Chapter 65: Either Die

After Lin Wanbai and the others finished their meal, they went to the backyard to look for the old gentleman. As expected, the elderly man was sitting alone in the courtyard, a pot of steaming tea on the table beside him. He wasn’t wearing much, just a blanket draped over his legs. Fortunately, Lin Wanbai had anticipated this—knowing he’d be lightly dressed, she’d fetched an extra garment from his room beforehand.

She walked over. The old man’s eyes were closed, and he was so still that he didn’t even seem to hear her footsteps. Against the snow-laden backdrop, Lin Zhaowei’s complexion appeared especially pale, his lips drained of color. Lin Wanbai touched the hand resting on his lap—it was icy cold, though a hand warmer sat unused on the table.

She gently draped the coat over him. Only then did Lin Zhaowei stir awake.

“Xiaobai.”

“Aren’t you cold? You can sleep like this?”

“I was just resting my eyes, not asleep.”

“It looked like you were sleeping soundly. I’ve been here for quite a while and you didn’t notice at all.”

As they spoke, two servants brought over chairs. Fuxu Xing followed close behind. The servants set the chairs down, then brought over snacks and fruit, placed a heater nearby, and brewed another pot of tea—all per Fuxu Xing’s thoughtful arrangements. After the meal, the two had split up to handle different things; he’d considered everything.

The garden was planted with plenty of wintersweet, their red blossoms peeking through the snow—quite a lovely sight. Lin Wanbai was afraid of the cold. Even with a heater at her feet, she still felt chilly; the wind was biting and soon her nose was running.

Seeing her shivering, Lin Zhaowei laughed, “If you’re so afraid of the cold, go back inside. It’s the first day of the new year, no need to go out. Sleep as long as you want, and if you get hungry, have the servants bring food to your room. Don’t freeze out here. I’ll sit a bit longer and then head in myself.”

“I’ll wait and go in with you. I’m not that cold—just don’t like the wind on my face.” She pulled her scarf up, covering half her face. “That’s much better.”

Seeing her insist, Lin Zhaowei let her be, merely instructing the servants to add more heaters. They brought over a charcoal brazier, which warmed things up considerably. With warmth restored, Lin Wanbai’s appetite returned, and she started nibbling on seeds and fruit, her mouth never idle.

Just as she reached for a third tangerine, Fuxu Xing caught her hand. “Don’t eat too much cold fruit.”

“I’m not cold now.”

“Wait a bit. You said you had no appetite lately but you seem to have plenty for snacks.”

She stuck out her tongue and drew her hand back. Still, she didn’t give up on the tangerine. When Fuxu Xing was distracted, she tried for it three times, but each time he caught her—he seemed to have his eye on her at all times.

She bargained, “How about this? You peel it, I’ll just have one wedge, and you can eat the rest, all right?”

“Can’t hold out, can you?”

“No, I can’t.”

“Fine.” Fuxu Xing peeled the tangerine and, as promised, gave her only one segment.

She ate it quickly. Fuxu Xing ate slowly, and she managed to coax another two segments from him. Throughout, Lin Zhaowei watched their gentle banter in silence, a faint smile at his lips. After watching Fuxu Xing for a while, his gaze drifted away.

Later, Lin Zhaowei played a game of chess with Fuxu Xing, with Lin Wanbai watching. Lin Zhaowei was usually a steady, deliberate player, never aggressive, always seeing the bigger picture. But today, his style was different—ferocious, as if he meant to devour his opponent.

Fuxu Xing, on the other hand, remained calm and measured, advancing and retreating with perfect control. Chess reveals character. Lin Zhaowei hadn’t played Fuxu Xing often, but each time was a different experience.

The first time, he sensed Fuxu Xing’s ambition, surging and barely restrained, with a fierce will to win. The second time, Fuxu Xing was more composed, more reserved, his strength hidden deeper. Now, he was gentle and serene, as if he’d let go of everything.

In the end, Fuxu Xing made a misstep and lost. As he placed his piece, Lin Wanbai couldn’t help blurting out, even stepping on his foot, but he moved too quickly—the move was made before she could stop him.

“Why would you play there?” She knew he could have won.

Lin Zhaowei smiled, “Did you let me win on purpose?”

Fuxu Xing shook his head. “Not letting, just granting you this one.”

They exchanged a glance, and Lin Zhaowei laughed, putting the pieces away. “Let’s play again.”

The next game saw Lin Zhaowei back to his usual level, and the match became truly engaging, lasting a long time. The air was one of friendly competition, not a fierce battle for victory.

By two or three in the afternoon, the sun broke through the clouds, filling the courtyard with light and a sense of renewed life.

Soon after, Lin Zhouye and Lin Jingyu arrived together, and the conversation around sunflower seeds became livelier. That day, the whole family really did stay home, not setting foot outside. There was supposed to be an opera in town, but it was canceled due to the weather, leaving the town quiet and peaceful.

The ancestral rites were scheduled for the second day of the new year. Lin Zhaowei had made all arrangements in advance. At dawn, before anyone else was up, they paid their respects on the mountain and in the ancestral hall, quietly completing everything.

Afterward, Lin Zhaowei lingered alone in the ancestral hall for a while. His grandmother’s memorial tablet was there too. As people age, they long to return to their roots. After a lifetime in the business world, Lin Zhaowei found himself unexpectedly content to relax here.

Originally, they were to return on the third day, but he decided to stay a bit longer. In the end, he told them to go ahead on the fourth day while he remained for a few more days.

Although Fuxu Xing had no real standing in the Fu family, he still observed all the proper formalities for the holidays. Fu Changjun was waiting for them to return.

Lin Jingyu said, “You two go ahead. Songyuan and I will stay here with Grandpa for a few more days.”

That was all they could do for now.

On the fourth day, Lin Wanbai and Fuxu Xing packed their things and returned to North City first. Upon arrival, they went to Sibei and settled there temporarily.

This New Year was peaceful and uneventful. Everyone got along well, even Jiang Shuzhi was on her best behavior, acting as if she had truly let go of all prejudices, showing Fuxu Xing every possible care and concern.

On the evening of the sixth day, Lin Zhouye came to Sibei for dinner. He’d just returned from Longning Prefecture, landing in the afternoon and heading straight to Sibei after a quick stop at home. The gifts had all been prepared before the holiday.

This time, Lin Wanbai didn’t avoid the gathering—she couldn’t, really, as Jiang Shuzhi held her firmly and wouldn’t let go, so there was no escape.

Jiang Shuzhi beamed, “We truly are a family now. Once Miaomiao marries in, our families will be even closer. When Old Lin returns, we must all sit down for a meal together. It’s been so long since both families dined as one.”

Fu Miao sat beside Lin Zhouye, blushing and demure like a young girl in the first bloom of love.

The scene before her snapped Lin Wanbai back to reality. All that happiness she’d felt was like a bubble—one touch and it vanished. Waiting for Fu Miao to marry into the Lin family, there would be no more peaceful or happy days.

Everyone was smiling, but each harbored their own thoughts. Lin Wanbai grew restless; the good mood of the past few days crumbled in an instant. Lately, her emotions had been volatile and easily magnified, swinging from joy to anger without warning.

Her smile faltered, and she lost her appetite for the meal. Feeling uneasy, just before they began eating, she feigned a bout of retching and pressed her hand to her forehead. “Grandmother, I’m not feeling well. I’d like to go rest for a while. Please eat without me; there’s no need to save me a plate.”

Fuxu Xing helped her up.

Jiang Shuzhi, though annoyed by her behavior, maintained a facade of concern. “What’s wrong? Did you eat something bad?”

“Maybe it’s a cold. I haven’t felt well since morning. I can’t eat, and if I were to be sick, it would spoil everyone’s meal. Better I rest in the room. After all, our guest is my uncle—he’ll understand.”

She looked at Lin Zhouye, her tone plaintive. He would understand—he always did.

Lin Zhouye nodded, “If you’re not well, you should rest. Don’t force yourself.”

Lin Wanbai smiled faintly. “Thank you, Uncle.”

Fuxu Xing said, “I’ll accompany Xiaobai back to the room.”

Jiang Shuzhi nodded. “Take good care of her. If you need anything, ask Xiao Song or any of the servants. You’re not fully recovered yourself—don’t push too hard.”

“I know.”

With that, Fuxu Xing led Lin Wanbai out.

Lin Wanbai kept up the act until they reached the room. Once Song Granny had fussed over them and left, Lin Wanbai got off the bed, peeked outside, and exchanged a look with Fuxu Xing.

“Everyone’s gone. It’s quiet outside.”

“Hmph, as if I’d want to eat with them. Just seeing Fu Miao makes me want to vomit. How could I possibly eat? She’s ruined the good mood I’d built up over these days. Lin Zhouye is so infuriating—he could have at least warned me. If he had, we could have made an excuse to avoid sitting through her smug performance.”

“Let it go. Why get so worked up? That’s exactly what she wants. The angrier you are, the happier she’ll be.”

“I know, but I just can’t control my temper. Just imagine, when she marries into the Lin family, how miserable I’ll be. No matter what Lin Zhouye is planning, I’m not happy about it.”

“We were a happy family, and now there’s a fly in the ointment. I can’t be happy about it.”

“We’ll be abroad by then.”

“But it’s not as if I’ll cut off all contact with my family. Even if we emigrate, I’ll still visit. Grandpa’s not in great health—I can’t just not come back.”

“What’s wrong with Grandpa?”

She hadn’t told him about this yet. With a sigh, she said, “There’s a problem with his heart—he needs surgery. But there are risks; they can’t guarantee everything will be fine. He’s getting on in years, and I don’t think he wants the operation.”

“It’s understandable. At his age, a major surgery is daunting. Even the doctors can’t promise a perfect outcome. If it were me, I’d be afraid too—what if I never woke up?”

Her smile faded a little.

“I’ve been thinking. I still love architecture, and with my résumé, finding a job shouldn’t be hard. We’d planned on Grindelwald, but since we’re young, why not try New City? I’ve friends there, and in a new place, connections matter.”

Fuxu Xing had no objections. “We have time. Think it over before deciding.”

Lin Wanbai nodded, and after a moment’s silence, changed the subject.

Soon Song Granny brought in dinner for two. “Madam was afraid you’d be hungry, so she had the kitchen make something light. No matter how unwell you feel, you should eat a little.”

She set the food on the table. Fuxu Xing started to rise, but Lin Wanbai pressed him back down.

“Thank you, Song Granny.”

“No need to thank me—it’s my duty. Do you need a hand?”

“No, I can manage.”

“Very well, then. If you need anything, just call.”

At the door, Song Granny paused. “Madam wants to know if you’ll be coming out later. Your uncle is still here.”

“No. Uncle cares for me—he knows I’m not well and won’t insist I come out.”

“Alright, I understand.” With that, she left.

The dishes were indeed thoughtfully prepared. Lin Wanbai, already hungry, climbed out of bed as soon as the coast was clear. She and Fuxu Xing ate merrily, though the food was rather bland and tasteless.

Lin Wanbai had a craving for something spicy—so much so that she felt itchy all over. If Fuxu Xing’s leg wasn’t still healing, she’d have dragged him out to find a Sichuan restaurant.

…

In the dining room, Lin Zhouye was gracious and composed. Having been raised by Lin Zhaowei himself, he’d inherited some of the old man’s bearing—well-read, quick-witted, and with a touch of humor. He was anything but stiff.

Fu Miao couldn’t take her eyes off his hands, her heart full of joy. She’d truly liked Lin Zhouye ever since middle school, when he’d brought clothes for Lin Wanbai. From the moment she first saw him, she was captivated.

When Lin Wanbai boarded at school in ninth grade, Lin Zhouye visited frequently, bringing her all sorts of things. Fu Miao remembered that her determination to pursue him started with a single glance.

That day, there was a cold snap. He’d come to deliver clothes. Lin Wanbai had gone out to meet him, and the two stood by the corridor window in the golden winter sunlight. Lin Zhouye was probably giving her some advice, pointing at her clothes, speaking with grave seriousness.

Fu Miao sat at the window, watching in secret, unable to look away. He wore a sports jacket, lips red and teeth white—a true boy-next-door.

She’d imagined countless times what it would feel like if she were the one standing before him. She’d surely be so happy she’d soar.

Lin Zhouye looked up, seemingly glancing in her direction. Her heart pounded, but she couldn’t look away. He moved on quickly, but she was left breathless, her chest filled with a wild swarm of feelings.

She’d decided then and there that she had to be his girlfriend. She pulled it off with a few tricks, but their relationship was brief—after just a year and a half of high school, she was sent abroad. At first, they kept in touch, but then he cut her off completely. She was busy with her studies and soon moved on.

Now, back again, her feelings for him were unchanged.

This time, she was determined to marry him, to become his wife, to be together forever. Of course, there were other motives mixed in with her feelings, but it was, in any case, a happy affair.

Both Fu Yonghui and Yuan Yujun were satisfied with Lin Zhouye as a son-in-law. His background was lacking, perhaps, but in every other respect, he was impeccable. And his background was hardly a real flaw—everyone knew he was the designated successor of the Lin family, already in control of half the business.

Everyone knew Lin Zhaowei had placed tremendous hope in him, raising him as his own son. Fu Miao was destined to be the chairman’s wife in the future.

Yuan Yujun couldn’t hide her delight—her son and daughter both so accomplished; what parent wouldn’t be happy? But where there is joy, there is also sorrow.

Fu Yongyi could barely muster a smile. He kept to himself, drinking quietly—no one bothered to speak to him. Throughout the meal, he and his wife were transparent, mere background figures. In this family, he was always an afterthought. His wife couldn’t compare, his son couldn’t compete, and now his daughter’s husband was so outstanding, he found it hard to reconcile. He was eaten up by envy and resentment.

After dinner, Fu Yongyi excused himself and returned to his room. Tang Qiong glanced at him with unconcealed disdain, but remained in the living room, poised and gracious.

Lin Zhouye didn’t leave until after nine, and before going, he checked in on Lin Wanbai. Seeing she was all right, he took his leave. Fu Miao personally saw him to the door, dismissing the others so they were alone.

She walked behind him, hands clasped, and said, “I don’t think we need an engagement. Let’s just get married. I discussed it with Grandma. Given your age, it’s the perfect time. Engagements are just a formality—I think we should go straight to the wedding, make it grand. Of course, if you prefer something low-key, that’s fine too. But you only marry once, and I’d like it to be memorable.”

Lin Zhouye stopped. The corridor was lined with red lanterns, the dim light obscuring his expression. He turned slightly, glanced at her, and said, “I don’t plan on a big affair. Just both families sitting down for a meal is enough.”

“That won’t do.”

“The Fu family’s situation isn’t suitable for a big celebration. You seem to forget your family is embroiled in legal troubles. The lower key, the better.”

Fu Miao almost fell for it but caught herself. “That’s not it—it’s your family marrying a daughter-in-law. We have to keep it low profile, but you don’t. I don’t need anything too grand—just like Lin Wanbai’s wedding would do.”

“A wedding is a serious matter—it can’t be skipped. Even if I agreed, Grandma wouldn’t. We’re both people of standing. If there’s no wedding, people will laugh at me.” She knew full well Lin Zhouye was marrying her for Lin Wanbai, not of his own volition.

She tried not to dwell on that, always preferring self-deception, convincing herself there was love between them. But seeing his attitude, she felt miserable, deeply dissatisfied.

“Lin Zhouye, let’s be clear. This is not just up to you—it’s up to me. I’ll have things my way. It’s not your decision!”

Her voice was low, fists clenched at her sides. She fought to control herself, took a breath, and said coldly, “In any case, before May Day this year, I’ll be married into the Lin family. You should start preparing. Low-key is fine—we can have it abroad, Bali, the Maldives, anywhere. If you care at all, you can give me the wedding I want.”

Lin Zhouye said nothing, his expression unreadable. The more indifferent he was, the less confidence Fu Miao felt. She gritted her teeth and, after a moment, softened, throwing her arms around him and resting her head on his chest.

“Lin Zhouye, you know I’ve always loved you. I love you so much—I want nothing more than to be with you, and all I ask for is a wedding. Is that so hard?” She clung to him, pleading, “Is it really so hard?”

Lin Zhouye frowned, pressing her shoulder, not willing to say more. “It’s not hard.”

Just those two words, and Fu Miao lit up, letting go and, catching him off guard, tried to kiss him on the lips. He was quick, turning his head so her kiss landed on his cheek.

Fu Miao didn’t mind. She cupped his face, forcing him to look at her, and smiled, “Don’t be shy. We’ll soon be married—just a kiss.”

But the loathing in Lin Zhouye’s eyes was clear. He pursed his lips, and in a blink, roughly pushed her away, straightening his clothes. “Don’t push your luck.”

“I order you to kiss me.” Her eyes flashed with anger and she couldn’t control herself. “Lin Zhouye, stop right there! Have you forgotten what I’m holding over you? Right now, you’re the one begging me. If you don’t do as I say, Xiaobai will suffer!”

He didn’t stop.

“Don’t think I won’t! I’ll send it right now—let everyone see what a slut Lin Wanbai really is. My brother is no match for a woman like her—corrupted since middle school, addicted to men. Everyone should see the real side of North City’s most celebrated debutante!”

At last, Lin Zhouye stopped. He inhaled deeply, then exhaled, turning to face the smug woman standing there.

After a moment, he walked over to her.

Fu Miao, chin high, was about to gloat when Lin Zhouye suddenly slapped her, hard. He didn’t hold back just because she was a woman. She fell to the ground, ears ringing, vision darkening.

She was stunned, tasting blood in her mouth. The next moment, pain shot through her hand as he ground her hand mercilessly under his foot. She looked up, eyes blazing. “You’ll regret this!”

He sneered, adjusting his tie, then bent down and gripped her face, squeezing until it was nearly distorted. “Don’t test my limits—you won’t like the consequences. Since you know I’d marry you for Xiaobai’s sake, you should also know I’d do anything for her—even see you dead. Say another word about her, and you’ll lose that tongue.”

Fu Miao trembled uncontrollably. She tried to convince herself he wouldn’t dare—Lin Zhaowei’s protégés would never do such things.

His gaze swept around. “You can be my wife—or…”

She stammered, “Or what?”

He looked her in the eye. “Or die.”

“You wouldn’t!”

“Try me.”

“You won’t!”

He just laughed, unwilling to waste more words. Letting go, he stepped back, his expression turning gentle as he extended a hand. “Get up.”

Furious, she glared at him, but in the end, she placed her hand in his and let him help her up.

He tossed his scarf at her face. “Come with me.”

She said nothing but followed.

Lin Zhouye handed her off to his secretary, An Ning, then returned to Pujiang alone.

…

Lin Zhaowei didn’t return to North City until after the New Year holidays. Lin Jingyu had stayed with him all that time, canceling their original three-day trip.

After the holiday, Fuxu Xing’s cast was removed. After a few days of rehabilitation at the hospital, he could walk normally, with only minor restrictions on running and jumping, but otherwise fully recovered.

The doctor praised Lin Wanbai as an excellent wife—her care was the key to his rapid recovery. Lin Wanbai was delighted, insisting on personally preparing tonic soups for him every day to restore his health.

For the Lantern Festival, Jiang Shuzhi invited the whole Lin family to dinner at the Sidney Hotel. Lin Zhaowei accepted—the invitation was proper and could not be refused. After all, Xiaobai had married Fuxu Xing and was now a Fu family daughter-in-law; the families were even more closely linked, and with Lin Zhouye and Fu Miao already married, spending the festival together was only natural.

When Lin Zhaowei returned to the living room, he sat down, placed his phone on the table, sipped his tea, and then looked at Lin Zhouye. “Would you care to explain how you and Fu Miao ended up married?”