Chapter 1, a thought of paradise, a thought of despair

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Mengmeng opened her bright, sparkling eyes and tugged at Bai Shubei's ears with both hands: "Really? Isn't Dad in a hurry to go to work?"

Lin Wanqiu turned her back to him, bitterly pulling up the corners of her mouth: "No, I just... want to keep it, so I can look at it when I feel nostalgic."

Lin Wanqiu did not dare to disturb him, forcing herself to sleep in silence. In a daze, she dreamt for a long time, those cumbersome and heavy dreams pressing down on her, making it almost impossible for her to breathe. In the dream, she seemed to cry, the sharp pain of her bones and blood separating tugging at every nerve in her limbs and body.

Lin Wanqiu was very thin, with almost no flesh on her entire body. At that moment, her shoulder blade hit the cold floor tiles hard, and tears instantly welled up. She was in so much pain that she could not speak, curling up and hugging her arms.

A long arm suddenly wrapped around her waist, a solid chest pressed against her. Her breath caught in her throat, and her eyes stared fixedly at the dark, floating shadows before her. They were too close; she could almost feel the heat radiating from him and the strong beat of his heart. That source of warmth spread deep into her heart, burning painfully in her chest.

It is him

Bai Shubei stood at the door of the hospital room without entering. Seeing his daughter and Lin Wanqiu in such a state, his anger intensified. He directly left the hospital room and walked to the stairway, lit a cigarette, and put it in his mouth

He dressed the child and glanced at the time, which was already 10:30. Thinking of the child's recent recovery from a serious illness, he coaxed gently, "Shall Daddy go buy you something to eat first?"

He loves her, but he cannot provide her with a future; he does not even have the power to fight for it.

Lin Zhixia!" Lin Wanqu's voice stopped him, her almond-shaped eyes wide open

He disdainfully turned his eyes away and casually glanced at the swimming white shark: "Dad has seen it eight hundred times, what's so special about it."

Bai Shubei remained silent, his gaze sharp and cold, briefly sweeping over the doorway

It was Lin Wanqiu who first found Mengmeng. After walking for a short while, she saw a small figure huddled in a corner, dressed in a beautiful doll dress. The little one had dark hair secured with a hairband, and her bangs fell neatly, concealing her slightly sad black eyes at that moment

Mengmeng furrowed her brows, but seeing Lin Wanqiu's troubled expression, she refrained from asking further questions and simply lowered her head in silence

Lin Wanqiu leaned back against the chair, yet she felt no drowsiness at all. It was only in this quiet moment that she remembered she had not eaten dinner. She had just returned home when Bai Shubei brought her here. She glanced around and saw many snacks and desserts for children on the cabinet, but she still resisted the urge to close her eyes.

Lin Wanqiu's footsteps came to a halt, and she felt an uneasy urge to retreat. However, Lin Zhixia quickly noticed her; when he raised his eyes, they were indeed filled with brutality and ferocity.

Bai Shubei silently glanced at her, sitting beside the child and waiting.

Lin Wanqiu gripped her fingers tightly, almost anticipating what he was about to say. As expected, Bai Shubei articulated each word clearly, carrying a warning's intimidation: "Do not fantasize about things that do not belong to you. Remember your identity; you will always be Lin Wanqiu."

He reached out to hold the child in his arms, gently soothing her: "Auntie has gone home to prepare breakfast for the baby"

Indeed, when Bai Shubei turned around, there was not a trace of warmth in her eyes, and her gaze towards Lin Wanqiu was indifferent: "Lin Wanqiu, shouldn't you recognize your own identity? The reason I looked for you last night was because Mengmeng was unhappy. Do you really think of yourself as her mother? Have you forgotten whose name is written on her birth certificate, hmm?"

Lin Wanqiu pressed her lips together slightly and nodded gently: "Thank you, brother"

He stood silently behind her, one hand reaching into her handbag

Lin Wanqiu's temples were glistening with fine sweat, her delicate nostrils slightly flaring as she gazed sorrowfully at the stern man before her: "I just want to keep Mengmeng company, I won't speak carelessly in front of her, nor do I have any delusions, Mr. Bai, please believe me"

Lin Wanqiu walked anxiously to the sixth floor, lowering her head to search for her keys in her bag, when her chest suddenly collided with a hard obstacle that carried a slight warmth—it was a person

Look, he is so useless in her heart. If only he could be a bit more capable, if only his health could be a bit better

Bai Shubei looked at her, while Lin Zhixia beside her shot her an unhappy glare and muttered softly, "What does it have to do with you? The daughter is his; let him find her himself"

Mengmeng's unexpectedly close relationship with Lin Wanqiu has further confirmed in his mind that this seemingly delicate and fragile woman is indeed quite scheming

The sound of rushing water echoed in the kitchen, indicating that she was likely washing the ingredients. Bai Shubei had spent the entire night at the hospital taking care of Mengmeng, and at this moment, his head felt extremely heavy. After taking just two puffs of smoke, he drowsily closed his eyes.

What was thought to be simplicity is, in fact, a depth of character

Lin Wanqiu remained silent; she truly had no inclination to further enlighten Lin Zhixia. Every word spoken by Bai Shubei stripped her bare, revealing her true self. Indeed, it was a delusion on her part. The distance between her and him was not merely thousands of mountains and rivers. She had understood this since her teenage years, yet as she grew older, how could she become even more naive?

As soon as she entered the living room, she saw him with his long legs and arms draped over the edge of the sofa. He was tall, with a sturdy and elongated physique, and sleeping on the narrow sofa was clearly uncomfortable for him, as he kept frowning. To her surprise, he even had a half-burnt cigarette pinched between his fingers. She tiptoed over and carefully took the cigarette butt from his hand.

He collected his thoughts and walked in the opposite direction

Lin Wanqiu lowered her head and immediately locked eyes with the child's bright and clear gaze. Her hand, holding the spoon, trembled inexplicably. She shook her head and said, "Aunt... I don't know"

Lin Zhixia's dark eyes were fixed on her, yet he was no longer as gentle and rational as before. His gaze was murky and difficult to discern, with a strange curve at the corner of his mouth: "How can I remain calm? The moment I think about the fact that I stood there just to make congee for that scoundrel, I... why should I? Lin Wanqiu, how low do you have to stoop before you are willing to give up?"

Late autumn. Lin Zhixia clenched the cotton swab in his hand, his tone more serious than ever before. After a moment of contemplation, as if he had made a tremendous decision, he said, "Please take me to the hospital. I know my condition is getting worse. Especially when I am facing you... I really don't want to see you burdened by me any longer; you deserve to live a better life"

The little one occasionally smacked their lips, mumbling indistinctly. Lin Wanqiu leaned down slightly to listen, and soon discerned clearly that the child was calling out "Mommy" in their dream, with a face full of grievance.

Lin Wanqiu clenched her teeth tightly, her cheeks flushed red: "But... but Mengmeng is also my child—"

Bai Shubei was awakened by the adorable sounds of moaning. The little one opened his dark eyes and scanned the room, asking, "Where is Auntie?"

Bai Shubei lazily leaned against the back of the chair, his long legs crossed: "What, are you really taking it to heart? After years of friendship, I can only advise you this: this woman is not as innocent as you think."

Bai Shubei tucked the corners of Mengmeng's blanket neatly, observing her anxious demeanor, and couldn't help but mockingly say: "Rest assured, I am quite clear-headed; some mistakes, once made, will never be repeated a second time"

Bai Shubei's sudden appearance instilled in Lin Wanqiu a sense of overwhelming pressure, leaving her feeling exposed. Her current appearance could hardly be described as presentable. Everyone wishes to leave a good impression in front of the man they secretly admire, but she is destined not to achieve that, as she always encounters him at her most embarrassing moments

He caught a glimpse of the medicine box in the trash can, stared at it for a while, and quickly shifted his gaze away

I went to find my aunt, my aunt would not lie

She sat in the armchair with her head bowed, and suddenly a packet of biscuits appeared before her. Following the long, slender arm upwards, her gaze met his still cold and expressionless handsome face

"Mengmeng is missing" Bai Shubei coldly threw a note in his hand onto her. Lin Wanqiu hurriedly caught it, picked it up, and saw that the handwriting was messy, with many words spelled out in pinyin, and even the pinyin was not entirely correct, clearly the work of Mengmeng.

Is that so

The room fell silent, leaving only the sound of my unsteady, heavy breathing.

Mengmeng stared blankly at Bai Shubei, leaning out to wave at Lin Wanqu. "Aunt, get in the car quickly, we are going to eat, Mengmeng is starving"

"Auntie." Mengmeng pouted her little lips and nestled into her embrace, murmuring softly, "It hurts."

Lin Wanqiu looked at the pitiful sight of the child huddled there, feeling a deep pang in her heart. She quickened her pace, walked over in a few steps, and embraced the little one, softly scolding, "How could you run over without telling your aunt? What if you encounter a bad person?"

Bai Shubei would not believe what she said, directly bypassing her and walking inside. As soon as he entered the living room, he saw Lin Zhixia, who was enveloped in a gloomy aura. He merely cast a cold glance at her, showing no concern, and proceeded straight to Lin Wanqu's bedroom.

Lin Wanqiu bit her lip so hard that it nearly bled, and her eyes were swollen and painful, yet she dared not let a single tear fall. She could not cry; if she did, it would only make her even more detestable.

Lin Wanqiu bit her lip and gently placed the child back on the hospital bed, her body drenched in sweat, especially the area on her chest where she had been holding the child, her shirt soaked in a large patch, clinging stickily to her skin

Bai Shubei silently glanced at the slender figure by the car, Mengmeng is still too naive, does she really think that Lin Wanqiu's appetite can be satisfied with just one meal

In the past, Mengmeng had asked her more than once: Why did her mother not want her anymore

Her eyes seemed to swell with discomfort in that moment. Lin Wanqiu understood that Lin Zhixia had been living in constant unease since the age of six. No matter how well his father treated him, he was still his stepfather. The person closest to him had long since departed from this world, leaving him to live with a sense of inferiority and sensitivity.

This is their mother. Lin Wanqiu bit her lip, murmuring softly, as she walked over to take the duck from his hand and carefully placed it into the drawer beside her

Although they knew it was impossible, they still held a glimmer of hope

Two individuals walked along the secluded path of the park, experiencing a sense of desolation yet exquisite beauty in the midsummer dusk, as the setting sun filtered through the leaves, casting fragmented light upon the pathway

Gao He gazed at her solemnly, his tone slightly serious: "Lin Wanqiu, this is not the first time. Your brother's condition is clearly not just physical; he also needs to see a psychologist"

Lin Wanqiu hurried home on the subway, preparing to make breakfast for Mengmeng. Later, she also needed to request leave from the company. As she was contemplating all this, she had just opened the door and entered the living room when an unidentified object came crashing towards her.

Lin Wanqiu softly called to her, and the little one suddenly raised her head, her eyes dark and somewhat uncertain: "Aunt?"

Innocent and adorable, she did not care at all about the meaning of her words, pulling her hand and striding forward: "Let’s go see the sea turtles, or else they will be going to sleep soon."

Lin Wanqiu had just opened the door when Lin Zhixia, sitting on the sofa, suddenly stood up. There was a hint of panic on his face, and his eyes flickered, not daring to look at her: "... you are back?"

With each step, she truly exerted all her strength. Lin Wanqiu covered her face and did not dare to look at him even once, constantly reminding herself: This is not Lin Zhixia, not Lin Zhixia. With this thought, the pain in her body seemed to ease slightly.

A smile unconsciously lingered in her eyes as she gently placed the child's arm back under the thin blanket, tucking in the corners before turning to glance at the man on the sofa

Mengmeng pouted her lips, yet still excitedly hugged her tightly: "Auntie won't lie, if she promised to bring Mengmeng here, she will definitely come"

Here it comes again ... ... Who can save her

Bai Shubei's narrow eyes burst with intense malice as he gritted his teeth and said word by word: "I have warned you, I do not wish to hear this sentence a second time. If you go around telling others, do not blame me for being impolite."

Lin Zhixia glanced at her cautiously and said, "It will hurt a little, just bear with it."

Bai Shubei did not respond, merely casting a warning glance at Lin Wanqu. He then took out a white handkerchief to wipe his fingers and replied淡淡ly, "It's nothing, I came to fetch medicine for the third one."

Mengmeng couldn't help but look back, and upon seeing Lin Wanqiu's petite figure, her nose felt a bit sour: "Aunt is still outside."

The moment the door opened, Lin Wanqiu was momentarily stunned, while Bai Shubei looked at her with a gloomy expression, as if his handsome brows had never relaxed every time he saw her

"Mengmeng—" Lin Zhixia sneered, tightening her grip increasingly, "What does it matter to you that she is sick? Do you really think of yourself as her mother?"

Bai Shubei lacks patience, whereas Lin Wanqu has a different demeanor; she remains focused on listening to the child's words. Mengmeng's serious expression clearly indicates her desire for encouragement from the adults

He suddenly turned his head to look at her, and Lin Wanqiu was so frightened that she hurriedly turned her face away. Bai Shubei seemed not to notice her panicked expression and only asked coldly: "Are you sure she is at the aquarium?"

He turned to the side, attempting to enter the room, his tall figure deliberately maintaining a distant separation, as if she were a filthy germ

Bai Shubei glanced at her and disdainfully withdrew his gaze: "Nonsense, that is my daughter"

Aunt, take a look

... ...

Bai Shubei mockingly curled the corners of her mouth, yet remained silent with a smile, merely fiddling with the medicine box on the table. It was only a hot-headed kid like Gao He who could be deceived by Lin Wanqu. That kind of little rabbit, with just a hint of redness around her eyes, could easily confuse many men.

Bai Shubei has communicated with the person in charge of the museum, and the main entrance has long been locked. Now, in the vast underwater world, only the three of them remain to navigate through it. Various kinds of fish are swimming in the azure waters, some of which Lin Wanqu has truly never seen before, and she cannot even name them.

It doesn't matter... This is the entirety of his attitude towards her, yet she still held onto a glimmer of hope, pursing her lips as she looked at him for a moment: "I will go see Mengmeng now"

She gazed at his familiar face, and as if compelled by some unseen force, reached out her hand, stopping just an inch away from his brow.

Bai Shubei furrowed his brow in suspicion, walked to the door of Lin Wanqu's bedroom, and pushed the door open with a bang. Inside, it was tranquil and serene, with only the pale yellow curtains swaying in the breeze.

Bai Shubei cast a puzzled glance at her, but she no longer gave him the opportunity to speak and directly took the ingredients from the table and dove into the kitchen

"Dad wouldn't be so stingy, would he?" Mengmeng cast him a sidelong glance, lowering her head pitifully, "Auntie has worked hard to take care of me all night; Dad should treat her to a meal as a reward."

The longer he waited, the more his anger intensified. He truly should not harbor any illusions about this woman. Regardless of the reasons for leaving, could he not at least say goodbye to the child before departing?

She averted her gaze and looked elsewhere; the ointment applied to the wound felt somewhat astringent and numb, and accidentally pressing on the bruised area would elicit a piercing pain.

Lin Wanqiu was startled and hurriedly slipped on her slippers before running out. Lin Zhixia's health had already been quite poor, and she hadn't rested well last night. Could it be that her old ailment has flared up again

He had lost his voice, and he was no longer the irritable and restless figure he once was. The warmth and sincerity in his eyes had changed, and the grip he had on her carried an unspoken hint of ambiguous affection.

Gao He furrowed his brow, his eyes filled with confusion

Lin Wanqiu tightened her fingers but still called out to him: "Mr. Bai, I promised Mengmeng that I would take her out to play. I do not wish to go back on my word. Could you please let me see her?"

Lin Wanqiu gripped her fingers tightly, almost anticipating what he was about to say. As expected, Bai Shubei articulated each word clearly, carrying a warning's intimidation: "Do not fantasize about things that do not belong to you. Remember your identity; you will always be Lin Wanqiu."

Bai Shubei glanced at the dilapidated house. Rongcheng is often rainy, and there was a lingering musty smell inside. He frowned, his impatience becoming more apparent. He did not respond to her but instead directly stated his purpose: "Mengmeng is sick and insists on seeing you."

Bai Shubei cast a displeased sidelong glance at her, while Lin Wanqiu's gaze drifted to the side: "Mengmeng may be small, but she is very clever." Bai Shubei had not been home for many years, so Mengmeng's ability to take care of herself was much stronger than that of other children her age, and her sense of vigilance was particularly heightened

Lin Wanqiu walked over a few steps, reached out and forcefully embraced the little one in her arms. Mengmeng was still a bit warm, suggesting a serious fever. She worriedly checked her forehead, pressing her own forehead against it: "Are you still feeling unwell?"

I will go this way

The aquarium in Rongcheng has been built for some time, located in the northwest corner of Beiyang Park. As the two entered, they were both tense, and Mengmeng, being so small, wondered if they might encounter any bad people

"You are holding her, and she cannot sleep comfortably." Bai Shubei's indifferent voice sounded gloomily from the side, as if a bolt of lightning had forcefully split apart the world of her fantasies

Bai Shubei silently scrutinized her for a few seconds, then suddenly stepped on the gas and drove towards the aquarium

The man sleeping on the sofa suddenly opened his eyes wide, a shadow of gloom rising in the depths of his dark eyes, his gaze darkly fixed on her arm, which she had not yet had the chance to withdraw.

She quietly put away her belongings and then got up to walk towards the door. It was still early, the breakfast in the hospital was not tasty, the food on the road was unsanitary, and Bai Shubei would definitely complain, as this man had a serious obsession with cleanliness

Lin Wanqiu gazed at his tall and slender silhouette, her tightly pressed lips revealing a hint of a smile; as long as Bai Shubei offered her the slightest response, it would be enough to leave her reminiscing for a long time

He glanced at the bruise at the corner of her mouth with a thoughtful expression, while Lin Wanqiu helplessly turned her gaze away. She then heard him laugh lightly and teasingly say, "These injuries... could it be that you encountered a robbery?"

Lin Zhixia sat quietly on the sofa, her cold features seemingly covered with a layer of frost: "Where have you been?"

Bai Shubei paused his steps and did not turn around to look at her immediately. She became increasingly anxious, realizing that her request... seemed to have truly crossed a line.

With wide eyes full of disbelief, she exclaimed: "Dad, how can you do this? You brought Auntie here, shouldn't you personally take her back? One must see things through to the end, do you understand?"

Bai Shubei stared in astonishment at his daughter, who was not even as tall as his waist, clearly indicating that she was turning her elbow outward.

Lin Zhixia stood in the center of the kitchen, her head slightly bowed, with some long bangs obscuring her deep gaze, giving her an oddly eerie appearance

This residential building is about to be demolished, and the property management has long since withdrawn. Now, there are very few families still residing here, and as one walks through the corridor, hardly a glimmer of light can be seen.

He does not want to delve deeper, nor does he wish to explore; curiosity killed the cat, especially when it comes to the woman before him, who is not worth even half a thought of sympathy or understanding from him

In that moment, Lin Wanqiu finally understood that she had nothing left in this world, only Lin Zhixia as her sole relative

I returned last night and saw the house empty. I can never get through when I call you. Lin Zhixia's face showed a look of pain, yet she did not dare to meet her eyes for even a moment. All of this is so reminiscent of six years ago. Late autumn, I am truly afraid that you will abandon me. Do you know how I got through that year?

The glass cup fell to the floor beside her feet, producing a crisp shattering sound, and in that moment, Lin Wanqiu's mind finally became somewhat clear. She looked over slowly and immediately saw Lin Zhixia sitting on the sofa, looking dejected.

Her heart was pounding fiercely, and the sound of her own rapid breathing filled her ears, causing her to instinctively take a few steps back

Lin Wanqiu tightened her grip on the shopping bag, her fingertips digging into the soft flesh of her palm. Taking a deep breath, she finally spoke: "Is there something you need?"

What about now? Even though she still seems to be smiling, there is a depth of weariness in her eyes. She is only 25 years old

How could she not know that in Bai Shubei's heart, it has never been Lin Wanqiu who resides there

Bai Shubei did not glance at Lin Wanqiu again and walked straight in

Gao He looked at her obviously perfunctory attitude and said helplessly: "The nursing home is not as terrifying as you think"

Cute

The year the stepmother passed away, Lin Wanqiu was four years old, and Lin Zhixia was six years old

Lin Wanqiu finally awoke from her dream, standing at the door, hurriedly searching for her keys in her bag. The more anxious she became, the more her hands trembled.

Mengmeng sniffed, her small hand tightly gripping the corner of Lin Wanqiu's clothing. After a long hesitation, she finally whispered, "Mom's scent must be the same as Auntie's. If only Auntie were Mom, it would be perfect."

Every time he saw her, her body was covered with deep and shallow bruises. A frail and delicate woman, she unexpectedly evoked in him a sense of compassion beyond his professional ethics

Seeing the joyful expression on his daughter's face, Bai Shubei finally curled his lips and said, "Let's go take care of the discharge procedures first"

It is difficult to believe that what she thought in that moment was actually this, as fists and feet fell like raindrops, striking her back, her lower abdomen, and even her arms, which were hit several times.

"Hey, to be honest, what is going on between you and her?"

Lin Wanqiu could no longer hear what he was saying, the pain engulfed her, her mind was in a haze, and her entire being was left with only one thought, hoping that this would all end soon

Mengmeng laughed even more unabashedly, yet she keenly caught a glimpse of the fleeting blush that passed over Lin Wanqiu's cheek.

The door swung open with a sound, followed by a blinding light that hit her face. She closed her eyes briefly, and after recovering from the sharp pain, she slowly opened her eyes, only to behold his handsome face standing quietly at the door.

Bai Shubei drove Lin Wanqu in a black SUV through the city, with the windows rolled down, a whistling cool breeze brushing against her scarred cheeks. Yet she felt no pain at all; she merely raised her eyes to steal a glance at him, like a gravely ill child coveting a precious and sweet life-saving remedy.

Bai Shubei suppressed his anger, which was fueled by the deliberately ingratiating smiles of the child, yet he still wore a sullen expression and remained silent

Bai Shubei lifted the child onto his shoulders and said, "Dad can also take you to play"

Lin Wanqiu paused slightly, raised her head, and her pure black eyes carried a soothing smile: "Lin Zhixia, I am only concerned about Mengmeng, I have no other intentions"

At this moment, Mengmeng was completely oblivious to her father, curled up in Lin Wanqiu's embrace, being fed by her mouthful by mouthful. Breathing in her scent, she contentedly leaned against her shoulder: "Every time I get sick, Dad's actions are so clumsy. Aunt, where is my mother? Dad said she is no longer here; where did she go?"

Lin Zhixia's chest rose and fell violently, his fists clenched tightly at his sides. If he merely lowered his gaze slightly, he could see the dark crown of her head. Why did such a seemingly fragile woman harbor such stubborn emotions deep within her heart?

Lin Wanqiu did not look at him; she simply crouched down and picked up all the glass shards, placing them piece by piece into the nearby trash bin

At that time, she wrote, "I hope Lin Zhixia recovers soon," but what Lin Zhixia wrote was completely different from what she had anticipated. She quietly approached him from behind and was stunned at a glance; he wrote, "I hope Lin Wanqiu does not abandon me, please do not leave me"

Bai Shubei is handsome, but every time he smiles, there is always a hint of frivolity and depth at the corners of his mouth. He looked at Lin Zhixia with a half-smile, raising his eyebrows provocatively: "What do you think I have to justify? Do you really want me to say it out loud?"

At the moment the door opened, Lin Wanqiu suddenly encountered that familiar pair of dark eyes. He seemed to feel a slight shock, and then his thin lips pressed into a straight line, his gaze slowly falling on the scar at the corner of her mouth and the mark on her wrist

This duck looks very familiar, Mengmeng has several of them, and this one is considerably larger than the others, appearing to be the mother of those.

Lin Zhixia is the son of Lin Wanqu's stepmother. Lin Wanqu's parents divorced when she was very young; at that time, she was truly very small, and even her name was given to her by her stepmother

Gao He furrowed his brow and could only say to Bai Shubei: "Come in."

Bai Shubei let out a soft sound of discontent, his brows furrowed tightly. The little girl actually reprimanded him for that woman

Lin Wanqiu lowered her head and remained silent, merely shaking her head

Lin Wanqiu realized for the first time how terrifying "death" truly is, at that moment only Lin Zhixia remained by her side, his dry yet warm and broad palm tightly enveloping her trembling fingers.

His words carried too many meanings, and Lin Wanqiu's face instantly flushed with embarrassment. Mengmeng had already fallen asleep, leaving only the two of them together, which made the situation even more awkward and uncomfortable

Upon hearing about food, Mengmeng's eyes sparkled like clear crystals, as she tilted her little head while sitting on the hospital bed, her lips always adorned with a sweet smile

The meaning of this statement is that even if she is not smart enough, she still understands it

Indeed, how impressive! Mengmeng is very intelligent and understands so much

She turned to glance in the direction of Bai Shubei, who was still asleep. She secretly let out a sigh of relief, raised her hand to touch her cheek, and indeed it was damp, marked with traces of tears.

Bai Shubei walked up to the child, his face stern as he began to lecture the little one who had "run away from home": "Bai Yimeng, your courage is growing bolder! What would you have your father do if you were to encounter a human trafficker and be taken away?"

He couldn't help but shout loudly: "Late Autumn, do you know what you are doing?"

Mengmeng looked at him expectantly from the side, and Bai Shubei apologetically patted the child's little head: "Baby, be good, Auntie has to go to work today, Dad forgot about this matter."

Lin Zhixia had never seen her like this before. In the past, when he lost control and lashed out, he would inadvertently hurt her, but she would always endure the pain and say, "It's okay." This time, however, she remained silent in response

At that time, Lin Wanqiu did not know the reason for her stepmother's death; she only vaguely remembered that for a period afterward, her stepmother was always taking medicine, and the house was filled with the scent of traditional Chinese medicine

Lin Wanqiu sighed, turned over, and prepared to take a short rest, when suddenly a dull thud came from outside, as if a heavy object had fallen onto the floor

Bai Shubei finally noticed the woman's awkward situation behind him, slightly pausing his steps, yet he continued to walk half a meter ahead of her.

Lin Wanqiu observed his surly demeanor and, not wishing to engage in an argument with him, squatted down to continue picking up the fragments: "Stand back a bit, be careful not to hurt your feet."

However, before she had the chance to refute, Lin Zhixia had already forcefully thrown her onto the floor

Bai Shubei could not help but feel irritated every time he saw her feigned delicate demeanor; no one understood better than him how malicious this woman's heart truly was

Lin Wanqiu was taken aback, her face, glistening with fine sweat, suddenly lost all color

The force is not particularly strong, seemingly a form of venting

Lin Wanqiu paused, her gaze fixed firmly on the ground, and finally shook her head, calmly stating: "It is not because of this"

Many couples and young parents with children were heading out. At this time, the aquarium was about to close. Bai Shubei shot her an anxious glance and said, "If Mengmeng is not here, just wait and see how I deal with you."

Her deliberately distant attitude stirred a sense of unease in Gao He

She still remembers what he said before; he does not like her to touch him, he said it is disgusting

Hearing the cry of a baby, Lin Wanqiu suddenly opened her eyes, her gaze still filled with shock, and her face felt icy cold.

With a cute smile and a shake of her head, her chubby arms wrapped around her neck and wouldn't let go: "Auntie, you haven't come to see me for so long, I thought you didn't want me anymore"

A secret crush is destined to end in a sense of loss and longing

The child's body is soft and cuddly, making it very comfortable to hold in one's arms. Lin Wanqiu lovingly embraces Mengmeng, feeling somewhat reluctant to let go.

After the stepmother left, my father seemed to age significantly overnight, filled with sorrow, and remained in the mourning hall, reluctant to leave.

The sky had completely darkened, and the city lights began to glow. The phoenix trees were bathed in a warm yellow halo, surrounded by a tranquil and serene atmosphere. Lin Wanqu fell into a state of helplessness as she stood by the car, while Bai Shubei directly picked up Mengmeng and got into the car, showing no intention of acknowledging her.

Lin Wanqiu was so frightened that her eyes widened. She turned around and wanted to run outside, but Lin Zhixia, being tall, took a step forward and reached out to grab her ponytail. With a slight exertion of her fingertips, she pulled her back into her embrace.

She has always known that the long-term suffering from illness has completely changed Lin Zhixia. He is no longer as wise and clear-headed as before, often getting angry over unknown matters. When he goes mad, it is as if he has lost his mind. His thoughts have become distorted, and he is increasingly irritable and volatile

Lin Wanqiu moved quickly. When Bai Shubei brought her to the hospital, Mengmeng was eagerly watching the door of the ward. Upon seeing Lin Wanqiu, she almost jumped out of bed, exclaiming: "Aunt!"

Therefore, Lin Wanqiu did not experience the harm brought by a divorced family during her childhood; on the contrary, she felt a warmth in her family that was even more harmonious than that of some normal families

Bai Shubei always has a fierce expression, and she has rarely spoken to him in a friendly manner. However, for some reason, every time she hears him say he wants to "take care of" her, she feels like laughing

The living room was completely normal, and the sound was coming from the kitchen. For some reason, Lin Wanqiu's heart raced violently, yet she still steeled herself and walked in: "Lin Zhixia?"

Bai Shubei looked at her with a complex expression in his eyes, and the device in his hand had already begun to vibrate slightly

She knew he was looking for the keys, and she knew he did not intend to touch her, yet she still felt a deep discomfort in her heart, her eyes stinging as if something was about to overflow uncontrollably.

Bai Shubei! Lin Zhixia stepped forward, clenching her fist to block his reckless search, "On what grounds do you do this?"

Bai Shubei silently exchanged a glance with him, no longer responding.

Lin Zhixia seemed like a demon under a curse, cursing indiscriminately, and showing no mercy with her feet.

Lin Wanqiu nodded calmly: "Mr. Bai, I believe I know where Mengmeng is"

Lin Wanqiu glanced at him hesitantly and said, "I still want to deliver breakfast to Mengmeng"

Caring for her? Is he out of his mind!

Lin Zhixia furrowed her brows tightly, the veins on the back of her hand bulging. Lin Wanquiu hurriedly stepped forward to stop him, shaking her head slightly, and then said to Bai Shubei: "Mengmeng really hasn't come, you can look around if you don't believe me. After that, we should quickly go find her; it will be dangerous if we delay any longer"

Bai Shubei furrowed his brows as he surveyed the room, quickly noticing that the thermos originally placed on the table was missing. His expression darkened slightly as he rose and strode over to the bedside.

Lin Wanqiu looked at him in terror, while Lin Zhixia's eyes were filled with a deep red hue. Her thin lips formed a cruel arc as she fixed her gaze on her without blinking: "Why won't you answer me? You went to see him again, didn't you?"

Lin Wanqiu attentively massaged the child's shoulders and limbs, the comfortable pressure causing the little one to soon droop their eyes and lean against her shoulder, drowsy and on the verge of sleep

Lin Wanqiu felt relieved upon hearing him say that it was nothing, and she rubbed her still aching wrist with one hand: "Thank you, Doctor Gao"

After waiting for Mengmeng to finish playing, the three of them finally left Beiyang Park and prepared to head back

He seems to have changed from the way I remember him; the lines of his profile have become increasingly sharp, and he exudes a natural sense of oppression. Just looking at his chest brings a dull pain.

Lin Wanqiu did not offer any further explanation; she simply took her bag and walked straight towards the door. Her father had said on his deathbed that she must not be separated from Lin Zhixia, as Lin Zhixia's illness could flare up at any moment, and perhaps at any given moment she might close her eyes and leave this world. She could not allow Lin Zhixia to walk alone in solitude.

I..." Lin Wanqiu stammered, her gaze meeting his for a moment before hurriedly looking away, "I just got up and haven't brushed my teeth yet"

Lin Wanqiu suddenly raised her eyes, her dark pupils seemingly always veiled with a layer of watery mist. Bai Shubei could hardly bear to see her in this little white rabbit guise, as he himself had nearly been deceived by her back in the day

Her lies are truly not very clever, yet Bai Shubei clearly does not mind at all. She has always been skilled at disguise; who knows what kind of self-inflicted pain she has employed this time!

Bai Shubei occasionally glanced at Lin Wanqu, who was slightly bending her eyes in a seemingly proper manner, staring intently at Mengmeng without blinking, and occasionally gasping in agreement.

Lin Zhixia stared at her in silence, his bloodshot eyes appearing quite terrifying, contrasting sharply with his unhealthy complexion

Lin Wanqiu smiled faintly, holding her phone as she walked towards another corridor. The dim blue water surface above her head, illuminated by the lights, made her skin appear even fairer. Her slender figure was dressed in a simple cotton T-shirt and jeans, giving her the appearance of a middle school student

Bai Shubei cast a faint glance at Lin Wanqu, who was beside her. With her small hand resting on the glass counter, she blinked her eyes in curiosity, looking even more foolish than Mengmeng.

"There are no fractures, only superficial injuries." The young doctor in a white coat, with sharp eyes beneath silver-rimmed glasses, placed the X-ray back on the desk and leaned on his forehead, carefully scrutinizing the woman in front of him

After she finished speaking and wanted to leave, Bai Shubei reached out to block her path, yet his gaze did not rest on her at all: "No need, I have already completed her discharge procedures."

Lin Wanqiu was stung by his expression, and only then did she realize that she had overstepped. She tightened her fingers even more, lowered her gaze, and withdrew slightly: "I am sorry"

She wants to drink the soup you made, go and cook it

Lin Zhixia gazed at her with complexity, her heart surging with unutterable feelings: "I—"

His voice was extremely loud, and Lin Wanqiu was nearly deafened by his shouting.

Shubei? Gao He opened the office door and immediately saw the man and woman in confrontation, staring at them in astonishment, "What are you doing?"

Bai Shubei slightly curled his thin lips and raised his eyebrows nonchalantly: "It doesn't matter."

Lin Zhixia's anger flared up uncontrollably, and in an instant, she sat up from the sofa, quickly standing in front of her, not giving her any chance to react, tightly gripping her wrist and pulling her up.

"Lin Wanqiu." He called out to her, his tone icy cold

The lighter in the man's hand had long since extinguished at the right moment, and the two stood silently at the door, the darkness consuming everything. He pondered for a moment before simply reminding, "Open the door"

I—" Lin Wanqiu said hoarsely, attempting to break the awkward situation. She quietly hid her arm behind her back and finally managed to force out a smile, saying, "I had something to attend to this morning, so I left early"

This scene is indeed too familiar, as many unpleasant memories come rushing back.

Lin Wanqiu stood up and walked outside after speaking. Gao He looked at her slender figure and sighed softly: "You have already done enough for him. Even if you owe him, it has long been repaid."

Bai Shubei helplessly pried open the child's mischievous little hand, gently kneading her soft, tender paw: "Of course, Mengmeng is the most important."

Lin Zhixia! Lin Wanqu's pain was so intense that tears were about to flow from her eyes, her heart racing. She covered her head with both hands, trying to relieve the numbness in her scalp, biting her lip and shaking her head vigorously, "Lin Zhixia, calm down."

The stepmother is very kind, unlike the harsh and domineering stepmothers described in legends. She has always treated her as if she were her own daughter, caring for her and pampering her, truly regarding her as a treasure

The door was suddenly knocked on forcefully, each knock firm and persistent. This house is too old; it doesn't even have a doorbell. The banging sound from the door pierced the eardrums of the two individuals.

Gao He reined in his smile and gazed seriously at Bai Shubei: "I trust my instincts"

Mengmeng stubbornly stared at the door, holding her teddy bear in her arms: "No, Aunt will bring breakfast over."

Bai Shubei's gaze darkened slightly as he forcefully shook off her wrist

The curtains in the living room were not drawn tightly, and glaring light occasionally poured in, landing squarely on him. ... The tall and upright man, at this moment, seemed as if he had lost his senses, with a faint stubble on his chin and dark circles under his eyes ...

With a crisp sound, a small glimmer of light illuminated before me. In the halo of the lighter, I saw those familiar, sinister eyes—dark and sharp, yet filled with extreme impatience and agitation

Bai Shubei coldly took off his coat, continued to lie back on the sofa and no longer paid attention to her. After a few seconds, he said: "You have never made a losing deal. Take good care of Mengmeng. If she is happy, I will not treat you poorly."

Bai Shubei still held the connected phone in his hand, his gaze meeting hers before lingering on Mengmeng beside her, and only then did he stride forward.

Lin Wanqiu tightly grasped his cold fingers and softly said: "I am not afraid of death, nor am I afraid of pain; I just firmly believe that you will get better."

Bai Shubei glared at her gloomily, while Mengmeng quietly rolled her eyes. Noticing that her father was indeed very angry, she timidly reached out her small hand to grasp his dry fingertips and said in a spoiled tone: "Dad, you usually don't have the chance to see so many interesting little things, let me be your guide!"

Lin Wanqiu endured, only a trace of emotion leaked from her eyes, yet she still maintained a taut expression and replied softly, "Oh"

How can she live without money

Lin Wanqiu closed her eyes slightly and whispered, "I am sorry"

Bai Shubei vaguely recalled that at that time she was only eighteen or nineteen years old, and it has already been six years

The little one clearly found great comfort in his father's words, momentarily forgetting the sense of loss brought about by Lin Wanqiu's departure, clapping his small hands and laughing heartily: "Then I want to go to the ocean park, and I want to watch a movie, and I want to eat pizza! Dad, you must not leave halfway again, otherwise I will never play with you again!"

Lin Zhixia looked at her gentle tone, and the anger that had been pent up in her heart finally eased a bit, yet she turned her face away and huffed, "Isn't it better if I die? I won't burden you anymore."

Oh no, she forgot to inform Lin Zhixia last night

Lin Wanqiu tightly clutched the thermos in her hand and nodded calmly: "Yes, Mengmeng is sick"

Father lies on the cold, unyielding hospital bed, still the same kind and gentle man, yet he will no longer respond to me. No matter how much I cry and lament before him, he will not open his eyes to look at me again

Mengmeng was introducing from the side, while Bai Shubei appeared disinterested, casually playing with the lighter in his hand. The little one stomped his foot in displeasure: "Dad, you need to pay attention and cooperate like Auntie!"

"You know, I do not wish to be your relative," he said, lowering his head and drawing closer to her. The faint fragrance emanating from her was tempting him to come even nearer, and the area in his chest felt as if it were about to burst with satisfaction.

The veins on Bai Shubei's forehead seemed to be pulsating delicately, his cold and hard features exuding an imposing severity: "Do you expect me to believe you? Have I gone mad?"

At that time, Lin Zhixia was sitting on a small chair, her hand tightly gripping Lin Wanqu's small hand. Lin Wanqu remembered that he had only said one sentence: "Will I also die like this in the future?"

At that time, Lin Wanqiu did not quite understand the meaning of "death". When she finally grasped the significance of this word, the first thing she faced was her father's death

Bai Shubei remained silent, merely gazing at her with a cold expression. Lin Wanqiu swallowed hard, her only thought being: escape back to the kitchen. She hurriedly stood up and stammered, "I will go check on the soup"

The two individuals arrived at the aquarium just in time to see the staff cleaning the area. They separated to search, and after taking a few steps forward, Lin Wanqiu called out to him: "Mr. Bai"

Well

She hardly slept all night, and Mengmeng woke up several times during the night. Bai Shubei could not soothe her, and the child always reached out her little hands wanting to be held by her. Lin Wanqiu stood by, only daring to take the child after Bai Shubei had given his tacit approval.

Gao He looked at Lin Wanqiu with confusion, but Lin Wanqiu avoided his questioning gaze

Lin Wanqiu felt a wave of embarrassment and, in a panic, fell to the floor: "I... something happened on your face."

She widened her eyes, as if all the blood in her body had congealed, forgetting to breathe, slightly tilting her head back, and gazing at him in disbelief

Lin Wanqiu, I am sorry, I was completely confused at that moment and could not control myself. I, I didn't even know what I was doing, you know, the person I am most reluctant to hurt is you

She stared wide-eyed, anxiously stepping forward, getting a bit closer to him, yet completely oblivious to the fleeting look of disgust in his eyes. She only breathlessly pressed on, "Is it serious? The weather has been changing frequently lately; why aren't you taking good care of her?"

Mengmeng pouted and tugged at the strap of her backpack, saying, "Dad is so capable, he will definitely be able to find mine"

Lin Wanqiu let out a muffled groan as he kicked her, instinctively protecting her face and head with her arms. She could not afford to get injured; if she got injured, she would not be able to go to work, and if she could not work, she would have no money

Bai Shubei sharply raised his eyes, casually tossing the white handkerchief he had just wiped his fingers on into the nearby trash bin. Only then did he clasp his hands together and leisurely scrutinize him: "So, are you interested? I never knew you liked this style."

She couldn't help but think: wounds on the body can be treated with medicine, but what about those on the heart? How wonderful it would be if there were also medicine to heal them

He used to be a light sleeper, easily awakened by the slightest sound, yet at this moment, he seemed to be in a deep sleep, as she had been squatting in front of him for quite some time without being noticed

She moved aside slowly, standing silently to the side, not daring to breathe too loudly, as if afraid of breaking this brief tranquility

Lin Zhixia knew that he had struck a nerve, but he could not stop. The thought that she had gone to find that father and daughter again made his heart feel as if it were being pricked by countless fine needles.

Lin Wanqiu lowered her head even further: "No, I fell accidentally."

The two exchanged glances, as very few people ever visited their home, and the person at the door seemed to be quite aggressive

Lin Wanqiu stared at the sticky note in front of her for a long time before she finally raised her head in shock. Bai Shubei's dark eyes were filled with disdain and contempt: "I truly underestimated you."

Lin Zhixia was deeply troubled and insecure; she was not unaware of this. On his 27th birthday, they visited the nearby Yue Wang Temple. Outside the temple stood an ancient wishing tree, where one could write their wishes on red cloth strips and throw them to the top of the tree, giving their wishes a chance to come true

A black line appeared on Bai Shubei's forehead, and he twitched his temples a few times. The woman, with her fluttering curled eyelashes, produced a light smile and a soft murmur. Is it genuine innocence or an act? Her performance is truly remarkable

Lin Wanqiu's stomach growled with hunger; she had refrained from eating that pack of biscuits last night, the ones he had given her, which she always cherished dearly

Mengmeng grabbed Lin Wanqiu with her other hand and winked at her: "I will take you to see, make sure to follow closely, and don't fall behind."

Lin Wanqiu placed the earthenware pot on the stove and added a small half of corn into the chicken soup, then wiped her hands dry and walked out.

Lin Wanqiu turned her head in a somewhat dazed manner, while Lin Zhixia's eyes showed a hint of struggle: "You are still so young, find a suitable man and get married."

She herself cannot clearly explain why she feels sorry. Is it because she arrived late, or is it because she indeed deceived the child?

The scars on her face are not obvious; it is just that her wrist was hit a few times, causing severe pain. She glanced at the bruise above and pondered whether she should wear long sleeves to work. She wondered if she would be laughed at for being strange in such weather.

Lin Wanqiu silently looked at him, and after a moment, she held his hand: "I have contacted a psychologist, and I will undergo therapy weekly. I can also take care of you in the meantime. Zhixia, be brave; you will definitely get better."

This is the father's last words, as well as the stepmother's long-held wish

These excuses have almost been worn out by her, Lin Zhixia is not unaware of what she is thinking. He clenched his fist tightly, not wanting to pressure her any further, and simply raised his hand to gently rub the top of her head: "Go rest first"

Lin Zhixia seemed completely oblivious to her miserable state, and she forcefully kicked her in the back, saying: "Why can't you see my love? How am I any less than Bai Shubei! Huh?"

Lin Zhixia kept her eyes lowered as she looked at her. Lin Wanqiu, in her youth, still had a bit of baby fat, but her figure was well-proportioned. When she smiled, her lips would reveal a playful little canine tooth. What was she like back then? It seemed she loved to laugh, and when she did, her eyes curved like the crescent moon on the horizon.

Bai Shubei's expression became even more unpleasant: "Bai Yimeng!"

Gao He always felt that Bai Shubei's attitude was somewhat strange. Based on his understanding of Bai Shubei, he would not be so harsh and indifferent towards a woman.

Lin Zhixia's footsteps came to a halt, and only then did Lin Wanqiu realize that she had spoken without thinking. However, it was too late to take back her words. She saw him slowly turn around, his focused gaze heavily resting on her face

Lin Wanqiu suppressed her emotions before finally stepping forward

Bai Shubei spoke to himself as he settled onto her loveseat. Just as he sat down, he pressed against an unknown object, causing his brow to furrow even more. Upon picking it up, he was surprised to find that it was a small yellow plastic duck.

However, looking at the child's expectant gaze, he still compromised irritably and coldly scolded the woman with a blank expression: "Get in the car already."

She was so light that she stumbled a few times before steadying herself when she stood up

A pair of adorable big eyes wandered over Lin Wanqiu, and seeing her dazed and silly expression made her cover her mouth and giggle. She clenched the corner of her clothes with her small hand and said, "Dad has already hung up the phone."

Being too close, he could see the clear ripples flowing slowly in her pure eyes, as if something was being forcefully suppressed by her.

Bai Shubei had just wanted to ask for her number when Lin Wanqiu quickly pressed a series of digits on her phone without even looking up, 11 digits in total, taking less than a second.

Lin Wanqiu nodded, placed the key on the shoe cabinet, and while bending down to change her shoes, she pulled a nerve in her side, causing her to wince in pain

Is it true?" Mengmeng's disappointed eyes instantly brightened, revealing the dimples on her cheeks. She joyfully wrapped her arms around Bai Shubei's neck, saying, "I knew Auntie wouldn't lie to me; Auntie is the best to me.

Lin Wanqiu tidied up the glass shards and then carefully supported his arm: "Have you taken your medicine? I only remembered that you were out of medicine when I saw the empty medicine box in the trash can. I’m sorry, I’ve been too busy lately. I just went to the hospital yesterday to pick up your medicine, it should last for a while."

Lin Wanqiu's heart raced violently a few times, and she hurriedly lowered her eyes, not daring to meet his gaze for even a moment. She struggled to carry the shopping bag inside, and only after placing it on the round table did she let out a heavy sigh, but thinking of the man behind her, her heart involuntarily tightened again

Lin Wanqiu lay in bed, her mind occasionally drifting to the words spoken by Lin Zhixia. She indeed should no longer harbor unrealistic fantasies about Bai Shubei. From beginning to end, Bai Shubei had taught her only four words: "face reality"

Lin Zhixia strode over to her side and nervously supported her, asking, "Are you alright?"

Lin Wanqiu shook her head in distress: "Mengmeng did not come."

Mengmeng, feeling dejected, was picking at her nails, her little mouth pouting high: "But Auntie promised Mengmeng last night that she would take me out to play once I got better."

Lin Wanqiu turned around and looked at him, feeling somewhat at a loss: "Would you like some water?"

She looked at his appearance, the impeccably tailored suit, the sexy collarbone and Adam's apple revealed by the white shirt's neckline

Lin Wanqiu stared blankly at him as he leaned in, only to suddenly awaken when he was very close to her lips. She pushed him away with force, and the momentum caused her to collide against the wall behind her

Uncertain of what Bai Shubei meant, it seemed to imply that she could stay by Mengmeng's side for a night. Even so, Lin Wanqiu cherished this hard-won opportunity immensely. Prior to this, she had not seen Mengmeng for over two months, and after this encounter, it was unclear how long it would be before she could see the child again

Lin Wanqiu awkwardly lowered her hands, biting her lip in confusion. Indeed, she had never been here before. When she was young, it was because she had not yet come; after growing up, both her parents had passed away. At such a young age, she had to worry about the enormous medical expenses for Lin Zhixia, and her mind was filled with thoughts of making money, leaving no room for leisure to come and see these things.

As the sky darkened, the motion-sensor lights in the corridor had been broken for quite some time, and the sparse light was not clear. Lin Wanqiu, carrying the items she had just bought from the supermarket, groped her way up along the wall.

Bai Shubei turned around, his expression somewhat impatient

Thank you. She took the cookie and squeezed it tightly in her hand

Over the years, she has long been dulled by the passage of time, becoming submissive and rarely revealing her true emotions. Lin Zhixia was momentarily taken aback, suddenly feeling that her tall figure seemed to shrink a few inches in front of her.

Lin Wanqiu was pulled by him to sit on the sofa, while Lin Zhixia lowered her head, carefully examining the instructions for the ointment and cotton swabs. His profile appeared melancholic and subdued, filled with a sense of desolation

Lin Wanqiu closed her eyes with a heavy heart, lowered her head, and kissed the little girl's damp forehead. She gently rubbed the child's brow with her fingertip, and only then did the little girl pout slightly before falling into a satisfied sleep

Gao He pressed his lips together and lowered his head to adjust his glasses: "What are you thinking? I just feel that she has it quite tough."

When Lin Zhixia recalled saying with a face full of sadness, "I thought she didn't want him," she felt a deep sense of guilt in her heart. Since falling ill, Lin Zhixia had become exceptionally sensitive, especially in the past two years when her health had deteriorated significantly. He relied on her, yet could not abandon his male pride, thus he could only struggle in such an awkward manner, ultimately being tormented by illness and inferiority to become what he is now

The morning light gently breaks outside the window, revealing that the horizon has already shown a hint of dawn. Lin Wanqu's first action is to lean slightly forward to check on the little girl in the sickbed, her chubby limbs sprawled out in a star shape, sleeping soundly.

Gao He settled down behind the desk and pushed the prepared medicine box in front of Bai Shubei. After a moment of thought, he asked, "Do you know Lin Wanqiu?"

Lin Wanqiu's already pale complexion became even more striking, as if someone had poured a basin of cold water over her head, leaving her feeling bone-chillingly cold

Lin Wanqiu raised her head, the bruised corner of her mouth curling into a gentle smile: "Doctor Gao, this is my own matter, isn't it? I will make the decision, thank you."

Lin Wanqiu pressed her lips together and glanced at Lin Zhixia, who irritably waved her hand and said, "I won't bother with you."

Lin Wanqiu looked at him seriously, her tone firm: "You are not my burden; you are my last family member. Remember, I have never considered you a burden."

Hmm," Lin Wanqiu replied, "I mentioned before that I would take her there. I have never deceived her; she must believe that I will be waiting for her there.

Lin Zhixia frowned slightly, her striking features tinged with displeasure. However, seeing Lin Wanqu's cautious and flattering demeanor, she sighed helplessly and said, "You go take a nap, I will help you with it."

Lin Wanqiu, unable to bear seeing her child upset, set the bowl of soup aside, tightly embraced the little one against her chest, and softly murmured, "Mengmeng is so well-behaved, Mama will definitely come back to find you"

Bai Shu Bei's lips curled into a mocking arc as he silently gazed at her

Lin Wanqiu slowly raised her eyes and pulled up the corner of her scarred mouth: "I do not blame you"

Bai Shubei watched her every move with a stern expression, a cold sneer escaping his nose: "What, do you still hope that one day it can reunite with that group of children?"

Lin Wanqiu was momentarily taken aback, her lowered brows and eyes concealing all emotions: "Mm, I understand."

It seems that something has shattered deep within, yet strangely, it does not hurt. Lin Wanqiu gently closed her eyes and nodded in resignation: "I know, I have always known, you need not trouble yourself to remind me."

"We are not on the way." Bai Shubei looked at the road conditions through the rearview mirror, turned the key, and started the car

Lin Zhixia pressed her lips together, looking at the spots of scars on her small face, her heart aching. She raised her hand, wanting to touch, but dared not offend her even slightly. She could only speak with sadness: "Does it still hurt? I can help you apply the medicine"

Lin Wanqiu could not help but chuckle, suddenly remembering that she had not yet informed Bai Shubei. She picked up her phone to dial his number, and just as the call connected, a tall and handsome man walked in from the entrance of the corridor

Mengmeng resides in the children's ward, where the bed is quite small. Besides a double sofa, there is only one armchair available for resting. After Bai Shubei returned to the ward, he boldly occupied the double sofa, disregarding her presence, with his arm resting on his forehead, keeping his eyes closed to rest.

He stood at the bedroom door, his face darkened with displeasure: "You really have never seen her?" It seems that even if Lin Wanqiu had a hundred times the courage, she would not dare to hide Mengmeng.

Mengmeng waited until lunchtime, and Bai Shubei's expression had already turned very unpleasant. The little one helplessly twisted her fingers, saying: "Auntie won't be coming..."

Lin Wanqiu's childhood was quite beautiful. Although her father and stepmother were a couple later in life, their relationship was very good. She grew up in a harmonious atmosphere from a young age. Lin Zhixia also protected her since childhood, always being the first to stand up and shield her whenever she was bullied.

The white bra underneath was faintly visible, and she awkwardly tugged at the hem of her clothing, stepping aside.

Lin Wanqiu felt a sharp pain in her heart, and her nose tingled intensely. She shook her head and waved the thermos in front of the child, saying: "Mengmeng, don't you want to drink some soup? Auntie has made a new flavor."

Bai Shubei, upon hearing this, suddenly raised his hand to grip her wrist, forcefully pushing her against the nearby wall, as if he wished to crush her to pieces.

Lin Wanqiu finished feeding the child soup, then took a storybook to tell her a story. Just halfway through, the little one fell asleep, yet her small hand was still tightly gripping Lin Wanqiu's sleeve without letting go

His slightly heavy breathing reached her ears, accompanied by the crisp sound of keys. She stood foolishly in front of him, seemingly blocking his action of opening the door. He impatiently uttered a low command: "Step aside."

His long fingers cruelly tightened around her slender wrist, precisely constricting the area where Lin Zhixia had been injured, as if at that moment her joints had been dislocated, causing excruciating pain.

Lin Zhixia slightly lowered her eyes, gazing at her delicate and beautiful features, feeling a pang of sadness swelling in her heart, unable to control herself for a moment, she involuntarily reached out to grasp her slender shoulder: "Late autumn"

Although it was only a few brief seconds, Lin Wanqiu still felt embarrassed and uneasy about her lapse in composure. She hurriedly put away her phone and awkwardly said, "The signal here is really poor"

The rich scent of tobacco lingered at the tip of her nose, and she nearly lost control and cried out.

Lin Wanqiu's gaze dimmed slightly, her fingertips hanging in mid-air slowly curled up, as memories unfolded one after another, like black-and-white film flickering through her mind, causing her entire body to ache intensely

A woman who is gentle on the outside but strong on the inside, foolishly devoted, is being abused by a brother with a mental illness, yet she continues to give blindly. He always believes that such a woman, no matter how bad, cannot be truly wicked.

Bai Shubei is tall and has been exercising regularly for many years, walking with a swift and powerful stride. Lin Wanqiu, being petite, follows closely behind him, trying to keep up. Fortunately, she does not like to wear high heels; otherwise, she would surely twist her ankle.

Mengmeng looked at Lin Wanqu and frowned with concern, pointing her little finger at her father: "Dad, you must not bully Auntie. You are so bad; later, I will punish you by making you treat Auntie to dinner"

Lin Zhixia was speaking incoherently, feeling extremely anxious, fearing that Lin Wanqu would never speak to her again

Bai Shubei is the most caring for children, unable to bear even the slightest grievance towards them. Immediately, he took out his phone, ready to call Lin Wanqu, but as his finger touched the screen lock, he suddenly realized—he seemed to have never saved her number at all

Lin Wanqiu did not hear the child's words; she merely gazed blankly out the window, her eyes lost in thought. Outside the window, the shadows of the trees danced gracefully, and a gentle breeze stirred the leaves, producing a rustling sound

Although Bai Shubei remained silent and appeared calm and composed, Lin Wanqiu still caught a glimpse of the fine sweat at his temples; she was most aware of how much he cared for Mengmeng

She relaxed completely, leaning against the wall and breathing heavily

In Bai Shubei's heart, it seemed as if a fire was burning, yet there was nowhere to relieve it. He irritably took out a cigarette box, but after searching for a while in her room, he could not find an ashtray, so he had no choice but to drag the nearby trash can over.