Chapter 50: I Beg You

When they returned to the main table, the newlyweds happened to come over to offer a toast.

The wedding had been held in haste; Xu Yunxue’s wedding dress was simple, as was her makeup. The smile on her face was faint, betraying little joy. Lin Wanbai couldn’t help but recall the scene she’d witnessed in the closet, Xu Yunxue embracing Fu Juxing.

Even in her drunken murmur, the deep affection in her tone had been unmistakable.

As for Fu Rong, it was he who seemed genuinely happy.

With glasses in hand, the couple approached. Lin Wanbai and Fu Juxing both stood.

Fu Rong enthusiastically embraced Fu Juxing, visibly moved, patting him hard on the shoulder. “I really have to drink to you,” he said. “Thank you—for making sure I didn’t miss out on such a good wife. Thank you.”

Fu Juxing smiled. “After the wedding, make sure to settle down and live properly. Don’t just drift along.”

“I will, I promise I’ll work hard this time. You know, the minute I put on this wedding ring and suit, I felt like a different person. Now all I want is to earn money, support my wife and kids—nothing else matters.”

Listening to him, Lin Wanbai couldn’t help but think how convincing men could sound when lying. He was a born actor, probably even moving himself with his own words.

Fu Rong chattered on, gulping down two drinks before finally moving on.

“He’s drunk, isn’t he?” Lin Wanbai said.

“Very. Not a word of sense just now.”

She had just taken a sip of water and nearly spit it out, laughing. “I thought you’d tell me he’d turned over a new leaf.”

He took a napkin, gently wiping the water from her lips. “Do you really think that’s possible?”

She shook her head, not wanting to be absolute. “You never know. There are plenty of stories about prodigal sons coming home. Maybe he’ll be one of them. Having a wife and child changes a man’s outlook.”

“Let’s hope so.”

“But whatever happens, you shouldn’t get involved in other people’s affairs anymore. If you keep meddling, those two will never have any peace.”

“Don’t worry, I know.”

Midway through, Fu Juxing excused himself to the restroom.

Around this time, Fu Rong was carried back by some folks while Feng Yajie, muttering angrily, happened to be right behind Lin Wanbai, grumbling softly, “No sense of moderation, drinking himself half to death. What a curse to have a grandson like this! Sister, if you’re watching from heaven, you’d better bless my grandson. He’s done so much for your eldest grandson’s family—if you don’t bless him, you’d have a hard time explaining it! I just hope this child does well, starts a business, and at least comes close to your eldest grandson. When I join you, we’ll have a good talk.”

Lin Wanbai remained silent, the old lady’s mutterings faded in and out, though she caught the last line clearly. She tugged someone’s sleeve and asked, “Where’s the bride?”

That person replied, “I think she went to the restroom.”

The restroom? Fu Juxing had just gone there himself.

She was still mulling this over when Fu Rong suddenly retched and vomited messily nearby. He was a bit too close for comfort; the sight made Lin Wanbai nauseous. She leapt up, backing away quickly, bumping into someone and accidentally stepping on their foot. Off balance, she nearly fell.

Fortunately, a hand caught her in time.

She turned—it was Han Chen.

“Careful,” he said.

“Sorry, I didn’t see you there. I stepped on you.”

“It’s fine.”

He let go quickly, his hand lingering only a second—so briefly no one would notice.

She saw he was holding a return gift bag. “Are you heading out?”

He nodded. “Yes, I’m about done here. Time to go.”

“Alright, take care on your way.”

He smiled, glanced around, noted Fu Juxing was absent, and saw the bride wasn’t with the groom either. After a pause, he said, “Have you and Fu Juxing resolved your misunderstandings?”

Lin Wanbai didn’t answer, but instead asked, “When did you and Xu Yunxue get close enough for you to attend her wedding?”

“About a month ago, after she invited me out to dinner. Since then, we’ve been in touch a lot more. Are you really sure she and Fu Juxing aren’t involved? I keep thinking—”

He left the thought unfinished, but Lin Wanbai was smart enough to catch the implication. Besides, at that moment, Fu Juxing returned, and Han Chen had to leave.

“I’m off. Goodbye.”

“Goodbye.”

Han Chen walked naturally toward the banquet hall doors. When he passed Fu Juxing, his gaze swept over him, cool and commanding, exerting a quiet pressure.

Even without a word, it was as if Han Chen could hear him say: Stay away from Lin Wanbai.

At the doors, he saw Xu Yunxue.

She spotted him too and immediately smiled, waving, lifting her skirt as she hurried over.

“Leaving so soon?”

“The groom’s drunk, and everyone’s looking for you inside.”

Xu Yunxue’s eyes dimmed. “Looking for me? Do they expect a pregnant woman to take care of him?”

“It’s your wedding day. You should try to be happy.”

She shrugged. “Do you think everyone’s happy when they get married? Not always.” She sighed, glanced back inside. “I’d better go. Take care.”

“Mm. Congratulations.” He pulled a red envelope from his pocket. “The proper gesture—can’t skip it, or you’ll get me back when I get married.”

He pressed the envelope into her hand.

She hadn’t planned to accept it, but after his last remark, she did so quietly.

…

Fu Juxing only asked Lei Sen to stay behind and wrap things up, then took Lin Wanbai home first.

On the way, Lin Wanbai joked, half-seriously, “Today, I thought Xu Yunxue would be the happiest, but it turned out Fu Rong was more cheerful. Don’t you think so?”

She turned to him, watching him intently.

He smiled openly. “That’s because Xu Yunxue gave up on Fu Rong long ago. She wants to keep the child, not out of any love for him, but simply because she doesn’t want to abort it.”

“Really?” Lin Wanbai nodded. “She’s braver than I thought.”

“It’s not so much bravery as the fact that I’m taking care of Fu Rong’s mess.”

“So… maybe she’s a little bit in love with you?” she teased, smiling, “You’d better be honest. My intuition is sharp—if you lie, I’ll know right away.”

Fu Juxing met her gaze. “A little, yes.”

“And just now, in the hotel, when you went to the restroom—you met her alone, didn’t you?”

“It wasn’t intentional.”

“Then what was it?”

He replied, “I was just using the restroom—she came to find me. But I made things clear to her.”

“That’s as it should be. She’s married now. Any further entanglement would be indecent. If word got out, it’d be embarrassing for all of us. If the old witch found out, she’d eat you alive.”

“Don’t worry, I won’t give Grandma any leverage over me.”

Lin Wanbai raised an eyebrow. “So confident—because your secrets are well hidden, or because you’re truly innocent?”

“Of course, it’s because I’m innocent,” he replied.

She grinned, pinching his earlobe. “Innocent Mr. Fu Juxing.”

He caught her hand and held it in his palm. “You’ve never called me A Xing, have you?”

“It doesn’t sound good.”

“Then call me ‘husband’—in front of everyone and in private, always call me that.”

She was briefly stunned, wanting to refuse, but he nipped her finger, warning, “Don’t even think about it.”

“And if I refuse?” she challenged.

“Try it and see,” he replied, laughter in his voice, clearly up to no good.

That night, Lin Wanbai woke up hungry.

She hadn’t eaten much at the banquet, and back home Fu Juxing had exhausted her thoroughly, draining all her energy. Even in sleep, hunger gnawed at her.

She got up slowly, pulled on a few clothes from the floor, and slipped out.

With Aunt Rong around, the kitchen was always well stocked.

Lin Wanbai steamed a few dumplings, caring little for finesse—she just wanted to eat, and quickly, as hunger was overpowering.

She turned on the stove, steam soon rising from the pot, and the sharpness of her hunger cleared her mind.

Everything that had happened over these days replayed in vivid color—her days now bubbling with happiness.

Her joy was real, her sense of fulfillment real, yet she couldn’t help but feel a tinge of unreality.

Perhaps, she thought, it was because happiness had come so suddenly after years of waiting and struggling. Now that it was finally here, it felt almost unreal.

Lost in thought, she forgot the dumplings until someone behind her called out. She snapped back to reality, turned off the stove, and lifted the lid—burning her fingers in the process.

The lid fell to the floor, narrowly missing her foot.

She managed to dodge it.

Fu Juxing stood in the kitchen doorway, unmoving, watching her with a gentle smile as the scene unfolded in quick succession.

She frowned, the pain in her fingers seeming to pierce her chest. She walked to the sink and ran her hand under cold water.

Fu Juxing stepped in, bent down to pick up the lid, fetched a plate and chopsticks from the cupboard, and retrieved the three dumplings from the steamer. Shaking his head, he smiled. “Three dumplings, and you used such a big pot. Quite an ordeal for so little.”

Lin Wanbai, with her back to him, suddenly burst into tears.

Ten fingers, truly connected to the heart—just one burn and the pain rose right up.

She pressed her lips together, feeling overly sensitive, and said nothing, swallowing down the inexplicable sorrow and forcing back the tears. When she turned, she tried to look as nonchalant as possible.

But before she was ready, Fu Juxing had come over, his hand settling on her shoulder. At that, she broke down completely, unable to hold back her tears, and shoved his hand away. “Go away.”

She took a few steps, turning her back to him, wiping her tears repeatedly. She’d never been this emotional before—what was happening to her now? Wasn’t she being too fragile?

Fu Juxing set down the plate and caught her by the shoulders, easily pulling her into his arms, circling her waist so she couldn’t escape.

Already weak from hunger, she didn’t have the strength to resist, and simply sobbed.

Gently, he wiped her tears. “What are you upset about? You did this to yourself, you know.”

Her temper flared. “If you hadn’t called out, I wouldn’t have burned myself! It hurts, you know?!”

Her eyes were red, cheeks streaked with tears, her delicate brows knit, lips rosy and pursed—she looked endearing, like an angry little rabbit.

At that moment, Fu Juxing almost wanted to see her cry even harder. He wondered what it would be like if she begged him in tears.

Unconsciously, he held her tighter.

Before Lin Wanbai realized it, his lips were on hers. Everything went dark—she couldn’t handle his roughness.

She heard dishes clatter to the floor, her waist bumped against the sharp edge of the table, sending a jolt of pain through her. Instinctively, she bit down on his lip—hard. That made him stop.

Panting, she glared at him. “What—what are you doing?!”

“Curing your tears.”

With that, he was on her again. Lin Wanbai was in pain; this was no cure—it was bullying.

Yet in his eyes, she saw a kind of wild passion.

It was as if he wanted to devour her whole.

Just as he tried to go further, she grabbed his collar and whimpered, “Don’t…”

He pressed his forehead to hers, lips curling. “Don’t what?”

She was breathless, shrinking away. “It hurts—you’re hurting me.”

He pressed close to her ear. “Then why not beg me?”

There was laughter in his voice, soft and low, straddling the line between madness and self-control.

Looking at him, tears fell from Lin Wanbai’s eyes as she whispered, “Please.”

He wasn’t fully satisfied, but finally stopped.

He helped her straighten her clothes, then lifted her off the counter, gently wiping her tears. “If you’re hungry, you should have woken me—let me take care of it.”

She said nothing.

“Go sit in the dining room. I’ll make you something else.”

She reached for the dumplings, but he took them away. “They’re cold—not fit to eat.”

She shot him a look and left the kitchen to sit in the dining room, her mind still reeling from what had just happened.

She touched her lips—they stung. His kiss had been wild, almost predatory. Her lips must be swollen now.

Fifteen minutes later, Fu Juxing brought out a bowl of boiled dumplings and an egg pancake.

He set both in front of her, their aroma filling the air. He pulled out a chair and sat beside her.

Lin Wanbai had stopped crying, though her nose and lips were still pink.

Under Fu Juxing’s gaze, she ate the dumplings and pancake.

A bit too much, really.

Truthfully, she still wanted the three dumplings she’d steamed for herself—just the right amount.

Full and content, she felt sleepy again.

But back in the bedroom, Fu Juxing didn’t let her off so easily—no matter how she pleaded, he didn’t stop, only got more enthusiastic.

…

The next morning, Fu Juxing, unusually, didn’t wake her, letting her sleep in.

She didn’t even notice when he left.

But she did realize he’d tended her wounds.

She was so exhausted, it was an effort to open her eyes—he really had been too much.

With needs like his, how had he ever restrained himself before?

She couldn’t imagine. She felt she’d only glimpsed the surface—there was so much more to him she didn’t know.

At noon, Aunt Rong brought up lunch. Lin Wanbai was already awake.

After her shower, she was sitting at the vanity, applying lotion.

“Oh, you’re up! I thought you wouldn’t get out of bed before noon,” Aunt Rong exclaimed.

Lin Wanbai smiled. “Blame Fu Juxing.”

Aunt Rong could hear the sweetness in those four words, grinning from ear to ear, her whole face lit up with joy.

Lin Wanbai, seeing this, turned and propped her head on her hand. “Aunt Rong, what’s making you so happy?”

Aunt Rong set the meal on the table. “Seeing you and the young master happy makes me happy.”

Lin Wanbai stood, still a bit sore. “Did Fu Juxing ask you to bring this up?”

“He told me before he left—said you’d be too tired to get up today, so I should bring lunch to your room.”

“Hmph.” She rolled her eyes. If it weren’t for what he’d done last night…

But at least he was considerate enough not to drag her to the office today.

Last night, as she drifted off, she’d resolved that if he tried to get her up again, she’d refuse, even if it killed her.

After lunch, Lin Wanbai climbed back onto the bed.

Aunt Rong fetched her laptop from the study. She’d just turned it on when Lin Zhouye called.

“Where are you?”

“At Lanshe.”

He chuckled. “Not following Fu Juxing around today? At home for once.”

His tone was mocking. Lin Wanbai huffed, not rising to it. “What do you want? Is there news about Zhang Danni?”

“There is.” His tone grew serious. “I happen to be passing by Lanshe. Come out—we’ll talk in person.”

“Alright.”

She ended the call, set aside the laptop, got up quickly despite her discomfort, throwing on the first outfit she found.

When Lin Zhouye called again, she grabbed her bag and headed out.

At the stairs, she ran into Aunt Rong coming up with a plate of fruit. Seeing her dressed and ready, Aunt Rong blocked her path. “Where are you off to?”

“I have to go out—something’s come up.”

“No, you can’t. The young master said you’re to stay home.”

“I really have to go. I’ll call him and let him know.” With that, she gently pulled Aunt Rong aside and hurried down.

Lin Zhouye’s car was waiting at the gate. Aunt Rong chased after her, but Lin Wanbai was quick; by the time someone came out, she was already in the car.

Lin Zhouye glanced through the tinted window at Aunt Rong, then turned to Lin Wanbai. “Was she chasing you? Not letting you out?”

Lin Wanbai raised an eyebrow—he’d hit the nail on the head, but she smiled. “No, she wanted me to bundle up more—thought I’d catch cold.”

He looked her up and down. “You’re plenty bundled—scarf’s thick as can be.”

“That’s how it is with the elderly. I’m not wearing long johns, so she thinks I’ll freeze. Didn’t Grandpa use to be the same?”

Lin Zhouye snorted. “If you say so.”

“Where’s Zhang Danni?” She got straight to the point.

“I’ll take you to her now.”

From his expression, Lin Wanbai sensed things weren’t good.

“Give me a heads-up—what’s the situation? I need to be prepared.”

“Honestly, I think you should drop this. You’re not a world-class detective. Getting involved only brings trouble. Just check on her, but don’t get further involved.”

“So what happened?”

He glanced at her, hesitated, then said, “The girl was raped. They filmed and photographed it, then used that to threaten her into silence. Those thugs kept at it, tracking her everywhere, blackmailing her into sleeping with them again. She ended up pregnant. When I found her, she was taking abortion pills on her own.”

Lin Wanbai was so angry she could barely breathe. She hated this kind of thing most of all.

It was the greatest humiliation a woman could suffer, the lowest and dirtiest of crimes.

After a pause, she let out a cold laugh. “Look at Fu Miao’s character—is this something a human would do? Don’t tell me she didn’t know. The fact that she chose to do this shows she’s no good at all—not even worthy of being called human!”

She was so furious she started to feel hot, tearing off her scarf and exposing the love bites on her neck.

Lin Zhouye glanced at them, eyes narrowing.

She and Zhang Danni were acquaintances, so news like this hit closer to home than if it were anyone else.

“What did that girl ever do to deserve this? Was it because she was talented? There are so many ways to resolve things—why use such vile tactics? And they call themselves a distinguished family? It’s laughable. How hard is it for Fu Miao to apologize? Even if she did, she has the whole Fu family behind her—her life won’t be ruined. But Zhang Danni is just an ordinary girl, with rare talent, but before anyone could even notice, they destroyed her. Is that fair? Just because they have money and power? There are plenty more powerful people out there—they really think they’re above the law?!”

She was indignant, Lin Zhouye impassive.

When she finished, he didn’t respond at all.

She turned, meeting his gaze—which had dropped to the marks on her neck, amusement in his eyes.

She blinked, then noticed the scarf in her hand and realized she’d taken it off. Flushing, she quickly wrapped it back around her neck and coughed. “Were you even listening to me?”

He looked away, chuckling. “No need to get so worked up. There’s injustice everywhere in this world—you can’t fix it all.”

“I can’t fix everything, but I can do something about Zhang Danni. If I don’t, with what Fu Miao’s done, I’ll never forgive myself. Justice has to be fought for; otherwise, they’ll really think they can get away with anything.”

She glared at him. “Are you on my side or hers?”

“I’m not interested in getting involved. If you want to, do it yourself—I won’t interfere. In fact, I’d advise you to steer clear; you won’t be able to see it through.”

Lin Wanbai said nothing.

Lin Zhouye had arranged for Zhang Danni to be in a private hospital.

The room was VIP—quiet, private, with professional staff and tight-lipped nurses and doctors, ensuring no gossip.

Lin Wanbai peered in from the hallway.

The girl was awake, sitting on the bed, staring blankly out the window.

Lin Wanbai didn’t go in right away. “Where’s her family?”

“Her parents died in a car accident last year. I found her brother—he’ll be here tomorrow.”

Lin Wanbai sighed, paused, then reached for the door.

Lin Zhouye stopped her. “Think it over—everything’s been arranged…”

“How much money?”

He couldn’t help but laugh at her cold tone. “It’s not just about money.”

“So you’re cleaning up for Fu Miao?” Lin Wanbai refused to believe he had anything to do with Fu Miao.

“Of course not. But this is best handled quietly. If it blows up, it won’t be good for anyone—least of all you. There’s no need for you to take the fall.”

“I can handle it.” She shook off his hand and went in without hesitation.

The sound at the door didn’t faze Zhang Danni; she kept staring out the window, unmoved.

Lin Wanbai walked over, smiled, and waved. “Hey, remember me?”

Her eyes were unfocused; she glanced at Lin Wanbai without recognition.

Lin Wanbai’s heart ached. She pulled up a chair and sat. “I’m sure you remember me. Everything’s over now—you don’t have to be afraid.”

After a while, Zhang Danni suddenly grabbed her hand, wide-eyed. “You know about this?”

Lin Wanbai squeezed her hand. “Of course. That’s why I’m here.”

“Will you help me?” she gritted out, her eyes bloodshot. She forced the words out one by one, “I want them torn to pieces! They destroyed everything—everything!”

Her whole body trembled, tears streaming down as she teetered on the edge of collapse.

Lin Zhouye hurried over, holding her shoulders to keep her from hurting herself or others.

The doctor had said her emotional state was unstable. A psychologist had seen her, but she was highly resistant, even violent.

The psychologist warned that if she wasn’t helped soon, she might do something drastic.

Lin Wanbai rose and hugged her, patting her back gently. “It’s alright. Everything will be alright. You’re going to be a famous designer, your family’s pride.”

At these words, she was silent for a long time—then broke down, sobbing loudly.

She clung tightly to Lin Wanbai, shaking her head, crying, “I have no future. It’s gone. I have nothing left…”

Lin Wanbai didn’t speak, just held her and stroked her back in silent comfort.

Zhang Danni had always been a cheerful, positive girl, from an ordinary but decent family. Lin Wanbai knew she was soft-hearted and easily bullied, but never discouraged or self-pitying—her happiness hard-won.

The words Lin Wanbai had just spoken were once said to her by Zhang Danni online.