Chapter 95: Obsession

Lin Yao was somewhat agitated, her face flushed deeply red, which only made the bloodstains on her face stand out more, rendering her appearance even more repulsive.

Lin Wanbai stood still, her gaze calm and unruffled. The more composed she appeared, the more agitated and angry Lin Yao became. In front of Lin Wanbai, she was always the inferior one, like a loser. To others, she wasn’t even worthy of carrying her shoes.

But was she truly so noble?

Lin Yao stared at her for a long while. The fury in her eyes gradually faded, and suddenly she seemed to recall something. “Sister, do you remember what happened back in middle school?”

At these words, Lin Wanbai slightly raised an eyebrow, her eyes clearly mocking, yet she said nothing.

After all that had happened since then, Lin Wanbai had long cast that middle school incident aside. Besides, there was no opportunity now to induce hypnosis and awaken those deeply buried memories.

But she wasn’t in a hurry to know. Life was complicated enough; she dared not dig up a memory that might hurt her and bring more trouble.

She fixed her gaze on Lin Yao. The smile in Lin Yao’s eyes grew more intense. Lin Wanbai glanced at the box beside them and noticed a control panel nearby. Without a word, she casually pressed a button. The conveyor belt beneath them began to operate, forcing Lin Yao to move along with it.

It really was a toy, Lin Wanbai’s lips curled into a faint, insincere smile.

What kind of mind did Fu Juxing have to come up with such tricks? She pressed another button at random, music played, and the two straps binding Lin Yao’s feet began to tighten, forcing her into a split.

The conveyor belt stopped, and the entire platform started to rotate, accompanied by the clinking sounds of the music.

But as she split, her body bent low, her neck was constricted, and the posture she struck was extremely awkward. She lifted her neck but could no longer smile; even the mocking gleam in her eyes faded.

Lin Wanbai gave a faint smile and said, “So amusing.”

Before the music even reached halfway, Lin Wanbai pressed stop. Everything returned to normal; the straps on Lin Yao’s feet loosened. Lin Yao scrambled up hurriedly, panting heavily. The position of the straps wasn’t deadly, but it was unbearably uncomfortable.

Lin Wanbai had no intention of listening to her anymore and returned to the living room to watch television.

After dinner, Lin Wanbai pulled Fu Juxing to watch TV for a while. They sat together in the living room, right where Lin Yao could see them.

Lin Wanbai chatted with him, occasionally laughing, and the two appeared intimately close.

That was the most torturous sight of all, and Lin Wanbai was surely doing it on purpose.

But the one who pinned her there was Fu Juxing!

Before going back to their rooms, they both stopped in front of Lin Yao. Lin Wanbai said, “It’s not good for her to stand like this all the time. Let her rest a while tonight.”

Fu Juxing replied coldly, “No need to pity her.”

Lin Yao looked at Fu Juxing, her eyes reddening, the faint light within them dying out bit by bit. Seeing his cold indifference, she finally lost the last flicker of hope. She understood clearly how heartless he truly was.

She said nothing, only pressed her lips tightly and lowered her gaze as tears silently fell.

Lin Wanbai glanced at Fu Juxing but said nothing more. Soon after, she linked arms with him and returned to their room.

She washed up quickly and sat at the vanity, applying skincare, her thoughts lingering on Fu Juxing’s merciless attitude toward Lin Yao. It was truly ruthless to the extreme.

Remembering how different he had been before, it was as if they were two entirely different people.

Could such a man possess any real feelings?

If she still believed he had emotions, her future would likely be even more miserable than Lin Yao’s. Only by staying clear-headed and self-aware could she possibly minimize the damage. But by the time she woke up to reality, it was already too late. Now she was merely clinging to life by a thread.

She did not hate Lin Yao; Lin Yao was not the root cause. In fact, she even felt a hint of sympathy for her, feeling as if she were looking at herself.

Perhaps, as Lin Yao had said, she would suffer even more in the future.

Lost in thought, she stared blankly into the mirror until Fu Juxing came up behind her, placing his hands on her shoulders. She was jolted back to reality, her eyes focusing sharply as she looked at him through the mirror.

“What are you thinking about?” he bent slightly, leaning close.

Lin Wanbai didn’t shy away. She turned and said, “Nothing.”

“It’s still early. I asked Aunt Rong to prepare the home theater. Everything should be ready. Shall we watch a movie?”

“Okay,” Lin Wanbai agreed without hesitation.

Fu Juxing handed her a coat and took her hand as they went upstairs to the home theater on the third floor.

Aunt Rong had tidied the room well. The only difficulty was choosing a movie. After some thought, she put on the old classic “A Chinese Odyssey” Parts One and Two—both comedic and romantic, light-hearted and perfect for Lin Wanbai’s mood.

The two entered the theater and sat on the couch. The lights dimmed completely, and soon the screen lit up with the opening credits.

Lin Wanbai watched intently. Although she had seen it many times before, such old films never lost their charm—especially with handsome men and beautiful women on screen, pleasing to the eye.

By the time the second part’s protagonist, Zhi Zunbao, donned the golden headband, Lin Wanbai had fallen asleep, leaning softly on Fu Juxing’s shoulder.

Fu Juxing himself had no interest in movies. Each time he watched, it was only to accompany her. His mind was fully on her, and he paid no attention to the plot, only noting when Lin Wanbai laughed, cried, or made remarks.

He remembered how many times they had watched “A Chinese Odyssey” together. The first time, she laughed the most; the second time, she laughed and cried; the third time, she silently shed tears. Now, she was simply asleep. That story no longer stirred her heart.

With Lin Wanbai asleep, his attention finally shifted to the movie.

When the final segment ended, he found it incomprehensible, mere nonsense, and turned off the film.

The room fell into silence.

He adjusted the sofa, pulled a blanket over Lin Wanbai, who was still asleep.

That night, they slept in the home theater.

The room had no windows, completely sealed, with the door tightly shut.

Lin Wanbai was awakened by the urge to urinate. She opened her eyes in the dark; dawn had yet to break. She turned on the nearby lamp, sat up, and rubbed her forehead—long sleep always gave her headaches. After putting on her shoes, she went downstairs and was surprised to see it was already afternoon.

Aunt Rong saw her and said, “I was just about to wake you. Are you hungry?”

She nodded shyly and followed Aunt Rong to the kitchen for a meal.

Halfway through eating, her mind cleared, and she remembered the real-life music box at home. She asked, “Did Lin Yao get fed over there?”

“Yes, she did.”

Lin Wanbai nodded without saying more.

Aunt Rong changed the subject. “I’m going to the hospital to see the little young master. If you’re still unsure about the name, I can ask the fortune teller to suggest some, and you can choose. How about that?”

Lin Wanbai thought a moment and agreed.

After finishing her meal, Aunt Rong tidied up and left.

With nothing pressing, Lin Wanbai had the servants buy some flower seeds and began digging in the lawn outside to plant flowers.

Passing by the music box, she paused briefly and glanced at Lin Yao. Their eyes met.

Lin Yao’s eyes were full of resentment. Lin Wanbai considered for a moment but chose not to speak. She picked up her toolbox and went outside.

That evening, Fu Juxing returned with an old-fashioned record player.

He placed it in the side room and brought a bag of vinyl records—all rare editions.

Lin Wanbai’s interest was piqued as she watched the workers carefully carry the antique record player inside. Judging by its style, it was truly a vintage piece. Fu Juxing directed them to set it up, and when it was ready, he played a record.

The vinyl spun, and a melodious tune flowed out, the sound quality quite good.

Lin Wanbai asked, “Where did you get this? What made you think of bringing it?”

He didn’t answer but asked, “Do you like it?”

“It’s okay—quite nice to look at.”

“As long as you like it.”

She flipped through several vinyl records. They were indeed precious; she had no idea how he had acquired them.

Sitting in the nearby chaise lounge, she studied them carefully. Fu Juxing didn’t disturb her and went out to prepare dinner.

Aunt Rong returned a little late. After dinner, she came back happily with good news. “The child is fine. The doctors say he’s pulled through and can come home in about a month. The baby has put on some weight.”

She showed Lin Wanbai a photo. Fu Juxing sat beside her, watching. Lin Wanbai smiled upon seeing the picture.

Since the accident, her smile had been rare, and a genuine one even more so.

Yet Fu Juxing was not pleased.

Aunt Rong then took out the names written by the fortune teller and handed them to Lin Wanbai. “The old master says the little young master is destined for great wealth and honor, with an excellent birth chart, but…” She paused, casting a sly glance at Fu Juxing and left the rest unsaid.

She only showed Lin Wanbai several suggested names.

Lin Wanbai looked them over, thought for a moment, and passed them to Fu Juxing. “You decide.”

Fu Juxing replied, “You decide.”

Lin Wanbai pointed to the middle one. “Fu Linsheng.” She smiled faintly. “Aunt Rong, did you tell the old master our names?”

“No, I didn’t say anything. The old master arranged it based on the birth chart.”

“Then this name is quite a coincidence.”

In the end, the child was named Fu Linsheng.

Fu Juxing recalled that Lin Wanbai had said before the child would take her surname, so had she forgotten?

He didn’t remind her; after all, the surname wasn’t that important—it was just a name.

This was the only bit of happiness in recent days.

Lin Wanbai told Fu Juxing to stay downstairs. She went upstairs to change, then came down wearing a red backless gown, with some makeup—only the lipstick was a bit bright. Her complexion improved greatly, looking particularly radiant and charming, though a bit thin. If she gained a little weight, she’d look even better.

Fu Juxing heard footsteps, turned, and saw her approaching like a butterfly, her skirt swirling like a sprite.

His heart stirred slightly; he liked seeing her so lively.

She ran behind him and said, “Let’s go to the side room and dance.”

Fu Juxing agreed, took her hand, and they headed to the side room.

Passing by Lin Yao, neither of them glanced her way.

But Lin Yao saw their loving display and caught Fu Juxing’s infatuated gaze on Lin Wanbai. She sneered inwardly: “It’s all fake! All of it!”

Soon, classical music drifted from the side room.

Lin Wanbai could dance many styles, though mostly half-heartedly. She could get by.

Fu Juxing only knew simple social dances.

Lin Wanbai was likely genuinely happy. She danced around him for some time until she was too exhausted to continue. She turned back into his arms, panting softly, cheeks flushed, with fine sweat on her nose.

Leaning on him, she said, “I can’t do this anymore, I’m so tired. It’s been a long time since I’ve danced like this. I’m out of breath.”

Fu Juxing’s palm rested on her waist, holding her firmly so she could lean on him. He looked into her eyes, unable to restrain himself, and lowered his head to kiss her lips.

Lin Wanbai instinctively shrank her neck, hands pushing against his shoulders, fists clenched. She resisted inwardly but held back her struggles, allowing him to continue.

He held her tightly, the pressure making it hard for her to breathe. She began to struggle instinctively, but Fu Juxing was like a man possessed.

He was reckless—nothing could stop him.

The music neared its end, but they were only just beginning.

Outside, Lin Yao heard unusual sounds—like salt being rubbed into wounds.

They were doing it deliberately. It had to be deliberate.

She closed her eyes, gritting her teeth, her hatred for them deepening.

She looked up just in time to see lightning streak across the night sky, followed by thunder. Soon, a fine rain began, growing heavier, masking everything.

Fu Juxing felt an unprecedented sense of satisfaction and joy. He adjusted the clothes covering her, then carefully cradled her in his arms.

Lin Wanbai’s eyes were closed, cheeks flushed, breathing softly as she curled into a small ball in his embrace, her softness melting his heart.

He held her on the chair for a while before standing and carrying her back to their room.

After a simple wash, he held her as they peacefully fell asleep.

Days passed one after another in this way.

Almost every day, Fu Juxing found some interesting little gadget to bring home, as if afraid she’d be bored. Yet he still forbade her from using any communication devices or going online, let alone contacting the outside world.

No matter how obedient she was, he was adamant and gave no room for negotiation.

Of course, Lin Wanbai never brought it up herself.

...

Zhou Lin pondered carefully before finally buying a plane ticket to Gangcheng. She took the business card left by that man and went to Gangcheng.

Li Ting was a prominent figure in Gangcheng. In his youth, he had worked under two big bosses before founding his own faction. Later, he turned over a new leaf and became a legitimate businessman.

With courage and capital, luck favored him irresistibly. Within a few years, he rose to stand alongside the major families and became Gangcheng’s richest man in his early forties. He looked well-maintained, appearing only in his thirties in photos.

He had no official wife but countless women. He had several sons, but only two were officially acknowledged; the others didn’t count, and he paid them no mind.

Still, he remained unmarried, a true diamond bachelor, with many young women dreaming of becoming his wife.

He noticed Lin Yao by chance when he gave a lecture at her university. That evening, the school held a welcome event. Lin Yao was one of the top dancers, and the teachers had recorded a solo dance of hers.

On stage, Lin Yao shone brilliantly, the center of attention; no one could take their eyes off her.

Li Ting was captivated and immediately sent an olive branch.

But Lin Yao didn’t care much. Li Ting liked women but insisted on voluntary consent, so he didn’t push, only leaving his card, saying she could come to him anytime she wished.

Zhou Lin knew all about this.

Clutching the card, she stood outside the Xuan’an Group building, hesitating. It had been four or five years; would he still remember?

The card was special—entirely black with gold foil letters spelling only “Li Ting,” no other information.

She thought for a moment, then walked in and handed the card to the receptionist. “I’m here to see President Li.”

The receptionist glanced at the card and looked at Zhou Lin twice. “Please wait, I’ll call the president’s office.”

Zhou Lin nodded, straightening her back, trying not to appear petty.

After a while, the receptionist finished the call, took the card, and politely said, “Please come this way.”

Zhou Lin smiled faintly and followed her gracefully.

They took a private elevator to the executive office, where a secretary awaited. After handing over the card, the secretary led her to the reception room. “President Li is busy now. Please wait here. May I have your card?”

Zhou Lin handed it over. “How long will it be?”

“About half an hour, at the earliest.”

Zhou Lin nodded and thanked her.

The secretary brought her tea. The wait stretched far beyond half an hour—two and a half hours in total.

When she finally heard movement from the office, she stood and went to the door, peeking out as several people left the room. After the secretary saw them off, she called Zhou Lin, who stepped inside first.

The secretary said nothing further and led her into the office.

Li Ting sat in a large executive chair. The secretary knocked and announced, “President Li, a Ms. Lin is here with your business card specially to see you.”

The secretary handed over the distinctive card. Li Ting glanced at it and looked toward the door.

Zhou Lin’s heart leapt, her legs weak. She forced calm, smiling, standing at the door without speaking or stepping inside, waiting for him to speak.

When Chen Songyuan learned about this, he conducted a brief investigation. Li Ting was a legitimate businessman on the surface but a dangerous man in truth. Rumors about him in Gangcheng were unspeakable. Women to him were like clothes—new ones worn a few times, then discarded when old. He was generous with money, though.

For any woman he acknowledged, the breakup settlement was generous, especially if they bore his children.

He was a formidable figure—not to be offended or closely associated with.

Li Ting placed the card aside, stubbed out his cigarette, and motioned for her to enter.

The secretary ushered her forward. Zhou Lin sat down confidently.

Li Ting stood and joined her on the sofa. When the secretary brought tea, he said, “Introduce yourself.”

Zhou Lin pressed her lips and said, “I don’t know if you remember, but a few years ago, you gave a lecture at North Campus, at University A.”

Li Ting crossed one leg, thought for a moment, and soon recalled to whom he had given the card.

“Miss Lin Yao?”

She smiled and nodded. “I’m her mother.”

Li Ting raised an eyebrow. Naturally, he knew about Lin Yao’s background but had nearly forgotten after all these years. He only remembered her graceful stage presence—the way she moved was like a beautiful snake.

“If I’m not mistaken, Miss Lin declined my invitation then.”

Zhou Lin lowered her eyes, tightening her grip on her bag. After a moment’s silence, she mustered courage. “Yao Yao had an accident. I hope you, President Li, can save her. I know coming here is presumptuous, but we’re at our wit’s end, with no other options.”

Then she detailed Lin Yao’s situation. “She was young and naive then and missed your chance. Honestly, I have no face to ask for your help, but I’m desperate.”

Li Ting lit a cigarette and slowly inhaled before saying, “I can save her, but I’m no philanthropist. There will be a price.”

“You say what you want. As long as I can provide it, even if it costs my life, I’m willing.”

He smiled. “I just don’t know if you have the authority to decide.”

“I do. I have the authority.”

“Are you sure?”

“Of course. What do you want?”

He narrowed his eyes. “Naturally, I want the person.”

This woman, if not reminded, wouldn’t think of him. Over the years, she’d only occasionally thought of him once or twice. What you can’t have, you always remember.

Now that she brought it up, he was itching to have her—he had to have her.

Li Ting had no other hobbies; his only passion was women.

Zhou Lin didn’t expect things to go so smoothly. She hadn’t anticipated that after all these years, Li Ting would still care about Lin Yao.

Whether fortunate or unfortunate, it was still good news—better than Fu Juxing.

Though Li Ting was in his forties, he looked young and handsome, with a commanding presence and high status.

He could wield influence in Gangcheng at will. If Lin Yao became his lawful wife, she’d be the richest woman in Gangcheng—a status few could attain.

Thinking this, Zhou Lin felt much better. This might be the way out.

She rode in Li Ting’s private car to Gangcheng’s most luxurious hotel and checked into the presidential suite.

For a moment, Zhou Lin felt this choice was absolutely right.

She called Chen Songyuan with the good news, and they were both delighted.

Three days later, Li Ting and Zhou Lin went to Beicheng together.

Coincidentally, Xuan’an Group and Chaosheng Company occasionally did business together, and Li Ting had some connections with Chaosheng’s upper echelons. So retrieving a person shouldn’t be too difficult. If they refused stubbornly, he had ways to take her back by force.

Of course, that would mean tearing up relations, but Li Ting had the capability and wasn’t afraid of conflicts.

After all, business could be done with anyone; it didn’t have to be with Chaosheng.

He had no shortage of options.

On the second day in Beicheng, he proactively arranged a meeting. He originally wanted to see Liang Yusheng directly but, finding him absent, settled for Fu Juxing.

Qin Guang said, “Li Ting insists on meeting. Mr. Liang has been negotiating with him on cooperation. We can’t offend him. Mr. Liang isn’t in Beicheng now; you have to host him personally. No one else can replace you.”

Fu Juxing glanced over. “Who is he?”

“The richest man in Gangcheng, a top Forbes mogul. Mr. Liang has been trying to enter the Gangcheng market for almost a year but hasn’t succeeded. Li Ting suddenly came to Beicheng; no one knows his purpose. Just handle it for now.”

Fu Juxing nodded. “Uncle not back yet?”

“Soon, I guess. He originally wanted you to go, but you’re busy.”

Qin Guang looked at him and, after a moment, said, “Your father was found.”

Fu Juxing lowered his eyes, looking at the documents, showing no reaction.

Qin Guang cleared his throat, repeating, “Your father is still alive.”

“What? Interested in my dad?” Fu Juxing said lazily, not looking up.

Qin Guang clicked his tongue. “That’s a strange thing to say.”

“When is Li Ting’s appointment? I’ll see if I have time.” Fu Juxing changed the subject.

“Tomorrow night at seven in the Imperial Dining Room. I’ll go with you and bring some hostesses. Li Ting likes women but is picky. Mr. Liang sent several over, all rejected. No one knows what type he really likes.”

Qin Guang rambled on, but Fu Juxing wasn’t listening. After signing two documents, he prepared to leave early.

“Leaving so soon?”

“Almost done.”

Qin Guang said, “There’s a dinner tonight. Forgot?”

“Go for me.”

Qin Guang shook his head seriously. “No, you must go. You’ve just risen to power; you need to strengthen relationships. High positions don’t guarantee business. Though you’re a strategist, you’re still new to networking. Many social events can’t be missed. Relationships are crucial; don’t underestimate them.”

“In a few years when Mr. Liang retires, you’ll run everything. While enjoying beauties, you must secure your realm. Otherwise, the beauties won’t stay.”

Fu Juxing gave him a cold look.

Qin Guang wasn’t fazed, smiling. “Just a friendly reminder. Every emperor has advisors; I’m yours. Sometimes you need a nudge. People get reckless sometimes.”

Fu Juxing stared at him. “Next time.”

Then he left.

At the door, Liang Xi arrived, reminding them to prepare to go to the hotel.

Qin Guang said, “Ah Xing isn’t coming.”

Liang Xi frowned. “Not going again? It’s been agreed. They invited us three times already. The Lu family has some status in Beicheng. You keep standing them up; how can they save face?”

They tried reasoning with Fu Juxing for a long time, but he remained unmoved.

Near five o’clock, Fu Juxing left without a word. No one could stop him.

Liang Xi watched his urgent figure, knitting her brows. She had seen his recent behavior—half his attention on Lin Wanbai, missing every dinner and business trip. What kind of behavior was this?

Anger flickered in her eyes. “We have to tell Dad. This can’t go on.”

“Using Mr. Liang to pressure him won’t work; it’ll only ruin their uncle-nephew relationship. That’s not good,” Qin Guang said with a smile, tapping a document on the table. He stood beside her, lightly patting her back. “Girl, don’t force matters of the heart, and don’t go to extremes. First, Ah Xing’s nature guarantees he won’t yield. Second, I’m worried you’ll get hurt.”

Liang Xi turned, her frown easing as she smiled. “Uncle Qin, I don’t understand what you’re saying.”

“You’ll understand when the time comes.”

He said no more, smiling as he walked away.

...

The next night, Fu Juxing arrived promptly at the Imperial Dining Room. They came early. Li Ting was already there, seated in a private room.

Fu Juxing stopped at the door, his gaze falling on Zhou Lin beside Li Ting.

His expression was calm. Qin Guang glanced inside, surprised to see Zhou Lin as well.

“Uh...”

Zhou Lin stood straight, eyes blazing, chin lifted proudly.

Li Ting said, “Come in. What are you doing standing by the door?”

Qin Guang instantly dropped his smile, gently nudging Fu Juxing inside. “We’re late, sorry. We owe you three drinks.”

Li Ting said, “Not you being late; I came early. Please, sit.”

He gestured to the seats.

They sat, and he pointed to the one beside him, beckoning Fu Juxing. “Little Fu, come sit here.”

Fu Juxing didn’t move. “Thank you, President Li, but I’ll sit here.”

Li Ting didn’t insist. “Fine.”

As food began arriving, the table was filled with rare wild delicacies.

During the meal, Fu Juxing barely touched his food. Qin Guang and Liang Xi livened the atmosphere. Two hostesses toasted repeatedly, but Li Ting showed no favor, drinking little.

Most of Li Ting’s attention stayed on Fu Juxing.

Halfway through, Fu Juxing whispered something to Qin Guang. Qin Guang sent away the hostesses and found a pretext to take Liang Xi outside.

Once the others left, the room grew quieter.

Fu Juxing had suspected Li Ting’s intentions from the moment he saw Zhou Lin but was surprised Chen Songyuan and the others had found such a powerful ally.

Li Ting sipped a little baijiu, resting his chin on one hand, smiling at Fu Juxing. “Young man, your future is boundless.”

Fu Juxing replied, “You flatter me, President Li.”

Li Ting rose and sat beside him, placing a hand on his shoulder. “You’re smart. Getting everyone else out early means you already know why I’m here.”