Chapter 59: Love Yourself a Little More

In the days that followed, Lin Zhouye visited the hospital every two or three days. Each time, he would intentionally or unintentionally discuss matters concerning the company with Fu Juxing. Following Lin Zhaowei's instructions, he had temporarily taken over the management of Juwan.

He had carefully reviewed the company's performance and development trajectory, as well as Fu Juxing's plans and arrangements. Fu Juxing had two plans: one for five years, another for ten. Both progressed steadily, parallel lines advancing in order. From these plans, it was clear he had a keen awareness of himself and his current situation. He was neither anxious nor impatient, grounded and methodical, climbing step by step. He wished to carve out a world for himself through his own abilities.

Leisen and Liang Xi had not left; they chose to remain, continuing their service to Juwan.

Whenever Lin Zhouye visited, Lin Wanbai always stole glances at him. When their eyes met, she would immediately look away, feigning indifference, yet her act was unconvincing, making Lin Zhouye feel uneasy.

This day, as he was leaving, he called her out.

Lin Wanbai walked silently beside him, escorting him to the elevator. "I'll see you off here. I'm heading back," she said.

Lin Zhouye caught her hand. "What are you up to lately?"

"Up to what?" She blinked.

"You keep looking at me. What are you staring at?" He touched his face. "Is there a flower blooming on my face?"

"No, who's looking at you? You must be mistaken."

She refused to admit it; she wanted to hold back and see when he would finally say it himself.

He raised an eyebrow, eyes fixed on her face. "Tell me."

"Tell you what?" She sounded impatient. "If you have nothing else, I'm leaving."

She turned to go, but Lin Zhouye pulled her back. "What's your deal? What's so hard to say? Did Fu Juxing bully you? If you can't say it, blink."

Lin Wanbai rolled her eyes. "You seem paranoid."

"Between us, there's no need for secrets, right?"

She looked at him, smiled faintly, and said, "Do you really tell me everything? Not necessarily, I suppose."

He did not respond immediately. They stared at each other for a while before he stopped probing and patted her shoulder. "Look at you, wholeheartedly caring for Fu Juxing, worn thin. Don't push yourself too hard. Your goodness need not be proven here. Those who cherish you will cherish you regardless; those who won't, nothing you do will change their minds."

She snorted through her nose and said nothing.

"Alright, I'm off."

He pressed the elevator button.

The elevator doors soon opened. He stepped inside, but Lin Wanbai remained at the entrance, watching him until the doors closed, without uttering another word.

Letting out a long breath, Lin Wanbai still felt stifled. She returned to the ward, where Fu Juxing was sitting, taking his medication.

When she entered, he turned to look at her.

His emotions were written on his face. Swallowing his pills, he asked, "Well? Did you ask him?"

She shook her head. "No. I think he'll tell me himself. If he won't say it on his own, even if I ask, he won't answer."

"You should trust Lin Zhouye. He's always acted with a sense of propriety."

"But who can be proper at all times? He can be with anyone, but Fu Miao..." She waved her hand and sighed. "Forget it."

Fu Juxing said, "Don't dwell on it. He's a few years older than you; surely he knows what he's doing."

Lin Wanbai smiled and nodded. "Got it."

That night, Lin Wanbai helped him wash. Aunt Rong had gone outside.

Between husband and wife, there was no need for avoidance. Previously, the nurse had handled it while Lin Wanbai watched and learned; now she could do it herself.

She had taken over the task.

Once she started, she realized how many wounds he bore. It was the first time Lin Wanbai washed him, unbuttoning his shirt, exposing his entire body.

Wounds of every size, bruises, new injuries layered over old ones, scars multiplying.

He had been punished often in the Fu household since childhood; Jiang Shuzhi never held back when beating him. Altogether, he had five deep scars.

Now, several more had been added.

She gingerly washed him, her fingers brushing the wounds. She joked, "These are all life experiences; your body has appreciated in value."

He smiled faintly. "Looks awful, doesn't it?"

"Not at all. I think it's great—very masculine. If you really mind, go get a tattoo. Azure dragon on the left, white tiger on the right, a dragon down the center—absolute dominance."

He chuckled, "Nonsense."

She laughed, but her eyes grew hot and her nose stung.

Her heart ached; he mustn't get hurt again.

She touched the spot where he’d been stabbed, then suddenly leaned in and kissed the bandage.

The gesture was sudden; Fu Juxing froze, his body tensing instantly.

Lin Wanbai turned, noticing his gaze had shifted. "What is it?"

"Stop moving around."

At first, Lin Wanbai didn't understand, but as she washed further down, she realized what he meant.

Her cheeks flushed, yet she still meticulously cleaned him.

He stared at her intently, his voice hoarse. "Next time, let the nurse handle it."

She pressed her lips, smiling, but didn't reply.

After dressing him, Lin Wanbai was about to leave when Fu Juxing grabbed her wrist. They gazed at each other in silence. Lin Wanbai reached out, covering his eyes. "Don't overthink. I'm stepping out; you rest."

Her palm slid down to cover his lips, then she bent and kissed the back of her hand, eyes locked on him, whispering, "Get well soon. Everything will be yours."

...

Christmas was approaching, and with it, New Year's.

But Fu Juxing still couldn't be discharged; the doctor advised another two weeks.

Leaving the hospital around New Year was not too late, and Lin Wanbai agreed—it was safer to recuperate a little longer.

He could now get up, though getting out of bed would take more time.

Though there were professional caregivers, Lin Wanbai still handled much herself, except for specialized care she couldn't manage.

Disliking the hospital's decor, Lin Wanbai had Aunt Rong bring quilts from home and bought small decorations, brightening up the ward.

Christmas and New Year's came and went; Lin Wanbai stayed in the hospital, never leaving.

Liang Zhixia visited once. Lately, she had been caring for Fu Juxing in the hospital, almost disappearing; she rarely replied to messages, let alone joined friends for gatherings.

She sat with her legs crossed on the sofa, watching Lin Wanbai tend to Fu Juxing, love overflowing, completely undisguised.

Raising an eyebrow, she rose and walked to the foot of the bed, looking at Fu Juxing. "You've really profited from disaster—having Xiaobai care for you herself. Happy?"

Without waiting for his answer, she continued, "Must be very happy, right? So many envy you. I envy you—a princess who never touched housework, now making soup, washing you, even doing laundry. Incredible."

Lin Wanbai glanced at her. "Can you stop exaggerating? I haven't done his laundry. If you keep saying things like that, I'll have to start doing it."

"Isn't a little exaggeration allowed?"

Fu Juxing took Lin Wanbai's hand. "Of course I'm happy."

Liang Zhixia snorted twice, leaving it at that.

...

Today, Lin Wanbai needed to go home to shower, Liang Zhixia offered to take her.

She eyed Lin Wanbai. "You've lost a lot of weight lately."

Sleeping and eating poorly in the hospital, it was inevitable. Lin Wanbai said, "Isn't that good? I gained weight before; now I'm back to normal, couldn't be happier."

"I say you should take better care of yourself. Get more caregivers to look after Fu Juxing. You need rest—your skin's deteriorating. Must you do everything yourself? He's just a man."

"You don't understand."

"Why not? It's not as if I've never been in love—only then do you realize how awful men can be."

Lin Wanbai smiled, not denying it.

Liang Zhixia glanced at her, thought a moment, then said nothing more. "Ultimately, you need to prioritize yourself."

"I know, but I really have no appetite. Caring for him isn't exhausting; most things are handled by caregivers. I can't replace his pain. There's little I can actually do. Aunt Rong makes two meals daily; Fu Juxing is limited to nutrition meals, always similar. Seeing my poor appetite, she tries various dishes for me, but I still can't eat much. Sometimes, knowing her efforts, I force myself to eat a few bites."

Liang Zhixia asked, "Is it because you're in a bad mood?"

"No, not really. Did I tell you? We've decided to emigrate. After the New Year, once he's recovered, we'll start the process. The paperwork's already underway."

"Ah? Where to?"

"Netherlands, tentatively. Still considering." She smiled. "I'm truly lucky."

"Fu Juxing agreed?"

She nodded. "Yes."

"Then congratulations. You got everything you wanted."

"Exactly."

Liang Zhixia said nothing more, only glanced at her before focusing on driving.

For convenience, Lin Wanbai returned to Lanshe.

Liang Zhixia, seeing she had time, stayed to keep her company.

Lin Wanbai showered and napped on the bed.

When she woke, Liang Zhixia was still there.

Night had fallen outside. "Why are you still here?" She'd slept deeply, her head aching.

Liang Zhixia said, "I didn't feel right leaving you alone here."

"You're crazy; I'm not a three-year-old."

"With how you look now, you resemble Lin Daiyu."

She laughed. "I'm that beautiful?"

She sniffed, catching the scent of smoke, and spotted cigarette butts on the nightstand. "Why did you smoke in the room?"

Liang Zhixia stuck out her tongue and shrugged. "Couldn't resist."

"Honestly." Lin Wanbai laughed helplessly, not reprimanding her.

Preparing to get up, Liang Zhixia pushed her back down. "You just napped; sleep a bit more. Don't go to the hospital tonight. Aunt Rong came earlier, I told her."

"I'm hungry."

"So am I." She patted her stomach. "How about you take me out for a meal?"

Lin Wanbai didn't refuse. She called Chen Fan and took Liang Zhixia to dinner.

Chen Fan had just finished his busy schedule and was decompressing at the restaurant—a treat.

The restaurant was lively with several guests. Chen Fan arranged a private room for them, personally serving tea.

Liang Zhixia said, "Bring your best wine."

"I don't drink," Lin Wanbai said.

"It's for me."

"Don't drink too much." Lin Wanbai sipped her tea, reminding her.

But Liang Zhixia was persistent, and Chen Fan obligingly brought the finest wine. "You enjoy; I'll cook."

Liang Zhixia poured herself a full glass.

She drank eagerly, making Lin Wanbai laugh.

"Can you not act like a drunkard? You're a lady, after all."

"What does it matter? As long as I'm happy."

Liang Zhixia hadn't been like this before. A good student, but her mother died young, and her stepmother was a handful, pushing her to this state.

Some things can't be explained; only you know your own story.

Like herself—once plunged headlong in, no amount of advice from others helped.

But Liang Zhixia wasn't as lucky; she had no one reliable. She only had herself. Lin Wanbai felt obliged to say a few words.

She took Liang Zhixia's wine glass. "Drink less."

Liang Zhixia didn't fight, resting her chin on her hand. "You seem ready to lecture me."

"Your intuition's right." Lin Wanbai set the glass aside. "You can't keep living like this forever. Think about your future."

She said nothing, smiling as she watched Lin Wanbai lecture.

"I know your difficulties at home. But the more you are like this, the happier they become. Have you considered returning to your studies, starting anew? Your mother wouldn't want you to waste away. I believe you wouldn't want your stepmother to be so triumphant. Xiaxia, you ought to become a better person, then you can hold your head high."

She raised her chin. "With me as your big sponsor, what are you worried about?"

Liang Zhixia had once dated the school bully—intense romance, fighting, dropping out, running away, living wildly, infamous throughout the school.

But the man was a scoundrel; when cornered, he sold her.

Luckily, fate intervened. When forced to work at a club, the police raided, traced her family, and rescued her.

Few knew the full story; most thought she'd eloped. Later, somehow, photos of her at a bar circulated, along with rumors that when she was rescued, she'd been a hostess.

Overnight, her reputation was ruined.

For a year, Liang Zhixia didn't leave home, saw no one but Lin Wanbai.

During that time, she was truly down and out, but fortunately didn't commit suicide.

Liang Zhixia once said she had considered suicide, but every time she saw Huang Zhen and her daughter happy, she couldn't swallow her pride. If she died, it would please them; she would rather live, long and well, to vex them.

Later, she pulled herself together, began living playfully.

Because of her close friendship with Lin Wanbai, many still flattered her in person.

Liang Zhixia maintained her cheerful facade, listening with unknown receptivity, occasionally glancing at her wine glass, her attention still on the drink. She had a bit of an alcohol dependency; a day without it was uncomfortable.

Lin Wanbai sighed helplessly. "Drink, then." She handed the glass back.

Some things she'd said many times, always carefully, avoiding her wounds.

But now, with her own emigration looming, their future meetings would be scarce. She couldn't help but worry. Her stepmother was formidable, a master of false innocence, and with her father's negligence, survival was tough.

She could help for a time, not a lifetime. Ultimately, it was up to Liang Zhixia.

With her wine glass, Liang Zhixia smiled brighter. "Xiaobai, if you were a man, I'd marry you immediately and become the Lin family's daughter-in-law. I'd love to see Huang Zhen and Liang Zhengge try to show off in front of me then."

"Then you should've seduced Lin Zhouye early on."

"Funny you mention it—I really thought about it, but he's too wild, can't be swayed."

"How do you know he's wild? Did you pursue him?"

Liang Zhixia blushed, coughing twice. "Yes, I really did."

"When? Why didn't you tell me? I could've helped."

"Help, my foot. I thought being close would work, but realized that balcony was out of reach. Best to forget it."

Thinking of Lin Zhouye secretly meeting with Fu Miao, Lin Wanbai felt uneasy.

Liang Zhixia waved her hand. "Don't bring up my mess. I don't want to deal with them. I have shares in Liang's company; as long as I get money, it's fine. I love watching them annoyed yet unable to get rid of me."

"Always worrying about the future is exhausting. Better to seize the day. Happy or unhappy, it's still a day—so why not live happily?"

Soon, Chen Fan brought the dishes. He'd prepared a special meal, so it was quick.

He experimented with several new dishes, using them as guinea pigs.

He served five dishes, then sat with them to eat and drink.

Liang Zhixia hadn't seen him in ages; though not close, they knew each other. After all, this chubby fellow had once been rumored with Lin Wanbai, and their relationship was no less than hers with Lin Wanbai.

That was the main reason Liang Zhixia remembered him.

Lin Wanbai abstained from alcohol, but Chen Fan and Liang Zhixia drank cheerfully, glass after glass, bottle after bottle.

Lin Wanbai watched her, seeming intent on getting herself drunk.

Even Chen Fan wanted to stop, but she insisted.

After the meal, Liang Zhixia was tipsy, slumped over the table, still mumbling about another drink.

Chen Fan unbuttoned his shirt. "Is she crazy? How can she drink so much?"

Lin Wanbai said, "You seemed happy to keep up."

"What could I do? Why aren't you drinking at all? Pregnant?"

"Pregnant, my foot. I'm going to the hospital later, so of course not."

"I'd say, Fu Juxing's beating was worth it."

"Why?" Lin Wanbai ate the last chicken wing, wiping her fingers.

"If not for that, would you two be so close? Even emigrating, settling abroad, living comfortably."

"So it's a blessing in disguise?"

Before she could reply, Liang Zhixia suddenly sat up, saying, "Don't trust him. Don't trust men—they're all pigs, not a single good one."

As she spoke, she slammed the table.

She glanced at Lin Wanbai, then slumped again.

Chen Fan said, "This sister has a grudge against men."

He belched, then solemnly took Lin Wanbai's hand. "Finally, you've got your wish. Time to wish you a happy family and many children."

"Enough out of you."

With Chen Fan's help, they got Liang Zhixia into the car.

Lin Wanbai took her back to Lanshe. She wasn't completely out, could walk, though not straight.

Supporting her upstairs, settling her in, Lin Wanbai was about to return to the hospital.

Liang Zhixia grabbed her. "You're just leaving me here alone?"

"What, you need someone to care for you?"

"Yes, can't you spend one night with me? We haven't hung out in ages. Woman, your name means you value love over friendship."

Lin Wanbai was amused. "You know me—I've always put love above friendship; haven't you gotten used to it?"

She clung to her hand, lying on the bed, eyes open. "I don't get it—why do you love Fu Juxing so much? Aside from his looks, what else does he have? Is he really worth your whole heart?"

Her grip tightened, brows furrowed, as if wanting to say something.

Lin Wanbai sat down. "What's wrong? Drunk and scrambled brains?"

Suddenly, Liang Zhixia began to cry, hugging Lin Wanbai silently.

Lin Wanbai was startled; it had been ages since she’d seen Liang Zhixia cry.

When someone who never cries suddenly does, it’s unsettling.

"What's wrong?" She laughed, placing a hand on her back. "Why are you crying? I'm still here—when I really leave, will you cry down the Great Wall?"

She kept crying, not speaking.

After a while, as she calmed, Lin Wanbai asked, "Why cry?"

She bowed her head, wiped her tears quickly, and looked up with bright eyes. "Love yourself more, I beg you."

Lin Wanbai didn't reply at once, just looked at her. After a long pause, she nodded. "Isn't that obvious?"

She waved her hand. "Go on, I'll stay here tonight. I'll tidy up before I leave tomorrow."

"Yeah, right."

She slapped her back.

At the door, Lin Wanbai looked back, then closed it and left for the hospital.

...

On New Year's Day, Lin Wanbai returned home for dinner. To accommodate her, dinner was held an hour earlier; after eating, she hurried to the hospital to dine with Fu Juxing again.

That night, they watched the New Year's Eve gala together.

Lin Wanbai needed an early night; the next day, she would go to Huicheng for Fu Juxing.

The trip was a bit far, requiring an overnight stay.

Everything had been arranged a week prior. In the morning, she got up early. Fu Juxing was still asleep. Quietly packing, she kissed his face before leaving.

Her movements were gentle, but Fu Juxing still woke.

Just as she finished kissing him, he opened his eyes and reached out to wrap his arm around her waist.

"Did I wake you?" Lin Wanbai asked.

He shook his head. "I wake whenever you move."

"Sleeping so poorly—should I ask the doctor for sleeping pills?"

"No need. Be careful on the road."

"Don't worry, I'm traveling with Yang Ruyue; everything's arranged, nothing will happen."

He looked at her, still full of concern.

"It's fine. I'll be back tomorrow; you'll see me then. Just blink and tomorrow will come."

He smiled. "Keep in touch at all times."

"Mm. Take care and listen to the doctor."

"Got it."

She kissed his lips and left the ward, glancing back with every step.

Lin Zhouye’s car was waiting at the hospital entrance; she had told Lin Zhaowei about going to Huicheng.

She opened the door and got in. "Why are you picking me up?"

"If I hadn't overheard Dad and Big Sister talking, I wouldn't have known you were heading to Huicheng to honor Fu Juxing's grandmother."

"What's the issue with you not knowing?"

"Why didn't you tell us earlier? Either Big Sister or I could have found time to go with you."

"I didn't want anyone to come. I'm not helpless; it’s a small matter. Grandpa isn’t worried, why are you?"

She settled in, a bit brusque.

Lin Zhouye noticed; she seemed to have a grievance against him lately. "Did I upset you?"

"No."

He watched her but didn't press further.

They stopped for breakfast, then continued to the airport.

Yang Ruyue was already waiting at the airport.

Throughout the journey, Lin Wanbai said little. Lin Zhouye glanced at her occasionally. "Have you been to Huicheng before?"

"No."

Before he could ask more, Lin Wanbai cut him off. "But everything is arranged, so there’s no problem."

"Good, then."

He stopped trying for conversation until they reached the airport.

He personally escorted her inside, carrying her luggage.

After meeting Yang Ruyue, Lin Zhouye gave her instructions, watching them clear security before leaving.

In the VIP lounge, Lin Wanbai spotted Fu Yanchuan.

He sat alone, eating breakfast.

Lin Wanbai thought for a moment, then went over to greet him. "Big Brother."

Fu Yanchuan looked surprised. "Xiaobai." He stood and asked, "What are you doing here?"

"I'm going to Huicheng—it's Fu Juxing's grandmother's memorial. This year is special; it's her eightieth ghost birthday. Fu Juxing should have come, but with his condition, I have to go in his stead. What about you? On a business trip?"

Fu Yanchuan pulled out a chair for her, and she sat.

"If I told you I’m also going to Huicheng, would you be surprised?"

Lin Wanbai truly hadn’t expected that. "You're going for..."

He nodded.

She thought of Fu Changjun. "Did Grandpa ask you?"

"Yes. I happened to be free, so I agreed."

Lin Wanbai nodded. "Grandpa really cares about this grandmother. But isn't it a bit much to send you?"

"It’s fine."

"If the old witch finds out, there’ll be trouble."

"She won’t," Fu Yanchuan said calmly. "She’s busy dealing with Yanming’s affairs; she has no time for anything else."

"Grandpa worries too much. Does he think Fu Juxing and I would forget this important day?"

"Age makes people want to do too much, but achieve too little. I’m just helping him to give him peace of mind."

Lin Wanbai considered it—Fu Changjun was semi-confined by Jiang Shuzhi, so he couldn't contact them directly; he must truly be worried. She nodded. "That makes sense. But your identity is a bit inappropriate. Why not just tell Grandpa I’m already going, so he can rest assured? I have everything arranged."

"I’m already here, might as well go."

His attitude was clear, so Lin Wanbai said no more.

"Had breakfast?"

She nodded. "I ate on the way."

He acknowledged, sipped his coffee, and after a pause said, "If you think us traveling together would cause gossip, we can stagger our schedules."

"No need. Deliberate avoidance invites more rumors. If someone wants to stir things up, even if we never speak, they'll talk."

He smiled, clearly relieved.

After that, there was little conversation. Fu Yanchuan ate; Lin Wanbai flipped through a magazine.

Time passed both quickly and slowly; after an hour, they boarded.

Their seats weren’t far apart; after sitting, Lin Wanbai napped.

Three hours in the air—she slept the entire time, wearing an eye mask, skipping the meal.

Even turbulence didn’t wake her.

When the plane was about to land, Yang Ruyue woke her.

Dazed, she stared out the window. Only after the plane stopped taxiing did she come to.

After disembarking, someone came to pick them up. Fu Yanchuan hadn’t arranged this, so he joined their ride.

Huicheng was the provincial capital; Feng Yahan's ancestral home was in a county below, two hours away by car.

In the county, they stayed at a local five-star hotel. After resting, they went out for lunch.

Fu Juxing had arranged for a banquet at the hotel—a grand seafood spread. Lin Wanbai, tired from travel, just wanted something light.

But the hosts were so enthusiastic, she couldn’t refuse and ate a little.

The host kept asking about Fu Yanchuan’s identity. He didn’t reveal it, only saying he was Lin Wanbai’s assistant.

When the host left to pay, Yang Ruyue followed.

Lin Wanbai frowned. "What a nuisance."

"He’s just making a living, trying to connect. You’re just not used to it."

She coughed. "I’m not here for business; what’s the point of networking? No sense of tact."

"Uncomfortable?"

She shook her head. "It's nothing; probably just tired from the journey."

"Why not rest in the hotel? I’ll handle the arrangements. Grandpa set everything up a month ago; I just need to check."

Lin Wanbai considered. "Alright, thank you."

She gave the address Fu Juxing had prepared.

Then they split up; Yang Ruyue went with the host, Lin Wanbai returned to her room to rest.

Before lying down, she called Fu Juxing.

They video-called; he’d just finished lunch.

"Tired?"

Lin Wanbai nodded. "Ran into Fu Yanchuan at the airport. Grandpa must be worried, sent him to handle the memorial."

"Really? That’s good; he can help you."

She smiled. "But your expression says otherwise."

"Why so tired? Are you unwell?"

She shook her head. "Just the long journey, and poor sleep last night. I’ll nap now, then go see the master this afternoon to check the timing."

"Alright, rest well; don’t force yourself."

She hung up and went straight to sleep.

When she woke, it was already dark.

She hurriedly grabbed her phone. In the dim light, she sensed someone beside her. She paused, listened, and heard breathing. At once, she turned on the light.

Fu Yanchuan was lying next to her. Startled, she jumped out of bed, retreating several steps. Her clothes were intact.

But his were disheveled.

Fu Yanchuan frowned, seemingly unable to wake fully.

Lin Wanbai went to the bathroom, filled a glass with water, and splashed it on his face. The cold water startled him awake.

He frowned more deeply, slowly opened his eyes—his vision blurry, gradually clearing. Seeing Lin Wanbai, he paused, then sat up, rubbing his neck and looking around, realizing he was in a hotel. "Why am I here?"

"Shouldn't I be asking you? Weren't you getting incense and paper money? And how did you get in?"

Fu Yanchuan looked confused, shaking his head. "I don’t know. I really went for incense and paper, and to see the master Grandpa arranged. But once I entered the alley, someone knocked me out. I remember nothing else—when I came to, I was here."

"Knocked out?"

He nodded.

Lin Wanbai fell silent, brows tightly knit. Clearly, someone had orchestrated this—trying to frame them for adultery.

"Where’s Yang Ruyue?"

"We handled things separately."

Lin Wanbai scanned the room, licked her lips. "Who else knew you’d come here?"

"I told no one."

"Someone knew." Lin Wanbai’s expression was grave.

They stayed in the room for a long time; no one came to catch them, no one knocked, only Yang Ruyue called several times. Lin Wanbai had slept too deeply to hear any.

She was reporting in: all the incense and paper were ready, nothing missing. "I called Fu Dashao several times, but couldn’t get through. Not sure what happened. He said he was seeing the master; should I check on him?"

"Go ahead."

"Okay."

After hanging up, Lin Wanbai set her phone on the coffee table. The room felt heavy.

Fu Yanchuan had straightened his clothes, but his shirt buttons were torn, impossible to fix; there were lipstick marks, and hickeys on his neck—clearly suggestive.

Lin Wanbai’s mind was a mess.

After a while, she said, "I bet Jiang Shuzhi did this. How could she not know about Grandpa’s instructions? How could she let you come here to honor Feng Yahan? It must be her."

Fu Yanchuan said nothing.

After a long pause, he said, "Don’t worry; we did nothing. Innocent people have nothing to fear."

Lin Wanbai said nothing, lost in thought, not returning for a long time.

The room fell into silence. Suddenly, the doorbell rang.

Lin Wanbai snapped back, looking toward the door.

It was the man who had received them earlier. "Miss Lin, your dinner is ready. Shall I bring it to your room or will you dine in the restaurant?"

Lin Wanbai didn't respond. After a couple of sentences, he left, not knocking further.

At this point, hiding was pointless. If photos were to be taken, they already had been.

Fu Yanchuan tidied up, returned to his room, and soon received a call from Fu Miao.

He saw the caller, but hung up.

...

Lin Wanbai had intended to shower, but knowing the room could be accessed at will, she abandoned the idea.

After waiting a while, she called Yang Ruyue, who was on her way back.

"I asked the master. Fu Dashao didn’t go."

"I know. What did the master say? What about the memorial? Today’s timing is missed. Tomorrow?"

"We missed the time, but tomorrow is also auspicious. It’s fine. We’ll go up the mountain early tomorrow; everything’s ready, the master will handle it."

"Good. Where are you?"

"Almost there."

Lin Wanbai acknowledged, hung up, packed her things, and took her luggage to the hotel lobby.

Yang Ruyue arrived to see her sitting on the lobby sofa, wearing a hat, very conspicuous.

"Miss Lin."

Lin Wanbai looked up, feeling more at ease seeing her. "I’ve checked out. I’ll stay with you tonight."

"But mine is a twin room."

"No matter. It's fine."

Seeing her odd expression, Yang Ruyue said nothing more, leading her back.

The twin room was spacious, two beds just right.

Lin Wanbai sat down. Yang Ruyue boiled water. "Have you eaten?"

"Not yet."

"Why not? Didn’t Zhao arrange it?"

"I ignored him."

She laughed. "I reminded him at noon; tonight's meal should be simple and light. I saw a lively street nearby; looks like there’s food. Want to go?"

"By the way, has Fu Dashao returned?"

Lin Wanbai paused. "He’s in his room."

"Why didn’t he see the master?"

"Not sure; maybe he’s unwell."

She nodded, not probing further.

Lin Wanbai had no intention of getting up. After a while, she showered.

Yang Ruyue called Zhao to have food delivered to the room.

By the time Lin Wanbai finished showering, the food arrived.

She had washed her hair and wrapped it in a towel.

Yang Ruyue glanced at her, immediately noticing a conspicuous mark on the back of her neck. She was stunned; when Lin Wanbai had her hair down earlier, nothing was visible. Now, with her hair up, it stood out.

Lin Wanbai seemed unconcerned, took her skincare products to the bathroom, spending a while applying them.

Yang Ruyue remembered—her neck had been perfectly clear when they arrived.

So what was going on now?

Lin Wanbai finished drying her hair, feeling much better after the shower.

She sat, ready to eat. "I'm starving."

Yang Ruyue looked at her. Lin Wanbai noticed the odd gaze, turned to catch her looking away from her neck.

Lin Wanbai immediately grasped her neck. "What?"