Chapter 53: The Junkyard

Tang Qiong had to admit the truth of those words. But after all, Fu Yanming was her son. To sit back and watch him go to prison was something she could not bear, no matter how much she reasoned. After much deliberation, she thought: whoever sowed this seed should be the one to solve the problem.

Just then, Fu Yongyi returned home. She beckoned him into the study for a talk.

“What’s Mother’s attitude on this matter? Is she really planning to stay out of it?” Fu Yongyi asked.

Tang Qiong replied, “What does your family say?”

“Why is it that every time there’s trouble, you expect my family to handle it? Isn’t Yanming your son? Isn’t he a descendant of the Fu family? If he’s in trouble, shouldn’t your family be the first to find a solution? Do you realize the risks my parents take every time they intervene? This time, the Zhao family has stood their ground, refused to negotiate, and launched a public opinion offensive online. Do you understand how serious this is?”

As she spoke, Tang Qiong grew angry. “If you and your son lack the brains for this, then don’t do such dirty things. Couldn’t you tell me before acting? How old are you, Fu Yongyi? Do you ever use your head before doing anything?”

“Do you even know what you’re saying?” Fu Yongyi hated nothing more than being told he lacked intelligence.

Tang Qiong laughed softly. “Of course I know what I’m saying. It’s you—refusing to admit your own incompetence, always blaming others for lack of vision or intelligence. When will you change this self-deceiving nature?”

“Tang Qiong, don’t think you can say whatever you like just because you have some ability. If you were really capable, would I be suppressed by Fu Yonghui in this family? Look at yourself—can you compare to my sister-in-law? Now you point fingers at me, but you’re just as useless—the lowest position in the family, idling away, no use at all, yet you dare call me incompetent. If you’re so capable, solve Yanming’s problem for me. Let’s see you handle it flawlessly.”

Fu Yongyi slapped the table in frustration. He had never been satisfied with this wife, who was inferior to Yuan Yujun in every way. If she had ever aided him in his career, things would not have come to this. If he’d married Yuan Yujun, perhaps Fu Yonghui would be the one suppressed now.

In the end, it was his mother’s favoritism.

Thinking this, he stood up abruptly and left without another word.

He took Fu Yanming straight to Jiang Shuzhi.

At that moment, Yuan Yujun and Fu Miao were with the old lady, drinking tea and chatting. The laughter from inside made Fu Yongyi even more irritated. He barged in, shattering their harmonious atmosphere.

“Mother, just say it—are you really going to watch Yanming go to prison?”

Jiang Shuzhi’s smile faded. She glanced at him calmly. “Didn’t we already agree you would resolve this yourselves? If you created this disaster, you must bear the consequences. When you did it, did you not consider the outcome? In short, you were outmatched.”

Just as Fu Yongyi was about to explode, Tang Qiong arrived in time to restrain him.

She grabbed his arm and chastised him, “Why rush off so quickly? I just went to the restroom and you and Yanming both vanished.” She turned to Jiang Shuzhi with a gentle smile, then glanced at Yuan Yujun. “Ah, are we interrupting?”

Yuan Yujun put down her cup, patted Fu Miao’s shoulder, and said, “Mother, Miao and I will leave now.”

“Yes,” Jiang Shuzhi nodded.

Mother and daughter exited.

Jiang Shuzhi pointed to a seat beside her, and said to Tang Qiong, “Sit.”

Tang Qiong smiled lightly and sat down as told.

“Looks like you’re out of options too, aren’t you? Your family can’t help this time?”

Tang Qiong smiled ruefully, glanced at Fu Yanming, and said, “Actually, my father’s right. He needs to learn a lesson—only then will he truly change and avoid repeating his mistakes. This time, my family won’t intervene. The public pressure is too great, the authorities are involved. If a real investigation starts, the consequences will be unimaginable. To calm things down, he must take responsibility himself.”

“Mother, are you crazy?” Fu Yanming realized he was being sacrificed.

Tang Qiong shot him a sidelong look and ignored him. She continued, “But since Yanming is your grandson, I wanted to inform you beforehand. If you agree, the Fu family can hold a press conference tomorrow, let him publicly admit his wrongdoing, and turn himself in. Whatever the law prescribes, so be it.”

“Damn it,” Fu Yanming swore, then smashed the teacup on the table. “You want to sacrifice me, huh? Well, don’t even think about it. If I go to prison, I’ll expose all your secrets! Grandma, I know what you did for Fu Miao. You’d better consider carefully whether to help me. If you don’t, I won’t keep your secrets. We can all go down together!”

Before Jiang Shuzhi could react, Tang Qiong slapped him hard. “You brat! Do you know what you’re saying? You’re ruined from all those drugs!”

Fu Yanming nearly struck back, but managed to restrain himself, glaring at her. “You want to sacrifice me to save yourselves? Don’t think I don’t know what you’re thinking. You care about Fu Yanzheng. With me gone, you still have a promising son. I became this way because of you! Now you pretend to be righteous—who are you trying to disgust?”

His eyes were full of loathing.

Tang Qiong tried to hit him again, but Jiang Shuzhi stopped her. “Enough. Don’t make a scene in front of me. If you’re useless, keep a low profile, be humble. Not enough cunning, but still so arrogant—you’re just being used. Now you’re a target and only show your strength at home. What use is that? If you’re so capable, go hunt down the mastermind and teach them a lesson. Shouting about mutual destruction only makes you a laughingstock.”

Fu Yanming asked, “Fu Juxing?”

“If this family breaks apart, who benefits most?”

“That bastard, I’ll kill him!”

Fu Yanming was impulsive, but this time Fu Yongyi stayed calm and restrained him. “Calm down.”

But Fu Yanming, likely high on drugs, was too excited to be held back. He broke free and rushed out. Fu Yongyi called servants to help restrain him.

Tang Qiong sat unmoved, looking at Jiang Shuzhi. “Are you really going to abandon this grandson?”

“I completely agree with what you said. He needs to learn a lesson. He’s far too unruly.”

She pressed her lips together, a chill rising in her heart. Not only did Jiang Shuzhi refuse to save him, she intended to extract the last bit of value. Truly ruthless.

Jiang Shuzhi patted Tang Qiong’s hand. “I certainly don’t want your family to suffer because of this child. I was too indulgent in the past, and that’s why we have this disaster. But fortunately, Yanzheng is promising—steadfast and shrewd, combining both your strengths. To me, he’s a better heir than Yanchuan.”

Tang Qiong looked at her, recognizing the words as an attempt to reassure.

They stared at each other a moment, then Jiang Shuzhi smiled. “It’s not just a comfort; it’s my sincere opinion. Yanchuan is too kind, prone to emotional decisions. That’s my biggest concern. Look at his attitude toward Fu Juxing—always neutral, always believing in the goodness of people, which leaves openings for others. I’ve seen several projects managed by Yanzheng—he’s efficient, decisive, takes responsibility, doesn’t show mercy, never gives second chances.”

“If Yanchuan were half as decisive, Lin Wanbai would already be his wife.”

Jiang Shuzhi spoke earnestly, her gaze sincere.

Tang Qiong had to believe her.

“But…”

“Protect Yanzheng well. You’re smart. I believe you’ll create a better environment for your son.”

Fu Yongyi finally managed to restrain Fu Yanming, locking him in a room to prevent rash actions.

But in this era, communication is easy. Even without leaving, Fu Yanming could direct others. His social circle was complex, filled with shady friends.

A week later, Fu Juxing was attacked.

After a social engagement, he was abducted outside a hotel, beaten, and dumped in a garbage heap.

That evening, Lin Wanbai was supposed to accompany him, but halfway there he sent her home, saying the dinner would involve heavy drinking. He told her to stay home and not wander.

But he didn’t return all night.

Lin Wanbai’s eyelid kept twitching, and her calls didn’t go through.

After much worry, she reported him missing to the police.

Unable to sit still, she decided to go out. Aunt Rong stopped her. “Don’t go out. Wait here for news. Even if you leave, you won’t find him, and you’ll only worry us. If anything happens to you, I’ll bear the blame.”

“Aunt Rong, don’t worry. I’ll be fine. I’ve called my uncle—he’ll help me search. I can’t sit at home waiting for news. My heart is racing, my eyelid keeps twitching—I know something’s wrong. I need to find him immediately to feel at ease.”

“Then I’ll go with you.”

“You stay and wait for news. Call me if you hear anything.”

She smiled at Aunt Rong, patted her hand, and left.

She walked out of the alley and waited by the roadside. Lin Zhouye arrived shortly after. She got in his car. “Any news?”

“Not yet.”

“I haven’t heard anything either.”

“So where do you plan to look?”

Lin Wanbai stared out the window, her mind in turmoil. She tried to think, but had no idea where to search.

Seeing her panic, Lin Zhouye placed a comforting hand on hers. “Don’t worry. He’ll be fine.”

“Why are you so sure?” She turned sharply, her gaze deep and somewhat confrontational.

“I believe he wouldn’t let anything happen to himself so easily. He’s survived so much—he won’t falter now.”

“Jiang Shuzhi is ruthless, you know? This time with the Zhao family, she suspects Fu Juxing. Even if he’s not responsible, she’ll pin it on him, then use it as an excuse to get rid of him. I’m certain she did this—she’s capable of anything.”

Lin Zhouye remained calm. “If Fu Juxing has survived this long, he must be vigilant. Xiao Bai, you don’t really think he’s a helpless rabbit in the Fu family, do you?”

Lin Wanbai pressed her lips together, stared at him a moment, then looked away. “I don’t want to talk now. If I do, we’ll argue. I hope your words are right—may he be safe, not a hair harmed. If not, I’ll fight that old witch to the end.”

“No matter what, I won’t let her have her way.”

She withdrew her hand from his, turned her head, and fell silent.

Lin Zhouye instructed the driver to circle the suburbs outside the Fifth Ring. Hours passed and Lin Wanbai grew increasingly restless.

Just as she prepared to go to Sibei to confront Jiang Shuzhi, Lin Zhouye’s phone rang—it was news about Fu Juxing.

“Tell the landfill workers to stop immediately,” Lin Zhouye said.

Lin Wanbai’s heart raced. Once he hung up, she asked, “He’s at the landfill?”

He nodded. “His last trace was being thrown into a garbage truck. So we believe he’s at the landfill, but not sure which area.”

“Doesn’t matter, let’s go now.”

Lin Zhouye glanced at her, then tapped the driver’s seat.

The driver sped to the largest landfill in the north, taking almost ninety minutes.

Lin Zhouye’s people were waiting there. As they got out, a nauseating stench hit them—a mix of countless foul odors.

Lin Zhouye frowned, covering his nose with a hand. He spoke with his men, confirmed the search area, and began searching.

Lin Wanbai followed without hesitation.

Lin Zhouye tried to hold her back. “Don’t go, it’s filthy. They’ll find him.”

She shook off his hand, ignored him, took a work suit, and followed the searchers in.

She didn’t care about the smell or the filth. All she knew was that Fu Juxing had been dumped in such a place, and she couldn’t wait another second—she had to find him quickly.

Lin Zhouye watched her stubbornness, sighed, removed his jacket, handed it to the driver, and followed.

Even with the search area narrowed, it was vast.

The mountain of household waste was overwhelming, even with protective gear.

The stench was inescapable.

Lin Wanbai searched relentlessly, fearless of dirt, with Lin Zhouye following behind.

Soon, Lei Sen and Liang Xi joined the search.

The protective masks impeded vision. Lin Wanbai took hers off and dug through heaps of garbage, almost burying herself.

Luckily, Lin Zhouye watched her and pulled her back in time.

“Be careful.”

Lin Wanbai glanced at him, said nothing, and continued searching.

She called Fu Juxing’s name over and over as she searched.

After a night of searching, at dawn, Lin Wanbai finally found him.

He was stuffed in a burlap sack, making him hard to locate—very hard. His position was right where the next batch was to be destroyed.

It was sheer luck.

They called a halt just in time, or the consequences would have been dire.

Lin Wanbai could hardly believe it. She opened the sack and, seeing his face, was overwhelmed.

He had been badly beaten, barely alive.

An ambulance had already been summoned.

Liang Xi soon arrived, dropping to her knees beside Fu Juxing, her emotions uncontrollable.

Her tears fell rapidly as she swept the garbage aside with frantic hands.

Lin Zhouye watched her, his gaze lingering on Liang Xi for a long while.

Until Lei Sen came over, showing similar concern, and quietly tugged Liang Xi’s sleeve, coughing softly.

But Liang Xi didn’t notice, all her attention on Fu Juxing.

No one dared move him, uncertain of his injuries.

The medical staff arrived, gave a quick check, provided basic measures, and carried him onto a stretcher.

Lin Wanbai held his hand tightly. Liang Xi wanted to follow, but Lei Sen stopped her. “Madam is here, we have other things to do.”

Liang Xi turned to him, took a moment to regain composure, pressed her lips, and nodded.

He was loaded into the ambulance. Lin Wanbai went with him.

Lin Zhouye asked which hospital, spoke a few words to Lin Wanbai, then left the ambulance to drive himself, arranging with the hospital for all preparations.

Lin Wanbai sat in the ambulance, watching the medics attach various instruments, seeing wound after wound—her heart ached with every sight.

Fu Juxing had been savagely beaten, blood on his body, his face bruised. The medics gave him a preliminary exam—several knife wounds, one deep to the abdomen, apparently stabbed twice.

Lin Wanbai clutched his hand. “Doctor, is his life in danger?”

“Hard to say. We’ll know more at the hospital. The doctors will do their utmost.”

Lin Wanbai’s heart was in her throat. She gripped his hand tightly. “You’ll be fine. You must be fine.”

He was taken to the nearest hospital and rushed into emergency care.

Lin Wanbai stood at the door, unmoving, looking utterly disheveled, covered in filth.

Lin Zhouye arrived first, took off his jacket and draped it over her. “Why don’t you go home first? I’ll keep watch here. Go shower and change, then come back.”

She shook her head, saying nothing.

“With me here, you still worry?”

She still shook her head, her expression grim, her gaze fixed on the emergency room door.

Lin Zhouye understood her stubbornness and said no more, standing behind her to wait. He, too, was filthy and smelly.

The two stood at the ER entrance, drawing many stares.

As dawn broke, the ER filled up and the hospital grew bustling.

Doctors came out several times, asking for payment and paperwork.

Lin Zhouye handled all of that.

Lin Wanbai grabbed his hand. “Thank you.”

“We’re family—no need for thanks. If you thank me, it’s too formal.” He turned, patted her head. “Relax. Trust me, Fu Juxing will be fine. You won’t be widowed; you’re not fated for that.”

Lin Wanbai’s eyes grew warm. She nodded lightly, saying little.

At eight in the morning, Fu Juxing was taken into surgery.

Lin Zhaowei and Fu Changjun arrived at the hospital one after another.

Lin Wanbai hadn’t cried until she saw Fu Changjun, then broke down.

She recounted in detail how Fu Juxing was found in the landfill, her intense tears revealing the severity of the situation.

Fu Changjun pressed his lips, brows furrowed tightly.

Lin Zhaowei, seeing his granddaughter sob so bitterly, felt heartsick.

Lin Jingyu was away on charity work, Chen Songyuan was on a business trip—both called to offer comfort.

As Aunt Rong arrived, Lin Wanbai calmed a little.

Lin Zhaowei said, “Go home with Zhouye, shower and change. We’re all here—you needn’t worry.”

Lin Wanbai wanted to protest, but Lin Zhaowei smiled, held her hand, and met her eyes. “With me here, what’s to fear? I know what you care about. He won’t come to harm. This matter must be accounted for—we won’t let him be beaten for nothing.”

Lin Wanbai’s tears threatened to fall again. She quickly looked down, smiled, and nodded. “Alright, I’ll go shower first.”

“Good.”

He motioned to Lin Zhouye.

Lin Wanbai obediently left with Lin Zhouye.

Once the younger generation departed, Lin Zhaowei and Fu Changjun sat down.

Lin Zhaowei sat upright. “Old Fu, is your family still Fu, or is it Jiang now? Do you know why I was so reluctant to let Xiao Bai marry Fu Juxing?”

Fu Changjun’s posture was hunched, his spirit utterly overshadowed by Lin Zhaowei.

He said nothing, only frowned, looking powerless.

Lin Zhaowei said, “It’s not because of Fu Juxing’s background. The sins of adults are irrelevant to their children, especially grandchildren. It’s because you do nothing. You can’t speak up in your own home, so I knew that after Xiao Bai married in, my family would have to meddle in your affairs. Family matters should stay within the family—I hate interfering in others’ business. But with Xiao Bai marrying into your household, and into such a troublesome family, I had no choice. If I didn’t intervene, she’d suffer. Still, I’d rather stay out of it, because you made this knot yourself—it’s up to you to untie it.”

“Your daughter and son-in-law still haven’t been found, likely related to Jiang Shuzhi. If you keep tolerating, you may live to bury your own children. Protecting them doesn’t mean feigning indifference. You need to reclaim your power—only then can Fu Juxing go further.”

Fu Changjun sighed. “Old Lin, do you think I don’t want to? But you don’t know—don’t be fooled by her talk of gods and virtue. Her methods are more poisonous than any villain. She’s the most ruthless woman in the world. No one is more heartless. I don’t lose to her because I lack skill, but because I lack her venom. I have limits; she has none. If I hadn’t experienced it myself, I wouldn’t believe she could be like this.”

Lin Zhaowei chuckled. “A woman only becomes ruthless for a reason. Have you looked for the cause?”

Fu Changjun fell silent.

Lin Zhaowei sighed, patted his shoulder. “If you truly want to see Fu Juxing succeed, you must unlock Jiang Shuzhi’s heart. That’s your task—not someone else’s. If you want to use my influence to undermine her power in the Fu family, abandon that idea. Even if marriage fails, you should part amicably, not fight to the death.”

...

Lin Wanbai returned to Pujiang.

Lin Zhouye had called ahead, so by the time they arrived, the servants had prepared the bath. She went straight to shower.

Clean clothes were ready. Lin Wanbai took only half an hour to wash. Born delicate, after a night in the landfill, she had developed red rashes but ignored them.

She took medicine from a drawer, applied ointment to the rashes, and prepared to return to the hospital.

Lin Zhouye, knowing her temperament, waited in the living room.

“I had the servants make food. Eat a bit before leaving.”

Lin Wanbai touched her stomach, considered, and nodded. “Alright.”

He waved her over. “Come sit for a while. After last night, aren’t you tired?”

She complied. “A little, but after the bath I feel better.”

“Sleep for an hour, even a bit.”

She shook her head. “I can’t sleep.”

“How do you know if you haven’t tried? Just nap on the sofa.”

She just smiled, but still refused to sleep.

The servants brought two bowls of noodles. Lin Wanbai ate only half, unable to finish. With her mind occupied, nothing tasted good and she had no appetite.

Lin Zhouye didn’t push her—he knew it was useless.

After a light meal, he took her back to the hospital.

Fu Juxing had just come out of surgery. The operation was relatively successful, no immediate threat to life, but he had to remain in ICU for forty-eight hours.

Most wounds were infected—potentially serious—so monitoring was strict.

Lin Wanbai donned sterile clothing and went in for a look. Fu Juxing was still unconscious, connected to tubes.

He arrived in critical condition: severe blood loss, shock, multiple fractures, infected wounds.

The prognosis was poor, but it was a miracle he survived.

The doctor explained everything to Fu Changjun.

After the doctor left, Lin Zhaowei said, “This time, you must do something. Otherwise, next time you may see Fu Juxing’s corpse—and none of us want that.”