Chapter 34: Transferring Affection

The desire in her eyes had been intense ever since she awoke. As a normal man, Fu Juxing could see it clearly; she must have had an erotic dream, its sensations lingering into reality, impossible to shake off.

“Want some noodles?” he asked.

Lin Wanbai nodded, pressing her fingers into her palm to steady herself. She turned her gaze away, stood for a moment, then left the room.

Sitting alone at the dining table, she stared blankly, her mind still entangled in the vivid, illicit images of her dream. It was impossible to pull herself out. Taking a deep breath, she patted her cheeks and shook herself vigorously, hoping to suppress the urge.

She had barely tamped it down when Fu Juxing emerged, carrying the noodles. This man, a walking aphrodisiac, immediately undid all her efforts, the desire flooding back to her mind.

He placed the bowl before her. The noodles looked plain, perhaps scallion oil noodles, but there were no scallions, not even a fried egg.

She didn’t look at him, just opened her hand. Fu Juxing set the chopsticks in her palm, his fingers brushing against her skin, tickling slightly. Her throat moved as she gripped the chopsticks, paused for a few seconds, then began to eat.

The room was silent, save for the faint sounds of her eating. Fu Juxing sat nearby, watching her intently.

Neither spoke. At one point, Fu Juxing rose to pour her a glass of water in the kitchen.

Lin Wanbai finished the last strand of noodle, drank some water, and wiped her mouth. “You’re truly perfunctory.”

“Hm?”

“There’s not even a drop of oil. This is just soy sauce noodles, isn’t it?” She shot him a sidelong glance, wiping her mouth. “Is it so easy to keep me satisfied? Just a bowl of soy sauce noodles?”

He laughed. “Why didn’t you say anything earlier?”

“I thought it would taste good, thought there’d be something special in the noodles. Turns out it was just wishful thinking.”

He collected the bowl and chopsticks. “Are you full?”

“Full.”

“I’ll wash the dishes first.”

She remained still, looked up at him, then nodded. Perhaps it was the cartoon print on her pajamas, but she looked particularly well-behaved, reminiscent of the winking little cat on her chest.

Just one bowl, and he finished washing quickly. When he came out, Lin Wanbai was no longer in the dining room. He scanned the area but didn’t see her. He went upstairs, but she wasn’t in the bedroom either.

On the fourth floor, he found her lying on a lounge chair on the terrace. She had changed clothes, wearing a creamy white strappy nightdress, long, the hem grazing her thighs and trailing partly on the floor.

Fu Juxing walked over. The night breeze was cooler than in the day. “You’ll catch a cold like this,” he said, sitting beside her on a wicker chair.

Lin Wanbai tilted her head. “It’s fine. Don’t you remember I insisted on wearing dresses even in winter?”

“I remember. You caught a cold the very next day.”

She laughed, then furrowed her brows, thinking carefully. “Why don’t I remember that?”

Of course, she did. It was probably their first real date, just the two of them. She must have been eighteen, wearing a dress for the sake of appearance, covered in heat pads but still feeling cold.

Most importantly, wanting more contact with him, she dragged him ice skating.

He was so aloof back then; she fell again and again, and he watched coldly, never once offering a hand.

Just thinking about it, her butt still hurt. She clicked her tongue, rubbed her backside, and said, “All I remember is my butt nearly split open, and you didn’t even hold my hand.”

“Want to skate again?” he asked.

She turned toward his gaze. “What do you mean?”

“Go skating again, if you want.”

She arched her brow and smiled. “No, and if I did, it wouldn’t be with you.”

The night wind swept her thin dress, fluttering the hem.

As the skirt threatened to fly up, Fu Juxing reached out in time, gathering the silky fabric in his hand and gently pulling it down to cover her legs completely.

Lin Wanbai didn’t move, but watched from the corner of her eye, keenly aware of his hand brushing her ankle.

Fu Juxing sat behind her, elbows on his knees, fingers still gripping her skirt. The fabric was true silk, smooth, and he noticed there was a slit in the dress. If he let go, her legs would show again.

Lin Wanbai watched him, then after a while, sat up and gently tugged her skirt from between his fingers. “I’m feeling energetic now. What should I do?”

“Go back to your room.”

“No.” She pressed her feet together, placing them neatly on the footrest, gazing at him with unwavering eyes.

Fu Juxing pursed his lips, the atmosphere suddenly tinged with ambiguity.

Lin Wanbai leaned closer, her subtle fragrance twining around his nose, elusive yet binding.

He swallowed, and as he turned his head, Lin Wanbai raised her hand, covering his lips with her fingers, eyes bright and smiling. “Accompany me out for a while.”

A flicker of confusion crossed his eyes, but he quickly understood her intention.

He pulled her hand away, his expression turning cold, the earlier intimacy evaporating. “It’s late.”

“That’s why you need to come with me.”

His gaze deepened. “At a time like this…”

“Fu Juxing, you have no choice. You promised, we agreed. I’m full of energy now—I need to find my boyfriend, and you must cooperate.”

She patted his shoulder, stood up, and widened the distance between them. As she headed downstairs, she urged him to hurry.

Ten minutes later, Lin Wanbai, wrapped in a coat, sat in the passenger seat.

Fu Juxing got in, started the car, and slowly drove out of the garage, leaving the river behind.

Han Chen had already moved out from the school and was now living in the Dawn Hotel Apartments, conveniently near the campus and easily accessible by subway. Yang Ruyue had originally offered him a car, but he declined.

Because of Zhou Quan’s incident, the classmates who had seen Lin Wanbai last time in the classroom remembered her vividly. With Han Chen moving out at this sensitive time, rumors flourished on campus.

The main source was Ji Xiaoxiao’s two close friends, notorious for spreading gossip.

They claimed he had caught the eye of a wealthy patron, was juggling two relationships, and now abandoned Ji Xiaoxiao to be kept by someone else. The stories grew nastier by the day.

But Han Chen acted as if he didn’t know, continuing with his life—attending classes, working part-time, and diligently submitting resumes.

When he met Ji Xiaoxiao on campus, he treated her like a stranger, never speaking to her again, nor did he reveal her affairs outside. Yet Ji Xiaoxiao remained uneasy, always seeking a chance to talk privately.

Coincidentally, she had time to visit today and ran into Lin Wanbai.

Lin Wanbai arrived first.

Fu Juxing dropped her at the door. She pulled out a key and said, “I had Yang Ruyue rent the apartment next door for me. I’ve had it cleaned and everything inside replaced.”

If you’re going to cover for someone, do it thoroughly.

Fu Juxing glanced at her, took the key, saying nothing extra.

Lin Wanbai lifted her chin. “Go in first.”

“I’ll watch you go inside.”

They stood at an impasse for a moment. Lin Wanbai turned, pressed the doorbell, and soon the door opened.

Han Chen had just finished his shower. Seeing her, he was momentarily stunned, and then surprised by the man behind her, unsure what to say.

It felt like being caught in the act.

Lin Wanbai, however, strode in unconcerned, her nose sharp. “Just showered? Smells nice.”

She closed the door behind her, shutting Fu Juxing out.

Changing her shoes, she walked a few steps, then suddenly doubled back, leaning against the door, peering out through the peephole, just catching sight of him moving aside.

Han Chen stood quietly behind her, watching.

Lin Wanbai stayed peering for a while, her bottom sticking out, swaying left and right, surprisingly cute.

Han Chen chuckled softly, “If you’re so curious, why not open the door and look?”

She froze, then stood upright, feigning nonchalance as she walked to the living room, announcing, “I’m sleeping here tonight.”

“But there’s nothing of yours here, won't it be inconvenient?”

Lin Wanbai narrowed her eyes, watching Han Chen still standing in the entryway. “Are you refusing me?”

He shrugged. “I’m worried you’d be uncomfortable.”

“I showered before coming, and I’ve had Yang Ruyue prepare a room here, with all my things. Why would I be uncomfortable? You’re overthinking. And you must never refuse me again, not for anything.” She straightened like an empress, issuing commands. “Understood?”

“Alright.” He smiled and went to pour her some water.

After bringing the water out, he saw her at the door, peering out again.

He set the glass on the coffee table. “Your water’s here. I’ll be in the study.”

She waved him off.

Han Chen gave her a glance, then went to the study.

Lin Wanbai sat for less than ten minutes before the doorbell rang. She remained calm on the sofa. When it rang again, Han Chen came out, “Why don’t you open the door?”

“Why should I?” She sat cross-legged, her coat discarded somewhere, dressed only in a camisole.

A single glance from Han Chen, and he immediately looked away, his ears flushing red. He frowned slightly. “Put something on first.”

Then he went to open the door.

But Lin Wanbai didn’t listen, crossing her legs and letting her skirt slide down, revealing her long legs, toes curled, leaning back leisurely and alluring.

Han Chen coughed, suddenly understanding her intention. He opened the door without hesitation.

But it wasn’t Fu Juxing at the door—it was Ji Xiaoxiao.

He froze, unable to react.

Ji Xiaoxiao wore a thin smile, her eyes brimming with tears. “Han Chen, can I talk to you alone?”

Lin Wanbai had been listening, with the TV muted for clarity. Ji Xiaoxiao’s voice came through clearly. She raised her brows, instantly losing interest, and turned up the volume.

The sudden sound startled Ji Xiaoxiao. “Is... is someone here?”

Han Chen nodded.

Ji Xiaoxiao blinked, seeming to realize something. “Is it her?”

Han Chen didn’t answer, but his silence was affirmation.

Her smile faltered, tinged with mockery. “I’m only here to ask that you don’t share my affairs. I’ll speak to Deng Shan and Feng Mei myself. No matter what rumors arise in the future, it won’t come from them. I promise.”

“Don’t worry, I won’t say anything now or ever.”

“Thank you.” She forced a smile, then decided to voice what was on her mind. “Han Chen, she’s a married woman.”

“I know that very well. But my matters are no longer your concern. Just focus on your own life.”

His tone was calm, clearly unwilling to continue. “It’s late, you should get home.”

Ji Xiaoxiao gave a self-deprecating laugh. “Alright. Goodbye.”

“Goodbye.”

With that, Han Chen closed the door without hesitation, not looking at her again.

Two years of sincerity ended there.

He stood at the door for a while, then turned to see Lin Wanbai at the cabinet, hands cupping her chin, watching him silently, having approached without a sound.

Han Chen was startled, his gaze deepening, brows knitted. “What are you doing?”

“Are you sad?”

“No,” he insisted, turning away.

“There’s no one else here, you don’t need to lie. I can tell—you are sad.”

He headed for the study, but stopped abruptly at the doorway, turning suddenly. Lin Wanbai was right behind him, nearly colliding.

He quickly stepped back, keeping three paces between them.

“What are you afraid of?” She moved closer. “Do I look so ugly that you’re terrified?”

“Why are you following me so closely?”

“What do you want to say?” She clasped her hands behind her back, smiling brightly.

Han Chen was thrown off by her, forgetting what he’d intended to say.

She tilted her head, waiting for his answer.

They stared at each other for a moment. Han Chen suddenly smiled, stepped closer, bending slightly to meet her gaze. “We’re both lost souls, should we comfort each other?”

Lin Wanbai arched her brows, then laughed, reaching out to pinch his cheek hard. “You look so funny.”

Her grip was fierce, and Han Chen winced, his expression breaking. He pulled away, rubbing his face. “Are you crazy?”

“Drink?” she suggested. “To celebrate your single life.”

“No.” His brows knitted tighter. “I have a contract to draft for my advisor.”

“Doesn’t matter, you must drink.” She grabbed his hand, dragged him to the living room, pushed him onto the sofa, and went to fetch the alcohol, moving as if she were in her own home.

Which, in truth, she was.

After two drinks, Han Chen began to speak his mind. “Did you come to me to spite your husband?”

Lin Wanbai leaned on her chin, swirling her glass, thinking carefully. “Not exactly.”

“Not exactly?” Han Chen stared at her lips, swallowing.

She closed her eyes, as if struggling to recall, then suddenly opened them. “I want to fall in love with someone else.”

That night, Lin Wanbai drank plenty, but Han Chen succumbed first, passing out on the floor. Before going to bed, Lin Wanbai threw a blanket over him and went off to sleep in the bedroom.

Early the next morning, the doorbell rang.

Han Chen struggled up from the floor to answer.

Fu Juxing stood at the door, impeccably dressed. Han Chen, still groggy, couldn’t recall why he was there.

Without a word, Fu Juxing pulled him out and entered on his own.

Han Chen, stunned for a moment, grabbed him. “What are you doing?”

Fu Juxing’s gaze was sharp. “Let go.”

“This is my house. Why should you go in?” Han Chen frowned.

Fu Juxing sneered, not wasting words. “Let go.”

His tone was light, but his look was cold and hard, as if a single extra word would provoke him.

Han Chen’s brows furrowed tighter, but he was intimidated by Fu Juxing’s presence and slowly released him.

Fu Juxing straightened his clothes and strode inside.

Han Chen was slowly waking up, head splitting from yesterday’s excess. He knocked his own forehead and followed.

Lin Wanbai was still asleep. Fu Juxing closed the bedroom door, not waking her immediately.

He stood by the bed, surveying the simple room, faintly scented with alcohol. Her bed was tidy, no clothes scattered on the floor. He sat down, pulling the blanket back from her face to reveal most of it.

She frowned, disturbed, and rolled over, burying herself deeper in the covers.

Yet, with a new presence in the room, she sensed it, her mind slowly clearing. She suddenly threw off the blanket, turned, and looked sideways—right into Fu Juxing’s impassive face.

She glanced at him, said nothing, and sat up, leaving the room.

She went straight to the bathroom, slamming the door. Soon, the sound of running water echoed.

She frowned, turning slowly, only to see Han Chen, stark naked, showering.

She paused, turning away. “Why are you showering here?”

Han Chen, halfway through, wrapped himself hastily in a towel, face burning. “Shouldn’t I be asking you that? I locked the door.”

He had, but the key was still in the lock.

Lin Wanbai hadn’t expected him to shower in the guest bathroom—his master bedroom had its own.

Han Chen wiped his face. “I... I’ll leave.”

“Leave for what?” Lin Wanbai blocked the door. “Turn on the water.”

“Huh?”

“I said turn on the shower, quickly.” She spoke in a low voice.

Han Chen obeyed, and steam filled the bathroom. Lin Wanbai pressed her ear to the door, listening intently. Han Chen stood awkwardly, unsure what to do.

Luckily, the guest bathroom was spacious, and Lin Wanbai was fully absorbed in listening, paying no mind to his state of undress.

After a while, Lin Wanbai suddenly bumped into the door, letting out a suggestive cry.

Han Chen frowned, his heart skipping a beat.

Then Lin Wanbai seemed to remember his presence, blinking at him, whispering, “Make some noise.”

He shook his head firmly, brows tightly drawn.

He then witnessed a grand performance—a one-woman show.

This woman continually amazed him; he couldn’t fathom what went on in her mind, what kind of person she truly was.

After about half an hour, she seemed bored, finished her washing, left her hair half-wet, and walked out.

The steam had reddened her skin—she was sensitive, prone to blushing. At that moment, her arms and legs bore enticing red marks.

Fu Juxing hadn’t left; he stood at the living room window, gazing outside. Hearing movement, he turned, looked at her, as if he hadn’t heard anything. “Breakfast is ready.”

His voice was gentle, as always, without a hint of anomaly.

Lin Wanbai arched her brows and smiled. “Alright.”

Then, facing the bathroom, she called out, “Baby, breakfast’s ready. Hurry up.”

She went to sit at the table.

Fu Juxing approached, intending to pull out the chair beside her, but she stopped him. “That seat’s for Han Chen.”

He said nothing and sat opposite her.

Ten minutes later, Han Chen came out, changed clothes, and, unable to dry his hair, hurried to breakfast at Lin Wanbai’s urging.

He sat beside her, glanced at Fu Juxing, and took a deep breath.

What a bizarre morning.

Lin Wanbai leaned toward him, enthusiastically serving him food, even sharing her milk. “You drink half, I’ll drink half.”

Han Chen glanced at her, smiled, and drank under her warm gaze.

He stole a look at the man across the table. Fu Juxing was unfazed, focusing on his breakfast, unimpressed by their display.

Han Chen ate quickly, checked the time, and said, “I have to go, two morning classes.”

“Mm.” Lin Wanbai took a bite of sandwich, rose to send him to the door, then turned her face. “A kiss.”

Han Chen coughed, hesitated, but stepped forward, cupped her face, and placed his lips on his fingers instead of her cheek.

After he left, Lin Wanbai’s smile faded. She strode to the table, sat down, her back straight, not touching her food.

After a moment’s silence, Fu Juxing looked up. “Why aren’t you eating?”

Lin Wanbai said nothing, just kept smiling and stared at him.

“Is there something on my face?”

She laughed. “No, there’s grass on your face.” She said it jokingly, then resumed eating. “Thank you for breakfast. You’re quite the partner.”

With that, neither spoke, slowly finishing their meal.

Then Lin Wanbai went to shower. Fu Juxing stayed, sitting on the sofa, handling matters on his phone.

Lin Wanbai emerged, glanced at him in the living room, then fetched her phone and called Han Chen in front of him.

Han Chen was in the library, books spread before him but not really reading.

He saw the phone light up, waited a moment, then stepped outside to answer.

“What’s up?”

“How many classes today?” She softened her voice.

“Not too many, two in the afternoon. One big lecture soon.”

“I’m free today. I’ll come to class with you.”

Han Chen wanted to refuse, but before he could, Lin Wanbai hung up.

Fu Juxing reminded her, “With all the news lately, if you’re seen together again, it’ll only make things worse.”

Lin Wanbai ignored him, went to change clothes.

She disguised herself simply: casual outfit, hair in a ponytail, black-rimmed glasses, no makeup—a classic student look.

“You don’t need to follow me. Go handle Zhou Quan first.”

She grabbed her tote, ready to leave.

“I’ll drive you.”

“Fine.”

They went downstairs together. Fu Juxing personally drove her to the gates of S University.

As they arrived, Lin Wanbai called Han Chen. He was already waiting at the gate.

Before getting out, Lin Wanbai asked, “Want to see your old flame?”

Fu Juxing: “No.”

“Alright, I’m off. Goodbye.” She hopped out, slammed the door, and walked straight to Han Chen.

Fu Juxing didn’t leave immediately, only driving off after watching them enter the gate.

Lin Wanbai and Han Chen walked through the campus, neither speaking.

Han Chen didn’t disturb her reverie.

After a while, she came back to herself and asked, “What time’s class?”

“Twenty minutes.”

“What were you doing?”

“I was in the library.”

“Studious.” She smiled.

He could tell she wasn’t in the best mood, but he didn’t dare linger outside; rumors about him abounded, and she was embroiled in scandal too. If they ran into gossips, it could spread online and hurt her.

He suggested, “Want to go to the classroom first? It’s a big lecture.”

“Alright.”

After a few steps, she suddenly stopped, tugging his sleeve. “Do I look older than you?”

“You’re only two years older.”

“That’s not much, but don’t dodge the question. Do I?”

“You look good—better than the campus belle.”

Lin Wanbai was pleased, then clicked her tongue. “Who asked if I looked good? I meant, do I look like a student?”

“You do. You look younger than me—baby-faced.”

“Big boobs?”

He paused, and Lin Wanbai laughed first; soon he joined in.

Then they headed to class.

It was still early, but a few students were already there—studious types. Han Chen, wanting to keep a low profile, chose a seat at the back. Lin Wanbai sat with him, flipping through his books. “Did you apply to Fu Corporation?”

“Yes.”

“How’s it going?”

“No reply yet.”

“Mm.” She nodded.

More students arrived, and the classroom soon buzzed. Groups chatted, played on their phones.

Five minutes later, the teacher arrived and the bell rang.

Her outfit was low-key today; aside from Han Chen’s dorm mates, nobody paid her much attention.

After class, they went to the cafeteria for lunch.

Unluckily, they ran into Ji Xiaoxiao and her two roommates.

Feng Mei spotted Han Chen immediately—he stood out in the crowd.

“Is that Lin Wanbai?” she asked.

Ji Xiaoxiao glanced over. “Don’t bother. We’ve broken up. I liked him, but I won’t speak ill. Neither should you. There’s a lot you don’t know; why spread rumors?”

Deng Shan clicked her tongue. “He was stolen, aren’t you angry?”

“No. What’s there to be angry about? I’m fine now.” She frowned, serious. “Anyway, don't gossip. Let's eat outside.”

Deng Shan and Feng Mei, seeing her upset, didn’t press. They’d argued about it last night and promised not to speak further.

Ji Xiaoxiao left first. Feng Mei, after some thought, secretly snapped a few photos.

She posted them directly on Weibo.

That afternoon, Han Chen had two more classes.

But Lin Wanbai wanted to go ice skating. The classes weren’t crucial, so he skipped them to accompany her.

The old rink was gone; the new one had replaced it.

Lin Wanbai still couldn’t skate; once on the ice she could barely stand.

Luckily, Han Chen could. She gripped his hand tightly.

Han Chen was patient, teaching her the basics, keeping a firm hold. Thanks to his guidance, she didn’t fall, and even managed to skate a bit on her own.

“Take your time, I’ll be behind you. I won’t let you fall. Be bold,” Han Chen said, moving behind her, his hands gently leaving her shoulders.

Lin Wanbai stretched her arms for balance, following his instructions, and soon succeeded. Still at a beginner’s level, but she was delighted.

They played for a long time, and Lin Wanbai was thoroughly happy.

Just outside the rink, she spotted Fu Juxing, standing at the entrance, talking on his phone.

Han Chen said nothing, and seeing her lost in thought, helped her remove her skates and put on her shoes.

Halfway through, she pulled away. “I can do it.”

He let go.

Fu Juxing finished his call, noticed them, and walked over. “Let’s go home.”

“Alright.”

The three left together.

Han Chen offered to head back alone. Lin Wanbai didn’t insist, watching him enter the subway before getting in the car.

On the way, Fu Juxing showed her a photo—she and Han Chen in the university cafeteria.

She glanced at it, making no comment.

Fu Juxing said, “It wasn’t posted online. I had someone hack Zhou Quan’s Weibo, and someone sent it to her.”

“Who took it?”

“A student named Feng Mei from S University.”

“I see.”

“Xiao Bai…”

Lin Wanbai anticipated his words. “Fine, I won’t go out for a while.”

She turned to gaze out the window.

Fu Juxing said no more.

As they neared the river, Lin Wanbai said, “Let’s not go to Grandpa’s. Let’s go to the Fu residence.”

“Hm?”

“If you want to untie the knot, you need the person who tied it. There’s no point in staying at Grandpa’s; it’s only effective at the Fu house. Let’s go.”

The car turned, and Fu Juxing called ahead to the Fu home.

They arrived at the Si Bei district.

The steward and Aunt Song, Madam Jiang’s longtime servant, waited at the door. The car stopped, and the steward opened the door.

Lin Wanbai got out. Aunt Song said, “Madam asked me to show you to your room. If anything’s lacking, let me know and I’ll arrange it. But the Fu family doesn’t believe in extravagance. Second young madam, you’re used to comfort at your own home, but here things might be more modest. Madam said, if you’re used to delicacies, try some simple fare to learn appreciation.”

“Madam is right. I’m here for a few days of austerity.”

Aunt Song led them to the room—where Fu Juxing used to stay.

He lived alone, a small room, even less than the servants’.

She hadn’t stayed here when she married in.

Lin Wanbai arched her brow, laughed. “It’s hard to go from luxury to simplicity. Just looking at it feels tough. Does everyone here live like this?”

Aunt Song said nothing, smiling politely.

Lin Wanbai looked around. Small, but well decorated, with a touch of warmth.

Aunt Song said, “If you need anything, tell me. Reasonable requests will be met. Rest for now, but remember to visit Madam in the prayer room an hour before dinner.”

Aunt Song left.

Lin Wanbai sat at the desk. Only a lamp, nothing else, very clean.

Fu Juxing said, “You didn’t have to come with me. I planned to return alone.”

“Why didn’t you say so earlier?” she tilted her head. “If you’d mentioned it on the way, I wouldn’t have come.”

He laughed silently.

After a moment, he said, “It’s better with you here.”

Lin Wanbai watched him, smirked, and turned away.

She’d never known he’d grown up in such a room. She looked around; it was almost devoid of signs of life.

His things never stayed—nothing remained.

Especially the things he cared for; Jiang Shuzhi would destroy them immediately, right in front of him.

Fu Juxing checked the time. “Let’s go. We’ll be right on time.”

“Alright.”

Together, they went to the prayer room. Jiang Shuzhi was inside. Aunt Song stopped them outside, then after half an hour, let them in.

Jiang Shuzhi sat sipping tea. The prayer room was lavish.

The Buddha statue gleamed with gold.

Clearly, a lot of money had been spent.

They stood side by side before Jiang Shuzhi, greeting her, “Grandmother.”

Jiang Shuzhi set down her cup, smiling kindly, like a living Buddha. “Xiao Bai’s trouble this time is no small matter. Old Lin called me, asking me to watch over you for a few days, so you don’t get into more trouble. He said so, how could I refuse? Even if you’re a hot potato, I have to take you. Besides, you’re our daughter-in-law. With such a mess, it’s our responsibility to fix it.”

“But this concerns Lin Yao, so we can’t really help. It’s a family matter for you Lin folks. Poor Lin Yao, gone so suddenly—such misfortune! If she hadn’t boarded that ship, she’d have a bright future. I remember she danced beautifully, didn’t she?”

“I recall at my birthday banquet, she performed and received much applause. What was her status then? Was she Ah Xing’s fiancée?” She patted her head. “My memory’s not what it used to be. Ah Xing, am I wrong?”

She was being deliberate, and Lin Wanbai could tell.

Fu Juxing: “You’re not wrong, Grandmother.”

“Such a pity. The girl was lovely. Of course, she can’t compare to Xiao Bai. Ah Xing is lucky to have you, though that luck cost a girl’s life, which is uncomfortable.”

Lin Wanbai lowered her gaze, keeping a smile, saying nothing, letting the old woman talk as she pleased.

Jiang Shuzhi sighed. “Now that the remains are found, it’s some comfort—fallen leaves returning home, dying abroad is cruel. Xiao Bai, remember to have monks chant for her; I’m sure she harbors resentment.”

Lin Wanbai smiled. “We’ve already done so, don’t worry.”

“Good. Don’t stand, sit down.” She beckoned.

They sat.

No sooner had they settled than sounds came from outside. Aunt Song checked, then joyfully announced, “Miao Miao is here.”

“Miao Miao’s back?” Jiang Shuzhi was delighted.

Fu Miao was the family’s only granddaughter, a stellar student, who went abroad at eighteen, about the same age as Lin Wanbai. She rarely visited.

Her sudden return was a great surprise.

Jiang Shuzhi was thrilled; she adored her granddaughter.

In contrast, Lin Wanbai and Fu Miao’s relationship was strained.

They were once mere acquaintances, but after Lin Wanbai ruined her wedding with Fu Yanchuan and married Fu Juxing, Fu Miao took a strong dislike to her.

Of course, Lin Wanbai didn’t care for her approval.

She wasn’t currency; there was no need to be liked by all.

Jiang Shuzhi rose, happily welcoming her.

Lin Wanbai stayed put; Fu Juxing got up as well.

She glanced at him. “Don’t go. You’ll ruin their reunion.”

He replied gently, “It’s only polite to greet her.”

“Either way, it’s not good. Sitting isn’t good, going out isn’t good—they just don’t like you. So just sit and save some energy. Sit.”

Just then, Fu Miao’s bright voice rang out from outside.

From the sound, it was clear their relationship was excellent.