Chapter 109: Sow Good Seeds, Reap Good Fruit

Lin Zhouye entered the law firm openly and located Ge Tao, the attorney who had originally drawn up Lin Zhaowei’s will.

He had arrived early, and the two crossed paths right at the firm’s entrance, exchanging a brief glance.

Lin Zhouye recognized him instantly, but it took Ge Tao several looks to realize that the man before him was Lin Zhaowei’s adopted son. He remembered that this man had been sentenced to six years in prison over two years ago; had he been released already?

The two stared at each other in silence for a moment.

"Attorney Ge, long time no see," Lin Zhouye said first.

Ge Tao suppressed his look of astonishment, managed a smile, and replied, "Please, come in."

Ge Tao led him into his office and had an assistant bring in tea. Once they were seated and had exchanged some polite pleasantries, Ge Tao remarked, "You’ve cut your hair; I didn't recognize you for a second. You’ve changed quite a bit."

Lin Zhouye looked at him, not bothering with small talk. "I’m here to inquire about the old man’s will and to handle the necessary paperwork. Even though I’ve served time, what is mine remains mine. Not a cent can be missing."

"That is naturally yours, but all of Lin Zhaowei’s assets are currently under the management of Mr. Fu Juxing. Therefore, Mr. Fu will need to come here personally to avoid any future disputes."

Lin Zhouye laughed. "The will was drawn up by the old man himself. I am simply here to reclaim my share; what does that have to do with Fu Juxing? You just need to process the paperwork, and I will notify him myself. Attorney Ge, you have nothing to worry about; this will not implicate you. I know you currently have a partnership with the Fu Group and that your entire legal team works for them, but please consider the favor the old man did for you when he was alive. One should not forget their roots. I believe you are a man of high intellect, so I shouldn't need to lecture you on this."

Ge Tao’s expression shifted slightly, though he maintained his smile. He picked up his teacup, took a slow sip, and said, "Since you already know, why must you force me?"

Lin Zhouye had only come to test the nature of man. Gratitude and loyalty were such cliché concepts. In this society, one had to align with interests; nothing could compare to the allure of money.

Lin Zhouye picked up his teacup, examined the exquisite porcelain and the tender green leaves inside, and let out a low laugh. "I believe the reason humans are distinct from beasts is that humans know how to be grateful and can distinguish right from wrong. If a person loses even those qualities, they are no different from a beast. Of course, for someone like you, Attorney Ge, having money is everything. If you have money, you can have it all. We are not of the same kind."

"My apologies, my visit today was an unnecessary intrusion. Just pretend I never came. But what is meant to be mine will eventually be mine."

With that, he let go of the teacup. It slipped from his hand and shattered on the floor with a loud crash.

Ge Tao remained composed. He looked up at him and said, "Everyone has to survive. If you can’t even survive, how can you talk about moral integrity? Do not do unto others what you would not have them do unto you. But you were right about one thing: what is yours will be yours, so there is no need to be so anxious."

"Furthermore, Fu Juxing is the Lin family’s son-in-law. With the Lin business in his hands, performance has risen rather than fallen. From another perspective, this is a good thing. Regardless, you are still family. Family shouldn't fight amongst themselves. Sit down calmly, discuss any misunderstandings, and clear them up. I remember the old man often said that harmony in the family leads to prosperity in all things. Don't be so full of hostility."

Lin Zhouye smiled, said nothing more, gave him one final deep look, and left the firm.

He stood by the roadside, a cigarette between his fingers, watching the traffic flow by. The weight in his heart felt heavier than ever.

Just as he was finishing his cigarette, a common Volkswagen pulled up in front of him. He looked up as the window rolled down.

"Mr. Lin."

The person was Chen Jinshu, a lawyer he had collaborated with and a former high school classmate. Aside from work, they had a decent personal relationship—a friendship between gentlemen.

He raised an eyebrow, tossed the cigarette butt aside, and opened the car door to get in.

"How did you know I was here?"

"I called An Ning, and she told me."

Lin Zhouye turned to look out the window.

Chen Jinshu said, "Don't look; she left by bus a long time ago. She knows you don't want to see her."

"What kind of nonsense is that? Why wouldn't I want to see her?"

"Ask yourself. During the two years you were in prison, she stayed in North City. She was the only person you had left. Now that you're finally out, you want her to return home to get married. Isn't that a clear message that you don't want to see her?"

Lin Zhouye: "Why did you come to find me?"

"I came for good news, of course. Let's find a place to sit and catch up." She glanced at him, smiling. "It seems you had a decent time in prison. You’re bulkier than before; those muscles are quite toned—saved you the gym fees. You’ve got a lot more masculine charm now."

Lin Zhouye ignored her.

Chen Jinshu had a decent reputation in the legal circle. She wasn't one of the top four, but she was in the top ten. Talking to her was billed by the hour.

She found a coffee shop, ordered two black coffees, and sat in a private room. She examined him more closely, clicked her tongue, and said, "This face is a menace. Tell me, does time have no effect on men? I don’t see a single trace of it on your face—no weight gain, no greasiness. Instead, you’re becoming more flavorful, more handsome. You didn’t go to prison; you went for a gilding."

Lin Zhouye sneered and shot her a look. "Spare me. Don't make jokes at my expense."

"Who’s joking? I’m serious. You don’t know—my parents have been introducing me to people lately, forcing me to go on blind dates. I’m in my early thirties, and they’re desperate, terrified I won't get married. They set up two a day. And each one of them..." She sighed. "I’m not a bad catch, so why must they only find people older than me? I could handle someone younger, too."

"Older is fine, if they’re good-looking, I can tolerate it. But old, greasy, and showing off their money? I’d rather stay single forever."

Lin Zhouye hummed, not in the mood to listen to her complaints.

Chen Jinshu understood. Once the coffee arrived, she got to the point. She took a voice recorder from her bag, turned it on, and the voice of Lin Wanbai came through.

"I, Lin Wanbai, voluntarily transfer all shares of the Lin business under my name to Lin Zhouye. September 18, 2010."

It was a very brief statement.

Lin Zhouye froze, looking at Chen Jinshu with suspicion. "What is the meaning of this?"

"Isn't it obvious?" Chen Jinshu said.

Lin Zhouye looked at her, silent for a moment.

"Before she went to the hospital, she came to see me with An Ning. Because time was tight, there wasn't enough time for a written contract, so they made an oral agreement first. I was preparing the written contract, but by the time I finished, it seemed too late. Later, An Ning called me and told me to keep it safe and not let anyone know, so I kept it in my safe."

She produced the written contract as well. "Later, I did some digging. It’s said that Fu Juxing holds some shares based on a transfer contract from Lin Wanbai. I checked with some colleagues, and the timing is wrong. That contract was dated after September 18th, so it’s invalid. Because before that, she had already given all the shares to you. So, I suspect that contract is a forgery."

"Since it’s fake, it has no legal effect. You can use this to confront him. I suggest you sue him directly. When the time comes, Lin Wanbai will have to testify. If she is still of sound mind, your chances of winning are 100%."

Lin Zhouye recalled the smile on Lin Wanbai in the photograph. He couldn't be sure what her current condition was.

It seemed he would need to see her after all.

***

Having blown in the sea breeze all night and stayed up to watch the sunrise, Lin Wanbai caught a cold.

Her constitution had weakened significantly; it wasn't good to begin with, and after such turmoil, it had deteriorated further. She fell ill at the slightest provocation. The climate in South City was pleasant—spring all year round, with no winter.

Fu Juxing had brought her here hoping the weather would be better, sparing her from the freezing cold and heat of North City.

He drove the boat back to the island. The doctor had warned him that he still had steel pins in his foot and shouldn't engage in strenuous activity, but he couldn't care less. He carried her the whole way until a tour cart arrived in the middle, and the servants brought them back to the villa. He carried her into the room, ordering the staff to prepare hot water, towels, and fever patches.

Everyone acted as if they were facing a great catastrophe.

Lin Wanbai felt dizzy. While she was uncomfortable, she didn't feel it was that serious. Seeing his anxious expression, she laughed. "You look as if I’m dying."

"Don't say that word!" he snapped, his eyes widening in sternness.

Lin Wanbai sniffled, shot him a timid look, and huffed. "Fine, I won't say it. Why are you being so fierce?"

His throat bobbed as he took a breath, his expression softening slightly. "That word is unlucky."

"You’re superstitious?"

"Yes, I am very superstitious. So, never say that word again. You will live a long life; no matter what, you will die after me."

Lin Wanbai blinked, silent for a moment. After a while, she began to laugh. "That’s not what they say in dramas. In dramas, the male lead always says he wants to die after the female lead so that she won't be left alone in this world. Why are you doing the opposite?"

Just then, a servant brought in hot water, cold medicine, and tea.

Fu Juxing wrung out a towel and wiped her face and hands, caring for her like a child, even wiping her underarms.

Lin Wanbai was somewhat resistant, but her body felt weak, and she couldn't be bothered to move. Besides, his movements were proper, so it was fine.

He placed a fever patch on her forehead and fed her the medicine. After a long while of fussing, he finally stopped.

"Go to sleep. You'll feel better after a nap."

"I'm a little hungry," she whispered from beneath the quilt.

"I'll go cook you some porridge."

He had only just sat down before he got up to go downstairs.

Lin Wanbai watched him leave, a strange sense of soreness in her heart, her eyes burning. She closed her eyes, sniffled, and turned over, her body alternating between hot and cold.

Half an hour later, Fu Juxing returned with the porridge.

Lin Wanbai was already asleep, curled up into a ball, her face flushed red.

Fu Juxing set the bowl down and reached into the quilt to touch her. She was burning up, yet shivering.

He thought for a moment, called the doctor, and then hugged her through the quilt, pressing his cheek against hers. "I'm sorry. I made you suffer again."

Lin Wanbai probably sensed his warmth. She turned, burrowing into his arms, pressing her cheek against his skin, feeling comfortable.

She found her position and stopped moving. Fu Juxing held her like that until the doctor arrived, took her temperature, performed a check-up, and started an IV drip. Lin Wanbai let out a faint cry as the needle went in.

She was more afraid of pain than before; she couldn't handle even a little.

Tears fell, and Fu Juxing wiped them away, gently holding her hand and massaging the area around the needle to soothe the pain.

After three bags of fluid, Lin Wanbai’s fever broke.

She felt much better. Fu Juxing had the staff prepare light porridge and side dishes, and when she woke up around four or five in the afternoon, she was feeling much improved, though still congested. Most importantly, she was starving—hungry enough to feel dizzy.

Fortunately, Fu Juxing was prepared. He washed her face, helped her brush her teeth, sat her up in bed, and fed her himself.

Perhaps because she was sick, Lin Wanbai found him more agreeable. It was just a pity that Nanny Rong wasn't there; if she were, she wouldn't have let him do all this.

He blew on the spoon until the temperature was just right before bringing it to her lips.

Lin Wanbai took a bite. It tasted good—mild, with a hint of sweetness.

"You’re quite meticulous," she said.

"It’s my fault. I shouldn't have taken you to see the sunrise on the sea. If we hadn't gone, you wouldn't be sick."

"It’s not your fault. At least I saw the sunrise; it was beautiful, more beautiful than looking from the shore. You added a touch of beauty to my blank mind."

Fu Juxing looked at her, seeing her bright, shining eyes, and he smiled. A warmth surged in his heart, though it was tinged with sorrow.

After finishing the bowl, she was still hungry. She wanted to get out of bed, but Fu Juxing wouldn't allow it.

"Tell me what you want to eat, and I'll make it. You just stay in bed today."

Lin Wanbai pouted. "When Nanny Rong is here, she always has everything ready. I don't have to think about it."

"Then I will think for you."

"I kind of want some wide noodles made by Nanny Rong. When is she coming back?" She missed her.

"I’ll make them." He turned on the TV and placed a jacket beside her. "If you get out of bed, put this on."

Lin Wanbai blinked, saying nothing. She wondered, would he really grant every request?

"Hey."

He paused and turned to look at her. "What?"

"Can you make a funny face?"

He frowned slightly. "Hmm?"

She poked her nose and made a pig snout. "Like this."

He turned back to face her, asking with complete seriousness, "What does that mean?"

"I’m sick, and I’m not in a good mood. Can you make a face to make me laugh? Can you?"

Fu Juxing didn't speak for a moment. Lin Wanbai watched him, feeling he was about to get angry. Just as she was preparing to back down, he mimicked her movement, pressing his finger to his nose to make a pig snout.

Because his expression was so serious, the simple pig snout was exceptionally funny. After all, for a man like him, doing such a thing was truly difficult.

She grinned and laughed out loud. "Okay, okay, I was just teasing. Go make the wide noodles, I’m so hungry."

Fu Juxing looked at her for a moment, walked over in a few strides, and quickly brushed his lips against hers.

By the time Lin Wanbai pushed him away, he had finished, and he reached out to pat her head. "Wait obediently."

Lin Wanbai covered her mouth, her cheeks flushed, and she swatted his hand away. "Go away."

Downstairs, Fu Juxing called Nanny Rong to ask for the recipe and ingredients for the wide noodles.

Fortunately, the housekeeper here was reliable, and the kitchen was well-stocked. Fu Juxing prepared a bowl of wide noodles according to Nanny Rong’s method, but kept the flavor light, as it was better for her cold.

"Is Xiaobai okay without me?" Even though she had left, Nanny Rong was constantly worried. Since Lin Wanbai lost her memory, they had never been apart.

Nanny Rong had no children of her own, and she looked at Lin Wanbai as her own daughter. Since leaving South City, her heart had been with her, fearing she wouldn't eat or sleep well, and worrying she wouldn't get along with Fu Juxing.

"She’s fine. With you gone, she’s been exceptionally obedient."

"Is that so? That’s good. Young Master, she doesn't remember anything now. If she says something wrong, please be patient. Be more meticulous. Put yourself in her shoes. If you use your heart, I believe Xiaobai will feel it." Nanny Rong laughed at herself. "Look at me, rambling on again."

"I know. I will take good care of her."

After hanging up, Nanny Rong put her phone away and turned to look at the child playing in the playpen. He was chubby, fair, and incredibly handsome. She didn't have the strength to hold the child, so she could only watch him from the side.

The child grew fast. In the blink of an eye, he could walk and talk. He called "Grandpa" very clearly; he was a smart child.

It was time for this child to be by his mother's side, otherwise, as he got older and more aware, it would be difficult. Fortunately, Liang Yusheng had enlarged photos of Lin Wanbai and placed them in the nursery, having people teach him to recognize his mother every day.

Now, if you asked him who his mother was, he could point her out clearly.

"Xiaobao, do you want to see Mommy?"

He was concentrating on building blocks and ignored her.

Just as Nanny Rong reached out to get his attention, Liang Yusheng stopped her. "Let him focus on his blocks. You can ask that question later; there's no need to rush."

Nanny Rong was startled. She stood up, smiling awkwardly, not knowing what to say. "I, I just thought of Xiaobai. The child is so big now, he can recognize people, but Xiaobai hasn't spent any real time with him. In his eyes, his own mother is a stranger. Thinking of that, my heart aches, and I can't help but want to tell him about his mother."

Liang Yusheng nodded. "What you say makes sense, which is why I’ve gathered these photos so he can get familiar with her. When the time is right, we’ll take him to her so the mother and son can get along. However, the main problem lies with A-Xing. When his condition improves, a family of three together will be complete."

"Yes, yes." Nanny Rong wiped away tears. "Both children are ill-fated. It was my lack of care. If I had taken the Young Master to a psychiatrist sooner, it wouldn't have come to this."

"Don't mention the past. No one can go back, and repeating it won't change the status quo. Focus on the present. At least he is willing to cooperate with Dr. Wang now and is willing to change himself. That is a good thing."

Nanny Rong nodded, but she remained worried.

Things were better now, but could this last? Could it be maintained for a lifetime? Was Lin Wanbai to stay in Ningjiang Manor forever, never having contact with anyone else? She was a person, a normal human being. When her body fully recovered, she would naturally want to go out.

The overwhelming scandals from back then—one could still find plenty of material online; how could that be hidden?

Right now, everyone was just helping Fu Juxing deceive himself.

Both were silent, their eyes falling on the child, watching his innocent face and his focused expression. He was incredibly cute.

The atmosphere was heavy. Liang Yusheng patted her on the shoulder. "With you here, I am relieved. I know your kindness toward A-Xing is sincere—more sincere than the old man's."

As the words fell, Fu Changjun’s voice came from behind. He had reached the door of the nursery and had overheard Liang Yusheng.

"Are you all looking at Xiaosheng?"

Nanny Rong was startled and couldn't help but glance at Liang Yusheng, who remained calm and composed. He turned to look at him. "The old man is here. Why didn't you let us know beforehand so I could have greeted you at the door?"

Fu Changjun wore a faint smile, his eyes darting to Liang Yusheng. "No need. We are all family, and this is my home, too. I’m just coming home; no need for all that. I haven't seen Xiaosheng in a while, so I came specially to see him. Is A-Xing not here?"

"He went to South City to be with Xiaobai."

Fu Changjun laughed. "He is a romantic; he takes after me in that regard."

Liang Yusheng raised an eyebrow, lowered his eyes to hide his smile, and replied perfunctorily, "Indeed, who could deny it."

"By the way, do you know that Lin Zhouye has been released from prison?"

Liang Yusheng had already received the news. He was surprised by the early release but had no intention of doing anything about it. "I know."

Fu Changjun said, "He hasn't been idle since he got out. I imagine he’s preparing to take back the Lin business."

"Since the Lin business hasn't changed its name, it’s still the Lin family’s. He is a member of the Lin family; there's no question of 'taking it back'."

"What? By the sound of it, do you intend to return the Lin business to him? Is that what A-Xing wants too?"

Liang Yusheng looked at him, smiled, and said, "Xiaobai is still A-Xing’s wife. We are all family; words like 'returning' or 'taking' are inappropriate."

Fu Changjun laughed, shaking his head. "That excuse might work on others, but there’s no need to beat around the bush with us. Back then, Xiaobai used public opinion to create momentum, and then she jumped off a building. It was clear that they had broken ties. She might not have her memory now, but that doesn't mean those things didn't happen. I can tell you, if Lin Zhouye rises again, A-Xing will have no peace, and he shouldn't expect to live happily ever after with Xiaobai."

"You don't need to wait for Xiaobai to recover her memory; Lin Zhouye won't agree to let Xiaobai stay with Fu Juxing. Prevention is better than cure, I think..."

Before Fu Changjun could continue, Liang Yusheng interrupted. "I think, old man, you are quite old now; you shouldn't worry about company affairs. A-Xing and I have our own discretion; we know what to do and what not to do. You don't need to point fingers and interfere."

Liang Yusheng’s tone was sharp.

Fu Changjun’s face darkened. He stared at him for a long time before letting out a cold hum. "Those who don't listen to the wisdom of elders will suffer."

"Hah, if you hadn't said that, it would be one thing, but since you did, there is something I must say to your face: A-Xing becoming like this is half your 'credit'!"

"You—what do you mean by that?"

Liang Yusheng chuckled. "Back then, as A-Xing’s only close relative, you didn't protect him with all your might, and you sat by and watched him be bullied—that would be one thing, but what kind of values did you instill in him?"

Fu Changjun was so angry he couldn't catch his breath. His limbs were crippled, and he could only move his fingers. He pointed a trembling index finger at him, but after a long time, he couldn't get a word out.

Liang Yusheng couldn't be bothered with him and waved at the servant. "The old man is unwell. Take him back."

"Yes."

The servant immediately turned the wheelchair and pushed him away.

Liang Yusheng watched the elevator doors close and clicked his tongue. "That old man’s mindset is also abnormal. I should have come back sooner. If I had come back earlier and taken A-Xing away..."

He stopped there, sighed, and waved his hand silently.

Fu Changjun now lived alone in the Fu residence in Sibei. Jiang Shuzhi had hung on until the end of last year before passing away, unreconciled. Her eyes were open when she died, as if she couldn't close them in death. Her body sat at the police station for nearly half a month before Fu Yongyi went to claim it. No funeral was held; she was taken directly to the crematorium and cremated on the spot.

Fortunately, the burial plot had been bought long ago. Fu Yongyi was destitute and had little money, and he didn't want to spend it on her, so he handled the burial himself.

Later, when the large mansion in Sibei was auctioned off, Fu Juxing bought it back. After some renovations, he sent Fu Changjun there, arranging for two caregivers to look after him.

But Fu Juxing didn't live there. He lived in an apartment closer to the company, though he only went occasionally; most of the time, he slept at the office. While undergoing treatment, his life was a straight line between the company and Wang Mingcheng’s house.

During the year Lin Wanbai was in a coma, he only visited her once a month. Wang Mingcheng feared he wouldn't be able to control himself and would do something extreme, so he minimized the visits.

He was very cooperative.

That year, he even began to burn incense and pray to Buddha, becoming superstitious. He found many fortune-tellers and feng shui masters to calculate Lin Wanbai’s fate, going through the motions many times. Finally, he studied under an old monk and became a lay disciple.

Wang Mingcheng felt this was a viable path; having faith was a good thing. Furthermore, the old monk had been introduced by him, so he naturally had his own intentions.

From then on, Fu Juxing ate only vegetarian food and never touched meat again.

The old monk told him to remember one thing: "Plant good seeds, reap good fruit. For the sake of your loved one, you must accumulate merit and virtue."

Fu Juxing remembered this and began doing charity work. He established the largest charity organization in North City, and in every charity gala, his donation was always the largest, signed in the name of Lin Wanbai.

Truly, fate plays tricks on people.

***

After eating her fill, Lin Wanbai felt energized.

She got out of bed and paced the room. The wind outside was picking up; it looked like it was going to rain.

She walked to the window, and just as she stood still, Fu Juxing pulled her back. "Don't stand there."

"Why? There’s glass in the way, I won't fall out."

He didn't explain, but he still wouldn't let her stand by the window. He watched her like a mother hen watching a chick. After a few attempts, Lin Wanbai gave up and lay down on the beanbag chair.

Before long, rain began to lash against the windows, followed by a torrential downpour. Two days ago, the weather forecast had predicted a typhoon—a red alert level.

Sure enough, by the next day, the wind and rain were so severe that they were completely trapped inside.

The most critical issue was that the villa had lost power since the morning. In this weather, no one could come to repair it.

Now, there was nothing to watch on TV; they could only stare at each other.

Fu Juxing seemed to be in a very good mood. His gaze, as gentle as water, always held a faint smile when he looked at her.

Lin Wanbai felt uncomfortable under his gaze, so she got up to find something to do. The villa was large and had a glass conservatory filled with various types of potted plants, with a grand piano in the middle.

With nothing to do, Lin Wanbai sat at the piano, opened the lid, flipped through the sheet music left on the piano, and began to play.

It was a little rusty at first, but it gradually became fluid.

The piece was simple, and she played a segment.

Fu Juxing stood nearby, watching, and stepped forward at the right moment to drape a coat over her shoulders.

"It seems I knew how to play the piano." She tapped the keys, feeling as if she were capable of anything. She asked, "Was I a very excellent person before?"

"Yes."

He sat down beside her.

Lin Wanbai tilted her head to look at him. "Did you teach me?"

He shook his head. "No, your piano teacher taught you."

Lin Wanbai burst into laughter. "Are you being humorous?"

"You were good at a little bit of everything, but you played the piano best. You passed all ten levels. During school performances, you were always the school’s first choice, and you danced beautifully too. I remember one year, when you had just started middle school, there was a New Year’s gala. The high school and middle school shared the same campus, so the gala was combined. The school built a large stage, and you became famous overnight, capturing the attention of the entire school. For a long time after that, many people were asking for your name."

Lin Wanbai listened intently. "And then? Did you get jealous?"

He lowered his eyes, smiled gently, and said, "I almost drowned in a vat of jealousy."