Waterbound Love - Chapter 42

ands grasped firmly together. Even prepared mentally, facing the reality still made her heart ache uncontrollably. “Wait for me, I’ll come and be with you.” Even if it hurts, I’ll face it with you. I must have fallen for you completely by now.

“No need, I’ve already got the results,” Du Bai said, stopping in her tracks.

“I’m coming to pick you up,” Shen Yan said with an unprecedented firmness in her voice.

“Shen Yan, can we not do this?” Is it that over time, the heart gets used to the pain? Considering her own situation, Du Bai felt even more pity for Shen Yan, who cared even more than herself. “I need to take a walk. Come to my apartment tonight.” After saying that, she hung up the phone.

Listening to the busy tone coming from her phone, Shen Yan looked faintly at the device. Yes, the apartment, not home, she had never really entered her heart, had she? Even if she didn’t want to admit it, it was the truth. Shen Yan lit a cigarette, smoking one after another. That afternoon, the room was filled with a melancholic haze under the sunlight, as if draped in a light veil, indistinct. The belated sunset solidified into sadness.

After leaving the hospital and walking on the street, Du Bai saw a familiar face on the newspapers at the street corner and burst into laughter, buying a paper. She found a quiet corner in the park and sat down, the first thing she saw when she opened the paper was herself. It was indeed interesting, the current situation seemed really amusing.

Du Bai leaned back in her chair, quietly enjoying the sunlight, the wind blew the newspaper from her hand and it twirled a few times before landing on the ground.

The photo was taken the afternoon Shen Yan had brushed through Du Bai’s hair downstairs at Wei Wen’s house. It must be said, the journalist’s photography skills were quite high; the scene was beautifully captured, evoking many emotions. Du Bai had never seen herself look so tender. The headline boldly read, “Wei Corporation’s bride-to-be secretly meets with young Shen scion. Second-generation rich girl uses her charms to seduce talented youth.” The article was emotionally charged and overwhelmingly critical of Du Ruo.

Du Bai chuckled lightly. What’s gotten to you that you couldn’t resist, Ji Feiling? This is just an appetizer before the meal. You live too much by your own desires, imposing your thoughts on others. It’s precisely why you’re bound to fail. Do you really think you can turn defeat into victory with these baseless rumors? Trying to drive a wedge between Shen Yan, Wei Wen, and me? After working with Wei Wen for so long, you still don’t understand him. This way, you’re only hastening your demise.

“Big brother?” Du Bai answered her phone, seemingly forgetting that rumors spread fastest in this world.

Entering her home, Du Bai saw her elder brother sitting leisurely on the living room couch, sipping coffee while holding a newspaper. She raised an eyebrow, “I wonder if it’s considered trespassing when the mayor does it.”

Du Xing elegantly set down his coffee, ignoring Du Bai’s accusation. “Ruoruo, it seems this is waiting for your explanation,” he said, gesturing with the newspaper.

Du Bai changed into slippers and poured herself a glass of water, slowly pacing to the couch and sipping her drink.

“There’s nothing much to explain, it’s all detailed there.”

“Ruoruo,” Du Xing’s voice grew deeper as he tossed the newspaper on the table. “Don’t tell me this is another form of your rebellion, hurting Wei Wen to achieve what you want.”

Du Bai gave a bitter laugh, realizing how poorly her own family viewed her. She composed herself, “Since you’re convinced of that, why don’t I just show you?”

Du Xing slumped back into the couch, deeply sighing. He had spoken out of turn, likely upsetting his sister. He had always known her stubborn nature; if she said she would do something, she would. “Ruoruo, I’m sorry. I spoke out of line.”

Seeing her brother before her, Du Bai suddenly felt wronged, as if she had slapped someone only to hurt her own hand. She thought to herself how foolish she was; this was her family, who loved and protected her. “I’m sorry, brother. That stuff written there is all nonsense.”

Du Xing felt reassured by Du Bai’s words. She had never cared to explain herself, even as a child when their grandfather had severely punished her and she wouldn’t say why she had fought with someone. Now, perhaps, she had grown up.

“Brother believes you. Wei Wen has waited for you for so many years; it hasn’t been easy. Please, don’t hurt him anymore,” Du Xing said gently, his eyes full of affection.

After hearing this, Du Bai furrowed her brow. She truly didn’t understand what her brother was talking about and didn’t bother to ask further. Wait for oneself? Yes, to have children with someone else while waiting, that truly shows sincerity. “Brother, many of Wei Wen’s actions are with your consent, but why doesn’t he inform you about what he does? I know you mean well for me, but please don’t impose your thoughts on me. I love you very much and don’t want to hate you.” After speaking, Du Bai lowered her head, and the room fell into silence. Du Xing, upon hearing this, couldn’t help but frown. Had something unforeseen happened?

When she looked up again, Du Bai had regained her composure. “Brother, I want to ask you for a favor.” She said, gazing steadily at Du Xing, “I want a major crackdown on drugs in H City within a month.” The most effective place would have been her own S City, where with Shen Yan’s help, it would have been easy. However, although the Mayor of S City is a comrade-in-arms with her brother, there are no simple affections in politics. She couldn’t allow her brother to owe such a favor, she couldn’t gamble with his future.

Du Xing frowned, “Du Ruo, I don’t know what you’re up to, and I won’t ask. But this is no small matter, the balance of drug enforcement affects a city’s economic equilibrium.” Politics will never have clean air.

“I know, so just one month, one month would be enough. Consider it, consider it a gift for your little nephew.” Saying this, Du Bai gently touched her flat belly, a bitter smile appearing on her lips, her eyes half-closed, hiding the fierceness within. Ideally, three months would be best, but three months would be too risky for her brother.

“What?” Du Xing was clearly stunned. “Wei Wen’s?”

Du Bai bit her lip, trying to smile more joyfully, her eyes brimming with tearful sorrow as she nodded. Seeing this, Du Xing realized that Ruoruo’s expression showed only pain and helplessness, no love or joy. Perhaps he was too foolish. While not lacking in shrewdness, even the cleverest person can be overwhelmed by sudden circumstances, particularly when they partly consent and involve those they love most, leading to deep self-blame and incapacitated thought.

“I’m going to kill him,” Du Xing suddenly stood up, an irresistible rage emanating from him. His gold-rimmed glasses could not hide the murderous intent in his eyes.

“No,” Du Bai threw herself into Du Xing’s arms. “Brother, I know you mean well, I won’t blame you. Let’s not get entangled with him anymore, please. I really don’t want to see him again.” After speaking, she fell into deep silence.

In Du Xing’s embrace, a wicked smile bloomed on Du Bai’s lips. The tears were real; in her brother’s arms, all the suppressed grievances of this period were released, and after crying, she felt much lighter. But these tears were also the best tool to achieve her ends. Du Bai wouldn’t let go of anything that could be used, even herself. Ji Feiling, you are now in a desperate struggle; how can you still fight me?