Chapter 60: Soothe Me

Lin Wanbai could more or less guess what was going on.

Yang Ruyue said, "There's a hickey."

Wanbai drew a breath, closed her eyes, and her brows furrowed ever so slightly.

Yang Ruyue knew something must have happened, perhaps even involving Fu Yanchuan. She hesitated, but finally asked, "Did something happen?"

"No, nothing happened."

"Then..." She faltered for a long time, unable to get out a complete sentence. Some words are difficult to say, even when only two people are present.

Lin Wanbai looked at her, her gaze unwavering. "Truly, nothing happened. Someone is trying to stir up trouble, but I can't be certain who. And up to now, nothing else has happened."

The two stared at each other for a moment, then fell silent. The enemy lurked in the shadows, while she was exposed; it was impossible to guard against.

Wanbai could only think of Fu Miao or Jiang Shuzhi—perhaps the two had conspired together. Only they had motive: to threaten her, to keep her from meddling further.

Perhaps the hickey was too obvious; even though Wanbai insisted nothing happened, Yang Ruyue remained skeptical. It was hard to believe nothing at all had occurred.

After a moment of silence, she laughed dryly, breaking the quiet. "It's good if nothing happened."

"You don't believe me?"

"How could I not? Of course I believe you." She pressed her lips together, then looked away, biting her lip. After a while, she said, "It's not that I don't believe, it's just hard for anyone to accept. Even if it were someone else, seeing this, it'd be hard to believe nothing happened."

Wanbai chuckled softly. She didn’t blame her; as Ruyue said, it was hard to believe. Two people alone in a room for so long, and afterward, a hickey in such an intimate spot—who would believe nothing happened?

Yet precisely this hickey proved nothing had happened. If it were an affair, who would leave such an obvious mark? They’d have to be fools.

"Ruyue, have you considered—if I were really sneaking around, would I allow him to leave such a mark on me?" She laughed mockingly. "Besides, if I truly liked someone else, would I need to sneak?"

Yang Ruyue said, "I believe you. But others won’t. People only see what they want to see; they believe what they want to believe."

So the most important thing was to find out who had done this, and why.

If it was Fu Miao, the matter wouldn’t be so difficult. But she feared there was someone else.

Wanbai didn’t sleep all night.

The next day, at dawn, she left for the cemetery. Fu Yanchuan was already there.

She’d spent the whole night doubting even him.

She walked over, greeted the master, then stood aside, watching.

Feng Yahan's grave was simple, with none of the usual extravagance. Most importantly, it was a double grave.

It seemed Fu Changjun planned to lie here after his death.

At such a moment, Wanbai felt a pang for the old witch—after a lifetime of struggle, she still gained nothing in death. Why become such a cruel person? It simply wasn’t worth it.

The ceremony was grand, with many things to burn. The master brought two assistants; it took over two hours to finish.

The tombstone bore no name, nor any photo—just bare stone.

Wanbai offered incense in place of Fu Juxing. "Grandmother, I’m Fu Juxing’s wife. He couldn’t come because of his injuries, so I am here to celebrate your birthday for him. Bless Fu Juxing, please. Let him be safe and healthy."

She bowed.

Fu Yanchuan followed suit.

Once everything was finished, Wanbai called Fu Juxing to give him a report.

The road downhill was treacherous.

Yang Ruyue hurried ahead, soon leaving them behind.

For a stretch, only Wanbai and Fu Yanchuan walked the mountain path, one in front of the other.

Fu Yanchuan deliberately walked ahead to shield her.

Wanbai looked down at the road and said, "Can you tell me honestly—did you know about this?"

He paused, stopped, and turned to glance at her, meeting her serious gaze.

After a moment, he looked away, not answering.

"Grandfather never actually sent you to Huicheng, did he?"

He stayed silent.

Wanbai continued, "You can’t hide this. If I ask Grandfather, everything will be clear. I thought about your words last night, the information we exchanged, and realized your story is full of holes. Fu Yanchuan, I trusted you, thinking you were the most upright member of the Fu family. It seems I was wrong; I trusted too easily and fell right into your siblings’ trap."

Seeing his evasive eyes, Wanbai knew she’d hit the mark.

She was angry. "So now you’re helping Fu Miao cover up her misdeeds?"

Fu Yanchuan’s throat moved; after a glance at her, he turned away, silent for a while, then said, "She’s already received her punishment. Don’t press her further."

"And what does pressing her mean? What have I done that's so aggressive? It’s you all who are aggressive! Fu Yanchuan, you really can’t tell right from wrong!"

He didn’t turn, his voice deep. "Xiaobai, put yourself in my shoes—if your own sister was violated and hurt, would you not help her, but instead stab her to death? Is there such a brother in the world?"

"If I were you, I’d never let her do such cruel things to harm another girl. She made the mistake; why is she treated as the victim? What logic is that?"

"You’re leaving soon. Let it go. I promise you, I’ll take responsibility for Zhang Danni’s future."

The cold wind swept through, rustling the leaves and sending many yellow ones drifting down.

Wanbai didn’t speak again. She had nothing more to say.

After a while, Fu Yanchuan turned and looked at her. "Xiaobai, trust me—"

She snorted, cutting him off. "There’s nothing more to say between us."

She didn’t look at him again, brushed past, and quickened her pace to catch up with Yang Ruyue.

Fu Yanchuan watched her go, exhaling deeply, his brows wrinkled.

They didn’t return together. Fu Yanchuan wisely didn’t pursue her further; after descending the mountain, he disappeared from sight.

Wanbai didn’t pause, catching the earliest flight back to Northern City.

By the time she reached the hospital, it was almost evening. Seeing Fu Juxing lifted her spirits.

Aunt Rong was surprised to see her. "Back so soon? I thought you’d arrive tonight."

"I should’ve been earlier, but some things delayed me. So I’m late."

"There’s no need to rush. Look at those dark circles—you must not have slept well. You need to rest, don’t overwork yourself."

She shook her head. "I’m not tired."

Aunt Rong saw she was in low spirits, but didn’t press. "Good thing you’re here; I’ll go cook. Anything you want to eat, just say so."

"I’ll eat whatever Fu Juxing does. No need to make anything special for me."

She smiled, then left with her bag.

At that moment, Wanbai really wanted to throw herself into Fu Juxing’s arms, but she couldn’t.

She sat by the bed. "Did you miss me a lot while I was gone?"

"Of course."

She smiled, twisting his sleeve with her fingers. "I really want you to hold me."

"Come here."

He opened his arms.

Wanbai leaned over, gently resting her cheek on his chest.

His chin pressed to her head, his palm on her back, patting gently. "Was it not a smooth trip?"

Wanbai closed her eyes. "Not very smooth."

"What happened?"

She paused, looked up at him. In just a day, stubble had grown on his chin. She touched it and suddenly laughed. "You didn’t have the nurse shave you?"

"I was waiting for you to do it."

"If I’d been gone a month, your beard would be wild."

"It wouldn’t."

"Wouldn’t what?"

"I wouldn’t let you leave so long."

She squinted, smiling, tugging at his lips. "Your mouth is coated in honey."

"Mm, want to try it?"

He leaned in; Wanbai dodged, laughing, covering his mouth with her palm. "Stop teasing."

He really wanted to tease, but his body wouldn’t allow it.

He pulled her hand down, still smiling. "So, what happened?"

Wanbai’s smile faded. She glanced at him, sat up straight, fiddling with his clothes. "I was set up."

"By whom?"

"Fu Miao." She looked at him frankly—there were things couples shouldn’t hide. "I told you Grandfather sent Fu Yanchuan to Huicheng, but that wasn’t true. The siblings plotted together against me."

He said nothing, staring at her with deep eyes.

"Don’t misunderstand. Nothing happened between Fu Yanchuan and me. But I think someone drugged me—I slept deeply. Whatever they did while I slept, I don’t know, but nothing went too far. I can feel it—there was nothing."

She worried he wouldn’t believe her, but there was no way to prove it.

"Honestly, I never thought Fu Yanchuan would do such a thing. I trusted his character—trusted the wrong person."

His silence made Wanbai anxious.

She looked directly into his eyes, unflinching. His gaze held no smile, only a shadow, impossible to read.

"Really, nothing happened." She spoke each word carefully. "You must believe me."

"I believe you. But I don’t believe Fu Yanchuan."

She paused.

"I know he likes you—he hasn’t given up."

Wanbai pressed her lips, unable to argue.

Fu Juxing said, "You wouldn’t do anything, but you can’t guarantee what he might do to you."

Wanbai wanted to protest, but thought better of it.

"But I genuinely felt nothing—it's not a lie."

"I don’t want to say it outright." His expression grew colder.

Wanbai understood what he meant—some things didn’t require going all the way to count as wrongdoing. She’d slept so deeply—how could she be absolutely sure Fu Yanchuan hadn’t done anything else?

How could she vouch for him?

If she did, it would only plant a thorn in Fu Juxing’s heart.

Ultimately, it was her fault for trusting Fu Yanchuan too much, believing he was a gentleman who’d never stoop to such things.

Indeed, trusting someone too much leads to trouble.

Wanbai bowed her head, falling silent.

"Big brother really is excellent in every way—few can match him, not even me."

"Who says?" she whispered. "You’re better than him in every way. He just had more opportunities."

"You’ll regret it, won’t you?"

She looked up in a flash, eyes wide. "What are you thinking? Did you forget everything I said before?"

All those heartfelt words she’d poured out, as if she’d dug out her heart for him, he hadn’t listened at all. Wanbai felt annoyed, but found his pouty look adorable—she almost wanted to laugh.

"If it were me, I’d regret it, too."

"Regret, my foot!" Wanbai was exasperated, softened her tone. "Alright, I was wrong, okay? Don’t be like this. I’ll never trust anyone else again, only you, alright?"

He turned away, refusing to look at her.

Wanbai circled to the other side of the bed, looking at him pitifully. "Really, I only love you. My heart is yours alone."

He glanced at her, then turned away.

Wanbai persisted, repeating herself.

She felt like a scoundrel coaxing an angry girlfriend.

As he turned away again, she grabbed his face. "I truly know I was wrong. I’ll never make such a mistake again, nor do anything to make you doubt me. I won’t forgive Fu Yanchuan this time, either—I’ll find someone to beat him up, okay?"

"I’ve always treated him as a brother. He took care of me when I was young; I’ve never felt anything else for him—not one bit. I say there’s nothing, and there truly is nothing. Lin Wanbai has only loved you, no one else. I swear." She raised three fingers. "If I’m lying, may lightning strike me dead..."

"This won’t work." He pulled her hand down, still serious.

Wanbai blinked, sensing something, leaned in and kissed him.

"How about this? Will you forgive me?"

He smiled slightly. "Almost."

She obeyed, kissing him again, until he was satisfied.

But he was never satisfied.

Wanbai was helpless, resorting to pleading. "Just remember, okay? When you’re well, I’ll coax you properly."

That seemed to be what he was waiting for; he agreed immediately. "Alright, I’ll remember."

"How do you plan to handle this?"

"Fu Miao can’t threaten me. Her own mess is enough; she can’t use this to blackmail me. Besides, Fu Yanchuan is her own brother—would she really drag him down, too? If she did, I wouldn't mind, as long as you believe me. Others don’t matter. We’re leaving anyway—I don’t care."

"But your reputation would suffer. For Fu Miao, it’s not worth it. I know you care about Zhang Danni, want justice for her, but if justice means sacrificing so much, I don’t think it’s necessary. You could help her rise in the fashion world; someday, Fu Miao’s plagiarism will be exposed. Only when someone is strong enough can they fight for themselves."

That made sense. If Zhang Danni shone in the fashion world, Fu Miao couldn’t cover up her crimes.

But with Zhang Danni’s current state, it was hard to say if she could recover.

When a person’s spirit is broken, it takes time to rise again.

Chicken soup is nice, but not everyone can swallow it.

Wanbai said, "Even if I pave the way for her, with her current situation, it’s hard for her to reach Fu Miao’s level. The world of fame and fortune isn’t as easy as people think. But today I received good news."

"What is it?"

"I had a professional agency evaluate Fu Miao’s designs—they found multiple instances of plagiarism. The results are in my inbox. With this, no matter how she argues, it’s useless. If I send it to a top fashion magazine, she’s finished."

"So, what will you do next?"

Wanbai hadn’t decided; she was conflicted.

That evening, she went to Pujiang to consult Lin Zhaowei.

As soon as she entered, Lin Jingyu pulled her aside. "Go talk to your uncle—he’s gone mad. He says he wants to marry Fu Miao. Isn’t that crazy?"

"What?" Wanbai was incredulous. "Mom, don’t joke with me."

"I wish it were a joke." Lin Jingyu was serious. "Look at the Fu family now—their stock has plummeted; Fu Yanming’s case is settled. Though the Tang family took most of the blame, Fu Yanming is still a Fu, the family will suffer. Didn’t you say Fu Miao plagiarized and harmed a young girl? What’s gotten into him? At this critical moment, he wants to marry her? Does he expect us to clean up their mess again?"

Wanbai said nothing, only furrowed her brow. She suspected this had something to do with her.

Lin Jingyu kept talking, but Wanbai hurried upstairs, just as Lin Zhouye came out of the study.

He saw her, closed the study door, and walked toward her. "Judging by your face, big sister told you?"

"Why?"

"Just assume I like her."

Wanbai stared, lips pressed tight, then grabbed his hand and dragged him into a room.

With a slam, the door shut. Her eyes never left him.

"Did she threaten you?"

"No." He remained lazy, sitting down with a smile. "What could she threaten me with?"

"Like photos of me and Fu Yanchuan cheating."

He raised an eyebrow. "That happened?"

"You’re not surprised."

"I knew in advance and persuaded her to stop. You don’t need to worry about Zhang Danni—I’ll handle it. The justice she seeks, I’ll give her. Fu Miao agreed to admit her mistakes, give Zhang Danni everything she deserves, and help her establish herself in the fashion world."

Wanbai was speechless; she couldn’t accept it.

A hundred emotions tangled together, countless questions condensed into, "You don’t like her, right?"

Lin Zhouye looked at her; before he could answer, Wanbai spoke for him. "You definitely don’t like her. If it’s because of those photos, don’t compromise. I don’t believe she’d dare expose them. Even if she did, I wouldn’t be the only one ruined."

"Xiaobai—"

"Ha, wants to be my aunt? Dream on!" She turned to leave.

Lin Zhouye quickly grabbed her. "Don’t be childish."

"I won’t let her win."

He held her hand, refusing to let go, speaking seriously. "No matter what you do, I won’t change my mind."

"I don’t care!" She bit his hand hard, leaving deep marks.

Now, with no more hesitation, she sent the plagiarism evidence to the editor-in-chief of VG Magazine, as well as other prominent editors in the country. Then she notified Yang Ruyue to take action.

She didn’t linger at home, but went straight to find Zhang Danni, hoping she’d report to the police and bring those who persecuted her to justice.

Fortunately, this damaged the relationship between the two families. Now, Lin Zhouye wouldn’t have to marry Fu Miao.

But Zhang Danni insisted she wouldn’t report to the police, knowing Zhang Qin was involved. She wouldn’t pursue it further.

She said, "Sister Xiaobai, I’m insignificant. Those people are beyond my reach. Meeting you was my luck—without you, I might have died. But I know you can help me for a while, not a lifetime. We each have our own lives. I know you mean well, want justice for me, but..." She leaned in, lowering her voice. "But you know my brother has already punished her. If I report to the police now, wouldn't it harm him?"

She shook her head, tears falling.

No matter how unwilling, she was powerless. She was just an ordinary person, limited in ability. She couldn’t fight those people.

Wanbai went to her, pulled her into an embrace. "Don’t be afraid. From now on, you’ll be with me, nothing to fear. They’re powerful, but so am I. The ones who should fear are them."

After calming her, Wanbai left the ward.

Footsteps echoed in the corridor. No one else was around; the sound of high heels on the tiles was sharp and jarring.

Wanbai glanced aside, quickly recognizing Fu Miao.

She straightened, unmoving, watching her approach.

In moments, Fu Miao stood before her.

She smiled broadly. "Lin Wanbai, what a coincidence. Meeting you here. Didn’t you just return from Huicheng? No rest for you—aren’t you tired?"

Wanbai suppressed the urge to slap her, responding coldly, "Why are you here?"

"I promised Lin Zhouye I’d apologize to Zhang Danni personally. I keep my word. Our fate is remarkable—though you couldn’t be my sister-in-law, I’ll be your aunt. It’s destined we’ll be family. Luckily, you didn’t marry my brother—otherwise, titles would be confusing."

She giggled, brimming with smugness.

Fu Miao stepped forward, chin raised, staring into Wanbai’s eyes. "Now I finally know what it’s like to marry someone you love—it’s marvelous."

Her smile deepened. "No wonder you went to such lengths to marry Fu Juxing. I understand now—truly."

Wanbai bit her molars, laughed lightly. "Boasting before the wedding—you’re not afraid of embarrassing yourself?"

Fu Miao was unfazed, laughing even harder. "I’m going in to apologize to Zhang Danni. If you’re worried, come with me and see if I’m sincere. I know you’ve sent out my plagiarism evidence—it’ll be trending tomorrow. Don’t worry, I’ll let you have your way this time. Do as you like; after all, I’m your future aunt. Your uncle dotes on you, so I must, too."

She reached out to touch Wanbai’s head, but Wanbai dodged swiftly.

Unperturbed, Fu Miao withdrew her hand, smiled. "Shall we go in together?"

Wanbai gritted her teeth, recalling Lin Zhouye’s resolute gaze. She was left speechless.

After a moment, she stepped aside to let her enter.

Fu Miao strutted in, head held high.

Wanbai stood by the door, not leaving. She couldn’t trust Fu Miao. Zhang Danni was visibly afraid, but didn’t seek Wanbai’s help. She seemed to know what Fu Miao intended, sitting upright and listening.

Fu Miao did sincerely apologize to Zhang Danni—in tone and attitude, she was earnest, but it was so sincere it felt fake.

"I was possessed to do such things. Looking back, I see how excessive I was. I’m truly sorry. It was my fault; I ruined your life. If you ever need anything, come to me—I’ll help you however I can."

Zhang Danni only cared about her brother. "I accept your apology. Please don’t pursue my brother’s responsibility."

"It’s my karma. Don’t worry, I won’t."

"Thank you."

"Don’t thank me. I should thank you for forgiving me."

Wanbai was disgusted by the exchange. When Fu Miao finished her sanctimonious apology, the two left the hospital together.

In the elevator, just the two of them.

Wanbai stood in the corner; Fu Miao took the center, arms crossed, proud.

"Well, did you ever imagine things would turn out like this?"

"What did you use to threaten Lin Zhouye?" Wanbai couldn’t understand—it couldn’t just be her and Fu Yanchuan’s affair; such sacrifices weren’t necessary.

Even if Fu Miao exposed everything, Wanbai wasn’t afraid—as long as her family and Fu Juxing believed her, the photos meant nothing.

"Threaten is such an ugly word. We’re mutually attracted. I’m not like you—using force and trickery, snatching a man from your own sister. Honestly, with your character, you’re not qualified to lecture me. Truth is, I dated Lin Zhouye in high school—you just didn’t know. We’re rekindling an old flame, destined for each other. Don’t even think about breaking us up."

She turned, glanced at Wanbai, then faced her, sighing. "Xiaobai, we grew up together. Though we never got along, now that we’re family, let’s coexist peacefully, shall we?"

"You’re not married yet—don’t rush to reconcile. What if you don’t get married?"

"Then we’ll wait and see. I’m waiting for you to call me aunt."

...

Fu Miao returned home.

Entering her room and switching on the light, she noticed Fu Yanchuan standing by the window.

She jumped, clutching her chest. "Why didn’t you turn on the light? Standing there in the dark—scared me."

He turned slowly, expressionless, looking solemn.

Fu Miao stretched, tossed her bag on the sofa, and slumped down, exhausted. "If you’re here to lecture me, forget it. I’m dead tired—lots to do tomorrow. I don’t want to hear your nagging."

"You did it on purpose."

"Hmm?" She glanced at him, closed her eyes, and lay back comfortably.

"You deliberately let me know you were targeting Xiaobai, lured me over. Your real target was me. You never arranged for thugs to hurt Xiaobai—you wanted me to violate her, take photos, frame her for adultery. Why do this? Do you know what you’re doing?"

Her lips curled high, looking pleased. "Of course I know. Only a scandal between you two is explosive enough to ruin Lin Wanbai. But don’t worry—I won’t leak it. You’re my brother; I don’t want your reputation destroyed. I still hope you’ll marry a good woman and give me a sister-in-law."

Fu Yanchuan’s rage swelled, his fists clenched. He kicked the coffee table. "Fu Miao, if you ever do this again, I’ll break your legs!"

Fu Miao opened her eyes, looked at him, then sat up. "Fu Yanchuan, how long will you keep pretending to be a gentleman? Aren’t you tired? Did you forget what you did to Lin Wanbai while she slept? I never drugged you—you were just knocked out!"

As she spoke, she took out her phone and played the clipped video for him.

As soon as it started, Fu Yanchuan reached to grab it.

Fu Miao dodged. "You knew it was a trap, yet you went—why?"

His forehead veins bulged. "Delete it!"

She laughed. "I won’t. I’ll keep it to remind you of yourself."

Without another word, Fu Yanchuan pinned her on the sofa, easily snatching the phone and deleting the video.

Fu Miao didn’t struggle, sitting cross-legged to tidy her hair. "You think deleting it is enough? You think you never did anything? Hypocrite."

Fu Yanchuan shot her a fierce look. "Say that again."

Fu Miao’s smile vanished; she pressed her lips and raised a brow. "Relax, I deleted everything. Only you and I know—no one else. I’m your sister; I’d never harm you. But remember: you’re my brother. You should always stand by me. If you really want Lin Wanbai, I can help you—get that bastard out of the way, eliminate Grandmother’s worries."

"You keep wasting time, and Fu Yanzheng will steal your spotlight. Look at how proactive he was in Fu Yanming’s case—Grandmother was pleased. Don’t let him take the heir’s position from you."

"Shut up," he snapped. "Stay out of my business!"

She shrugged. "Just trying to help."

Her smile faded; she stood, walked to his side, and cautiously put a hand on his shoulder. "Brother, don’t be angry. Just this once—never again. I say so much because I care. I know you’re upright, but sometimes, that’s not enough. You need some tricks."

Fu Yanchuan brushed off her hand coldly. "I hope you’ll publicly apologize for the plagiarism—and take full responsibility for Zhang Danni!"

"Fine, fine, I’ll do it. Tomorrow, alright?"

He said nothing more, leaving her room.

Back in his own room, he closed the door gently, then slammed a fist into the wall. The pain in his knuckles made him feel a bit better. He dared not recall yesterday—not at all.

He knew best what darkness lay in his heart.

...

The next day.

Fu Miao’s plagiarism scandal exploded online. By afternoon, she personally admitted it.

She held a press conference, sincerely apologized and offered compensation, then announced her withdrawal from the fashion world. She also handed her newly established studio to Zhang Danni, promising unconditional support to help Zhang Danni create her own brand and become a good designer.

At the press conference, Zhang Danni attended and publicly forgave her.

The plagiarism case was resolved perfectly.

Instead of being cursed, Fu Miao was even praised for her attitude—generous, willing to admit mistakes and change.

Wanbai saw these comments and nearly smashed her phone in anger.

This must have been Lin Zhouye’s idea!