Shen Junyu and Fu Chenxuan joined forces to suppress the Li Family, which had been hit so hard they could barely catch their breath. If things continued like this, they would have to declare bankruptcy within a month.

Father Li lived every day in fear, worried that the moment he opened his eyes, his company would collapse. He deeply regretted not disciplining his son more properly back then, which led to such a disaster. If he could, he truly wished to remake his son from scratch, but it was all too late now.

Just as Father Li was considering once again pushing his son to apologize to the Fu Family, the police showed up, as his son was suspected of multiple counts of rape and the victims had already filed reports.

"Officer, there must be some mistake, my son would never do such things," Mrs. Li defended her son.

Father Li understood as soon as he heard it: it must be the Fu Family pulling strings behind the scenes. Several of the victims mentioned by the police were those he personally went to settle with, and the evidence he had destroyed with his own hands. Those who had promised not to pursue matters had suddenly filed a collective lawsuit and produced the supposedly destroyed evidence. He did not believe for a second that the Fu Family wasn’t involved.

He stopped his wife, who was still attempting to plead their case, and let the police take his son away.

"Are you crazy? Zhishen is your biological son, how could you just watch as he is taken away?" Mrs. Li blamed her husband—her son was still injured, how could he endure the ordeal of the police station.

Father Li had aged a lot during this period, with white hair sprouting on his head. Hearing his wife’s words, his expression was ice-cold, "If you can fix things, go ahead. I told you not to spoil him, not to overindulge him, but you wouldn’t listen. Now that it’s come to this, you share half the blame."

When her husband lost his temper, Mrs. Li dared not oppose him. She had witnessed firsthand what the state of their home had become. If the Fu Family refused to back down, it was their family who would end up unfortunate—not just their son, but the whole family might end up begging on the streets.

"Do we really have to let our son go to jail?" Mrs. Li’s heart ached.

Father Li said bitterly, "What else can we do? He chose the wrong people to mess with—why did he target the daughter of the Fu Family!" Father Li felt torn, but when compared to the entire Li Family’s fate, he would rather give up on this son. After all, he had another son who, while not outstanding, at least wasn’t as much of a disaster.

Mrs. Li’s expression was one of sorrow. "Can’t we go beg the Fu Family again?"

"How many times have we gone already? Do you think they wished to see us? Isn’t being turned away several times enough, or do you want to keep embarrassing ourselves?"

Mrs. Li fell silent. Indeed, the Fu Family had no desire to see them. Wasn’t it obvious from the guards at the entrance of the Military District?

The Li Family knew that Li Zhishen could not be saved. They remained silent, symbolically hiring a lawyer for him, but that was the extent of their action. Li Zhishen suddenly realized that he had been offered up by his family as an apology to the Fu Family.

He made a ruckus in the detention center, but it was in vain. His parents didn’t want to see him—it was a complete abandonment. At this realization, he was overcome with despair and even more hatred—hatred for Lu Yimeng. If it weren’t for this damned woman, he wouldn’t be in his present plight. Lu Yimeng, too, hated him, knowing that if not for this man, she could still be enjoying her college life.

Lu Yimeng’s request to see Fu Shuyi was denied, and she could only beg her parents to appeal to the Fu Family on her behalf. That’s when Mr. and Mrs. Lu realized the mess their daughter had made.

"Have I deprived you of food or clothes? Your mother and I have given you everything. How could you demean yourself like this, Yimeng? You have disappointed me deeply." Mr. Lu was heartbroken. He had genuinely been devoted and generous to his only daughter, providing the best life possible within his means. How had she turned out to be so vain?

"Irritated, Lu Yimeng responded, "Dad, now is not the time to talk about this. Do you really want me to go to jail?"

"People really aren’t harmed by you?" Mr. Lu was suspicious.

Lu Yimeng’s face fell, "Dad, I’m your biological daughter. Don’t you believe me anymore? I’ve said it many times—it was Fu Shuyi who injured them, not me. They’re framing me for revenge. I admit I’m vain, but I’m not bold enough to hurt others."

Mr. Lu gazed intently at his daughter, his only child. Even if it was really she who had caused the harm, he could not just stand by. "Stay here and be good. Your mom and I will find a way." After saying this, he pulled his wife out of the detention center and headed straight for the Military Region.

Of course, the two were denied entry. Mr. and Mrs. Lu didn’t persist; they simply knelt at the entrance of the Military District, instantly attracting the attention of everyone around.

Shen Qinglan listened to the guards’ report and, after a moment’s thought, spoke up, "Let them in."

The guard went out to fetch the couple, while Shen Qinglan went upstairs to call her daughter down, "Lu Yimeng’s parents have come. You should see them."

Fu Shuyi was chatting with Bai Junnan when she heard her mother. She paused, then answered, "Oh, okay."

Mr. and Mrs. Lu were visiting for the first time. As average working-class people, they had never interacted with such a high level of society, and for a moment, they stood still, not daring to move.

Shen Qinglan and Fu Shuyi came downstairs. Mrs. Lu looked at the two in front of her and couldn’t guess their relationship—Shen Qinglan seemed too young to be anything but Fu Shuyi’s sister, she thought.

"Shuyi, these are Lu Yimeng’s parents," Shen Qinglan spoke first, looking at the couple, "Please have a seat. Aunt Zhu, please make two cups of tea."

Aunt Zhu acknowledged and turned into the kitchen.

"Uncle, Auntie, please have a seat," Fu Shuyi said politely.

Mr. Lu and Mrs. Lu exchanged glances and carefully sat down on the couch, only halfway, with a hint of caution. Mr. Lu rubbed his hands together, hesitated, and then spoke, "I know it’s my fault for not raising my daughter properly, which led to Yimeng becoming what she is now, but Mrs. Fu, Miss Fu, Yimeng is aware now. She’s in the detention center and can’t come out, so as her parents, we’re here to apologize on her behalf. Miss Fu, we are sorry."

Mr. Lu bowed deeply to Fu Shuyi, who, startled, sidestepped, thinking that as an elder, she couldn’t accept such a gesture.

"Please don’t be like that, Lu Yimeng is Lu Yimeng, you are you. There’s no reason you should apologize for her mistakes," Fu Shuyi said, pressing her lips together.

"If a child is not well-behaved, it’s the father’s fault. I failed to raise my daughter properly, letting her develop the heart to hurt others. This is my fault, and it’s only right that I apologize to you. But she’s my only daughter, she’s still young, and has a long life ahead of her. I beg Miss Fu to show mercy this once and let her off. I promise to discipline her well and ensure she won’t make such a mistake again."

Fu Shuyi looked helplessly at her mother, Shen Qinglan, who sat there silently, leaving the matter entirely up to her daughter to handle. Seeing that her mother didn’t interject, Fu Shuyi understood that she alone could make the decision today. 𝙛𝓻𝒆𝓮𝒘𝙚𝙗𝒏𝙤𝙫𝓮𝒍.𝓬𝒐𝙢

Looking at Mr. and Mrs. Lu before her, she thought honestly that the Lu couple looked more down-to-earth than she expected. They seemed like honest people, so how did they raise someone with Lu Yimeng’s character?

"Uncle, Auntie, I’m very sorry, I can’t help with this matter."

Upon hearing this, Mrs. Lu looked up at her, "Miss Fu, Yimeng told us that she didn’t hurt anyone. I understand, it’s because she harmed you first that she’s taking the blame for you, but now she’s potentially facing homicide charges. If she’s convicted, her life is over. So I beg you, please don’t make it harder for her."

Fu Shuyi was startled, clearly understanding the implication of Mrs. Lu’s words. A hint of coldness flashed in her eyes as she spoke calmly, "Uncle and Auntie, have you ever thought about what would have happened to me if my boyfriend hadn’t arrived in time that night?"

Mr. and Mrs. Lu stiffened, and Mrs. Lu said softly, "But aren’t you alright now?"

"Just because I’m alright, must I forgive those who harmed me? In fact, I really want to ask Lu Yimeng, if my boyfriend hadn’t arrived that night, would she have saved me?"

The answer, of course, would be ’no’. If it would have been ’yes’, she wouldn’t have gone to great lengths to persuade Li Zhishen at that time, when she revealed her identity, and he hesitated.

Thinking of this made the slight tenderness that had started to rise in Fu Shuyi’s heart vanish without a trace. Disregarding Mr. and Mrs. Lu’s pleading looks, she said with resolve, "Lu Yimeng harbored evil intentions, plotted against me, and hurt someone. I can’t help with this matter. Instead of pleading with me here, you’d better persuade Lu Yimeng to confess and hope for leniency for a reduced sentence."

She turned her head away, not wanting to see Mr. and Mrs. Lu’s gazes. Mrs. Lu wanted to plead, but she met Shen Qinglan’s eyes, and the words she had left to say were stuck in her throat.

Knowing that pleading was futile, Mr. Lu had no choice but to leave the Fu family with his wife. He could understand the Fu family’s thoughts; he couldn’t blame them, but he also couldn’t accept the situation calmly and even-temperedly.

"Mom, do you think I’m too unkind?" Fu Shuyi asked her mother softly after the Lu couple had left, seeing both the hope and the shattered disappointment in their eyes.

Shen Qinglan replied with a faint expression, turning the question back, "Then why did you choose to refuse?"

Fu Shuyi thought for a moment before answering, "I just feel that if you do something wrong, you should face the consequences. If Brother Jun Nan hadn’t arrived in time that day, Lu Yimeng wouldn’t have saved me out of compassion. Mom, I’m a selfish person; I can’t be magnanimous enough to forgive someone who wanted to harm me."

Shen Qinglan stroked her daughter’s hair, a flash of approval in her eyes. She didn’t need her daughter to be a saint; having her own principles and boundaries was good enough.

"Tangtang, you did very well, you are amazing, and I’m proud of you," Shen Qinglan said.

Fu Shuyi looked at her mother with surprise, seemingly not understanding why such a heartless approach would earn her mother’s appreciation.

Shen Qinglan smiled, "Shuyi, one must be kind; that’s a baseline. But one can’t be blindly kind. As the saying goes, ’People take advantage of the kind-hearted, and the good-natured are ridden like horses.’ What I hope you understand is, you must choose whom to be kind to. For some people, your kindness is a chance for them to reform and start anew, but for others, your kindness only abets their evil, allowing the wickedness in their hearts to emerge limitlessly. You must learn to measure the extent to which you exercise kindness."

"Mom, don’t you think I’m too cold-hearted and ruthless? Like what Lu Yimeng’s mother said, I’m alright now, but Yimeng has been imprisoned. A regular person would think I should forgive her, right?" After all, it’s true that Lu Yimeng took the blame for harming someone on her behalf.

"That’s where you need to choose and set boundaries. Shuyi, some people are too deeply poisoned, stubbornly unrepentant, and your forgiveness is simply indulgence," Shen Qinglan spoke, her thoughts drifting to Li Xitong. She nearly forgot Li Xitong’s name and the person herself. Wasn’t Li Xitong like that? Greedy, selfish, failing to recognize reality, obstinately misguided, and ultimately bringing destruction upon herself.

Fu Shuyi appeared thoughtful, and after pondering for a while, she looked up at her mother, "Mom, I think I understand now."

Shen Qinglan smiled with relief, "It’s good that you’ve come to understand. By the way, your dad called last night. He’ll be home the day after tomorrow, and he has invited your boyfriend to come over for a meal this weekend."

Bai Junnan should have visited the Fu family earlier, but Fu Hengyi had to leave for a while due to unexpected circumstances, hence the delay.

Upon hearing this, Fu Shuyi immediately became nervous, "Dad is coming back? How come so soon?"

Shen Qinglan was at a loss for words. If Fu Hengyi heard this, he would be heartbroken again. This daughter really was raised in vain, not considerate at all, and all that talk about being a "little padded jacket" for her parents was just an illusion.

"Don’t be nervous, your dad is a reasonable person, he won’t get physical," Shen Qinglan comforted her daughter.

Fu Shuyi grew even more nervous with her mother’s words of comfort. Her dad might not get physical, but his full-on authoritative presence was scary enough.

"Mom, please say a few good words for Brother Jun Nan," Fu Shuyi pleaded, looking at her mother with a flattering gaze. There was no helping it; although her dad doted on her the most, the person he truly loved was her mom. One word from her mom was worth ten from her.

"Are you sure you want me to speak up for him?" Shen Qinglan raised her eyebrows slightly. She didn’t have a problem doing so, but whether Fu Hengyi would accept it was another matter.

Thinking of something, Fu Shuyi quickly shook her head, "No need, no need, Mom. I suddenly feel it’s better for Brother Jun Nan to handle it himself. If he wants to be with me, he has to get past my dad anyway." How could she have forgotten? Her dad was the jealous type who even got jealous over his three children, let alone Brother Jun Nan. She shouldn’t end up making matters worse.

**

On Saturday, Bai Junnan woke up at five in the morning. There was no helping it; it was his first time visiting his potential future father-in-law, and he was nervous. He hadn’t slept well the night before, his mind occupied with what he should talk about with his potential future in-laws. Having no experience with this sort of thing, he called Fu Chenxuan at three in the morning, hoping for some advice.

Fu Chenxuan, who had been fast asleep, was rudely awakened and feeling fiery. After hearing what Bai Junnan had to say, he snorted coldly, "You mean to say I have experience? Bai Junnan, have you got water in your brain calling me in the middle of the night?"

It was then that Bai Junnan remembered what Fu Shuyi had mentioned about Gu Qingzhu’s parents having passed away. Embarrassed, he hurriedly hung up the phone.

Since he couldn’t count on Fu Chenxuan, Bai Junnan had to rely on himself.

Zhang Suxin got out of bed and passed her son’s room, noticing the door was open. She went in and found her son choosing clothes in the walk-in closet, frowning and discontentedly holding up one outfit after another against himself.

"Jun Nan, what are you doing?" Zhang Suxin asked.

When Bai Junnan saw his mother, it was as if he’d seen a lifesaver, "Mom, perfect timing. Please help me pick out an outfit."

Zhang Suxin walked in, "Are you attending some important event?" Her son had a good sense of style. Any piece of clothing here would be suitable, so there was no need for such meticulous selection.

"I’m visiting my future in-laws," Bai Junnan stated truthfully.

Zhang Suxin paused mid-action. Future father-in-law? It seemed she missed something important.

"Jun Nan, what future father-in-law?"

Bai Junnan looked at his mother, realizing he hadn’t yet told her about having a girlfriend. Embarrassed, he said, "Um, Mom, didn’t I tell you? I have a girlfriend. Her name is Fu Shuyi."

Zhang Suxin frowned. The Fu surname?

"A daughter from the Beijing Fu Family?"

Bai Junnan nodded.

Zhang Suxin knew her son was acquainted with the Fu family’s son but wasn’t aware of any connection with the Fu family’s daughter. However, regardless, it was good news. Scoldingly, she said, "You child, how could you not tell me about something so important until now? You’re going to visit them today, where am I supposed to find a gift for you at such short notice?"

Bai Junnan smiled, "Mom, don’t worry about the gift. I’ve already prepared it. Actually, Shuyi and I haven’t been dating for that long. I was planning to wait until our relationship was more stable before telling you. Last time Shuyi was unwell and hospitalized; her parents happened to see me, and they invited me to dinner. I couldn’t really say no."

"Go, you must go. What gifts have you prepared? Let me tell you, on the first visit, you can’t skimp on the gift. Your father brought countless things when he visited your maternal grandfather’s home; he nearly moved a whole shopping mall," Zhang Suxin was very pleased. That was the daughter of the Fu family, the only daughter at that, and very precious. If her son married her, all those in the corporation would have to listen to her son obediently.

Moreover, she had heard that the Chairman of the Junlan Group was very fond of his only niece, and with that connection, working with the Junlan Group would be a matter of a simple conversation in the future.

In just a few short minutes, Zhang Suxin had already figured out the benefits involved.

Bai Junnan knew what his mother was thinking from her expression, but he didn’t point it out. It was best that she didn’t object.

"Mom, first help me with the clothes."

"Alright, Mommy will help you take a look and make sure you’re dressed sharp and imposing."

Zhang Suxin’s face was full of smiles, none of the powerful businesswoman aura was to be seen as she happily picked out clothes for her son, even giving him advice, "When you visit someone’s home, you have to act like a gentleman and leave a good impression."

"Mom, I’m not a child, I know how to behave."

"Remember, when you come back from the Fu Family, find a day to invite that girl over, so Mom can meet her."

Bai Junnan casually agreed, but in his heart, he had no intention of bringing Fu Shuyi home just yet, not until he had sufficient say in the company.

Fu Shuyi had been lingering at the doorway early in the morning; her boyfriend was visiting for the first time, after all, and she had to greet him.

Today, Gu Qingzhu and Fu Chenxuan were also home. Gu Qingzhu was in the living room chatting with Shen Qinglan, while Fu Chenxuan came over to his sister with an orange in hand, "No wonder they say you can’t stop a girl from growing up; she’s not even married off yet, and her heart has already flown away," he said with a sour tone.

Fu Shuyi glanced at the orange in his hand, "Brother, the oranges today are really sour," her words dripping with jealousy.

Not offended by his sister’s retort, Fu Chenxuan popped a slice of the orange into his mouth, "Stop looking, he’ll come in when he arrives. Can you stare him back here? Or are you planning on turning into a pining rock?"

Fu Shuyi was slightly annoyed, "Brother, can’t you just not talk?"

Fu Chenxuan sarcastically replied, "Fu Shuyi, that’s enough from you."

His response was met with a cold snort from Fu Shuyi, and seeing this, Fu Chenxuan tapped her forehead with his hand.

In the midst of the sibling’s banter, Bai Junnan’s car stopped at the gate. Seeing this, Fu Shuyi immediately abandoned her brother and dashed toward the courtyard entrance. Fu Chenxuan pursed his lips, now fully understanding his father’s feelings, and decided in his heart that he absolutely wouldn’t let Bai Junnan off easily later. If someone wanted to marry their girl, they would have to show some sincerity.

"Brother Jun Nan, you look so handsome today." Fu Shuyi’s eyes sparkled, her brows joyfully curved up; she hadn’t seen Bai Junnan for five days.

Bai Junnan smiled indulgently, "Are you saying I’m not usually handsome?"

"Of course you are always handsome, but today, even more so." She stepped closer and whispered, "Brother Jun Nan, my Daddy is in a great mood today, so just relax."

Bai Junnan nodded, taking out the gifts from the trunk one by one. Hmm, quite a number of them.

Meanwhile, the man Fu Shuyi said was in a great mood was in the study, chatting with Han Yi. Hearing the car engine outside, he knew the visitor had arrived, and his expression darkened gradually.

The reason for Han Yi’s appearance was naturally because he knew that Fu Shuyi’s boyfriend was visiting today, so he made a special trip early in the morning to watch the drama unfold.

"Why the stern face? Your daughter is bound to have this day sooner or later. Isn’t that what you told me?" Han Yi said, a playful smirk on his face, throwing back the advice Fu Hengyi had given him not so long ago.

Fu Hengyi coldly glanced at his friend, finding his schadenfreude unbearable.

Taking his time, Han Yi rose to his feet, "Come on, the guest has arrived; how long can you hide up here?"

Fu Hengyi was silent... Where was he hiding? It was just a young guy, hardly worth him ducking away. He stood up and strolled downstairs.

Bai Junnan was greeting Shen Qinglan, whose lips bore a slight smile. Fu Hengyi, coming downstairs, caught sight of this, the coldness in his eyes intensifying.

"Hello, Uncle Fu, Uncle Han," Bai Junnan greeted them politely.

Han Yi’s eyes arched in amusement, "You know me?"

"In Beijing’s business circles, I think there’s no one who doesn’t know Uncle Han," Bai Junnan replied with a gentle and respectful demeanor.

Han Yi, of course, knew about the young man from the Bai Family, a capable lad, but the Bai Family... well.

"Since you’re here, take a seat," Fu Hengyi said in a rigid tone.