Chapter 41: Lifelike

A woman's heart is as unfathomable as the ocean's depths. One moment she is bright and cheerful, and in the next, clouds may gather, her mood darkening without warning.

Of course, Lin Wanbai's change wasn't entirely sudden. She merely reined in her emotions, suppressing her earlier enthusiasm and returning to her usual self.

Dinner was arranged by Fu Juxing in the restaurant.

After eating, the two strolled about the island to aid digestion. They walked side by side; Lin Wanbai was unusually quiet, lost in thought.

The night wind was strong, and her clothes were thin. Fu Juxing took off his jacket and draped it over her shoulders.

She started, coming back to herself, and turned to meet his gaze.

"The weather's cooler now. You should dress more warmly," he said.

Lin Wanbai smiled. "Actually, it's not too bad. I'm not that cold."

"Still, better to wear more," he insisted.

She lowered her eyes and smiled faintly. After standing a moment, she reached out and took his arm, and the two continued walking. Lin Wanbai said, "The purpose of this trip is to help Fu Yanchuan find a wife. Did you know? Quite a few young ladies from prominent families have come."

"Yes, I heard something about it. Was a final choice made?"

"There was. The second daughter of the Zhao family, Zhao Yiling."

"Zhao family," he repeated, pausing before smiling. "I mostly hear about their youngest daughter. The second daughter is rarely mentioned."

The Zhao family had three daughters. The eldest was a formidable businesswoman who had brought the family business to new heights. The youngest had become a popular celebrity, newly famous this year. Only the second daughter remained obscure and unknown.

But with a closer look, it was clear she was a woman of great promise, one who could truly support a husband.

Lin Wanbai said, "But I heard Grandpa say that Zhao Yiling was personally raised by the Zhao matriarch, who is said to come from royal blood. Only the children she brings up herself are truly remarkable."

"Grandpa used to tell me to learn from her—she's the true model of a lady from a noble family. She rarely appears in public because the old lady forbids it; in her eyes, young women should not be constantly in the limelight. So, in fact, the most favored in the Zhao family should be this second daughter. Otherwise, I doubt the old witch would have asked her to come."

Fu Juxing pondered for a moment, then said, "She does seem a good match for my brother."

"Yes, I think their personalities are well-matched. And it seems Fu Yanchuan is interested in her too. I suspect it won't be long before we're drinking their wedding wine."

"As long as my brother's willing, the wedding could have happened long ago."

"That's true," she nodded.

They talked like any ordinary married couple, chatting about family matters. After a while, they sat on a nearby bench, the sea breeze carrying the scent of grass.

That night, each slept in their own bed. Lin Wanbai made no move toward him. When he tried to fulfill his conjugal duties, she simply said she was tired, and he let it go.

The next morning, they took a boat back.

Fu Juxing dropped her at home and left for the company.

Lingering at her doorstep, Lin Wanbai hesitated, then turned and left again, heading to meet Lin Zhouye for a meal.

She waited in her car beneath his office. He came down half an hour later, fastened his seatbelt, and asked, "Why are you driving yourself?"

"Is it a problem?"

He smiled, noncommittal. "So, what are you treating me to? I've turned down a social engagement just to have lunch with you, so don't just brush me off."

"What do you want to eat?" She flicked her short hair.

"Do I have to decide? I thought you'd have planned it already. Besides, when it comes to food, you're the expert."

"So, Western or Chinese?"

"Chinese," he replied, cutting off further questions. "Anything's fine, just don't ask me about cuisines. Make it easy for me, will you?"

Lin Wanbai laughed. "Got it, Mr. Busy."

She started the car and headed to a private restaurant.

She had Lin Zhouye call ahead for preparations.

The owner was an old friend, so even a last-minute reservation was no problem. Most people had to book three days in advance.

They arrived just as the owner, Chen Fan, did.

"Long time no see, Chen Fan. You've put on weight again," Lin Wanbai teased.

"Nonsense. Don’t slander me! I’m dieting, you know," he protested.

Despite his loose clothes, she could still see the fat. Lin Wanbai remembered how skinny he’d been in middle school.

He was Fu Juxing’s classmate, though not especially close to him; he got along much better with her.

Inside, Lin Wanbai and Lin Zhouye sat down while Chen Fan headed to the kitchen. His assistant hadn’t arrived, but he needed to tidy up—the place had been closed for a week.

"So, what brings you here to treat me to a meal today?"

Lin Wanbai set her bag aside, smiling. "Why, can't I take my uncle out for a meal?"

"One doesn’t visit the temple for nothing. When have you ever invited me to eat for no reason?"

"Wow, you make me sound so calculating."

Lin Zhouye draped his jacket over the chair. "Fine, then. No business talk today. Just small talk."

Lin Wanbai fiddled with the tablecloth, then looked up with a smile, as if struck by a thought. "Uncle, when are you getting married?"

"Why? Does my singlehood bother you?"

"Not really, but you’re not young anymore. Isn’t it time you considered it?"

"Want to introduce someone for me?"

Lin Wanbai thought for a moment. "Grandpa said the Zhao family's second daughter is quite nice."

He gave her a look, leaning back lazily. "I heard you went to Fukushima island with the Fu family the other day?"

She paused. "Yes, why?"

"Then you must know Zhao Yiling is dating Fu Yanchuan?"

Lin Wanbai grinned. "They’re not married yet, are they? Why not go for it? I just think Zhao Yiling is great—better marry her into our family than let her go elsewhere. It’d be good for you and the Lin family."

"Still holding a grudge against Jiang Shuzhi?"

"I’m not targeting her! I’m just helping you out here. Don’t be ungrateful."

"My marriage is none of your concern. I know what kind of person I want to marry. You just mind your own business."

Lin Wanbai snorted. "You really are boring."

"You seem too idle lately. Ever thought of doing something? Look at the other girls around you—none of them lounge around at home like you do."

She stopped laughing, lips curving downward, turning away from him. "I just want to let you men have a little pride. If I started working, what would be left for you?"

He chuckled. "Big words. Well, go ahead, I’d gladly be your right hand. If you become the top businesswoman in Beicheng, I’d be happy for you."

Just then, Chen Fan came over with water and, overhearing, couldn’t help but laugh.

Lin Wanbai shot him a look. "What are you laughing at?"

"Nothing. My assistant just arrived. Since you two came so suddenly, I haven’t had much time to prepare, so please bear with me."

He hurried out.

Lin Zhouye covered his mouth, laughing.

Lin Wanbai kicked him. "Why are you laughing?"

After a moment, he sobered up. "Seriously, you should find something to do. Anything at all."

"What about being an internet celebrity? After that incident, my Weibo followers have soared—so many comments every day, everyone wants to see me post photos. Or maybe I could be a beauty blogger? What do you think?"

He snorted. "What do you think?"

"See? Whatever I suggest, none of you agree. So I’ll stay at home. I do have things to do—charity events and such. I’m actually very busy. Next month, I have to go to Paris for a fashion show. I’m not just idling at home, okay?"

She took a sip of water, looking out the window at Chen Fan, the chubby owner waiting by the door.

Lin Zhouye said, "Why not come work in the company? Start from the bottom, I’ll mentor you. Don’t refuse right away—think about it. It was a mistake for your big sister not to join the business. It’s not too late for you. Grandpa has invested so much in your education, not so you can be a showpiece. This isn’t the old days; women don’t have to stay home and play the supportive wife."

"A woman should have her own career, so she won’t be constrained by men. If things ever fall apart, you’ll still have your own footing."

Lin Wanbai listened intently, a smile flickering in her eyes. "Lin Zhouye, you talk like an old woman. Are you planning to marry a career woman, someone who can match you? But I’ve never seen two equally strong people have a lasting marriage."

"Just because you haven’t seen it doesn’t mean it doesn’t exist. Don’t make excuses for yourself."

She didn’t argue. "Then I’ll wait for you to bring home a career woman as my aunt."

The conversation shifted to other topics.

Lin Zhouye mentioned Zhou Quan’s case; the opposing lawyer wanted to settle and was open to negotiating compensation.

"How about it?"

"She wants to see me?"

"Probably."

"No. I want to take it to court, make it public, with live news coverage."

"Fine."

It would take time for the appeal to reach trial. Lin Wanbai had plenty of time and money, so she wasn’t worried.

Throughout the meal, Lin Zhouye lectured her, leaving her bored and eager for it to end.

Still, she didn’t forget to nudge him one more time. "I really think you should consider Zhao Yiling. If you’re interested, I can help set up a meeting."

"Stay out of it."

His driver arrived to pick him up, but Lin Wanbai stayed behind to catch up with her old friend.

After he left, Chen Fan sat down, his eyes narrowing with laughter. "So, Lady Lin, did the food suit your taste?"

"It did. Very much so."

Chen Fan’s assistant brought over some homemade liquor. "My parents brewed this; try a little, but don’t force yourself if you don’t like it."

"Sure, I’ve never tried this kind before," Lin Wanbai said, eager.

Chen Fan poured her a small amount, but she called him stingy and downed it all at once, only to choke on the intense flavor, tears springing to her eyes.

She stuck out her tongue, gasping for breath. "Help!"

Chen Fan laughed aloud. Even with her face twisted from the burn, she still looked beautiful.

He handed her a date to eat. "Who told you to drink so fast? You should have sipped it slowly since you’ve never had it before."

"You should have warned me before you poured! You’re such a jerk—you did it on purpose." She ate the date, but her throat still hurt.

He chuckled and poured a bit more. "So, how are things with Fu Juxing? Married for three years and no kids—planning to stay childless?"

"No, I’m still young."

"Planning for a second marriage, then?"

She shot him a look. "I’m considering it."

Back then, Chen Fan had been Fu Juxing’s desk mate. Fu Juxing was aloof and never reached out to others; even when both were ostracized, he offered no olive branch. They simply endured together.

But it was Lin Wanbai who had truly warmed Chen Fan’s heart, even if she had used him to keep tabs on Fu Juxing. He didn’t mind.

In truth, Chen Fan knew Lin Wanbai’s feelings better than anyone, even Liang Zhixia.

After her marriage, their contact lessened.

Chen Fan had always been a top student, recruited by the school with a scholarship, something of a maverick. His main job was software development; cooking was a side hobby for stress relief.

Now he led his own team, busier than ever, with little time to cook. Ironically, more people wanted to book his meals than before.

"With your schedule, how come you haven’t lost any weight? Are you sick? Have you seen a doctor?"

Chen Fan spat in mock offense. "Curse you. I never forget to eat, even when working overtime. Midnight snacks every day—it’d be weird not to gain weight."

Lin Wanbai giggled, suddenly curious. "How many people are on your team?"

"Five or six."

"Just a handful—what do you do?"

"Game development. Why?"

"Just curious."

"You’re not thinking of coming to work for me, are you?" He’d overheard some of her earlier conversation.

Lin Wanbai laughed, reaching out to pinch his ear. "Pigsy, you’re so sharp."

"You didn’t study this field. What would you do?"

"I could learn—it can’t be that hard. I’m pretty smart."

"Better not. I don’t have time to teach anyone now."

His face clearly said "no." "Why work for my tiny team when your family has a company ready for you? Your uncle’s right—you should just work there. You don’t have any real concerns, do you?"

Lin Wanbai rested her chin in her hand and took a delicate sip of liquor, noncommittal. Sometimes, things aren’t as simple as you wish, especially after marriage. There are always considerations. You can’t just do whatever you want—though to outsiders, it looks like freedom.

"What’s wrong? You seem troubled. Tell me, maybe I can help."

She took another sip, thought for a moment, but ended up saying nothing substantial, just venting about trivial irritations. In the end, she couldn’t resist one question. "Based on what you know of Fu Juxing, do you think he’d keep a mistress?"

Chen Fan’s hand froze mid-drink—this was the heart of the matter.

Men knew men best.

He raised an eyebrow. "Did you find something?"

"Just answer. Forget what I found."

"Knowing him, probably not."

"Why?"

"He’s self-aware. What would he gain from keeping a mistress? He’d get nothing from his own family or from you—it’s not worth it. Besides, I think his interest in women is very low. You say he was especially fond of Lin Yao, but I think it was just that she belonged to his world—they were compatible."

Lin Wanbai cradled her cheek, listening intently, smiling. "What do you mean, the same world? Are they from another dimension? Ridiculous."

"You’re not like them, so you can’t understand how they feel. But I can. Even if the specifics are different, the situation is similar. You know yourself—it’s hard for people from different social classes to be together, right?"

"Social class, equality—aren’t we all the same? Besides, aren’t Fu Juxing and I from the same class?"

Chen Fan laughed. "You know the answer."

"Then why not bring him into my world?"

"You’ve done that. How does it feel?" He poured her more liquor.

Lin Wanbai ruffled her hair. Only now did Chen Fan notice she’d cut it short. She’d always kept her hair long and black, just as Fu Juxing liked. Now it was gone—a significant step.

"You cut your hair!" he exclaimed. "No wonder you looked different when I saw you earlier!"

"You’re slow," she retorted, rolling her eyes.

"It’s rare—after so many years, you finally chopped it off. Did Fu Juxing do something to push you this far?"

Under the light, her eyes shone as she stared at him. After a while, she closed her eyes and touched them gently. "Three years. I feel like he never loved me. After Lin Yao met Hainan, he never loved again."

"You know, at first I thought I’d try the slow-boil method—shower him with warmth until his world was filled with me, every corner, even every garment. But suddenly, I realized he was doing the same thing to me. That scared me."

She pressed a hand to her chest, earnest.

Chen Fan asked, "What are you afraid of?"

"I don’t know. But I’m scared."

"You’re afraid he has ulterior motives?"

She said nothing.

"But when you married, people must have warned you about every possibility, right?"

She laughed, shrugging. "I don’t want to lose."

"But you already lost from the start."

She kept smiling, shook her head, and took another sip, too quickly—she choked again. Chen Fan got up, patted her back, knelt down, and said, "Let me tell you a secret."

"What?"

"Come home with me, I’ll show you."

Lin Wanbai frowned but followed him.

His place was nearby. He pedaled his bike, taking her with him.

A bachelor’s apartment is messy, especially for someone as busy as Chen Fan, who barely has time to sleep at home.

Lin Wanbai stood at the door, tapping her toe, but decided not to go in.

Chen Fan rummaged inside for a long time before emerging with a small brocade box.

"What’s this?"

He opened it—a black hair tie with a rabbit charm.

She picked it up and looked at him, puzzled.

"You have one like this, don’t you?"

"Uh?"

She really didn’t remember. These hair ties were common in their school days, but after so long, she had forgotten.

She frowned. "I don’t understand."

"I stole this from Fu Juxing’s desk in middle school."

"And?"

"One day I noticed you had the exact same one."

"What does that mean?"

Chen Fan clicked his tongue. "Are you even a woman? How can you be so unperceptive? He bought a hair tie just like yours—what else could it mean but that he liked you?"

"But you know Lin Yao had the same hair tie as me," Lin Wanbai replied expressionlessly. "You’ve just salted my wound."

Chen Fan paused, sticking out his tongue. "Really? I didn’t notice."

Lin Wanbai punched him and shook him by the neck. "You’re impossible!"

Such a ridiculous misunderstanding left them both laughing.

Chen Fan’s place wasn’t suitable for entertaining guests, so Lin Wanbai called Yang Ruyue to pick her up.

As they waited outside, Chen Fan said earnestly, "Don’t get discouraged. I really think Fu Juxing likes you. That hair tie—he bought it because of you."

"Enough, just stop talking," she scoffed. "You actually kept it all these years? So you’ve always been sure Fu Juxing secretly liked me?"

Chen Fan laughed like a pig and nodded. "Yes. My intuition is spot-on. After being his desk mate all those years, I’m sure of it."

Lin Wanbai thought for a moment, bumped his shoulder, and said, "But do you know, now I’m keeping a boy toy and kissing other men, and he doesn’t even react. If it were you, wouldn’t you be angry?"

"Of course! I’d break up on the spot."

"So, he’s not angry. He even calmly covers for me. If you say he likes me, that’s a joke."

"There’s another possibility," Chen Fan said. "People who love humbly have no reaction at all—even if they catch their partner cheating, they’ll pretend not to notice."

That sounded plausible.

She looked at him.

He went on, "But every man has a limit. Cross that line, and you might provoke an explosion. Are you trying to push him to explode?"

Lin Wanbai said nothing.

"Then you’ll need to be convincing—so convincing he truly believes you’re leaving him, body and soul. I don’t believe your acting skills, though. You’re terrible at pretending."

In the end, Lin Wanbai said no more.

Yang Ruyue arrived, and Lin Wanbai said goodbye to Chen Fan before getting in the car.

At the first intersection, the traffic light turned red.

"Take me to Han Chen’s place," she said.

Yang Ruyue didn’t ask questions, just acknowledged the instruction and drove to the Morning Light Hotel Apartments.

On the way, she briefed Lin Wanbai on Han Chen’s recent schedule.

"Last night, he had dinner with a medical student named Xu Yunxue."

Lin Wanbai paused her scrolling and looked over. "Who?"

"A girl named Xu Yunxue from the medical school," Yang Ruyue replied, eyes on the road. "I’ve sent the info to your email—you probably haven’t checked."

Lin Wanbai said nothing, only smiled faintly. Her assistant was on point.

At Morning Light Apartments, Lin Wanbai went up alone while Yang Ruyue parked the car.

Han Chen was well-behaved—apart from a tutoring job, he spent his days in class or the library, never out late, always returning home at night. He was quite disciplined.

A few days ago, his ex-girlfriend Ji Xiaoxiao had come around again. Yang Ruyue, ever efficient, had already investigated.

Ji Xiaoxiao was pregnant but dared not tell her benefactor, who had said no children were allowed. If she got pregnant, she had to abort.

But she wanted to keep the baby. Mistresses always hope to become the main wife. She knew the man’s wife couldn’t have children and that they planned to remain childless.

But she didn’t believe a man could truly not want children. If not him, then his family would. This child was her plan—if she gave birth, she'd have leverage.

At school she was a model student, the belle of her department, and kept her secrets well—probably only Han Chen knew.

Yang Ruyue said Han Chen had handled it well—he stayed unmoved, refused her, and even turned her away at the door.

Lin Wanbai rang the bell; Han Chen answered quickly, still damp from the shower, having guessed it was her.

He hadn’t even finished dressing.

"What’s this? Trying to seduce me?" she teased.

"I was afraid you’d get mad if I made you wait."

"Am I that quick to anger? I have a good temper."

He chuckled, clearly unconvinced.

He let her in and went to dress.

Lin Wanbai changed her shoes, set her bag on the rack, and sat on the sofa.

Han Chen came out in a black t-shirt. "Why the sudden visit? Next time, call first so I can be prepared."

"Prepared for what?" she asked, giving him a playful, appraising look.

"So you don’t catch me in the shower."

"Then just wait for me every night. Shower after ten if I haven’t come."

"You won’t come after ten?"

She thought a moment. "No, not after ten."

"Alright," he agreed.

He sat for a moment, then got up to pour her some water and set it on the coffee table.

She patted his head. "You cut your hair."

He blushed, unconsciously touching the spot where she’d touched him. "Yeah, it was too long."

"It looks good now. But it was nice long, too," she said.

He smiled. "Not bad."

"You know Xu Yunxue?"

"I didn’t before, but now I do."

She laughed. "How did you meet?"

"In the library. We wanted the same book."

"What a coincidence."

"I did it on purpose," he admitted, looking up at her. "You asked me about her before, and I got curious—wanted to see what she was like."

"And?"

"Just met her, no deep acquaintance. She’s an outgoing girl."

Lin Wanbai curled up on the sofa, the liquor making her drowsy, eyelids heavy. "Do you like her?"

"No."

"Liar."

"You’ve been drinking?" He smelled the alcohol.

"Yeah, a bit. Old friends, old stories—drank more than usual. My first time trying this liquor, not bad. At least I’m not drunk."

"I’ll make you some hangover soup."

"Great, go ahead," she waved him off.

But by the time Han Chen brought out the soup, she was already asleep on the sofa, not very becoming.

Just then, the doorbell rang again. He set the soup down and looked through the peephole—it was Fu Juxing. He hesitated, then opened the door, blocking the entrance. "Can I help you?"

"Xiaobai’s here, isn’t she?"

"Yes."

"I’ve come to take her home," Fu Juxing said politely.

Han Chen replied with a smile, "No need. She just said she wants to sleep here."

Fu Juxing stared at him a long time. "Let her come out and speak to me."

"No need. She’s already lying in bed. You know her—she’s lazy, and if she gets annoyed, she’s hard to coax."

As they faced off, Han Chen’s phone rang—a strange number. He hesitated, then answered.

The background was noisy; after a while, a voice came through. "Are you Ji Xiaoxiao’s family?"

"I’m not," he replied instantly.

"But you’re the only contact in her phone. She’s been in a car accident—could you come to the hospital?"

Han Chen frowned, silent.

"Hello? Are you there? Ji Xiaoxiao has been taken to Third Hospital. Please come if you can. Thank you."

The call ended. Han Chen looked at Fu Juxing. "Sorry, I have something to deal with. I won’t waste your time."

He closed the door and went to the sofa, crouching to shake Lin Wanbai gently. "Wake up. Just for a moment."

She opened her eyes. "What is it?"

"Ji Xiaoxiao’s been in an accident, sent to the hospital. I may need to go. Is that alright?"

"Go ahead. I’m not stopping you."

"Could you have Yang Ruyue go instead?"

Lin Wanbai opened her eyes but didn’t answer, asking, "Who was at the door?"

"Fu Juxing."

"It was him? I just dreamed of him—he came storming over, dragged me out, scolded me, and said he loved me madly." She chuckled foolishly.

Han Chen said, "He wasn’t mad."

"I know. No need to remind me."

"So, can Yang Ruyue go?"

She sat up, drank some water, checked her phone—sure enough, missed calls and messages from Fu Juxing. "Why not go yourself?"

"I’m afraid if I see her, she’ll keep clinging to me."

"Do you still like her?"

"No," he answered quickly, without hesitation.

Lin Wanbai glanced at him. "Men are so heartless."

"Really? But she lied to me, played the innocent, while cheating on me. I was the one deceived."

Lin Wanbai sent Yang Ruyue a message, finished her water, and went to the door. Through the peephole, she saw no sign of Fu Juxing.

She waited five minutes, then went to shower.

Afterward, she went straight to bed.

Fu Juxing’s messages came in. She opened them.

[My flight tonight is to Harbor City for business. Want to come along?]

[The schedule is light. I can take you shopping.]

Ten minutes later.

[Xiaobai?]

Lin Wanbai: [Not going.]

Her phone was silent for a long time before he replied.

[Alright, I understand.]

The reply made Lin Wanbai almost laugh in anger; she nearly threw her phone.

She turned off her phone, stuffed it under her pillow, and closed her eyes.

...

In the days that followed, Lin Wanbai pretended to be a student, tagging along with Han Chen at the university.

They spent every day together, growing closer.

She stopped driving, wore no makeup, just followed Han Chen, taking the subway and eating cafeteria food. With thick black-rimmed glasses and simple clothes, few recognized her. Occasionally, someone would notice her looks, wondering which department she was from.

Soon, a photo of her reading in the library appeared on the campus forum.

Many asked who she was, which department.

No one seemed to know; some joked the campus beauty crown was about to change hands.

When Han Chen saw the forum, the thread had gone viral, unprecedented in its reach.

He grew worried. Lin Wanbai had been trending online lately, and if this continued, she’d be recognized.

She was reading on the sofa. Han Chen glanced at her, then said, "Maybe you shouldn’t come to campus with me tomorrow."

"Why? Do you have something else to do?"

"No, nothing else."

Sensing something off, Lin Wanbai looked up and saw the forum on his laptop. She peered closer. "That’s me, isn’t it?"

"Yeah."

She smiled. "How did I end up on the forum? Is it my beauty?"

She seemed pleased.

"Probably," he replied.

"That’s a good thing. Why the frown?"

"You’re famous. Aren’t you afraid of rumors?"

Lin Wanbai laughed. "Not afraid. It’s true love—what’s there to fear?"

Han Chen was taken aback. "What did you say?"

"Nothing. Don’t worry about me."

"And what if I worry for myself?"

She rolled her eyes. "Don’t be such a coward. I’ll protect you."

If she didn’t mind, he had even less to worry about. At this point, he had nothing but her.

Lin Wanbai continued to attend class with Han Chen. The post attracted more attention; students flocked to see her in person, and the campus chat group buzzed with excitement. The group owner had to buy a super membership to raise the limit.

Lin Wanbai made no effort to hide, so many saw her.

It wasn’t long before she was identified.

Ji Xiaoxiao’s roommate, Feng Mei, did it—posting her identity and then a new thread, using what little she knew to spout off.

A second Zhou Quan was born.

The online commotion grew, and soon, reporters caught wind, tracking her down and even snapping photos of Lin Wanbai and Han Chen on campus.

Of course, the photos couldn’t be published.

A journalist friend told Lin Zhouye, who paid to suppress the story.

After getting the facts, he went to Morning Light Apartments.

When he saw them, he nearly fainted with fury.

He didn’t lose his temper, but called them outside.

"What exactly are you up to?"

Lin Wanbai touched her face and sighed. "Gossip follows the beautiful. It’s only been a few days and already you’ve heard?"

"Yes, and so has Grandpa. I bet the whole Fu family knows, too. What’s your plan—planning to divorce Fu Juxing?"

Leaning against the wall, Lin Wanbai grinned at him. "Still considering."

"If you’re getting divorced, can’t you pick a better man? This one—"

"Hey, I’m not marrying him. Just dating."

"Given your current behavior, I’m afraid you’ll lose your head again."

She blinked at his serious expression. "Afraid I’ll impulsively marry Han Chen?"

"Yes."

"And why do you think that?"

"You know your actions are telling everyone you and Fu Juxing are finished?"

She could never bear to embarrass Fu Juxing like that.

She smiled. "And then?"

He looked at her, and after a moment, realization dawned. He pinched her cheek hard, wishing he could give her a good shake.