Chapter 39: Casting a Long Line for a Big Catch

Lin Wanbai had originally planned to go out, but Fu Changjun pulled her into the tea room for a game of Go, derailing her plans. The old man, much like Lin Zhaowei, was passionate about Go and fishing. Were it not for Lin Zhaowei’s lingering attachments to Lin Jingyu and herself, he would’ve already retired by now, spending his days fishing at leisure.

Such a pity—his own daughter wouldn’t listen, nor would his granddaughter. There was always something to worry about.

Fu Changjun remarked, “Who knows when old Lin will finally be willing to step down? I’m still waiting for him to invite me out to sea for some fishing.”

Lin Wanbai, fingers cradling a white Go stone and her attention fixed on the board, didn’t respond.

Fu Changjun glanced up at her; seeing how absorbed she was, he figured she probably hadn’t heard.

Once she had placed her stone, he continued, “Your uncle, Lin Zhouye, seems quite capable. Why doesn’t old Lin trust him?”

With a smile, Lin Wanbai picked up another stone. “Who knows what goes on in his mind? My mother and I have tried many times to persuade him to retire. The company is full of talent; it wouldn’t collapse without him. But he won’t listen. There’s nothing more we can do.”

“Just a few years back, he talked about stepping down—as long as you married well. That was three or four years ago! Judging by his attitude, he has no intention of retiring. I wonder if I’ll ever get the chance to fish with him.”

“You could go on your own—take Grandma with you,” she teased, grinning. “When no one’s looking, give her a little push. Then you can claim she simply fell overboard by accident.”

Fu Changjun burst out laughing, wagging his finger at her and shaking his head.

After the laughter faded, he grew a bit more serious. “He probably can’t let go because of you and Xiaoyu. After all, everyone around him is an outsider; he can’t fully rest easy about the two of you.”

Lin Wanbai sipped her tea, lips curling in a faint, noncommittal smile.

It was the truth. Both she and Lin Jingyu understood perfectly well—Lin Zhaowei, at his age, hadn’t retired simply because he couldn’t set his mind at ease. He trusted Lin Zhouye implicitly, but not Chen Songyuan or Fu Juxing. Had he not doted on them so much, he would never have allowed them to marry whomever they pleased.

Since he spoiled them, he naturally had to work all the harder—he needed to set everything in order for them before he could close his eyes for the last time. Otherwise, he’d never find peace, even in death.

As the saying goes, “To raise a child is to worry a hundred years; once you’ve finished worrying about your daughter, your granddaughter comes next.”

Sometimes, late at night, Lin Wanbai would wonder if, had she not been so willful, her grandfather might have been spared so much toil.

She lowered her gaze in silence.

Fu Changjun quickly resumed his cheerful tone. “Ah, then it must be that Ah Xing hasn’t done enough. If he could truly win over old Lin’s trust, if Lin believed he was a man worthy of entrusting you to, I dare say old Lin would retire with peace of mind and enjoy his golden years.”

Lin Wanbai looked at him, and Fu Changjun gave a little sigh, sounding regretful. “It’s my fault, too. I didn’t protect Ah Xing well enough, nor give him a happy childhood. He’s worked so hard. Had he not been born into this family, he would no doubt have made something of himself—someone who could shield you from the storms of life for a lifetime.”

A lifetime is such a long time, thought Lin Wanbai. Who can know what the future holds? She’d never wanted to think in terms of “a lifetime,” for the world is unpredictable. Take her parents, for instance. She doubted Lin Jingyu ever imagined Chen Songyuan would cheat on her and even bring home an illegitimate daughter.

Even if their relationship was still good now, something had changed for Lin Wanbai.

She once asked Lin Jingyu why she didn’t get a divorce.

Lin Jingyu had said, “When you reach my age, you’ll understand.”

It was obvious—she couldn’t let go, loved him to the marrow, and couldn’t resign herself after all she’d given. Even if it meant dying together, she’d never let go.

And then there was her responsibility as a mother; no matter what, a broken family leaves a lasting mark on a child. She didn’t want her daughter to be different from others or for Lin Wanbai’s life to be touched by regret.

Lin Wanbai said, “Fu Juxing has done very well.”

“Are you two having a spat?”

“No, not at all.”

“Truly?” Fu Changjun fixed her with a searching gaze. “If he’s ever done anything to wrong you, you must tell me.”

“No, really.”

“Well then, have you thought about having a child?”

She arched a brow. “I’m still young.”

“That’s exactly why you should have children while you’re young—recovery’s quicker too.”

“I haven’t considered it. I’m not ready to be a mother. I still want to enjoy our time together.”

Fu Changjun chuckled. “Fair enough. But really, even with a child, you two would still have your world. And you wouldn’t have to raise the baby yourselves, would you?”

Lin Wanbai just smiled and said nothing, and Fu Changjun graciously changed the subject.

She spent the entire day at home, not going out. That evening, she hadn’t planned to join the meal, but Jiang Shuzhi came to see her personally, offering to switch her to a better room, feeling that the small house was too far away and lacking in amenities.

That very evening, Jiang Shuzhi arranged a different room for her.

After dinner, Jiang Shuzhi took her to see it. It was much larger than her old one, with its own study.

“If you need anything else, just tell me—don’t be shy,” Jiang Shuzhi insisted.

Smiling, Lin Wanbai replied, “Thank you, Grandma. At last, I’ve been liberated from that little house. But honestly, it was nice there too—full of traces of Fu Juxing’s childhood.”

“In fact, this room was being renovated. You two came back so suddenly, I had nothing prepared and had to put you in the small house for a few days. You’re the apple of old Lin’s eye—how could I dare neglect you? I must cherish you as I would my own.”

After the pleasantries, Jiang Shuzhi left.

At last, Lin Wanbai’s ears could enjoy some peace.

Aunt Rong helped her move her things in, delighted with the new surroundings. “Finally, a proper room!”

Lin Wanbai got up to help, but Aunt Rong stopped her. “Just rest on the sofa. I’ll handle this. You should let the young master know, so he won’t worry.”

Still sulking, Lin Wanbai said, “You can tell him yourself.”

“He’ll probably call you soon,” Aunt Rong said with a smile, casting her a glance. “Young couples—fighting is part of the fun. The more arguments, the better.”

Lin Wanbai didn’t reply, propping her head on one hand. Aunt Rong glanced at her, and she merely closed her eyes and smiled.

Aunt Rong didn’t press further. After three trips, all was moved.

During this, Fu Juxing called, but Lin Wanbai didn’t answer.

He then called Aunt Rong. She answered in front of Lin Wanbai, explaining about the room change, and then handed her the phone.

Aunt Rong had always played matchmaker between them.

Lin Wanbai took the phone and lazily answered, “What is it?”

“Is your cold better?”

“Much.”

“Keep taking your medicine for a couple more days, just to be sure.”

“Okay.” Her voice was chilly.

“The new room should be more comfortable. I’ll be home as soon as I can.”

“Okay.”

She made it clear she didn’t want to talk; no matter what he said, she answered with a single word, making conversation impossible.

Still, Fu Juxing persisted for ten minutes before saying, “That’s all, then. Rest well.”

“Mm.”

“Good night.”

Those two words were cut off—she hung up quickly, without a hint of hesitation.

Fu Juxing, standing before the floor-to-ceiling windows, raised an eyebrow slightly, set his phone on the table. It vibrated again—a new call.

He glanced at it, answered, and put it on speaker.

“Lin Zhouye has sent a lawyer’s letter. Looks like he’s intent on suing Zhou Quan. Do you need to take any action?”

A faint smile touched Fu Juxing’s lips. “No need.”

“Yes, sir.”

He ended the call.

A moment later, he picked up his phone to send Lin Wanbai a message, adding the “good night” that had been cut off.

…

The next day, the Fu family organized an outing—several of the younger generation joining Fu Changjun for a fishing trip at sea.

Lin Wanbai hadn’t wanted to go, but since Fu Changjun had asked her personally, she couldn’t refuse. After all, she had nothing better to do, while those busier than she had all made time.

The Fu family owned a yacht; for a simple fishing trip, they chose a moderate-sized one.

Today was a family gathering, and Jiang Shuzhi, in rare good spirits, came along.

Fu Yanchuan took charge and had everything arranged.

They set sail in the morning.

On a whim, Jiang Shuzhi had invited some friends and their granddaughters, hoping to introduce one to Fu Yanchuan. He always claimed to be too busy, so she wasn’t about to miss this opportunity, summoning all promising candidates.

Lin Wanbai called Liang Zhixia along, only to find her stepmother and stepsister had come as well.

Liang Zhixia ran into them at the door. Though uncomfortable, she still greeted them.

Her stepmother was the picture of false kindness, always so gentle in public, even more so to her than to her own daughter.

Lin Wanbai, waiting at the door, saw the scene and took the initiative. “Auntie.”

“Xiaobai,” Huang Zhen greeted her with a wide smile, tugging her daughter closer. “I knew you’d be here if I saw Zhixia. My daughter is quite timid and shy—please look after her today.”

“Siyan, greet your sister,” she reminded.

Obediently, Liang Siyan called Lin Wanbai “sister,” her demeanor meek, seemingly timid.

But due to Liang Zhixia’s experiences, Lin Wanbai felt little warmth toward the mother and daughter. She offered only a perfunctory smile, then took Liang Zhixia’s arm. “Didn’t you ask me to bring something for you? I’ve got it—let’s go have a look?”

“Great!”

Yet Huang Zhen, ever thick-skinned, nudged Liang Siyan forward. “Go on, follow your sisters.”

Lin Wanbai glanced back at her—Huang Zhen was still smiling.

Liang Siyan shuffled over to Liang Zhixia. “Sis, let me come with you, I won’t get in your way.”

“No,” said Liang Zhixia.

Her reputation already ruined, she didn’t care if she was seen bickering with her stepmother and stepsister. No need for pretense—if she managed a smile, it was only out of courtesy to their hosts.

Lin Wanbai, too, wasn’t afraid of burning bridges, so she didn’t intervene.

“Exactly. I want some private girl talk with Zhixia, so you’d best not tag along. Auntie, perhaps you and Siyan should go greet Grandma first. As the younger generation, it’s proper to pay respects. The Fu family is strict—if you’re thinking of marrying in, etiquette comes first. Siyan won’t learn anything from me.”

Huang Zhen showed no embarrassment, keeping her gentle smile. “I’m not here to have Siyan marry into the Fu family. She just needs more social interaction—being cooped up at home isn’t good for her.”

How amusing. Who didn’t know Jiang Shuzhi was openly matchmaking for Fu Yanchuan today?

“Well, if you don’t want her to join, so be it. I’ll take Siyan to see the madam.”

As they walked away, Liang Zhixia sneered, then pulled Lin Wanbai along.

Once in her room, she grumbled, “Unbelievable—those two pop up everywhere. Don’t be fooled by Liang Siyan’s silence; it’s always the quiet ones. Her scheming is probably worse than her mother’s.”

“If she really manages to hook Fu Yanchuan, I’ll be furious,” Liang Zhixia muttered, frowning. “Tell Fu Yanchuan to keep his distance.”

Lin Wanbai poured her a glass of water, laughing. “That’s funny—what grounds do I have to say that? Besides, I doubt he’s interested in marriage. This whole spectacle today probably won’t come to anything.”

“Yeah, he only has eyes for you. Three years—three years without even a woman at his side. I bet he’s waiting for you to get divorced.”

“Don’t talk nonsense,” Lin Wanbai chided. “Are you trying to ruin my reputation?”

She recalled the incident from two nights ago—Fu Yanchuan’s drunken indiscretions.

Lost in thought, she didn’t reply until Liang Zhixia prompted, “What are you thinking? Did Fu Yanchuan really say he was waiting for you?”

“Huh?” She snapped back. “Say what?”

“That he’s waiting for your divorce,” Liang Zhixia teased.

Lin Wanbai pinched her cheek. “Cut it out.”

“Honestly, I think he’s better than Han Chen.”

“Can you stop running your mouth?”

Liang Zhixia giggled, zipped her lips, and made an OK sign.

“Shall we leave?” Lin Wanbai suggested.

“Leave?”

“Yeah. You don’t want to marry Fu Yanchuan, and I have no business here. Let’s go shopping.”

“Is that okay?”

“What could go wrong?”

With that, Lin Wanbai began to pack. Just as she opened the door, Fu Yanchuan was standing outside.

Liang Zhixia, silent behind the door, wasn’t noticed.

Finding a rare moment of quiet amid the bustle, Fu Yanchuan had come over to speak with her privately—he hadn’t forgotten the events of that night and needed to explain.

Seeing her with her bag, he asked, “You’re leaving?”

“Yes.” She nodded. “I didn’t really want to come—it was Grandpa’s idea. I thought it was just a family gathering, but turns out it’s your matchmaking event. I don’t think my absence will matter.”

“It’s not a matchmaking event, really.”

“It doesn’t matter either way.” She waved her hand, determined to maintain distance and avoid gossip.

Just as Fu Yanchuan was about to mention that night, Liang Zhixia popped out. “Hello, Brother Fu!”

He was startled to see her and blushed, then turned pale—a rainbow of embarrassment.

Liang Zhixia pursed her lips, shrank back, and tugged at Lin Wanbai’s sleeve.

Fu Yanchuan coughed and smiled. “Zhixia, you’re here too.”

“Yes. Anything else, big brother?”

Before he could answer, the ship’s horn sounded—they were underway.

“Seems like you can’t leave after all,” he said.

Lin Wanbai sighed, resigned.

Liang Zhixia comforted her, “Since we’re here, let’s make the most of it. I’m sure this trip will be fun.”

“We’ll be staying overnight at Fudao—lots to do, it won’t be boring,” Fu Yanchuan added.

Liang Zhixia’s eyes lit up. She tugged at Lin Wanbai’s sleeve. “Fudao is great! I remember a bar there where all the waiters are handsome.”

“Oh, please.” Lin Wanbai tossed her bag aside, giving in.

After a polite word or two, Fu Yanchuan left.

Once he was gone, Liang Zhixia closed the door and grinned. “Was he coming to have a private word with you? When he saw me, his face changed colors like a traffic light.”

“He was just startled by you.”

“Nonsense. That look—there’s definitely something going on.”

Lin Wanbai glared. “Keep spouting nonsense and I’ll throw you overboard to the sharks.”

Liang Zhixia cackled, jumping onto the bed. “Be honest—are you tempted by Fu Yanchuan?”

“Don’t be ridiculous.”

“But really, if you’d married him, wouldn’t you be happier?”

“No.” She answered without hesitation.

“So sure?”

“Could you be happy married to someone you don’t love?”

Liang Zhixia shrugged. “Feelings can be cultivated. Plenty of people marry for business and live happily.”

“Have you been spying under their beds?”

“Fine, you always have an answer. I just think it’s a pity—just now, from his tone and look, I can tell he hasn’t gotten over you.”

“Oh, shut up.”

Liang Zhixia was incapable of shutting up. She sighed. “You could have had a blissful life, but you chose someone else. If I were you, I’d pick Fu Yanchuan without hesitation. Too bad I don’t have such luck. You don’t cherish what you have—I really wanted to scold you back then, but since you’re my best friend, I could only blindly support you.”

Lin Wanbai ignored her and checked her phone.

Just then, a message from Fu Yanchuan arrived.

[About the other night, I’m very sorry. I drank too much. Please don’t take it to heart.]

Such a simple message, yet he’d revised it many times before sending.

Lin Wanbai glanced at it, thought a moment, then replied: [I understand.]

Fu Yanchuan, waiting by the elevator, pocketed his phone as soon as he received it and pressed the button.

In the lounge, Jiang Shuzhi and Fu Changjun were entertaining guests, making small talk. In such a female-dominated setting, Fu Changjun had little to say—he was mere background. With Fu Yanchuan’s arrival, he faded even further into the scenery. He glanced around and mumbled to Jiang Shuzhi before slipping out.

“Call Xiaobai up,” Jiang Shuzhi instructed.

“What for? She can’t contribute to these important matters.”

“Just do as I say—why so much fuss?”

Jiang Shuzhi’s smile was pleasant, but her tone was sharp with impatience.

Fu Changjun sighed inwardly but went to fetch Lin Wanbai as told.

Liang Zhixia didn’t come; Lin Wanbai went up alone. Jiang Shuzhi had saved a seat for her and pulled her over. “Haven’t seen you since we boarded—I thought you’d snuck off.”

“Of course not. Did you need something?”

“Just wanted you to join us for some tea and a chat.”

Lin Wanbai had attended such gatherings before—part networking, part social posturing. But today’s theme was different: it was all about finding a wife for Fu Yanchuan, so the conversation was more subtle, each woman subtly displaying her virtues through her words and behavior.

All present were from prominent families, well-versed in such games. The discussion lasted nearly two hours before everyone dispersed to their rooms.

In the now-quiet lounge, only the Fus remained.

Jiang Shuzhi asked bluntly, “Yanchuan, is there anyone you like?”

Before Fu Yanchuan could respond, Fu Miao interjected, “I think Zhao Yiling is quite nice—a good match for big brother.”

Fu Yanming snorted. “That old maid?”

Jiang Shuzhi shot him a look, her eyes full of disdain. He wisely fell silent.

Fu Miao turned to Fu Yanchuan. “What do you think, big brother?”

He smiled mildly. “She’s alright—the second daughter of the Zhao family, educated and refined. Not the best, but not bad.”

“Who do you think is best?” Jiang Shuzhi asked.

He shook his head. “They’re all fine, but none is right for me.”

Jiang Shuzhi’s smile faded. “You’re not young anymore, Yanchuan. You should think about your future. As the eldest grandson, you must set an example—not act on a whim, understood?”

“Yes.”

She glanced at him, then at Lin Wanbai, who was sampling the snacks with studied indifference.

After a moment, Jiang Shuzhi grasped her wrist. “Xiaobai, who do you think is most suitable for Yanchuan?”

Caught mid-bite, Lin Wanbai choked a bit. Fu Yanchuan, sitting close, smoothly slid a cup of tea toward her.

Fu Miao, between them, saw everything, and under the table, she nudged Fu Yanchuan as if in warning.

Lin Wanbai didn’t touch the tea. After a moment’s thought, she said, “Fu Miao’s right—Zhao Yiling is quite good. Her family background’s a bit lacking, but she’s a university lecturer—still young and not yet established, but give her a decade, her students will be a force. Her own merits more than make up for her family’s shortcomings. I think she’s the best match here.”

Jiang Shuzhi raised an eyebrow. The point was well made—she hadn’t considered Zhao Yiling before, but Lin Wanbai’s words gave her pause.

Continuing, Lin Wanbai said, “The Fus have enough standing; you don’t need to care about family alliances. What matters is connections, and marriage is a long-term investment. Women judge men by ability, and men should do the same.”

Fu Miao sniffed, “That’s what I was thinking, only I didn’t get a chance to say it.”

Lin Wanbai smiled at her. “We think alike—like we share a brain.”

With that, the topic was closed.

Jiang Shuzhi, tired, wanted to rest and asked Fu Yanchuan to escort her back.

Once in her room, she sat on the bed. “Did you take Xiaobai’s words to heart?”

Fu Yanchuan smiled, eyes lowered. “I listen to all of you.”

“Oh? Tell me your thoughts.” She pointed to a chair. “Sit—let’s talk.”

He obeyed.

Before he could speak, she said, “There’s another way—see if you can get Xiaobai to divorce Fu Juxing. She’s such a sweet, sensible girl—I like her too. If you can get her to leave him, I wouldn’t mind if she married you.”

Fu Yanchuan was stunned to hear these words from her. She was always so proper—if Lin Wanbai divorced Fu Juxing and remarried into the family, it would be a scandal.

He had never dared to hope for such a thing.

Jiang Shuzhi smiled. “Surprised to hear me say that?”

He nodded slightly.

She sighed. “You’re my favorite grandson; of course I want to see you happily married. When Lin Wanbai broke your heart and married Fu Juxing, you think I wasn’t angry? I was even angrier than you—sometimes I can’t stand her either. You’ve always loved her, but she… Well, true feelings are hard to control. I can only let things take their course. Let others talk—what matters is your own happiness. If she ever changes her mind, I won’t object. But as it is, she’s completely on his side.”

“I just hope you don’t regret it one day,” she finished.

“Grandma, I have no such thoughts,” Fu Yanchuan replied. “If you think Zhao Yiling is suitable, I’ll get to know her, and if I develop feelings, I’ll marry her.”

“Don’t force yourself.”

“I won’t.”

“If that’s the case, then make the effort. She’s a bit shy—you’ll have to be proactive.”

“I will.”

Jiang Shuzhi smiled, took a box from her pocket. “Here—find a chance to give this to her. Just say it’s a small token from me.”

“Yes, Grandma.”

When he left the room, Fu Miao was waiting outside. He jumped. “What are you doing here?”

“Waiting for you.”

“What’s up?”

“Let’s chat. We haven’t sat down together since I got back.”

“As if you’ve got the time,” he muttered, pocketing the box and heading to the deck with her.

Fu Changjun was fishing at the bow, Lin Wanbai by his side.

Seeing them, Fu Yanchuan wanted to go over, but Fu Miao stopped him. “Don’t interrupt them.”

She dragged him to a sofa at the stern.

The weather was beautiful—sunny and bright. Fu Miao fetched a drink for him. “Have a bit—it won’t hurt.”

He took it. “No thanks.”

“What’s the big deal? A little won’t get you drunk. Or are you scared after slipping up once?”

His smile faded. “Slipping up how?”

“The other night—I saw. Sorry, I wasn’t snooping, just happened to come home late and caught you. I even nabbed a little thief.”

“What thief?”

Fu Miao sipped her drink, eyes sparkling. “Yeah—the security guard was secretly tailing you, taking photos. Probably wanted to cause trouble. Luckily, I caught him and deleted the photos. Don’t worry.”

“Which guard dared do such a thing?” In the Fu household, servants and guards were carefully vetted, expected to be absolutely loyal and discreet. Anyone who made a serious mistake could be sued into bankruptcy.

Fu Miao said, “I’ve had him detained. I waited to tell you privately—no need to alarm anyone else. If word got out, it would look bad for you.”

“I think he’s suspicious. If I hadn’t caught him, who knows what would’ve happened.”

Fu Yanchuan’s face darkened. “Good thing you acted fast.”

“I only realized afterward. But too late—what’s done is done. Shouldn’t you thank me?”

He shook his head. “You’re amazing.”

“Just words? No sincerity.”

“What do you want, then?”

“I don’t need gifts—give me the truth. Do you still like Lin Wanbai?”

He opened his mouth, but she pointed at him. “Be honest, or you’ll end up alone forever.”

“Yes.”

She made a face of exaggerated disgust.

He scowled and kicked her. “Enough from you.”

“Wow, my big brother’s a real romantic—she’s married, and you still like her. I don’t even see what’s so great about Lin Wanbai—bad temper, narcissistic, blindly confident, a bit of an airhead. Average body, average looks. Aside from her family, what’s special?”

He couldn’t be bothered to argue. She’d been badmouthing Lin Wanbai since childhood, and yet after all these years, his feelings hadn’t changed. Who was at fault—her or him?

Then she wondered, maybe it was her constant mention of Lin Wanbai that made him fixate and fall for her.

…

Lin Wanbai’s nose tickled, and she sneezed several times.

Fu Changjun finally remembered. “Oh dear, what am I thinking—your cold’s barely better, and here I have you exposed to the wind. Go back inside at once.”

“I’m fine—just a tickle. The sun’s warm and the breeze is pleasant.”

She adjusted her sunglasses. “I’ll leave after you catch a fish.”

Alas, his skills were lacking; after an hour, not even a bite. She grew hungry.

Sensible, Fu Changjun packed up, and they went to the dining room together—just in time to run into Fu Yanchuan and his sister.

Both called out, “Grandpa.”

Lin Wanbai, bringing up the rear, glanced at them and smiled in greeting.

Since they’d run into each other, they might as well eat together.

Lin Wanbai called Liang Zhixia, but the lazy girl wouldn’t come out, asking her to bring something back instead. That was fine—she wouldn’t have to get roped into anything else and had a perfect excuse to retreat.

At lunch, more people arrived, including Zhao Yiling—alone. Fu Miao went over to invite her to join them.

They were all from the same circle, and even if unfamiliar, they’d crossed paths before. Fu Miao was naturally outgoing, and Zhao Yiling’s reserved nature matched her well.

“Hello, Grandpa Lin,” she greeted politely.

Fu Changjun smiled. “Hello, hello.”

Fu Miao steered her to Fu Yanchuan’s side, giving them a chance to talk.

After eating with Fu Changjun, Lin Wanbai brought a meal back to her room.

Inside, Liang Zhixia was meditating, eyes fixed on the window, face blank.

Without a word, Lin Wanbai walked over and slapped her on the shoulder. Liang Zhixia jumped, clutching her chest. “Are you trying to kill me?”

“What were you thinking?” She put the meal on the table.

“Nothing.” She pocketed her phone. “Just spacing out.”

“There’s not much in your head to begin with—how much emptier can you get?”

“You’re always teasing me—such a terrible friend.”

Lin Wanbai laughed. “Yet I still bring you food. I should’ve let you starve.”

They bantered back and forth.

The afternoon was idle, spent playing on their phones.

By evening, they reached Fudao.

All the facilities on the island belonged to the Fu family. The hotel had been notified and everything arranged. Upon arrival, everyone went to their rooms.

There was to be some activity in the evening, but Lin Wanbai couldn’t be bothered, nor could Liang Zhixia, though she didn’t plan to just lounge in her room. After a nap, she changed and dragged Lin Wanbai to the bar.

Since her family’s downfall, Liang Zhixia had fallen in love with nightlife, caring little for her reputation. As for love, she no longer trusted men—casual flings were fine, but not romance.

Lin Wanbai sat at the bar. Liang Zhixia had two drinks before being invited to dance.

Not in the mood for alcohol, Lin Wanbai asked for milk, making the bartender laugh. He made her a milk cocktail.

Her phone rang—it was Fu Juxing. She didn’t answer, nor did she hang up.

He called three times, then texted: [At Fudao?]

Chin in hand, she tapped her phone twice before replying: [It’s windy on the island. Wear a jacket.]

She was about to send it when Liang Zhixia, fresh from dancing, flopped onto her, knocking the phone from her hand.

Lin Wanbai hurried to retrieve it, then sat back down. “What are you doing?”

“Why just sit here—no drink, no dancing? What’s wrong?”

“I’m not interested.”

“Come on, you’re out—forget everything else! Let’s go!”

Liang Zhixia dragged her into the dance floor.

After a wild dance, they sat back down. The bartender was handsome, and Liang Zhixia flirted shamelessly, drinking heavily. Lin Wanbai, more restrained, limited herself to one drink.

Yet perhaps it was stronger than she thought—she began to feel hot and flushed. She checked the time, deciding to head back.

Liang Zhixia wanted to wait for the bartender to get off work, so Lin Wanbai left alone, not wanting to intrude.

On her way back to the hotel, she encountered two drunken men who immediately began to harass her. Fortunately, Fu Yanchuan appeared and intervened.

“Been to the bar?”

Lin Wanbai nodded, feeling faint, and before she could speak, she collapsed.

Quick on his feet, Fu Yanchuan caught her.

“What’s wrong?”

With the last of her strength, she patted him. “Xiàxià—go find Xiàxià…”

Drained, she could only let him carry her back to her room.

At the door, he reached into her pocket for the keycard. Lin Wanbai made a strange sound, grabbing his wrist, her palm burning hot.

Biting her lip, she muttered, “Damn it…”