Chapter 112: Those Beside Me

Wang Mingcheng was not annoyed. "Is that so? My little treasure is universally acknowledged, is yours?"

As he spoke, his gaze landed on the cell phone Fu Yuxing held tightly in his hand.

Fu Yuxing replied, "Naturally."

Wang Mingcheng laughed. "Let's compare them, one by one. Look, there is no one else here. You have your treasure, and I have mine. I’m not afraid of you stealing my treasure, so why are you afraid of me stealing yours?"

"I have no interest in your treasure."

"Fair enough. Actually, I have no interest in yours either; we’re just sharing."

Fu Yuxing remained silent for a moment and did not move.

Wang Mingcheng waited a while, then began to browse his own phone, sharing interesting anecdotes about his daughter one by one. He spoke at a leisurely pace, and even the simplest events, when told by him, became exceptionally vivid. One could easily imagine how interesting and adorable his daughter must be.

Gradually, Fu Yuxing let down his guard. His tense nerves began to relax, and his grip on the phone loosened slightly. The screen lit up, revealing the screensaver: a photo of Lin Wanbai.

It was from when she was a child.

When he went to Pujiang to pack up her belongings, he had brought back all of Lin Wanbai’s photo albums. He had saved every single photograph into his phone; his photo gallery was overflowing with pictures of Lin Wanbai from childhood to adulthood.

There were only photos of her alone. Any picture that included other people had been cropped without exception. There were not many photos of the two of them together; he had organized them all, bound them into a volume, and kept them in an exquisite box along with many other items, each one related to Lin Wanbai.

Wang Mingcheng’s voice became his background noise. He tapped on his photo gallery and began to look at the pictures and videos. Wang Mingcheng watched his expressions; if Lin Wanbai was smiling brightly in a photo, he would smile too. If the person in the photo was crying or unhappy, his face would lose all expression, revealing a faint trace of heartache and sadness.

Learning to feel what the other person feels—this, too, was a form of progress.

Wang Mingcheng stopped talking and remarked with admiration, "Your treasure is also very beautiful."

This time, Fu Yuxing did not immediately turn off his phone. Instead, he said proudly, "Of course. She is the best person in this world. No one can compare to her; no one."

"Yes, she is the number one little treasure in your heart, so naturally, she is the best person in the world to you."

His attention remained fixed on the photo. The girl in the image was about ten years old, her baby fat not yet fully faded. She was dressed beautifully, standing in the middle of a classroom with eyes full of confidence, presumably singing.

After she entered the third grade of elementary school, she stopped wearing two braids and switched to a simple ponytail. Lin Jingyu loved to dress her up; even for a simple ponytail, she would choose a beautiful hair tie, making many other girls envious of her. They envied her pretty hair ties, her clothes, her schoolbag, and her pencil case.

Throughout elementary school, she had always been chubby. By middle school, she began to shoot up; the baby fat disappeared, and her delicate face became even more exquisite. By high school, her radiance could no longer be hidden.

Every version of her was hidden deep in Fu Yuxing’s heart, and he was never willing to share her with anyone.

Wang Mingcheng asked, "Ah Xing, what was the happiest time of your life?"

He did not answer the question, but in his mind, he saw Lin Wanbai walking toward him in her wedding dress, along with those three years.

Yet, the more happiness and joy he felt, the more uneasy he became. This anxiety continued to accumulate until it reached a breaking point.

He was too afraid. He did not want there to be any possibility of her leaving his side.

Wang Mingcheng stayed with him for a long time. When he left the ward, Liang Yusheng was still at the door, and Liang Yukang had just arrived as well.

"How is it? I heard from the caregiver yesterday that he shattered a mirror, and I felt the situation must be quite bad, so I asked you to come over immediately."

He nodded. "It is indeed not good. Actually, given his current condition, besides me as his doctor, you, his family, play a crucial role. You must try to guide him onto the right path; even if you cannot guide him, do not mislead him. It is not easy for him to restrain himself. You must provide him with the greatest degree of warmth and let him know that there are still many people in this world who care for him and love him."

"He views Lin Wanbai as his sole purpose, an existence more precious than life itself. Do not use Lin Wanbai to provoke him; doing so will not only harm him but will also harm Lin Wanbai." He sighed and said, "You might think his behavior toward Lin Wanbai is love, and he himself believes it is love, but that is not necessarily true. He has psychological issues. A sick person does not even understand what love is, so how could he know how to love someone? Therefore, do not rely on the assumption that having Lin Wanbai by his side makes everything foolproof and that she can heal him. That is wrong."

Liang Yusheng nodded. "I understand."

"This is a protracted war. We must cooperate with each other; do not hold us back just because there is a slight improvement. It is not easy that he has realized there is a problem and is willing to cooperate with me. I thank the heavens that he has not become a heinous criminal. He has a brilliant mind, but if it is not corrected, the final outcome will be a firing squad. Do you understand? You must realize that even for me, communicating with him is a battle of wits. It is not easy at all, so I beg you, do not take this lightly. Please, take it seriously."

"Only when he can one day voluntarily let go of Lin Wanbai will it mean he has stepped toward normalcy."

Liang Yusheng lowered his eyes and could only nod.

Wang Mingcheng left after saying this.

Liang Yusheng asked the caregiver and learned that Liang Xi and Fu Changjun had been to see him.

That evening, Liang Yusheng went to Sibei to find the old man.

When he arrived, the old man was eating. In the massive dining room, there were only two or three people, making it feel lonely and desolate. Ever since Jiang Shuzhi died, his mood had gradually improved. Every day, he had the nanny prepare nutritional supplements, intending to live a little longer.

His complexion had indeed improved, looking ruddy and healthy, though his feet could not move, and his legs had atrophied from sitting in a wheelchair for so long.

Fu Yuxing did not treat him as well as he used to. Since the downfall of the Fu family, the grandfather and grandson rarely ate together. After returning to Sibei, Fu Yuxing almost never came back and never took the initiative to ask about his condition.

He had only said one thing to Fu Changjun’s nanny: "Call me when he dies."

Of course, the nanny never let Fu Changjun know about this.

"Why are you here? You didn't even say anything beforehand so I could prepare dinner for you."

Liang Yusheng sat down before him and glanced at the dishes on the table. For one person, it was quite extravagant—plenty of fish and meat. He smiled and said, "The meal is very rich. Can you finish it all by yourself?"

Fu Changjun said, "It’s a case of eating one meal less for every day I have left. I’m just tasting fresh things. At my age, my teeth are long gone; I can only eat soft, tender food. But my spirit is still young, and I’m always thinking of this or that. It’s hard on these two nannies, racking their brains every day just to satisfy my appetite."

Liang Yusheng lifted the lid of one of the pots. "Bird’s nest? And blood bird's nest at that."

"Yes."

Liang Yusheng smiled and put the lid back on. "You are living quite comfortably."

"Comfortably?" Fu Changjun raised an eyebrow. "Xiao Liang, if you have something to say, just say it directly. Don't beat around the bush. I'm old now, and my brain can't keep up; sometimes I don't understand."

"Your spirit may be young, but your heart is as clear as a mirror; how could you not understand what I’m saying? Ah Xing has suffered these past few years, but it seems you’ve been doing quite well. That old woman, Jiang Shuzhi, hated you to the bone, yet she still let you grow old with such dignity. You haven't suffered much at all, while all this suffering has fallen on your descendants. Do you still think you aren't comfortable enough?"

Fu Changjun continued to eat slowly. Because of his poor teeth, he chewed very slowly; a meal took at least an hour, and he had just started.

He said, "How can you say I haven't suffered? Jiang Shuzhi did what she did specifically to target me. The more I cared about something, the more she wanted to destroy it to make me miserable."

"That just shows your acting skills are excellent, old man. Jiang Shuzhi seemed shrewd, but she was still muddled. So in the end, she failed miserably, and you are the one laughing last."

He cast a sidelong glance at him, his expression indifferent, and said nothing.

Liang Yusheng was silent for a while, watching him eat, before his expression turned more serious. "I heard you went to the hospital to see Ah Xing."

"Yes, I heard he had another minor surgery. This is the umpteenth time he's injured his foot, so I went to see him. What’s wrong? Can’t I visit my own grandson?"

"Of course you can visit, but I advise you to talk less when you are in front of Ah Xing. After all, you are his biological grandfather; there is no need to watch him die. I can tell you clearly now: he has a severe psychological illness. If you continue to provoke him incessantly, your life might be the one lost at his hands."

Fu Changjun paused, his expression blank for a moment before returning to normal. He laughed, "Xiao Liang, are you under some kind of misunderstanding?"

"There is no misunderstanding. I just want to remind you that for all these years, not only have you failed to protect Ah Xing, allowing him to suffer so many inhumane humiliations, but you also made him take revenge for you and help you snatch the Fu corporation back from the old woman. Now that everything is done, you can enjoy your twilight years, eat your ginseng, drink your bird's nest, and live as long as you can. Do not treat him as a tool anymore. Even if Fu Yuxing returns the Lin corporation to Lin Zhouye in the end, it will not affect his current status. You don't have to worry about him being bullied by anyone ever again."

Liang Yusheng tapped the table. "If you cannot keep your mouth shut, then appear in front of Ah Xing as little as possible. If you cannot even do that, then I will have to use my own methods to reduce the chances of you meeting. Or, I will ensure that you never see him again until the day you die. You choose."

At this, Fu Changjun’s face began to change. He glanced at the nannies. "Leave it for now, eat later. You two go and make a cup of tea for Xiao Liang."

The two nannies wisely stepped away.

In the dining room, only the two of them remained.

Fu Changjun looked at Liang Yusheng and said, "I don't like hearing that. Who isn't doing things for their children and grandchildren? I'm at this age, my hands and feet are useless, what else can I do? I just want Ah Xing to be well, and I hope he can stay well. Yes, his status won't be affected without the Lin corporation, but have you considered whether Lin Zhouye will be willing to let Ah Xing go?"

"So many things happened to the Lin family back then, and Chen Songyuan is nowhere to be found now. Lin Zhouye will definitely blame all of this on Ah Xing. You are nursing a viper in your bosom, do you know that!"

Fu Changjun let out a long sigh. "I was the one nursing a viper back then, showing mercy, which gave Jiang Shuzhi the opportunity! If I had been more ruthless and cut ties with her directly, I wouldn't have ended up like this!"

Liang Yusheng laughed. "Let's not talk about the past. Don't think that just because it was a long time ago, we younger people don't know what happened. You weren't unable to be ruthless, nor was it mercy; you simply couldn't let go of the benefits Jiang Shuzhi held. You just didn't expect that you would be the one swallowed by Jiang Shuzhi. You lost to her, and you never cared about the people you constantly claim to care for."

"Let's not discuss these old, rotting matters anymore. I came here just to warn you: stop talking nonsense in front of Ah Xing."

Liang Yusheng did not stay long. After saying these words, he left, and on the way out, he added a few more people to watch over the place to prevent the old man from wandering around.

After he left, Fu Changjun flew into a rage. He couldn't do anything other than curse, but cursing alone couldn't vent his frustration! The pent-up anger in his heart made him even more furious.

He only hated that he was old. If he were ten or twenty years younger, he would never have let this Liang fellow be so arrogant.

...

Back home, Liang Yusheng found Liang Xi in the playroom. She was playing with Xiao Bao.

"Liang Xi, come to my study for a moment. I have something to tell you."

Liang Xi looked at him, nodded, handed Xiao Bao to the nanny, and followed him to the study.

"Dad, what is it? How is Ah Xing? Is he any better?"

"Dr. Wang went today; his condition is okay. However, he asked us, his family, to cooperate fully: give Ah Xing more care and warmth, provide proper guidance, and do not provoke him."

Liang Xi nodded. "Yes, we are willing to cooperate, but Ah Xing might not be willing to accept it."

"The young man I asked you to meet a while ago, have you met him?" Liang Yusheng suddenly changed the subject, a gentle smile appearing on his face, like an ordinary father asking his daughter about her love life.

"I’ve met him. He even sent me to the airport when I came back."

"Is that so? Then are you getting along well?"

"For now, we are just friends."

"Take it slow; everything starts with friendship."

Liang Xi smiled and coquettishly said, "Dad, you’re in a hurry to marry me off."

"A daughter has to get married eventually. Look, you’re not young anymore; it’s time to get married. Even if you don't marry, you should at least date. I’ve noticed you’ve never dated; a woman needs the nourishment of love."

She rubbed her cheeks. "Dad, do you think I’ve become old?"

"You're aging fast. I’ve decided to give you a long vacation so you can focus on dating. You don't need to worry about company matters anymore; I’ve already had someone take over your work."

Liang Xi raised an eyebrow slightly. She felt uncomfortable, but she kept smiling and said, "Alright then, I’ll focus on dating."

"Don't worry too much about Ah Xing's affairs either. Dr. Wang said that with his illness, he doesn't understand love at all. Don't waste your efforts on him. Dr. Wang even said that what he feels for Xiao Bai isn't love."

Liang Yusheng said this deliberately for her to hear. He didn't want her to lose her way because of a man. Although she was not his biological daughter, she was a child he had raised with his own hands, and there were feelings involved. He hoped she would be well.

Liang Xi said, "I’ve always felt that his feelings for Lin Wanbai aren't love, but a paranoid obsession. Dad, I don't think we should follow his wishes. If Lin Wanbai stays by his side, I feel he will never get better. Therefore, I suggest we remove Lin Wanbai first, to a place where he cannot find her. Of course, this will certainly provoke him, so we must be prepared in advance. We should find a place to confine him, let him slowly calm down, and then provide guidance. I think this is the most effective method. 'Break the cauldron and sink the boats'—the more you fear provoking him, the less likely he is to get better."

Liang Yusheng looked at her and did not speak for a moment.

Liang Xi smiled, meeting his gaze, and asked, "Do you think my method isn't feasible?"

"Let's listen to Dr. Wang. He is an authority, the most professional psychologist, and I trust him."

She nodded. "Alright then."

Liang Yusheng said sternly, "Xiao Xi, do not provoke him."

"I won't."

...

In the following days, Fu Yuxing cooperated with the treatment. Liang Yusheng visited him almost every day, and Liang Yukang joined him only occasionally.

After more than two years, Fu Yuxing’s attitude toward Liang Yukang remained like that of a stranger, and Liang Yukang could never stop worrying about his son left in Hangzhou, so he had to run back and forth between the two cities.

Perhaps because Fu Yuxing said nothing, the guilt in his heart gradually faded. Instead, he wanted to put more energy into the son he had watched grow up. By running back and forth, he ended up pleasing neither side. Of course, he only thought this way in his heart; in action, he still kept running back and forth.

Leaving the ward, Liang Yukang said, "Xiao Hao is in his rebellious phase, and you know his mother..."

"Big brother." Liang Yusheng knew what he wanted to say and interrupted him immediately. "Ah Xing’s situation is not good. He may look like he doesn't care about you, his biological father, but that doesn't mean he really doesn't care. I know Xiao Hao is the child you raised, and you naturally have deeper feelings for him. But even I, who have never been a father, know that both the palm and the back of the hand are flesh. You’ve spent so many years with Xiao Hao, you should take some time to be with Ah Xing."

"He is truly miserable; he has been miserable since childhood. If even you, his biological father, don't help him, then it really doesn't matter how he treats you. He has seen through human nature, and having seen through the darkest side of humanity, he no longer believes there is kindness in this world. He isn't cold toward you; he just doesn't have any expectations of you."

Liang Yukang lowered his head and let out a long sigh. "If I don't look after Xiao Hao, he will be led astray by his mother, but I can't bring him here. If I bring him here, it will be like pouring salt on Ah Xing’s wounds. Both are my children; am I supposed to just watch Xiao Hao suffer?"

Liang Yusheng looked at him, realizing that he had already made his decision. He had already chosen between the two children.

Actually, he was also afraid of Fu Yuxing. When Lin Wanbai jumped from the building, he saw Fu Yuxing’s madness; he saw the fear in his eyes clearly.

What could he do? This was his big brother, who had also had a hard life. People are selfish, and they always like to take the easy path. It was no wonder Fu Yuxing treated Lin Wanbai like a life-saving straw. Perhaps no one else would be like Lin Wanbai, who did not fear him, did not avoid him, but instead walked toward him.

It was just a pity he didn't treasure it well.

Liang Yusheng said, "I respect your choice. If you need any help, call me. I will take care of Ah Xing. He is closer to me now anyway. When he gets better, you can come back to see him."

He shook his head. "When he gets better, I won't come back."

He didn't have the face to.

Liang Yusheng did not speak. Life was still long, and one shouldn't speak too definitively; it makes it easy to end up eating one's words.

Before Liang Yukang returned, he cooked a final meal for Fu Yuxing. He didn't go in to see him; he just watched from the doorway before returning to Hangzhou.

...

Lei Sen had been thinking and thinking, unable to decide where to finally settle her.

In the end, Fu Yuxing decided: send her to the mountain, to the old monk.

The temple was on Pinghua Peak. Over the past two years, with Fu Yuxing’s investment, the mountain temple had been renovated and expanded. Because of Fu Yuxing’s constant offerings, the temple was very popular. There was a wing room there specially prepared for Fu Yuxing. The environment of the mountain temple was also good, though it was a bit cold this season.

Xiao Bai might not be able to stand it.

But the old monk told him not to worry, so he finally decided to send her there.

After being discharged, Fu Yuxing went to Pinghua Peak first.

Auntie Rong received the news a week in advance, telling her to pack simply, and that someone would come to pick them up on Saturday.

The week passed quickly, and Auntie Rong still hadn't mentioned it to Lin Wanbai. She had finally gotten used to life here, planting so many flowers and plants. Now that she had to leave so suddenly, she was racking her brain to find a reason. She had been thinking about it for four or five days, but she still had no clue.

However, Lin Wanbai had long noticed her packing.

At dinner, Lin Wanbai looked at her hesitating manner and asked, "Are we moving?"

Auntie Rong paused, looked up at her, and was slightly surprised. "You... how did you know?"

Could she have eavesdropped on her phone calls? Auntie Rong felt a bit flustered. She thought the girl should have been like a blank sheet of paper, but now she suddenly felt she couldn't see through her. She always felt she was hiding something, but then thought it impossible—she didn't know anything, so what could she be hiding?

Lin Wanbai’s gaze was clear as she said, "I saw you organizing things. I couldn't think of any other reason besides moving. Why else would you put some of your clothes into a suitcase? And all the things I like, you’ve packed them up."

"You are very observant."

"There are only two of us in this house, so of course I’m paying attention to you. Why are we moving?"

"It’s not moving."

"Then what is it?"

"The young master wants to take you on a trip, and I’m taking you over there."

"Is that so?"

"Yes."

"Then why do we need to take so many clothes and things?"

Auntie Rong: "We’ll be gone for several months, so of course we need to bring more. Did you think we were only going for a few days and coming back? That’s not how it is."

Lin Wanbai looked at her, feeling a bit skeptical. Since Liang Zhixia appeared, the atmosphere in the house had changed slightly. Auntie Rong watched her more closely, and when they chatted, it always felt like she was fishing for information.

She couldn't help but think of Liang Zhixia. The scene from that day was still very clear. She really didn't look like a thief at all; a thief wouldn't act like that. She had doubts in her heart, but she didn't mention them to Auntie Rong. This was the first time since her amnesia that she had hidden her thoughts.

Early the next morning, cars came to pick them up. Auntie Rong had long been awake. Only after the luggage was loaded did she go upstairs to wake Lin Wanbai.

Lin Wanbai sat on the bed and didn't move. "Can I not go?" She rubbed her eyes and said, "The three puppies still need me to take care of them. If I leave for several months, who will take care of them?"

"You don't need to worry about that. I’ve found someone to watch the garden. Not only will the three puppies be taken care of, but the flowers and plants you planted will also be tended to. By the time we return, they might all be blooming and bearing fruit."

Lin Wanbai looked at her, still not moving, just staring at her.

The two looked at each other for a moment. Auntie Rong walked over and sat beside her. "Why don't you want to go?"

"After I leave, I won't come back, will I?"

"Xiao Bai..."

"Alright, I’m up." She threw off the quilt, got out of bed, washed up, changed clothes, and after breakfast, the two got into the car and left the manor.

There were five cars in total, four of which were full of bodyguards, surrounding the car Lin Wanbai was in, leaving no opportunity for anyone to act.

The array was large, and many villagers saw them as they left.

Lu Peng happened to be jogging in the morning. The cars drove past him, and he caught a glimpse of Lin Wanbai’s figure. He stopped, took off his hat, turned around, and watched the cars drive away. A moment later, he took out his phone.

"Prepare to intercept."

"Yes."

He hung up the phone, ran backward for a few steps, then turned around and ran all the way back to the guesthouse.

Liang Zhixia had already prepared breakfast and was sitting in the living room eating by herself.

Ah Jiao sat beside her, tilting her head, carefully observing her. "Have you been living in the village for a month? You were at the guesthouse in the front, right?"

Liang Zhixia glanced at her from the corner of her eye and nodded.

"I was wondering why you looked so familiar. I have a really deep impression of beauties."

She smiled, not being rude. "Thanks for the compliment."

Ah Jiao leaned over, bumped her with her shoulder, and asked, "How long have you been with Brother Peng?"

"Two years."

"Oh, that’s quite a long time. I heard the women around Brother Peng don't last more than half a year, is that true?"

"I don't know." Although she followed Lu Peng, she had heard these rumors, but she hadn't investigated them herself, nor did she have any interest in doing so. How many women Lu Peng had around him had nothing to do with her.

"Guess how long I’ve been with him?"

Liang Zhixia wasn't interested and casually answered, "Three years."

Ah Jiao chuckled. "I’m quite happy that you guessed that. Actually, it’s only been half a year. Today marks the exact day." As she said this, she winked at her.

Just then, Lu Peng returned. He walked in, looked at Liang Zhixia, and then went upstairs to shower. Twenty minutes later, he came down, dressed neatly.

Seeing this, Liang Zhixia immediately put down her chopsticks and wiped her mouth. "Leaving?"

"I'll give you ten minutes."

She quickly went to her room.

Ah Jiao walked toward Lu Peng with a beaming smile. Before she could reach out, he coughed, his expression telling her not to touch him. She wisely withdrew her hand, clasping her hands in front of her, respectfully. "Will Brother Peng come back in the future?"

Lu Peng took a card out of his bag and handed it to her. "For expenses."

"How much is it?" she asked with a grin, though she felt a bit sad inside.

"How much are you worth?"

Ah Jiao only showed a shy smile, clutched the card in her palm, and said nothing more.

This scene was witnessed by Liang Zhixia. Seeing Lu Peng give the card, and thinking of the checks and cards in her own drawer that were almost full, she thought he was quite generous to women.

She walked over. "I’m ready."

"Let’s go."

He didn't say another word, nor did he look at Ah Jiao again, grabbed his car keys, and went out.

Liang Zhixia still politely said goodbye to Ah Jiao before quickly following him.

Once in the car, Lu Peng said, "Lin Wanbai just left."

"Ah?"

"She probably won't come back here again."

Liang Zhixia snorted. "This Fu Yuxing really intends to hide her for a lifetime!"

"I’ve already arranged for people; we will act according to the situation."

She was stunned, then delighted. "You’re going to save her?"

"The road is the most vulnerable time. Fifty percent chance."

"Don't want fifty percent; I want one hundred percent!"

He glanced at her, laughed lightly, and gave no commitment.

At this moment, Lu Peng was not the only one planning to intercept them.

...

Lin Wanbai and Auntie Rong arrived at the airport. The airport in Nancheng was very crowded. Auntie Rong held Lin Wanbai’s hand tightly, waiting at the security gate. Fu Yuxing had arranged a private jet, and they could fly an hour after they went in.

After clearing security, they went to the exclusive lounge.

With half an hour to go, Lin Wanbai got up to go to the restroom, and Auntie Rong followed her, deciding to use it as well.

Lin Wanbai entered the last stall. As soon as she pushed the door, she saw someone standing inside. She was startled, and before she could shout, she was grabbed and her mouth was covered. She struggled with all her might, but the restroom was quiet, so she inevitably made some noise.

Auntie Rong sensed something was wrong and immediately wanted to go to the door to call for help. Just then, a cleaner wearing a mask walked in. As their eyes met, Auntie Rong cried out in alarm, backed away, and started screaming, only to collide with someone else. As she turned her head, she felt a pain in her neck and then slowly lost consciousness. Before closing her eyes, she only saw a tall, burly man standing there, holding the already unconscious Lin Wanbai in one hand.

Outside, it was quiet. The bodyguards standing at the door didn't move at all, as if they hadn't heard anything.

...

Fu Yuxing was on the way to the airport when his phone vibrated. He glanced at it and answered.

"Mr. Fu..." The person on the other end was hesitant, pausing for several seconds before saying, "Miss Lin is gone."

Fu Yuxing’s grip on the phone tightened, his eyes freezing over. "Say that again."

"Miss... Miss Lin has been abducted."