Chapter 38: I Didn’t Kiss Him

Lin Wanbai successfully slid to the end, the distance between them stretching far apart. She turned her head but could no longer make out Fu Juxing—only a vague direction, a moving speck that must be him.

This was the importance of always glancing back: to see if that person was still behind you, to gauge how far the gap had grown. She could not see his face, just as now she could see nothing clearly between them.

She stood still, waiting for Fu Juxing to run over. He was fast; someone handed him gear along the way, and then he slid down, stopping in front of her with impressive speed and style.

Removing her goggles, Lin Wanbai asked, “How was I? Did I do well?”

“You were unexpectedly good.”

She laughed in delight. “I think I can do even better. I saw a little kid slide faster than me just now, and even more gracefully. I want to go again.”

“Aren’t you tired?” He took off his own goggles and brushed the snow from her hair.

She shook her head. “Not too bad. I’m not very tired.”

The ski resort was huge, with many activities, including snowmobiles.

Lin Wanbai went for another run, much faster this time, but somehow—perhaps from a slip—she took a bad fall.

Fu Juxing had been sliding down with her, stopped at once, stripped his gear, and hurried to help her up. “You really can’t be left alone for a second.”

Lin Wanbai grinned sheepishly, her face and mouth full of snow. Fu Juxing offered her a tissue to wipe it off.

“Rest for a bit. You’re just out of stamina.”

She took his hand to stand up. “I think so too.”

They headed to the rest area. Lin Wanbai took off her gear, brushed the snow off her clothes.

Fu Juxing asked, “Did you hurt yourself anywhere?”

“No.” Actually, she had, a little, but it was nothing serious.

Lin Wanbai spotted people on snowmobiles, the flying snow brilliant and dashing, and pointed: “I want to try that.”

“In a bit.”

“All right.” She nodded obediently, feeling a little thirsty.

Just then, a staff member brought over bottles of water. Fu Juxing took one, unscrewed the cap, and handed it to her.

Traveling with him, she never had to worry about a thing, didn’t even need to use her brain—just bring her good mood and have fun.

She turned away, took a long drink, warming her stomach.

After a rest, Fu Juxing took Lin Wanbai to try the snowmobile.

A staff member first took them for a lap—it was much like driving a car. Lin Wanbai was eager to try; the instructor sat in the passenger seat, Fu Juxing in the back.

Lin Wanbai learned quickly, especially with something fun like this. After two practice runs, she was already sending up great sprays of snow.

They switched vehicles after a while, and this time Fu Juxing drove, taking them around the mountain. The scenery was nice, with a dedicated sightseeing route and clear signs.

A staff member trailed behind in another vehicle for safety.

In the car, with some free time, Lin Wanbai messaged Han Chen to ask how he was feeling, snapping a photo of the scenery to send along.

Han Chen, after taking his medicine, had just woken up when her message arrived. He replied with a happy emoji, saying he was still alive.

Immediately after, her call came through.

He cleared his throat. “Having fun?”

His voice was still hoarse, but with a hint of charm.

Lin Wanbai replied, “I am. If you were here, I’d be even happier.”

He chuckled awkwardly. “I don’t think I’ll make it. You have fun on your own.”

“All right. Next time, we’ll come together.” She added a few reminders before hanging up.

Lin Wanbai put away her phone. The car stopped at the edge of a cliff.

They’d reached the summit.

Fu Juxing said, “We’re here. Want to get out and look?”

Lin Wanbai turned, teasing, “If I go over there, are you secretly planning to push me off?”

Through the fogged-up goggles and the scarf wrapped around her face, it was impossible to see her expression. The tone was playful, just a joke.

Fu Juxing unbuckled his seatbelt. “No. If you fall, I’ll jump with you.”

Lin Wanbai only arched her brow and said nothing.

She got out. The wind was stronger here, whistling past, snowflakes swirling in the air.

She followed Fu Juxing to the cliff’s edge. There, a protruding rock, vaguely human-shaped, stood sentinel—like a “wife-watching stone” from afar.

Gripping the railing, Lin Wanbai dared a glance down: only layers of mist, the bottom invisible. The two mountains must once have been joined, now split apart, leaving a chasm between.

The terrain was too treacherous for a bridge, so the idea had been abandoned.

She shouted into the abyss, listening to her own echo answer from somewhere in the mountain.

She asked Fu Juxing to take her picture, but didn’t linger long; then they headed back, this time with Lin Wanbai driving.

She floored the accelerator, and the vehicle sped off, racing downhill.

Fu Juxing remained calm, turning to her to remind, “Slow down. The road’s rough—if you go too fast, you’ll flip.”

“Are you scared?”

“I’m afraid you’ll get hurt.”

She giggled but didn’t slow down until the staff behind reminded her over the radio. Then she eased up and returned safely.

With most activities done, Lin Wanbai was getting tired and prepared to call it a day.

But Fu Juxing didn’t take her back; instead, he brought her to the hot spring center.

It offered every service imaginable—a place for the weary to rest and enjoy themselves.

Fu Juxing only booked one room, explaining, “There was only one left when I reserved.”

Lin Wanbai sat on the sofa, not believing his story. The place was obviously busy, but for there to be only one room left—she was skeptical.

This suite was the best they had, fully equipped with a private hot spring—no one would see whatever the two of them did here.

Lin Wanbai reclined, eyes half-closed. “Too bad Han Chen isn’t here. The day would’ve been perfect.”

Fu Juxing, as if he hadn’t heard, perused the list of services without responding. After a while, he handed it to her.

Lin Wanbai took it lazily, glanced over, and said, “I’ll just have a spa. Forget the rest.”

“There are clothes in the wardrobe to change into—I had them put there in advance.”

“Okay.” She nodded, unmoving.

She debated whether to bathe.

After about ten minutes, she decided she would. She went to the bathroom to change, not shy at all—after all, she’d slept with Fu Juxing for three years. There was nothing he hadn’t seen, and besides, he didn’t seem particularly desirous of her body. To act coy would be ridiculous, even stupid.

The clothes were strappy and a bit short—raising her arms exposed her belly, and the shorts were tiny, both made of thin-striped fabric.

She had an enviable figure; in this outfit she was cute and sexy both. Slender white legs, a waist that fit perfectly in one’s hands.

Facing such a beauty, Fu Juxing could remain composed—truly a gentleman.

Lin Wanbai didn’t look at him, walking straight past and into the hot spring.

It was indeed comfortable. She lay alone in the center, head cushioned on a latex pillow, eyes closed, enjoying the tranquility.

When Fu Juxing came over, she had fallen asleep, her head tilted, both hands folded on her stomach, legs crossed, her whole body slowly sliding down. He sat beside her, and her forehead came to rest on his arm, steadying her.

She didn’t wake, perhaps soothed by the support, shifting into a more comfortable position.

For this moment, the world belonged to them alone.

No telling how much time passed before Lin Wanbai woke, turned, and saw Fu Juxing. Still foggy-headed, she instinctively leaned in and hugged his neck.

It was her habit—upon waking, when she saw him, she always wanted to kiss him.

Fu Juxing didn’t dodge; when her lips were about to touch his, he kissed her first.

In her sleepy daze, Lin Wanbai didn’t notice this tiny detail.

Suddenly, her mind flashed awake, and she tried to push him away, but couldn’t.

Fu Juxing seemed absorbed, oblivious to her resistance.

He held her tightly, his grip strong.

The more she struggled, the harder he held. Lin Wanbai whimpered, murmured, “Fu Juxing, you bastard…”

Blood rushed to his head, but at that moment, he stopped. Propping himself up, eyes closed, he didn’t go any further, as if restraining himself. After a while, he opened his eyes, desire fading from his gaze.

He looked at her for a long moment, then sat up and pulled her upright as well. “Did I hurt you?”

He didn’t let go of her hand.

Now breathless, Lin Wanbai was burning up, nearly losing control. The thin thread in her mind was almost snapping.

She clenched her teeth and kicked him in the calf. “You rogue! How dare you take advantage of me while I’m asleep!”

It was an injustice—Fu Juxing easily caught her ankle in one hand and laughed, “But you—”

“But I what?” she struggled, his palm hot against her skin, making her uncomfortable.

Her cheeks, flushed from the long soak, were rosy as apples, her eyes bright and dewy. He didn’t let go immediately, holding on in silence for a while before finally releasing her.

Lin Wanbai jumped up, tugged at her clothes, yanked her shorts up, and stormed into the bathroom, slamming the door behind her.

She stayed in the bathroom for a long time, sitting in the tub, cooling her head with cold water, only gradually calming down.

Thinking back, she realized she’d been the one to pounce on him—when would she ever break that bad habit?

When she came out again, Fu Juxing had changed into clean clothes. She wore a bathrobe, freshly showered.

Fu Juxing said, “The masseuse will be here soon. I’ll go get you some food.”

“I’ve already had someone bring Han Chen from the hotel. Sorry, I might have mistaken you for him just now—was half-asleep, can’t remember a thing.” She looked up and met his gaze. “Don’t get the wrong idea.”

He nodded calmly. “All right.”

“And you have somewhere to go, right?”

“Yes.”

“Good.” With that, she lay down on the bed.

The masseuse arrived just then. Fu Juxing left to get her food.

When Han Chen arrived, he was brought directly to Lin Wanbai’s room.

She was getting a spa treatment; as soon as he walked in, he backed out again.

Lin Wanbai, not asleep, heard the noise, glanced at the masseuse, and waved her off. “That’s enough.”

She dressed, the masseuse packed up and opened the door. Han Chen stood outside, face a little flushed.

The masseuse smiled at him before stepping aside.

Han Chen waited at the door for about five minutes before entering.

Lin Wanbai lay languidly across the bed, propped on one arm, in a seductive pose, though her nightwear was modest, offsetting the effect.

She glanced at him, still playing with her phone. “Why’d you come in and then leave?”

Han Chen was already feverish and felt even hotter now. Holding his head, he asked, “Why did you call me over?”

“Because I don’t want to sleep with him. Of course I called you.”

On first hearing, it sounded as if she’d called him to satisfy her desires.

Han Chen sat on the sofa, dizzy, swallowing hard. “Then why did you come here with him?”

“Are all men incapable of refusing any woman?” She paused, looking at him earnestly, “As long as a woman initiates, any woman will do?”

“Why do you say that?”

“Just asking. I remember someone once told me that—if you don’t sleep with her, it’s a waste, and there’s no loss, unless she’s too ugly or in bad shape.”

Han Chen said, “That’s not entirely true. I don’t think Fu Juxing is like that.”

“Then what do you think he’s like?”

“Self-disciplined.”

Lin Wanbai snorted. “You’ve been reading too much news.”

“Then what do you think he’s like?”

Lin Wanbai sat up, thought carefully, and said, “I don’t know. He seems indifferent, but when you need him, he’ll respond and make you feel satisfied.”

But she knew her satisfaction was tinted by love—because she liked him so much, anything he did was wonderful.

She’d never tried anyone else, so how could she know if he was truly the best?

Right then, she stared blankly at Han Chen, her gaze wolfish.

Han Chen sensed she was thinking something odd.

He swallowed nervously. “What are you doing?”

Lin Wanbai said nothing, but suddenly crawled off the bed, walked over, and leaned in close, staring at him. “Kiss me.”

He froze, unable to react for a while.

He immediately shifted away, stammering, “You—what’s gotten into you?”

“Just try. I won’t hit you.”

“No.”

“It’s not like you’ll lose anything.” She grabbed his shirt and yanked him over.

She was strong, and Han Chen, feverish and weak, was easily pulled in, toppling over her and nearly pinning her to the sofa—fortunately, he caught himself with one hand.

Lin Wanbai still gripped his collar, bold and unafraid. “Come on.”

Han Chen was exasperated. “Miss, can you not mess around?”

“No.” She’d never kissed anyone else—she wanted to try. Maybe then she could move on.

He tried to get up, but Lin Wanbai pulled him back down. “Hurry up,” she commanded impatiently.

Their faces were so close he could almost smell her fragrance, the sweetness at her lips. Han Chen’s heart pounded wildly.

Pressing his lips together, he said in a husky voice, “Do you know you’re playing with fire?”

“Playing with your head.”

Just as he was about to catch her lips, the door opened. Fu Juxing stood there with a bag, taking in the scene on the sofa.

Han Chen jumped up at once. Lin Wanbai didn’t move, just frowned at him. “Don’t you know how to knock?”

After a pause, Fu Juxing said, “Sorry.” Then closed the door and left.

Lin Wanbai felt as if something were stuck in her chest, suffocatingly uncomfortable.

She took a deep breath, grabbed a pillow to cover her head, and kicked Han Chen off the sofa, turning to face the back, unmoving.

Han Chen laughed silently—these two were truly something.

He got up, pulled the pillow off Lin Wanbai’s head, caught her hand, and pinched her chin. His lips moved in, but just before they touched, her foot pressed against his face, stopping him.

“What are you doing?” Han Chen retreated, pulling her hand down.

“I should be asking you.”

“Didn’t you say you wanted a kiss?”

“That was then. Now I don’t.”

“Well, I insist.” He cupped her face again, and despite her fierce resistance, managed to kiss her.

And once again, Fu Juxing walked in at that moment.

Han Chen quickly pulled away. Lin Wanbai neither resisted nor cursed, bottling it all up, curling herself on the sofa.

But in the next instant, she wrapped her arm around Han Chen’s neck and nearly strangled him.

From Fu Juxing’s perspective, it looked like Lin Wanbai was holding Han Chen’s neck and kissing him, but in reality, they were just close, doing nothing else.

Lin Wanbai twisted his face, scolding him.

This time, Fu Juxing didn’t leave.

He walked in, shut the door, and set the food he’d brought on the table.

With his back to them, he didn’t even glance over despite the noises.

Lin Wanbai only let go when she’d had enough—Han Chen almost suffocated, face red, gasping for air.

Only then did they notice Fu Juxing, calmly making tea and checking his phone, glancing at them now and then with utter composure.

Lin Wanbai was just as calm. Smelling the food, she helped Han Chen up, walked over, and found all her favorites.

Just in time—she was hungry.

She sat and started eating. “Why didn’t you buy some congee? Han Chen has a cold and fever, only congee’s good for him.”

Fu Juxing just grunted in his nose. “You’re not very robust—don’t get too close to someone with a cold, or you’ll catch it.”

She glanced at him. “I’m not that weak.”

“Weak or not, you know best. If you get sick, you’ll complain.”

Han Chen coughed. “Maybe I should go then—I don’t want to see you get sick.”

He was feeling woozy.

“Don’t listen to him—he’s exaggerating. Stay here for a soak in the hot spring, you’ll get better faster.”

But Lin Wanbai really was fragile.

By the time playtime was over, she felt dizzy too.

She slept deeply, unable to get up.

Fu Juxing touched her forehead—she was running a fever.

To avoid cross-infection, he sent Han Chen away.

He stayed to take care of her, feeding her medicine and putting a fever patch on.

Lin Wanbai sniffled. “You jinxed me. Were you secretly cursing me?”

“It’s your own carelessness—seasonal flu is going around. He’s sick, and you didn’t avoid him; of course you’d catch it.”

“You didn’t.” She pouted.

“I didn’t kiss him.”

Lin Wanbai raised an eyebrow. “Kissing spreads it?”

“You will.”

“I can’t help it—don’t you think my boyfriend is delicious?”

He looked at her but said nothing more. “Rest. Sleep a bit more, you’ll feel better.”

“What about Han Chen?”

“I sent him home.”

“Where?”

“Home,” Fu Juxing said. “His cold got worse. I had someone take him back—there’s no one to care for him here.”

“Fine. You’ve sent him away, so there’s nothing to say now.”

She closed her eyes, not wanting to bother.

The cold came quickly and lingered. Lin Wanbai had always been delicate, prone to illness even as a child—the first to fall ill at the slightest wind.

The precious are always fragile.

She improved somewhat as she grew up, with Lin Jingyu feeding her all kinds of tonics, and now with fitness and exercise, she was much better.

But after too much time out in the snow, plus her closeness with Han Chen, she couldn’t escape it this time.

Luckily, she recovered quickly; after taking her medicine and sleeping, her fever broke, though her nose was still runny and her mind clear.

When she woke, she was alone. After a while, she got up, took clean clothes from the wardrobe, showered, put on a dress, grabbed her room card and phone, and left.

The hot spring center was well-designed and pleasant, set near the ski resort, with a view of half the snowy mountain.

She wandered around and found Fu Juxing in the café.

He sat by the window, on the phone, a cup of coffee on the table, looking out and unaware of her.

Lin Wanbai crept over, hiding behind a large plant near his seat. As she was about to step out, she overheard him talking.

“She’s already been sent away?”

“She’s Yaoyao’s best friend—I can’t just ignore her…”

“Excuse me, miss, can I help you?” A café staff member noticed her and came over.

Fu Juxing’s conversation cut off. He turned and saw Lin Wanbai through the leaves.

He hung up, got up, and told the server, “This is my wife—she’s looking for me.”

The server smiled apologetically and left.

Fu Juxing said, “You’re awake.” He placed a hand on her forehead. “Your fever’s gone. Are you still unwell?”

Lin Wanbai closed her eyes but didn’t brush off his hand. She waited for him to finish before speaking coolly, “You let Zhou Quan go?”

Fu Juxing paused, then nodded. “Yes. Her leg won’t recover—she’ll never dance again. It’s a huge blow. She apologized to me for what happened before, so I thought—”

“Why apologize to you and not to me? Am I dead, or does she just not know me?” Lin Wanbai laughed. “As I recall, she’s still making veiled posts about me online. I didn’t sue her—that’s me letting her off. But if you’re interfering with the police’s charges, isn’t that inappropriate?”

Lin Wanbai sniffled; her fever had just broken, and she still felt off. She sat at the table. “If you hadn’t indulged her, it wouldn’t have come to this.”

Fu Juxing said nothing, but he didn’t give in either.

Her words fell into the sea, without echo.

So it was someone connected to Lin Yao.

Lin Wanbai turned away, looking out the window. They both fell silent. She bit her lip, anger swelling inside. She knew if she stayed any longer, she’d explode—enough to blow up the café.

After a long moment, she took a deep breath, said nothing, and stood to leave.

Fu Juxing hurried forward, grabbing her wrist. “Dinner’s ready. If we go now, it’ll be just on time.”

She glanced back at him and smiled. “No need. Without my boyfriend here, I have no appetite. You eat alone.” She shook off his hand and walked off.

Back in her room, she couldn’t stand staying even a minute. She gripped her phone, and after a long while, couldn’t resist calling Lin Zhouye.

“Zhou Quan’s been released. Did you know?”

“What’s wrong?”

“Why? She did what she did—she should take responsibility. Just because she had a car accident and lost her chance to dance, why should we pity her? Actions have consequences. If she doesn’t learn, she’ll do it again.”

Lin Zhouye laughed. “So?”

“So, I won’t let her off.”

“Is that a hint for me?”

“You—sue her for me. My reputation was damaged—shouldn’t she compensate me? All those days, so many people cursed me. I was almost depressed—shouldn’t she be held accountable?”

She hung up, sat a while longer, then arranged a car and went back to the hotel at the foot of the mountain.

She didn’t bother packing, just prepared to return to North City.

She acted quickly, as if she’d planned it all along. By the time Fu Juxing came down, she was gone.

She’d left the room in disarray, not taking a single thing, as if just venting her anger.

Fu Juxing called her, but she didn’t answer.

She never blocked him—maybe because she knew she’d have to unblock him anyway. So when angry, she simply ignored calls and messages, even refused to see people.

When she arrived in Sibei, it was late and she hadn’t eaten all day. The driver offered her food, but she refused.

Returning just as late was Fu Yanchuan.

They ran into each other at the door.

He smelled of alcohol and perfume, likely just back from a dinner.

Lin Wanbai didn’t greet him, just glanced and walked on.

Fu Yanchuan caught her by her ponytail. “Why walk away—didn’t you see me?”

“No.”

“But you looked right at me,” Fu Yanchuan laughed, loosening his tie and pulling her back. “Why are you alone?”

“You ask a lot.”

“I’m just asking since we ran into each other.”

“Don’t ask—just say you don’t know.”

She kept walking, but Fu Yanchuan followed. “Are you upset? Argued with Fu Juxing? Did he treat you badly?”

It was late and the Fu house was silent. Only the two of them walked in the corridor. Lin Wanbai meant to go to the kitchen for food, but with Fu Yanchuan trailing her, she just wanted to get to her room.

She stayed silent. Fu Yanchuan, a little drunk, got bolder. The darkness and late hour made everything more intense.

He grabbed her wrist.

It was so thin and soft he felt he might break it if he squeezed too hard; he could only hold it carefully.

She was wearing very little—the same outfit from the hot spring, a doll-like dress that made her look years younger, irresistibly cute.

“You’ve had too much,” Lin Wanbai immediately said, catching his wrist with her other hand.

“A little. Had dinner with some tycoons from the Harbor District—they insisted on drinks. I couldn’t refuse. Won’t happen again.”

That last bit sounded odd—as if it mattered to her.

Lin Wanbai grew impatient. “It’s late, I need to rest. You should sleep too.”

“I’m asking you a question—did you argue with Fu Juxing?” He wouldn’t let go. In the night, everything was charged, the moonless sky perfect for scandal. He stepped closer, closing the distance. “Last time I was here, you two seemed off. Did he hurt you?”

“Let go, will you?” Lin Wanbai felt the heat in his palm—this was going wrong.

She struggled, but Fu Yanchuan only held tighter, suddenly flinging her against the wall, out of the lamplight, shadows deepening between them. Lin Wanbai pressed his chest, voice low and angry: “Are you crazy? Let go or I won’t be polite!”

“What’s wrong with me?” His forehead veined, he pinned her hands above her head.

There was no contest between their strengths.

Lin Wanbai looked into his eyes. “There’s nothing wrong with you. I just don’t like you.”

“But Fu Juxing does?” He snorted derisively.

Lin Wanbai pressed her lips together, glancing sideways.

“Xiaobai…” He leaned closer, whispering her name.

Lin Wanbai spat in his face and yelled, “Fu Yanchuan! Did you take an aphrodisiac?”

He paused, eyes burning with desire.

Without another word, Lin Wanbai kneed him hard in the groin. It was a man’s fatal weakness.

Fu Yanchuan released her instantly, stumbling back, clutching himself, face twisted, cursing.

Lin Wanbai, rarely hearing him swear, laughed. “Are you sober now?”

He glared at her, too angry and pained to speak.

“Drink less. In your state, you’ll get taken advantage of.”

With that, she left.

Fu Yanchuan bent over for a long time, pain slowly abating, but it had been brutal. For a moment he thought he’d never father children.

She was ruthless—when she didn’t like someone, she showed no mercy.

Lin Wanbai returned to her room and collapsed into bed. She was exhausted, unwell, and upset, making everything worse.

She soon drifted into a deep sleep, only to be woken by someone. Struggling to open her eyes, she was greeted by blinding light—and Fu Juxing’s face.

She felt annoyed, beyond furious, and shoved him, turning away.

He picked her up, coaxing gently, “Take your medicine, or I’ll take you to the hospital for an IV.”

She kept her lips pressed tight, whether out of stubbornness or sleepiness.

He patted her cheek. “Xiaobai, Xiaobai…”

Her brows were furrowed, refusing to open her eyes.

He bit her lip lightly; she retaliated, biting him hard, venting her anger. Once wasn’t enough—she bit again, muttering, “Bite you to death.”

He smiled softly, not resisting.

He let her gnaw at him, her sharp teeth scraping the same spot until it broke the skin, the taste of blood in their mouths.

She opened her eyes, arms around his neck, gazing straight into his face, her feelings unguarded, tinged with anger, brow furrowed, saying nothing.

Meeting her gaze, Fu Juxing’s voice was gentle. “Your fever’s back. Take the medicine.”

“No.” She murmured, “Let me just die of it.”

“Be good. Take it now, you’ll feel better tomorrow.”

“No.” She pouted, lips pressed tight, shaking her head.

“Don’t be stubborn.”

She shrank in, burying her face in his chest.

He didn’t move, coaxing softly, “If you don’t take your medicine, you’ll feel worse.”

She said nothing, just shoved herself further into his armpit, like a stubborn bull.

“Do you want to go to the hospital then?”

His voice was gentle, but it was a threat.

Lin Wanbai abruptly looked up, glaring fiercely, still silent, and tried to push him away.

Suddenly, Fu Juxing grabbed the back of her head, lowered his head, and kissed her.

Moments later, a pill found its way into her mouth, already dissolving, bitter.

She frowned, staring at him, but too weak to resist further.

Once she’d swallowed, he let go, poured her warm water—with a touch of sugar to soften the taste. Lin Wanbai found it sweet.

After drinking, she soon drifted off again.

The next day, Fu Juxing had planned to stay with her.

But a project at the company required him to travel for a week.

It was important, sent from the Fu Corporation.

Fu Changjun called, urging him to take it seriously, so he had to go.

Before leaving, he called Aunt Rong over.

So when Lin Wanbai got up, she saw Aunt Rong.

“Aunt Rong?”

“You’re finally awake. Are you hungry? I made congee—have some first.”

Lin Wanbai was starving, her stomach practically glued to her back.

She brushed her teeth, and Aunt Rong served her congee, perfectly hot.

She took a bite, tried a side dish, and her appetite blossomed—she finished two bowls in one go. “Aunt Rong, why are you here?”

“Master asked me to come. He’s on a business trip, worried about you being alone, so he had me stay with you.”

“He left? So suddenly? Wasn’t he going to rest for a month? It’s only been a few days.”

Aunt Rong laughed. “Why not go with him? You’re free anyway.”

“I’d rather not.”

Aunt Rong said, “The company’s just getting started—he has to work hard. It’s not easy to start his own company. As the woman behind him, you must know him best.”

“I was just asking. Let him go—I don’t need his company.” She lowered her gaze. Had he really fed her the medicine mouth-to-mouth last night?

Just as she was thinking that, he called.

Lin Wanbai glanced at the phone but didn’t answer.

Aunt Rong looked over, coughed, and said, “Are you angry?”

“No.”

She didn’t say more.

But still, Lin Wanbai didn’t answer the call. A while later, Fu Juxing sent a message.

[Has your fever gone down? Rest well at home. Don’t go out until you’re fully recovered.]

After her third bowl, Lin Wanbai went to shower.

While she was bathing, Fu Changjun dropped by, chatted with Aunt Rong, and when he saw Lin Wanbai come out looking refreshed, he asked, “Are you feeling better?”

“Much. Grandpa, what brings you here?”

“Ah Xing said you had a fever. He was worried, so I promised to look after you.”

“I’m fine—just a cold.”

She beamed.

Her phone chimed—it was a message from Lin Zhouye.

[The lawyer’s letter is in her hands.]