Chapter 57: Deep Affection

Jiang Shuzhi remained calm and said, “Xiaoqiong, you’re a clever woman. At a time like this, the most important thing is unity, not internal strife. I know you’re worried about your parents, but given the current situation, do you expect the entire Fu family to be dragged down with you? Don’t forget, you have two sons—aside from Fu Yanming, there’s also Yanzheng. Now that things have reached an irreparable point, we ought to focus on minimizing the losses.”

“As for your parents and brothers, as long as there’s anything I can do, I won’t give up. You must trust me. At this critical juncture, fighting amongst ourselves is hardly rational.”

This was the lifeline Tang Qiong needed to descend gracefully. If she fell out with the Fu family now, her whole family would be doomed.

She sat down, her expression turning desolate. “My father was planning to retire next year. Everything was prepared, and now this has happened at the last moment. His reputation will be ruined in his later years.”

She wept, pounding her chest. “It’s all because of my failure as a daughter, bringing him so much trouble.”

Jiang Shuzhi said, “Let’s all think of solutions. Right now, our priority should be to minimize the damage. There’s no hiding this anymore—a human life is at stake, and now it’s all over the internet. It’s gone beyond the point of no return.”

Her words fell, and silence filled the room.

Fu Yanchuan spoke. “The only way forward is honesty. Sincerity moves people. This has seriously damaged the Fu family’s reputation. If we can’t win back public trust, the family will find it difficult to move forward in any aspect of business.”

Normally barely noticeable, Fu Yanzheng now spoke up slowly. “I agree with my elder brother. We should be honest and show the public the sincerity of the Fu family. However, if we disclose everything that Third Brother did, I’m afraid we won’t just fail to earn forgiveness—the backlash will be even fiercer. So even if we choose to be transparent, we should reveal what we want to reveal, while some matters must remain hidden or be altered.”

“I’ve watched that video multiple times. Third Brother isn’t the only one there, which means the girl’s death may not be entirely his doing. We should get a lawyer, study the case carefully. Public opinion is the weapon our opponents use against us. If we follow the tide, we’re playing right into their hands.”

Fu Miao glanced at Fu Yanchuan, thought for a moment, and added, “Exactly. I saw online that the girl was described as an outstanding student—a pure, good girl. That seems fake. What kind of good girl goes to nightclubs? She was a student. The public is only on her side because her death was tragic, but the video doesn’t show how she died. Maybe she got carried away herself?”

Fu Yanzheng nodded. “That’s what I mean.”

…

After the family meeting ended, Jiang Shuzhi called Fu Yongyi’s family into the study for a deeper discussion.

Fu Yonghui stopped Fu Yanchuan. When no one else was around, he lowered his voice, “What were you thinking just now? Even your sister understood, but you didn’t? Now you’ve let Yanzheng steal the spotlight. That boy is always so quiet—I really underestimated him.”

Fu Yanchuan had no energy to discuss this, his face impassive.

Yuan Yujun said, “They brought this on themselves; they ought to resolve it. Honestly, I feel wronged. We did nothing and still get dragged into this. What Yanming did—how could any human do such a thing? He’s worse than a beast. Just wait, there may be more scandals to come. I think Yanchuan’s suggestion is right: be honest, let Yanming confess everything.”

“If you keep hiding things, it’ll be worse when everything is uncovered piece by piece.”

Fu Yanchuan said, “Dad, Mom, I’m tired. I’m going to my room to rest.”

“Go on, don’t trouble yourself about this. Just focus on your own affairs,” Yuan Yujun waved her hand.

Fu Yanchuan left, with Fu Miao chasing after him.

She followed him to his room.

Fu Yanchuan turned, “What do you want to say?”

“Did you tell anyone about my issue?”

She stared at him, eyes wide.

“No.”

“Really?”

He frowned, “No.”

She nodded. After a moment, gritting her teeth, she said, “They came to find me again. Brother, you have to help me.”

“I told you to call the police.”

“No, that’s not it.”

“Other than that, there’s nothing I can do. You could ask Grandma.”

He knew what she wanted, but he would never resort to violence-for-violence. “Let me give you some advice: don’t think you’re too clever. You’ll end up just like Yanming.”

“I could never end up like Yanming. I’m a woman, a victim. Calling the police would only catch the scapegoats. What I want is evidence to bring the true culprit to justice.”

She stared at Fu Yanchuan, snorted coldly. “Fu Yanchuan, to think you’re my brother. Something like this happened to me, and you won’t help me. I come to you, and you turn me away. You really disappoint me. I suppose in your eyes, you only care about Lin Wanbai.”

Fu Yanchuan didn’t want to argue. He turned and entered his room.

But Fu Miao wouldn’t let it go, following inside. “You have no choice but to help me this time. Grandma is preoccupied with Yanming’s situation, so I can handle this myself and won’t bother her. I just returned to the country; my connections aren’t set up yet. I don’t need you to do much. I only want to catch them all in one sweep. That shouldn’t be difficult, right?”

Fu Yanchuan removed his clothes in silence, minding his own business.

Fu Miao, frustrated, snatched the clothes from his hands. “Are you listening to me?”

He closed his eyes, exhaled, and then turned to look at her seriously. “Fu Miao, I’ll say it one more time: I don’t have the connections you want. I’ve always conducted myself uprightly, never dealing in shady business. So even if you ask, I really can’t help. Besides, I still advise you to let the police handle it, if you have a clear conscience.”

“What do you mean by that?” She was momentarily stunned.

“Nothing.” He reached for his clothes, but she wouldn’t let go. After a brief struggle, Fu Yanchuan stopped, “I’m tired. You should rest too. These are turbulent times. Think twice before every word and action. One misstep, and others will seize on it. Miao, there’s no need to be so desperate. Slowing down isn’t a bad thing. Even if you stand still, you’re still better than most people. I really don’t understand what you’re chasing after.”

“You don’t understand? You’re just pretending not to!” She threw the clothes at his face, tears streaming down. “If I’m ever destroyed, you’re partly to blame!”

She stormed out, slamming the door behind her.

The clothes fell to the floor. Fu Yanchuan closed his eyes. After a long while, he picked them up.

After a moment, he followed her out.

After all, she was his sister. No matter what she’d done, she didn’t deserve such harm. If he truly turned his back, she’d act recklessly, and then it would be truly irreversible.

They returned to her room and sat properly.

Once Fu Miao stopped crying, Fu Yanchuan poured her some water. “If you want my help, you can’t hide anything. Tell me everything you know, every detail. Only then can I help you solve this.”

“If you won’t talk, I won’t help.”

Fu Miao pursed her lips, sniffling. “What do you want to know?”

“I want to know if this has anything to do with Zhang Danni.”

She bit her lip. “It does.”

He sighed, shaking his head. “So, it’s revenge. Why did you say it was Xiaobai?”

She glared at him. “She’s behind it! She orchestrated it! They’re working together, trying to ruin me. Luckily, public opinion is focused on Yanming now. Some fashion bloggers are already hinting that I plagiarized. Lin Wanbai has begun her attack!”

“Did you plagiarize?”

Fu Miao looked at him, lips pressed tightly, eyes full of anger.

After a while, Fu Yanchuan asked again, “Did you plagiarize?”

She turned away, sitting up straight. “You already know. Why ask?”

“So you were wrong from the start. Xiaobai gave you a chance to admit your mistake, to turn back, but you didn’t. You didn’t handle it properly. You even conspired with Grandma to do something so cruel, look what you did to that girl. Even if you couldn’t admit plagiarism publicly, you shouldn’t have handled it like this.”

Fu Miao shot to her feet. “What, you’re lecturing me now?”

“Don’t you think you should reflect?”

“Reflect on what? It was Grandma’s decision. If you want to lecture someone, lecture her.” She trembled all over. “Are you going to make me apologize, beg them to forgive me, confess my plagiarism in public, and give Zhang Danni her big break?”

Fu Yanchuan replied, “That’s the best solution.”

Fu Miao grabbed her cup and splashed water in his face, shouting, “They raped your sister! More than one person! More than one!”

“What about Zhang Danni?”

She clenched her jaw, enraged, and kicked the coffee table, sweeping everything onto the floor. “That wasn’t my decision, it was Grandma’s! I never wanted this! Why blame me, why!”

“I heard she was threatened, forced repeatedly, and finally had a medical abortion in a rented room, nearly dying. She was a good girl, and look what she endured. If you’d admitted your guilt earlier, none of this would have happened. Fu Miao, you brought this on yourself. You can’t blame anyone—not even Grandma. You went to her for help. You didn’t want your reputation ruined, you wanted to bask in the spotlight.”

His words were cut short by her slap.

Fu Miao stopped crying, pointed at his nose, and said, “I was a fool to think you’d ever help me. Fine. I still have other options. Fu Yanchuan, I don’t need a brother like you!”

“Fu Miao!”

“Shut up!” She shot him a furious glare. “From now on, stay out of my business. Not interfering is the best help you can give. If you still consider me your sister and don’t want to drive me to my death, just stay out of it!”

With that, she left.

Fu Yanchuan was angry too. He didn’t know when his sister’s character had become so twisted.

…

Outside, the uproar was deafening.

The parents of the university student, having learned the truth, unfurled banners outside Fu Corporation. Some journalists stood with them, seeking justice on their behalf.

Among them were many agitators. Fu’s employees could hardly work.

Lin Wanbai watched the live news. The entrance of Fu Corporation was splattered with red paint, the scene utter chaos.

She remarked, “It looks organized.”

Fu Juxing took her phone and turned off the video. “It’s got nothing to do with us. Don’t watch.”

“How can it have nothing to do with you? Your surname is Fu. You’re still linked to the Fu family.”

“Didn’t we agree to stay out of it? Since we’re out, I have nothing to do with them. Whether they rise or fall, it’s none of my business. I’m only worried about Grandpa—he hasn’t appeared, I don’t know how he’s doing.”

“I’m worried too. Last time Yanchuan came, he said Grandpa hurt his leg, so he couldn’t come. I reminded him to pay attention—maybe he will.”

Fu Juxing shook his head. “Not necessarily.”

“I think Yanchuan isn’t so bad…”

“But he won’t go against Grandma’s wishes.”

Lin Wanbai was silent, then nodded. “That’s true. Should I go visit?”

“Better not. There’s too much going on at the Fu house. I’d worry, and Grandma might blame you.”

“Then if I go with Grandpa, will you feel better?”

“No.”

Lin Wanbai let the subject drop. “By the way, is there a country or city you like best?”

“Wherever you like.”

“That won’t do. I want us both to like it.” She cupped her cheek in her hand, gazing at him with unconcealed affection.

Perhaps because they’d survived life and death, Lin Wanbai loved him even more fiercely, showing her ardent, blazing love without reservation, letting him see just how deep it ran.

She could give up everything—so long as she had him.

A lifetime, two people; that was enough.

She smiled more brightly, leaned closer, and softly said, “There was never anything between Han Chen and me. I was just trying to make you jealous. I wanted to see how much you cared about me. Do you know how happy I was when you grabbed me and kissed me? I almost went out to buy fireworks. I wanted the whole world to know how happy, how sweet I felt.”

“Do you know how long I waited for that reaction? I was so angry. Did you do it on purpose? Were you trying to make me mad?”

He smiled. “You should have told me sooner. I thought you’d really stopped loving me.”

“How could I? I went to so much trouble to marry you—how could I not love you? Everyone could see how much I adored you, except you. You’re so infuriating!”

Lin Wanbai lowered her gaze, looking at his hand, her fingers gently hooking his. After a moment’s thought, she finally asked what had weighed on her heart, “How much do you love me now? When did you start loving me?”

She was a little nervous. “I know you used to like Lin Yao. You were in love, and if not for me, you’d probably be married with kids by now…”

Before she could finish, Fu Juxing pinched her lips. “Where’s your confidence?”

She smiled, eyes bright.

She had none with him. All her confidence crumbled in front of him. No matter how ardently he declared his love, she could never quite trust it.

She pulled his hand down, resting it under her chin. “So when did you start liking me? I want to know.”

“Come closer, and I’ll tell you.”

Lin Wanbai didn’t suspect a thing, leaning in to listen. Yet all she felt was his breath. When he didn’t say anything, she turned, only to meet his lips.

She blinked, then smiled, propping herself on her hands, not shying away—for she’d wanted to kiss him, too.

The kiss was brief, a gentle taste.

Her eyes sparkled, her whole being vibrant. She touched his lips. “I really love you. I’ve loved you for so many years, and you never knew. I loved you even before Lin Yao did. But you never looked at me. Never.”

She pouted. As a child, she’d had many friends, always the center of attention, but no matter how well she dressed, or how oddly, she couldn’t catch Fu Juxing’s eye.

It was as if he simply couldn’t see her.

“When you were in high school, I used to wait outside your classroom. Did you know?”

He thought for a moment. “I think so.”

“What do you mean, ‘I think so’? I was good friends with your deskmate—remember Chen Fan, the chubby one?”

“A vague memory.”

“He was my spy. I bought him a phone to take pictures of you every day. Sleeping in class, daydreaming, being serious—I still have all those photos.”

He smiled softly, his gaze tender.

She laughed a little, embarrassed. “Remember losing your uniform in tenth grade?”

He raised an eyebrow. “You took it?”

She grinned. “Yes, I had Chen Fan steal it for me. I still have it at home.”

He was half exasperated, half amused. “What for?”

“I wore it in high school. It was like being held by you.” Thinking of how she’d followed him around like a stalker, she could only laugh at herself. “I collected so many of your things—pens, books, scrap paper, cups you drank from. Thank goodness you never told the teachers. Didn’t you wonder why you kept losing things?”

“I knew it was Chen Fan. Didn’t care.”

“I regret not just pursuing you openly back then. Maybe you’d have liked me sooner.” She gripped his hands. “Fu Juxing, my love for you is true and sincere. I love you so much, I can’t imagine living without you. I know I was domineering in marrying you, but I don’t care. I want not just your body, but your heart.”

Her gaze burned. “If you told me you still wanted Juwan, to fight in business, to make a name for yourself, just say so. I’d still help, still compromise.”

“I know what you’re thinking. Don’t worry about it. As long as you’re happy, I don’t mind.”

Lin Wanbai looked at him with all her heart in her eyes. “I truly love you.”

Fu Juxing said, “I like the Netherlands.”

She looked up in surprise.

He smiled. “Don’t you like it?”

“I do. I like it.”

“When I get better, let’s go see it together. If we’re immigrating, settling down, we should pick a city we both like, somewhere comfortable.”

She bit her lip, almost in tears.

She wanted to love him more, to do more.

She got up, kissed his lips, then his forehead.

…

The next day, Lin Wanbai went to Sibei with Lin Zhaowei.

Before they left, Lin Zhaowei called Jiang Shuzhi, who warmly invited them for dinner.

He agreed.

Dinner at the Fu house was at six. They arrived an hour early.

Jiang Shuzhi came out to greet them in person.

“Oh, Brother Lin, how long has it been since we sat down for a meal together? As we get older, we should meet more often—each day together is one less apart. While we can still get around, we should. Look at Old Fu—his legs are weak, even walking can injure him. Now he’s bedridden, can’t go anywhere. And all because of my grandson’s troubles, causing such a disaster, never giving us peace of mind.”

She patted her chest. “Brother, what should I do? Just watch him die? If he dies, so be it—after what he did, he deserves to pay with his life. But now everyone else is being dragged in. What should I do? I’m old; it doesn’t matter for me. It’s the younger ones I worry about.”

“My greatest fear is that this will affect your family too. We’re in-laws, practically one family—together in glory or in loss, aren’t we?”

Lin Zhaowei sipped his tea, checked the time, and said, “Why don’t we visit Old Fu now? It’s still early, and he must be lonely in his room. The worst thing for the elderly is to be left alone with their thoughts.”

Jiang Shuzhi’s tone remained gentle. “Of course.”

She led them to Fu Changjun’s room.

Fu Changjun was attended by two maids; the room was tidy. He was sitting up in bed, watching TV, with a small table holding fruit and pastries nearby.

Jiang Shuzhi entered first. “Old Fu, look who’s come to see you.”

Fu Changjun already knew—they’d been told.

Lin Wanbai glanced around, then casually asked, “Grandpa, did you see a doctor for your leg? Was it a fracture or just a sprain? If it was a fracture, you should have a cast.”

Jiang Shuzhi said, “It was only a sprain, no need for a cast. He’s just resting in bed. Xiaobai, you make it sound as if I neglected his care on purpose.”

“I’m just concerned, Grandma. You do have an active imagination.”

She walked over and sat by the bed. “Grandpa, Juxing is out of intensive care now, soon to be moved to a regular ward. Don’t worry, he’s not in any danger. We’re all worried about you.”

He nodded. “As long as he’s all right, I can rest easy.”

He said little more, but his eyes said everything.

Jiang Shuzhi stood at the door, watching. When the greetings were over, she turned to Lin Zhaowei. “Brother Lin, there are some things I’d like to discuss with you alone. May I borrow you for a moment?”

Lin Zhaowei glanced at Lin Wanbai, then followed her out. “Let’s go.”

The two left, the door closing behind them. Two bodyguard-like men stood outside.

The maids withdrew, leaving only Lin Wanbai and Fu Changjun.

Fu Changjun glanced at the door, then took Lin Wanbai’s hand. “You have to be careful—very careful. Jiang Shuzhi is convinced we’ve joined forces against her. She’s lost her mind; I don’t know what she’ll do. Is someone watching over things at the hospital? Arrange more bodyguards—she might resort to violence.”

“Don’t worry, I’ve taken care of everything.”

Fu Changjun sighed, eyes red, shaking his head. “I’m useless, truly. I failed to protect them. It’s all my fault they’ve suffered so much. Fu Xian still hasn’t been found—I don’t know if she’s alive or dead. Now Ah Xing is in hospital, and I… I can’t even leave this room…”

He covered his eyes, choking up, unable to say more.

Lin Wanbai didn’t know how to comfort him. She just sat beside him, gently patting his back, telling him not to worry.

“Grandpa will talk to her. If we can settle things peacefully, that’s best. If not, there’s nothing to be done. Besides, Juxing and I have compromised—we’re planning to emigrate next year. We may never return.”

Fu Changjun was stunned. “W-what? And Juwan?”

“I’ve entrusted her to Lin Zhouye.”

Fu Changjun was speechless for a long time. Finally, he nodded. “As long as Jiang Shuzhi doesn’t push any further, that’s for the best. It’s time to leave this mess behind. The only thing that matters is that you two live well and in peace.”