Chapter 79: Infernal Affairs

After her prenatal checkup, Lin Wanbai returned home. Lin Jingyu saw her back safely before heading to the office. No matter how cruel the truth might be, life had to go on. All the hardships would not disappear just because you tried to escape them. Therefore, whatever happened, they had to learn to face everything. One day, they would have to confront and solve problems on their own.

Lin Jingyu believed that, in this matter, Lin Wanbai would be more clear-headed than herself.

Back home, Lin Wanbai forced herself to eat a little before retreating to her room to rest. Lying on the bed, she repeatedly mulled over the information Han Chen had uncovered, pushing back through time, recalling every step along the way—her relationship with Fu Juxing, her interactions with Lin Yao.

Had everything that happened, leading to today’s situation, left any traces to be found?

There had to be signs, but she had been blinded by love and thus saw nothing.

Even now, she wanted to deceive herself, to believe that all the confirmed facts were false, that everything was a nightmare from which she would wake, and things would return to how they had been.

But then she asked herself: what was it like before?

Was it the time before Lin Yao’s accident?

If she hadn’t been obsessed with possessing him, if she had let go of her feelings then and allowed them to marry, would none of this have happened?

But love always makes people blind and mad.

She knew she had been in the wrong. Seeing them together, witnessing Lin Yao’s happiness, had spawned countless dark thoughts within her. She couldn’t bear the idea that the love she had invested for so many years would end up in someone else’s hands.

Fu Juxing was hers, and hers alone.

Jealousy drove her insane, and she used her own status and advantage to seize what she wanted.

She never aspired to be a great, selfless person; she was, after all, just human, with her own selfishness. She could never watch Fu Juxing marry Lin Yao.

Besides, it was she—not Lin Yao—who had protected and helped him for so many years!

That credit, that sense of accomplishment, could not be erased by Lin Yao’s so-called true love, leaving her to suffer in silence. So she told Fu Juxing everything, exposing all the credit Lin Yao had tried to claim for herself.

She wanted him to know he had loved the wrong person.

It should have been her he loved, not Lin Yao!

Yet, to her utter shock, Lin Yao’s boat met with disaster at that very time. No one on board survived, including Lin Yao herself.

It was she who had told Lin Yao to leave. Though she hadn’t said it outright, her meaning was clear. Lin Jingyu, out of motherly love, also didn’t want Lin Yao around to interfere with them. A cruise to the Hidden Country would take at least half a month at sea.

Taking the sea route meant that, even if Lin Yao wanted to return and disrupt their wedding, it would be too late.

But then, the boat had an accident.

No one had expected this. It was an accident, not sabotage.

Many people told Lin Wanbai that to her face, but who knew what they said behind her back?

After Lin Yao’s accident, what did Fu Juxing say? Of course, he said nothing at all—not even a hint of sorrow. She had only seen him go to the dock once; after that, never again.

Most of the time, Lin Wanbai lied to herself, believing his feelings for Lin Yao were shallow. If he had truly loved her, he could not have been so calm.

With each struggle that followed, that was what she told herself.

Lin Yao had only used her as a stepping stone, getting close to Fu Juxing behind her back and winning his affection. Once the truth was revealed, he would change.

See, Lin Yao died, and he barely reacted—didn’t that say it all?

It must be her that he truly loved.

After their marriage, Fu Juxing did indeed treat her well, like a perfect husband—considerate and flawless, yet so perfect he seemed almost like an emotionless machine, always gentle and composed.

But now, as she looked at Lin Yao’s photograph, she suddenly understood why Fu Juxing hadn’t been sad back then. Perhaps Lin Yao had never boarded the boat. Or, if she had, maybe she disembarked along the way. Or perhaps they had conspired together to deceive her.

As for why—given the current situation, it was all too clear. What else could it be for?

She clutched her pillow tightly, curling herself under the covers. A chill, rising from deep within, left her shivering all over.

If one day the Lin family ceased to exist, she would be the one to blame.

Downstairs, Aunt Rong called Fu Juxing to tell him what had happened at the hospital today.

“You’re saying you went home for a while in between?” Fu Juxing asked.

“Yes,” she replied.

“All right, I understand.”

Aunt Rong, too, found it odd. Before leaving, she distinctly remembered reminding Xiaobai, and Xiaobai had said she had everything with her. Yet, when they arrived at the hospital, she claimed she’d forgotten something. Of course, it could be a simple case of forgetfulness—pregnant women often have poor memories.

Maybe she thought she’d brought it, but actually hadn’t.

That was normal. Yet, given the current situation, even the smallest anomaly seemed strange. Aunt Rong grew more alert, though she sincerely hoped things wouldn’t reach a point of no return.

Xiaobai was a good girl—her feelings for Fu Juxing were beyond reproach.

She glanced at her phone, sighed softly, checked the time, and began preparing lunch.

At noon, Lin Wanbai didn’t come down for lunch as usual. Aunt Rong waited ten minutes, and when she still hadn’t appeared, she went upstairs and knocked.

After a long moment, Lin Wanbai finally opened the door.

She looked pale. “I overslept.”

Aunt Rong reached out and touched her forehead. “You look awful. Are you feeling unwell?”

She shook her head. “No, just overslept. Maybe I slept too much and feel a little dizzy.”

Hearing that, Aunt Rong took her arm—her hand was icy cold. “Your hands are cold, too. That’s not good. If you feel the slightest discomfort, you must speak up—don’t try to tough it out.”

“Really, I’m fine, Aunt Rong, don’t worry. I just slept too much.” Smiling, she withdrew her hand, placed both hands on Aunt Rong’s shoulders, and said, “Don’t make such a fuss, all right? I know my own body. Besides, I care about the baby too. If I really felt unwell, I wouldn’t need you to remind me—I’d go straight to the hospital.”

“Don’t worry,” she said, steering her toward the stairs. “And don’t tell Fu Juxing about this, so he doesn’t fret like you.”

“As long as you know your limits. I can’t watch you every second. Now that the pregnancy is further along, the baby’s stable, but you still have to be careful. I’ve never had children myself—maybe we should hire a few more professional nannies. That way, if anything happens, there’s always someone who knows what to do, and I won’t be running around like a headless chicken.”

Lin Wanbai shook her head vigorously, wearing a pained expression as she half-joked, half-seriously said, “Isn’t it enough having you watch over me? If you bring in two more, how am I supposed to live? Honestly, I’ve spent most of these months at home—I’m growing moldy! Pregnancy is so hard. I can’t eat anything, can’t go out freely. Fortunately, I’m cheerful by nature, or I’d have fallen into depression by now.”

Aunt Rong paused at these words, looked at Lin Wanbai’s smiling face, and wondered if she’d imagined the previous gloom. She smiled. “I’m not restricting your freedom. If you want to go out, haven’t I always accompanied you?”

“But you always following me makes me feel restrained. That’s why I hardly go out now—there’s no difference between staying home and going out, really. You’re all too worried about me, but I care more about the baby than anyone. Even if I go out, I’d never do anything to harm the child. Honestly, since finding out I was pregnant, my social circle has nearly vanished.”

They chatted as they walked, soon arriving at the dining room. Lin Wanbai sat down, looking helpless and a bit melancholy, cradling her face in her hands as she gazed out the window.

Aunt Rong brought out the food and, seeing her like this, felt a pang of sympathy. She knew expectant mothers shouldn’t be cooped up and needed friends—especially with trouble brewing at home. Some things couldn’t be spoken to family, but could be confided to friends.

Pregnant women were naturally sensitive and prone to overthinking, and as the pregnancy progressed, discomfort would only increase. If daily life couldn’t bring her even a little happiness, prenatal depression would be all too easy to fall into.

That lunchtime, Lin Wanbai ate alone with Aunt Rong beside her. Seeing her picking listlessly at her food, looking utterly uninterested, Aunt Rong said, “How about I let you have a treat today? Tell me what you want to eat, anything at all—I’ll cook it for you. No more health food today.”

Lin Wanbai turned, eyes sparkling. “Really?”

“Of course.”

“Anything?”

“Anything.”

After thinking for a moment, Lin Wanbai rattled off a long list of dishes—many of which required advance preparation and ingredients that weren’t currently available.

Aunt Rong could only smile wryly. “You’re listing everything you’ve been craving these days, aren’t you?”

“You said anything! It’s a rare chance, so of course I’m making the most of it. You have to keep your word, Aunt Rong—not a single dish less!”

“I’m afraid I’m powerless—there aren’t enough ingredients in the kitchen, and I can’t make that many dishes today.”

She looked disappointed, her energy draining away as she went back to poking at her rice.

“Tomorrow, then. I’ll go shopping in the morning and make them for you.”

Lin Wanbai had little reaction.

She spent the day listless. After lunch, she didn’t go for a walk but lay on the sofa watching TV. Aunt Rong, after tidying up, tried to chat with her to relieve her boredom.

But clearly, Lin Wanbai had little interest. Even so, she still made an effort to chat, though it ended up feeling like Aunt Rong was the one being accommodated.

That evening, Fu Juxing returned, asked about her checkup, and examined her prenatal records closely.

“He’s grown a lot again,” he said.

“The doctor says he’ll grow even faster now.”

Fu Juxing closed the booklet, kissed her forehead, and said softly, “You’ve worked hard.”

Lin Wanbai closed her eyes, her heart swirling with emotion at his words.

Dinner was, as usual, just the two of them. In the days ahead, they would only get busier.

That day, Lin Wanbai acted as if nothing was amiss in front of Fu Juxing, not asking directly about Lin Yao.

She wanted to see with her own eyes, to catch them in the act and confront them face to face.

…

Fu Miao awoke after three days in a coma.

She opened her eyes slowly to a room filled with white. It was no longer the firewood shack with its mingled odors.

The shackles on her feet were gone.

The air was thick with the smell of disinfectant. As her senses gradually returned, she looked around to confirm she was in a hospital. She pinched herself hard, feeling the pain, finally believing this was real—that those terrifying scenes were all left behind in a dream.

Her tears overflowed, and she began to sob uncontrollably.

At that moment, Yuan Yujun was returning from the doctor’s office. She had been preparing to have the child in Fu Miao’s belly removed.

This child could not be kept. She would never allow Fu Miao to give birth to it! Once she recovered, she would send her to Ao City to start a new life. As for the affairs in North City, she would handle them personally. Those who had harmed her daughter—she would not spare a single one!

Especially Lin Zhouye!

He had used vile, despicable means to drag her daughter into hell—he would not get away with it!

Hearing that wretched scream at the door, Yuan Yujun’s heart trembled. She rushed in to find Fu Miao curled up, staring at the ceiling, wailing in agony.

Yuan Yujun hurried to embrace her. “Miao-miao, don’t be afraid. I’m here, I’m here! Everything’s all right now! Everything will be fine!”

She held her tightly, afraid she might harm herself in her distress.

But Fu Miao couldn’t control herself—her pain, her rage. She wanted to kill those men who had violated her, even to kill Lin Zhouye—and Lin Wanbai!

The doctor soon arrived. Fu Miao’s emotions were so intense, they had no choice but to sedate her, though only lightly, since she was pregnant. Naturally, the doctor hadn’t told Fu Miao about the pregnancy yet—in her current state, such news would be disastrous.

Under the sedative, Fu Miao slowly calmed, eyes half-closed, drained of all spirit, as if her soul had left her.

Yuan Yujun wiped her tears, sat beside her, and held her hand. “As long as you’re alive, there is hope.”

Fu Miao stared fixedly at the ceiling lights, her lashes trembling, tears sliding slowly from the corners of her eyes as she continued to shake.

At length, she bit out, word by word, “I want to kill them. I want to kill them.”

Yuan Yujun readily echoed her, “Yes, I won’t let those people go. Don’t worry, my daughter is not someone they can bully with impunity! Lin Zhouye has already been arrested by the police. If he doesn’t cherish you, he must pay the price!”

Hearing Lin Zhouye’s name, Fu Miao’s tears flowed even more fiercely. The emotions she’d just suppressed surged back, her eyes bloodshot and filled with hatred, veins bulging on her forehead as she clenched her fists. In a flash, she broke down sobbing again.

This time, Yuan Yujun didn’t try to stop her. She simply stayed by her side, holding her tightly, letting her cry it all out.

Crying was not a bad thing.

Fu Miao cried and screamed for a long time, until her voice was hoarse and she fell asleep, exhausted.

Once she was calm, Yuan Yujun brought a towel to wipe her face. She tried to take Fu Miao’s hand, but her fists were clenched too tightly to pry open, so she gave up.

When Fu Yanchuan arrived, the ward had returned to peace.

Yuan Yujun sat alone by the bed, back ramrod straight, as if in deep meditation. She didn’t react when he entered.

He had come as soon as he’d gotten word from the hospital that Fu Miao had woken up, bringing along food she liked.

Approaching, he set the bag on the nightstand. From the look of her, she’d just finished a bout of crying—her hair was messy, tears still on her cheeks, jaw set tight, body rigid even in sleep.

“Is she all right?” he asked quietly.

Yuan Yujun only gave a cold smile. “No woman could be all right after what she’s endured. Unless she can forget it all and start a new life.”

Fu Yanchuan sighed softly. There was nothing more to say.

After a moment of silence, Yuan Yujun patted his hand. “Once she’s better, take her to Ao City to live with your grandparents. I’ve already spoken to them—your grandmother will look after you. As for you, if you want to be independent, I’m sure you’ll find a good job with your abilities. You still have some money—you could start a business. I’ll support you.”

Fu Yanchuan did not object. It was the best path. There was no point staying in North City; this place was riddled with trouble—who knew when misfortune would strike?

Look at the Fu family now—who had escaped unscathed?

Only Fu Tianyi, who’d always lived in Haicheng, seemed unaffected for now, though who knew if she’d be implicated in the end? The thought suddenly struck him, and he stood up, his face freezing.

Yuan Yujun was startled by his reaction. “What’s the matter?”

Fu Yanchuan suddenly recalled his grandmother’s words: everything was orchestrated by Fu Juxing, and the Fu family’s downfall, with each member suffering as though cursed—was that not revenge?

So now it was the Lin family’s turn?

“Mom, let’s not press charges against Lin Zhouye.”

“Do you know what you’re saying?!”

“I think it’s not so simple—maybe Lin Zhouye isn’t responsible.”

With a slap, Yuan Yujun struck him hard across the face. “Do you know what you’re saying? All the evidence points to Lin Zhouye! What is going on in your head?!”

Fu Yanchuan closed his eyes. “I suspect this is all Fu Juxing’s plot!”

“Again with Fu Juxing!” Yuan Yujun sneered. “Can you stop thinking about Lin Wanbai? Is there no other woman in the world? After everything she’s done to you—making you the laughingstock of North City, the object of everyone’s ridicule—and you still think about her! Are you crazy? Even if it’s all Fu Juxing’s plot, the Lin family is involved! They’re all in it together! Lin Zhouye helped bring the Fu family to ruin!”

“If Lin Zhouye dared do these things, he must accept the consequences! Fu Yanchuan, if you say another word, I’ll disown you!”

Fu Yanchuan said no more and didn’t linger at the hospital.

After some thought, he made his way to the police station to see Lin Zhouye.

Lin Zhouye hadn’t expected his visit and was somewhat surprised. “Here to condemn me?”

Fu Yanchuan shook his head, his face grave. “I suspect… we all fell into Fu Juxing’s trap.”

Lin Zhouye raised his eyebrows, then suddenly laughed. “You didn’t disappoint me. Pity it’s too late now.”

“I’ll try to persuade my mother not to press charges.”

Lin Zhouye shook his head. “It’s useless. Even if you don’t charge me, I broke the law. With no proof that I didn’t do it, no one can save me. And even if you tried, he wouldn’t let you succeed.”

He paused, then grew serious. “I have no other requests. You shouldn’t act rashly, either—it would only provoke him further. He has forces behind him you can’t contend with now. I’m not asking for your help—just, if you ever have the chance, look after Xiaobai for me. If Fu Juxing ever hurts her, take her away from here. Don’t let her fight him head-on.”

Fu Yanchuan looked at him deeply, his smile tinged with bitterness. “I’ll promise you that, but you know Xiaobai—do you think she’d come with me?”

“No matter what it takes, you must get her away. This isn’t ending soon.” Lin Zhouye clenched his jaw, fury rising within him at his own helplessness. Watching disaster unfold while powerless to stop it was the worst feeling of all.

He couldn’t bear to imagine what might await Lin Wanbai—he didn’t dare think at all.

Fu Yanchuan said, “How times have changed. Back then, we never thought he would…”

They fell into silence. When Fu Yanchuan left the police station, his heart felt weighed down, as if a heavy stone pressed on his chest.

How could he help Xiaobai?

…

Since that day Lin Wanbai complained to Aunt Rong, her mood had worsened daily. She seemed more and more withdrawn, showing little interest in anything, spending most of her time lying down or staring blankly at the TV.

Even Aunt Rong’s delicious meals couldn’t lift her spirits.

Only when Fu Juxing came home did she seem a bit better.

Something was clearly wrong. Aunt Rong had been researching online about pregnancy, knowing that a mother’s mood was critical, especially close to delivery—this was when prenatal depression was most likely.

Aunt Rong considered telling Fu Juxing but decided against it. Instead, she called Lin Wanbai’s best friend, Liang Zhixia, inviting her over for dinner to cheer her up.

Liang Zhixia had been chatting with Lin Wanbai on WeChat. Recently, she’d stopped wasting her days and signed with an agency, preparing to debut. She’d always loved singing and dancing; back in school, she’d wanted to be an idol and had even planned to attend an arts academy.

But love had derailed her plans, cutting off her chosen path.

Of course, fate is fate, and disaster cannot be avoided. With her stepmother’s temperament, even if she hadn’t been blinded by love, the outcome might have been the same.

She’d just finished a cameo in a drama and was preparing for a talent show, so her schedule was relatively free.

They set a date, and she drove to Pujiang to take Lin Wanbai to Dongbai Resort for a barbecue with friends.

Aunt Rong wanted to go along but remembered Lin Wanbai’s previous complaints. This time, she gritted her teeth and stayed behind, only helping her prepare everything and giving endless reminders as she watched her get into Liang Zhixia’s car.

“Xiaobai, take good care of yourself.”

Lin Wanbai was visibly happy, squeezing Aunt Rong’s hand. “Don’t worry, I’m an adult—I can take care of myself. Besides, Zhixia will be with me.” There was a smile in her eyes, a hint of excitement. “Thank you, Aunt Rong.”

“Have fun and enjoy yourself, but remember to come home early.”

Aunt Rong felt for her. After all, they’d lived together for three or four years now. Lin Wanbai had always treated her as a respected elder, never forgetting her when something good happened. She treated Fu Juxing well, and by extension, those around him.

So, Aunt Rong’s affection for her was real—her actions now were not entirely selfless. She knew Lin Wanbai had long wanted to go out, but with Fu Juxing’s instructions, she had never dared let her out of her sight, fearing something might happen.

This time, seeing her so low, perhaps because of all the trouble at home and a possible rift with Fu Juxing, Aunt Rong hoped a bit of freedom would help her recover, or at least keep her from spiraling further.

As a housekeeper, always watching over her, she knew Lin Wanbai must have her own feelings. These were turbulent times—she only hoped Lin Wanbai wouldn’t overthink things and could safely deliver her child.

With Liang Zhixia around, she felt more at ease.

Once the car left Pujiang, the smile faded from Lin Wanbai’s face. She leaned her head against her hand and said quietly, “Thank you for taking the time to be with me.”

“Of course—it’s what best friends do. You’re my best friend—if you need me, I’ll be there.” Liang Zhixia glanced at her, hesitated, then asked, “So, will you tell me what’s really going on? This feels like some undercover drama—everything seemed fine before.”

“Haven’t you seen the news lately?”

“I did. The Fu family changed hands, the old woman was arrested—that’s good news, right? Wasn’t it your goal all along to bring down the Fu family and make Fu Juxing the heir? Even though he didn’t become the heir, with the old witch gone, no one will bully him anymore. You should be happy.”

“And then?” Lin Wanbai pressed.

Liang Zhixia thought. “You mean Lin Zhouye?”

“I fear the Lin family will be next,” she replied softly, suppressing her emotions.

These days, she’d been secretly in contact with Lu Mian, a detective friend of Han Chen. It was, as Liang Zhixia said, like an undercover operation. She’d even had Lin Jingyu get her a new SIM card. Every time she contacted Lu Mian, she’d swap cards, then switch back and hide the new one—Fu Juxing must never find out.

Thinking back on these days, she almost wanted to laugh.

“We’re going to Century Mall first. There’ll be someone dressed like me who’ll go shopping with you—I have something to take care of.”

“What? What are you talking about? I don’t get it!”

“You don’t need to. Just do as I say and help me keep everything secret. Right now, I can only trust you. Will you help me?”

Liang Zhixia looked at her—her expression was serious and grave, as if something major was about to happen.

She bit her lip and nodded. “Of course. I’ll do exactly as you say. But someone dressed like you? Who could look like you?”

“I asked Yang Ruyue to find a makeup artist skilled at mimicry. With a hat on, as long as no one gets too close, they won’t notice. Help me cover, too.”

“Are you doing this because someone’s following you?”

“I can’t rule it out. I don’t want to take any risks, so I have to be cautious in everything.”

Liang Zhixia asked no more.

They arrived at Century Mall, which was always crowded—perfect for losing anyone who might be trailing them. Lin Wanbai wore a fisherman’s hat, her makeup minimal, and walked with Liang Zhixia for about ten minutes. When they reached the fourth floor, Lin Wanbai said she needed the restroom, and Liang Zhixia went with her.

The restroom was quiet and empty.

Inside, she knocked on the third stall. Soon, a woman dressed exactly like her came out. Their makeup and hair were nearly identical, and with baseball caps on, they could hardly be told apart at a distance.

Lin Wanbai looked around, saw nothing amiss, and nodded to her.

A few minutes later, the woman left. Lin Wanbai waited a while longer before leaving the restroom.

In her bag was another phone with the new SIM card. She called Lu Mian, then headed to the mall’s back entrance, where he waited in a van.

They both knew what the other was wearing. The back entrance was quiet, so she spotted him immediately.

She pulled her hat low, hurried over, and got in.

“Are you sure we’ll see her today?”

“With any luck. She rarely appears, and her residence isn’t stable—clearly she’s wary of being tracked. If she stayed in one place, she’d have been found by now.”

“So how did you track her down?”

“I have my ways. Not every private investigator uses the same tricks—otherwise, what would separate the good from the bad?”

Lin Wanbai pulled her collar up, half-covering her face as she looked out the window. “I hope you succeed.”

“I will.”

They drove to a psychiatric hospital nearby. Lu Mian reclined his seat, pulled his clothes up, and said, “Let’s wait. She should show up here today.”