Chapter 48: In This Lifetime, You Will Bear Children Only for Me

The old lady kept crying out that her chest hurt; when the doctor questioned her, she refused to answer properly and simply repeated that she was in pain, that she felt unwell. The doctor could do nothing, came out to speak with the family, and then wrote up a request for some basic tests.

Fu Rong busied himself running errands, and in the end, the results revealed nothing serious. Still, the old lady insisted, with solemn conviction, that she was unwell. “Unwell means unwell. I’m truly uncomfortable. If I felt fine, would I come to the hospital? Do you think I’m here for fun? That’s hilarious. You all believe this old woman would leave her comfortable bed at home just to play with you doctors, don’t you?”

“If something really happens to me—if I pass away—will you take responsibility?”

Fu Rong felt utterly embarrassed, forced a smile, and said, “Doctor, please carry on, I’ll handle things here. My grandmother’s got some mental issues, hasn’t been taking her medication regularly, so she’s having another episode. Sorry, truly sorry.”

The doctors were patient and advised him to comfort her, telling him to call if there were any issues, then left.

Fu Rong drew the curtain, lowered his voice, and asked, “Grandmother, have you had enough?”

She finally stopped shouting, covered her chest with one hand, peered outside, but the emergency room door was closed and she couldn’t see out. She whispered, “Where are Axing and his wife?”

“They’re outside. Grandmother, what are you planning? Have you forgotten whom we rely on for our good days?”

“Who do we rely on? Of course, your father! He’s a hero, and we’re his family. The Fu family benefited so much from us in the past—their reputation soared. They feasted on his glory, and now want to use us as scapegoats? Dream on!”

“Scapegoats? That woman truly is my girlfriend.”

Feng Yajie snorted, “I refuse to let you marry her, and that’s final. You’re so outstanding; how could you marry just any woman? Aside from a bit of education, what else does she have? Don’t say I haven’t given her a chance—her family background alone is enough trouble. If you bring her home, never mind her parents, her vampire brother will be a nightmare! I want to live a few more years and see you marry well. If you marry her, I might die next year—driven to my grave by you all!”

“Driven to death by you! Honestly!”

“Grandmother,” Fu Rong soothed her, “she’s pregnant. Should I abandon her now? Besides, if I refuse to marry her and Grandfather Fu says something, how will you respond? If they cut off our financial support, you’ll have to beg them. And if you make trouble and Jiang Shuzhi finds out, would we even survive in North City? She’d crush us.”

“She wouldn’t dare! If she did, I’d go to the police and have them arrest her! My elder sister was killed by her, and now she wants to harm me? Never!”

“Grandmother, I’m begging you, please don’t make a scene. I have my reasons for what I do. Don’t you trust your eldest grandson?”

Feng Yajie shot him a look, jabbed his forehead with her finger. “I really don’t trust you. If you were half as clever as your father, I’d light incense in gratitude. Sadly, you’re nothing like him—brave and wise. You only inherited your mother’s good looks, but your head is empty. How can I rest easy? Even when I close my eyes for good, I’ll worry.”

“In that case, we should obey Grandfather Fu, so in the future, if Fu Juxing has prospects, even your death needn’t worry about me.”

“Bah!” Feng Yajie spat in his face. “You scoundrel! You’re just wishing I’d die sooner so you can be free, aren’t you? No brains, never had any, and you’ll spend your whole life trailing after Fu Juxing like a shadow. Do you have any ambition at all? Look at the wife he married, then look at what you’re marrying!”

The thought reignited her anger, and this time, she truly had a heart episode—her face turned pale.

Fu Rong had thought she was pretending, paid little attention at first. Not until a nurse glanced over and noticed something was wrong with the old lady did they call the doctor for emergency care.

Fu Rong was startled, standing anxiously by.

Lin Wanbai and Fu Juxing sat on the waiting bench outside. Despite the late hour, the emergency room was still bustling.

Lin Wanbai rested her chin in her hands, watching the hurried passersby, and remarked, “That old lady comes from a scholarly family—how can she speak so tactlessly, so snobbishly? The Xu Yinxue family isn’t great, her parents and brother are no good, but she herself works hard. Getting into S University’s medical school is no easy feat. And she’s quite pretty, gentle-looking.”

“Oh, right. She’s pregnant—can she still drink? Is that safe?”

Her tone was casual, without a hint of jealousy.

Fu Juxing glanced at her, smiled, and said, “Why did you hide in the closet last time?”

“Huh? What closet?” She played dumb.

He hugged her. “I won’t keep anything from you again, so you won’t misunderstand.”

“There’s no misunderstanding, I haven’t.”

“True, you haven’t. You just deliberately try to annoy me.”

She continued to play dumb. “How did I annoy you? I haven’t.”

“You bought Ye Run a car, sent him roses, rushed to the hospital when he was admitted, and brought chicken soup the next day. Don’t think I’ve forgotten. And Han Chen—you kissed him, hugged him, and even lived together. Still don’t remember to wear your ring?” He pinched her ring finger, holding it between two fingers. “Not remembering your ring?”

His tone was full of jealousy. Lin Wanbai laughed. “Isn’t that all your fault? I have no time nor mind to remember a ring. Why don’t you draw one for me now?”

She held her hand out to him.

He arched his brow, smiled, lowered his head, and gently bit the skin on her ring finger, then pressed harder.

Lin Wanbai cried out, “Are you crazy? That hurts!”

She yanked her hand back, revealing a small bite mark, red and prominent.

He didn’t let go, gently stroking her ring finger. “Wear your ring tonight when we get home.”

“Got it.”

She grumbled, kicking his shin lightly. “That hurt. You have no sense of restraint.”

He only stroked her finger. “Pain makes you remember.”

…

Later that night, the old lady was moved to a ward.

Fu Juxing and Lin Wanbai followed, relieved when the doctor said there was nothing serious.

Fu Juxing said, “Aunt, please rest well. Don’t worry about other things—I’ll take care of everything.”

The old lady closed her eyes, sighed deeply. “Enough, I was just upset earlier. I only hope for Fu Rong—his father passed early, I raised him myself, it wasn’t easy. I’m old, can’t control him anymore. I want a good girl to watch over him, so he stops causing trouble. I don’t oppose Xu Yinxue because her family is poor—poverty isn’t an issue. As long as people work hard, no one starves.”

“But her family—all of them, not one willing to work hard. The girl is good, but her family will drag Fu Rong down. How can I let her marry in with peace of mind?”

Her eyes reddened, glaring fiercely at Fu Rong, then waved him off. “It’s fate—they’re destined not to marry good wives, both father and son. Not like Axing, who’s blessed to marry someone as wonderful as Xiao Bai. Go ahead, marry if you want—I won’t interfere. Whatever happens after marriage, don’t come to me. Axing, you’ll have to look after them—I’m not capable. I only have enough for my funeral; when I die, it’ll pay for my burial.”

Fu Rong laughed, “Oh, grandmother, you make me sound so bad. When I marry, Xiao Xue and I will take care of you. When the child is born, you’ll be a great-grandmother, isn’t that wonderful? Four generations together.”

Feng Yajie scowled. “You all go, I’ve already called Xiao Fang.”

Fu Rong replied, “No, I must stay with you.”

“Leave—I don’t want to see you right now.”

Lin Wanbai and Fu Juxing stayed a short while, then left.

Fu Rong was soon chased out as well. He quickly caught up with them, scratching his head sheepishly, and looked at Lin Wanbai. “Wanwan, I’m sorry. My mess caused trouble between you two, truly sorry. Please don’t misunderstand Axing—he’s devoted to you. If my issue creates a rift between you, I’m at fault.”

Lin Wanbai disliked him, especially his habit of calling her Wanwan—it was irritating.

She smiled politely. “Cousin, after you marry, you must live properly, no more reckless behavior.”

“Of course, absolutely. I promise to mend my ways and live well. Tomorrow night I’ll treat you both to dinner, as an apology. You can’t refuse.”

Fu Juxing looked to Lin Wanbai for her opinion.

She thought for a moment. “All right, let’s invite Xu Yinxue too.”

“Sure.”

…

The next day at work, Lin Wanbai reviewed Fu Juxing’s schedule—he had a dinner engagement that evening.

She considered, then told Liang Xi to reschedule it for the following evening.

Liang Xi glanced at her. “I’ll check with President Fu.”

Lin Wanbai paused, looked sideways, and smiled. “Go ahead.”

Liang Xi slapped her forehead. “I forgot—the president and his wife always agree, no need to ask.”

Lin Wanbai showed no change in expression, just raised her brows without further comment.

That day, people from Harbor District came to discuss business with Fu Juxing. He didn’t go himself, sending Lei Sen and Liang Chun to receive them.

That evening, he left work right on time. Fu Rong had called ahead, giving the private room number.

The restaurant was in a five-star hotel.

…

They arrived after work. Fu Rong and Xu Yinxue were already there.

Lin Wanbai and Fu Juxing entered, and the two stood up warmly to greet them.

Fu Rong introduced Xu Yinxue, “This is my cousin’s wife, Lin Wanbai.”

Lin Wanbai smiled at her. “Hello.”

Xu Yinxue smiled shyly, carefully shook her hand. “Hello.”

“No need for formalities—we’re equals.”

She smiled, saying nothing more.

The four sat down. Fu Rong got up to pour tea for them. “I ordered red wine, I’ll toast you both later.”

Fu Juxing said, “No alcohol tonight.”

“Just a little—I only ordered one bottle. I remember Wanwan handles her liquor well.”

“She’s not drinking.”

Fu Rong asked, “Why? Is your wife pregnant?”

Lin Wanbai immediately denied it. “No. A little won’t hurt, but isn’t your girlfriend pregnant? She shouldn’t drink.”

“What, even smelling alcohol can affect the fetus?”

Lin Wanbai shot him a look—his unserious attitude was downright annoying. She couldn’t believe he had a heroic father.

Fu Juxing pulled him away from Lin Wanbai. “Go sit down.”

“Alright, alright.” Fu Rong, still grinning, set down the teapot and returned to his seat.

Xu Yinxue remained quiet beside him, barely interacting, occasionally glancing at Lin Wanbai and offering a polite smile when their eyes met.

After Han Chen got to know her, he said she was a girl of few words, diligent, and earnest, without any tricks.

Lin Wanbai recalled seeing her, holding Fu Juxing and murmuring about missing him, when she was hiding in the wardrobe.

But she had been drunk then—maybe she mistook Fu Juxing for someone else. Or perhaps, as Feng Yajie said, she truly liked Fu Juxing—it wasn’t impossible.

Lin Wanbai observed quietly. After a while, Fu Rong began to fetch tea for Xu Yinxue, tending to her needs, and offered her food when the dishes arrived.

He still drank wine, but only himself, to apologize to them. He punished himself with a bottle, drinking boldly.

Xu Yinxue tugged at him twice, urging him to drink less.

He laughed, “Don’t worry, honey, I can handle my liquor. One bottle of red wine is nothing.”

She forced a smile, “Still, drink less.”

He laughed it off, not taking it to heart.

Fu Juxing said nothing, focusing only on Lin Wanbai.

“You’re eating so little.”

Lin Wanbai replied, “Had too many snacks this afternoon, so I’m not hungry. You told Liang Xi to get me pastries at three—at this rate, I’ll turn into a pig.”

“You’re skinny, could stand to gain some weight.”

“You speak as someone who’s never struggled—gaining weight is easy, losing it is tough.”

“No need, I love you no matter what.”

She pinched his lips, laughing. “With that mouth, don’t expect me to listen to you.”

Xu Yinxue glanced over, spotting their playful banter, watched for a long moment, then withdrew her gaze, lowered her eyes, and ate quietly.

As dinner was ending, Xu Yinxue took out some milk, stood, and addressed Fu Juxing. “Thank you, Brother Fu, for all your help recently. Without you, I might not be alive. I heard from Fu Rong that your wife misunderstood because of me?”

Lin Wanbai smiled softly, saying nothing.

Xu Yinxue met her gaze. “Sister-in-law, I can swear right here—there’s nothing between Brother Fu and me, completely clean. You know I’m a student at S University. An out-of-wedlock pregnancy is a scandal, so I don’t dare tell anyone. I was depressed, so I confided in Brother Fu. He comforted me, took time out of his busy schedule. He saved my life. I am especially grateful to you both.”

“Sister-in-law, Brother Fu is a good man. I hope you can grow old together. I’ll use milk instead of wine to express my sincere thanks.”

She bowed deeply, then drank half the glass.

Lin Wanbai asked, “When your belly gets bigger, you’ll have to take a leave from school?”

“Yes, Brother Fu and I discussed it before. I planned to get a hospital certificate for a year’s leave, but now that Fu Rong is willing to marry me, I can just say I’m pregnant—no problem. The school has handled cases like this before, so it should be fine.”

Lin Wanbai nodded. “As long as it’s not an issue.”

Fu Rong waved grandly, “Don’t worry—with me, nothing’s a problem.”

He looked a bit tipsy.

Once the meal was nearly done, Fu Juxing took Lin Wanbai and left.

Only Fu Rong and Xu Yinxue remained.

Fu Rong’s tolerance was low; after a bottle of wine, he was excited, leaning into Xu Yinxue, puckering up to kiss her.

Xu Yinxue slapped him. “Go pay the bill.”

The slap was light, hardly more than a tickle. Fu Rong was a flirt, weak to beautiful women. Xu Yinxue was not only attractive but had a good figure; now, with alcohol in his system, he was restless.

He pleaded drunkenly, “Just one kiss, and I’ll pay, then we go home.”

As he tried to approach, Xu Yinxue grabbed the teapot and poured it over his head without hesitation.

It was still warm.

Fu Rong sobered up instantly, yelled, cursing, “Are you crazy? Trying to scald me? Fed up with life? Think you’re something?”

Xu Yinxue glanced at him, said nothing, wiped the water from herself, took her bag, and walked out.

Fu Rong caught up, “Where are you going?”

“Home.”

“Wait.” He grabbed her, pulled out a bank card, handed it to her. “Take this, pay the bill for me—I’m dizzy and muddled. After paying, ask them to call a driver for me—I can’t drive.”

“No need, I can drive.”

“You’re pregnant!”

“Pregnant women can drive.”

She was cold and proud.

Fu Rong said nothing more, gave her the keys.

Once she paid, they left together.

…

That night, Lin Wanbai finished her bath and sat on the bed applying lotion.

Fu Juxing came over, took the bottle from her, and told her to lie down so he could rub her back.

She complied.

Fu Juxing asked, “Don’t want children?”

Lin Wanbai hadn’t expected him to bring it up, turned to look at him. “I’m still young—I want to wait.”

“Aunt Rong says young mothers recover faster.” His hands moved gently over her back.

Lin Wanbai rested her chin on her hands, silent, as if thinking.

After a while, Fu Juxing paused, leaned close to her ear. “You, in this life, can only bear children for me.”

…

Since dining with Lin Jingyu, Lin Wanbai hadn’t been seen again.

Han Chen’s life returned to calm, though on campus, people sometimes still looked at him oddly.

Feng Mei was expelled quietly.

He didn’t know at first, until Ji Xiaoxiao asked him, and he realized Feng Mei was gone.

It was deserved—she posted countless rumors, stirred trouble, and if she wasn’t punished, it wouldn’t be fair.

Her viral posts on Weibo had spread widely; Lin Wanbai didn’t press charges or demand compensation, which was already lenient.

Ji Xiaoxiao thought the punishment was harsh—expelled right before graduation was cruel.

Feng Mei cried to her for ages, so Ji Xiaoxiao finally came to Han Chen for help.

“Han Chen, we’re all classmates, Mei Mei’s family is modest, finally she has a chance, but this punishment is a death sentence. Isn’t it too much? Could you ask Lin Wanbai to show mercy? Mei Mei is willing to apologize in person.”

She had called several times, Han Chen didn’t answer.

She had to wait for him at the library.

Han Chen kept his eyes on his book, barely responding.

Ji Xiaoxiao came over, tugged his sleeve, “Han Chen, maybe as a favor to me…”

“I can’t help.” He cut her off.

“Why? Because Mei Mei spoke thoughtlessly before?”

“No reason. I just can’t help.” He frowned, not even looking at her. “And you won’t earn any favor here, so don’t embarrass yourself.”

Ji Xiaoxiao froze, blushing and pale, utterly humiliated.

Now the whole school knew about his family. Their breakup had spawned rumors.

Han Chen flipped a page. “There are too many people here; don’t get too close. I don’t want gossip.”

“What do you mean? Am I embarrassing you?”

“No, I just don’t want our names linked together.”

She bit her lip, glared at him, then whispered, “How are we different? We’re the same—no one’s better!”

He ignored her.

Ji Xiaoxiao said, “Don’t think money and power mean you can disregard others. There will be retribution. Ruining someone’s future is as bad as ruining their life! I hope you’ll never fall on hard times!”

She stood.

Han Chen said, “Don’t think being poor makes you right, or gives you license to do evil. No one owes you unconditional forgiveness. Retribution exists—Feng Mei enjoyed herself slandering others, now she faces consequences. Her filthy mouth and evil thoughts are to blame. Don’t act indignant here, playing the innocent. You haven’t even figured out right from wrong—don’t pretend to be righteous.”

Ji Xiaoxiao tried to retort.

He grabbed his book and left.

At the door, he met Xu Yinxue.

He greeted her simply, but Xu Yinxue approached, inviting him, “Are you free? Let’s have a meal.”

Han Chen considered.

Before he could answer, she said, “Don’t refuse, I’ll treat you.”

They left campus and found a restaurant. Xu Yinxue handed him the menu, “You order.”

“No, you’re treating—you choose.”

She smiled, “Let’s pick together.”

The dishes arrived quickly.

They ate, mostly in silence. Xu Yinxue barely touched her food, just watched him, as if observing.

Han Chen looked up, meeting her gaze, arched an eyebrow. “You have something to say?”

She had seen the news about him and Lin Wanbai.

She smiled, took out a packet of wedding candies, handed it to him. “I’m getting married. I don’t have many friends at school, but you count as one. A wedding shouldn’t be too lonely, so I hope you’ll come.”

“No need for gifts—just be there.”

Han Chen said, “If you don’t mind, I’d be glad. Weddings are happy occasions. Why the sudden marriage?”

“Unexpected pregnancy—you have to marry. It’s a good thing; the child will have a proper status. You don’t think badly of me, do you?”

“Of course not. Congratulations.”

“Congratulations aren’t necessary—it’s not really a happy event.” She thought, then added, “I saw your news the other day. Is the Lin family heiress easy to get along with? Are you two really together?”

Han Chen glanced at her.

She quickly smiled, “Oh, I’m just gossiping—you don’t have to answer.”

“I have nothing with her—she helped me, she’s my benefactor, that’s all.”

“Really? Those reporters are shameless, painting a good person in a bad light. The photos look convincing, anyone would believe it—I did, thought you were involved. Many classmates still believe it, even now.”

Han Chen wasn’t offended. “Then please help clarify.”

“Of course.” She sipped water, then seemed to remember something. “I forgot—how did we meet? Strange, we aren’t in the same department, yet we know each other. It’s amazing.”

“We met in the library. It rained, I lent you an umbrella, you returned it. Three times, and we became acquainted.” Han Chen spoke calmly, without any oddness. “It’s quite fateful.”

Xu Yinxue giggled, teasing, “If I weren’t getting married, maybe we’d have a story, right?”

“Not impossible.”

“So I’m your type?” She grinned. “But I can’t compare to Lin Wanbai—is she very nice?”

“She’s very good. Kind-hearted.”

Xu Yinxue laughed, “You sound like her biggest fan—‘kind-hearted,’ really.”

They chatted for a long time.

Xu Yinxue mentioned Lin Wanbai repeatedly, mostly in praise, but her frequent references seemed a bit probing.

After dinner, they went their separate ways.

Han Chen considered messaging Lin Wanbai about it, but recalled Yang Ruyue’s advice not to contact her for now. After some hesitation, he refrained.

Xu Yinxue hadn’t said anything important, and since she was getting married, and Lin Wanbai had returned to Fu Juxing, surely there was nothing to worry about.

Just as he put his phone down, WeChat pinged—Xu Yinxue’s name appeared, and he felt a hint of disappointment.

After that, Xu Yinxue began contacting him more frequently.