Chapter 52: Killing Two Birds with One Stone This chapter includes an additional update sponsored by 1,250 diamonds.

"Zhao Yiling was caught cheating!" When Lin Wanbai heard those words, she found them unbelievable, and after watching the video circulating in the WeChat group, she was even more astonished.

The person Zhao Yiling had an affair with was actually Fu Yanming.

How on earth had these two become entangled?

"Could it be a fake video? How could Zhao Yiling possibly end up with Fu Yanming? It's too absurd," Liang Zhixia clicked her tongue and said, "You still can't see it? Maybe Zhao Yiling didn't intend to cheat at all. Perhaps someone got anxious and didn't want her to get engaged to Fu Yanchuan, so they orchestrated this. The Fu family—none of them are easy to deal with."

Lin Wanbai was silent; what she said made sense. Her first impression upon seeing the video was that Zhao Yiling had been deliberately set up.

Zhao Yiling simply didn't seem the type.

As Fu Juxing's wife, she herself didn't actually want Zhao Yiling and Fu Yanchuan together either.

"When did this video come out?"

"I asked around. Apparently, it happened this morning. The two were cornered and caught by journalists in bed. The scandal has been raging, and the Fu family spent a fortune to suppress the news. Tsk, you didn't know at all? I thought I'd come to you to dig up some gossip."

"I don't live at the Fu house; you won't get much gossip from me."

They chatted for a few more minutes and hung up.

Lin Wanbai glanced at the justification provided by the appraisal center that it did not constitute plagiarism, as if watching a farce.

She wasn't being malicious, but seeing the Fu family's internal strife and picturing Old Lady Jiang's twisted mouth from rage, she couldn't help but feel delighted.

Indeed, Jiang Shuzhi was so furious her mouth was crooked, and she'd taken medicine twice already.

Fu Yanming knelt before her, though his face was defiant. Of course he was. Both he and Yanchuan were Fu family descendants, both her grandsons; why should such a good thing go to Fu Yanchuan? He liked Zhao Yiling too—why couldn't he fight for her?

Jiang Shuzhi was furious at his demeanor.

Even Fu Yongyi thought Fu Yanming had done nothing wrong; romance between men and women—what's wrong with that? Both are sons of the Fu family; whichever one she marries, isn't it all the same?

Fu Yongyi said, "Mother, there's no need to get so angry. Since things have reached this point, let Yanming get engaged to Zhao Yiling. They're adults; Yanming is responsible. He's made his bed, now he must lie in it. Let's go to the Zhao family and apologize to Old Lady Zhao. The two children couldn't help themselves—"

Before he finished, Jiang Shuzhi grabbed her teacup and threw it at Fu Yongyi, slapping the table hard, "Do you even know what you're saying?!"

Fu Yongyi closed his eyes, calm as ever, picked the tea leaf off his face, and smiled, "What's done is done. Your anger won't help. What we need now is to resolve the situation."

"Mother, they're both your grandsons. You're being far too partial. Why can Zhao Yiling marry Fu Yanchuan but not my son? What sort of logic is that? I don't understand."

"You don't understand? Oh, you understand very well! Look at your son—what is he, really? What does he look like? If you'd brought Zhao Yiling here to tell me herself that she liked Yanming and wanted to marry him, I'd have agreed without a second thought. I'd even think better of you two—at least you'd have some sense. But as things stand, you're reckless, not wise. Even if you get your way this time, even if the Zhao family accepts the swap, Yanming still won't win my approval."

Fu Yanming's chest heaved; they'd meant to do just that, but who could have anticipated so many journalists would suddenly appear?

They'd been photographed completely exposed, and the scandal erupted.

He shot to his feet, "Grandma, you've really broken my heart with those words! In your eyes, I'm nothing but trash. Well, sorry, but I'm determined to marry Zhao Yiling. I don't care whether she agrees or not. If she doesn't want to marry, then fine. But if she wants to enter the Fu family, she can only marry me. Otherwise, you can let big brother prepare for a woman serving two husbands!"

At that, Jiang Shuzhi didn't hesitate. She slapped him hard, "You shameless thing! Do you even know what you're saying?!"

Fu Yanming tilted his head, snorted, and coldly glanced sideways, "If you don't want it that way, it's simple—go and persuade Zhao Yiling to marry me. No need for an engagement, just get married straight away."

Jiang Shuzhi was so angry she couldn't speak. Aunt Song quickly stepped forward to help her back to her chair, soothing her gently.

After a pause, Jiang Shuzhi pointed at Fu Yongyi, "Look at what you've made of your son. Is this your idea or his? What are you trying to do—are you dissatisfied with my arrangements?"

Fu Yongyi lowered his eyes, sneering, "If you think your arrangements are fair, I have nothing to say. There's no way to trace blame in a matter like this. I think the most urgent thing now is to solve the problem. Our Fu family needs to show an attitude. Old Lady Zhao will surely be furious, but if you personally visit her, I'm sure they'll give you face. After all, the Zhao family is a tier below ours; they're marrying up."

"Even though the news is suppressed, word has spread—everyone knows about Yanming and Zhao Yiling. Her reputation is ruined. Whoever marries her loses value. Of course, it was a matter of mutual affection, so Yanming can't really be blamed, but she's a girl. We should offer a higher bride price than originally planned, and with your sincerity, I doubt the marriage can't be negotiated."

Jiang Shuzhi regarded him, then smiled and nodded, "Well, well. How long did you think about those words?"

She knew her second son's temperament well—eager for quick results, brave but not wise, a fool.

She never loved fools; even her two sons were useless.

Zhao Yiling marrying Fu Yanchuan would be an asset, but marrying Fu Yanming? Useless.

She'd long since considered what sort of wife Yanming should take and had been searching. One must make the most of resources and choose the best fit.

A pity, really—still foolish.

No point in talking to fools.

She waved her hand, "You two, get out. Fu Yongyi, you settle this yourself. You caused this, you deal with it. Don't count on me, the old lady, to clean up after you. I still need to keep my old face; it's not worth it! You said it yourself—the Zhao family is beneath us. Qin Xiuying is older than me, but it's not her place to make me beg."

She finished and signaled Aunt Song to escort them out.

Aunt Song approached, "Second Master, Third Young Master, please."

Fu Yongyi didn't move, staring at Jiang Shuzhi, "So you're saying you won't interfere?"

"Interfere? Do you need me to? Aren't you so capable, always acting on your own? This time, I'll let you solve it yourself. If you had the wit to plot this, you should also have thought through how to resolve it. Surely you don't expect me to clean up after you?"

Fu Yongyi squinted, disappointment in his eyes, a chill settling in his heart. He'd always known Jiang Shuzhi was partial, but hadn't realized just how much. Take Fu Miao's recent trouble—plagiarizing someone else's work and still strutting about.

There was an exposé, but Jiang Shuzhi used every means to smooth things over, helping her achieve fame and success.

When she returned to China, she immediately got her a project, investing money and manpower.

Yet his two sons were still assistants, playing second fiddle, supposedly to learn and gain experience.

Meanwhile, Fu Yanchuan already held the CEO position, gaining experience.

He saw clearly now—many things could no longer be left to her. He needed to make his own decisions, seize opportunities, or nothing would be left for his sons.

He'd lived under Fu Yonghui's shadow his whole life, always less than him—even his wife was inferior.

He couldn't let his sons be suppressed any longer.

He smiled, "Thank you for the authority, Mother. We'll handle this ourselves."

With that, father and son departed.

Jiang Shuzhi closed her eyes and exhaled long, fingers moving over Buddhist beads as she recited sutras to calm herself.

After a while, Aunt Song brought a fresh cup of tea, "They've gone."

"Xiao Song, tell me, how did I end up with such foolish sons? They never improve, aren't clever, and blame me for being partial? If the company were handed to those two, it'd be chaos!"

"Second Master just wants to prove himself; he's always been that way, always eager to show off, but never getting it right. Still, he works hard."

"Don't I know he works hard? Of course I do. But he doesn't trust me as a mother, and there's nothing I can do. He only thinks about fairness—whatever his elder brother gets, he must have too, without considering his own abilities. Even if I give, can he handle it?"

"When you're in the thick of things, you lose perspective. Confidence is good."

"Confidence is good, but arrogance is not. I think those two are blindly confident. Only Yan Zheng still has a clear head."

After a pause, Aunt Song said, "This whole affair seems odd; it warrants further investigation. When they arrived, I heard them wondering where those journalists had come from. Clearly, the situation wasn't in their plan. Someone must have intervened, stirring up trouble and tarnishing the Fu family's reputation."

"Is that so?"

Aunt Song nodded, "Yes."

Jiang Shuzhi frowned slightly.

...

The Zhao family.

Zhao Yiling shut herself in her room, buried under her covers, refusing to see anyone.

Qin Xiuying was furious—the video had spread everywhere. They could delete public posts but not the copies on people's phones.

She swept everything off the coffee table in rage—this was her personally raised granddaughter, now utterly ruined. She trembled with anger.

Fu Yanchuan came straight to the Zhao house after work.

Fortunately, Qin Xiuying didn't turn him away, but her face was sour. Though he wasn't at fault, and was a victim himself, she was still angry.

"What are you here for? To demand an explanation? To blame Yiling for humiliating you, making you a laughingstock?"

Fu Yanchuan bowed his head, his expression solemn and humble, "Of course not. I believe in Zhao Yiling's character—she would never do such a thing."

That eased Qin Xiuying's fury slightly. She couldn't help but curse, "That brother of yours—is he even human? Are all Fu family members so shameless? Even coveting their future sister-in-law—he's nothing but a beast!"

"Does your Fu family think our Zhao family is beneath you, that any Fu son is good enough for our daughter?"

"Absolutely not."

"Well, let me be clear—this engagement is off. Whether it's you or Yanming, we want neither! We'll accuse Fu Yanming of rape—my granddaughter deserves to be cleared."

She snorted and continued, "I may favor sons over daughters, but don't think I despise my granddaughter. Besides, Yiling is my own handiwork, my treasure. A woman's reputation is everything, especially since she's a teacher. How can she face her school after all this? You're truly wicked!"

Qin Xiuying, worked up again, rose to see the guest out.

Just as she was ushering him to the door, Zhao Yiling came down and called out, "Grandma, please don't argue."

Everyone paused. Fu Yanchuan looked at her, and Yiling, unable to bear the pain inside, felt her eyes grow hot; tears streamed down. She quickly wiped them away, licked her lips, "Did you come to see me?"

Fu Yanchuan nodded, "Yes."

"Come on, let's go to the courtyard."

Qin Xiuying, seeing her so distressed, felt her own heart ache. She waved her hand, "Go ahead."

Yiling led Yanchuan outside.

They sat in the small courtyard. Fu Yanchuan remained standing beside her, sighing softly, "I'm sorry."

She forced a smile, avoiding his gaze, sniffling as she wiped her tears, "Why say sorry? It's not your fault."

"But it's ultimately a mistake of my family, and I'm deeply sorry."

Her throat felt stuffed with cotton; she couldn't speak for a moment.

After a long silence, she smiled faintly, "The one who should apologize isn't you. This has nothing to do with you. If anything, I should apologize to you for making you a laughingstock."

"I've decided our engagement will remain unchanged."

Zhao Yiling was stunned, then turned to him, "What did you say?"

"I said I've decided our engagement will remain unchanged. If you're uneasy, we can forgo the engagement and marry directly—I'm fine with that."

She looked into his eyes; he wasn't angry. His gaze held compassion and responsibility.

They held each other's gaze for a long time; she knew he meant it sincerely.

But her heart was cold. She looked away after a moment, gazing elsewhere. After some time, she said, "Let's wait and see; it's not up to us. You may be willing, but your family may not be, and perhaps neither am I. My mind is a mess. I don't know what to do, what to think..."

She trailed off, unable to continue.

She pressed her lips tightly, and after a long time, managed a smile, "You should go; I'm fine."

She inhaled deeply and turned to smile at him.

Fu Yanchuan didn't linger.

Returning home, he immediately sought out Fu Yanming and, without hesitation, punched him in the face. Seeing Yanming's shameless expression made him even angrier.

Yanming cried out in pain, eyes wide, "Are you insane?"

"You brought this upon yourself!" Another punch followed; Yanming couldn't dodge. Normally, Fu Yanchuan was gentle and rarely angry—this was the first time Yanming had ever seen him lose his temper.

He wiped his mouth, chuckled, "What's the big deal? I'm helping you, aren't I? I know you don't like Zhao Yiling; the engagement is just Grandma's arrangement. Isn't this better? I marry her, you can stay single and wait for Lin Wanbai to divorce. Isn't that ideal?"

Fu Yanchuan swung again, but Yanming blocked him, shoving him aside and standing up, "Don't push your luck. If you hit me again, don't blame me for fighting back!"

"You're inhuman!"

Yanming sneered, "And you are? You don't even like her, only her status. You're marrying her while harboring feelings for another—does that make you a good person? At least I'm better than you; I don't have anyone else in my heart. If I marry her, I'll treat her well—maybe we'll fall in love. Unlike you, who'll pine for Lin Wanbai forever, eventually cheating together behind closed doors. That's disgusting!"

Before he finished, they were wrestling.

By the time the servants arrived, the fight was uncontrollable.

It took more than one person to separate them, and only when Jiang Shuzhi was alerted did she come and scold them.

"Are you both mad?!"

Both were bruised and battered, though Yanchuan's face had fewer wounds, only some blood at the corner of his mouth and eye.

...

When Lin Wanbai and Fu Juxing arrived, they saw the two standing outside the door.

With such an incident, the Fu family naturally gathered to discuss.

The atmosphere in the hall was tense; no one spoke, everyone quietly opposing each other.

Fu Yongyi and Fu Yonghui, the two brothers, were clearly hostile, exchanging glances full of disdain. If not for restraint, they might have fought too—if not, at least a heated argument was inevitable.

Fu Tianyi was present as well; she hadn't gone to Haicheng, staying in Beicheng to help Yuan Lu prepare for exams.

Once they were seated, everyone was present.

Jiang Shuzhi instructed Aunt Song to bring in the two standing at the door.

Once inside, Jiang Shuzhi sat upright, "You've all heard about Fu Yanming and Zhao Yiling, haven't you?"

No one spoke—a tacit acknowledgment.

Jiang Shuzhi continued, "Just now, Qin Xiuying called personally to cancel the engagement. Whatever happens, she wants justice for her granddaughter, to prove her innocence."

Fu Yonghui immediately accused, "Look at what you've done, Fu Yongyi, you fool!"

"Dammit, I've tolerated you long enough—what right do you have to criticize me?" He tried to stand, but his wife pulled him back.

His wife, Tang Qiong, came from a prominent family; her position wasn't high, but her parents and brothers were powerful.

Tang Qiong was clever, complementing Fu Yongyi's boldness. If they worked together, they could rival anyone.

But now, it seemed they weren't of one mind.

Tang Qiong whispered, "Calm down; now's not the time for outbursts."

Fu Yongyi shot her a displeased glance—the word "outburst" annoyed him.

Then Fu Yanchuan stood, "Grandma, my engagement to Zhao Yiling can proceed. We'll pretend nothing happened; the engagement will continue. I'll talk to Old Lady Zhao, once, twice, three times—if I'm sincere enough, she'll be moved."

Yuan Yujun frowned, murmuring, "Why bother? You didn't cause this; why should you bear it? The whole circle knows they slept together—you'll wear that green hat for life?"

She snorted, "I won't agree."

Jiang Shuzhi looked at Yanchuan, pleased, and nodded, "I know you're a good child. Your mother is right; this isn't your fault. You're a victim, too, and shouldn't have to bear or resolve this. Those responsible should step forward, not you."

Fu Yanming rubbed his nose and swaggered forward, "Why so sarcastic? Just say it's about me. It's all common knowledge—why tiptoe around it? We're a family; no need to treat me like an outsider. Grandma, your favoritism knows no bounds."

He flexed his jaw and grinned, "Last night, I can tell you everything in detail. Zhao Yiling was willing—she enjoyed it. Now she denies it and demands innocence? She's no virgin."

"Big brother, I was helping you inspect the goods. Her haughty demeanor is an act. Not even a virgin—her pride is nonsense! That old lady Zhao parades her granddaughter as pure—she probably doesn't even know what kind of person she is."

"I even recorded our night together; want to see? I'll show you how eager she was, how..."

Before he could finish, Yanming was punched in the mouth by Yanchuan.

Blood spilled, his two front teeth loosened.

He was furious, and the blow brought his suppressed rage to the surface.

They nearly fought again.

Fu Juxing, being nearby, quickly separated them.

Lin Wanbai instinctively stood, but stopped herself, simply watching.

With so many onlookers, the two restrained themselves and calmed down.

Yanchuan warned, "Watch your tongue. Think before you speak, or you'll suffer for it."

Yanming, in agony, wanted to curse, but pain prevented it.

He glared at him, wishing he could kill him on the spot.

They were kept apart; Tang Qiong went to Yanming, pulling him aside. Seeing his bloody mouth, she felt sorry but thought it served him right. Her disappointment was profound; this son was incorrigible.

Her hopes now rested on Yan Zheng.

She handed him tissues, "Do you really like the Zhao family's second daughter?"

Yanming couldn't speak, only looked at her.

Tang Qiong said, "If you liked her, you should have told me. I could have spoken to Grandma. How could you use such means? No matter how much you like someone, forcing them only makes them hate you. Even if you win her body, you'll never win her heart. What's the point?"

Her words were measured, loud enough for all to hear.

By framing it as a matter of feelings, the issue was easier to handle.

She patted Yanming's hand to prevent further rash action.

Then she returned to her seat, addressing Jiang Shuzhi, "We were wrong. I'll personally accompany him to the Zhao family to apologize. Whatever they demand, I'll agree, as long as they're satisfied. Mother, don't worry—I'll take care of it."

She turned to Yonghui and Yuan Yujun, "Big brother, sister-in-law, I'm truly sorry. I never imagined he could do something so extreme—my failure to raise him properly ruined this match. Yanchuan, don't be angry; we're family, you're brothers. You were right to teach him a lesson. He needs to suffer, so he'll learn what is and isn't acceptable."

With Tang Qiong's intervention, everyone could step down gracefully.

Yuan Yujun would never let her son marry a tainted woman, so it was best if they took responsibility.

Yuan Yujun sighed, "Let's avoid such incidents in the future. It's bad for the Fu family's reputation and interests. My son has had a rough road in love, but I believe the best awaits him. I'm not worried."

After these formalities, Jiang Shuzhi wrapped up the meeting with a few words, but her main purpose wasn't just this issue.

Her gaze turned to Fu Juxing, "Yongyi, I heard from Aunt Song that when you did this, you didn't plan to publicize it through the media, correct?"

Fu Yongyi was momentarily stunned; Tang Qiong nudged him.

He immediately replied, "Yes, we never expected the journalists—someone must have tipped them off, and they even got a key card to barge in."

Lin Wanbai noticed Jiang Shuzhi's gaze—it was clear she suspected Fu Juxing of stirring trouble.

"Have you investigated how you were caught out? Originally, things wouldn't have escalated, but now both families' reputations are damaged. Whether the Zhao family will let Yanming avoid prison, you should pray for. This is a brilliant twofold scheme—destroying the engagement and eliminating a contender for heir. Very clever, very neat." She turned to Fu Changjun, "Old Fu, someone's trying to bring down our Fu family. We'd better be careful. Otherwise, by the time the Fu family falls and becomes someone else's possession, you'll only have tears."

Her words hinted at something.

Lin Wanbai strongly suspected she meant the Lin family.

She quietly pretended not to hear or understand, sitting calmly.

After the meeting, Jiang Shuzhi required everyone to stay at Sibei.

Lin Wanbai was unwilling.

Fu Juxing said, "Just one night. Tomorrow we'll leave."

"I don't even want to stay tonight."

They stared at each other for a moment before Lin Wanbai relented.

Hardly had they returned to their room when Jiang Shuzhi summoned them to the Buddha Hall.

At this hour, it could only mean trouble.

But with a clear conscience, Lin Wanbai wasn't afraid—if they wanted to act, they'd have to consider consequences.

They followed Aunt Song to the Buddha Hall; Fu Miao was there, massaging Jiang Shuzhi's shoulders.

Lin Wanbai couldn't be bothered to greet anyone, her face cold and silent.

Fu Juxing was polite, "Grandma, is there something you want to instruct us about?"

"There is. You, go kneel inside. Don't get up until I say so."

"Why?" Lin Wanbai asked calmly.

"Why? He's been stirring up trouble in this house. Kneeling is lenient."

Lin Wanbai wasn't ruffled, only asked coldly, "Evidence?"

"Evidence? None needed. If I say it's him, that's enough." She turned to Fu Juxing, raising her brow, "What? Now my words don't count? After a few days as the Lin family's dog, you've forgotten what you are?"

Lin Wanbai laughed softly, squeezing Fu Juxing's hand, "Since you know he's part of the Lin family, isn't it unreasonable to create trouble like this?"

Fu Miao snapped, "Lin Wanbai, who are you calling unreasonable? Do you even respect elders? To think you're Beicheng's number one socialite—those who praise you should see what you're really like. You don't deserve that title."

Jiang Shuzhi patted Fu Miao's hand, "Don't be so excitable; you never learn restraint, no matter how many times I teach you."

Fu Miao snorted, "I'm only angry for you. Did you hear how she spoke? Who does she think she is? Does she expect everyone to put up with her? She really thinks she's a princess!"

Lin Wanbai couldn't be bothered to argue; heaven and earth were watching, and retribution would come eventually.

She wanted to leave with Fu Juxing, but Jiang Shuzhi spoke, "Really won't kneel?"

Lin Wanbai couldn't bear it and prepared to argue, but Fu Juxing held her hand, gently pulling her back, "I can kneel. I've knelt plenty before, so one more time doesn't matter. But before I do, I want to make something clear: I'm kneeling because you're my elder, and I respect your wishes. It's wrong to anger you, but accusing me of stirring trouble is unjust."

"Though I've never been respected in this family, I am grateful. Without you, I wouldn't be here today. I might have died outside. Thank you for disliking me, yet still letting me grow up. One must repay kindness with virtue. You have been good to me, so I must repay you. I only do what's beneficial for this family, and I would never betray it."

Jiang Shuzhi sneered, "Fu Juxing, I knew you wouldn't disappoint me. Learning to endure like Goujian, but you lack his destiny. Don't think you can stay safe by hiding under a woman's skirts. I will never tolerate anyone wrecking my family or my descendants."

Fu Juxing met her gaze calmly, without flinching, his demeanor open and honest, as if he were truly innocent.

After a moment, Lin Wanbai smiled, "So you can ruin others' lives?"

"Xiaobai, the more you intervene, the more you think you're helping, but you're actually hurting. Why did that girl end up like this? Whose fault is it? I think you know."

Lin Wanbai saw that Jiang Shuzhi felt no remorse whatsoever. No wonder Fu Miao was like this—people raised by such a person would be the same.

With people like this, reasoning was pointless—only retribution could teach them, perhaps then they might realize their wrongs, though even that was uncertain.

Many wicked people only recognize their faults at death—or never at all.

So, there's no need to argue with them; it's meaningless.

They'll never admit guilt or wrongdoing.

She turned to look around the Buddha Hall, incense smoke thick, the faint sound of Buddhist chants echoing. She smiled, "I still believe that good and evil will be repaid; heaven knows who is good and who is bad. Even if you enjoy wealth while alive, aren't you afraid of suffering in hell after death?"

"I want to ask, do you really believe in Buddha?"

She stared deeply at her, not waiting for Jiang Shuzhi to reply, and left with Fu Juxing.

They didn't return to their room, but left Sibei altogether.

On the road, Lin Wanbai was still angry.

Fu Juxing never got angry, no matter how others humiliated him; he always faced them calmly and kindly. Lin Wanbai could never be like him.

"She spoke to you like that—are you really not angry? Not even a little? There's no one else here; you can get mad, curse even, I won't tell anyone."

Fu Juxing shook his head, "I'm not angry."

"You can be angry—it's allowed. Even if you stormed out then, it would be justified."

He smiled, "I can't."

"I say you can!"

"If I did, she'd have more reason to use my name against the Lin family. I don't want her using me, nor do I want Lin to suffer because of me."

"Let her try!"

Fu Juxing patted her head, "Enough, don't be angry. Getting mad only hurts you; it doesn't affect them at all."

"But they're so evil, doing such vile things and acting like they've done nothing wrong."

He smiled at her, "Some people never see their own wrongdoing, but can't stand others doing bad things. Everyone has their own standards, not all the same; you can't demand others be like you."

Lin Wanbai looked at him, silent.

After a long pause, Fu Juxing poked her cheek, "Why are you staring at me?"

"Nothing, just surprised you see things so clearly. Who do you think tipped off the journalists? I wonder what's happening at the Zhao house now—will they accept Yanming? Poor Yanchuan, really."

"You're not allowed to pity him."

"Then I pity you—only you, okay?"

"I don't want your pity." His gaze suddenly deepened, taking her chin, speaking slowly, "I only want your love."

Lin Wanbai clicked her tongue, pushed his hand away, tried to turn her head, but he held her still and kissed her firmly.

...

The next day, Tang Qiong took Fu Yanming to the Zhao house to apologize in person.

But the Zhao family shut their doors, refusing to see them.

They instructed the servant to say they'd see them in court—they'd already called the police and gathered evidence.

Indeed, that afternoon, detectives arrived and took Fu Yanming away.

The Fu family had hoped to keep things quiet, but the news leaked and spread online. Zhao Yimeng wasn't easy to deal with; her pure and innocent sister had been violated, so she vented her anger by digging up all of Yanming's past scandals.

He already had a notorious record; any investigation turned up nothing but dirt.

Drinking, gambling, whoring, drugs—everything.

Neither public opinion nor the courts offered Yanming any hope.

Tang Qiong tried to leverage her family's influence to protect Yanming, but with the media storm, they couldn't intervene; any interference risked widespread consequences.

Her father, Tang Cheng, spoke, "Since he did this, he must face the consequences. That girl was innocent; no matter how much he liked her, he had no right. Xiao Qiong, you're partly responsible for your son's behavior—constant shielding isn't good for him. We've cleaned up after him for years; look at what people are saying online. Never mind this incident—just hope the previous ones aren't exposed."

"If they are, our whole family could be implicated by this brat. What you need to do now is get the Fu family to control public opinion and have Yanming turn himself in. He needs to learn a lesson and become a decent person."