Waterbound Love - Chapter 34

The moment she opened the door and saw the woman standing outside, her life’s sunflower, the person she strived to illuminate.

Du Bai noticed Lian Yinyun frowning slightly; she must have been there for a while. Then, her gaze shifted to Yaoyao, and suddenly her heart tightened as she saw the despair in her retreating figure.

Yaoyao felt like she was about to break down. She couldn’t stand being here for another moment, covering her mouth to stop herself from crying out loud as she ran away. This was the last of her dignity. Why couldn’t she achieve what came so naturally to her? Stumbling forward, causing a mess, with curses and calls chasing after her-who was calling her? She couldn’t even apologize, just kept running. She couldn’t stop.

Wei Qingqian was caught off guard when Yaoyao collided with him. After she ran past, he stepped into Du Bai’s hospital room, only to see Du Bai collapsed on the floor, with Lian Yinyun supporting her. His gaze fell on their intertwined arms, and his anger surged, “Du Bai, you-”

“Go after her, make sure she’s safe.” Though the words were complete, Du Bai had exerted all her strength to speak them, bearing immense pain. After speaking, blood spurted from her lips, leaving Wei Qingqian stunned as he stepped back, “Hurry-”

Snapping to his senses, Wei Qingqian realized, “You,” seeing her resolute eyes, all his words vanished, resigned, he turned and ran after her. He really didn’t understand what was going on.

Du Bai was desperately gasping for air, but blood kept oozing from her mouth, truly frightening Lian Yinyun, who stood frozen, unsure of what to do.

“Go fetch a doctor.”

Only when Du Bai spoke did Lian Yinyun come to her senses and stumbled out. Du Bai saw a familiar figure approaching her, smiled knowingly, and then fell into darkness.

When she woke up again, only Shen Yan was by her side, likely having sent Lian Yinyun away.

Shen Yan looked solemnly at Du Bai, who felt inexplicably guilty.

“Your wound has reopened.”

“I knew you would come to save me.” Flattery will get you everywhere.

“Why can’t you ever be less of a worry?” Shen Yan’s earlier solemn expression cracked, sitting helplessly beside the bed, muttering to herself, “Right, if you weren’t a worry, you wouldn’t be Du Bai.”

Du Bai raised an eyebrow, “What about changing to Du Ruo?”

Shen Yan paused, “Decided?”

“Du Ruo can’t turn back.” She couldn’t quite describe her feelings-anticipation mixed with despair. The cage around Du Ruo and Shen Yan meant they could only ever be friends.

“I’ve already abandoned everything now, what is there to turn back to?” She said, then smiled through her tears.

Seeing Du Bai’s smile, Shen Yan felt an indescribable bitterness inside. She knew she was heartbroken. Was she moved? Why couldn’t a little of that love be spared for herself?

“Your wounds aren’t healed, and there’s no rush to attend the banquet.” Shen Yan frowned-Du Bai was usually so composed; why was she so restless now?

“Don’t you think tonight is an opportunity? I’ve checked-Ji Feiling initially approached Tinna because he ran into issues with a major project, and the Liu family had the resources to resolve them. He came prepared today, aiming to secure several funds before his affair with Tinna becomes public. I couldn’t just let him have his way.” Du Bai adjusted her uniform in the mirror. “How do I look? Handsome, right?” The military attire, tailored to fit perfectly, enhanced Du Bai’s imposing appearance. “Luckily, it’s a military family gathering and not a business one, or I’d really be at a disadvantage.” Usually reserved, Du Bai’s joke, though gentle, carried a chill. Shen Yan frowned slightly. “Du Bai, if you’re hurting, just let it out. Don’t put on a brave face; it’s heartbreaking to see you like this, and yet I feel so helpless.”

Du Bai gave a wry smile. “Is it that obvious? I’m not pretending to be strong; I just remembered something someone once told me.”

You should smile often, even if it’s difficult, even if that smile is forced.

Shen Yan seemed to be waiting, but Du Bai had no intention of uttering those affected words, instead straightening Shen Yan’s attire. “I really envy you, being treated so freely as one of the boys.”

Shen Yan grasped the hands adjusting her collar, her eyes steady and shimmering as she looked at Du Bai. “Even if it’s enjoying someone else’s affection through their care for another, even if treated as a shadow, is it worth it?”

Du Bai met Shen Yan’s gaze unflinchingly, understanding it was Shen Yan’s inner demon. “At least you find joy in it, don’t you?” She said, opening her arms and walking out. Some things can be preached by others, but never fully explained; true liberation from constraints can only come from oneself. Others may speak volumes and do much, yet it’s all in vain.

The banquet was held at the Wei family’s residence, celebrating Old Wei’s birthday. Having spent a lifetime in the military, the Master detested the trappings of ostentatious luxury. His children decided to wear military uniforms to the celebration, a move that greatly pleased him, bringing a broad smile to his face. Now, Old Wei’s surviving family included his second son, Wei Wen, and the child of his deceased eldest son and daughter-in-law, Wei Qingqian. Wei Wen, having been in business for many years, had many guests from the business community, mostly in suits, bringing partners dressed in elegant, luxurious attire, starkly contrasting the occasion.

Among them was Ji Feiling. Du Bai glanced around; the man was clever, arriving without a female companion. It made sense-the Liu family had publicly claimed that Tinna was hospitalized due to illness, keeping other matters under wraps. It was only reasonable that Ji Feiling maintained appearances publicly.

Ji Feiling had always felt the scrutinizing gaze upon him, searching around until his eyes met Du Bai’s profound gaze. He glanced at her attire, and his eyes openly sneered without any attempt to conceal it. Du Bai raised an eyebrow, requested a glass of champagne from a passing waiter, and walked forward.

“Mr. Ji, I’m not sure if it’s me you look down upon, or just my outfit. The disdain in your eyes is quite thick,” she said, her tone smooth and devoid of any questioning harshness, yet it carried an intimidating, commanding presence. Ji Feiling’s internal alarms went off. Could he have been mistaken? Even a mistress maintained by someone else couldn’t possibly exude such an aura of invincibility and nobility. But there seemed nothing particularly extraordinary about her background.

Though Ji Feiling didn’t show it, Du Bai could somewhat discern the turmoil within him from his silence. She slightly lifted the corners of her mouth in a cold smile and said, “It seems Ms. Du Ruo is so insignificant that Mr. Ji doesn’t even bother speaking to her.”

Hearing the name Du Ruo, Ji Feiling was utterly shocked. “You-”

Du Bai didn’t give him any more time, sharply stating, “I’ll take my leave.” With that, she turned and walked away, her back straight, her mouth curving into a smile that seemed rather sinister.

Ji Feiling, my identity is clear, and my hostility towards you is fully revealed. You should always be on your guard. Enjoying your fear will become my greatest pleasure.

That scene must have been witnessed by many, I suppose. This circle never lacks gossips, and my disdain for you will spread far and wide. I fear your plans for tonight will not come to fruition.

“Gossip?” A calm and delicate voice stopped Du Bai in her tracks. The young man before her lacked his former arrogance; his handsome face was composed and restrained, not diminished by his fairness. “Or should I address you as Ms. Du?”

Du Bai looked at the youth before her, raising an eyebrow, “Rumor.” She glanced around, and indeed, Little Shui was nowhere to be seen.

Understanding what Du Bai was looking for, Rumor’s face soured slightly. “No need to look further, he saw me coming and hid away.”

“An officer hosting a banquet, and a thief comes to congratulate. You do chase with such boldness,” Du Bai imagined Little Shui’s livid face, having just suppressed his anger from questioning her earlier. “This guy picking this moment to show up, not being cannon fodder would be a waste, as if he could get a good reception.”

“Let it be, don’t mock me, we’re not in a position to talk. What’s the meaning of this, plotting something against that guy?” She finished, tilting her chin towards where Ji Feiling was standing.

Du Bai raised an eyebrow. “It seems that guy is your uncle, right?”

“Ah, to correct you, that guy is an uncle I barely know,” Rumor said, his voice dripping with annoyance.

“As far as I know, he does have some genuine skills. It’s just that he relies on the power of your family. He seems very measured, not to the extent of abusing others’ power. What makes you dislike him so much?”

Rumor knew Du Bai was fishing for information but chose to ignore it. After all, this wasn’t a secret, “He’s alright, not that annoying, but his mother’s behavior is truly detestable.”

Du Bai smiled knowingly. “I’m going to start a war with Ji Feiling. Whose side will you take?”

“Wow.” If the mood had been right, Rumor definitely would have whistled. “Pretty direct, huh?”

“I wanted to go about it indirectly, actually. I thought about asking you between two capable people, one right and one wrong, whose side you would take. You’d probably say it’s none of your business and just enjoy the show. So, might as well be straightforward,” Du Bai said leisurely, her demeanor elegant as if discussing the works of a new generation of painters, unspeakably graceful.

This woman is quite the pretender, “You really do know me well. So how could I disappoint you?”

Du Bai grinned broadly, “Then, thanks in advance.” She hadn’t planned to recruit him anyway; as long as he didn’t help Ji Feiling, that was enough. With that, both exchanged smiles and clinked their glasses, downing the drinks in one go.

Ji Feiling, restraining your arms is just the beginning. Take it slow, gradually encroach, it will all be very interesting.

The banquet was held at the Wei Family’s place, and encountering Wei Wen there was expected. Du Bai was not surprised at all upon seeing Wei Wen; his hair meticulously combed, his facial lines still resolute, with the barely visible scar on his forehead giving off a familiar eeriness. Du Bai raised her glass, “Aren’t you welcoming Du Ruo back to the country?”

Wei Wen frowned slightly, then chuckled, “Should the returning Du Ruo consider our marriage?”

Du Bai lowered her eyes, using her eyelids to shield her thoughts, unreadable to Wei Wen. She looked around the banquet briefly, “All the women here are looking this way.”

A seemingly random remark, Wei Wen tried to read Du Bai’s eyes but couldn’t grasp any thoughts.

“I think, in our generation, you’ve accomplished quite a bit, no wonder you’ve garnered so much attention.” Her tone remained light, unreadable. “Perhaps you would make a good husband.” Too bad not for me.

Wei Wen’s eyes sparkled, reflecting a similar gleam, “Are you saying-”

“I didn’t say anything,” Du Bai laughed, shaking her head. “Today is Old Wei’s birthday, Du Ruo is here just to celebrate, not to talk about romance.” After that, she picked up another glass of champagne, raised it to Wei Wen, and took a sip.

I’ve tried my best, but that’s all I can do. For now, this is enough.