Chapter 56: One Trouble Follows Another

Lin Wanbai turned off the video after watching only a short segment. In the video, only Fu Miao's face was clearly exposed; the men all wore masks, their features obscured. Amid Fu Miao’s screams, Lin Wanbai heard her own name. One cry was especially clear, a vicious curse spat out with her name entwined. Lin Wanbai understood at once—Fu Miao would pin the blame on her, clinging to her accusation no matter the truth.

She didn’t delete the video, choosing to keep it for now. She was curious about the sender’s intentions—what message did they hope to convey by sending this to her in particular?

Setting her phone aside, Lin Wanbai raised her eyes and met Fu Juxing’s gaze. She was startled. “When did you wake up?”

“Just now.” His voice was weak, barely a whisper.

The earlier commotion must have sapped his strength. He’d only slept a short while—it was likely some discomfort had woken him.

“Are you feeling unwell anywhere?” Lin Wanbai asked with concern, moving closer and taking his hand. “If you’re in pain, you must tell me. Don’t hide it. This is a hospital, not the Fu household—you don’t need to endure anything here.”

He managed a faint smile, slipping his hand from hers to rest it gently on her head, patting softly. “What were you just watching?”

Lin Wanbai replied, “You don’t need to worry about anything right now. The only thing you should do is rest and recover. Close your eyes now.”

He shook his head. “I want to look at you.”

“I won’t run away. I’m here every day. Whenever you want, you can see me.” She paused, suddenly caught by her own words, then spat lightly, as if warding off an ominous thought. “Behave, don’t let your mind wander. Close your eyes and rest. I’m right here—I’m not going anywhere.”

He nodded, but his eyes remained open, watching her until exhaustion overcame him and he slipped into sleep.

A smile played at Lin Wanbai’s lips. She leaned over and placed a kiss on his forehead.

For the next week, Lin Wanbai practically lived at the hospital, never leaving his side. She kept her promise: every time he opened his eyes, she was there. She forbade visitors except for the Lin family. She didn’t want the burden of socializing, preferring to focus solely on Fu Juxing’s recovery.

During that time, Xu Yunxue and Fu Rong came to visit together. They seemed well—Xu Yunxue had even gained a little weight. The two entered hand in hand, with Fu Rong attentive to her every need. Xu Yunxue was naturally slim and dressed loosely, so her pregnancy wasn’t obvious.

Fu Rong asked, “Who could’ve done this? Ah Xing has always kept to himself, rarely offending anyone. Who hates him enough to want him dead?”

Aunt Rong brewed tea for them. Fu Rong glanced over and said, “Xiao Xue is pregnant, she can’t have tea.”

“Oh? Sorry, I didn’t notice. I’ll fetch you some hot water.”

Xu Yunxue murmured, “No need to trouble yourself. A little tea won’t hurt.”

Fu Rong clicked his tongue, “You always say that.”

She looked at him and whispered, “It’s just pregnancy…”

“Enough, don’t argue. I’ve already allowed you to keep attending school—that’s leniency. In all other matters, you must listen to me.”

Lin Wanbai watched their loving exchange with a gentle smile. “Seems like pregnancy is a hassle. Not even tea is allowed? What can you eat then?”

Xu Yunxue sighed, “There are many restrictions. I can’t eat anything I want. We’ve quarreled several times recently over food.”

Fu Rong said, “It’s only a few months—endure it, for your own sake and the child’s. Once the baby is born, I’ll make sure you eat your fill.” He then turned to Lin Wanbai. “Wanwan, you and Ah Xing have been married for years. Isn’t it time you had a child too?”

“There’s no rush. Besides, given his current condition, isn’t it a bit inappropriate to push for a baby?”

Fu Rong grinned. “Just making conversation. You’ve no idea what people say outside.”

“Why should I care what others say? I live with him, not with them.”

“Oh, right, forget I mentioned it.”

Lin Wanbai sipped her tea. “I wasn’t bothered to begin with.”

Fu Rong shook his head in amusement, then asked seriously, “My grandmother insists it was that old woman from the Fu family who did this. Is it true?”

“Does Fu Juxing have any other enemies?” she countered.

“That old witch is ruthless. Ah Xing has never done anything to truly anger her. He’s always been compliant. What more does she want? Thank goodness you were there, or he’d have lost his life.”

They chatted a while longer, but since Fu Juxing didn’t wake, they soon left.

No sooner had they gone than Fu Juxing woke up—so promptly that Lin Wanbai suspected he’d been feigning sleep.

She gave him some water. “Fu Rong and the others just visited.”

“Hmm.”

“They seemed happy together. Fu Rong cares deeply about the baby—he’s attentive. I wonder if he’s the same at home.”

“That’s their business.”

Lin Wanbai glanced at him, nodding with a smile. “Yes.”

“Did Lei Sen come by?”

She knew he couldn’t let go of the company. “He came yesterday, but I didn’t tell you.”

“You should have.”

“Even if I had, there’s nothing you could do. Were you going to have them negotiate with you in the hospital? Obviously not.”

“You still should have told me.”

They locked eyes. After a while, Fu Juxing said, “Call him over for me.”

Lin Wanbai rose from her chair and knelt by the bed, meeting his eyes. “I’ve made a decision on my own.”

He waited silently for her to continue.

“I promised Jiang Shuzhi that once you’re well, I’ll take you away from Beicheng. We’ll emigrate, find light, suitable jobs abroad, and once our lives are settled, we’ll have a child together. We’ll live simply and quietly for the rest of our lives. Wouldn’t that be good?”

She smiled, her eyes full of longing.

Fu Juxing didn’t reply immediately. His gaze was calm but deep, making it impossible for her to read his thoughts.

“What about Juwan?” he asked softly after a long pause.

Still smiling, Lin Wanbai said, “If you don’t want to close it, I’ll have Lin Zhouye manage it.” She squeezed his hand tightly, anxiety gnawing at her heart. Every man has ambition, and Fu Juxing had worked so hard for Juwan—surely he wanted to succeed.

No one likes decisions made behind their back, especially not ones concerning their career. But Lin Wanbai had made the choice. When Lei Sen came, he’d wanted to discuss whether they could concede on the percentage points for cooperation, because the Fu family had interfered. If they didn’t give in, the deal would fall through.

Lin Wanbai told him to walk away; there was no point in further negotiation. With the Fu family involved, no amount of concession would salvage the deal.

She instructed Lei Sen to halt all company projects and await further instructions.

She said, “Fu Juxing, what I want is simple. I just want us to live simply and happily. As long as you’re with me, that’s enough. The amount of money doesn’t matter—as long as it’s enough. What I want is your company, always, everywhere.

“And I believe that with our abilities, life won’t be too hard. You don’t need to prove anything to anyone. It’s enough for me to know you’re capable.” She grinned, a little nervous. “You’ll agree, won’t you?”

As if he had any choice.

Fu Juxing gazed at her for a long time before finally smiling faintly. “As long as you’re happy, anything is fine by me.”

Lin Wanbai lowered her head, took a deep breath, and said, “I promise you won’t regret this.”

…

That night, Lin Wanbai returned to Pujiang.

She called Lei Sen over.

She’d just finished her shower when he arrived. The servant led him to the study. By the time she came in, changed and ready, Lin Zhaowei and Lin Zhouye were already there. Lei Sen stood, looking somewhat uneasy.

“Sorry to keep you waiting,” Lin Wanbai said as she entered.

Lei Sen bowed respectfully. “Madam.”

She waved him off and went straight to Lin Zhaowei’s side. “I called you here to let you know that from now on, Juwan Company will be incorporated into Lin Corporation and will be a subsidiary from this moment forward. Lin Zhouye will take over management.”

Lei Sen was stunned, momentarily at a loss.

“The formalities will be handled once Fu Juxing recovers. I know you’re his most trusted assistant, so I wanted to ask if you’d like to stay on.”

Lin Zhaowei turned to her. “Shouldn’t you ask my opinion first? Did I agree to take Juwan?”

“Grandfather—”

“What? Are you trying to pull strings?”

“Juwan has great prospects and lots of good projects. You know that.”

“Did you ask Fu Juxing?”

“I did. He has no objection. Honestly, I never liked him doing business anyway—he never had time for me. This suits me perfectly.”

Lin Zhouye chuckled. “He’s not angry?”

“Why would he be? He founded the company for me, to prove my judgment wasn’t wrong and to prove his own ability.”

“So now you don’t need to prove anything?”

Lin Wanbai replied, “After what’s happened, we’ve realized there’s nothing to prove. I know he’s capable. As long as we’re happy, that’s enough.”

Lin Zhouye said, “Might as well just close up shop. If Fu Juxing isn’t working, what’s the point in keeping the company?”

“I thought that too, but I can’t bear to see the company’s name disappear.”

“How sentimental.”

Lin Wanbai snorted, ignoring him, and turned to Lin Zhaowei. “Grandfather, please take Juwan.”

“Fine, there’s no need to beg. When have I ever refused you?”

She beamed at him and kissed his cheek.

Lei Sen didn’t give an answer about staying—he needed time to think. Lin Wanbai didn’t press. “Once you’re back, inform all Juwan employees about this.”

“Yes.”

After seeing him off, Lin Wanbai prepared to return to the hospital.

Lin Zhouye stopped her. “Let’s talk.”

She glanced at the time—it wasn’t too late. “Alright.”

They walked together in the rear garden.

“I’ve looked into Fu Miao’s case,” Lin Zhouye said. “It was Zhang Qin who hired people to do it. He’s always been involved in the underworld—something like this wouldn’t be difficult for him.”

“What about Fu Miao? No reaction?”

“Nothing yet. I had her followed for a few days—no unusual behavior.”

“No reaction is the biggest reaction.” Lin Wanbai gave him a look. “Given her personality, staying calm after something like this means she’s plotting something. You really don’t know?”

“What are you implying?” Lin Zhouye smiled slyly.

She rolled her eyes. “Fine, keep acting. Just don’t bring me any explosive news later.”

“How clever you are.” He pinched her ear. “Go take care of your darling and soothe his wounded heart. Selling his company like that—if it were me, I’d have hit you.”

“I asked his opinion before making the decision.”

“You know the truth; no need to argue with me. Honestly, you did better than I expected—your best decision yet. I thought you’d have Grandfather help Fu Juxing get justice, maybe even topple Jiang Shuzhi.”

He raised an eyebrow. “Weren’t you always trying to secure Fu Juxing’s place as heir, to help him prove himself? Why the change of heart?”

His gaze was sharp, probing.

Lin Wanbai disliked that look. She turned back toward the house. “Because I realized that if he keeps working, I get less time with him. I’d rather he have a nine-to-five or let me support him—anything, as long as he’s willing.”

But unfortunately, Fu Juxing would never agree.

“Try asking—if you’re happy, he might just agree.”

There was an implication she didn’t like. After a few steps, she stopped and spun around suddenly.

Lin Zhouye didn’t stop in time and bumped into her.

She took the opportunity to stomp hard on his foot. “Are you incapable of seeing me happy? Why do you always have to be so sarcastic? I’ve put up with you long enough. I’ve been married to him for three years—do you want me to get a divorce so you can be happy?”

“Do you want the truth or a lie?”

“I want nothing,” she huffed.

She turned to leave, but Lin Zhouye pulled her back. “So you’re planning to emigrate?”

“Yes. I won’t be around to annoy you anymore.”

“Where to?”

“We haven’t decided. Probably after the New Year.”

He nodded. “Lin Corporation set up a branch in Moscow last year—you could consider that.”

“We’ll see.”

“Don’t get any wild ideas and end up suffering.”

“Do I seem so self-righteous?”

“You don’t, but who knows if Fu Juxing will brainwash you?”

Lin Wanbai glared at him, but before she could retort, Lin Zhouye relented. “Alright, as long as you know what you’re doing. I’ll drive you to the hospital.”

“I don’t need a ride.”

He watched her get into the car, then called a team of bodyguards to follow her, just in case.

…

The next day, the police came to the hospital to take Fu Juxing’s statement and collect his medical report. The severity of Fu Yanming’s punishment would depend on the extent of the injuries.

This time, Jiang Shuzhi did nothing to interfere; she was entirely impartial. Online, the public outcry had mostly died down. Zhao Yimeng, however, wasn’t prepared to let things go—she was determined to expose Fu Yanming completely and give the Fu family a harsh lesson.

But Zhao Yiling stopped her. Some matters are best left alone; the other side had offered an explanation, and pushing further would do the Zhao family no favors.

This was for the best—they’d restored justice and maintained their dignity.

Zhao Xiuying agreed, and after a family discussion, they decided to let matters rest and let the furor die down.

Yet, what no one expected was this:

On the day of Jiang Shuzhi’s press conference, as it was just beginning, every journalist present received a video.

The content was damning, with Fu Yanming at its center. He and a group of friends were shown in a nightclub, taking drugs. High and reckless, they dragged two young girls inside—the footage was unspeakable.

One girl’s name was labeled in the video. A couple of seasoned reporters immediately recalled a university student’s disappearance two years ago—a case that had caused a stir at the time, since the girl was never found, dead or alive.

The incident had been discussed online for a few days, but a celebrity scandal soon overshadowed it, and the case quietly faded from public view, with no media follow-up.

Now, with the video exposed, the old case was dragged into the light.

Jiang Shuzhi was at home watching the live stream and received the news a moment too late—by then, chaos reigned at the scene.

The journalists surged forward, firing questions. Those on the dais were clearly unaware of what had just transpired.

The barrage of questions wiped the color from Fu Yongyi’s face.

It was a sudden crisis—none of them had prepared. Years of concealed ugliness were laid bare, leaving no time to mask their expressions.

Security only managed to rescue Fu Yongyi and his staff after twenty minutes of mayhem. They retreated to a lounge, but reporters continued to besiege the hotel.

The broadcast was cut.

Jiang Shuzhi sat, pale and agitated, as if on pins and needles.

Mrs. Song said, “I’ll have someone look into who did this.”

“Is there any need?” Jiang Shuzhi took a deep breath. “It’s obvious—they’re all putting on a show for me.”

“What do you mean?”

“Fu Juxing couldn’t have accomplished this alone, but with the Lin family, it’s different. When they married, I thought Lin Zhaowei indulged Xiaobai out of love. Now I see—they colluded from the start. Fu Changjun is ruthless!” Her rage boiled over, and she swept the teacups off the table.

She stormed into Fu Changjun’s room.

His leg had been broken and never properly treated—she hadn’t even called a doctor. Letting him become a cripple was just as well. She should have done it sooner.

She burst in and flung a cup of boiling water at him.

Fu Changjun was sleeping; the scalding water hit his face, jerking him awake with a scream. “Are you crazy?!”

Jiang Shuzhi glared coldly. “Crazy? I think you’re the mad one!”

He looked at her, bewildered, his face red and eyes barely open. “What are you talking about?”

“You don’t know? Is Fu Juxing the only grandson you see?”

He forced his eyes open, seeing the fury and hatred in hers.

She slapped him hard, anger mounting at his confusion. “Just wait! Wait to bury Fu Juxing with your own hands!”

Still unsatisfied, she threw another cup of boiling water, but this time he shielded himself with his blanket.

Jiang Shuzhi didn’t linger—this was no time to waste on him.

The door slammed behind her. Fu Changjun slowly lowered the blanket, his face burning, but seeing her rage, he had a sense of what had happened. A faint, almost invisible smile played at his lips.

The incident caused a massive uproar. Tang Qiong had witnessed it firsthand—her heart chilled, and the video left her numb.

Times had changed. Two years ago, her family was riding high. In the past two years, setbacks had marred their progress. Now, faced with this, it was a fatal blow.

Online outrage was overwhelming—how could someone wield enough power to let a murderer and rapist walk free for two years?

The girl’s identity quickly came to light; teachers and classmates all spoke well of her, making the public even angrier.

There was no suppressing the uproar—any attempt would only backfire.

The Fu family was in crisis.

They all sat in the living room, helpless. Fu Danyi simply didn’t come—given her husband Yuan Wei’s sensitive position, it would only cause trouble if she did. She was a Fu by birth, but now she was also Yuan Wei’s wife—her loyalty lay with her husband.

“Mom, I can’t help this time. Everyone’s watching, and you know how strict things are. I’m sorry.”

Jiang Shuzhi felt chilled, but she understood. “I know. Don’t worry—we’ll handle it.”

She hung up, silent.

Fu Yongyi saw her expression and sneered. “Our dear sister is a true opportunist. She disappears when things get tough. But if she thinks she’s safe, she’s mistaken—sooner or later, it’ll be their turn.”

Before he finished, Jiang Shuzhi hurled her teacup at him. “You have the nerve to talk! I told you to keep an eye on Fu Yanming, but you ignored me, letting him run wild with those friends. Now look what’s happened! Why didn’t you tell me when this first happened?”

Fu Yongyi didn’t reply—he’d told her first.

Fu Yonghui was also furious. “Fu Yongyi, you idiot! If the Fu family falls, it’s all your fault!”

But the real blame lay with Tang Qiong’s family. They’d handled things from the start.

Tang Qiong grew angry at their bickering. “Enough! Shouldn’t we be thinking of solutions instead of fighting?”

Jiang Shuzhi agreed. “You’re right. We do need to solve this. But it’s clear someone is out to destroy the Fu family. The timing of this leak shows they don’t intend to give us any chance—there’s no way to fix this. We’re at a disadvantage, and anything we do will be misinterpreted.”

“Our only option is to let the police investigate and make everything public.”

Tang Qiong looked at her for a long moment. “So you’re going to save yourself?”

“Qiong, that’s not fair. We can’t escape responsibility. Fu Yanming is family. Whatever he’s done, we’re implicated. I just want to minimize the damage.”

“By making my parents scapegoats?”

“I’m sorry, but with the situation like this, no one dares take risks. I’ll do what I can, but I have no power here. I can’t even protect my own family.”

Fu Yongyi said, “We’re all in this together. He’s your son too—you’re responsible for his actions.”

Tang Qiong’s face flushed with anger. She jumped up. “Then there’s nothing more to say. Now I see who you all really are. When disaster strikes, it’s every man for himself. Fine!”