Chapter 54: Hatred

Lin Wanbai stood quietly at the bedside, gazing at the unconscious man lying there. The pain of his wounds seemed to echo in her own body, making every part of her ache as well.

She gently touched his hand with her fingertips, then softly clasped it, her voice suppressed as she murmured, “You really are a fool…”

Lin Wanbai stayed inside for quite some time before coming out.

Outside, only Lin Zhaowei and Aunt Rong remained; Fu Changjun had already left.

Lin Zhaowei sat on a chair, turning his head to look at her. Lin Wanbai looked away, collected herself, and only then walked over to sit beside him.

Seeing this, Aunt Rong found an excuse to slip away.

Lin Wanbai rubbed her hands together, forced a smile, and spoke in a calm voice, “Grandfather.”

“Zhouye said you spent the whole night searching for someone at the landfill, that you even took off your protective gear in the end?” Lin Zhaowei asked coolly.

Lin Wanbai smiled faintly, “It was urgent; I couldn’t think about anything else.”

“Have you developed a rash?”

She didn’t hide it. “Yes, but I took some medicine and applied ointment when I came out. There’s no discomfort now; it should have subsided.”

“Ever since you were little, you’d break out in rashes every time you went somewhere dirty—an allergy. When you were a child, it was just mischief, but now you’re grown and you know the consequences, yet you still don’t avoid it. That’s just foolishness. There were so many people searching—did you really have to go yourself? Do you really think you could search more thoroughly than all of them? Or do your two eyes count for a hundred?”

Lin Wanbai kept her head down, looking at her fingers in silence, her face expressionless.

Inside, she was wretched, angry, overwhelmed by a tangle of emotions. Her head throbbed faintly, as if a needle were piercing it.

Lin Zhaowei looked at her stifled expression and sighed inwardly. He took her hand, his tone softening. “Are you sure you’re all right? Don’t wait until your face is covered in rashes and you’re crying again.”

His gentleness made the sorrow in her chest swell; tears welled up uncontrollably and spilled over.

She hadn’t wanted to cry in front of her grandfather—crying would only trouble him more.

The days ahead would surely be sleepless again.

She hurriedly wiped her tears. “I’m fine. It’s just… seeing Fu Juxing like that made me so upset. I’m terrified he’ll die.” She glanced at Lin Zhaowei. Well, she couldn’t hold back after all, and leaned onto his shoulder, sobbing quietly for a while.

Only after some time did she calm herself.

Lin Zhaowei wiped her tears for her. “Enough now, don’t cry. If Old Fu can’t resolve this himself, and Jiang Shuzhi remains obstinate, then I’ll step in, help Old Fu seize control of the Fu Group, and hand it over to Fu Juxing to manage. Would that be all right?”

Lin Wanbai looked up, her eyes still glistening with tears. She had always hoped for this—for the Lin family to merge with the Fu Group, to clear Jiang Shuzhi’s power from the company, and put Fu Juxing in charge so that no one could threaten him again.

But Lin Zhaowei had never agreed, no matter how she pleaded.

He had his concerns; he was reluctant to meddle in another family’s affairs, and he had reservations about Fu Juxing.

When a man stood at the bottom, powerless, he was easy to control. But once given power, if he remained good-hearted it was fine, but if he harbored other intentions, the consequences would be dire.

Lin Zhaowei couldn’t afford to gamble on that.

Even now, he didn’t fully trust Chen Songyuan, let alone Fu Juxing.

After a long silence, Lin Wanbai spoke, her voice hoarse. “If that old witch is willing to let Fu Juxing go, I’m willing to emigrate with him, start anew abroad. If she’s still not at ease, I won’t let him do business—I’ll have him find a stable job. We’ll negotiate with her, and if she insists on his death, then we’ll use the law to protect ourselves.”

Lin Zhaowei raised his eyebrows. “What’s this? Weren’t you always asking me to help seize the Fu Group for Fu Juxing? Why the change of heart?”

Lin Wanbai clung to his arm. “I was younger then, I didn’t understand. Now I do. If two major companies truly become enemies, even if we eventually succeed in taking over, there will be losses. You love me, and I want to protect you too. With Lin Group developing so well, there’s no need for us to provoke a mad dog. People like her are capable of anything, but we’re principled businesspeople. I refuse to stoop to her sordid methods and become like her—it’s not worth it.”

“I also believe that with someone like her, the Fu Group won’t last long. Sooner or later, it’ll rot from within. There’s no need for us to do anything. Besides, I trust that Fu Juxing doesn’t covet it either.”

He smiled faintly, a trace of relief in his expression—relief that she hadn’t lost her reason to love or her judgment to anger.

“I heard from Zhouye you’ve been handling a plagiarism case lately?”

Lin Wanbai nodded. “Yes, and it’s because of this that I finally saw through that old witch and the true filth of the Fu family. I should have realized it sooner—what Jiang Shuzhi did to Fu Juxing when he lived with them is beyond belief!”

“She may talk about charity and kindness, but she’s the most vicious of all. Fu Miao plagiarized someone’s work, and when the girl refused to be bought off and delete her own work, they used vile means to force her. They destroyed a perfectly good young woman’s reputation and future. Not only do they feel no guilt, they call me meddlesome. I used to think too highly of them—I didn’t even realize how wicked Fu Miao was.”

“You can never truly know someone’s heart!” Her anger surged as she spoke. “Now that Miss Zhao has broken off the engagement with Fu Yanchuan, that old witch blames Fu Juxing, seizing any excuse to justify wanting him dead. Tell me, can someone so poisonous ever be expected to relent?”

The hatred in Jiang Shuzhi’s heart had festered for years, entwined with her very blood and bones.

She would never let go.

As long as anyone bore Feng Yahan’s blood, she would never spare them.

Now, she regretted not killing that wretch outright in the first place—then none of this would be happening.

“If he survives the first forty-eight hours in ICU, he’ll be out of danger,” said Madam Song, standing nearby as she brewed tea.

Jiang Shuzhi, wearing reading glasses, was writing. Her penmanship was delicate—just looking at it, one might think her a gentle lady.

“His life really is tenacious.”

“But it’s not quite forty-eight hours yet.” Madam Song placed a cup of hot tea by her hand.

Jiang Shuzhi set down her pen, removed her glasses, and snorted, “He’s in the hospital, and the Lin family is keeping a close watch. Do you think there’s another chance? The Lin family is always in the way—untouchable. If Lin Wanbai hadn’t insisted on marrying that bastard, none of this would have happened. Who knows what tricks that wretch used to make Lin Wanbai love him so much?”

“And Lin Zhaowei, indulging his granddaughter’s whims in such a serious matter as marriage! He knew exactly what Fu Juxing’s background was, yet he still let her marry him!”

Madam Song said, “Do you think perhaps Lin Zhaowei did it on purpose? Maybe he wanted to secure even greater benefits.”

“What benefits?”

“Hard to say—maybe he wanted to use Fu Juxing as a pretext to take over the Fu Group. With the Lin family’s power, if they really competed with us, our chances wouldn’t be high.”

“You think I don’t know? If the company hadn’t faced financial difficulties three years ago, do you think I would have compromised and let Lin Wanbai marry Fu Juxing?” Jiang Shuzhi fell silent, her brow furrowing deeper as she tapped her fingers on the table. “In any case, Fu Juxing cannot be kept.”

“Who can’t be kept?!”

Fu Changjun had been standing at the doorway for a while, overhearing every word.

The servant who’d been on watch at the door had her mouth covered by Fu Changjun’s assistant and couldn’t make a sound.

Only now was she released. The young maid, on the verge of tears, stood there trembling.

Madam Song went to lead her out.

The assistant left as well.

Fu Changjun, seething with anger, glared fiercely, “You killed Yahan, you killed Fu Xian and his wife, and now you want to kill Fu Juxing too?!”

Jiang Shuzhi’s expression remained composed; her brow relaxed as she gave him a cold glance, picking up her teacup. Just as she was about to drink, Fu Changjun stepped forward and knocked the cup from her hand, pointing angrily at her nose, “Out of regard for our years together, I’ve never said a word about all you’ve done. I’ve always considered it my sin, that mother and daughter dying because of me. I thought keeping A’xing alive meant you’d grown a conscience, but it turns out it was only because of a fortune-teller that you spared him.”

“Jiang Shuzhi, how can your heart be so black? Have you no humanity left?!”

The teacup shattered, scalding tea spilling onto her legs, soaking her clothes and burning her skin.

She endured it, her face showing no sign of pain, remaining indifferent as she replied, “I’ve already had someone investigate—it was Yanming who ordered it. You come here, raving mad, accusing me without knowing the facts—what’s the meaning of that?”

“If I wanted him dead, why wait until now?” She exhaled softly, her gaze glacial as she looked up at him. “If we’re talking about black hearts and inhumanity, I can’t compare to you. When I was fighting for my life in the delivery room, where were you? The doctors sought you for consent, my parents called you again and again, but you didn’t answer a single call.”

“And now you say I’m heartless.” She shook her head with a bitter smile. “Men’s memories are always short—they never recall what they've done. Of course, perhaps for you, having your beloved in your arms was enough. What did I matter? If I died giving birth, so be it—nothing is more important than your love.”

She laughed, the sound laced with hate—a hatred she could never forget, not in this life.

Nor could she forget how she’d begged him during her confinement, or how he had responded.

Fu Changjun drew a shaky breath, his legs weak—he was getting old, and strong emotion was more than he could bear.

He steadied himself, his tone gentler, “I know I was terribly wrong back then. All of it was my fault. So if you want revenge, take it on me. If you want someone to suffer, let it be me. The children are innocent.”

“And I’m not innocent? If you insist on blaming me, am I not innocent too? I told you—I didn’t do it. The one responsible is Yanming. Why keep accusing me? I’ve already had Tang Qiong take him to the police—I won’t cover for him, you can be assured.”

“Must you be this way? I’m trying to talk calmly, yet you insist on this attitude?”

Jiang Shuzhi stood, steadying herself on the table, eyes meeting his. “Fu Changjun, you seem to forget—it’s not about whether you want to talk to me, but whether I care to speak to you. From the moment you told me you and Feng Yahan were true love, I swore to torment you to your dying day. I will never let you go.”

“Xiao Song. Master isn’t well—have someone escort him back to his room to rest.”

Fu Changjun nodded, then laughed grimly, “Very well. Very well.”

He backed away. Before Madam Song could return, he strode toward the family shrine, gripping his cane tightly. Once inside, he swung the cane in a fury, smashing every Buddha statue to pieces.

“What Buddhas? These are monsters and demons!”

At last, Jiang Shuzhi lost her composure and called for people to restrain him.

But he was wild with rage and impossible to subdue; the servants dared not approach—a man his age, if injured, would be their responsibility.

Jiang Shuzhi stood at the door and, unable to hold back, struck his leg with her cane.

“What do you think you’re doing?!”

Fu Changjun stood his ground, teeth clenched, pointing at the curtain, “What’s behind there?!”

“What do you think?!”

“Let’s see for ourselves!” He moved to enter, but Jiang Shuzhi struck his leg again, hard, several times in a row.

As Fu Changjun tried to fight back, Madam Song arrived with two others to restrain him.

Jiang Shuzhi, furious, snapped, “Break his leg for me.”

…

After Fu Changjun returned, there was no word from him.

Jiang Shuzhi, meanwhile, personally came to the hospital, her expression grave.

Everyone in the Fu family knew about Fu Juxing’s situation.

Tang Qiong and Jiang Shuzhi arrived together. When they reached the ICU entrance, only Lin Wanbai and Aunt Rong were there. Lin Zhaowei had stayed for a long time, but at his age, it wasn’t good for him to remain, so Lin Wanbai had sent him home.

When Lin Zhouye finished work, he’d come by directly.

Lin Zhaowei still worried about her being alone.

He had only just left when Jiang Shuzhi and the others arrived.

Lin Wanbai glanced around, noticing Fu Changjun was absent, which she found odd.

And judging by Jiang Shuzhi’s demeanor, it seemed she was here to confront them. Lin Wanbai remained seated, unmoving.

Aunt Rong was nervous, tugging at Lin Wanbai’s sleeve as if urging her to stand.

Seeing her anxious look, Lin Wanbai smiled, patted her hand, and said, “Sit down. Why stand? Isn’t it tiring?”

Just as she finished speaking, they reached her.

Jiang Shuzhi’s face was stern. “How is Fu Juxing?”

Lin Wanbai replied expressionlessly, “Stable. He won’t die.”

“I’ve investigated—it was Yanming’s doing. I’ve already handed him over to the police. I truly didn’t expect him capable of such a thing. I won’t shield him or let him off.”

Lin Wanbai frowned slightly, looking up at her. Watching her speak with such righteousness was almost laughable.

They stared at each other for a moment, but Lin Wanbai didn’t respond. “Where’s Grandpa? He said he’d come this evening. Why are you here instead?”

“Your grandfather got so angry he hurt his leg—now he’s stuck at home. I’ll arrange for people to take care of things here. You shouldn’t tire yourself either; you’re delicate. Go home and rest. Hospitals are exhausting, no matter what.”

Lin Wanbai pressed her lips together, saying nothing. There was a fire in her heart, and if she spoke she feared she’d explode.

But she didn’t intend to engage in open conflict. She took a deep breath. “It’s all right. I’m young and strong, not as frail as Grandpa. I need to stay—if Fu Juxing wakes up and doesn’t see me, he’ll be worried.”

Jiang Shuzhi smiled. “You two really are devoted.”

“Yes.”

Just then, Tang Qiong walked over, sat beside her, and apologized sincerely, “I failed to raise Yanming well—what he did was beyond the pale. Thankfully, he’s survived. If something had happened, I wouldn’t know how to face you.”

“You call this nothing?” Lin Wanbai retorted. “You didn’t see what he looked like when I pulled him out of that garbage heap. He was one step away from being destroyed as refuse. His wounds are all infected—whether he survives the next two days is still uncertain. How can you say it’s nothing?”

Tang Qiong’s expression stiffened and she forced a laugh. “Well, you said he was all right, so I thought it wasn’t serious.”

Lin Wanbai shrugged, unwilling to say more.

Tang Qiong said, “Don’t worry. I believe Fu Juxing will be fine.”

“If you hadn’t harmed him, he would have been fine,” Lin Wanbai couldn’t help but add, turning to Jiang Shuzhi. “Grandmother, may I have a word with you?”

The two of them walked to a nearby terrace, away from others.

By now, the sky was growing dim, nearly dark.

Lin Wanbai steadied herself, suppressing her anger as she faced Jiang Shuzhi. “I’ll ask only once—what will it take for you to let him go?”

“Don’t give me any roundabout answers. We both know the truth. There’s no one else here—no cameras, no recorders. I’m genuinely willing to talk, so let’s not waste time with pretense.”

Jiang Shuzhi smiled, resting her hands atop her cane. “You really love Fu Juxing that much? You can’t live without him?”

“Yes. I can’t. Without him, you’ll see a woman even more unhinged than you, and I’m afraid you won’t be able to handle it. Scheming isn’t your exclusive talent—anyone can do it. It’s just a matter of whether one cares to. But believe me, if something happens to Fu Juxing, I’ll be even more ruthless, more venomous, and more relentless. As things stand, with the Lin family above yours, you’d do well to restrain your hatred.”

“If you truly provoke me, you won’t fare well. In fact, you’re already not faring well. Do you really think sacrificing a grandson will bring you peace? It won’t. As long as I’m here, Fu Juxing will not die so easily.” Lin Wanbai’s gaze was deep and unwavering as she looked into her eyes.

As a woman, Jiang Shuzhi understood these weren’t empty threats—they were the truth.

In the short term, she could compromise. But in the long run, she would never be at ease with Fu Juxing alive.

He could not be allowed to remain. No matter what.

Jiang Shuzhi’s smile became gentle as she reached out to take Lin Wanbai’s hand.

Lin Wanbai evaded her quickly.

“If you have something to say, say it. Don’t touch me.”

Jiang Shuzhi saw her empty hand and smiled faintly, drawing it back. “You won’t listen to advice. One day, you’ll regret it. Right now you’re blinded by love, but when Fu Juxing shows his true colors, you’ll see I was right. But by then, will you be able to afford the price?”

“Xiao Bai, I watched you grow up. Your father is a good man—kind to his wife and children, upright, a good person. So I’m speaking to you sincerely: Fu Juxing is not as simple or as pitiful as you think. He’s lying half-dead in there, but how do you know this isn’t all part of his plan?”

Lin Wanbai shook her head with a smile. “In the end, your meaning is clear—you’ll never let him go, no matter what. Even if I take him away from Beicheng, emigrate abroad, even if I forbid him from doing business and make him an ordinary worker, you still won’t let him go, will you?”

Jiang Shuzhi replied, “I believe he’ll listen to you—he’ll leave, and he’ll even be willing to live an unremarkable life. He’s willing to endure anything, I know that. A man who can survive such torment is destined for greatness.”

“My only advice—don’t give up everything for love. The reward will only be endless pain. This is the advice of someone who’s been through it.”

Lin Wanbai: “So we haven’t reached an agreement?”

Jiang Shuzhi said nothing, weighing the pros and cons. Lin Wanbai’s attitude was resolute; clearly, nothing she said would sway her.

Lin Wanbai trusted Fu Juxing completely.

So, there was nothing she could do.

She would have to wait for another chance.

Jiang Shuzhi sighed. “I suppose I have no grounds to persist—if you’re willing to compromise so much, I can’t reasonably insist.”

When the two returned to the ICU entrance, Lin Zhouye had just arrived and was greeting Tang Qiong.

Seeing them, he politely greeted them, then his sharp eyes noticed a rash creeping up Lin Wanbai’s neck. He frowned, pointing, “Doesn’t that itch?”

Of course it itched—she’d taken medicine, but hadn’t expected the rash to break out anyway.

She replied, “I’ve taken medicine, don’t worry.”

He said nothing more, just glanced at her, then chatted briefly with Jiang Shuzhi.

Jiang Shuzhi phoned home, instructing the servants to bring food. She and Tang Qiong stayed with them for quite a while, not leaving until after eight o’clock, their sincerity apparent.

Aunt Rong urged Lin Wanbai to go home as well—she didn’t look well, and whenever she broke out in a rash, she always developed a fever. It happened every time.

Better to be safe and go home.

Lin Wanbai said, “I’m not leaving. I’ll go to the ER for an IV drip. If anything happens here, call me.”

She turned to Lin Zhouye, grinning, “You’ll stay with me, right?”

“Let’s go,” he replied.

The two of them headed to the ER on the first floor.

Lin Zhouye knew all the medicines she needed—it was always the same.

He told the doctor, got the prescription, and collected the medicine.

When it was time for the injection, he moved to cover her eyes, but Lin Wanbai pushed him away in annoyance. “Do you think I’m still three years old?”

“Aren’t you?” He didn’t press closer.

“I’m not. I’m not afraid anymore.”

Of course, only in front of certain people.

As the needle went in, she still winced. If this little pain was so hard to bear, how much agony must Fu Juxing be in?

Her eyes stung with heat; she wanted to cry again.

Inside the infusion room, she sat on the sofa. Lin Zhouye adjusted the drip speed, fetched water, and returned to find her wiping tears.

He stood at the door for a moment before coming in and handing her the water. “And you say you’re not three—you’re still crying like you did then.”

He grabbed a tissue and pinched her nose, wiping it clean.

He used more force than necessary, making her nose redden.

Her eyes turned red. “Are you crazy? That hurt!”

“What did the old lady say to you just now?”

“What else could she say? Fu Juxing is lying in there; there’s nothing more to discuss. I told her to leave him alone—I’ll take him abroad so she can rest easy.”

“She agreed?”

Lin Wanbai shook her head. “She said she agreed, but I don’t believe she did. I don’t think she’ll let him go unless one of them dies.”

She said this without emotion, her thoughts unreadable.

Lin Zhouye said, “You look like you’re ready to kill someone right now.”

Lin Wanbai turned to meet his gaze, smiled, and said, “I’m still rational—for now.”