Chapter 55: Reaping What One Has Sown

After Lin Wanbai finished her IV drip, Aunt Rong called. The phone rang, and her heart fluttered with anxiety and fear. She paused for three or four seconds before answering. Thankfully, it was good news: Fu Juxing had awakened.

Lin Wanbai barely managed a few words before rushing out. Lin Zhouye had only just turned around, and she was already gone, faster than she’d ever run during her school days.

Aunt Rong waited at the entrance rather than going in. Lin Wanbai quickly put on a sterile gown and entered. The doctor had already checked on him, and his condition was stable; he was awake, which was a promising sign.

She tried to compose herself, but as she neared the bedside and saw his gaze, she couldn't help it—tears began to fall. She wiped her eyes twice, calmed herself, and then stepped up to the bed, deliberately keeping a stern face. She didn't reach for his hand, just looked at him, her vision blurring as tears welled up.

Fu Juxing was conscious, though unable to speak. He moved his hand with considerable effort—his first attempt missed her fingers, the second found them, and the third time, Lin Wanbai took the initiative to grasp his hand.

Suppressing the ache in her throat, she pressed her fingers into his palm and said, "You scared everyone, do you realize that?"

He looked at her and, using the strength he had left, squeezed her hand in return.

Her tears fell uncontrollably again. She lowered her head and wept freely. After a long while, she calmed herself, gently stroking the back of his hand. "You’ll get better soon. You have to hang in there. I’ll always be by your side and won’t let anyone hurt you again."

She lowered her head and pressed her warm lips to the back of his hand.

She couldn’t stay long in the ICU. She lingered for a while and left only after Fu Juxing drifted off to sleep.

The next day, members of the Fu family came to visit one after another.

Fu Miao and Fu Yanchuan arrived together; Fu Miao looked reluctant. Fu Yanchuan was polite as ever, exchanging a few words with Lin Wanbai. "He’s alright, isn’t he? I heard the injuries were severe—Grandfather was so angry he fell ill."

"Have you seen him? How is Grandfather now?"

Fu Yanchuan replied, "The servants said he doesn’t want to see anyone. I only waited at the door; I didn’t see him."

Lin Wanbai glanced at Fu Miao from the corner of her eye, thought for a moment, but said nothing more. "You should visit him a few more times. When people are sick, it’s not just about what they say. He’s old, needs to be watched constantly. It’s not safe for him to be alone."

Fu Miao snorted, "The servants are watching him—no need for you to worry here."

Lin Wanbai didn’t bother responding. After those two sentences, she fell silent.

Fu Yanchuan tugged at Fu Miao, signaling her to say less. He then said to Lin Wanbai, "I understand. Don’t worry too much. There are plenty of doctors here; Fu Juxing will be fine. You should take care of yourself too—rest when you can."

"Thank you," Lin Wanbai nodded and smiled at him.

Fu Yanchuan and Fu Miao didn’t stay long. Fu Juxing was asleep, and Lin Wanbai had little energy for socializing. After about ten minutes, they left.

Inside the elevator, Fu Miao finally spoke, "Did you see her attitude? As if I owe her millions."

Fu Yanchuan said, "Just drop it."

"Why? I can’t speak in front of her, and now I can’t speak behind her either? Fu Yanchuan, you’ll end up ruined in her hands, mark my words."

Fu Yanchuan ignored her. Because of Zhao Yiling, he’d been in a gloomy mood lately—he spoke little and rarely smiled. The way he behaved in front of Lin Wanbai was his best effort.

Fu Miao thought of this and quieted down.

On the way, Fu Miao suggested, "Why don’t we go visit Zhao Yiling at her house? I’ve been busy and only called her once since the incident. I haven’t had a chance to see her. I’ve been wanting to check on her."

Fu Yanchuan replied, "Better not. She might not want to see anyone—especially us from the Fu family. We’re on their blacklist."

"Not necessarily. After all, it was Fu Yanming who did it; we didn’t know. That guy is disgusting—no talent except for such vile acts. Now he’s hit a wall. He should look in the mirror and see what he’s worth. Did he think Zhao Yiling would marry him if he forced the issue? Even if she did, what good would it do? He’s nothing but a rotten apple spoiling the whole barrel."

Fu Miao rambled, but Fu Yanchuan didn’t respond, focusing quietly on driving.

Later, Fu Miao called Zhao Yiling, and after checking with her, they went to the Zhao house together.

Zhao Yiling was as poised as ever, but noticeably thinner and a bit haggard. Madame Zhao didn’t come out, and Zhao Binhua politely received them.

They hadn’t been seated long when Zhao Yimeng returned.

She greeted them with a sarcastic tone, "What wind blew you two here today? I’ve said before, if it’s about my second sister, come to me. Don’t disturb her rest—it’s really not decent."

Zhao Yiling spoke up, "Sister, I asked them to come. They called me beforehand. I was bored at home alone, so their visit helps pass the time."

Zhao Yimeng glanced at her, said nothing more, raised her brows, and after a short while, went upstairs, leaving them to their conversation.

There wasn’t much to say, really. After what happened, no words could lighten the mood. Forced smiles were pointless; neither Zhao Yiling nor Fu Yanchuan wanted to pretend.

Fu Miao was more direct: "Fu Yanming is a beast. I think you all handled it perfectly—he should eat prison food and learn his lesson. Otherwise, he’ll only grow older, not wiser, bringing shame to the Fu family. Yiling, I’m a woman too. I know how hard this must be for you. But we're not living in the old days; some things don’t matter as much anymore. Your worth won’t change because of this."

Yet, Fu Miao never mentioned that Zhao Yiling and Fu Yanchuan should continue their relationship. It showed that, deep down, Zhao Yiling was now different in her eyes, no matter how sweet her words.

Zhao Yiling wasn’t naive; she could sense the truth.

Meeting today was a proper farewell—who knew if they’d ever meet again.

She smiled. "Don’t worry, I’m not as fragile as you think, but neither am I indifferent. No matter the era, a woman’s reputation matters. No one wants to be violated, to lose her innocence to someone she doesn’t like. But what’s done is done, irreversible. All I can do is seek justice and ensure the perpetrator is punished. Once I move past this shadow, life will go on."

"But Zhao Yiling will never be the same again. Still, I’m sure I’ll be better than before." She smiled brightly, telling Fu Miao not to worry, then turned to Fu Yanchuan, her eyes lingering with sadness and reluctance. She quickly lowered her gaze, smiled, and said, "I suppose we’re just not meant to be."

She had prepared a lot to say, but when the moment came, all her lines slipped away. There was nothing left to say—even silence was fine. After all, Fu Yanchuan probably didn’t care that much for her. Yet she felt a sense of unwillingness—happiness had been so close, only to slip through her fingers.

The disappointment was hard to bear.

Fu Miao remained seated, and with company, some words couldn’t be spoken. But she clearly had no intention of leaving; after a brief silence, she prepared to change the subject.

But Fu Yanchuan spoke first. "There’s no such thing as fate or misfortune. I told Madame Zhao before—I don’t mind, and our engagement can proceed as planned."

Fu Miao frowned, shot him a glare, and coughed, as if warning him.

The cough didn’t shake Fu Yanchuan, but it startled Zhao Yiling beside her.

That cough was like a blade to her heart. She didn’t turn, kept her composure and smiled, "I understand your sentiment. I appreciate it. If possible, let’s remain good friends."

In the end, Zhao Yiling said nothing more, joined in Fu Miao’s conversation, then excused herself as tired.

Fu Miao and Fu Yanchuan politely took their leave.

After they left, Zhao Yiling returned to her room and cried.

Zhao Yimeng knocked, but received no answer. The door was locked, so she had the maid fetch a spare key. When she entered, she searched around and finally found her in the closet.

Some wounds and stains can never be erased.

For Zhao Yiling, the psychological impact might last a lifetime.

Madame Zhao had always instilled conservative, traditional values in her. Now, after such a scandal, exposed in the media, she’d be reluctant to leave home for a long time.

Zhao Yimeng held her tightly, saying nothing, waiting until her mood settled before speaking. "Don’t see them again. No one in the Fu family is good—you don’t need to pay them any mind."

Zhao Yiling leaned against her, sobbing quietly for a long time. "Fu Yanchuan is a good man," she whispered.

"Good? There are plenty of better men. You’re such an outstanding girl—you deserve someone better."

She said nothing, just hugged Zhao Yimeng tightly.

Zhao Yimeng felt bitterness in her heart—she wished she could tear Fu Yanming to pieces!

…

Halfway through the drive, Fu Yanchuan suddenly pulled over.

He unlocked the central lock. "Get out."

Only the siblings were in the car; it was clearly directed at Fu Miao. She was baffled. "What are you doing?"

"I want you out of the car," he said, suppressing his anger, enunciating each word.

"This is the ring road! You want me to get out here? Fu Yanchuan, are you crazy?"

He turned, coldly staring at her. "I thought you genuinely regarded Zhao Yiling as a friend, that you wanted to comfort her and see how she was. But now, it’s clear—you were just sprinkling salt on her wounds. What’s your point?"

"Salt on her wounds? What did I do? Everything I said was meant to comfort her! I absolutely see her as a friend, even as my future sister-in-law. If you want to be mad, blame Fu Yanming for what he did, not me!"

"She could be your sister-in-law, no problem."

"She could before, but not now. You want to be laughed at?"

Now Fu Miao realized his meaning, and was speechless. "So that’s what you’re angry about? Fu Yanchuan, I really don’t get it. Are you giving up just because you can’t have Lin Wanbai?"

Fu Yanchuan found it amusing. "Fu Miao, do you even know what you’re saying? Do you realize how much harm you caused Zhao Yiling just now? Never mind her not wanting anything to do with me—recall your own words of comfort. Did your actions match your words?"

"Get out. I don’t want to see you right now." He wouldn’t waste more breath.

With his words so blunt, Fu Miao wouldn’t stick around. She was angry, too. She got out, slammed the door, and before she could curse, the car sped away.

Fuming, she threw her shoe at the departing car.

Of course, it was pointless—she had to hop over and retrieve her shoe.

Just as she picked it up, before she could put it on, a car suddenly stopped beside her. Before she could react, she was yanked inside.

The movement was swift and decisive.

Fu Yanchuan circled around, driving to Sibei but didn’t enter, just turned around at the intersection.

Finally, he went to the hospital, picking up some snacks along the way.

When he arrived, Lin Wanbai was in the ICU, at Fu Juxing’s bedside, carefully wiping his hands and face.

She was smiling, saying something inaudible, but her lips moved.

After a while, she leaned closer, listening to Fu Juxing speak.

It seemed Fu Juxing was awake.

Aunt Rong was at the door, surprised to see him return. "Young Master."

He nodded. "Fu Juxing is awake?"

"Yes, he’s awake now. Want me to call Xiaobai?" She asked casually, not really intending to call her.

Fu Yanchuan was tactful, waved his hand. "No need. Let them talk. I’ll sit for a bit."

"Alright."

He sat in the waiting area.

The hospital had arranged a private room, but since Fu Juxing was here, Lin Wanbai wanted nothing more than to stay, even just watching through the glass.

She stayed inside for a long while. When Fu Juxing rested, she came out.

Seeing Fu Yanchuan surprised her. "You’re back again?"

He smiled. "Am I not allowed?"

"Not that, but it’s a bit late."

"Not too late. I’ll stay here and keep watch with you."

Lin Wanbai glanced at him, sensing his mood wasn’t great, but didn’t ask. "No need. Aunt Rong and I are enough; there’s nothing much to do—just sitting."

"You won’t let me sit?"

"Not that, but I’m worried you’ll get tired."

"I’m not tired." Fu Yanchuan handed her the snacks. "Bought these on the way. Have some—if you’re not hungry, eat later."

Lin Wanbai passed them to Aunt Rong. "You said you were hungry, so eat some. I’m dieting lately, so I won’t have supper."

Fu Yanchuan said, "You’re dieting?"

"Yes, gained five pounds. Need to lose weight."

"I thought you looked better lately—so it’s because you gained weight."

Lin Wanbai shot him a look, clicked her tongue. "With a tongue like yours, why is it so hard to find a girlfriend? Has the old lady ever had your fortune read? What did the fortune-teller say?"

"Never had it read."

His smile faded.

Lin Wanbai more or less knew what was bothering him—the matter with Zhao Yiling, which couldn’t be discussed.

This kind of thing—nothing could be done. Even if Fu Yanming went to jail, it wouldn’t solve much. The trauma was both physical and psychological. Lin Wanbai kept silent; it wasn’t her place to comment. The Fu family’s ways were always harsh.

Even if Fu Yanchuan wanted to marry her, Jiang Shuzhi probably wouldn’t agree.

So there was nothing more to say; today’s situation was the best possible outcome.

The Fu family didn’t really care much about the Zhao family anyway.

Lin Wanbai actually liked Zhao family's approach—standing firm was right.

Fu Yanchuan didn’t leave, sitting beside Lin Wanbai with two seats between them.

They didn’t talk much.

Once this night was over, tomorrow Fu Juxing could be moved from ICU to the recovery ward.

Lin Wanbai couldn’t sleep, and Fu Yanchuan’s presence made her uneasy.

Time crawled by. Past midnight, Fu Yanchuan’s phone suddenly rang, piercing the quiet hallway.

He answered quickly, stepping away and lowering his voice. "Hello?"

It was Yuan Yujun. "Where did you two go? Why haven’t you come home?"

"I’m at the hospital. Has Miao Miao come back yet?"

"Not yet. I can’t reach her. This isn’t the time for wandering—come home when you’re done. What are you doing at the hospital?"

"Miao Miao hasn’t come home?"

"That’s right. What, you two aren’t together?"

"No."

"Weren’t you at the hospital together? I thought you were together all along. Why can’t I reach her?"

Fu Yanchuan didn’t think much. "Maybe she’s out with friends. You sleep early; I won’t be home tonight."

Yuan Yujun was displeased. "How can you not come home? You can come back now—Lin Wanbai is the only one keeping watch at the hospital. Are you trying to give people something to gossip about?"

"Fu Juxing is my brother."

He meant to say his presence was justified, nothing inappropriate.

"Brother? That excuse won’t fool anyone—not even yourself. Enough, come home now. Don’t invite trouble; aren’t there enough problems at home? And about Fu Miao—do you know her friends in Beicheng? If you do, call around. A girl staying out so late—what does that look like? Bring her home with you."

She hung up.

Fu Yanchuan had no intention of listening.

He put away his phone and sat back down. The snacks he’d bought were untouched; after a moment, he opened them and ate a bit himself.

Lin Wanbai turned her head. The hospital was quiet; though he spoke softly, she heard him clearly.

"Go home. Staying here won’t solve your worries. I’m not your confidante—don’t expect comfort from me. It’s enough I don’t scold you."

"Fu Juxing wasn’t hurt because of me—why do you dislike me?"

"I never said I disliked you."

"Your tone and expression say it all."

Lin Wanbai tilted her head. "Of all the Fu family, except for Fu Juxing, I dislike everyone. Satisfied?"

He laughed, having nothing to say.

Lin Wanbai continued, "But I don’t have the right to dislike you; you, however, can dislike me."

"Who could dislike you?"

Lin Wanbai said nothing more.

Fu Yanchuan didn’t leave, nor did he call Fu Miao’s friends as instructed.

Near dawn, Fu Miao called him.

He had his phone on vibrate, but Lin Wanbai wasn’t sleeping, standing at the ICU door, watching inside.

He glanced at his phone, then got up to answer.

"What is it?" His tone was cool, still angry.

No reply, only trembling breaths.

After listening a while, Fu Yanchuan’s heart tightened. "Miao Miao?"

After a long pause, Fu Miao spoke, her voice quivering, giving her location.

He hung up and hurried to the elevator. After a few steps, he returned to tell Lin Wanbai, "Fu Miao’s in trouble. I have to go."

Lin Wanbai turned, seeing his anxious look. "What happened?"

"Not sure yet. I’ll check first."

"Alright, go quickly."

When he arrived, Fu Miao was alone, clothes disheveled, face pale.

This was an old district, surrounded by rundown buildings with poor security.

What was she doing here?

Fu Yanchuan had a bad feeling. He strode over, grabbed her arm, but she shook him off fiercely. "Don’t touch me!"

Her voice was hoarse, screaming.

Her reaction confirmed his fears.

He immediately let go. "Alright, I won’t touch you. Let’s go home first."

Fu Miao pursed her lips, holding back tears, then slowly walked with him to the car.

Fu Yanchuan took off his jacket and draped it over her. She trembled, but quickly wrapped herself in it.

As the car started, Fu Miao said, "I don’t want to go home now. I need to go to a hotel and shower."

"I think we should go to the police."

"No, not the police, no! I won’t go!"

She was adamant.

"Miao Miao, listen—"

"I won’t! If you take me to the police, I’ll kill myself right now!"

He relented. "Alright, alright, I’ll take you to a hotel."

She bit her lip, eyes brimming with tears, staring wide. "It was Lin Wanbai."

She said it with utter conviction.

"Don’t jump to conclusions."

"It was her—I heard her name from those people. How could it be wrong? Who else but her? She keeps scheming against me—it must be her!"

Fu Yanchuan said nothing. She was too emotional; any response would only fuel the fire. He would wait for her to calm down and then get the full story.

…

By evening, Fu Juxing was transferred from ICU to the recovery ward.

Half the tubes had been removed. The doctor said he was improving, no danger to his life; as long as the wounds were cared for and didn’t get infected again, he’d recover.

Lin Wanbai was overjoyed, hugging the doctor tightly and thanking him profusely.

Lin Zhaowei was there, too. Seeing her, he shook his head and laughed. "Look at you—no sense of propriety."

Lin Wanbai wiped her eyes. "I’m just happy."

Just then, Lin Jingyu and Chen Songyuan returned, making the ward lively.

Fu Juxing was awake; everyone encouraged him, creating a warm atmosphere.

He still needed rest—too many people would disturb him. Before anyone could get comfortable, Lin Wanbai started shooing everyone out.

Lin Zhaowei tapped her head. "You—raising you was a waste. Forgotten your grandfather now that you have a husband? Your heart’s only got room for one person?"

"Not at all. I just want you to get some rest, Grandpa." She clung to his arm, acting sweet.

Lin Zhaowei snorted. "Just sweet talk."

They didn’t stay long, and soon left.

With him awake, they could rest easy.

Lin Wanbai saw them to the elevator, holding back Lin Zhouye. "Uncle, I need to talk to you."

Lin Zhaowei and the others went ahead. Lin Zhouye asked, "What is it?"

"Fu Yanchuan was here all night yesterday—didn’t leave until morning."

"And?"

"He got a call before he left—said Fu Miao was in trouble."

Lin Wanbai watched his expression, seeing no change, then asked, "Did you have anyone keeping an eye on Zhang Dan-ni’s brother, Zhang Qin?"

"You suspect Zhang Qin did something?"

"When Fu Yanchuan left, he looked upset. I hope it’s not what I’m thinking."

Lin Zhouye smiled. "If it is, shouldn’t you be happy?"

Lin Wanbai shot him a look. "If so, I’d say she brought it on herself."

"Alright, focus on caring for your little darling."

"Keep an eye on Zhang Dan-ni too. Has the psychologist seen her?"

"Yes. She’s starting to accept it."

Lin Wanbai nodded. "Good. The plagiarism issue needs to be pushed further. Help me spread the word online. I’ll work on getting the evidence."

Lin Zhouye thought for a moment. "If Fu Miao really went through something like that, would you let it go?"

"No," Lin Wanbai replied without hesitation.

"Aren’t you afraid she’ll commit suicide under the pressure?"

"She won’t. If anything, she’ll turn all her fire on me, so I need to be prepared. First, get the facts straight."

…

Returning to the ward, Lin Wanbai’s phone chimed with an anonymous email.

She opened it—a video documenting Fu Miao’s humiliation.