Chapter 76: A Wolf in Sheep's Clothing

Lin Wanbai was pregnant, but since she regularly practiced prenatal yoga, she appeared light and agile, her movements still nimble. Aunt Rong, being a bit slower, quickly fell far behind her. Clutching her umbrella, Aunt Rong called out, “Xiaobai, Xiaobai, wait for me! I’ll come with you!”

The rain was still falling, and the noise around them was loud and chaotic. Lin Wanbai didn’t hear Aunt Rong calling her; she only thought of getting into the outpatient building as quickly as possible. Aunt Rong hesitated, but decided to take out her phone and call Fu Juxing.

He took quite some time to answer. Before he could speak, Aunt Rong said urgently, “Xiaobai is coming up to see you.”

Fu Juxing frowned slightly, glanced toward the door of the ward, and replied, “Alright, I understand.”

After ending the call, he opened the door and announced to those inside, “Xiaobai is coming up. I’ll go down to get her.” With that, he left.

The people in the ward looked at each other in surprise.

Fu Juxing took the elevator downstairs and tried calling Lin Wanbai. The first call went unanswered; it wasn’t until the third time that she picked up, slightly out of breath, just as she entered the outpatient building.

“Did you just get into the outpatient building?” he asked.

“Hm? How did you know?”

“Aunt Rong called me. She said you ran from the car, through the rain, all the way from the main gate.”

She chuckled into the phone, shrugged, and said, “It was just a little rain.”

“Wait in the lobby for me. I’m on my way.”

“Alright,” she replied.

“No need to hang up,” he said, just as she was about to end the call—his voice right in her ear.

She laughed again, “Okay.”

She stood where he’d told her, picking a spot that was easy to spot. The lobby was bustling, so she chose a quieter corner. Soon, she saw Fu Juxing approaching from a distance. Whether by his stature or face, he always stood out wherever he went—so tall, so striking in a crowd.

Naturally, Fu Juxing spotted her at once as well. He locked onto her and walked straight toward her.

Lin Wanbai didn’t wait for him to reach her; she also stepped forward to meet him. She had never liked waiting in place—waiting wasted too much time, and she preferred to move forward, saving as much time as possible.

Soon, they met. Lin Wanbai said, “You’re so fast—only ten minutes.”

He glanced at her, noticing her hair and clothes were spattered with rain. He frowned, slightly displeased. “You shouldn’t be so reckless.”

“I’ve said before, if I set my mind to something, no one can stop me. I really wanted to see how Grandpa was doing. It’s not like I haven’t been in and out of hospitals before. Besides, my pregnancy has been stable, I exercise regularly, and Aunt Rong feeds me so many nutritious meals and tonics every day; my health is much better than you think—I'm not that frail anymore, not so easily sick.”

His expression remained unchanged. He took a handkerchief from his pocket and wiped her hair, then her face, and brushed the raindrops from her clothes. “Aunt Rong was calling after you the whole time—you didn’t hear her?”

“I really didn’t. I just wanted to get inside quickly, get out of the rain. That way, you’d scold me less,” she replied with a smile and hugged him. “Alright, let’s go up.”

“Don’t let this happen again.”

“Yes, yes, I promise!” she replied with exaggerated earnestness.

Just then, Aunt Rong arrived, breathless, as the rain outside grew heavier. Lin Wanbai grinned, “See? I’m lucky—the rain only got heavier after I came in.”

Aunt Rong, catching her breath, shot Lin Wanbai a reproachful look. “You silly girl, you never think of the consequences. You nearly scared me to death.”

Lin Wanbai slipped her arm around Aunt Rong. “Alright, next time just go along with me and I won’t be so rebellious.”

“If I go along with you, that’s called not being rebellious? You’re asking me not to be rebellious,” Aunt Rong countered.

Lin Wanbai laughed, “Aunt Rong, when did you get so witty? Who did you learn it from? Uncle An? He’s been single all these years, and you never married either…”

“Enough, enough, I’m not talking anymore,” Aunt Rong tutted, closing her mouth decisively.

Lin Wanbai stopped teasing—this wasn’t the time for too much levity; a joyful atmosphere was hardly appropriate. She took Fu Juxing’s hand, and the three of them walked together to the elevator.

After a short wait, the rear elevator opened. Lin Wanbai happened to look over and saw several people exiting, among them a long-haired girl wearing a mask. The moment their gazes met, the girl quickly looked away and hurried off with the others.

Lin Wanbai stared after her for a long moment, then unconsciously moved to follow.

Fu Juxing pulled her back. “What’s wrong?”

“That person, I think she…” The words caught in her throat, and after a beat, she seemed to snap back to herself, reining in her emotions with a smile. “Nothing, it’s nothing. Come on, let’s go.”

She tugged him into the rear elevator.

In the crowded space, Lin Wanbai was pressed behind Fu Juxing. Staring at his back, her mind replayed the eyes she had just seen. They seemed familiar—yet not quite.

She was lost in thought, not even noticing when Fu Juxing turned around. He studied her, sensing something off, but said nothing.

When the elevator stopped, she finally came back to herself, raising her head to meet his gaze.

She quickly recovered, smiling. “We’re here?”

He glanced at the indicator. “One more floor.”

With fewer people now, Lin Wanbai tried to squeeze past him, but he blocked her way.

She looked up, puzzled.

He remained calm and said evenly, “I want to kiss you.”

Before she could reply, he leaned in and kissed her.

Aunt Rong, catching sight of this, discreetly shifted to stand in front of them, shielding them from view.

A single floor passed in mere moments; as the elevator stopped, so did his kiss.

The doors opened, and Aunt Rong called to them.

Fu Juxing led Lin Wanbai out, and she smiled, lips pressed together, pinching his waist in silent reproach.

He didn’t resist, only took her hand.

In the ward, only Fu Changjun was present.

Seeing Lin Wanbai, he smiled, “Xiaobai, you’re here.” It had been some time since they’d last met—her belly much larger, her face rounder. His eyes were full of relief as he looked at her stomach. “Come here, let me have a look.”

Lin Wanbai released Fu Juxing’s hand and went to the bedside. “Grandpa.”

She noticed he couldn’t move his limbs—Fu Juxing had mentioned this, but she hadn’t expected it to be so severe.

“How many months now?” Fu Changjun asked.

“Over six months, nearly seven,” she replied.

“Time flies so quickly.” He smiled, tears welling up again, but unable to wipe them away. Lin Wanbai quickly grabbed a napkin from the bedside table and gently dabbed at his eyes.

He looked at her with satisfaction. “With you by Ah Xing’s side, I have no worries at all.”

“Grandpa, don’t say that—I’ll get arrogant,” she said, smiling.

“You’re allowed to be proud,” he replied, every word sincere. Then his gaze fell on her belly. “Is it a boy or a girl?”

“A boy.”

“Good. A son can protect you when he grows up.”

“Everyone says that. I was hoping for a girl, and even decorated the nursery for a daughter. Never expected it would be a boy.”

“That’s alright—have a girl for your second child.”

Lin Wanbai glanced at Fu Juxing. “Let’s get through this first birth before thinking about a second. I’m starting to get scared—the closer it gets, the more I fear the pain.”

“No need to be afraid. All the best doctors will be there, and Ah Xing will stay with you. If you can’t bear it, there’s always a cesarean.”

She nodded with a smile.

Lin Wanbai asked, “What did the doctors say?”

“Nothing serious—just got too emotional, blood pressure spiked, and my body couldn’t handle it. I really am getting old—can’t take anything anymore.” His voice grew agitated, likely thinking of Fu Xian’s fate.

Lin Wanbai quickly placed her hand over his. “Don’t dwell on it, Grandpa. In the end, we did save her. Mother is gone, but it’s a release. Everything has two sides. Most importantly, that old witch will pay for what she’s done.”

“Heaven sees all. As the saying goes, retribution may be delayed, but it always comes. Jiang Shuzhi’s punishment is coming.”

Fu Changjun closed his eyes and nodded silently.

Lin Wanbai only stayed a short while before Fu Changjun urged her to leave. “You’re pregnant—don’t keep coming to the hospital. Pregnant women have low luck, and hospitals are unclean.”

“It’s fine, Grandpa. I’m wearing a protective charm—Aunt Rong made me wear it ages ago. Nothing to worry about.”

After a few more words, Fu Juxing took Lin Wanbai home.

The rain continued, showing no sign of stopping. At the entrance, their car was already waiting. Back home, Fu Juxing saw her to a hot bath, and Aunt Rong brought up a bowl of hot soup to warm her.

She’d gotten caught in the rain, and it would be easy to catch cold—her health had always been delicate, and now, pregnant, her immunity was lower, so caution was needed.

Lin Wanbai thought they were making a fuss over nothing, but as she had predicted, she was perfectly fine and didn’t even catch a cold.

The next morning, as Fu Juxing left for work, he instructed her, “Stay in today. Don’t worry about anything outside. It’s still raining—you’ll just make me worry if you go out.”

“I know. I won’t go out. I’ll stay home all day and behave.”

“Promise me.”

“What, do you want me to swear?”

“Swear,” he replied seriously.

She laughed. “Really swear?”

He nodded.

She raised three fingers and, after a moment’s thought, said, “I swear I’ll stay home today. If I go out…” She paused, her bright eyes twinkling, and curled those fingers to poke his chest, “—what do you want as a forfeit? You decide.”

“I’ll reserve judgment.”

She leaned in and kissed him. “Go to work. Drive safely.”

He stroked her hair and left.

…

Fu Xian’s body had been found in the old lady’s Buddhist hall, and there was no mistaking Jiang Shuzhi’s involvement. Now, another life weighed on Jiang Shuzhi, making her a major offender, and it became nearly impossible to see her.

Granny Song went twice to the police station but was unable to see her.

With this, the Fu family, already fragmented, scattered even further in the face of disaster.

A corpse found in the family’s Buddhist hall had everyone in a state of panic. Yuan Yujun prepared to move out, instructing the maids to pack her things—she didn’t want to stay a minute longer.

Fu Yanchuan sat on the sofa, watching her pace back and forth, his mood unsettled but helpless.

Suddenly, she stopped, frowning at him. “Did you call the police? I have to reach Miaomiao—she’s been missing for so long, and her phone is unreachable. Something must have happened!”

He reached out, pulled her to sit beside him. “Mom, don’t worry. I’ve already sent people to look, and I asked Lin Zhouye—he truly doesn’t know, and hasn’t seen her. He said he’d help search. Let’s give it three more days. If we still can’t find her, then we’ll go to the police.”

He took the clothes from her hands and set them aside. “Are you really moving out?”

“Of course. If Miaomiao weren’t missing, I’d take you both to Macau right now. A corpse in the Buddhist hall—tell me, what’s the point of staying? Who knows what else is hidden in a house this size? The old woman is heartless. She’s lost all sense of compassion—how else could she commit such things before Buddha?”

“It’s a curse! She’s damned herself. Even if she gets life in prison, she’s so old she won’t last long. It’s you who’ll suffer. Mark my words—your days ahead will only get harder, more unlucky.”

Fu Yanchuan gave a helpless smile. “Mom, you’re so superstitious.”

Yuan Yujun clicked her tongue, glared at him, and ordered, “I don’t care. Pack your things and come with me. When your sister is found, the three of us are going back to Macau.”

“What about Dad? Did you tell him?”

She paused, heading toward the dressing room. “I intend to divorce him.”

“Why? Because of all this?”

She turned her back to him. “Think what you like, but I can’t spend another day with him. I’ve endured enough. Now, with everything falling apart, I no longer need to. This is grown-ups’ business—don’t get involved. You’re old enough to decide for yourself: come to the casino city with me or stay here. But believe me, there’s little point in staying. Fu Yonghui has already made his own plans, but he hasn’t prepared anything for you or Miaomiao.”

“He still has a little son, after all.” She paused a long while before adding this, utterly emotionless.

With that, she entered the dressing room and didn’t come out for a long time.

Fu Yanchuan, working at the company, knew all too well what Fu Yonghui had been up to. When a family breaks apart, all the ugly truths are laid bare. No one bothers to pretend anymore.

He went to the door of the dressing room and found Yuan Yujun calmly folding clothes, not looking the least bit sad.

No wonder—she’d had two children with him. It couldn’t be news. Any pain she’d felt would have passed by now.

“I’m going out.”

She turned at his words and smiled. “Keep an eye on your sister’s situation—don’t shrug it off. I have a bad feeling; her disappearance isn’t so simple.”

“I know, I will,” he promised, and left. At the door, he ran into Fu Yonghui returning.

“You’re just in time—I need to talk to you. Let’s go to the study.”

Fu Yanchuan didn’t refuse and followed.

Fu Yonghui intended to sell the company to Chao Sheng, but wanted to keep all the money for himself. His reasoning was that the family’s troubles had started with Fu Yanming, and that Fu Yongyi had never contributed to the company—only held it back.

So now, he argued, there was no reason for Fu Yongyi to get half the proceeds. Income should match contribution.

Fu Yanchuan listened quietly, saying nothing. When Fu Yonghui finished his impassioned speech and, seeing he got no response, pressed, “Say something, Yanchuan.”

Rubbing his forehead, Fu Yanchuan replied, “I have nothing to say. Do as you wish. At this point, a bit more or less makes no difference. If you want less trouble, talk things over with Second Uncle. If you’ve thought of this, I guarantee he has too.”

…

Fu Yanchuan was right—Fu Yongyi had the same idea, but lacked any real allies.

He’d hoped Fu Yanzheng would help, but when they discussed it, Tang Qiong overheard, leading to a huge row between her and Fu Yongyi.

In the argument, all their old grievances tumbled out.

Tang Qiong’s past affair came to light, and it turned out Fu Yanzheng was not Fu Yongyi’s biological son.

With the secret finally out, Tang Qiong felt no more need to hide anything. Since no one was clean, there was no point pretending. She didn’t bother to defend herself—her family had suffered, some jobless, some in jail. She still held a grudge. Now, with the Fu family in ruins, Fu Yongyi had no right to shout at her, and she no longer had to submit.

“You’re right, Yanzheng isn’t your son. I had him with another man—a man a hundred times better than you…”

She didn’t finish before Fu Yongyi slapped her hard across the face, drawing blood. Her mouth twitched, and he grabbed a chair and swung it at her.

Thankfully, Fu Yanzheng intervened, kicking the chair away.

Fu Yongyi tried to hit again, but was pinned to the ground by Fu Yanzheng.

“Defying your father now? Heaven will strike you down!” Fu Yongyi raged.

“I’m not your son,” he replied coldly.

The indifference in his eyes frightened Fu Yongyi, who struggled violently. “Let go! Let go! You ungrateful wretch—I raised you for nothing!”

Tang Qiong stood up, patted Fu Yanzheng’s shoulder. “Let him go. We’re leaving.”

Obediently, he let go, gathered their things, and left with her.

Before, Fu Yongyi had only suspected, lacking proof. Now Tang Qiong had confirmed it. His pride as a man was crushed; he was so furious he nearly had a stroke.

He smashed everything in the room, but when the anger passed and he sat alone in the empty house, he felt no better.

Inevitably, his mind drifted back to his glory days. Grabbing his keys, he fled the stifling house and went to the club to drink—all night, until he was dead drunk.

After that, Fu Yongyi disappeared.

Fu Yonghui took the opportunity to sign the contract with Qin Guang, selling all the company’s shares and resigning from all positions.

Thus, the Fu family fell apart, and the Fu Corporation changed hands completely. Qin Guang immediately made the news public, stabilizing the company’s nosedive.

The upper management was ousted, all old staff dismissed, and new blood brought in.

News spread quickly—rumor had it that Mr. Liang from Chaosheng would personally attend the company’s reopening.

…

That day, Fu Juxing went alone to the Fu residence in Sibei District.

He saw servants leaving one after another, each carrying luggage, ready to seek work elsewhere. Fu Yonghui was preparing to sell the house, having decided to liquidate all his assets and move abroad for a fresh start.

Fu Yanchuan and Yuan Yujun’s car happened to pull up nearby, and Fu Yanchuan got out.

“You’re here?”

“I came to have a look,” Fu Juxing replied.

After Fu Xian’s death from captivity and abuse, the police had made a preliminary conviction. Jiang Shuzhi refused to say anything except that she wanted to see Fu Juxing.

But he never went.

It was his choice; the police did not force him.

Fu Yanchuan glanced back, pulling a wry smile. “You must be happy—the family’s finally fallen.”

Fu Juxing only smiled faintly, neither agreeing nor disagreeing.

There was little more to say between them. Fu Yanchuan thought of asking after Lin Wanbai but decided against it. He offered a few words of comfort and drove away.

Entering the house, Fu Juxing went first to the main hall, where only Granny Song sat on the sofa, her expression cold.

She heard him and glanced over, frowning slightly, but did not rise—just looked at him icily.

Fu Juxing approached, looked around, then greeted her with the same respectful tone as always. “Granny Song.”

She didn’t respond, as if he didn’t exist.

Still courteous, Fu Juxing said, “Could you please take me to the Buddhist hall? I want to see the place where my mother spent her last days.”

She shot him a look full of hate.

“Why keep up this act? Isn’t all this your doing? Xiao Ling must be your plant—she found the secret room and discovered Fu Xian. Don’t tell me that’s a coincidence! I never had her clean the Buddhist hall! It must be you! Tell me, how many people have you hidden here?”

Fu Juxing smiled. “I don’t know what you’re talking about. I was just as surprised at the secrets hidden in the Buddhist hall.”

“You’re still pretending? The Fu family’s gone, the company’s lost—how much longer will you keep up this act?”

“If you won’t take me, I’ll go myself.”

Granny Song bit her lip, her gaze flicking to the fruit knife on the table. Suddenly, she lunged at him with it.

But she was old and slow; before the knife got close, he had disarmed her easily.

Eyes full of malice, she tried her best but couldn’t move him. In the end, she gave up and let go of the knife.

“As long as I’m alive, I won’t let you go! The old lady was right—you’re a wolf in sheep’s clothing, always pretending to be gentle, but your heart is blacker than anyone’s! Isn’t this what you wanted? Why not show your true colors now? Is it because of Lin Wanbai? Are you afraid she’ll find out who you really are?”

She laughed. “You think you can keep up the act forever? Lin Zhouye isn’t easy to fool—he’ll soon figure you out! I’m waiting to see what fate awaits you!”

Fu Juxing listened calmly, hands at his sides, then asked abruptly, “Did you also take part in torturing my mother?”

Granny Song froze, her eyes flickering as she looked away. “She deserved it! She shouldn’t have been Feng Yahan’s daughter!”

“So you did participate.”

She pursed her lips. His voice was mild, but carried a dangerous edge that sent chills through her.

“Lead the way, Granny Song.” He smiled faintly, gesturing for her to proceed.

She turned to run, but he caught her arm, his tone unchanged. “Please.”

…

Yuan Yujun called the police.

After the police obtained a warrant, they sought out Lin Zhouye in Pujiang and brought him in for questioning.

When they arrived, the Lin family was having dinner. With the warrant, Lin Zhouye had no choice but to go with them.

Once he was taken, Lin Jingyu immediately contacted a lawyer. Without finishing her meal, she accompanied Chen Songyuan to the station.

Lin Wanbai stayed home, waiting for news. Fu Juxing was busy with Fu Xian’s funeral and wouldn’t be home for dinner, not until later.

Lin Wanbai had wanted to go with him, but he refused. She was pregnant, and funerals were to be avoided. He was insistent, and she could only yield.

Now, she had no appetite and sat watching the news in the living room, but couldn’t focus. She got up to pace every few minutes, resisting the urge to call Lin Jingyu for updates.

Just then, her phone buzzed with a new message, followed by a call.

It was Du Qi.

“What is it?”

“Miss Lin, I’ve finally found out who owns the number you asked me to trace!”

Du Qi sounded excited. “I’ve already sent the information to your email—take a look.”

“Are you sure it’s accurate?” Lin Wanbai asked.

“One hundred percent!” Du Qi replied with full confidence.

After hanging up, Lin Wanbai opened her email. So much had happened that she’d nearly forgotten about this matter. She had assumed it would fade away, but to her surprise, after Du Qi’s meticulous investigation, the truth was finally uncovered.

He’d taken a photo of the person and provided detailed information.

Lin Wanbai was stunned. She recognized the person in the photo—one of Lin Zhouye’s trusted aides. All the details matched.

She couldn’t believe it! She immediately called Du Qi back.

“Are you sure you’re not mistaken?”

“Absolutely not. If I wasn’t sure, I wouldn’t have sent the results. I triple-checked before sending. My reputation in the industry is well known—if I say it’s true, it is. It’s him—no mistake!”

Lin Wanbai was speechless.

Du Qi continued, “I’ve attached the evidence as well—there’s no mistake. You can confront him with it, and he’ll have nothing to say.”

After a moment, Lin Wanbai collected herself. “Alright, I understand. I’ll have Yang Ruyue send you the payment, but if you’re wrong, expect ten times the compensation!”

“No problem!”

After hanging up, Lin Wanbai went over the information again, carefully.

Lin Zhouye had three aides—two men and a woman—all close to him for years. She’d seen them at gatherings outside work—they were like brothers.

She couldn’t believe the person who’d made the call to her grandfather could have been one of them. She’d always thought it was Jiang Shuzhi’s doing, but it wasn’t!

She decided she couldn’t rely on one source and called Yang Ruyue, instructing her to find several reliable people to investigate again.