Chapter 35: No One Is Allowed to Bully Those Who Belong to Me
Fu Juxing stood for a while before finally going out to greet them.
As he stepped outside, he saw Jiang Shuzhi holding Fu Miao’s hand, asking her all sorts of questions. In that moment, she appeared to be nothing more than an ordinary old lady, doting on her granddaughter, expressing concern for her well-being—a decent elder, by all accounts.
Fu Miao and Lin Wanbai had very similar personalities, but Fu Miao was gentler and more well-behaved. When they were children playing together, they were the only two girls in the group, and everyone doted on them.
Everyone thought they were destined to become close friends, but in the end, they went their separate ways.
They were never enemies, though.
Perhaps it was the case of two bright stars born to compete—each measured herself against the other, from head to toe, and thus naturally felt less fondness for each other. The fact that they could maintain harmony on the surface was already an achievement.
There was once a direct conflict between them because of a broken engagement; they tore into each other without reservation, and oh, what a spectacle it was. Their mutual friends still relished retelling that tale to this day.
Fu Juxing stood off to the side, silent, until Fu Miao noticed him and greeted him politely, “Second Brother.”
Only then did he approach. “It’s been a long time, Miao Miao.”
“It really has been a long time. Where’s Xiaobai? Didn’t she come with you?”
Before she finished speaking, Lin Wanbai’s voice drifted out from the house. “I’m here—I didn’t want to interrupt your reunion with Grandma.”
She appeared, wearing her perfect smile, gracefully emerging from inside.
The moment she stepped out, the atmosphere subtly shifted.
Both women heightened their presence, neither willing to yield, engaging in a silent contest of wills.
Fu Miao flashed her a dazzling smile. “Even in Luocheng, I saw the news here. Xiaobai, you’re still the same as ever—ruthless in pursuit of your goals. I could never compete with that, nor could I ever be as shameless.”
Lin Wanbai remained unbothered, reminding herself that this old maid was simply jealous.
She moved to Fu Juxing’s side, taking his arm and smiling. “Well, not everyone can do what I do. After all, not everyone is the darling of the family like me.”
Lin Wanbai had struck a sensitive nerve.
Fu Miao’s smile faded a touch, for indeed, in this regard, she would never match her.
Lin Wanbai’s family truly adored her, so she was always brimming with confidence. As for Fu Miao, though her status seemed equal, she was far less happy. The Fu family, in the end, valued sons over daughters. Her parents imposed many rules and gave her little freedom. She had to fight with all her might to excel, just to avoid her father’s disapproval.
She still remembered the year of the high school entrance exams—Lin Wanbai’s parents personally came to the school, cheered her on right before the test, and even Lin Zhaowei came to pick her up afterward. Lin Zhouye, still in school himself, took a leave just to be there.
What was even more infuriating was that Lin Wanbai was naturally gifted; she learned with ease and effortlessly claimed first place.
That year, Lin Wanbai was top in the entire school, leaving Fu Miao ten points behind.
Though they both entered the prestigious special class in high school, for Fu Miao, it was still a defeat.
Afterward, she worked even harder, but those ten simple points remained forever out of reach.
Fu Miao sighed. “That may be, but I would never stoop to stealing someone else’s love.”
Lin Wanbai was still unperturbed. “True, not everyone can manage that. Maybe you’ll never get the one you love, hmm? By the way, are you dating anyone? Don’t tell me you still don’t have a boyfriend?”
“Grandma, you’d better keep an eye on her. If she ever brings a woman home, it might be tricky to handle.”
Fu Miao replied, “I’m not obsessed with romance. Matters of the heart are about fate. Oh, by the way, I have a major show this season. I’ll send you an invitation—you must come and support me.”
In her career, she outshone Lin Wanbai. Now, she’d secured her place in the world of high fashion, her name carried weight, and this time, she was the lead designer.
It was sure to be a show that would make her famous.
“And you? What have you been up to lately?” she asked, deliberately.
Lin Wanbai smiled. “The brand has already sent me an invitation. Your boss even called personally, hoping I’d write a feature for you. I never expected you’d be Yimi. You used to dress so amusingly as a child—who would’ve thought you’d end up in fashion? Impressive, truly impressive.”
Fu Miao’s stomach was already tight with anger.
Fu Juxing intervened at just the right moment, squeezing Lin Wanbai’s hand and saying, “Alright, didn’t you just say you were hungry? Let’s go have some tea and snacks.”
Lin Wanbai leaned close to him, her manner especially affectionate. She obediently sheathed her claws, revealing a sweet side. “Alright.”
In such situations, Jiang Shuzhi naturally took her granddaughter’s side. As they walked in, she said, “Xiaobai, since you’ve been invited, you should clear up those scandals about you. Otherwise, it would be bad for the brand. This is Miao Miao’s first lead show. Don’t let anything get in the way.”
The old witch’s earnest concern was truly unseemly.
Lin Wanbai replied, “Don’t worry, it won’t be a problem. Who knows, she might even use my troubles for publicity and become famous faster. Grandma, you don’t understand how things work these days—it’s like with celebrities. Some follow the rules, work hard, and wait for their chance. Others stir up controversy, and even bad fame is fame, as long as they’re famous.”
Fu Miao said, “Let’s not—I'm not like those celebrities.”
“Of course not. You have real talent, so you should be confident. I believe in you, Grandma should too—give her encouragement.”
Jiang Shuzhi raised her brows, her smile a bit colder. “Naturally.”
Lin Wanbai, delighted, entered the Buddha Hall and sat down in her previous spot.
Jiang Shuzhi didn’t speak further to her, instead taking Fu Miao aside for more small talk.
Outside, dusk slowly fell. When it was about time, the group moved to the main hall.
By now, nearly everyone had returned.
Fu Yonghui and Yuan Yujun were delighted to see Fu Miao back—laughter filled the home.
Lin Wanbai ignored the rest, choosing instead to eat, watch television, or watch Fu Juxing. She couldn’t stand their false cheer.
She peeled a tangerine—the third already—and, not wanting it, offered it to Fu Juxing. “Here, you eat.”
Fu Juxing accepted it naturally. “Dinner’s nearly ready. Don’t fill up too much.”
“It’s still early. Fu Yanchuan isn’t back yet. I bet we’ll have to wait.”
Indeed, at six-thirty, Jiang Shuzhi didn’t call for dinner. They waited until seven, and she pretended as if there was no such thing as dinner.
Lin Wanbai was genuinely hungry; she could barely keep up her smile.
She set an alarm on her phone, volume at maximum, and during a lull in the conversation, tapped it. The phone announced, “The time is now seven ten, Beijing time.”
The sudden announcement brought a moment of awkwardness, but the atmosphere soon returned to normal as someone started another topic.
Lin Wanbai glanced at the group, snorting softly in disdain.
Unable to endure any longer, she opened WeChat, found Fu Yanchuan, and sent an angry emoji.
She was genuinely furious. She remembered when she and Fu Juxing were late once due to traffic—no one waited, and they were even punished by being made to stand. She was eager to see if Fu Yanchuan would be made to stand tonight.
Since her marriage, she hadn’t messaged Fu Yanchuan privately.
He was already on his way home. Seeing her angry emojis, he felt a subtle stir and replied, “What is it?”
Lin Wanbai didn’t reply.
When he arrived home, he realized everyone was waiting for him to eat.
What made him even happier was that Fu Miao had returned.
As soon as he entered, Fu Miao warmly hugged him—their sibling bond was strong.
Just as they were about to catch up, Lin Wanbai called his phone.
He glanced at the caller ID, looked over at Lin Wanbai’s indignant expression, and smiled, “Sorry I’m late. Have you not eaten yet?”
“No.” She shook her head.
He skipped the chit-chat with Fu Miao and went to apologize to Jiang Shuzhi. “Grandma, I’m sorry I’m late and kept everyone waiting for dinner.”
“It’s alright. I know you were busy with work today, don’t worry.” Jiang Shuzhi stood up. “Let’s eat.”
As expected, the old witch played favorites.
Lin Wanbai suddenly felt full from anger. Frustrated, she walked a couple of steps, then suddenly closed her eyes and collapsed.
Fu Juxing reacted swiftly, catching her immediately.
Fu Yanchuan, walking behind, saw her fall first and called out, drawing everyone’s attention.
The group turned, and Jiang Shuzhi and Fu Changjun, walking in front, stopped and looked back. Seeing Lin Wanbai faint, Fu Changjun hurried over. “What happened? Why did she suddenly faint?”
Fu Juxing, knowing she was pretending, didn’t expose her. He shook his head, “I’m not sure. She just said she was feeling faint from hunger.”
Fu Changjun was flustered. “If she’s hungry, she could have just said! Why keep it in?”
“She said she had to follow the rules here. I offered her food, but she refused.”
“This won’t do. Should we take her to the hospital?”
Fu Juxing replied, “I’ll take her back to rest—a little while and she’ll be fine.”
Jiang Shuzhi came over. “Don’t panic, let me have a look.”
She examined Lin Wanbai closely. “It’s fine. I have a remedy—one needle and she’ll wake up. Little Song, fetch my sewing kit from my room.”
Lin Wanbai still didn’t move.
Soon, Aunt Song brought the kit. Everyone gathered around to watch.
Jiang Shuzhi took out a fine needle.
Fu Juxing watched nervously. “Grandma, is this really necessary? Could it be risky?”
“What risk? I studied traditional medicine. I know what I’m doing. Lay her flat.”
Fu Juxing, seeing Lin Wanbai wasn’t getting up, pinched her a bit harder, then laid her flat on the ground as instructed. She continued to play dead.
With no trace of a smile, Jiang Shuzhi approached with the needle.
Just as the needle was about to touch her forehead, Lin Wanbai’s eyes flew open. She grabbed Jiang Shuzhi’s hand and bit down hard.
Everyone was stunned. The old woman fell back in shock, nearly punching her, but was stopped by Fu Yanchuan, while Fu Juxing immediately subdued Lin Wanbai, whispering comfort in her ear.
Gradually, she calmed down, as if waking from a dream, staring blankly at Jiang Shuzhi. Blood was already welling from Jiang Shuzhi’s hand.
Shocked, Lin Wanbai let go at once. “I—I was dreaming. I dreamed someone gave me pig’s trotters to eat. I thought it was really pig’s feet—I could even smell them.”
She sounded utterly sincere, her eyes bright with conviction.
Jiang Shuzhi, seeing her own blood, nearly exploded with rage, but Fu Yanchuan held her back and helped her up. “It’s my fault for being late and not calling ahead. That’s why Xiaobai went hungry. Grandma, next time please don’t wait for me for dinner.”
Jiang Shuzhi’s face turned ashen with anger.
Lin Wanbai stood up, tasting blood in her mouth and feeling nauseous. She retched dryly.
Jiang Shuzhi shot her a venomous look but forced herself to calm down. After all, it was Fu Yanchuan’s late return that caused this. She wasn’t blind to Lin Wanbai’s deliberate provocation. Raising an eyebrow, she said, “Alright, I was inconsiderate. Let’s eat, before Xiaobai faints again.”
“My mother always said I can’t go hungry. As a child, if I went more than an hour without food, I’d faint. So at home, no one ever let me go hungry. My uncle was always half an hour late, but my grandfather never waited for him—meals were always on time.”
Jiang Shuzhi nodded. “Understood. You won’t go hungry here again. Go eat—I need to tend to this wound. You certainly have sharp teeth.”
“Sorry.” She didn’t smile, her apology earnest. “I truly didn’t mean it.”
“I know. Now go eat.”
Waving her off, Jiang Shuzhi left with Aunt Song to her room.
Fu Juxing led Lin Wanbai to the dining room.
As everyone sat, Fu Yonghui said, “Let’s wait for Mom before we start. It’s not right to eat before her.”
Lin Wanbai had just picked up her chopsticks, but set them down again at his words.
Fu Changjun said, “No need. She said to start without her—let’s eat. If we wait any longer, the food will get cold.”
But no one listened to him. Fu Yonghui didn’t move.
Fu Yongi agreed, “We’ve always eaten together as a family. It’s just a little longer. Let’s wait.”
Ah, such a display of filial piety.
Lin Wanbai could barely keep up her smile. Eating here was an ordeal.
She lowered her head.
Fu Yanchuan said, “It’ll just be a moment. Have something now if you’re hungry.”
Fu Yanming laughed. “Big brother, you really do look like a lover boy.”
Fu Yanchuan glanced at him.
Fu Miao interjected, “Third Brother, you still haven’t lost your habit of saying the wrong thing. How do you expect anyone to do business with you?”
Before they could argue further, Fu Changjun slammed the table. “I said eat, so eat! Enough talk—pick up your chopsticks!”
He began eating.
Still, Fu Yonghui and Fu Yongi didn’t budge.
Lin Wanbai stared at her empty bowl, beyond words. Next time, she’d eat first before coming; let them play their games. They could eat whenever they wanted, or not at all.
As she hovered on the edge of hunger, Fu Juxing placed a piece of meat in her bowl, murmuring, “Eat.”
Lin Wanbai looked at him in surprise.
He said, “Your stomach can’t stand long periods without food. Start eating—Grandma will understand.”
She nodded and began to eat.
The old woman did not return for the rest of the meal. It was only a shallow bite mark, but she acted as though gravely injured. An hour later, Aunt Song announced she wouldn’t be coming to dinner.
The food was cold, but Lin Wanbai was full and satisfied.
The others began to eat, though the atmosphere was tense—except for Lin Wanbai, who was content.
After dinner, Fu Miao and Fu Yanchuan went to Jiang Shuzhi’s room. Lin Wanbai dragged Fu Juxing out for a walk to aid digestion.
They walked, then returned directly to their room.
Fu Juxing settled her in. “I’m going to check on Grandma.”
“What for? I’m not a rabid dog—she won’t catch rabies from me, will she?”
Fu Juxing thought for a moment, then pulled up a chair to sit across from her. “Don’t be so willful.”
“If you keep giving in, they’ll only push harder. Do you really think your patience is worthwhile?”
Lin Wanbai got up to pour a glass of water for each of them, then sat opposite him, as if they were business partners discussing important matters.
His gaze softened. “But acting out like this won’t change anything, will it?”
She conceded. “But it feels good—I’m happy right now.”
“That happiness is fleeting.”
“Still, it’s happiness.”
He chuckled quietly, offering no argument.
…
Jiang Shuzhi lay in bed, looking unwell.
Fu Miao sat beside the bed, while Fu Yanchuan pulled up a chair.
Fu Miao said, “Grandma, don’t get upset. It’s not worth it to let someone like her get to you and harm your health.”
“I’m not angry. Why would I be? It was just a little scene, nothing more.”
“Then what’s wrong?”
“She’s the Lin family’s princess—so willful. I’m too old to put up with her nonsense. She gave me quite a scare just now; my heart doesn’t feel right.”
“Should we call a doctor?”
She waved them off. “It’s not the time yet, but of course I’ll call one.”
Jiang Shuzhi’s words had hidden meaning. Fu Yanchuan glanced at her, hesitated, then said, “Grandma, since Xiaobai is here and following the rules, why not just live in peace? They’ve been married three years now, and even the Lin family’s Fu Juxing values her. There’s no need to make things unpleasant.”
He hadn’t finished before Fu Miao kicked his knee and gave him a warning look.
Everyone knew Jiang Shuzhi loathed Fu Juxing, couldn’t bear his success. Saying that was only pouring oil on the fire.
Fu Yanchuan fell silent.
Jiang Shuzhi’s expression didn’t change; she merely glanced at him. “Are you still hung up on Lin Wanbai?”
Fu Yanchuan smiled to cover it. “Why does everyone think that?”
Fu Miao said, “Because you look like you are.”
“Just because I spoke up for them?”
“Not just that—your eyes too.” Alone with him, Fu Miao didn’t bother to hide anything.
Fu Yanchuan had nothing to say. “If that’s what you think, I don’t know what to say.” He shrugged. “I’m only considering the family’s interests. We used to have a good relationship with the Lin family—it should have been mutually beneficial, helping the Fu family…”
“Exactly. If the Fu family hadn’t been deliberately targeted and weakened, do you think I’d have let that bastard marry Lin Wanbai?” Jiang Shuzhi suppressed her anger and waved a hand. “But times have changed. Now that we’re equals with the Lin family, cutting ties won’t matter. Why should I keep swallowing my pride? And don’t be fooled by appearances—if you think that bastard is gentle and harmless, you underestimate him.”
Fu Yanchuan said nothing.
“Go on, both of you. I need to rest.”
She couldn’t be bothered to say more.
The siblings didn’t linger. They left after a word.
Once outside, Fu Miao clicked her tongue. “Why did you say all that? You’re just trying to upset Grandma.”
“I just think it’s unnecessary.”
“That’s Grandma’s decision, not yours. She used to love you best—now she probably won’t.”
Fu Yanchuan laughed, ruffling her hair. “How long will you stay?”
“A week. Then I have to get back for Paris Fashion Week. You’d better come.”
“I’ll see if I can fit it in.”
“You’d better.”
“I’ll try.”
Fu Miao snorted. “That’s more like it. I’ve been thinking of coming back to start my own studio, create my own brand.”
“Then do it. It’s a good idea.”
“If this fashion week makes me famous, I’ll come back.”
“You can do it.”
After returning to her room, Fu Miao showered, lay in bed, and scrolled through her phone. Her finger hovered over a black profile picture labeled simply “Wild.” She hesitated for a long time before finally opening it: “I’m back. Want to grab a drink?”
She typed it, but didn’t send.
She put her phone down, but her finger accidentally hit send.
The message went out at once.
Her heart jumped, but she didn’t move. Maybe it was for the best.
After a long time, the reply came—a single question mark.
Just a question mark, nothing more.
She licked her lips, exhaled. She hadn’t wanted to reply, but her fingers typed: “Sent to everyone.”
Sent, just like that.
…
Lin Wanbai stayed at the Fu house for now.
She lived in Fu Juxing’s small room. He still went to the office daily, though he was less busy than before and came home on time. If she needed anything, he was always there.
On the other hand, he was also handling Zhou Quan’s affair.
The police were still investigating. Zhou claimed someone broke in and abducted her, but surveillance from her building showed nothing unusual on the night in question—no suspicious behavior at all.
As for the car accident, neither the scene nor the driver’s testimony suggested a premeditated crime.
The authorities thoroughly investigated the driver and his family, but found nothing suspicious.
When the investigation seemed at a dead end, the police suddenly discovered a small detail: the building’s surveillance footage had been tampered with. They began a thorough probe.
As soon as this news broke, it spread online, fueling another wave of public opinion.
Zhou Quan lay in her hospital bed, reading the news on Weibo, satisfaction written all over her face. Staring at her legs, her hatred deepened.
They had destroyed her dancing career—she would never let Lin Wanbai continue to bask in the spotlight. She would expose everything, let everyone see just how vile and cruel they could be.
There was a knock at the door. She put away her phone and turned to see Fu Juxing enter, a lawyer by his side.
Zhou Quan felt no fear, lying there nonchalantly. She scoffed, “What brings you here, Mr. Fu?”
Fu Juxing sat down. “You’re still determined to persist?”
“I don’t know what you’re talking about.” She turned her head, patting her legs. “Do you think I can listen to you now? What do you mean by ‘persist’? I just spoke the truth—does that mean I deserve this? Who do you think you are? If you want me to be silent, why not just do to me what you did to Yao Yao—kill me? Lin Wanbai’s done it before.”
“But I’m not as weak as Yao Yao. I won’t let you kill me in silence.”
Fu Juxing corrected her. “Lin Yao’s death was an accident. Just as yours was. If you insist on pinning these accidents on Lin Wanbai, you have no grounds. You’re being used—trying to use public opinion to frame Xiaobai. In the end, you’ll get nothing.”
“Oh? Are you here to offer me money?”
He merely smiled, refusing to take the bait.
He raised his hand, and the lawyer handed her a legal notice. “Because you have seriously defamed my wife and refuse to cease, I have no choice but to use the law to protect her reputation. The police have found no evidence linking my wife to your case, and news reports confirm Lin Yao’s death was an accident.”
“You may be paranoid—I suggest you see a good psychologist.”
Zhou Quan sneered. “You’re blinded by love. She’s barely gone and you’ve already moved on—or maybe you never cared at all!”
Fu Juxing offered no further words. “Suit yourself.”
At the door, he paused and turned back. “If you change your mind, call me. For Yao Yao’s sake, as her friend, I’m giving you a way out—be wise.”
Zhou Quan stared at him. After a long moment, she said, “I feel sorry for Yao Yao!”
Her words were cut off by the closing door. Fu Juxing, unmoved, seemed made of stone—nothing and no one could shake him.
He seemed affectionate, but was in truth cold as ice.
Zhou Quan, aware the police had a lead, was all the more determined. She even accused Fu Juxing of trying to buy her silence.
Of course, she never stated it directly—only hinted, letting people draw their own conclusions.
Anyone would suspect the wealthy of trying to settle things with money.
So far, Zhou Quan was the only one making noise. Lin Wanbai, aside from cooperating with the police when she returned, made no moves at all.
Fu Juxing’s side issued no clarifications regarding Zhou Quan’s insinuations.
Lin Wanbai continued posting her daily life on Weibo. Even when each update was met with floods of abuse, she remained unbothered, posting every few days—sometimes several times a day. In this way, she indirectly told everyone she was fine—completely fine.
Even so, the public’s instinct was always to sympathize with the victim—especially a powerless woman, once a dancer, whose career was ended by a few careless words. People pitied her.
Lin Wanbai took a casual photo out the window and posted it: “Another day full of energy.”
It was early—five-thirty. The morning air was cool.
She’d been waking up early, visiting Jiang Shuzhi every morning for breakfast, exercise, and chanting scriptures in the Buddha Hall. She found it absurd—how could such a venomous old witch claim to be a Buddhist? Hypocrisy, through and through.
Sometimes, the old woman had guests, and Lin Wanbai accompanied her, more attentive than Fu Miao.
Fu Miao only came the first day, then went about her own business—she was, after all, less free.
After putting down her phone, Lin Wanbai yawned and stared off into space—up too early for her brain to function.
Fu Juxing was already dressed. Noticing her daze, he said, “If you’re going to get up so early, you should sleep earlier. You were up late again last night.”
She only shifted position, supporting her head with the other hand, not wanting to talk.
He sat in front of her. “You don’t have to go every day. If you’re really tired, go back to sleep.”
She checked the time. “I’ll go.”
She was used to this routine now. Lin Wanbai was highly adaptable. Quiet days like these weren’t so bad.
Fu Juxing walked with her to the Buddha Hall.
Jiang Shuzhi had breakfast ready when they arrived, and with a smile, accompanied them to the dining room.
“These days, having Xiaobai around has made my life so much brighter. You should come often. Now that I’m old, I love having you young ones nearby. But people drift away—everyone’s busy, never has time for this old lady. Even Miao Miao disappears after saying she’s home for vacation.”
Lin Wanbai smiled sweetly. “So long as you’re not tired of my company, I’m happy to be here. I have nothing else to do anyway. But Miao Miao is amazing—she’s a lead designer now. You should be proud.”
“Indeed. I have a small favor to ask of you today.” She pointed to a red cloth–covered box on a side cabinet. “It’s a Guanyin statue. I’ve arranged with the Nanhai Temple, chosen the right time. Take it to Baohua Mountain and leave it at the gate.”
Business people are often superstitious, always keeping a high-level feng shui master or monk nearby. Lin Zhaowei had one—mysterious, only he could summon him.
As for Jiang Shuzhi, she seemed to know a renowned monk.
Whenever something needed adding or adjusting in the house, she would always consult first.
Lin Wanbai knew all the tales—such things could bring luck or disaster. Statues, especially, were not to be placed carelessly. As the saying goes, it’s easy to invite in a god, but hard to bid them farewell. What if the one seated isn’t righteous?
She didn’t believe in these things, but Jiang Shuzhi did. Asking her to do this was truly malicious—was she trying to curse her with bad luck? The old woman was sparing no effort.
Before Lin Wanbai could refuse, Fu Juxing said, “I’ll do it. I’m free this afternoon.”
Jiang Shuzhi agreed. “Either of you is fine. I’m too old to walk far—so I must trouble you young ones.”
Lin Wanbai glanced at Fu Juxing, her smile fading slightly, but she said nothing.
At three in the afternoon, Fu Juxing left with the box.
It had to be placed before four.
Lin Wanbai sat copying the Diamond Sutra, speaking as she wrote. “Grandma, you do wicked things while claiming to be devout. I wonder, do you worship the righteous path or something else?”
Jiang Shuzhi was unfazed, fiddling with her jade beads. She paused only to sip her tea. “Your words are reckless, but ignorance is excusable. The Bodhisattva won’t mind. But if you persist, there will be consequences.”
“Do you hate Fu Juxing that much? Must you destroy him?” She kept writing.
“Xiaobai, I actually like you—smart, perceptive. You would have matched best with my eldest grandson. Yanchuan truly loved you once. Such a pity—I don’t know what spell Fu Juxing cast on you, that you’d marry him at any cost. Mark my words, after all you’ve done, you’ll never win his true heart. Bastards have no heart; rotten at the root. How could you expect him to be good?”
Lin Wanbai stopped. “So this time—it was you?”
Jiang Shuzhi smiled gently, feigning innocence. “What are you talking about?”
“Then let me be clear. Whether he’s good or bad, I chose him. If anyone bullies him, they bully me. If you care for the families’ relationship, you’d best stop. If you persist, don’t think I’ll let you ruin my reputation. I’m famously vengeful. My grandfather won’t sit by and let anyone harm me. You’d best be careful.”
“Besides, Grandpa and my grandfather were lifelong friends. All you’re doing is making things hard for him. Your sons and grandsons are so capable—are you really threatened by Fu Juxing?” She put down her pen and handed over the copied scripture. “How’s my writing?”
Jiang Shuzhi set aside her beads, took the paper, and glanced at it. “Mediocre. Your mind is impure, so your writing is useless.” She folded it, sighing. “You really are a foolish child. I can’t persuade you, but let me make one thing clear: you think I did all this, but it wasn’t me. You hate me, think I’m a venomous old woman, ready to destroy him, even if it means damaging ties with your family.”
“Do you really believe I’d disregard the family’s interests? Who put that idea in your head? Who truly benefits from that notion?” She laughed softly, patting Lin Wanbai’s hand. “Love does make people foolish. Sadly, yours is a one-sided love.”
As she spoke, the old woman’s expression suddenly changed—her eyes bulged, her face twisted in pain. She clutched her chest and collapsed, knocking over a teacup.
The commotion brought Aunt Song running.
Seeing the scene, both women were startled—Lin Wanbai felt a chill down her spine.
She rushed out to call for help and dialed emergency services.
The ambulance arrived quickly. After emergency treatment, Jiang Shuzhi was carried off to the hospital.
Aunt Song notified everyone, and within an hour, all the Fu family members had gathered at the hospital.
Fu Juxing was the last to arrive—he’d just finished placing the box on Baohua Mountain.
It was a private hospital, quiet except for the Fu family.
At that moment, Fu Miao stood and confronted Lin Wanbai. “What did you do this time?”
Lin Wanbai said nothing, glancing at her lazily.
Fu Yanchuan pulled her back. “This is a hospital—not the place for this.”
“Grandma was with her, and suddenly had a hypertensive attack. If it wasn’t deliberate provocation, I can’t think of another reason.”
Fu Juxing naturally defended Lin Wanbai. “We’ll have to wait for the doctor to know for sure.”
Fu Yongi, as the family’s second in command, said, “Let’s not argue now. There will be a conclusion, but not here and now.”
Fu Changjun, sitting silently with his hands on his cane, seemed lost in thought.