Chapter 67: Two Families Become One
Lin Wanbai felt a string pulled taut in her heart—there was no way Lin Zhaowei collapsing at this critical moment had nothing to do with her.
Lin Jingyu stayed with her in the hospital room for a while before leaving.
Only Lin Wanbai and Fu Juxing remained. It was only then that he came over, sat by the bed, and watched her quietly. “Why didn’t you tell me?”
“Tell you what?”
“You’re almost four months pregnant and your period hasn’t come at all. Didn’t you notice?”
Lin Wanbai lowered her gaze, not in the mood to talk about it now. She’d planned to get checked in secret and then surprise him. But fate played a cruel joke—she found out about the pregnancy in this situation.
She gathered herself after a while and said, “When I was preparing for the college entrance exam, I missed my period for a stretch because of stress and irregular routine. This time, taking care of you, I was also out of rhythm, so I thought it was just irregular menstruation, nothing more. It was only recently that I started feeling something was off.” She forced a smile. “The baby’s been good to me, I haven’t had any symptoms at all. I never imagined I’d be pregnant.”
They’d always taken precautions, hadn’t they?
Besides, she’d always thought having a child was something to plan and discuss together—she never expected an accident.
Fu Juxing sat on the bed and pulled her into his arms. “Don’t worry. Everything will be alright.”
As soon as he came close, Lin Wanbai instinctively hugged him, pressing herself against him, as if that could soothe her heart.
His palm rested warmly on her back. His voice sounded softly above her head: “I’m sorry. I’m useless—I couldn’t protect you.”
“That’s not true.”
“You don’t need to comfort me or make excuses for me.”
Lin Wanbai looked up at him. He kept his gaze down, not meeting her eyes.
She took his hand, placed it on her cheek, and said, “Who says you’re useless? You just haven’t had the chance—you’ve been held back and constrained at every turn. The fact you’ve come this far proves your ability. If no one had ever tried to hold you back, you’d be better than anyone, whether it’s Lin Zhouye or Fu Yanchuan.”
“You can definitely protect me.” She smiled. “Besides, who says a woman must always be protected by a man? I can protect you too. This time, we were set up. We just don’t know who’s behind it. It looks like someone’s trying to reap the spoils without getting their own hands dirty.”
Fu Juxing asked, “Who could it be?”
Lin Wanbai shook her head. “I’m not sure, just suspicious. It needs to be investigated carefully. But right now, what matters most is Grandfather. If anything happens to him, I’ll never forgive myself.”
“He’ll be fine. He’s such a good person—good things happen to good people.”
“I hope so.”
Lin Wanbai didn’t stay in the hospital room long before going with Fu Juxing to the operating room.
The surgery was still ongoing. Lin Jingyu and the others waited outside.
Uncle Xiang was there too.
He’d reviewed the home’s surveillance, but since the old man was in the garden, out of camera range, all he could see was that everything was normal before the old man went out to water the flowers.
So, the incident must have happened while watering the flowers.
Uncle Xiang found the old man’s phone at the spot and, after checking, saw there was only one call—answered just before the collapse.
Calling the number back, it had already been deactivated. Tracing it led nowhere.
But one thing was clear—someone had used something about Bai to provoke the old man, and that person knew about his condition. This was intentional. The motive was unclear, since the old man was already retired and no longer managed the Lin family business.
Of course, as long as he lived, he could still intervene. With all the connections he’d built up over the years, as long as he was around, the Lin family wouldn’t be left out in the cold.
Lin Zhouye checked all of the old man’s communication records, used some tricks, but couldn’t find the caller. However, he did find two video clips in the records—and the sender was actually someone from within the Fu residence.
Lin Zhaowei’s surgery went fairly well. When he was wheeled out, he still hadn’t woken up. Lin Jingyu asked Old Duan when he’d regain consciousness, but Old Duan shook his head, looking grave.
The operation had succeeded, but success didn’t guarantee recovery.
“Whether he wakes up is up to fate now. We’ve done everything possible—beyond this, it’s in heaven’s hands,” Old Duan said.
Lin Zhaowei was transferred to intensive care.
The doctors gave no timeline, meaning no one knew how long he’d be there.
It had been a major surgery—a test for both doctors and patient.
Now the doctors had done their part. From here on, it was up to the patient.
After spending twenty minutes with him, Lin Zhouye left the hospital.
This was no time for grief—he had much to deal with: company affairs, Bai’s predicament, and the old man’s crisis. He couldn’t afford to stop and mourn.
Lin Jingyu told Lin Wanbai to go home and rest. “You’re pregnant. You need to take care of yourself. The police still don’t know what’s going on—rest as much as you can.”
“I want to stay a bit longer.”
“Your devotion, the old man knows. If he were awake, he’d tell you to go home and rest.” Lin Jingyu glanced at Fu Juxing. “Take her home, and look after her. If anything happens to her, I’ll hold you personally responsible.”
“Alright.”
In the end, Lin Wanbai went home.
...
That night, Lin Zhouye went to the Northern Fourth District.
He’d called ahead to announce his visit.
Fu Miao informed Jiang Shuzhi of his intention. They already knew about Lin Zhaowei’s collapse and Lin Wanbai’s arrest.
“I bet he’s coming to demand an explanation.” She plopped down with a scowl. “Grandma, you’re killing me with your scheming.”
“You think you can threaten him for long with your little tricks? Even if you keep up a façade of peace, do you think he’ll ever give you his heart? Lin Zhouye isn’t like Lin Zhaowei. Who can say if he married you for Bai or for another reason?”
She snorted, “If they want to stir things up with Fu Juxing and Fu Changjun, fine—let’s see who laughs last when we all go down together. You think your cousin’s fall from power was random? Someone’s pulling strings behind the scenes. If they want to cause trouble, it’s easy to drag someone down with them.”
Fu Miao frowned, still unhappy.
Jiang Shuzhi patted her hand. “There are plenty of men better than Lin Zhouye. Don’t get hung up on one tree when the big picture is at stake. You’re smart—you know when to cut your losses. Don’t end up like your brother. Look where his infatuation got him. Women get blinded by love—I’ve been there. I don’t want you to repeat my mistakes. Find someone who loves you, not someone you love.”
“Men are heartless creatures. Don’t get too invested—interest is all that matters. In this world, only power and money are real. They help you get what you want. Everything else is air.”
Fu Miao looked at her in silence.
Jiang Shuzhi stroked her cheek. “You’re my granddaughter. I’d never harm you.”
She was silent for a while, then nodded. “I understand.”
Lin Zhouye arrived late, busier than ever due to the family chaos.
When he arrived, Fu Miao greeted him personally.
After the last incident, she’d become much more obedient in his presence.
From the moment he stepped out of the car, she sensed the aggression rolling off him—it was as if he’d come to kill.
“Take me straight to see the old lady.”
“That was the plan,” she replied.
His gaze swept over her with an icy warning—don’t waste words.
Fu Miao led him to the old lady’s reception room.
Inside, Jiang Shuzhi sat calmly, tea already prepared on the table.
Upon their entrance, she didn’t move but smiled, indicating the seat across from her. “Come, sit. You and Miao are married now—no need for formality. Treat this as your own home.”
Lin Zhouye said nothing, his expression unchanged, not even bothering to feign friendliness. He strode over and sat down.
Fu Miao hesitated, then sat beside the old lady.
Jiang Shuzhi said, “The tea was just brewed three minutes ago, still steaming. Try it—if it’s off, have Mrs. Song make another pot. Don’t settle.”
Lin Zhouye didn’t move, only stared at Jiang Shuzhi for a long moment before speaking coldly, “What’s your reason for all this?”
She remained calm, unfazed. Absentmindedly, she slipped off her prayer beads, turning them one by one with slow, measured movements.
No one could tell what she was thinking.
It was almost hard to believe that such a devout old woman could be ruthless.
Jiang Shuzhi didn’t answer his question, instead asking, “How’s Old Lin? How did he end up in the hospital so suddenly? He seemed perfectly healthy at Lantern Festival dinner.”
“So sudden?” She feigned surprise, then as if struck by a thought, added, “Could it be because of Bai?”
Lin Zhouye barely suppressed the fury bubbling inside him. Looking at her serene face, he wanted nothing more than to tear her to pieces.
He curled his lip—Bai’s ordeal was surely her handiwork.
Jiang Shuzhi’s nephew once had a brilliant political future, but due to Fu Yanming’s scandal, things spiraled out of control. The authorities investigated everyone linked to the Fu and Jiang families, and Jiang Shuzhi’s nephew, Jiang Lin, was exposed for numerous misdeeds.
Even in death, he’d dragged others down with him.
By implicating Lin Wanbai, the Lin family inevitably became entangled.
Then, those videos were sent to Lin Zhaowei. Lin Zhouye suspected Jiang Shuzhi knew about the old man’s illness and deliberately struck a blow—her goal was to topple Lin Zhaowei. If he fell, the Lin family would surely be shaken.
She’d never intended to compromise, nor did she mean to spare anyone.
Jiang Shuzhi met his gaze unflinchingly. After a moment, she smiled faintly and rested her hand on his. “You’re my grandson-in-law. If you switched sides, nothing would happen to you.”
“Oh, how little you think of me, madam.”
He flipped his hand, brushing hers away, lips still curled in a mocking smile. “You think by felling the old man, the Lin family will fall apart and you can do as you please? You clearly have no regard for me at all.”
Jiang Shuzhi withdrew her hand and shook her head. “How could I not value you? I do—and that’s why I’m helping you. Do you really think harmony in your family brings prosperity? Your brother-in-law, with all his secrets—you know it well. I never wanted to go to extremes. Miao loves you; I hoped you two would work out. If the Fu and Lin families joined forces, who else could stand in our way?”
“All I want is simple: make Fu Juxing disappear from this world, and our families can live in peace. I can even help you climb higher—I know you’re a clear-headed man. I doubt you like someone like Fu Juxing. If he disappears, everyone’s happy. If not, things will turn ugly.”
Lin Zhouye chuckled. “If you want someone dead, do it yourself. To think I’d do your dirty work—who do you take me for? I’m not one of your minions.”
“Is that so?” Jiang Shuzhi shrugged. “Then Bai will suffer. Those two videos are damning enough. North City’s number one socialite, reduced to a harlot—tut tut…” She clicked her tongue in regret. “Who would’ve thought Bai was like that? Makes you wonder if Old Lin’s been a hypocrite all these years.”
Lin Zhouye’s bottom line would not be crossed. When it was, he could no longer remain calm.
As soon as she finished, he seized the teacup and smashed it to the floor.
“Let’s see, then—if Bai suffers more, or Fu Miao does. I gave you face, married your unwanted granddaughter for peace, but you clearly don’t care. Fine. Let’s see whose family ends up worse—yours or mine.”
With that, he stood, straightening his tie, glanced at the prayer beads in her hand, and sneered, “A venomous heart behind a pious mouth. My father never wronged you, yet you hurt him like this. Your retribution is coming.”
He turned to face her directly. “So you fear Fu Juxing so much? What if he’s the one to bring you down personally? If I help him become the Fu family heir, how will you handle that?”
Jiang Shuzhi’s fingers paused, but she kept smiling. “You won’t.”
Lin Zhouye laughed. “Why not?”
“If you really do, you’ll just be shooting yourself in the foot! Do you think he’ll ever be grateful? That he’ll want peace with you all?”
He didn’t answer, but turned to leave.
Jiang Shuzhi lost her composure, jumping up. “You won’t. You wouldn’t dare!”
Lin Zhouye didn’t look back.
Jiang Shuzhi trembled with rage. Fu Miao glanced at her, then at the door, hesitated, and finally chased after him.
Lin Zhouye moved fast, already far away.
Fu Miao caught up and grabbed his arm, but before she could speak, he shook her off and glared fiercely. “Get lost.”
“Why are you like this?!”
He ignored her and strode on. Fu Miao persistently chased after him. “This is for your own good! If you agree, you’ll have sole control of the Lin family. Grandma said if your brother-in-law betrays us, we’ll find a way to oust him from the company. She truly believes in you, she doesn’t want a real war between the families—she wants us united. Then in the future—”
“United?” Lin Zhouye stopped, turning to her. “As what? The Lin family or the Fu family? If she wants to swallow the Lin family, she better hope her appetite is big enough!”
“You started this! It’s not Grandma’s fault. I know all she ever wanted was for Fu Juxing to get lost, but you kept giving him chances, helped him build his career—even helped him seize the Fu family. Did you think no one would know? You made yourselves his enemies!”
Lin Zhouye couldn’t be bothered. “Stop following me, or I can’t promise I won’t hit you.”
He coldly tossed those words and left, ignoring her shouts.
Fu Miao knew he really might hit her, so she didn’t follow.
Once he was gone, Fu Miao returned to the reception room.
Jiang Shuzhi had calmed down and looked up at her. “Looks like you didn’t persuade him. Get ready—this will be a tough battle, and you’ll be on the front lines.”
Fu Miao bowed her head, frowning in silence.
All she wanted now was to marry Lin Zhouye—nothing else mattered. She’d been waiting for their May First wedding, but now everything seemed ruined.
She resented her grandmother—why did it have to come to this?
All because of Fu Juxing, just for him!
But what was so special about him? He was nothing!
Jiang Shuzhi saw her standing there, silent and troubled, and came over, resting a hand on her back. “Don’t be upset. It’s just a man. If he truly cares for Bai, he won’t act rashly. But if that’s the case, would you really feel at ease?”
“Miao, if you want to feel better, channel your energy into your work. Once you have power, what can’t you get?”
...
Lin Zhouye returned home and happened upon Fu Juxing cooking a late-night snack for Lin Wanbai in the kitchen.
She hadn’t eaten much all day and couldn’t sleep at night, so he’d come down to cook for her.
The moment Lin Zhouye saw him, he was furious. He strode over, grabbed him, and swung a fist.
Fortunately, Fu Juxing was quick, narrowly dodging, but Lin Zhouye’s knuckles still grazed his cheek, spilling all the wontons in the bowl onto both of them, though he managed to hold onto the bowl itself.
His brows furrowed slightly.
But Lin Zhouye clearly wasn’t about to let him off so easily. He was the source of all this chaos, yet he acted as if nothing was wrong.
If anyone deserved to be in the hospital or locked up by the police, it was him!
“Tell me—just tell me—what kind of spell did you cast on Bai? Why does she insist on marrying you, no matter what? What are you? What makes you worthy of her? You’re the one who should be dead. If you’d died, none of this would have happened—Bai wouldn’t have to suffer like this!”
Fu Juxing dodged his savage punches, still holding the bowl, clearly restraining himself from fighting back.
The commotion drew the servants, who tried to intervene.
With no one in charge at home but Lin Wanbai, they debated, then sent someone upstairs to fetch her.
Lin Wanbai was deep in thought when she was interrupted.
“Miss, something’s wrong! Your uncle and Mr. Fu are fighting!”
“What!” Lin Wanbai immediately stood up and hurried downstairs.
By the time she reached the ground floor, Fu Juxing was cornered against the wall, and Lin Zhouye’s next punch was about to land on his face. Lin Wanbai shouted, “Stop!”
She rushed over and threw herself in front of Lin Zhouye’s fist, hugging his arm. “What are you doing?! Are you crazy?!”
Lin Zhouye glared at Fu Juxing with burning rage. After a moment, he turned to look at Lin Wanbai, withdrew his hand, and forced himself to calm down. “You’re pregnant. Go rest.”
His anger wasn’t fully suppressed, and his tone was harsh.
Lin Wanbai refused to leave. “Why are you so angry? Even if you are, you shouldn’t take it out on Fu Juxing!”
Lin Zhouye pressed his lips together, gazing at her for a long time before finally calming down. He said nothing, turned, and left.
He didn’t go to his room, but left the house altogether.
The sound of a car engine roared as he sped away.
Lin Wanbai stared outside, dazed, before she collected herself and turned to Fu Juxing, looking him up and down. “Did he hurt you?”
Fu Juxing was solemn, his brows slightly drawn. “It seems this is my problem.”
“It’s not your problem—it’s the Fu family’s,” Lin Wanbai said with a self-deprecating smile. “I’ve been too naive, thinking that old witch would let things be. She’s a master of deception, clearly scheming to take down our whole family. Sometimes, being blindly kind just means you get trampled on.”
“What fault is there in being born? No one chooses their birth. Who wouldn’t want to be born into a powerful family, to live in luxury? But we can’t choose that. All we can do is live upright, and if we do, no one can crush us. You’re good—you’ve never hurt anyone. You deserve kindness, not abuse.”
Lin Wanbai gazed at him, her eyes reddening. She took a deep breath, closed her eyes, and smiled. “This time, we won’t back down. She needs to pay for her actions. Together, we’ll make her face the consequences.”
Her expression was resolute. Fu Juxing pulled her into his arms, whispering a soft apology in her ear.
Lin Wanbai shook her head—there was nothing to apologize for. If anyone was at fault, it was her, for insisting on marrying him and bringing all this trouble on them.
If the Lin family fell because of all this, the blame would be hers.
She braced herself—there would be no more peace.
Now, the family needed to unite and face the world together.
After holding each other for a while, Fu Juxing took her upstairs. “You’re not alone now. Rest more. I’ll talk to Uncle about the Fu family. If all this happened because of me, I’ll resolve it myself.”
Lin Wanbai said, “No—we’ll do it together. We’re married, for better or worse. When all this is over, we’ll be free to start our own life together. No one will hold you back, and you can use your talents to the fullest. I know you’ll have your own place in the world.”
Fu Juxing stroked her hair. “Having you is enough.”
“And we’ll have a child.”
“Yes, a child too.”
...
Lin Zhouye drove around the city until his anger subsided, then returned home.
As he entered, he found Fu Juxing sitting in the living room.
He glanced at him, thought for a moment, then walked over and sat across from him.
“Waiting for me?”
Fu Juxing nodded. “Yes.”
Lin Zhouye pulled out a cigarette, lit it, took a drag, and said, “I lost my temper earlier. I wasn’t targeting you—I just couldn’t take it. Sorry.”
Fu Juxing smiled lightly. “It’s fine. I’m used to it.”
He looked at him; pale blue smoke drifted slowly from his lips. Fu Juxing still wore that calm, unruffled look, as if nothing could shake him.
Such people were truly formidable.
No wonder Jiang Shuzhi had gone mad trying to bring him down, even dragging the Lin family into it.
Lin Zhouye offered him the cigarette pack. “Smoke?”
He shook his head. “Bai is pregnant. Better not. She also asked me to quit.”
“True.” He tossed the pack aside, glanced at the cigarette in his hand, thought a moment, then stubbed it out in the ashtray. He waved his hand to clear the air. “How’s Bai? Is she emotionally stable? You should take special care of her now—pregnant women are prone to overthinking. The doctor said it’s a delicate pregnancy, needs rest, right?”
“Thank you for your concern. I’ll take good care of her.”
“As long as you can.” Fu Juxing’s answer didn’t sit well with Lin Zhouye. He rubbed his forehead, calmed himself, and said, “The old witch wants you dead. She said unless you die, otherwise—”
“Otherwise what?”
“She’ll hurt Bai.”
“So, Uncle, what’s your stance?”
Lin Zhouye arched a brow and looked at him, a faint smile on his lips. “That’s a question you should answer. After all, you’re the only one she’s really after. The easiest solution is—”
He made a gesture of slitting his own throat. “It all depends on how much you love Bai.”
Fu Juxing said, “So you want me to lay down my life, too?”
Lin Zhouye laughed, leaning back against the sofa, staring at the chandelier above. “Don’t twist my words. I’m just telling you what the old witch wants. What you do is your business—I never make decisions for others. I just want to see how much Bai means to you. How far you’ll go for her.”