Chapter 51: Jealousy

Lin Wanbai felt a deep sense of guilt over Zhang Danni’s ordeal. For a brief moment, she wondered if things might have turned out differently—if she had simply turned a blind eye instead of telling Fu Miao about the plagiarism, or if she hadn't harbored the naive hope that Fu Miao could reflect and repent. Perhaps she should have waited until returning home and then exposed Fu Miao publicly in an article. If only she had done so, maybe none of this would have happened.

She was responsible, and Zhang Danni’s fate was now tied to hers. Whatever future lay ahead, Lin Wanbai knew she could no longer remain indifferent.

Of course, if Fu Miao still possessed a shred of humanity, she should bear the brunt of responsibility.

When Zhang Danni finally calmed down and recounted everything to Lin Wanbai, she described the faces of those involved—faces she had drawn countless times before. In the hospital, she sketched them once more: four people in total.

Lin Wanbai took the sketches, preparing to go to the police station first.

Lin Zhouye stopped her. “Don’t act on impulse. Everything should be handled step by step. Didn’t you notice? Among these four, two have rather complicated backgrounds.”

Lin Wanbai paused, glanced at him, then studied the portraits again.

Sure enough, two were notorious playboys, and one even worked within the system.

She scoffed, “That old woman Jiang Shuzhi is quite cunning, isn’t she? She thinks with these two involved, the matter won’t ever come to light?”

Lin Zhouye replied, “I don’t know if it’ll come out or not. I just know that this one is extremely pampered at home. Even if they’re in the wrong, if you expose it, the outcome may not be what you wish for. Xiaobai, do you realize that by pursuing this, you’re bringing trouble to the Lin family? I’ll say it again: try another way—it’ll be better for everyone.”

“Or maybe you should work at the company, expand your social circle to its fullest, and perhaps you could help Zhang Danni get justice easily, instead of charging ahead blindly, hurting yourself as much as your enemy.”

Lin Wanbai pressed her lips tightly, suppressing her anger. Lin Zhouye wasn’t wrong.

These people could be offended, and if she fought to the end, she might not lose. But the cost, the consequences, were not hers alone to bear.

For trivial matters, she could act on impulse, but not for something this serious.

Her grandfather had already worried himself sick over her and her mother; she couldn’t add to his burden, especially at his age, still at the helm for reasons she understood all too well.

She nearly crumpled the papers in her hand, then sat silently in her chair, brows knitted.

Suddenly, she stood and hurried out.

Lin Zhouye grabbed her again. “What are you doing?”

“Don’t worry, I won’t do anything reckless.”

Back home, Lin Wanbai opened her computer, compared Zhang Danni’s design drafts, and began writing a lengthy article.

This piece couldn’t just be posted on her personal social media; she needed a reputable platform to publish it.

When Fu Juxing returned, she was only halfway done.

Her focus was so intense that she didn’t notice him enter. He removed his coat, washed his hands, then stood behind her, silently reading the text on her screen before making his presence known.

But Lin Wanbai was absorbed in her work. Every word was weighed, every sentence crafted for impact. This article needed to be powerful enough to make waves.

She still didn’t notice Fu Juxing.

Not until he blocked her screen with his hand did she frown and push him away. “Don’t mess around, I’m busy.”

She didn’t even glance at him, eyes glued to the screen, typing diligently.

His smile faded a little, then he patted her shoulder. “Aunt Rong said you went out today.”

She responded with a distracted “Mm,” after some delay.

She had no energy for conversation, but paused, turned to him, and said, “I feel like I’ve made a terrible mistake—I need to fix it. Until this is resolved, I won’t sleep well.”

“You can tell me what happened.”

She hesitated, then said, “It’s about Fu Miao.”

“The plagiarism?”

She nodded, inhaling deeply. “They used vile means to destroy a girl’s reputation and future. I never imagined they could do such a thing. Giving Fu Miao a chance to admit her wrongdoing was my worst mistake. If I had known her true nature, I never would have given her that opportunity.”

The memory made her tremble with anger.

Fu Juxing drew her into his embrace. “So, what are you going to do now?”

“If she cares so much about her reputation—enough to ruin someone else’s life—then I’ll make everything public. She can’t erase the original work and claim it as hers; that’s laughable.”

He patted her back. “Don’t be angry.”

“I’m furious!”

Ever since leaving the hospital, her mood hadn’t settled. She hated how they’d harmed someone so cruelly, and wished she could slap Fu Miao right then, make her see what she’d done.

Just last night at dinner, she’d seen Fu Miao laughing happily. How could they be so at ease after such evil? What kind of person can ruin a girl’s reputation and still smile?

As women, empathy made the damage unbearable.

Their hearts must be pitch-black.

And judging by how Jiang Shuzhi treated Fu Juxing, it was clear just how dark hers was.

Seeing her angry, Fu Juxing stroked her head, comforting her. “This world is inherently unfair. To demand fairness, you need absolute strength, wealth, and power. Only then will you not be bullied or crushed.”

His tone was calm, as if discussing something trivial.

But Lin Wanbai understood he spoke from experience. She looked at him, hugged him, and said, “No, I still believe justice exists. Retribution may come late, but those who do evil will eventually pay.”

He lowered his head, his palm caressing her cheek gently. “You’re good—you see only the kindness in this world. I hope you always stay that way.”

“You can be like that, too.”

He didn’t reply, only kissed her forehead softly.

After a while, Lin Wanbai wriggled free, tapping her forehead. “You shouldn’t be around—you distract me from serious work. Go, go, come back when it’s time to eat.”

Fu Juxing didn’t press her, simply agreed and left, returning only at dinner time.

After the meal, she continued her work, while he went to the study. Both kept to themselves.

Lin Wanbai finished her article close to midnight.

She checked it carefully before shutting down her computer.

Stretching, she realized how late it was—and that Fu Juxing hadn’t returned. She hurried to the study, poked her head in, and saw he was still busy.

But he noticed her immediately, put down his work, and beckoned her over. “Come here.”

She went quickly, sitting on his lap and wrapping her arms around his neck. “Still not done? I finished mine.”

“Mm, you’re efficient.”

“Busy?”

“Not anymore. Didn’t you say I distract you? I didn’t dare come back unless you called.”

“Since when are you so obedient?”

“Always.”

She laughed, cupped his face, and kissed his nose.

“Hungry? Aunt Rong probably made us a late-night snack—shall we check?”

She nodded.

He shut down his computer, organized his papers, and went downstairs with her.

Aunt Rong had indeed prepared a late-night snack, still warm.

Lin Wanbai ate only a little—snacking at night was fattening, so she tried to abstain. But recently, with so much happening, she’d eaten late several nights in a row.

Reminding herself, she put down her chopsticks and gave the rest to Fu Juxing, watching him finish it.

That night, Fu Juxing didn’t touch her, simply held her while they slept.

Lin Wanbai couldn’t sleep; her mind kept replaying Zhang Danni’s tears. She turned away, but soon Fu Juxing moved closer. “Can’t sleep?”

“No, I’m sleeping.”

“Because of Zhang Danni?”

She sighed, turned to face him. “Yes, I’m having trouble sleeping.”

“It’s already happened—don’t dwell on it. Do what you think is right, but don’t blame yourself. Your intentions were good; you just didn’t expect Fu Miao to resort to such means. You’re too pure—your world is too clean. In your eyes, everyone should have a bottom line, so you assumed Fu Miao would handle it properly.”

“Unfortunately, the outcome disappointed you. It’s not your fault—they’re the ones who are evil. They should be the ones unable to sleep, not you—do you understand?” His voice was soft in the darkness, and Lin Wanbai liked listening to him.

She smiled, propped herself up, and looked at him by the faint window light. “Am I really that good in your eyes?”

“You’re good in everyone’s eyes.”

“I don’t want everyone—I just want you to think so.”

She reached for his lips, kissed him, then kneaded his face in the dark, laughing. “Tell me a story, lull me to sleep.”

“All right.”

And so he did, telling her a story.

...

The next day, Lin Wanbai used her connections to reach out to a prominent international fashion magazine and contacted the editor-in-chief directly.

No sooner had she hung up than Fu Miao called.

She didn’t answer, first adding the editor’s contact and sending over evidence and comparison charts.

She also messaged Kevin, telling him directly about Fu Miao’s plagiarism, hoping he would make the right decision.

Once everything was done, she returned Fu Miao’s call.

“Do you need something?”

But Fu Miao didn’t reply—instead, the office door was flung open, and Fu Miao stormed in.

Liang Xi nearly stumbled, pushed aside by Fu Miao.

Ignoring Fu Juxing’s presence, Fu Miao went straight to Lin Wanbai, swept a small vase off her desk, sending it crashing against the window and shattering.

Liang Xi stood to one side, glanced at Fu Juxing, and, seeing his signal, immediately left and closed the office door.

Fu Miao towered over her, waiting, but Lin Wanbai was unfazed. She ended the call, placed her phone on the desk, and turned her attention to her computer screen. “This is a workplace, not somewhere for you to throw tantrums.”

“This isn’t Fu Corporation; you can’t act out here. If you know what’s good for you, you’d better leave, or I’m afraid you’ll end up humiliated.”

Fu Juxing came over, but before he could speak, Fu Miao suddenly turned and slapped him without hesitation. “You best keep quiet. You're nothing but a sycophant—you don’t get a say here.”

Before she finished, Lin Wanbai slapped her back, harder, and before Fu Miao could react, delivered another.

She tried for a third, but Fu Juxing stopped her.

Lin Wanbai was furious. “What gives you the right to hit people? What makes you think you have any authority here? Who do you think you are?!”

Fu Miao, clutching her face, tightened her grip on her bag and sneered, “I was being polite by not hitting you first. Now that you struck, I don’t have to hold back. Ever heard the saying, ‘the one who initiates is despicable’? Lin Wanbai, you’re just idle at home, meddling in others’ business for no reason. You can interfere in other people’s affairs however you like, but my business is not yours to manage!”

She raised her hand for another slap, but instead grabbed a water cup from Lin Wanbai’s desk. Before she could throw it, Fu Juxing pinned it down.

Her slap had been fierce, fueled by rage.

A red mark appeared on Fu Juxing’s face, but he showed no anger, speaking gently. “Don’t make a scene—let’s sit and talk calmly. There’s nothing that can’t be resolved.”

Fu Miao gritted her teeth, but the cup wouldn’t budge. She released it, laughed, “It’s not your place to talk—get out!”

Lin Wanbai retorted, “You have no right to speak here. Do you think this is your own home? Who are you trying to impress with your tantrum?”

Fu Juxing remained calm. “My presence won’t hinder your conversation. As long as you don’t resort to violence, I won’t interfere.”

After a brief stalemate, Fu Miao unexpectedly relented.

They sat at the table, and Fu Miao set her handbag aside. “How long are you going to meddle in my affairs? Don’t you have anything better to do? Everyone praises you for being so outstanding—why not do something substantial for them to see? Instead of fixating on me, why not work hard and achieve something yourself? Wouldn’t that be better?”

“You insist on destroying my career—how does that benefit you? Lin Wanbai, are you sick? Are you sick!” Her face flushed red in agitation. “Do you know how hard I’ve worked these years? You have no idea that your casual words have wiped out all my efforts! I’ve come this far without relying on family—step by step from assistant to now. Everything I have is from my own hard work. If you’re jealous, you don’t need to slander me!”

She was nearly out of control, almost lunging at Lin Wanbai.

Lin Wanbai listened calmly, then smiled and replied, “So you’re the only one who works hard? Your effort is valuable, but others’ isn’t? No one denies you’ve worked hard, but your effort and stealing others’ creations are two separate things—can you really conflate them? Imagine, if you were a struggling designer and someone stole your work and became famous, would you be happy?”

“Moreover, you used such dirty tactics against a young woman—how do you justify that?”

Fu Miao’s gaze darkened, her brows raised. “Which successful person hasn’t used unconventional means on their way up? Everyone faces obstacles—those malicious ones need to be eliminated by any means! Lin Wanbai, admit it: you can’t stand that I, whom you always looked down upon, have surpassed you. You’re obsessed with me, unable to let go! You don’t deserve the praise you receive—those blind people should see the real you!”

Lin Wanbai scoffed, “I have nothing more to say to you. We have nothing left to discuss. I gave you a chance, but you didn’t cherish it, so there’s nothing more I can do. If you believe I’m jealous and deliberately acting against you, fine—think what you like. I will see that you’re permanently expelled from the city’s business circle—never touch it again.”

“And, when you do evil, beware of retribution.”

Before she finished, Fu Miao lunged at her.

Fortunately, Lin Wanbai dodged, escaping her grasp.

Fu Juxing quickly came over, shielding Lin Wanbai, just as Lei Sen entered.

Fu Juxing said, “I think we’ve said enough. We have other matters to attend to, so we won’t keep you.”

With that, he took Lin Wanbai and left the office.

Before leaving, he instructed Lei Sen to let Fu Miao vent and not interfere.

As expected, after they left, Fu Miao erupted, smashing everything in Fu Juxing’s office.

Lin Wanbai was so angry in the car she couldn’t speak.

The entire ride, she said nothing.

When the car stopped, she snapped out of it and looked out the window—it was a pottery studio. “Hm? Weren’t we supposed to have something to do? Why are we here?”

“I know you’re upset. I brought you here to relax and calm down.”

“Calm down? I’m afraid I might smash all the ceramics inside.” She laughed, feeling much lighter.

Fu Juxing guided her out of the car.

Reluctantly, she was pulled inside.

There was a classroom for learning pottery.

Lin Wanbai had been once before, but it wasn’t really her interest, so she only tried it once.

Fu Juxing removed his jacket, rolled up his sleeves, and took off his watch and ring. After surveying the room, he said, “Let’s make a cup—you make one for me, I’ll make one for you. How about it?”

“No, I don’t like it.”

Her resistance was futile; the teacher came over to instruct them.

The simplest design was easier to make.

Fu Juxing listened attentively; Lin Wanbai nearly lost focus, mostly watching him.

They say a man is most handsome when serious—the saying was true. No matter what he did, his seriousness made him attractive. Even if he were serious in the bathroom, he’d probably look handsome.

Thinking this, Lin Wanbai almost laughed at herself. Fu Juxing glanced at her, prompting her to pay attention to the lesson.

After about an hour, they started crafting.

Each worked on their own. Lin Wanbai struggled, failing repeatedly.

Fu Juxing progressed quickly, his model taking shape, while Lin Wanbai was still at the beginning.

She grew frustrated, but seeing his earnestness, and remembering she was making a cup for him, she buckled down.

With focus, progress came faster.

She drew a smiling face on her cup; so did Fu Juxing. When finished, they realized they’d chosen the same design—a sign of their harmony.

Fu Juxing’s was more refined, while hers was less so.

But since they’d made them for each other, Lin Wanbai happily took his.

They had dinner at home as usual.

Lin Wanbai had Aunt Rong prepare an extra meal, and after eating quickly, she planned to visit Zhang Danni in the hospital.

Fu Juxing accompanied her, and Aunt Rong went along as well.

When they arrived, two burly men stood in the room, looking fierce. Zhang Danni sat on the bed, crying silently, still resistant to seeing the psychologist, unwilling to meet anyone except a few people.

She curled up, half her face buried in her arm.

As they entered, one of the men said, “Don’t worry, no matter who she is, I won’t let her off easily.”

Noticing them, he stood up, still with a fierce expression. “Who are you?”

Zhang Danni immediately said, “Brother, she’s my friend—she’s helping me.”

His demeanor shifted, and he shook Lin Wanbai’s hand. “Thank you, thank you for helping my sister. I’ll remember your kindness. If you ever need anything, I’ll help.”

“Ah, I forgot to introduce myself—I’m Zhang Danni’s brother, Zhang Qin.”

Lin Wanbai responded politely, and as she tried to withdraw her hand, Fu Juxing came over and gripped Zhang Qin’s wrist. “Let go.”

His strength was considerable. Zhang Qin frowned, released her hand, and though displeased, didn’t say anything, just laughed awkwardly. “Sorry, I’m a rough guy—didn’t mean to offend.”

“It’s fine, he’s my husband.” She gave a brief introduction, then went to Zhang Danni’s side. “Have you eaten?”

She shook her head. “I don’t want to, can’t eat.”

“You should try to eat a little. I had an extra meal prepared—if you can’t eat rice, have some vegetables. I brought it all this way, you can’t let it go to waste.”

Fu Juxing and Aunt Rong stood behind Lin Wanbai.

Zhang Qin glanced at them, said nothing, and sat back down.

After eating some food, Zhang Danni grasped Lin Wanbai’s hand and asked, “When will they get their retribution?”

“Don’t rush. Focus on recovering first. When the doctor comes, don’t resist—you need to listen to them.”

She said nothing, lips pressed tight and pale.

After a long while, she finally released Lin Wanbai’s hand, her face blank, radiating despair.

Lin Wanbai said, “I’ve given all your works to authorities for evaluation, to verify plagiarism. I also wrote an article. These things need to be handled step by step—their filth will be exposed. But your most important task is to stand up again. As the saying goes, a blessing may come out of misfortune; this could be an opportunity for you to rise. Don’t give up—if you do, then you truly lose everything.”

Zhang Danni slowly looked up, tears falling in an instant.

Lin Wanbai smiled, stroked her head. “You must get better and defend your rights yourself. Not just me—many people will help you.”

She watched Zhang Danni eat, stayed a while longer, then left.

As they reached the elevator, Zhang Qin caught up. “Miss Lin, right?”

All three turned; Zhang Qin glanced at Fu Juxing, hesitated, but spoke boldly. “Can I talk to you alone about my sister?”

Lin Wanbai looked at Fu Juxing. “I’ll go talk to him.”

Fu Juxing looked at Zhang Qin, then nodded.

They only moved a short distance away.

Aunt Rong commented, “That man looks fierce—those tattoos look like he’s not from the right side of the tracks.”

“Mm.”

Lin Wanbai spoke just three sentences to Zhang Qin before parting on bad terms.

Zhang Qin wanted her to lure Fu Miao out, and whatever happened afterward was none of her concern.

From his tone, Lin Wanbai knew what he intended, so she firmly refused.

“If you really care about your sister, don’t do this—you’ll only drag her down.”

Zhang Qin disagreed. “My sister’s future has been ruined by you rich people. Your words are just dreams for Nini. She still has hope for this world, but I don’t—I’m clear-eyed about reality. I don’t want my sister to become the saddest person in the end. If you want to help her, just help me get that person out. Nothing else matters. I won’t mention you.”

“I won’t do it.”

That was all she said before leaving with Fu Juxing and Aunt Rong.

Zhang Qin stood there, watching until the elevator doors closed, then returned to the ward.

But the matter did not progress as Lin Wanbai had hoped.

After submitting the evidence, the verdict came back: no plagiarism.

It was absurd—such blatant copying, yet judged otherwise. Clearly, someone had tampered with the process.

Just as Lin Wanbai was vexed, Liang Zhixia called.

“Xiaobai, did you check the group chat?”

‘What?’

“Zhao Yiling was caught cheating!”