Chapter 40: Of the Canine Kind

Lin Wanbai inexplicably felt as if she had boarded a pirate ship. Her mind was beset by hallucinations; the man before her seemed to morph between Fu Juxing and Fu Yanchuan, their faces flickering back and forth in swift succession. Her whole being felt alternately light as air and weighted down; a strange restlessness seethed in her chest, and her body burned as if with fever. Whenever his hand brushed hers, a wave of unbearable itching followed. Her reason was slipping away. Clutching the man’s hand, she demanded, “Who exactly are you?”

Fu Yanchuan, observing her state, realized this was more than simple drunkenness. He swiftly took the room key from her pocket and decided to open the door and usher her inside—standing together at the threshold was far too conspicuous. Whoever saw them would surely think the worst.

Yet, as fate would have it, they were indeed seen. Fu Yanchuan carried Lin Wanbai into the room, and a group of girls not far away watched the whole thing unfold. They had come, gifts in hand, hoping to ingratiate themselves with Lin Wanbai, as they were all of similar age and it was a rare chance to socialize and curry favor.

The girls exchanged glances, uncertain. One whispered, “Did you see that?”

“Of course we did.”

“That man—isn’t that Fu Yanchuan?”

“He looks just like him.”

“Did you two see clearly? Are you sure? Don’t go spreading rumors.”

Someone suggested, “Why don’t we go take a closer look?”

The words fell, and silence reigned for a moment before they crept over to the shrubbery, peering inside, but still couldn’t see clearly—only that the man carried Lin Wanbai upstairs.

They chattered in hushed, excited tones. Soon, the man came back down and walked straight into the living room. Now they saw his face clearly—it was indeed Fu Yanchuan.

“Wow, it really is him!”

“Are they having an affair already?”

“I heard Lin Wanbai’s private life is a mess. Looks like it’s true.”

“This is too much. Wasn’t she the one who, after breaking off her engagement, married Fu Juxing?”

“Maybe she regrets it.”

“Regrets? Didn’t Fu Juxing treat her very well? I always see the paparazzi catching them together—he’s really good to her. I’m envious.”

“They’ve been married three years. Maybe once she got him, she stopped caring. That’s how it is for me—the unattainable always seems better. I guess Lin Wanbai is the same. Besides, Fu Juxing is an illegitimate child; he can’t compare to Fu Yanchuan’s status. If it were me, I’d never choose Fu Juxing, no matter how handsome he is.”

So they squatted outside, gossiping away.

Inside, Lin Wanbai tossed and turned on the bed, feeling as if she were dying. Fu Yanchuan tried to give her water, but she knocked his hand away and instead started tugging at his clothes. The last shreds of her reason warned her: she must not let this happen.

With her forehead pressed to his, even Fu Yanchuan’s breath had grown ragged. She looked up at him, her eyes full of desire, and spoke deliberately, “You are Fu Yanchuan.” It was a reminder for both of them.

Then she kicked him hard, sending him sprawling. “Get out!”

Fu Yanchuan knew staying here was dangerous, but he couldn’t just leave her alone. After a moment’s thought, he called Fu Miao and told her to come quickly.

Fu Miao was drinking with Zhao Yiling when she got the urgent call; she excused herself and hurried over. She arrived just as Liang Zhixia was coming in. The two crossed paths—Liang Zhixia had been drinking and was a bit unsteady, though her mind remained clear. She regarded Fu Miao with obvious dislike—after all, Lin Wanbai and she were not on good terms, and a best friend must stand by her side.

She raised an eyebrow and said harshly, “What are you doing here?”

Fu Miao ignored the drunkard and called Fu Yanchuan. As soon as the line connected, the door opened.

Fu Yanchuan’s clothes were disheveled, a smear of lipstick on his white shirt. Liang Zhixia frowned, about to ask a question, but Fu Miao quickly went inside, pulling Fu Yanchuan in with her. Liang Zhixia hesitated, then followed, shutting the door.

Half-sober, she staggered a few steps, nearly falling, then caught up to the others, grabbed Fu Yanchuan’s shirt, and stared at him, demanding, “Why are you in Xiaobai’s room? And looking like this—what have you done?”

Fu Miao liked Liang Zhixia even less. She wrenched her hand away, saying, “Ask your dear friend, or better yet, ask yourself where you dragged Lin Wanbai to, getting her into this mess and dragging everyone else down!”

“You’re one to talk, you busybody!”

Fu Miao’s disdain was obvious.

Liang Zhixia, anger fueled by drink, swung a fist, ready to fight.

Fu Yanchuan stepped between them. “Now isn’t the time for fighting. I want to know too—where did you take Xiaobai? She looks like she’s been drugged.”

Liang Zhixia froze.

Fu Yanchuan pressed, “So, are you alright?”

She was fine—her appearance showed no sign of trouble. She didn’t answer, just brushed past them and went upstairs.

Lin Wanbai was no longer on the bed. After searching, Liang Zhixia found her in the bathroom, standing under the shower, drenched in cold water. At first, it helped; then, it didn’t.

Liang Zhixia went over and turned off the water. “Are you crazy?”

Lin Wanbai, brows knit, said nothing, just pushed her aside and turned the shower back on.

Liang Zhixia shut it off again. “You’ll get sick!”

“Get lost!”

Her teeth clenched, fists balled, Lin Wanbai trembled.

Fu Miao and Fu Yanchuan came upstairs. Fu Yanchuan tried to enter, but Fu Miao stopped him, whispering, “You want to wade into this mess? If word gets out, no amount of explanation will clear your name—you’d be accused of seducing your sister-in-law. Do you care nothing for your reputation?”

“This isn’t the time for that.” Fu Yanchuan shook her off and strode in, wrapping Lin Wanbai in a bath towel and picking her up.

As he approached, Lin Wanbai shuddered and, recognizing him, shoved him away. “Get out!”

“Don’t be like this. Zhixia is back—we’ll help you.”

He held her tight despite her struggles and carried her out of the bathroom. She fought so hard they nearly both fell.

Fu Miao, frowning deeply, stepped forward, wrenched Lin Wanbai from Fu Yanchuan’s arms, and slapped her hard. “Stop making a scene!”

Lin Wanbai paused for a second, then lunged, hands at Fu Miao’s throat, eyes blazing with fury.

Fu Yanchuan and Liang Zhixia quickly separated them.

Fu Miao, unable to speak, felt her neck burning. She touched it and found blood on her fingers. “Tie her up!”

It wasn’t an ideal solution, but there was no other choice.

Lin Wanbai was tied to a chair. She was quiet at first, then started struggling, chair and all.

“This won’t do,” Fu Yanchuan said.

“What else? Want to offer yourself as her antidote? If you do, I fear she’ll kill you when she wakes up,” Fu Miao retorted.

Liang Zhixia, now sober, snorted, “You sure know her well. Aren’t you two sworn enemies?”

Fu Miao ignored her, exhausted from the ordeal. She sat down, then said to Fu Yanchuan, “You should leave now. I’ll watch her—you can trust me.”

Liang Zhixia nodded vigorously. “Yes, yes, go. You staying is a ticking time bomb.”

Fu Yanchuan hesitated, but seeing no other way, glanced at the two of them.

Before he could speak, Fu Miao assured him, “Don’t worry, I won’t kick her while she’s down. The longer you stay, the worse for you.”

So Fu Yanchuan left.

Fu Miao sat before Lin Wanbai, watching her.

At that moment, Lin Wanbai’s phone rang where it had fallen. Liang Zhixia picked it up—the caller ID read “Difficult Mr.”

She knew it was Fu Juxing.

She answered, “Fu Juxing, Xiaobai is in trouble!”

“What happened?”

“She was drugged!”

Fu Miao glanced at her.

Liang Zhixia met her gaze, raised her brows, and added, sounding more anxious, “What do we do? Where are you? Can you get here right away?”

“I understand. Just keep her in the room—don’t let her leave.”

“Don’t worry, I won’t let her run amok.”

After getting more details, Fu Juxing hung up.

“Is he coming?” Fu Miao asked.

“He didn’t say. Isn’t he out of town? How could he come?”

Lin Wanbai was unusually quiet, unmoving, not making a sound.

When Fu Miao noticed something was wrong, Lin Wanbai’s hands were already covered in blood. No wonder she’d been so quiet—she’d found a blade and was cutting herself.

Liang Zhixia was shocked. “Are you insane? At worst, just find a man—what’s the big deal?!”

Fu Miao shot her a cold look. “Some friend you are.”

“What did you say?”

Fu Miao couldn’t be bothered to argue. She went downstairs to find the first aid kit.

Just then, the doorbell rang—a strange woman, gentle in demeanor.

“Who are you?”

“Mr. Fu Juxing sent me. Miss Lin is unwell.”

“You’re a doctor?”

“Yes.”

Fu Miao let her in and brought her upstairs, feeling more at ease with a female doctor.

The doctor administered a sedative, and Lin Wanbai finally relaxed. The wound on her palm was deep, requiring stitches. As the needle pierced her skin, Lin Wanbai wept, tears streaming down her face, calling Fu Juxing’s name.

Fu Miao witnessed it all—when Lin Wanbai held the blade, she didn’t make a sound, yet now she cried, as if this pain were worse.

Just then, her own phone rang. Liang Zhixia had gone to the bathroom, so Fu Miao answered.

“Hello?”

“Fu Miao?”

“That’s me.”

“Thank you for taking care of her. Could you put the phone by her ear?”

Fu Miao asked no questions, just did as instructed, sitting by the bed and placing the phone by Lin Wanbai’s ear.

Lin Wanbai didn’t open her eyes, but she was much more lucid now. Fu Juxing’s gentle voice came through the line. “Xiaobai, just sleep. When you wake up tomorrow, I’ll be there. Everything will be alright—nothing will happen.”

Lin Wanbai said nothing.

Fu Miao could sense she was soothed, though she had no idea what Fu Juxing had said. Sometimes, she couldn’t help but envy Lin Wanbai—envy her ability to love someone so freely, to give her all without hesitation. Few people could be so utterly devoted, caring for nothing but that one person, letting all their emotions be swayed by them alone.

After the doctor finished, she stayed to keep watch. Fu Miao also stayed, having promised Fu Yanchuan to take care of Lin Wanbai. Seeing that all was well, she went downstairs and called Fu Yanchuan.

He answered at once, clearly still awake. “How is she? Any better?”

“Don’t worry—Fu Juxing sent a doctor. She’s had a sedative.”

“That’s a relief.” Fu Yanchuan exhaled.

“Brother,” Fu Miao said seriously.

“What?”

“Focus on Zhao Yiling. As for Lin Wanbai, don’t even think about it. From what I know of her, it’s almost impossible for her to change her heart.”

Fu Yanchuan was silent for a long minute, then gave a soft laugh. “I gave up long ago.”

Fu Miao didn’t press further. She lightened her tone. “Good. Lin Wanbai isn’t worth waiting for. Zhao Yiling is a hundred times better—gentle, learned, considerate. Cherish her.”

“I know.”

They chatted a bit more, then hung up.

Turning around, she found Liang Zhixia glaring at her with malice.

Fu Miao glanced at her, then looked away, unfazed.

Liang Zhixia walked over. “You can leave now. You’re not welcome here.”

“I promised my brother I’d stay until Lin Wanbai is completely fine. Don’t rush me—I don’t want to stay anyway. If not for my promise, I couldn’t care less about all this mess.” She rolled her eyes and turned aside, idly playing with her phone.

Liang Zhixia snorted. “You’re really shameless. Get out. No matter what you say about Xiaobai behind her back, you’re not worth a strand of her hair.”

“Her biggest mistake was befriending you. Maybe I couldn’t compare before, but with you around, I’m not worried.”

“You—!”

“You went out with her, and you came back unscathed while she ended up like this. I suspect you set her up.”

“You… you…” Liang Zhixia was so angry she nearly lunged, but held back, taking a deep breath. “Yes, yes, I’m a bad friend, I’m trash. Miss Fu, you’re so pure—leave at once, lest I taint you.”

Fu Miao turned her cool gaze on her, then smiled at her anger. “Liang Zhixia, you were once an upright heiress. But one family mishap and you turned into this—who are you trying to impress? Don’t you know this hurts your loved ones and pleases your enemies?”

Lin Wanbai had once said the same words.

Liang Zhixia paused, then sneered. “Thanks, but I don’t need your lecture. There’s plenty of chicken soup for the soul online—I can read it myself. Mind your own business.”

She rolled her eyes, went to the kitchen to boil water, and made some food.

Fu Miao paid her no mind—other people’s decline was their business, not hers.

Fu Juxing arrived around four in the morning.

Travel-worn, he arrived as Fu Miao was napping on the sofa. His entrance woke her. He paused politely to greet her.

“Sorry to wake you.”

She waved it off. “It’s fine. Now that you’re here, I’ll leave for my own room.”

He nodded. “Thank you.”

“No need.” She yawned, took her phone, and left.

Fu Juxing saw her out, waited until she was gone, then closed the door and hurried upstairs.

Liang Zhixia and the doctor were both asleep. He tiptoed to the bedroom—Lin Wanbai was fast asleep, cheeks still flushed. The sedative had not entirely subdued the drug’s effects. Even after hours, her face was red, brows tightly knit, hands gripping the blanket; her bandaged hand was soaked in blood.

Fu Juxing frowned and was about to call the doctor when she woke up on her own—perhaps she’d been through this several times.

Seeing him, she started and then, regaining her composure, greeted him. “Mr. Fu.”

“I was just about to call you. Her hand wound has reopened.”

Without a word, the doctor cleaned the wound and stitched it up again, this time holding her hand to prevent her from clenching her fist.

He lay down beside her, propped on his elbow, and whispered, “I’m back.”

The words worked wonders—the tight lines of Lin Wanbai’s brow eased.

She dreamed she was surrounded by men, their faces demonic, her hands and feet pinned, powerless to resist, forced to watch helplessly, hatred burning in her heart as she tried in vain to remember their faces, vowing revenge if ever freed.

But no matter how wide she opened her eyes, their faces remained blurred. Then, a gentle voice sounded by her ear, and the nightmare faded. She was enveloped in an embrace, soothed with soft words—“It’s all right now.”

Lin Wanbai awoke to daylight.

She opened her eyes to see Fu Juxing’s face, gazing at her.

Their eyes met; she stared for a moment, then suddenly hugged him and whispered firmly in his ear.

Resolute and unwavering.

Fu Juxing stroked her head—he was more than willing to grant her wish.

He sent the doctor and Liang Zhixia away.

He meant to draw the curtains, but Lin Wanbai wouldn’t let go, unable to wait a second longer.

...

Afterwards, Lin Wanbai was first to get out of bed. She slipped on Fu Juxing’s shirt, found a set of clothes, and went to shower.

She didn’t spare a glance for Fu Juxing as she hurried into the bathroom and closed the door.

She showered for over an hour before emerging, fully restored. Fu Juxing, in a hotel black robe, sat by the window. Hearing movement, he looked up—her hair was blown dry, held back with a headband, dressed simply in a white shirt and jeans, looking fresh and clean.

She met his gaze calmly, raised her injured hand, and said, “Help me change the bandage.”

She hadn’t noticed the wound while showering, but now that her head was clear, the pain in her palm intensified—it hurt terribly.

Fu Juxing came over as she sat on the sofa. Seeing a pack of cigarettes on the coffee table, she hesitated, glanced at him, and reached for them, only for him to grab her wrist.

She glared. “What are you doing?”

“What are you doing?”

“I just wanted a look.”

“There’s nothing to see.” With that, Fu Juxing tossed the cigarettes into the trash.

“I was saving those for Xiaxia—she must have left them here. I saw her with them yesterday.”

“She can buy more.”

Lin Wanbai smoked occasionally, a secret few knew, not even Liang Zhixia. Yet Fu Juxing’s actions suggested he knew.

She watched him; he focused on changing her bandage, apparently unbothered.

But Lin Wanbai wasn’t so easily swayed. “Why did you throw the cigarettes away?”

He ignored her, tending to her wound. The antiseptic stung so much she grimaced, jerking upright to pull her hand back, but Fu Juxing held her fast.

“What are you doing? Let go!”

He smiled, looking up at her, his face pale from pain but still smiling.

He released her, but before she could react, he suddenly cupped the back of her head and kissed her.

The kiss landed right on her heart; all pain and troubles were forgotten, replaced by sweetness.

She stared wide-eyed at him, his clear eyes reflecting her image.

He was so gentle. After a while, he let her go, asking, “Does your hand still hurt?”

Lin Wanbai seemed dazed, eyes fixed on his lips, watching them move but hearing nothing. She pressed her lips together, tasting the lingering sweetness that made her heart tremble.

Her heart raced, something threatening to burst forth.

She took a deep breath, closed her eyes, then in the next instant, climbed onto his lap and wrapped her arms around his neck.

“It hurts—a lot,” she said, eyes bright, drawing closer with a radiant smile. “So just a little isn’t enough.”

She couldn’t help but grin, her smile dazzling.

...

About half an hour later, Lin Wanbai obediently returned to the sofa while Fu Juxing re-bandaged her hand.

The matter of the cigarettes was long forgotten.

When he finished, Fu Juxing went to prepare breakfast. The kitchen was stocked with fresh ingredients—he could cook, or call the hotel for room service.

Lin Wanbai wanted his cooking.

He’d only just gone downstairs when Liang Zhixia called. She stopped humming and answered.

“We’re getting ready to leave. How are you?”

“You go ahead. I’ll return with Fu Juxing.”

“Can I come with you?”

Lin Wanbai cheerfully refused. “Nope.”

“Tch. Judging by your tone, did Fu Juxing seduce you into submission?”

She laughed even louder, then lowered her voice and said, “Yes. Have a problem with that?”

“No, not at all, as long as you’re happy.”

...

After some idle chatter, they hung up.

Seeing the time was right, Lin Wanbai went downstairs. Fu Juxing was just bringing out breakfast. “They have handmade wontons here—want some? If not, I’ll find something else.”

“I want them.”

In a good mood, anything would do, and she was especially docile.

Fu Juxing sat across from her, watching her eat.

Her hair kept falling forward. He got up to tie it back for her, but it was cut too short, so some strands slipped free. Dissatisfied, he tried again, this time fashioning two pigtails to keep all the stray hair in place.

Lin Wanbai hadn’t worn pigtails since primary school. She asked for a mirror.

Seeing her wild pigtails, she burst out laughing. “What were you thinking?”

“It’s cute.”

“I want to hit you.” She rolled her eyes, but her laughter betrayed her.

Fu Juxing smiled, then said seriously, “Grow your hair out again.”

“You like long hair?”

“I like both.”

“Then why bother? I find this convenient for washing. But if you promise to wash my hair every time, I’ll grow it out.”

“Alright.”

She met his gaze, raising her brows. “Fine, I won’t cut it anymore. By the way, weren’t you supposed to be away on business for a week? Is the week up?”

“My work efficiency is high. I finished early.”

“When did you get here?”

“Four a.m.”

“You haven’t slept?”

He shook his head. “No time.”

She set down her spoon, cupping her face in her hands. “Why don’t you go get some sleep? We’ll leave tomorrow instead. How about it?”

“Alright.”

“Go sleep, then. Don’t worry about me—I’ll take care of myself.” She grinned, in high spirits.

Fu Juxing really hadn’t slept all night, having traveled straight through.

“Don’t go wandering off. If you need anything, call me, alright?”

“Got it. I’m very good, and besides, my hand hurts—I can’t go anywhere.”

He patted her head and went upstairs to rest.

After finishing her wontons, Lin Wanbai called Fu Changjun to let him know Fu Juxing had come to the island and that they’d be staying one more night, returning the next day.

Hearing her cheerful voice, Fu Changjun had no objections and just told them to have fun.

...

Fu Yanchuan and his group boarded the boat before noon. When Fu Miao told him Fu Juxing had arrived, he merely nodded and said little more. Then everyone left the island.

He remembered he hadn’t given Zhao Yiling the box from Jiang Shuzhi, so before lunch, he knocked on her door.

Zhao Yiling, polite and a bit shy, blushed at the sight of him. “Hello.”

“Hello. My grandmother asked me to give this to you—it’s a small gift for everyone. Please accept it.”

Zhao Yiling glanced at the box. She knew what it meant, but didn’t take it immediately. After a moment’s hesitation, she looked up, “Are you sure?”

“Yes.” He nodded. “Please accept it.”

She’d heard rumors about Fu Yanchuan visiting Lin Wanbai’s room the night before, though she wasn’t one to gossip. Still, whispers had reached her ears as she passed by the other girls. Three years ago, Lin Wanbai’s broken engagement and marriage to Fu Juxing had been a huge scandal, and everyone knew Fu Yanchuan’s feelings for her.

To marry Fu Yanchuan would mean living in the shadow of another woman.

Zhao Yiling thought for a long moment, then smiled and accepted the gift. “Thank you.”

“Shall we have lunch together?” Fu Yanchuan invited.

“Yes, just give me a moment to fix my hair.”

“Of course.”

Fu Yanchuan waited patiently at the door. Zhao Yiling changed her clothes—now in a light pink dress, hair simply tied back with a black clip. “You look lovely,” he said.

She smiled, “Thank you.”

“No need.”

When they entered the dining room, they drew many stares. Zhao Yiling, following Fu Yanchuan, found a seat and ordered food. Others kept glancing their way. Fu Yanchuan acted as if no one else existed, but Zhao Yiling was a bit uncomfortable.

No one said anything to their faces, of course—the Fu family’s status demanded respect. But in private, envy and spite ran wild.

The rumors spread rapidly. By the time they disembarked, stories of Lin Wanbai and Fu Yanchuan’s supposed affair had become a certainty in the eyes of many.

The news reached Jiang Shuzhi before they left the boat.

Instead of summoning Fu Yanchuan, she called in the girls who’d spread the rumors. Each recounted much the same story. Then Jiang Shuzhi summoned Fu Miao.

“You know about this, don’t you?”

Fu Miao replied, “Women love to gossip—whose daughters are these, with such loose tongues? Even if they saw something, so what? My brother and Lin Wanbai grew up together. If she was drunk and he carried her back, what’s wrong with that?”

“If only it were so simple. The key is—they saw them kissing. What do you say to that?”

Fu Miao frowned, remembering Lin Wanbai’s condition the night before. Kissing was the least of it, and inescapable.

“Speak! This concerns your brother’s reputation. Don’t brush me off—tell me what you know.”

“Blame Lin Wanbai. She went out drinking and got drugged. That’s how this happened.”

“So? Did anything really happen between them?”

“No.” Fu Miao denied firmly. “You know what kind of man my brother is—even if he still has feelings for Lin Wanbai, he’d never do something so improper. He called me over. They were both innocent. And Fu Juxing arrived too—nothing happened.”

At the mention of Fu Juxing, Jiang Shuzhi’s expression changed. She laughed coldly. “That bastard always arrives right on time.”

“He probably rushed back—wasn’t he away on business?”

“So timely? Unless he knew in advance.”

“What are you implying?”

“Just be wary of him. Don’t be soft-hearted.”

Fu Miao asked no more. She and Fu Yanchuan shared the same attitude—not fond, but not openly hostile either. Best to keep their distance.

That evening, the yacht docked and everyone went their separate ways.

Fu Yanchuan and Zhao Yiling arranged to dine together in two days and exchanged contact information, establishing the beginnings of a relationship.

Jiang Shuzhi, satisfied for the moment, dealt with the rumors by warning the girls’ elders: “If I hear a single word against my grandson, you will pay dearly.”

...

Fu Juxing slept only until mid-morning, waking at ten-thirty. He took his time showering and shaving, then set aside an hour to prepare lunch.

Downstairs, the kitchen was bustling with a chef in a tall hat cooking while Lin Wanbai supervised. Her hair was still styled in the two pigtails he’d given her that morning—she looked adorable, reminiscent of her childhood, though her face was thinner now, lacking the baby fat that used to make her so cute.

Soon, Lin Wanbai spotted him. The kitchen was open-plan; from her place at the counter, she saw him at once.

She smiled and waved, bringing him a glass of water. “You’re up so soon. I was hoping the chef would finish, then after everyone left, I’d wake you and say it was all my cooking. Now you’ve ruined my plan.”

He took the glass, smiling. “Is there anyone else here? I don’t see anyone.”

She smiled softly, then pulled him to the sofa. “Sit here—I’ll call you when it’s ready.”

He pulled her down beside him, “Let them cook. You should rest. How are you feeling? Any discomfort?”

She shook her head. “I’ve already had people look into it. If I find out who did it, I’ll make them eat a hundred pills and see how they like it.”

“Of course—they can’t be let off. But from now on, stay away from clubs. Things aren’t the same as they used to be.”

“How so?”

“You know—my company’s on track now. Trouble will only increase. I don’t want to see you hurt.” As he spoke, he gently took her hand, tracing her skin with his fingers. His eyes were full of tenderness.

Lin Wanbai’s mind was a haze; she could see and think of nothing but Fu Juxing. In that moment, she was utterly ensnared in his gentleness, her heart bubbling with joy and sweetness. She wanted to twirl in place and wag her tail at him.

Other women were feline—Liang Zhixia called her canine.

She turned sideways, staring at him intently. Only after a long pause did his words sink in. “So you’re saying this wasn’t an accident? Someone did it on purpose?”

“I’m not sure. But the bar on the island belongs to the Fu family—the security is always strict, nothing like this has ever happened. Grandfather keeps a tight rein on all such businesses, and there are guards on duty. How could this happen?”

The smile faded from Lin Wanbai’s face. After a moment’s thought, she said, “So it was the old lady?”

“I hope not.”

She raised her brows, unconvinced.

At four in the afternoon, Liang Zhixia sent her a message recounting all the rumors about her and Fu Yanchuan she’d heard on the boat, then asked: [So, are you and Fu Juxing back together? Have you figured out the thing with his other women?]

A bucket of cold water—perfect timing.

Everyone needed someone to knock some sense into them now and then, to keep them grounded.