Chapter 58: Please, Mr. Fu, Don’t Be Jealous

"Who are you? What are you doing here?" Fu Yanchuan's voice came through the door.

Lin Wanbai and Fu Changjun exchanged glances, rose, and walked to the door. As she pulled it open, she saw Fu Yanchuan standing with a stern expression, which softened the moment he saw her.

"Wanbai?"

He knew Lin Zhaowei was visiting today, but hadn't expected Lin Wanbai to accompany him.

Lin Wanbai was equally surprised to find the two of them at the door. She frowned and asked the same question as Fu Yanchuan, "What are you doing here? Are you here to confine me?"

Just then, Granny Song arrived with tea and snacks, smiling as she said, "Second Young Madam, you do love to joke. Why would anyone confine you? With the recent burglary, the Old Madam has tightened security; these are just bodyguards to keep you safe."

Her words were pleasant, but Lin Wanbai heard the implication. Granny Song turned to Fu Yanchuan, "Young Master, you're back."

Fu Yanchuan replied respectfully, "I came to see Grandfather."

"You should visit more often. The old man is injured and can't go out; all he does is watch the news, and it's made him irritable. You younger ones need to spend time with him, don't just bury yourselves in work. Forgive me for saying so, but an old man doesn't have many days left. Work is endless, but family is most important."

"You are right," Fu Yanchuan replied.

"Go in then. Why linger at the door?" She lifted her chin, and the bodyguards moved aside.

Lin Wanbai stepped aside to let them pass.

Granny Song went in first, placing the snacks on the table. "The Old Madam and Old Master Lin are deep in conversation; dinner will be delayed, so I brought you something to tide you over. I remember our Wanbai can't go hungry. If you faint, I couldn't explain it to Old Master."

"Thank you for your concern, Granny Song."

"It's my duty," she replied with a smile, her gaze sweeping over them. "I'll leave now. If you need anything, just call; I'll be right outside."

"Thank you," Lin Wanbai said.

Granny Song left the room.

The three looked at each other in silence for a moment. Lin Wanbai walked to the bed and sat down. "What is that old witch planning? She won't harm my grandfather, will she?"

Fu Yanchuan said, "She won't."

"How can you be sure? Look at the guards at the door—they're clearly preventing me from leaving. If she could harm others, there's nothing she wouldn't dare."

Lin Wanbai began to worry about Fu Juxing at the hospital. Even with stricter security, determined people always find a way. Fu Juxing was as fragile as an ant; anyone could crush him.

She suddenly stood up. "I need to check on him."

Fu Changjun said, "You needn't worry. People bully the weak but fear the strong. She wouldn't dare cross Old Lin. Besides, your grandfather isn't to be underestimated. You should trust him."

"I do trust Grandfather, but I'm worried about Fu Juxing at the hospital."

She thought for a moment, then called Lin Jingyu to ask her to help keep an eye on things. Lin Jingyu happened to arrive at the hospital just then.

Mother and daughter were truly in sync.

With Lin Jingyu at the hospital, Lin Wanbai felt half relieved.

Fu Yanchuan stood silently to the side, his eyes lowered.

Fu Changjun looked at him, patting the spot beside him. "Yanchuan, come sit."

Fu Yanchuan obeyed, sitting on the other side of the bed. He glanced at Fu Changjun's covered legs, "I'll call a doctor to take a look at you."

Fu Changjun waved him off, "No need. If you do, you'll only anger your grandmother. I know you're a good child. With someone like you inheriting the Fu family business, I can rest easy, even if I close my eyes now. My only concern is Juxing. He's had a hard life. The mistakes I made—why should he bear the consequences?"

"I can pay for my own actions. No matter how she torments me, I can endure it. But I don't want to see her harm the innocent. Juxing is innocent; he's never had a good day in his life. You grew up together—you know what he's like. He never wanted to compete for the heir's position, nor would he ever have such intentions."

Fu Changjun held Fu Yanchuan's hand, his eyes rimmed red. "My legs are broken; I can't kneel. Yanchuan, I'm begging you, let him go. He and Wanbai have made plans; they'll soon emigrate. He's entrusted Juwan to Lin Zhouye and won't involve himself in business anymore. He won't, truly—he poses no threat."

"I know, I know." Fu Yanchuan soothed him, "Don't get agitated. I won't make things hard for him. But as for Grandmother, none of us can change her mind."

"She's old; eventually she'll have to relinquish power. Yanchuan, this family will depend on you."

He glanced at Lin Wanbai, then nodded, "I understand. I'll do my best."

Fu Changjun smiled, patting his shoulder. "With your promise, I'm at ease."

Lin Wanbai said nothing, only glanced at him. Their eyes met; Fu Yanchuan smiled at her, and she returned it without speaking.

...

In the study, Jiang Shuzhi and Lin Zhaowei sat opposite each other. At this moment, Jiang Shuzhi softened her tone. "Brother Lin, I've always thought you were a good man—the best among men in my eyes. But I never imagined even you'd join Fu Changjun and the others to make things difficult for me, a woman."

"Xiao Jiang, are you misunderstanding something?"

"It's just the two of us here. Tell me what you want. Are you planning to swallow the entire Fu family, or do you want Fu Juxing as the heir? Old brother, Wanbai is naive and can't see through Juxing—love makes people blind, women are easily swayed by emotions. But you, you aren't like that. I can't believe you'd help Juxing, with his wolfish ambition so plainly displayed. Can you really not see it?"

Lin Zhaowei smiled, "Xiao Jiang, you truly misunderstand. What happened in the Fu family has nothing to do with me or the Lin family. Frankly, it's your own lack of discipline that led your grandson astray. Now that trouble has come, who can you blame? After such heinous deeds, wanting to go unpunished—there's no such logic, Xiao Jiang."

"Wanbai has been married to Juxing for three years, and I've never meddled in your family's affairs. Even when Wanbai suffered in your home, I didn't interfere, at most putting pressure on Fu Changjun. I've never blamed you. Now that trouble has struck your family, not only do you refuse to reflect, you pin it on me—that's not right. I stayed out of your family's matters mostly because I knew Fu Changjun's actions back then were wrong."

"I know you suffered, and I've made enough concessions. This time, you should look for your own faults, not blame others. Why are you so fixated on Juxing's ambition? Is it because his career is thriving, his status rising? Or is it guilt for having treated him too harshly?"

Jiang Shuzhi met his gaze, silent for a long while before smiling and shaking her head. "So what's your position now?"

"I'm still neutral. I won't meddle in the Fu family's affairs, no matter how chaotic. So long as you don't touch my people, you understand what I mean."

Jiang Shuzhi remained silent, her gaze fixed on his eyes. Lin Zhaowei's openness forced her to believe that, perhaps, this really had nothing to do with the Lin family.

She trusted Lin Zhaowei's character.

As he said himself, in the past three years, Lin Zhaowei had never interfered in Fu family matters, even when she punished Wanbai without his knowledge. This was a fact she acknowledged.

But to say it was all coincidence—she couldn't believe it.

Nor could she believe Juxing lacked ambition.

Lin Zhaowei softened his tone, "Xiao Jiang, Wanbai must have told you she'll take Juxing away from Beicheng. He won't touch local business anymore, and even abroad, they don't plan to do business. With Wanbai by his side, what worries do you have?"

Jiang Shuzhi chuckled, lowering her gaze with a smile. "I'm afraid Wanbai can't control him and will become a pawn in his hands."

"So you want to destroy him?"

She pursed her lips, not answering.

Lin Zhaowei sighed, "If you persist in harming him, his resistance is only natural. All of this is your doing. You should reflect. You agreed to let him enter the family; you should have treated him well and fairly." He waved his hand. "It's too late now. In short, as I've said, as long as you don't harm Wanbai, whatever chaos happens in your family, I won't interfere. Besides, since Juxing has accepted Wanbai's arrangements, you needn't focus on him anymore."

"Excess breeds opposition. You were once a victim, deserving sympathy and pity. But now? Xiao Jiang, when the night is quiet, you should reflect on your life and see what mistakes you've made. Reaching this point—is it all others' fault, or do you bear some blame yourself? One must continually reflect to progress."

Jiang Shuzhi said, "At my age, there's no need for such talk."

"No, at any age, any time, it's never too late to turn back. I see Old Fu regrets as well; you two should have a calm conversation. It's not easy to have come this far—good or bad, it's still growing old together, isn't it?"

Jiang Shuzhi was briefly stunned, then remembered.

Indeed, they had suffered together to old age.

They talked for a long time, and when they left the study, Jiang Shuzhi looked much better.

The two bodyguards at Fu Changjun's door had disappeared.

Granny Song knocked, "Dinner is ready. The Old Madam and Old Master Lin are already in the dining room."

Fu Changjun seemed to be in better spirits, waving his hand. "Go on, go on. I have servants here; don't worry."

Fu Yanchuan said, "I'll visit again after dinner."

"Alright, alright," Fu Changjun replied.

The two left for the dining room.

Granny Song did not follow.

Left alone, Lin Wanbai asked, "Last time you rushed out of the hospital—was Fu Miao alright?"

Fu Yanchuan's heart skipped. "She's fine."

"I hope that's true."

She stopped, turning to look at him.

Fu Yanchuan stopped, meeting her gaze.

Lin Wanbai didn't hide it. "I know everything. She must think I ordered someone to harm her, right?"

"No, it's not true."

She smiled, not arguing further. "You know what she and the Old Madam did to Zhang Danni, don't you?"

He said nothing.

"I didn't order anyone. That was Zhang Danni's brother acting on his own; I failed to stop him. But that's not my fault. The root cause was her own wrongdoing. She went too far; her brother couldn't stand it and retaliated an eye for an eye. The method was wrong, but the sentiment understandable."

Lin Wanbai continued, "I won't let the plagiarism matter go. If you can persuade her, make her admit it herself—it's better than being exposed. If she can give Zhang Danni a bright future, all the better."

She said this without expecting Fu Miao to actually comply—it was merely words.

Fu Yanchuan nodded, "I'll talk to her."

Lin Wanbai glanced at him, her lips curling up. "Let's go; everyone's probably waiting."

With that, she walked ahead.

Fu Yanchuan followed, not too close, watching her back, lost in thought.

In the dining room, everyone was present.

Fu Miao was there too. When she saw Lin Wanbai, her expression was hostile, as if she wanted to devour her.

Lin Wanbai ignored her, going straight to Lin Zhaowei and greeting everyone.

The meal proceeded peacefully.

Afterwards, Lin Zhaowei and Lin Wanbai didn't linger, only stayed for a cup of tea before leaving.

Jiang Shuzhi escorted them to the door, watching them get into the car and drive away.

She told Granny Song, "Hold off on releasing the news for now."

She had intended mutual destruction.

Granny Song glanced at her. "Yes."

...

Once in the car, Lin Wanbai couldn't wait to ask what had been discussed in the previous hour.

Lin Zhaowei said, "Grown-ups' affairs aren't for children to pry into."

"I'm well past my eighteenth birthday, you know."

"In my eyes, you're still just a kid." He patted her hand. "Don't worry. If Juxing can settle down and live abroad with you, there's no need to concern yourself with Beicheng affairs. Just don't go too far; these old bones can't endure long flights. You must take care of me."

Lin Wanbai almost wanted to cry before even leaving.

She leaned over and hugged his arm. "Don't worry; no matter where I go, I'll visit you often."

"You said it, and I'll remember."

Lin Zhaowei escorted her to the hospital and went up with her. Lin Jingyu was personally preparing fruit for Fu Juxing; Chen Songyuan was there too.

The atmosphere was pleasant.

As they entered, Chen Songyuan stood up, "Dad."

Lin Zhaowei nodded, and Chen Songyuan sat back down.

Fu Juxing couldn't get up yet. He instinctively moved, but Lin Jingyu pressed him back, "No need to get up; you'll strain your wound, and Wanbai will worry."

Lin Wanbai held a bouquet of sunflowers, handing them to Aunt Rong.

There was a spare vase in the ward; she'd been wanting to buy flowers for days to brighten the room. She spent ages choosing at the flower shop and finally settled on sunflowers, hoping Fu Juxing could always face the sun.

Lin Jingyu handed her half-peeled apple to Lin Wanbai and sat beside Chen Songyuan.

"Mom, you almost finished—don't quit halfway."

"Go on, do it yourself."

Lin Wanbai went to wash her hands, but before she entered, Lin Jingyu came over. "I haven't eaten yet; go eat with me first."

She pulled her out of the ward.

Lin Wanbai didn't refuse, knowing her mother was intentionally giving Lin Zhaowei and Fu Juxing time alone.

They walked to the elevator. Lin Wanbai asked, "You really haven't eaten?"

"Of course not. Your grandfather gave me a look; I figured he wanted to talk to Juxing privately, so I pulled you out."

Just then, Chen Songyuan came over.

"You two, how could you forget me?" He put an arm around each of them. "I'll take you for snacks."

"Great, I didn't eat enough at the Fu house," Lin Wanbai replied.

...

In the ward, Aunt Rong finished arranging the flowers and left.

Lin Zhaowei sat by the bed, finished peeling the apple Lin Jingyu had started, cut a small piece, and handed it to Fu Juxing.

Fu Juxing glanced at him, surprised and grateful, thanked him, and ate the piece.

Lin Zhaowei didn't speak immediately, watching him chew slowly and eat the piece, then cut another.

Fu Juxing seemed nervous but didn't speak first, obedient and docile.

After the third piece, Lin Zhaowei finally spoke. "Are you truly willing to give up the company? I know you invested much hope and effort; I've seen your diligence these past two years. Every project you handled, big or small, was done well. With your attitude, you'd certainly achieve success in a year or two. I'm not surprised you'd establish yourself in the capital."

"To give it up—are you really reconciled?"

His gaze was sharp; Lin Zhaowei had seen many people—hard to fool him. To claim Fu Juxing had no ambition was impossible.

When Lin Wanbai wanted to marry him, he hadn't refused at all. At the time, Lin Yao was still around, pleading with him repeatedly, declaring mutual love.

But he never resisted, as if yielding to fate.

In truth, he sought to change his circumstances.

Any man should have ambition; otherwise, they're useless.

Lin Zhaowei admired his talent but also feared him.

As Jiang Shuzhi said, Wanbai's devotion was only met with his exploitation.

Wanbai would be the most hurt.

Fu Juxing lowered his eyes, then slowly looked up, showing undisguised reluctance.

"If it were you, would you be reconciled?" he countered.

Lin Zhaowei found this attitude much more genuine.

"But you agreed, didn't you?"

He sighed, "Because Juwan exists thanks to Wanbai; everything I've achieved is because of her. Now, she wants a simple life with me; I have no reason to refuse. Besides, I don't want her to suffer because of me. If I stay, Grandmother won't let me be. She fears me too much and won't let me go. If I stay here, too many conflicts will arise."

"A feud between families benefits no one."

Lin Zhaowei squinted, not speaking immediately, his gaze scrutinizing Fu Juxing.

Fu Juxing met his eyes openly, unflinching.

After a long moment, Lin Zhaowei raised his brow. "If you truly mean what you say, then Wanbai hasn't loved the wrong person. I told you before marriage, and I believe you're smart enough not to need repetition. After three years together, you know how she's treated you. I hope you remember it."

"I doubt there's another woman in this world who loves you as sincerely as Wanbai. Whatever you're thinking now, remember: Wanbai is stubborn. She'll give everything when she loves, but when she stops, nothing will bring her back. If you cherish her, don't hurt her. Love is fragile, easily broken—don't assume she'll forgive everything because she loves you."

He smiled warmly, like any elder. "I hope to see Wanbai happy for life. She was happy marrying you, and happy these three years. I hope you both live peacefully. I know you've had a hard life; having Wanbai is your luck, and you are hers. Live quietly—if Jiang Shuzhi dares interfere, I won't tolerate her."

Lin Zhaowei was careful with his words. Someone like Fu Juxing, sensitive and clever, could misconstrue any nuance.

No one could fully trust he had no ulterior motives.

Yet before them, he seemed transparent, everything in his hands, but still made people uneasy.

Lin Zhaowei smiled, patting his shoulder. "Recover well; after you emigrate, have a child with Wanbai, raise a family—it'll be complete."

They chatted about family matters, and the atmosphere relaxed.

Lin Wanbai and the others finished eating, wandered around the hospital, and returned to the ward.

It was about time for Lin Zhaowei to leave.

Lin Jingyu and Chen Songyuan gave a few reminders and left with him.

Lin Wanbai sipped a little wine, her cheeks flushed as she sat by the bed, grinning at him. "Did Grandfather warn you again to treat me well?"

"No."

"What did he say then?"

"He told us to live well abroad, to be tolerant, and shared some advice for married life."

"Did he mention his own marriage?"

Fu Juxing smiled lightly, nodding. "Yes, they were very loving."

"My grandfather is famous for doting on his wife. He always describes Grandmother as cultured and gentle, but she was actually spoiled and headstrong—a fiery lady even at fifty. She left too soon; after she died, Grandfather couldn't recover for a year. Even now, he writes her a letter every month—his drawer is full."

Her eyes sparkled as she looked at him. "If one day I leave before you, will you do the same?"

"No."

Her smile faltered, disappointment in her eyes.

Fu Juxing smiled, "I'm saying you won't leave before me. If you do, I'll follow—I won't live alone."

She shook her head, "That's not allowed. We'll have descendants by then; you'll need to care for them. Don't worry; even if I go first, I'll wait for you on the other side." She finished and spat, "We're still young; it's too early for such talk."

"You know it," he replied.

Then Lin Wanbai told him about Fu Changjun's situation.

With Fu Yanchuan there, she wasn't worried.

"I think, among the Fu family, his heart is still pure, his values upright."

Fu Juxing looked at her, smile fading. "Yes, big brother is good."

"If the Fu family is left to him, things will finally be fair. Then we can return openly."

He smiled, "You trust him a lot."

"I've known him long enough to judge his character. At least, I've never seen him treat you differently. When you were bullied, he stood up for you—that's more than others. Whoever helps you, I like them."

She laughed, eyes crinkling. "So, Mr. Fu, don't be jealous."

He laughed, "Too many people like you. I'll have to lock you up."

"Lock me up?"

He smiled, gently stroking her hair. "Don't cut your hair anymore."

"Understood, it'll grow long soon."

"Never cut it again."

"Alright."

...

Fu Yanchuan took a day off specifically to bring Fu Changjun to a private hospital for his leg injury.

It was serious; the bone was shattered and surgery was needed.

The doctor said, "How did it get this bad? Why only come now?"

Fu Changjun laughed, "I didn't feel pain; thought a few days' rest would fix it. Didn't expect it to be so serious."

The Fu family were VIPs here; the doctor didn't question further, even if the injury seemed deliberate.

"Alright, check in first. We'll operate in a couple of days. The sooner the surgery, the more chance to recover. Otherwise, you'll be in a wheelchair for life."

Fu Changjun kept smiling, "Alright, I'll listen to you."

The doctor arranged a VIP room. Fu Yanchuan did everything quietly.

He also arranged for two caregivers in the hospital.

When all was settled, Fu Changjun called him, "Yanchuan, sit down. You've been running about all day—rest a bit. The doctor said it's not too late."

Fu Yanchuan sat down obediently. "Was it Grandmother who hit you?"

He paused, then smiled, "It's nothing—I deserved it. She should've hit me long ago; waiting until now is generous. I know you're a good child, kind-hearted. Don't get involved; don't clash with her. She's managed the family and business for so many years, working hard. You should help her more, especially now with trouble at home—you must be diligent."

"Now, if you do well, your position as heir is more secure. Grandmother's only right choice was making you the heir. Only with you in charge can I feel at ease. This is an opportunity—do you understand? Grandmother is old; she should hand over power soon, and this is the chance. If you handle things well, I believe she'll let you manage everything."

His eyes shone with hope. "Looking at the whole Fu family, only you are capable. Yanming is finished; this incident will put him behind bars for good. Yan Zheng seems quiet, but silent dogs bite—he might be more capable..."

"Grandfather," Fu Yanchuan interrupted, "Let's talk about it later. Right now, your health is most important."

After a pause, Fu Changjun nodded. "Alright, I won't say more; you know what to do."

Fu Yanchuan left the hospital. Jiang Shuzhi called to ask about things but didn't press.

After hanging up, he checked the time and drove to Fu Miao's studio.

He wanted to invite her to dinner, but she had left early. Her assistant said she was gone.

He called but she didn't answer.

He sent a message; soon a location was sent back.

He looked carefully—it was quite remote.

He called, "What's going on?"

It was his hired bodyguard, secretly following Fu Miao—both for protection and surveillance.

"Miss Fu seems to have arranged a meeting."

"With whom?"

After a pause, the reply came, "Lin Zhouye from the Lin family."

"Got it."

He hung up, thought for a moment, and went to the police station. He hadn't seen Fu Yanming since his trouble began.

The lawyer had paved the way; a visit was easy.

Fu Yanming was much haggard, bearded and unkempt.

There wasn't much to say. Fu Yanchuan told him, "Cooperate with the investigation; at this point, only cooperation can reduce your sentence. Don't think of escaping responsibility—you can't."

Fu Yanming glared coldly. "You came just to say this?"

Clearly, he still hoped to get out, with no sign of remorse.

Fu Yanchuan had nothing else to say; they fell silent.

He told Fu Yanming to take care, then left.

Leaving the police station, he felt irritated. He drove aimlessly, eventually arriving at the hospital where Fu Juxing was.

When he reached the entrance, he slammed the brakes; the car behind almost crashed into him.

The driver honked furiously, drove past, and lowered his window to curse.

Fu Yanchuan didn't react, didn't even look, finally turning around and heading back to Sibei.

Upon arriving home, a servant told him Jiang Shuzhi and Fu Yanzheng were in the study.

This was likely his father's informant. He nodded, thinking for a moment before going up.

At the study door, he didn't knock. The heavy door muffled any conversation inside.

When he entered, Jiang Shuzhi had finished her talk with Fu Yanzheng.

He didn't know what they'd discussed, but Jiang Shuzhi looked very satisfied.

Fu Yanzheng greeted him, "Big brother," then left.

Jiang Shuzhi rose, took his hand, and sat with him on the sofa. "You took the day off—what did you do?"

Of course, she knew exactly what he'd done.

"I went to the police station to see Yanming."

"And?"

"Grandmother, I think this time, we shouldn't try to cover up or distort the facts..."

"Yanchuan," she interrupted, "You don't need to worry about this. I know your nature—you're not suited for handling it. I've protected you too well."

"Grandmother..."

"No need to say more. I've had Yanzheng deal with it. After all, it was his brother who caused the trouble—it's his duty to resolve it. Don't worry."

She poured him tea, changing the subject. "By the way, how's Miao's studio? She just returned from abroad; even with some foundation, it's a fresh start. You should help her. I see she's been coming and going mysteriously. What's she up to?"

Fu Yanchuan shook his head, "I don't know."

"She told me yesterday she'd give me a big surprise."

He paused, "What surprise?"

"How should I know? I wanted to ask you."

...

Lin Wanbai also learned about Fu Miao's private meeting with Lin Zhouye.

She had someone follow Fu Miao, and couldn't believe what she heard. "What did you say? Are you sure?"

"No mistake—it's definitely Lin Zhouye. I can take a photo and send it to you."

Lin Wanbai was speechless and hung up.

She nearly called herself but held back—she wanted to see what was really going on between them.

What did Fu Miao want from Lin Zhouye? What were they plotting?

She couldn't believe Lin Zhouye's taste could be so poor as to be interested in Fu Miao. It would have made sense in the past, but now that she knew the beauty hid such a dark heart, how could he possibly find her attractive?