Waterbound Love - Chapter 41

“Here, take this.” Shen Yan, having returned, handed Du Bai a box of pills along with a cup of water.

Du Bai looked at the medicine in her hand and chuckled lightly, “Did you just go out to buy this?”

“Yes.” Shen Yan nodded, her expression blank, uncertain of what face to put on.

Contraceptives-whether to prevent pregnancy or fate, it was unclear.

Du Bai took the pillbox, fiddled with two pills between her fingers, feeling their coolness seep directly into her heart, releasing bursts of a refreshing scent.

“I just realized, I can’t take these.” She then loosened her thumb and forefinger, dropping the pills. They bounced and struggled on the floor before finally settling into the carpet.

“You-” Shen Yan’s face turned ashen, unable to utter a word. Du Bai just smiled and said, “Perhaps there will never be a child, but if there is, wouldn’t it be a useful tool? It’s not just about rightfully stopping Wei Wen from troubling me-I’m confident I can make him devote himself to winning my favor. Why not enjoy it?” Du Bai walked up to Shen Yan, smoothing out her furrowed brow, “Don’t worry, I can’t bear to keep this child either. But for now, the pain it brings to others outweighs any harm I’ve done before.” Her smile spoke cruel words, yet it pierced deeply into one’s heart. Anyone daring to touch her would face the consequences.

Shen Yan had always known this was the true Du Bai, like a blooming poppy-enchantingly beautiful yet tranquil, hiding a lethal allure. And she, seemingly indulging in it, drinking poison to quench her thirst, yet powerless to change. Such is the human heart, such are emotions.

Shen Yan gazed at the woman before her, her sharp features, her pale complexion, her enchanting narrow eyes so intoxicating. Seeing those soft pink lips, she couldn’t help but lean in.

Du Bai saw Shen Yan’s approaching face but didn’t plan to dodge. Indifferently compliant, she always followed her instincts. Just as their lips were about to meet, a morning scene flashed in Du Bai’s mind, a fleeting shadow of malice, and she hurriedly moved away, “I’m sorry.” Being so tainted, why should she corrupt someone else?

A hint of disappointment flickered in Shen Yan’s eyes-still not possible? Then she smiled, showing her teeth. “It’s okay, I must have startled you.” It really is okay. I will wait for you, always waiting, indefinitely.

“By the way, how did it go with the investigation about Ji Feiling’s mom going to the hospital?” Du Bai asked, trying to break the awkward silence with a random topic.

Shen Yan didn’t expose her, “With everything that has happened recently, I forgot to tell you. I checked into it, and she did indeed visit Tinna’s room that day. There were witnesses who saw her on the 13th floor, which is a military VIP ward, and at that time, it was just the two of you. I think she must have gone to see Tinna, but I couldn’t find out what they talked about.”

A cold smile slightly lifted the corners of Du Bai’s mouth as she recalled Tinna’s words on the rooftop. “She said I’m filthy, a burden. Yes, filthy.” Those words were soft, bewildering, yet profoundly saddening.

“I think I might know what it is,” Du Bai snapped out of her memories, seeing Shen Yan’s worried look and gave her a reassuring smile, raising an eyebrow, “Summarize what kind of person she is.”

Shen Yan shrugged, thinking that Du Bai had asked for it.

“Hahaha, Shen Yan, you’re even more sarcastic than me.” After a moment, the laughter subsided, and she looked at Shen Yan, “My methods are never honorable, and I don’t even talk about morals or virtues. Knowing this, do you still want to stand by me?”

Shen Yan smiled softly, her gaze firm on Du Bai, “I thought you knew me well enough; have I ever been clean?”

Yes, we are both ruthless, you as a businessperson, all the more so, but you lose because you have a heart, and your character cannot be ignored. “I suddenly think drugs are a good thing,” Du Bai chuckled, “Set a trap for Ji Xianglan, find a clever guy for it.”

“I’ve already set the trap, probably ready to close in, just not as ruthless as you,” Shen Yan whispered, never having thought of not helping you, even if you didn’t permit it.

“Let’s not close the net yet, it’s not time. Do as I say, making it too light makes it easy for people to forget the pain once the wound heals, and it’s no fun playing it that way.”

“Ding-dong-ding-dong”

Hearing the doorbell, Shen Yan looked at Du Bai, who shook her head and shrugged, indicating she didn’t know who it could be.

Outside stood Rumor, who had shed his initial naivety and now carried an imposing aura.

Du Bai handed over a glass of water and quietly found a comfortable spot on the sofa to sit down.

Rumor glanced at the table and said, “I want to talk to you.” His tone implied that others could go about their business.

Du Bai raised an eyebrow, thinking, the kid is acting tough, but he can’t throw his weight around on my turf. Nestled against Shen Yan, she pretended not to understand, “Sure.”

Shen Yan, initially planning to leave, saw the situation and decided to stay, especially with the warmth and comfort in his embrace.

Rumor paused, then chuckled, “I thought you were planning to turn over a new leaf with Qingqian’s uncle. It seems there’s more to the story. But the outcome is always good.”

Du Bai snickered quietly. What does he know, yet here he is, trying to act tough? It’s funny, considering very few people know Shen Yan is a woman, hardly more than a handful.

“This hardly seems like a reason for you to seek me out. I certainly don’t think you have a crush on me.” I might be narcissistic, but not to the point of madness.

Ignoring Du Bai’s sarcasm, Rumor coldly laughed, thinking perhaps he was being blamed for his inconsistency in helping Ji Feiling, then making a rash decision in frustration, thinking Du Bai wanted him to draw Qingqian to her side. “Let’s cut to the chase,” he said. “You could get rid of Wei Wen and Shen Yan together. I’ll take care of Ji Feiling until you’re satisfied. How about that?” After speaking, he lit a cigarette and leaned back on the sofa, smoking.

“It’s a tempting offer, Rumor, you really are looking out for me.” But such threats are hardly pleasant. Besides, isn’t it better to live happily in the sunshine? Why drag her down with you? “But there are many things Du Ruo prefers to handle herself, even if it means going down with the ship.”

Rumor gave a bitter smile, “Although I can be overbearing, I’m not one to act recklessly based on emotions. Some mistakes, I only allow myself to make once.” With that, he left. It wasn’t out of fear; even if you brought your background to fight me to the death, I wouldn’t care. It’s just pointless. Ji Feiling isn’t worth it.

After Rumor left, Du Bai and Shen Yan exchanged a smile, seeing the overwhelming victory that seemed to be on the horizon.

“I will let him know the despair of disaster following closely one after another,” Du Bai said, her gaze drifting far away, as if speaking to herself, but also as if making a promise to someone else.

Tinna, forgive me, I can’t come to see you before I avenge you. Just one look would be enough, but I’m afraid I wouldn’t be able to hold back from removing the tubes and freeing you myself. The time isn’t right yet. I can’t face you, nor can I face myself.