Chapter 36: The Scales

Fu Miao shot Lin Wanbai a glare, lowering her voice as she said, "If anything happens to Grandma, I won't let you off."

At a time like this, Lin Wanbai naturally thought it best to remain silent; after all, they were all members of the Fu family, and anything she said could easily turn into trouble.

She had been alone with Jiang Shuzhi at the time, just the two of them. To say she was entirely uninvolved didn't seem quite right either. She just wished she had taken a video to prove her innocence—now she truly understood how easy it was to be falsely accused.

Fu Juxing pulled her aside to a discreet corner and quietly asked, "What exactly happened?"

Lin Wanbai put on a nonchalant face and said, "How should I know? She was fine one moment and then suddenly collapsed. I was scared out of my wits—I’ll have nightmares tonight for sure."

"Is that really all?"

"What else? Did you think I deliberately angered her?" Lin Wanbai chuckled. "If she were so easily killed by anger, she would have died a long time ago."

"Xiaobai..."

"Enough, don’t talk to me. Did you actually place that item where she told you to?"

"I did."

"Did you open it and look inside?"

"No, the elder who was with me said it shouldn’t be opened."

"I'm just guessing, and I hope I'm wrong. In a couple of days, news of her hospitalization will probably explode online. That Buddha statue you delivered is bound to be problematic. We'll find out exactly what kind of problem soon enough." Lin Wanbai gave a self-mocking laugh. "That old witch—her acting skills are world-class. I almost believed her myself."

"What?"

She waved it off. "Nothing. Just wait and see."

She glanced toward the emergency room. Everyone was waiting anxiously, some sitting, others standing.

After about an hour, the doctor finally emerged. Fu Yonghui stepped forward at once. "Doctor, how is my mother?"

"Nothing life-threatening, fortunately. She was brought in just in time—if it had been any later, she might have been paralyzed. Please, don’t upset the old lady anymore."

Fu Miao picked up on the key phrase. "So, this was caused by someone upsetting her?"

"Most likely she suffered an excessive emotional shock." The doctor glanced at the chart in his hand. "The patient also has a history of heart disease. We've warned you before: she can't get angry or be emotionally agitated, and even strenuous exercise should be avoided at her age. If something really happens, she won't be able to bear it. This time, nothing too serious occurred, so you should count yourselves lucky. But your family must be careful in the future."

"She's getting old, and her time is limited. As her children, you must be more tolerant. Even if she acts out in the future, you should be patient. She still hopes to see her great-grandchildren born."

This doctor was Jiang Shuzhi's private physician; he knew her medical history inside and out, and was familiar with the whole family. Half the Fu family's medical records were in his hands.

"She’s stable now and has regained consciousness. She'll be transferred to a regular room soon and will need a couple of days in the hospital. Only two of you need to stay to look after her; too many people will disturb her rest."

They began to discuss who would stay.

Fu Changjun was definitely to remain.

Fu Yonghui, however, felt Fu Changjun was unnecessary. "Dad, why don’t you go home and rest? Leave Mom to us, her children. I just called Dianyi, and she’s on her way. Let Dianyi and me stay with Mom; the rest of you can go home."

"I'll stay too," Fu Miao said.

Fu Yonghui considered this and was about to agree when Fu Yongyi interjected, pulling his second son over. "Let Yanzheng stay."

Fu Yonghui frowned. "Xiao Zheng staying won’t help much."

"How not? Xiao Zheng is more meticulous than Miao. He just doesn't talk much, but he's diligent." Fu Yongyi argued. Fu Yanzheng stood by, looking indifferent, neither involved nor eager.

Fu Yonghui knew well what Fu Yongyi was thinking.

"Yongyi, now isn't the time to be so petty."

"Fine, then I’ll stay. I’m her own son—surely you can trust me?"

The two locked eyes for a moment.

Just then, Fu Dianyi arrived, bringing her children along. "How’s Mom?"

"She’s fine; Doctor Fang says she’s stable now. We're just deciding who will stay with her."

"All of you go home. I’ll stay and look after Mom. As her daughter, it’s my duty."

Fu Dianyi was brisk and decisive, settling the matter immediately. No one objected, for her husband Yuan Wei held considerable weight in political circles. Even though she was a married daughter, when she returned home, her voice still carried authority.

Jiang Shuzhi liked to consult Fu Dianyi on many matters.

Fu Dianyi had inherited many of Jiang Shuzhi’s traits—she was calm and clear-headed, taking the best from both her parents. When she married, she knew exactly what kind of man she wanted.

She had made an excellent marriage, even though at the time Yuan Wei didn't have his current status, and Jiang Shuzhi had been dissatisfied. But now, it was clear her daughter had sharp eyes and exceptional judgment.

Once everything was settled, everyone except Fu Dianyi went home.

Jiang Shuzhi was taken to her hospital room; she was awake and, seeing Fu Dianyi, smiled. "They even called you here."

Fu Dianyi poured some water and handed it to her. "Of course Big Brother called me as soon as you collapsed."

"You brought the children, too," Jiang Shuzhi observed, seeing Yuan Lu and Yuan Heng standing behind her.

Both greeted her in unison. "Grandma."

She nodded with a smile. "Isn't Yuan Heng abroad? When did he come back?"

"He just returned in the past few days. I was planning to go to Sibei, but Big Brother called first." She sent Yuan Heng out to buy some fruit, and both children left, leaving mother and daughter alone.

Fu Dianyi smiled. "When I arrived, I saw Xiaobai and Fu Juxing were here too."

Jiang Shuzhi said nothing, lazily reclining against her pillow, eyes narrowed in contentment and satisfaction.

This was probably the child who pleased her most.

"Was what happened today really an accident, or was it deliberate?"

Jiang Shuzhi chuckled, took a sip of warm water, but neither confirmed nor denied it.

After a while, Fu Dianyi said, "Mom, I actually think, by now, it's time to let some things go."

Jiang Shuzhi shook her head. "You, of all people, should understand me best. How can you say such things and make me unhappy? I just came out of the emergency room, and you want to send me back in?"

"Your health is excellent, that much I know. As for the emergency room, you can go in whenever you wish—half this hospital is funded by you; you can do as you please, and the entire medical staff is at your beck and call."

"My time is short, but that bastard only gets better every day. You have no idea how much I suffer. Let it go? I can't until Fu Juxing is dead."

"But if you think carefully, he hasn't actually done anything wrong," Fu Dianyi said.

"You shouldn't think that way. Remember, you're my daughter. You must never show him mercy. He's a wolf; if you show him kindness, he'll devour you in the end. You must strangle him in the cradle before he grows strong—never ever let him rise."

Jiang Shuzhi gripped her hand, eyes fixed on her. "Dianyi, you’re the dearest to me. Even though you’re married, you can’t ignore this. I’m counting on Yuan Wei to help me."

Fu Dianyi only smiled, taking the cup and setting it aside, offering no reply.

That, in itself, made her attitude clear: she did not wish to be involved.

"Is something troubling you?" Jiang Shuzhi asked.

Fu Dianyi paused, then looked up, her eyes growing solemn. "A few days ago, Old Master Lin came to see me."

"He did? Why?"

"Mom, Yuan Wei is at a crucial juncture in his career. If you really offend Lin Zhaowei, Yuan Wei's future will hang by a thread. If he fails this time, he'll never advance—and not only that, he’ll be sidelined. Do you understand the risk?"

Jiang Shuzhi fell silent, her expression turning grim.

Lowering her voice, Fu Dianyi continued, "You’ve really lost your head this time. Of all people, Lin Zhaowei is the last you should antagonize. What you ought to do is stir up Lin’s family against Fu Juxing and make Xiaobai lose hope in him. If you fall out with Lin Zhaowei, you’ll only damage your own interests and give Fu Juxing the upper hand."

"Right now, everything you've done is helping him."

Jiang Shuzhi frowned, and only then, seeing the current situation, did she realize this was not what she had intended. How had things come to this?

...

Back in Sibei District.

Lin Wanbai had meant to return to her room for some rest.

Fu Yonghui said, "Let’s all go to the side hall. We need to talk about what happened today—I want to know exactly what took place." His face was stern. He glanced at Lin Wanbai, then turned and walked toward the side hall.

Ten minutes later, everyone was gathered there. The elders took their seats, and the younger generation had their places as well—except for Lin Wanbai and Fu Juxing, whose chairs were conspicuously missing.

This was an interrogation.

Lin Wanbai was not intimidated. Casually, she asked, "Where should we sit?"

Fu Yonghui sat in Jiang Shuzhi’s former place, Fu Changjun on the other side, rubbing his brow with exhaustion. Fu Yonghui sat upright, his tone still civil, "Xiaobai, this is a serious matter."

"It is quite serious, but thankfully nothing happened. Grandma really should get a thorough checkup, otherwise she wouldn’t have collapsed so suddenly."

"Suddenly?" Fu Yonghui smiled. "A fine word, suddenly. I’ve already asked Dr. Fang about her condition. As long as she takes her medication and remains calm, there’s no way something like this would happen. Understand?"

Yuan Yujuan spoke up, "Xiaobai, we know you have some grievances with Grandma. Last time, when she made you stand as punishment, it was only because dinner started before you arrived, and you took it to heart. But she’s still the elder, and as people age, they get eccentric. You weren’t singled out—she’s done the same to Yanchuan and the others. There’s no special treatment."

"And we know you're the only daughter in the Lin family, cherished by all. We've done our best to treat you as a priority, but Grandma’s temperament has only grown more peculiar with age. When you’re not around, she often praises you, saying no one can compare to you—not even Miao."

She got up and walked over to Lin Wanbai, speaking earnestly. "So, don't quarrel with Grandma. If anything really happened, you’d feel bad too, wouldn't you?"

This gentle persuasion was a sharp blade.

The words seemed soft, but every sentence pointed to Lin Wanbai being the cause of the incident.

Lin Wanbai smiled at her but before she could speak, Fu Juxing stepped in. "Aunt, that’s unfair. Xiaobai already said Grandma collapsed suddenly and was frightened herself. Your words are an accusation."

Yuan Yujuan’s smile never changed. She looked at him as if she hadn’t heard, taking Lin Wanbai’s hand. "Xiaobai, if you’re ever unhappy, come to me and I'll help you with anything I can. If it's not solvable, we can discuss it together, right?"

"Xiaobai has always been well-behaved," Fu Juxing replied. "Grandpa raised her well—she’s not the type to throw tantrums or deliberately challenge her elders."

Fu Yonghui, unable to hold back, slammed the table. "Fu Juxing, is it your turn to speak? I know you’re not close to Grandma, maybe you even resent her. Xiaobai used to be such a gentle, lively girl, but after marrying you, she’s changed. I really wonder if you’ve been whispering things in her ear, turning her against Grandma."

Fu Changjun looked over. "You’re in quite a mood today."

Unfazed, Fu Yonghui returned his gaze, bristling with anger. "Mom is lying in the hospital and I’m furious. This shouldn't have happened—it was avoidable. She’s worked her whole life for this family and the company, only to suffer this when she finally retires. If anything happened to her, I’d hold someone accountable! Aren’t you angry at all, Dad?"

His attitude was even more overbearing, making it clear that even the elders could be overruled by the younger generation—such good children Jiang Shuzhi had raised!

Fu Changjun smirked. "Who are you yelling at now?"

"Dad, you’re confused and can’t tell right from wrong. If you don’t want to listen, you can leave. I was going to have the maid take you back to your room to rest anyway."

"I’m not dead yet!" Fu Changjun barked, slamming his cane on the table. He clutched his chest, breathing heavily, and pointed at him. "As long as I’m alive, it’s not your place to shout here!"

Fu Yanchuan, sitting closest, hurried over to support the old man and turned to Fu Yonghui. "Dad, nothing is settled yet. You shouldn’t say such things. Grandma is awake now—let’s wait until she returns to discuss this. Besides, I believe Xiaobai wouldn’t intentionally provoke Grandma. If she would, she’d have done it last time when Grandma made her stand as punishment. Why wait until now?"

Fu Yonghui frowned.

Fu Miao stood up and said, "Didn’t Granny Song come back with us? She must know something. Let’s call her in and ask. Of course, Xiaobai is the Lin family’s only daughter, adored by all—we can’t afford to offend her. And with Grandma being fine, maybe we’re just making a fuss over nothing."

Lin Wanbai watched them with little reaction. In a brief moment of silence, she spoke up. "I don’t see the point of all this. If you really think it’s my fault, call my grandfather and let both families sit down together to talk things out. These past days, I’ve done everything Grandma asked—served tea, fetched water, even helped with laundry."

"Is Grandma really fair to me and Fu Juxing? I never see you speak up when it matters, but now everyone’s making such a fuss. Selective blindness?"

"I’ve never seen you wash Grandma’s clothes," Granny Song interjected as she entered, her face stern.

Lin Wanbai never expected the old woman to speak up for her—she’d settle for not being slandered.

She rolled her eyes inwardly.

Fu Miao pulled Granny Song over. "You were with Grandma all along—you must know what happened."

Granny Song looked down, then at Fu Changjun. "Master, may I speak?"

Before Fu Changjun could answer, Lin Wanbai said, "Wait. Let me call my grandfather and have him come over. When he arrives, you can speak."

She took out her phone, ready to dial.

"No need," Fu Changjun said. "It’s a small matter; there’s no need to trouble Old Lin. Since it’s a family affair, it should be settled behind closed doors. Go ahead, Xiao Song."

Granny Song nodded. "I wasn’t in the room, only outside, but I heard some commotion."

"What kind of commotion?" Fu Miao pressed.

"I didn’t hear clearly—perhaps an argument. Then I heard a teacup fall. Thinking something might be wrong, I went in. The moment I entered, I saw the old lady on the ground, and Second Young Madam was still calmly sitting in her chair, showing no concern."

Fu Miao snorted, turning to Lin Wanbai. "So, you were frightened, were you?"

Lin Wanbai nodded calmly. "Yes."

Fu Changjun asked, "So what are you implying, Xiao Song?"

Granny Song replied, "The Second Young Madam has indeed come to the old lady’s side every day, staying from morning till night, very obedient and docile. But every night, when I helped the old lady to bed, I could sense she was deeply exhausted—mentally, not physically. The old lady was never like this before. Chanting and praying always put her in a good mood, but lately she’s been going to bed weary and troubled."

She didn’t state it outright, but anyone with sense could tell it was Lin Wanbai’s presence that had unsettled the old lady. It wasn’t sudden; the stress had built up over days, culminating in today’s episode.

Fu Juxing spoke up again, his tone icy, his face expressionless. "You can target me all you want, but don’t slander Xiaobai."

Lin Wanbai looked at him. He so rarely stood up for himself in such settings; at least, she had never seen it. As a child, he had bristled like a hedgehog, wary of everyone, his eyes full of hostility toward the world—she included.

Back then, the children in their circle loved to torment him, destroying everything he cared about, hitting and mocking him, sometimes going so far as to strip off his pants.

One incident was seared into Lin Wanbai’s memory: in sixth grade, someone mean-spiritedly pulled down his pants—a cruel humiliation. He hid in the restroom all day.

Lin Wanbai and Lin Jingyu had bought him new pants, but since it was the boys’ restroom, Lin Jingyu wouldn’t let her enter. In the end, Lin Yao delivered them herself.

To spare his dignity, Lin Wanbai and Lin Jingyu hid away, making sure he didn’t see them.

As a child, he had fought back fiercely, but it was useless. Jiang Shuzhi always blamed him regardless of the facts. Even if he was in the right, he was always at fault—he was the one who had to apologize, the one who was punished.

At school, he was always isolated, with no one willing to stand by him.

Their school included kindergarten through high school. Kindergarten and elementary shared one campus, middle and high another, separated only by a street. Even though Lin Wanbai was younger, she could always keep an eye on him.

By junior high, only physical bullying could get a rise from him; otherwise, he ignored everything, not even bothering to glance at his tormentors.

He was an exceptional student, always top of his class.

Lin Wanbai had once been utterly smitten with him, wishing she could be his guard dog, always at his side to bite those who hurt him.

She had, in fact, secretly helped him take revenge on those who bullied and mocked him—anonymously, so that to this day no one knew, not even Fu Juxing himself.

Not resisting was the right choice, for resistance only brought harsher punishment.

Watching him now, she quietly walked over and took his hand.

Fu Miao retorted, "No one here is slandering her. Granny Song didn’t say anything bad—she was simply describing Grandma’s condition. We’re not targeting you, so don’t be paranoid."

Lin Wanbai bristled at that, ready to argue—quarrelling was a woman’s domain, and she was well-trained. Fu Miao was no match for her.

But Fu Juxing tightened his grip, silently telling her to stay out of it. He smiled slightly. "Then blame me, if you must. We all know who Grandma dislikes most. Since Xiaobai went every day, I went too. I’d guess Grandma’s mood soured from seeing me day after day, leading to what happened. So don’t imagine Xiaobai was willful or intentionally caused this."

"That’s simply impossible. If she had done it, she’d admit it openly—she has nothing to hide. So there’s nothing to confess, no matter how many times you ask."

He looked at Lin Wanbai, his expression gentle. "Xiaobai was frightened today; she’s still shaken. We’ll go back to our room and rest. She’s said all she has to say. Believe it or not, it’s up to you. The rest of your discussion doesn’t concern us."

With that, he led Lin Wanbai out, ignoring everyone’s reactions.

Whatever they said, he paid them no mind.

The two quickly left the side hall, walking down the corridor. Lin Wanbai paused.

Fu Juxing turned back. "What is it?"

She smiled. "Nothing. I just wanted to say, you looked incredibly handsome just now."

He smiled faintly, lowered his gaze, and gently pulled her to his side. "Let’s go."

She said nothing, following him as a breeze brushed her face. She felt it was fragrant, like a spring wind in March—warm, sweet with the scent of flowers, stirring her heart.

Fu Juxing said, "I won’t let you be wronged again."

...

As expected, news of Jiang Shuzhi’s hospitalization broke the next day.

It fueled the image of Lin Wanbai as a vicious, willful heiress.

The box placed at Baohua Temple’s gate was also exposed. Superstitious onlookers claimed it was some kind of curse, meant to harm. Inside was not a statue of Guanyin, but a figurine of a woman—creepy in appearance—with Lin Yao’s photo attached to the back, along with her birth details.

The timing of the statue’s appearance was too coincidental; people couldn’t help but suspect Lin Yao’s death was related.

Lin Wanbai was surprised that, even in the 21st century, superstition was so rampant. People believed it without question, discussing it more heatedly than ever.

All sorts of ghost stories appeared.

Lin Wanbai read them with relish, as if reading horror tales.

Then she looked up at Fu Juxing, who was sitting nearby. "Did you have someone check Baohua Mountain? Is the box still there?"

"It’s gone."

"I’m really curious about what was inside. Didn’t you have anyone look?"

"No."

At that moment, the car entered the hospital gates. Lin Wanbai put away her phone and straightened her clothes.

When they got out of the elevator, they saw two bodyguards at Jiang Shuzhi’s door. As they got closer, Lin Wanbai realized Lin Zhaowei was there.

They knocked and entered.

Lin Zhaowei was sitting on the sofa with Lin Jingyu, while Fu Changjun sat at the bedside caring for Jiang Shuzhi. The atmosphere seemed pleasant.

The two entered and greeted everyone.

Lin Jingyu got up cheerfully, gripping Lin Wanbai’s hand as if they hadn't seen each other in a year, though it had only been a week. "You look like you’ve lost weight."

"Mom, you must be joking. If I could lose that much in a week, I’d be delighted."

"Then you just look haggard. Didn’t sleep well? Or are you upset about all the gossip online?"

"You're overthinking. I’m fine. But Grandma’s sudden collapse yesterday really scared me—I couldn’t sleep at all last night."

Jiang Shuzhi now wore a compassionate smile. "See? I told you Xiaobai was frightened. Not just her, even I was startled. I thought I was about to go. I still have so much left undone. I don’t want to leave yet."

She sighed. "I get older every year, and each day brings new worries. My health isn’t robust—I can't take anger or shock. People say when you live long enough, you stop fearing death, but I’m still afraid. I want to live a few more years. There’s still so much to do—look at my grandchildren, not one is married yet; it worries me to death. Every family has a scripture hard to recite, but mine has too many troubles. Sometimes I just can’t take care of everything. Brother Lin, you must understand, right?"

Her final words were clearly loaded.

Lin Zhaowei understood—she was hinting that, for the sake of both families, he should back down, perhaps even wanting Lin Wanbai and Fu Juxing to divorce.

He sat in silence for a moment, then glanced at Fu Juxing and Lin Wanbai. The two stood together; Lin Wanbai’s gaze was steady, just as it had been when she pleaded to marry Fu Juxing.

To separate them now? If it could be done, they wouldn’t have reached this point.

He rose, approached the bed, met Fu Changjun’s eyes briefly, then looked at Jiang Shuzhi. "Raising children for a hundred years, worrying for ninety-nine. We’re all the same. You’re lucky—your children are filial and obedient. Not like me—my daughter and granddaughter are always causing trouble, never listening. What can I do as their father and grandfather? Lock them up and watch them cry every day? Impossible."

"Look, Xiaobai was only in Sibei for a few days and you ended up in hospital. People might think she did something terrible to you. Xiaobai is my own granddaughter—her reputation is mine. All the gossip about her is as if they’re talking about me."

He bent and patted Jiang Shuzhi’s hand. "My precious child is being wrongly accused, and it pains me. I haven’t slept a peaceful night in days. I want things to be balanced, but that requires both sides to consider each other. If only I give way, my granddaughter will suffer too much, and I can’t bear to see it."

"Shuzhi, we’ve known each other for years; we know each other's temperament and ways. I know you’ve had it hard; so have I. Take care of yourself—stay in the hospital and rest well."

He smiled warmly, then turned to Lin Wanbai. "Let’s go home."

Jiang Shuzhi pursed her lips, recalling what Fu Dianyi told her the previous night. She took a deep breath and, just as they were about to leave, spoke up. "Xiaobai is doing well living with us. Since she came, my days have been much more pleasant. Don’t be fooled by my grandchildren—they may seem obedient, but none are as attentive as Xiaobai, who rises early to accompany me in the prayer hall all day. Brother Lin, you raised her so well."

"I’ve been wanting to ask you for advice on how to raise such a delightful granddaughter."

The change in tone was seamless.

Lin Zhaowei paused, turned back, and his smile brightened. "Is that so? I thought she’d been causing mischief."

"How could she? She’s copied many scriptures for me. Now that I’m ill, I refuse to let her go. She must stay and keep me company."

Lin Zhaowei’s turning back signaled reconciliation.

Both sides had given way, which was best for everyone.

After a moment’s eye contact, Lin Zhaowei said, "When you’re well, we’ll discuss this thoroughly. For now, your health comes first."

"Of course, of course."

They shook hands once more.

Fu Changjun breathed a quiet sigh of relief.

...

The next day, the police released an official statement online, declaring that after a thorough investigation, Zhou Quan’s allegations were unfounded; there had been no break-in, and the car accident was merely an accident, with no suspicion of foul play.

The police also commended Lin Wanbai for her cooperation and sternly warned against abusing police resources for publicity stunts.

Meanwhile, evidence surfaced online that Zhou Quan had paid off journalists and marketing accounts. Anonymous insiders revealed Zhou Quan was ruthlessly ambitious, desperate to break into showbiz by any means.

This time, she did gain some notoriety, but it backfired with the accident, leaving her with no future. Still, she was unwilling to give up, trying to exploit public sympathy for more attention.

But with the incident now exposed, Zhou Quan faced a fierce backlash online.

She could hardly stay in the hospital.

Lin Wanbai had originally planned to sue, but in the end, did nothing—she posted only a serene message on Weibo, as if she were a white lotus.

Online, both fans and paid accounts began to praise her.

Beautiful and kind-hearted.

She gained many new admirers.

When Jiang Shuzhi was discharged, numerous reporters came—most arranged by her—to clarify the earlier online rumors.

She held Lin Wanbai’s hand, smiling for the cameras, praising her effusively.

She also offered a brief explanation about the Baohua Mountain incident.

Afterward, they got into the car together.

In the videos and photos, the two looked every bit the loving grandmother and granddaughter.

The next day, Lin Wanbai arrived early at the prayer hall.

Jiang Shuzhi was actually in good spirits, her health robust.

Lin Wanbai came early and replaced Granny Song in looking after her, helping her dress and wash.

After washing up, Jiang Shuzhi sat at her dressing table as Lin Wanbai brushed her hair—untouched by dye, completely white, not a single black strand.

Lin Wanbai brushed it gently, praising, "Grandma, your hair is still so healthy—when you were young, it must have been beautiful."

Jiang Shuzhi smiled faintly, saying nothing.

Lin Wanbai styled her hair into a simple bun and pinned it with a jade hairpin. Jiang Shuzhi checked herself in the mirror. "I never thought you could do hair."

"I can do anything," Lin Wanbai replied.

"You’re a good child," Jiang Shuzhi said, standing and turning to face her. She studied her face for a moment, sighed, and shook her head. "It’s just a pity."

Lin Wanbai wasn’t offended and took her arm. "Grandma, today is my last day with you. Tomorrow I won’t disturb your peace anymore."

Jiang Shuzhi turned to look at her, squinting at her smiling eyes. They walked to the table and sat down for breakfast—Fu Juxing was absent that morning.

Jiang Shuzhi asked, "Do you feel like you’ve won?"

"Not at all. There are no winners or losers in a family," Lin Wanbai said, serving her porridge and sitting down to watch her eat.

"I really don’t understand—what do you see in him?"

"And I don’t understand—why must you crush him beneath your feet?"

They eyed each other for a long time before Jiang Shuzhi laughed softly. "You’ll regret it."

Lin Wanbai said nothing. She never expected to change Jiang Shuzhi’s mind—if she could, it would have happened long ago. But the old woman still couldn’t let go, and likely never would, not even in death.

There was no point wasting words.

Neither tried to persuade the other, nor did Jiang Shuzhi attempt to.

That afternoon, as Lin Wanbai was about to leave, Jiang Shuzhi said, "There’s a hidden compartment under the bookshelf in his room, something he made himself. It should be filled with things he treasures most. You can take a look, see what’s inside."

Lin Wanbai stopped and turned to her. "You haven’t looked?"

"No need."

"Then why should I?"

"You've put in so much effort for this man—don’t you want to know if you truly matter to him? Don’t you want to know if all you’ve done is worth it?"

Lin Wanbai smiled. "Thank you for the suggestion, Grandma. I’ll be sure to take a good look."

With that, she returned home.

Fu Juxing hadn’t come back yet. She sat at his desk, hesitated for a long time, then bent down to search beneath the bookshelf, finally finding the compartment. She opened the cover; the space was small. She reached in and pulled out a box.

It was plain, but she recognized it—she’d seen it before.

Inside was a bank card, a slip of paper, a train ticket, and a heart-shaped jade pendant on a red string.

She unfolded the paper. On it was a single line: [Let’s run away together. If you agree, come to the train station—I’ll be waiting.]

She recognized the handwriting.

After a moment, she put everything back as it was.

Just as she was about to stand, Fu Juxing entered.

"What are you doing?"