Chapter 12: Too Many Scenes of Weeping, Utterly Exhausted

The sheet of paper that had fallen to the floor was written on, crossed out, and then rewritten. On the entire page, only three words appeared: “Yu Fuqing.”

Shen Yanghong was momentarily stunned. What was going on? Wasn’t it supposed to be Young Master Yu’s unrequited love? But Bai Lu liked him too. Then there was nothing to worry about; the matter of the debt could be set aside.

“Dad! What are you doing?!” Bai Lu stomped her foot in annoyance, quickly retrieving the paper along with the notebook, hugging them tightly to her chest.

A smug smile curled on Yu Fuqing’s lips. He watched the young girl with amusement. She glared at Shen Yanghong, then snuck a furtive glance at Yu Fuqing. Their eyes met, and her cheeks instantly flushed red.

It was the shy embarrassment of a girl awakening to love.

Before he could ask, she hurried to explain, “I—I… Little Lu was just writing a character profile!”

Not only was she denying it too much, she was irresistibly adorable.

Yu Fuqing suppressed his laughter. “Yes, Little Lu is writing a character profile—so diligent.”

Her cheeks grew redder and redder, until she finally bowed her head, not daring to look at him again.

How could a young girl’s heart allow her crush to see it laid bare?

Yu Fuqing thoughtfully changed the subject. “Uncle Shen, how is Little Lu? What did the doctors say? She fell from such a height—will there be any lasting effects?”

“No, no!” Shen Yanghong, as if reporting to his boss, carefully explained Bai Lu’s situation to Yu Fuqing.

After listening, Yu Fuqing’s heart ached with worry. “Fortunately Little Lu is alright. But how could the production crew let this happen? How could the lead actress be exposed to such danger?”

This television series was co-invested by Yu Xing Entertainment, one of the financiers. Yu Fuqing had every right to ask questions.

Shen Yanghong’s expression was odd; he hesitated and stammered, never giving a direct answer.

Yu Fuqing frowned suspiciously and looked at Bai Lu. His little girl’s expression was just as strange—she seemed to have much to say, yet dared not speak.

Yu Fuqing pressed, his tone sharper. “Uncle Shen, what really happened? Speak!”

He came from a distinguished background and had already been involved in company management while still in college. So, despite his youth, his anger carried authority.

Shen Yanghong’s heart trembled; steeling himself, he was just about to confess everything when Wu Liping charged in with Shen Xinluo.

Not surprising—not surprising at all. The mother and daughter had been eavesdropping at the door for quite a while; it was time for them to appear.

Bai Lu inwardly sneered, folding her arms as she leaned against the headboard. She was genuinely curious to see how the Shen women would try to distort the truth this time.

“Little Lu, it’s your mother’s fault—I favored your sister, always wanting to give everything to her. I realize my mistake now! I don’t dare ask you to forgive me, but I hope you won’t hate or distance yourself from your sister because of it. The favoritism was mine; your sister truly cares for you. She never meant to push you! Little Lu, you really misunderstood her!”

Contrary to expectations, Wu Liping didn’t twist the facts; she admitted everything and took all the blame upon herself, leaving Shen Xinluo spotless.

Wu Liping was ruthless, indeed.

Yu Fuqing could see through the character of Shen Yanghong and Wu Liping as clearly as a polished mirror. He didn’t even glance at Wu Liping, sitting quietly at Bai Lu’s bedside, saying nothing, his eyes solely on her.

It was clear Yu Fuqing didn’t care about the truth; he cared only about Bai Lu’s feelings.

Wu Liping gritted her teeth and seized Shen Xinluo’s chin. “Little Lu, see for yourself. Your sister, after being misunderstood by you, has already tried to prove her innocence with her own life—what more do you want from her? Little Lu, it’s right to resent your mother’s favoritism, but you mustn’t misunderstand your sister!”

Shen Xinluo said nothing, made no defense, just lowered her head and wiped her tears, crying so sorrowfully as to elicit pity. The bandage wrapped around her head had been removed, revealing a swollen and bruised forehead.

Bai Lu glanced at Shen Xinluo’s injury, blinked, and said, “Brother Fuqing, I’m hungry.”

She’d had enough of dramatic crying scenes today; she was tired and didn’t want to perform anymore.

Yu Fuqing nodded. “Uncle Shen, please trouble yourself to prepare dinner for me and Little Lu.”

From Bai Lu’s attitude, it was clear she still recognized Shen Yanghong. After all, he valued money above people, and Little Lu was of immense commercial worth—he cherished her, unlike Wu Liping and Shen Xinluo, whose jealousy was overwhelming.

Shen Yanghong nodded. “Young Master Yu, Little Lu, please wait a moment.”

Seeing Bai Lu refuse to respond, Wu Liping hardened her resolve and knelt before her.

Bai Lu panicked, reaching out to grab Yu Fuqing’s sleeve.

Yu Fuqing frowned. “Aunt Shen, what are you doing?”

Wu Liping said nothing, but began slapping herself hard, the sound sharp and clear. After a few blows, her cheeks were thoroughly swollen. Shen Xinluo stood by, crying desperately.

Wu Liping wailed, her voice breaking. “Little Lu, Mother is sorry! But your sister—she truly is innocent! She never intended to harm you! It was really an accident! Little Lu, do you really want to drive your sister to her death?”

Bai Lu’s eyes grew cold.

Not only was she being falsely accused, but now Wu Liping was trying to morally coerce her—forcing her to forgive Shen Xinluo!

Bai Lu didn’t even need to speak; she simply curled up on the hospital bed, hugging her knees, her small body trembling slightly. Yu Fuqing could not bear to watch.

Yu Fuqing said sternly, “Madam Shen, have some self-respect!”

For the sake of her daughter, Wu Liping was relentless. Kneeling on the ground, she kowtowed repeatedly to Bai Lu. “Little Lu, forgive your sister. It’s all my fault, I—”

Bai Lu screamed in fright. Yu Fuqing quickly gathered her into his arms, comforting her.

Shen Yanghong yanked his wife up. “Wu Liping! You’re a mother—human hearts are made of flesh, but you’ve hurt Little Lu again and again. I can’t tolerate it any longer! Do you know, just this afternoon Little Lu begged me to forgive you! She said she still wanted our family to be whole! And you? What are you doing?!”

He suddenly let go, and Wu Liping collapsed onto the floor.

Shen Yanghong’s tone was icy calm. “Wu Liping, you’re unfit to be a mother. I deeply regret choosing you for Little Lu and Xinluo. I can’t let you remain in their lives as their mother. Let’s divorce.”