Chapter 68 Counterattack05

Lin Shuicheng, with a gentle smile ever present on his lips, listened attentively as Lu Shengwen spoke to him, occasionally sipping on his wine.

Behind them, Lu Shengwen and Yan Zi were so engrossed in their conversation that they decided to draft a contract on the spot. Their secretaries and assistants hurriedly prepared the documents. Lu Shengwen's curiosity was thoroughly piqued. With Lin Shuicheng's verbal assurance, he was afraid that the path for Medical Essence might be completely blocked by the Su family. Even if it was a trap, he was willing to take the risk and forge ahead!

Partnering with the Su family is by no means a disadvantageous proposition. The reason he had been hesitant all along was merely because he was unwilling to forgo the possibility of assimilating the Su family's market share.

Fu Xue rose from his seat with a pale countenance, an evident air of distress etched on his face.

With both executives off to sign the contract, Su Yu finally let out a sigh of relief and began to enjoy his steak in a relaxed manner.

As he ate, he spoke to Lin Shuicheng, "Sister-in-law, you've done us a tremendous favor this time. That book can't be given to us for free. Our consultants' annual salaries start at two million, and there are three types of patent buyout contracts. My mother will definitely offer you a graduated profit-sharing contract, equivalent to your technological investment. I'll transfer you several million as a good faith deposit later. Really, Sister-in-law, don't be too modest with us. You deserve every penny; otherwise, our Su family would feel unworthy of your generosity. We have principles."

Lin Shuicheng lowered his head and smiled softly, but it seemed distant, as if such occurrences were common and didn't elicit much excitement. "Thank you."

"Also…" Seeing that Lin Shuicheng had smiled, Su Yu gained some courage. He noticed that Fu Luoyin was still watching their direction, making him a bit nervous yet sincere as he whispered into Lin Shuicheng's ear, "About what you mentioned earlier, chasing me... heh heh, I think it's not necessary. I know you're kind to me, but the favor you did today has already been repaid. Besides, we're all friends, so why dwell on such details? And, Sister-in-law, your feelings for me aren't those of a lover, right? I still want to find someone I love, who loves me back, that's when marriage becomes meaningful."

Lin Shuicheng replied, "Mm."

Looking at Su Yu's earnest expression as he tried to explain, almost afraid of hurting him, Lin Shuicheng couldn't help but smile again.

Su Yu inquired with curiosity, "What are you smiling about, Sister-in-law?"

"Very much like E-E," Lin Shuicheng observed him quietly. "If E-E had grown up normally, he would likely be as likable as you."

Initially, Su Yu hadn't been affected, but with Lin Shuicheng's gentle gaze and tone, he couldn't resist the allure, his heart pounding fiercely.

Feeling embarrassed, Su Yu said, "I-I'm actually two years older than you, Sister-in-law..."

Pushing his untouched food towards Su Yu, Lin Shuicheng replied, "Have more. I'll go out for some fresh air."

As Lin Shuicheng stood up to leave, Fu Luoyin also rose from his seat, involuntarily following in his direction.

Fu Luoyin couldn't quite explain why, but it seemed that Lin Shuicheng was like a magnet, drawing his attention at all times, becoming the center of his world.

The entire table was focused on the conversation between Lu Shengwen and Lin Shuicheng, but Fu Luoyin's attention was solely on Lin Shuicheng.

He noticed that throughout the morning and into lunch, Lin Shuicheng hadn't touched a single bite.

Lin Shuicheng had selected some stir-fried rice and side dishes according to his previous preferences, but these items remained untouched on the table. Although it appeared as if he was using utensils to pick at the food, in reality, Lin Shuicheng was merely using a clean spoon and fork to rearrange the presentation without actually consuming anything.

Lin Shuicheng didn't touch a single bite of food but kept drinking instead.

Fu Luoyin had no idea why he was fixating on such matters at this moment, just as he always found himself nagging about Lin Shuicheng going to bed with damp hair. He simply felt that it mattered.

He was someone with a gastric condition; he knew how terrible it was to drink on an empty stomach. It was clear that Lin Shuicheng wasn't much of a drinker either; otherwise, how could he have gotten drunk and been taken away by Fu Luoyin back then?

The more Fu Luoyin thought about it now, the more he believed their encounter was nothing short of miraculous – that he happened to come across the stubborn Lin Shuicheng in his drunken state, that he took a liking to him at first sight, and waited for him in the parking lot. Back then, he had just left Sector Eight and hadn't decided when to return to Star City. If Lin Shuicheng hadn't gotten drunk that day, would his impression of him have merely stopped at "a rather good-looking student"?

He had never been one to take the initiative in pursuing someone.

Otherwise, where would he have met Lin Shuicheng?

He simply wanted to talk to him again.

He was annoyed just by seeing him and hearing his voice now, but he still yearned for another conversation with him.

As lunchtime arrived, the guests started to leave for their accommodations, preparing to rest for the afternoon before the evening banquet and ball – the Su family had set up a dance floor, offering a range of venues from classical ballroom to rock music spots for relaxation and entertainment. In addition, there were outdoor beach barbecues, skydiving, and artificial ski slopes available.

Lin Shuicheng didn't linger at any of these places nor pay attention to his surroundings. He seemed lost or unsure of where he was headed. Following about fifty meters behind, Fu Luoyin saw Lin Shuicheng head towards the beach.

The artificial island's sandy beach was clean and soft. Lin Shuicheng wandered aimlessly for a while before sitting down to stare into space.

The sea breeze blew, and they were the only two people on the deserted beach.

Lin Shuicheng didn't notice him. He gently buried his head in his arms, as if he were dozing off, looking as pitiful as a leader who had no food to eat.

But when the leader was hungry, it would wag its tail and come to him for food. Lin Shuicheng wouldn't utter a single word.

As Fu Luoyin looked at his back, he had a feeling for the first time: he didn't understand Lin Shuicheng, and he had no idea what Lin Shuicheng was thinking.

Despite having read through all of Lin Shuicheng's files and memorized every adorable word that could pierce one's heart, he still had no clue what Lin Shuicheng was thinking now.

This feeling made him even more angry and frustrated.

Fu Luoyin strode over and plopped down next to Lin Shuicheng, shoving a bag of hot congee and sushi rolls he had just packed from the banquet into Lin Shuicheng's arms.

Since Lin Shuicheng was leaning forward with his head resting on his knees, Fu Luoyin considered the angle and rolled the packaging bag into a shape that wouldn't scratch Lin Shuicheng's face, squeezing it under Lin Shuicheng's arm.

Lin Shuicheng snapped out of his reverie and looked up at him, questioningly.

Fu Luoyin's expression was somewhat grim — he also realized that he had just acted rather foolishly. Thus, with a stern face, he said, "Eat something, Lin Shuicheng, or people might think I've dumped you and that you're heartbroken to the point of skipping meals."

Lin Shuicheng looked down at the bag in his arms but didn't move or speak.

Seeing that he was about to sigh, Fu Luoyin smiled first, though it was a rather forced smile. "I know it's not because of me, but you should still eat properly, Lin Shuicheng."

Lin Shuicheng seemed tired and didn't say much. He opened the bag and began to eat.

Fu Luoyin watched on.

Eating had seemingly become an insurmountable challenge for Lin Shuicheng. He took a small bite of the sushi roll, chewed it slowly, and then swallowed with a blank expression, his actions mechanical.

Drinking the congee was even more painstaking. The pork and century egg congee Fu Luoyin had brought for Lin Shuicheng came in a transparent, sealed cup. After several sips, Fu Luoyin doubted that Lin Shuicheng had consumed even a third of the straw's capacity.

Furrowing his brow, Fu Luoyin asked, "Are you unwell? Your appetite is so poor?"

"No," Lin Shuicheng denied promptly, changing the subject. "What brings you here this time?"

Fu Luoyin choked again before responding, "To bring you food."

"Delivered. Thank you, you can go now," Lin Shuicheng said. "I'd like to be alone for a while."

He rubbed his temples, unable to conceal the fatigue in his eyes.

Looking at Fu Luoyin, he noticed that the other had no intention of leaving, so he stood up and brushed off the dust from his clothes.

Fu Luoyin promptly rose to his feet and took a deep breath. "Can't I even talk to you, Lin Shuicheng? Do you treat all your admirers this way? Why is it that someone named Han can enter your home and take pictures of you? You opened the door in a white T-shirt—what if he had ill intentions?"

Lin Shuicheng spoke softly, "Are you pursuing me, Fu Luoyin?"

Fu Luoyin was taken aback.

—Was he pursuing Lin Shuicheng?

He almost immediately denied it. "How could that be? I don't have feelings for you. I..."

He found himself struggling to continue as he saw Lin Shuicheng smiling gently.

That smile was open and pure, as if all his thoughts had been seen through like a child's, leaving only an unyielding and cold adult unfazed.

"I'm merely reminding you that you still owe me two favors. I don't have feelings for you, so why would I pursue you if I were out of my mind?" Fu Luoyin said coldly. Lin Shuicheng took a step forward, and he followed suit, not leaving his side for an inch. "But why not? You haven't answered my question yet. Why did you say you're pursuing Su Yu?"

"Because, later on, the Su family did me a favor," Lin Shuicheng replied. "Su Yu is well aware that I don't have romantic feelings for him, and likewise, he doesn't for me. Such a relationship wouldn't affect his future life significantly."

They arrived at the entrance of the arranged hotel. Lin Shuicheng walked in and pressed the elevator button. Fu Luoyin unhesitantly squeezed in with him.

Again, they were in a confined space, and he could smell the fragrance on Lin Shuicheng's body—the same scent of shower gel. Did Lin Shuicheng still use that shower gel after moving away?

With great effort, Fu Luoyin suppressed the urge to pull Lin Shuicheng into his embrace. He repeated, "No romantic feelings, yet you want to repay your debt by offering yourself? Lin Shuicheng, you owe me more than you do Su Yu. Why can't it be me?"

Why couldn't it be him?

Han Huang could, Su Yu could—why not him?

Why did Lin Shuicheng leave him halfway through their living together?

The elevator dinged open, and Lin Shuicheng stepped out, softly saying, "Go back, Fu Luoyin. You're acting like a stubborn child right now."

Fu Luoyin's gaze turned terrifying in an instant. He clenched his fists and asked in a low voice, "What did you just say?"

He was so exasperated that he almost laughed. He had no idea how Lin Shuicheng could still infuriate him further.

"I heard you. I'm really tired," Lin Shuicheng said. "Thank you for the congee and sushi. I'll be heading back to my room."

As Lin Shuicheng swiped his room card, Fu Luoyin paused right outside his door.

He watched as Lin Shuicheng opened the door, his movements pausing slightly.

The bed in the room faced the entrance, visible from the outside. A clean piece of silk covered the bed, with a bunch of pink preserved flowers arranged on top.

The pink, cheerful blooms were clean and soft, concealing a blooming rose within.

At that moment, Fu Luoyin's heart beat a little faster.

He recalled instructing Zhou Heng to leave a bouquet of flowers in Lin Shuicheng's room before he came over, as Lin Shuicheng might appreciate it. Last time, when he sent Lin Shuicheng flowers, he received a thank-you message via text.

Given how fiercely this little kitten had treated him today, would seeing the flowers make things better?

He observed Lin Shuicheng walk step by step towards the flowers, then gently embrace them in his arms. A hint of anticipation couldn't help but surface in the depths of his eyes.

A large bouquet of eternal sakura flowers was in Lin Shuicheng's arms, complementing his complexion beautifully. He was fair, and the pink of the flowers exuded vitality, blending seamlessly with his clean aura – it was a delightful sight.

Lin Shuicheng carried the flowers out and bent down to place them on the ground outside the room. Holding the room card, he looked at Fu Luoyin. "Room 313 at Star Alliance Luxury Hotel."

Fu Luoyin was taken aback.

"I don't appreciate my personal space being intruded upon, nor do I wish for something similar to happen again in the future—like finding myself unable to enter a room booked for me, forcing me to stay in 313, only to discover someone waiting for me there," Lin Shuicheng said. "I'd appreciate it if you kept the flowers for yourself."

He closed the door behind him.

Back in bed, Lin Shuicheng lay quietly, staring blankly at a point in mid-air.

There was no sound from outside; Fu Luoyin must have been furious.

After a long while, he struggled to sit up and fumbled for his phone, instinctively opening the search page.

Previous searches: Winter Chestnut City flights and train tickets.

Search result: No available tickets at the moment.

Previous search: Redirect to Server Website - Attempting connection to Harbor Forum - This forum is expired and closed. Please try again.

No matter how many times he tried or what methods he employed, he couldn't access that forum. All he could see from the snapshot was the post's title: "Damn it! Something huge just happened at the Harbor!..."

That was the closest he had ever come to uncovering what he sought to know.

Lin Shuicheng's fingers trembled slightly. After a moment, he abruptly raised his hand and slammed his phone violently against the wall!

The edge of the wall was covered with a flexible wallpaper, so instead of shattering as expected, the phone merely thumped to the ground with a dull sound.

Lin Shuicheng's eyes were bloodshot. After taking a deep breath, he got out of bed to retrieve it. The anger and gloom he had been suppressing threatened to overwhelm him once more, making him feel like a cluster of atoms adrift in the darkness, disconnected from gravity.

A knock on the door sounded. "Lin Shuicheng?"

It was Fu Luoyin's voice.

Fu Luoyin hadn't left yet.

Hearing the commotion inside, Fu Luoyin's hoarse voice suddenly turned anxious. "Lin Shuicheng? What's wrong with you? Did something happen?"

Lin Shuicheng wanted to reply that he was fine, but all the pent-up emotions had surrounded and overwhelmed him, leaving him unable to utter a single word. His vision was filled with swirling illusions, gray figures moving back and forth, bright light shining in his eyes, and warm blood splattering on him.

—And the deafening crash that shattered his world.

After trying to open the door a few times, Fu Luoyin resorted to kicking it down. He immediately saw Lin Shuicheng kneeling on the ground, holding his phone in a daze.

He rushed over and knelt down beside him, pulling Lin Shuicheng into his arms. His voice was laced with concealed panic and anxiety. "What's wrong with you, Lin Shuicheng? What's going on?"

Lin Shuicheng gasped for air, still unable to speak. In a fit of nerves, he bit his fingers relentlessly, biting hard and fiercely. Blood seeped from his wound, but even the pain couldn't dispel the illusions before his eyes.

Fu Luoyin was both startled and furious. "What are you doing, Lin Shuicheng?!"

He grabbed Lin Shuicheng's hand, holding his wrist with one hand. Seeing that Lin Shuicheng was about to bite his lip again, he reached out, his fingertips gently brushing across Lin Shuicheng's lips before accurately lodging them between his teeth.

"It's alright now," Fu Luoyin said, despite being bitten fiercely and showing no sign of letting go. Yet, his expression remained calm and gentle. "It's alright, Lin Shuicheng, little kitten. I... I'm here."