Chapter 37: We Will Never Divorce

After locking eyes with him for a few seconds, Lin Wanbai swiftly stood up and said, "Nothing happened, I just accidentally fell." She rubbed her backside and sat back down, appearing calm and composed, showing no sign of anything amiss.

Fu Juxing seemed to have no doubt, nodded, and said, "Be more careful."

Lin Wanbai obediently replied, then glanced at the time. "Why are you back so early today?"

He gave her a look. "I always come home at this hour."

"Really?" Lin Wanbai murmured, "I thought it should be later."

"That's because you used to stay at Grandma's, today you came home earlier."

Suddenly enlightened, she said, "That must be it."

Fu Juxing tugged at his tie and sat down in the single armchair beside her. "Why did you come home so early today? Is Grandma's health alright?"

"She's doing well. I won't go tomorrow; I've been waking up early for days and want to sleep in."

He responded, "Alright."

"After dinner, I'll head back to Lanshe."

"Weren't you going to stay for a while? Grandma was just discharged today, and you're leaving already. Isn't that a bit soon?"

Lin Wanbai frowned, "I can't stay here."

"Just endure it for another two or three days. Living here isn't so bad; apart from dinner, everyone minds their own business, and no one bothers you. If you want to go out, you can—there's no need to stay at home all the time."

Having just proved harmony to the media, with the old lady just out of hospital, moving out so quickly wouldn't look good.

Fu Juxing said, "Don't give people something to talk about. In a couple of days, Grandma will host a vegetarian banquet. Wait until that's over, then move out. After all, no one here is affecting you, right?"

Lin Wanbai chuckled softly, looked at him for a moment, and nodded, "Alright, I'll stay for now."

Today, Grandma was discharged. While she was hospitalized, Yuan Wei hadn't shown up. Now that he had time, he came over for dinner.

But, being a busy man, he arrived a bit late.

Having learned her lesson, Grandma prepared snacks for Lin Wanbai in advance, knowing Yuan Wei would surely be late, and had Aunt Song bring pastries for her.

Those were specially prepared for her, and naturally, no one else ate them. She wasn't shy about it and didn't invite anyone else to join. Since they preferred to starve and wait, she wouldn't add to their burden.

Halfway through her snack, Yuan Wei and his family arrived.

Grandma got up to personally greet them.

After a round of pleasantries, everyone moved noisily to the dining room and took their seats.

Yuan Wei said, "Sorry, I was held up by something and came late. I wouldn't have been late, but a guest dropped by at the last minute, and we chatted a bit. Sorry to keep everyone waiting."

Fu Changjun replied, "We know you're busy; it's already great that you could come. It's been ages since the whole family sat down like this."

Jiang Shuzhi nodded with a smile, "Yes, the last time was during the New Year."

"I've been quite busy lately, preparing for a new post, so there's much to do. Once this period passes, things should get better."

"I heard you're going to take up a position in Haicheng?" Fu Changjun asked.

He nodded, "Yes, I have to arrange a residence there. Plenty to do."

"What about Dianyi and the kids? Are they going with you or staying in Beicheng?"

"We're still considering. I don't know how long I'll be there, but I'll have to return eventually, and I only have temporary lodgings. Besides, the kids are grown. Yuan Heng will graduate next year, and Yuan Lu is preparing for the college entrance exam after the New Year. Transferring schools now wouldn't be good for her."

Jiang Shuzhi said, "Let Yuan Lu finish her exams first, then let Dianyi join you. Both kids are grown and have their own things to do. Once Lu goes to college, she'll hardly be home; and Heng wants to move out and live on his own. Dianyi raised them herself—no need to worry about their character."

"That's true." Yuan Wei smiled, turned to look at Fu Dianyi, squeezed her hand, and said, "Dianyi is quite skilled at raising kids."

As he spoke, his gaze fell on Lin Wanbai, who was focused on eating. Of everyone at the table, only she and Fu Juxing seemed detached—one eating seriously, the other diligently serving her food.

He glanced at her, said nothing, and addressed the younger generation equally, exchanging brief greetings.

He had the air of a leader, with habits hard to shake.

At the table, the men chatted happily, the women chimed in, and the children conversed among themselves, each with their own topics.

After dinner, everyone drank tea and chatted.

Lin Wanbai went to the bathroom and, on her way out, ran into Yuan Wei.

He had drunk a bit tonight, softening his sharp features with a touch of gentleness.

Seeing Lin Wanbai, he paused for a moment, as if mistaking her for someone else. "Oh, it's Xiaobai."

Lin Wanbai smiled slightly, "Hello, Uncle Yuan."

He nodded, "Hello, hello." After a few seconds of silence, he asked, "How is your mother doing?"

In his youth, Yuan Wei had dated Lin Jingyu.

Their relationship was steady, uneventful, rarely quarreling. He was straightforward, not poetic or romantic, but gave her a flower on Valentine's Day once the idea struck him. But his love for Lin Jingyu was purer than diamonds.

Unfortunately, Lin Jingyu was not as invested. When she met Chen Songyuan, she didn't hesitate to end things with Yuan Wei.

Yuan Wei had self-respect, was heartbroken, and after three days, still went to ask Lin Jingyu why. He found her with another man, intimate and happy.

His heart was thoroughly crushed, so he threw himself into his career.

That feeling remained with him to this day—resentful and unresolved.

Especially since, in his eyes, Chen Songyuan was nothing. Aside from his looks, he had nothing compared to Yuan Wei. Yet, with just that face, he won Lin Jingyu's heart. It showed that Lin Jingyu was a woman true to herself—loved when she loved, and didn't love when she didn't, never compromising for any benefit.

All the more, Yuan Wei couldn't forget her.

He hadn't seen Lin Jingyu for years, most recently at Lin Wanbai and Fu Juxing's wedding three years ago.

Mother and daughter were very alike, and Lin Wanbai's temperament mirrored Lin Jingyu's—if she liked someone, their status didn't matter.

As long as she liked them.

Yuan Wei liked to ask about her mother; every time they met, he would privately ask after her.

Lin Wanbai felt he was truly hung up on her mother and smiled, "She's well, thank you for thinking of her."

He nodded, "That's good."

After a moment's silence, Lin Wanbai walked past him. As she rounded the corner, she saw Fu Dianyi.

Fu Dianyi was calm, her face unchanged, and greeted Lin Wanbai with a gentle smile.

Ironically, it was Lin Wanbai who felt awkward, so she smiled and said, "Uncle Yuan seems to have had too much to drink."

"Mm, I'll go check on him."

With that, she went over, and Lin Wanbai quickly returned to the hall, staying out of adult affairs.

After Yuan Wei and his wife returned,

Fu Yonghui suggested playing mahjong, and Yuan Wei gladly agreed. They all headed to the game room, men playing, women watching.

Suddenly, only the younger generation remained in the living room. Fu Yanchuan had left on an errand, Fu Miao went to watch the games.

Fu Juxing went to the bathroom, leaving only Fu Yanming and his brother, Lin Wanbai, and the two Yuan siblings.

Fu Yanming sat with his legs crossed, shaking his foot, looking at Lin Wanbai. "Hey."

Lin Wanbai ignored him—she never liked Fu Yanming. He was the epitome of a spoiled brat, with a terrible temperament, a childhood bully, especially towards Fu Juxing.

His current facade was forced by Fu Yongyi's violence.

But old habits die hard. Expecting him to change was like placing hope in a dog—maybe you'd get something back.

She turned away, continuing to watch TV.

Fu Yanming walked over, stretched out his arm to put it on her shoulder, but Lin Wanbai quickly shrugged him off. "Are you crazy?"

"I called you, didn't you hear?" He grinned.

Yuan Heng and Yuan Lu glanced over but said nothing.

Lin Wanbai shifted her seat. "If you have something to say, spit it out. Don't touch me—I'm your second sister-in-law."

"Second sister-in-law? I don't recognize that bastard as my second brother."

Lin Wanbai gave him a sidelong look, unwilling to talk.

But Fu Yanming persisted, leaning closer, "Hey, did you keep a pretty boy at Huian last time?"

She frowned, turned to look at him. He was well-informed, knowing everything, even about the Card Phoenix incident.

"No, who's gossiping now?"

"Don't lie, I have evidence." He leaned in even further, the distance becoming excessive.

Yuan Heng, apparently uncomfortable, coughed.

Fu Yanming shot him a warning look.

Yuan Heng took his sister and left with a random excuse.

Fu Yanming said, "You really have a knack for it—pretending to be a romantic in public, but doing all sorts behind the scenes. You're pretty wild. But I like it."

"Like, my ass." Lin Wanbai grabbed a pillow and slammed it into his face, then got up to leave.

Fu Yanming wasn't annoyed, brushed off the pillow, and grabbed her. "Let's talk in the back garden; I have a secret about Fu Juxing to tell you."

Lin Wanbai thought he was out of his mind and was about to lash out when Fu Juxing arrived just in time. "What secret? Why not tell me directly?"

Fu Yanming raised his brows, caught off guard, but didn't care, still looking at Lin Wanbai. "Do you want to know? It's explosive."

"There are no secrets between me and Xiaobai," Fu Juxing said, upright.

Fu Yanming looked disdainful, then turned to Lin Wanbai. "Don't you want to know?"

"I don't. Fu Juxing said so—there are no secrets between us. If there's a secret, I've already known it."

"Already known?" Fu Yanming laughed. "I bet you don't."

Lin Wanbai ignored him and pulled Fu Juxing to leave.

Fu Yanming said, "Lin Yao and Fu Juxing once rented a room together—did you know?"

Lin Wanbai's brows twitched slightly, pausing for a second, then continued walking.

"Not just rented a room. Remember when we all went wilderness survival together?"

She didn't stop, but Fu Yanming continued, "They did more in the bushes."

This Lin Wanbai really didn't know. She thought they hadn't been together yet at that time. Who knew? She never saw Lin Yao show it.

If he really did something in the bushes, Fu Juxing was truly wild—so different from his current self.

She was curious what he was like then, how wild?

She'd never seen him that way.

Leaving the hall, Lin Wanbai released his hand, said nothing, and walked ahead, lost in thought, nearly stepping into a flowerbed.

Fu Juxing followed, through the corridor and into the garden. It was quiet here at night, with only faint shadows of shrubs, branches swaying like ghosts.

"If there's anything you want to know, you can ask me directly," Fu Juxing said behind her, his voice calm, cold, and emotionless.

She didn't ask, didn't care at all.

"Ask what?" She didn't turn, just asked indifferently.

He hadn't spoken yet when Lin Wanbai turned and said, "It's all in the past; I didn't care then, and I care even less now. But I do miss my boyfriend; it's been days since I saw him. So annoying. Let's just divorce—cleaner that way."

She looked fed up, kicking a stone away.

He seemed not to hear, walked over and said, "I'll take you skiing tomorrow."

"Not going."

"Invite your boyfriend too."

She looked at him, raised her brows slightly, met his gaze, then nodded, "That sounds interesting."

"Tomorrow, we'll stay overnight at a hot spring hotel nearby. I've heard it's good—worth a try."

"Alright." Lin Wanbai nodded. "I haven't gone out for fun in a while."

"Anywhere you want to go?"

She thought for a moment, but had no specific place in mind. "I want to go to Lijiang."

A place for romantic encounters. She wanted to try it; she hadn't been before. Always traveling abroad, rarely within the country. She grinned, "But I want to go alone."

The light in her eyes sparkled, especially bright.

"Alone won't do."

"I think it will."

Back home, she started planning her trip. She rarely traveled; when single, she couldn't let go of Fu Juxing. After marriage, same thing—every trip lasted at most a week before she wanted to return, missing him terribly.

One day apart felt like three autumns.

Unless traveling with Fu Juxing—then she could play for a year and not come back.

Liang Zhixia always said she was too invested, dangerously so, making people uneasy. She agreed, but couldn't help herself.

She sent a message to Liang Zhixia: want to go together?

Liang Zhixia: [Sure, as long as you pay for everything, I'll gladly join.]

Lin Wanbai considered: [Forget it, I'll go alone.]

Liang Zhixia laughed at her: [No way, you have to take me. You've awakened my desire. I have a lover waiting for me in Lijiang, perfect time for a rendezvous.]

Laughing as they chatted, Fu Juxing somehow sat beside her, watching her plan the route on her computer.

At the top, bold letters: [Romantic Encounter Plan].

"Planning to go with Liang Zhixia?" He deleted the words "romantic encounter."

Lin Wanbai glanced at him, "Maybe, but I'd rather go alone, less disturbance."

"I'll go with you."

"No, thanks," she refused.

"I won't disturb you."

That was true—he wouldn't interfere. He'd proven it with Han Chen. A lightbulb that doesn't shine is a good lightbulb.

She smiled, but didn't respond.

The next morning, the two set out, picked up Han Chen, and together drove to the ski resort in Yuanfu Town in the neighboring province.

It was a long drive; they had lunch at a rest stop.

In the afternoon, they arrived at the destination and checked into the hotel.

The hotel was nestled by the mountain and water, elegant surroundings, manor-style.

Fu Juxing booked two rooms, across from each other.

Their belongings were packed in one suitcase. Lin Wanbai unpacked her things and ran to Han Chen's room.

After the long journey, everyone was tired. That night was free time—rest in the room, order food, or go out.

Lin Wanbai lay down, not wanting to move.

Han Chen tidied up, stood on the balcony, gazing outside silently.

The hotel room had a hint of romance.

Han Chen wanted to shower but felt awkward about the frosted glass in the bathroom.

He closed the sliding door, came in, and sat on the bamboo chair beside her. "Maybe you should go back and shower first, then come over?"

Lin Wanbai didn't even open her eyes. "Why bother? There's a bathroom right here."

"Just a suggestion."

She waved him off, "You go shower. I'm sleepy; I promise not to peek."

She kept her eyes closed, even while speaking.

Han Chen, self-deprecating, smiled. As long as Fu Juxing wasn't there, she never crossed the line. He knew this well—the awkwardness was pointless.

"I'll shower then."

"Mm," she nodded, saying no more.

Han Chen took his clothes and went to the bathroom, dimmed the lights so she could rest more comfortably.

Before going in, he remembered something. "Fu Group replied—they'll let you intern after the winter break. If all goes well, you can join officially. The exact position will be decided later."

"I knew you'd get in," she said confidently, as if she had total faith in him.

Han Chen watched her for a moment, then entered the bathroom.

Soon, the sound of running water filled the air. Her phone vibrated; she opened one eye—it was a message from Fu Juxing.

[Are you eating?]

[In the room.]

A few seconds later, another message: [Eat well.]

She stared at it for a while, didn't reply, and set the phone aside, turning to face the bathroom. The frosted glass had two transparent bands, so the silhouette inside was visible, sometimes a vague movement.

But she didn't look.

Liang Zhixia called, asking what she was doing. Lin Wanbai gave up napping, got up, and went outside to answer.

The mountain air was cool at night. She sat in a lounge chair, looking out. "I'm in Yuanfu Town, going skiing tomorrow."

"With whom? Fu Juxing or Han Chen?"

"Both."

Liang Zhixia clicked her tongue, "You're something else, getting two men to get along so well. Sharing a room?"

"What are you thinking? That's indecent," Lin Wanbai warned.

"Don't lie, confess or I'll report you."

As they chatted, the doorbell rang. Lin Wanbai didn't move and called to the bathroom, "You answer it."

Han Chen hadn't finished showering, but complied, wrapping a towel around his waist and opening the door.

Outside stood Fu Juxing, holding Lin Wanbai's clothes.

Han Chen was dripping wet, only a towel around his waist—a suggestive scene.

Han Chen felt awkward, wiped his face. "Is something wrong?"

"These are Xiaobai's clothes. It's cold in the mountains, and she won't wear enough for fashion. Remind her to dress warmly. She has a weak constitution, gets colds easily, needs extra care."

"Alright." He reached out to take the clothes.

But Fu Juxing didn't let go, saying nothing, just staring at him.

The two held the clothes in silence for a moment. Han Chen released his grip. "It's probably not convenient for you to come in now. Maybe wait a bit—we'll finish soon."

Lin Wanbai happened to come over, standing behind the door, and hearing him, couldn't help but smile.

A clever little wolf dog, truly impressive.

She took a good look at his figure—fair-skinned, quite nice.

Lin Wanbai called to him in a deliberately coy voice.

Han Chen closed the door, shutting Fu Juxing outside.

Once the door was closed, Lin Wanbai instinctively wanted to peek, but Han Chen grabbed her waist, lifting her like a chick and placing her back on the bed.

He was still wet, dampening her clothes. "What are you doing?" she whispered, eyes wide.

"Is this fun?"

"Leave me alone." She tried to get up again, but he pulled her back.

"If you're going to act, do it well. Your poor acting is why he doesn't react. Even if you do this a hundred times, he'll always be like this because he's sure you're just pretending."

Lin Wanbai stared at him for a while, then asked, "How do you know he doesn't believe it?"

"I think he doesn't."

Lin Wanbai frowned, "Can't you say something more technical? 'I think'? Do men have intuition?"

"Men know men best, don't you know?"

Lin Wanbai considered, mouth slightly open, wanting to ask something but ultimately didn't. She waved her hand, "Go shower. I've ordered food. What do you want?"

"Anything's fine."

"Then same as me."

She read the menu twice, called, and ordered the luxury couple's set.

Han Chen finished showering, came out in a white long-sleeve shirt and black casual pants. His hair, not too long or short, covered his eyes when wet, giving him a boyish look.

He looked good.

She propped her chin, scrutinizing him.

Han Chen sat, swept his hair back—it was time for a haircut, it was getting in the way.

He casually dried off and put the towel aside, sensing Lin Wanbai's gaze. Unable to ignore it, he faced her directly, "What are you looking at?"

"Were you the campus heartthrob?" Lin Wanbai asked, hugging a pillow.

"No."

"Really?" Lin Wanbai was skeptical.

"Why do you ask?"

"Just curious, about your glorious history. Surely you were in high school?"

"I don't know. Who cares about that?" He adjusted his clothes, looking uncomfortable.

His lips were naturally red, as if painted. After showering, his skin had a rosy glow—quite attractive.

She used to think he resembled Fu Juxing a bit, but now not so much. Fu Juxing wasn't as soft, though he was still the most handsome.

No one could match his looks.

Thinking of him, Lin Wanbai felt an inexplicable longing.

She dazed for a while, then snapped out of it and continued, "How many girlfriends have you had?"

"Three."

"That's not many."

If she counted herself, it would be four, but she didn't count.

"And you?" he countered.

She glared, not answering.

Han Chen laughed, "Is it only one?"

"What's wrong with one? The best in the world, better than others' four, five, or six."

As they spoke, the doorbell rang.

Han Chen answered—it was hotel staff delivering their meal.

Fu Juxing was gone.

Lin Wanbai walked over to stand beside Han Chen. They stood close, their clothes oddly similar, like couple's outfits.

"Because you ordered the luxury couple's set, we need to prepare the room. Please give us half an hour. I can take you to the movie lounge, where snacks and a film are ready."

Han Chen glanced at her, "Why so complicated?"

"It's not complicated. Let's go. I'll see how luxurious it is."

She hooked his arm, took the room card, and left.

Led by hotel staff, they reached the movie lounge, where someone was sitting. Hearing them, he turned—"Mr. Fu."

Fu Juxing nodded, "You're here."

Outside the room, anywhere else required all three to be present.

With the current attention, caution was necessary.

Lin Wanbai wasn't surprised, walking over boldly. She sat in the middle, Fu Juxing on her left, Han Chen on her right.

As she walked over, Lin Wanbai noticed Fu Juxing's clothes—same color scheme, white shirt, black pants.

First-class seats.

Once seated, the film began.

An old movie, "Flipped."

Lin Wanbai recognized it immediately. She'd watched it many times, loved it for its resonance, always her favorite. She used to laugh watching it, but now always cried—a sure thing.

As the movie started, Lin Wanbai became absorbed, seemingly focused, but her thoughts were elsewhere.

Midway, she got up to use the bathroom and didn't return.

After a while, Han Chen got up, intending to look for her.

Fu Juxing: "Sit down."

His tone was forceful, commanding.

Han Chen said, "I'm going to find her."

"Sit down." His voice grew colder.

As if he would act if Han Chen didn't obey.

Han Chen ignored him, got up to leave.

But before he reached the door, the movie lounge door slammed shut.

His brows furrowed, he turned, "What's this? Want to fight?"

Fu Juxing slowly stood, "Relax, I won't hit you."

The room's lights were off, only the screen's glow illuminating faces, but not clearly. Especially with Fu Juxing backlit, his expression was unreadable.

Han Chen said nothing, standing to face him, neither advancing nor retreating.

They stared at each other for a moment. Fu Juxing said, "I need to remind you—we will not divorce."

"So?" Han Chen was calm.

"I'm just reminding you."

He chuckled, "I don't believe she won't divorce you."

"You're confident."

Before he finished, the door was knocked. Lin Wanbai's voice came through, "Why is the door closed? What are you doing?"

She knocked twice, then pushed the door open.

Seeing them standing, the atmosphere odd, all three looked at each other. After a few seconds, Lin Wanbai seemed to realize something, walked over to Han Chen, "He didn't do anything to you, did he? Hit you?"

He shook his head, "No."

"Then why was the door shut?"

"For the light—watching the film was better. Why were you so long?"

"Oh, I checked our room. It's ready, let's go back." She looked at Fu Juxing, "We're going back, what about you?"

"I'm going too." He smiled calmly.

The three returned together.

Lin Wanbai and Han Chen walked ahead, Fu Juxing followed. Back at the room, the staff had left.

They opened the door—the room was dim, the table set for a candlelit dinner, rose petals scattered on the floor, a heart of roses on the bed with a box on top—a box of condoms.

A sexy nightgown was laid out on the bed.

Red gauze draped over the lamp, coloring the room with romance.

The meal—two heart-shaped steaks, nothing special.

She turned; Fu Juxing stood outside, Han Chen inside, door ajar. Both were looking at her.

Lin Wanbai said, "Come in, why stand at the door? Close it."

Han Chen complied, closing the door.

Fu Juxing was left outside.

He stood for a while, then took out his room card and entered his own room.

His room was much colder, the window facing a stone wall, but there was a private hot spring, steam rising gently.

Lin Wanbai hadn't taken all her things—some were left behind, along with a few jackets.

He searched, found a pack of cigarettes in the hidden pocket, lit one, and walked outside, not taking off his clothes, stepping into the hot spring.

He sat, warmth flooding through him.

He smoked slowly.

...

Lin Wanbai opened the wine; they clinked glasses. She took a sip, frowned, "This tastes mediocre."

"It's alright. Maybe you're not in the mood, so nothing tastes good."

"Who said I'm not in the mood?" Lin Wanbai raised her brows; her eyes glittered in the candlelight.

"Just guessing."

"What were you two talking about in there?" she asked.

Han Chen smiled, "I thought you wouldn't ask, but curiosity got you."

"What did he say?" She hadn't meant to ask, but couldn't help it.

"Nothing much. He said you two wouldn't divorce, warned me. Maybe hinting that I'm chasing shadows."

"And?"

He cut a piece of steak, ate it, then cut another and held it up, looking at her.

Lin Wanbai: "He's quite confident."

"And you?"

"I won't let you chase shadows—you can relax."

"I know. You've already solved my biggest problem, spent plenty of money on me. I'm not afraid you'll dump me, just worried about paying you back."

"You won't need to worry. I believe you'll achieve great success, so I'm not worried about repayment."

"Why?" He smiled, puzzled at her certainty about his future.

"No reason, I just said so."

He laughed, "So you're just saying things."

"Don't you believe in yourself?"

"No." He lowered his gaze; the gloom he exuded reminded Lin Wanbai of Fu Juxing in the past.

She suddenly became gentle, as if energized, and began to encourage him, "Why not? Have you seen your own achievements? Many can't reach your level. Others are confident; why not you? You should believe you can do it."

"Is it because of your family?"

The records showed he used to be sunny and outgoing, with many friends, excelling in all areas. Then his family had troubles, and even relatives avoided him.

Just a single winter break changed everything.

From heaven to hell—no wonder he was traumatized.

Lin Wanbai smiled, "Think of it as a test from fate. If you get through it, you'll reach another level. Relying on parents is nothing; relying on yourself is real ability. When you succeed, those who looked down on you will regret it—that's a delightful thing. You shouldn't give up on yourself. Besides, you met me—fate gave you a shortcut, aren't you happy?"

He smiled.

"When opportunity knocks, seize it. Life will improve—following adversity is foolish."

Han Chen said nothing. After a while, he raised his glass, "Thank you."

"You're welcome. Just remember to pay me back when you're successful," she joked, clinking glasses.

That night, Lin Wanbai slept on the bed, Han Chen on the sofa.

She drank wine and fell asleep quickly.

Han Chen had trouble sleeping, unable to control his gaze, watching her, then forcing himself to look away. Repeating this, he finally got up and slept on the balcony.

Next morning, he had a cold and a fever, couldn't go skiing.

Lin Wanbai wanted to stay and care for him, but he refused.

"You go ski—it's a waste not to."

"You have a fever."

"It's fine; I'll sleep. If I feel better, I'll find you."

He insisted, so Lin Wanbai agreed.

She went out; Fu Juxing was waiting, holding her coat. "Wear it—it's cold up the mountain."

"Mm." She took it, put it on.

The hotel had a car to the ski resort entrance. They changed and entered the slopes. Many people were skiing.

An instructor came to teach them, but Fu Juxing already knew how, so sent him away.

It was just the two of them. He held her hand, teaching her tricks.

Lin Wanbai wore goggles and a head cover, hiding her expression. Who knew if she listened.

After he finished, she went off to ski herself.

Fu Juxing stayed behind, watching—clearly, she hadn't listened at all.

She skied and immediately fell, and Fu Juxing, reaching out, rolled with her into the snow.

Lin Wanbai burst out laughing at his awkward tumble—it was hilarious.

He stood first, Lin Wanbai still laughing. He reached out and pulled her up. "What's funny?"

She rubbed her backside, her smile fading, "It hurts."

"You didn't listen—of course you'll fall."

"I thought it was like ice skating."

"They're completely different."

Lin Wanbai blinked, "Anyway, I always fall with you. Han Chen never made me fall once."

He brushed snow off her and cleaned her goggles. "I'll explain again."

She nodded, listening seriously this time.

On her next try, Fu Juxing stood by her side. She was clever—listened and quickly got the hang of it, moving steadily, though only slowly.

Fu Juxing took off his gear, staying close to protect her.

Her earlier comment seemed to work—he guarded her closely, barely letting her fall again.

But skating and skiing were different. Once she picked it up, Lin Wanbai started speeding downhill. She managed at first, but eventually lost control, tumbling into the snow, rolling over and covered in snowflakes.

It didn't actually hurt much.

Fu Juxing ran over, "Are you alright? Why ski so fast?"

She shook her head, laughing, "It was thrilling—I want to do it again."

She got up and tried again, but fell again.

This repeated many times, until Fu Juxing simply stood where she usually fell, ready to catch her.

But she succeeded this time, gliding smoothly past him and gradually skiing away.