Since Lin Fang had altered her appearance, the shop assistant didn’t recognize her and instead muttered under his breath, wondering how such a pretty girl dared to be with someone who had a face as cold as ice.
Upon entering Qiyue County, they found a sheltered spot where Sun Siyuan called Zhou Hong. He learned that Qin Ran still hadn’t been found, though Guo Hongping had returned to the resort the previous night. According to Guo, she and Qin Ran had just stepped out of the school gate when Qin received a phone call. After hanging up, Qin said she had something to attend to, and they parted ways. Guo had no idea where Qin had gone.
Strangely, Zhou Hong didn’t mention Qin Yi’s attempt to capture Guo Hongping. Logically, Qin Yi had left the provincial capital the previous morning and should have arrived in Qiyue County by nightfall. If his mission was to apprehend Guo, there should have been some movement by now.
Lin Fang tried calling Qin Yi, but his phone was turned off. Puzzled, she called Lin Guicheng: “Uncle Cheng, are you sure Officer Qin came to Qiyue County?”
Lin Guicheng’s voice came through the phone: “Fang’er, I’m sorry. I lied to you. Officer Qin did recognize me before the confrontation with Fu Hongxia’s people, but after the fight, he left—to pursue Fu. I don’t know where he went. Before leaving, he told me to protect you, and the safest way to do that was to make sure no one recognized you.”
“Why would you do this?” Lin Fang’s tone was icy. She hadn’t expected Lin Guicheng to set a trap for her—one she had walked right into without resistance.
Lin Guicheng sighed. “Fang’er, I meant no harm. I just wanted you to take Wood with you. That boy may seem quiet, but he understands everything. He’s stubborn, always putting me first, living as if he has no self of his own. The only way to get him to leave me without suspicion was to deceive you both.”
“So, Uncle Cheng, you’ve already left the provincial capital?” Lin Fang’s tone softened slightly. She realized she’d need to be more cautious in the future, even around those close to her.
Lin Guicheng replied, “After you left, I took Yuan’er and left. We’re already out of the province. Don’t ask where we’re going—I don’t even know myself. Once we settle somewhere, Yuan’er and I will change our names, though we’ll keep the surname Lin. We might meet again someday.
The ancient books in my study were meant for you, as instructed by Master Zixing. Don’t ask me why—I don’t know either. I had planned to give them all to you once I collected the entire set, but things changed. If I get the chance, I’ll keep searching for the remaining books.
Also, the story about Hongping colluding with Fu Hongxia was fabricated, but she has indeed turned against you. Check your financial records for this year, and you’ll see. As for why she did it, I don’t know. Wood has been investigating—ask him if he’s found anything.
One more thing—I was the one who ordered Lan Xiang’s leg to be broken. Before we first met at the antique book restoration shop, the old monk had already told me about your family situation. My people followed you when you went out for walks after being discharged from the hospital. You were still recovering and not very alert, so you didn’t notice.
I knew all about your conflict with Lan Xiang and what was said between you. I won’t tolerate anyone disrespecting a member of the Lin family, so I had her leg broken. When Wood went with you to repay her debt, she insulted you, and he shattered her jaw. That was an accident, but she brought it upon herself.”
Lin Fang was about to respond when a large hand reached out, and she handed the phone over.
Sun Siyuan held the phone to his ear but remained silent. Lin Guicheng continued, “Tell Wood that aside from the collection of ancient books, I’ve left everything else to him. He should live well and not look for me.
I wanted him to have a normal life—marriage, children, happiness. But if he stayed with me, he’d never have that.
Don’t rush to remove your disguise. It won’t come off easily. Instead, take on a new identity and return to the Lin Group with Wood. Use this chance to clean house. As for what identity to take, that’s up to you.
I bought another villa, meant as a wedding gift for Wood. He knows where it is, but I never told him its purpose.
Last night, you mentioned that Qin Ran is General Qi’s sister. I already knew that. As the vice principal, how could I not know about a teacher at the school? I even had Qin draft my will—it’s still in her possession. She’s currently at the villa. General Qi asked me to protect her until Fu Hongxia is caught.
Fang’er, when I altered your appearance, I explained the method, process, and precautions to you. Use the same technique to disguise Qin Ran—it’ll make things easier for both of you.
Since coming to this world, I’ve spent years building my career without truly experiencing it. I had planned to hand everything over to Wood after his wedding and travel while I still could. But Yuan’er’s sudden appearance forced me to leave early.
Fang’er, don’t let Wood’s stoic demeanor fool you—he’s simple at heart. Look after him in the future.”
“Fang’er, are you listening?” Lin Guicheng waited for a response, but when none came, he asked again.
Sun Siyuan’s lips trembled, but he stayed silent. Lin Fang had heard everything clearly. Seeing his state, she decided not to interrupt.
“Wood?” Lin Guicheng finally sensed something was wrong.
“Boss.” That was all Sun Siyuan said before falling silent again.
After a pause, Lin Guicheng sighed. “Wood, it’s not that I don’t want you anymore. Remember, Pi Xinhong—now Lin Yuan—is your sister. The two of you are siblings.”
“Take care, Boss.” Sun Siyuan handed the phone back to Lin Fang.
When she put it to her ear, all she heard was a long sigh before the call ended.
Lin Fang wanted to comfort Sun Siyuan but felt words were useless. His entire life had revolved around Lin Guicheng, and now, with him gone without a trace, Sun Siyuan had lost his purpose. She didn’t know how to console him.
The silence grew oppressive. Sun Siyuan’s face remained expressionless, but his aura betrayed his grief. Lin Fang couldn’t bear to see him like this.
“Brother Sun, since you and Lin Yuan are siblings, you don’t have to call me ‘Miss’ anymore,” she said, breaking the silence.
Sun Siyuan stared deeply at her. “Lin Fang, I’ll always protect you.”
The sudden change in his address made Lin Fang suspect this was all an act between him and Lin Guicheng. Firmly, she replied, “Don’t give me too much.”
Sun Siyuan shook his head. “I’ll protect you like Lin Yong and Lin Tuo did.”
Knowing how stubborn he was, Lin Fang met his gaze seriously. “Brother Sun, I know how you feel, but I advise you not to invest too much in me. It won’t lead anywhere.”
“The Boss already explained this to me. I won’t obsess over it. But because you trust me, I’ll keep protecting you—not because he ordered it, but because I want to. My feelings are mine; yours are yours. There’s no conflict.”
Lin Fang was stunned. If she hadn’t heard it herself, she wouldn’t have believed such words came from the usually silent “Wood.”
“Alright, let’s go to your villa. Qin Ran’s been alone there all day—we should check on her.” Not knowing how to argue with someone as single-minded as Sun Siyuan, she changed the subject, deciding to revisit the matter later.
On the way, Lin Fang asked Sun Siyuan what he’d uncovered about Guo Hongping’s betrayal.
“The Boss said that if this were a household matter, Guo Hongping’s actions would count as infighting. Unfortunately, she’s fighting alone—her so-called rival doesn’t even care about what she’s after.” Sun Siyuan repeated Lin Guicheng’s words, though he didn’t fully grasp their meaning.
“I see.” Lin Fang stopped and made a few calls.
True to his nature, Sun Siyuan waited silently. But this time, Lin Fang explained without being asked:
“Brother Sun, I’ve frozen all the funds in my business accounts. Guo Hongping, Rouqiu, and I are nominal partners, but her initial investment was negligible, so her access to funds was limited. Her scheming this past year hasn’t hurt my business. Whatever she took, I won’t pursue it. From now on, we’re done.”
“Do you want to know what Uncle Cheng meant? Or why Guo Hongping did this?”
Sun Siyuan remained silent, but Lin Fang pressed on: “A man likes me, but I don’t like him. Guo Hongping likes him, but he doesn’t even glance her way. So, she turned her hatred toward me, plotting revenge by embezzling funds. But the ‘war’ was one-sided—I don’t care about the man she’s fighting over.”
Seeing Sun Siyuan deep in thought, Lin Fang continued, “You know me—I’m not the forgiving type, nor do I let people walk over me. But I won’t waste energy on petty grudges.
These past few years, while Rouqiu and I were in school, Guo Hongping handled most of the business errands. What she took was her due—but nothing more. She betrayed me, and I won’t give her another chance. If she doesn’t stop, she’ll pay.
And don’t say things like ‘my feelings are mine, yours are yours.’ It’s precisely that kind of self-sacrificial mentality that sparks pointless conflicts between women. Brother Sun, if something has no future, let it go. Find someone who truly loves you. Otherwise, the fallout could hurt more than just you.”
With that, Lin Fang rode ahead, leaving Sun Siyuan standing there, stunned.
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