment, Fu Juxing seized the man’s wrist and landed a fierce punch, dazing him so thoroughly that he collapsed onto the stage, the knife clattering from his hand.

Below, chaos erupted. Someone brandished a bottle of concentrated sulfuric acid, attacking the guests. Screams filled the air. The staff, caught off guard and terrified, scattered in all directions, too afraid to intervene.

Security personnel finally arrived, swiftly bringing the chaos under control. The man was pinned to the ground, his knife confiscated.

He glared at Fu Juxing, cursing, “You’ll die a miserable death! Fu Juxing, you animal! Heartless merchant! Retribution will find you! You’ll pay for this!”

At that moment, a woman in work clothes approached slowly from the side. As she drew near Fu Juxing, she suddenly hurled a cup of concentrated sulfuric acid at them.

This time, Fu Juxing reacted instantly, pulling Lin Wanbai into his arms and spinning around. The entire contents of the acid splashed across his back.

Lin Wanbai immediately caught the acrid, burning scent.

She instinctively reached out, but Fu Juxing blocked her, his brow tightening as he endured the pain. “Don’t touch,” he said.

Lin Wanbai stared at him, silent.

The scene was utter bedlam—no one had anticipated such an incident. Who could be so reckless? There was no need to guess; only Jiang Shuzhi would dare such a thing. Even at the risk of offending the Lin family, she would not allow Fu Juxing to bask in the limelight.

Lin Zhouye quickly arrived, draping his coat over Lin Wanbai’s shoulders. “Are you hurt?”

She shook her head. “A’Xing is.”

Lin Zhouye had seen what happened. “An ambulance is on its way. Don’t worry.”

At this point, Fu Juxing’s secretaries and assistants had taken charge, guiding him away. As the sightseeing cart reached the hotel entrance, the ambulance pulled up.

Fortunately, none of the guests were injured—only a few staff had been splashed with acid. The most severely hurt was Fu Juxing.

Lin Wanbai insisted on accompanying the ambulance to the hospital. The medics cut away Fu Juxing’s shirt, revealing the severity of his injuries. Lin Wanbai narrowed her eyes and unconsciously clenched the hem of her dress.

It was as if she herself bore the pain of those wounds.

She looked at him, lips pressed tight, her face pale but expressionless save for a slight furrow of her brow. Sensing her gaze, he looked over and offered her a faint smile, as if to reassure her.

Lin Wanbai did not smile—she merely looked at him. Blood stained her white dress, the crimson stark and jarring.