Chapter 57: Wild Dodder (15)

Fu Jingyan understood the importance of balancing control and flexibility; sometimes, excessive scrutiny could provoke desperate actions akin to cornered dogs leaping for survival.

The relationships within the camp appeared harmonious on the surface, but no one could predict who would strike first. Although Zhu Zhan lacked foresight, his combat prowess was undeniably the highest among them. If he intended to overpower someone, most wouldn’t stand a chance against him. The twins held not only numerical advantage but also shared exceptional coordination between them. Extracting the truth from their mouths proved incredibly difficult.

Yanjing Fu couldn’t personally keep watch over all these individuals simultaneously, so his objective had always been clear—to uncover the hidden resources they were concealing.

While those men might be cautious around each other, they would never suspect the young lady.

Her vulnerability was strikingly apparent; she never guarded herself against Xuan Yiqing’s influence.

Fu Jingyan would provide ample time for the young lady to interact with the others, leaving it up to Xuan Yiqing’s capabilities thereafter. When it came to finding things, he consistently trusted her implicitly.

Zhu Zhan remained unaware of Fu Jingyan’s thoughts. After failing to extract information from the twins that night, Fu Jingyan adopted a laissez-faire attitude towards them.

Fu Jingyan’s hands-off approach made it challenging for Zhu Zhan alone to keep a close watch on the twins.

Zhu Zhan couldn’t afford to spend his entire day solely focused on them; he still needed to search for food, and most importantly…

“Do you want Little Ling to go hungry?” Fu Jingyan maintained his nauseatingly insincere demeanor, acting as if he were the only one genuinely concerned about Bai Ling. “Regardless of whether the twins obtained the food or not, as long as they privately feed it to Little Ling, I won’t interfere.”

Upon hearing this, Zhu Zhan burst out laughing, “Ha! Who knew you, Fu Jingyan, were such a romantic hero? Are you willing to let someone else have the young lady?”

“What alternative do you expect me to have?” Fu Jingyan countered. “We can control them physically, but as long as neither twin gives up their food or medicine, what happens to Little Ling?”

“You beat them up so badly, yet did they say anything?” Fu Jingyan’s expression turned cold. “They won’t reveal anything at all. The twins know that by staying silent, we can’t do much against them.”

“Fuck!” Zhu Zhan couldn’t help but curse. “All of you are fucking bastards!”

“If you could obtain resources like they do, you’d act similarly.” A faintly mocking smile played at the corner of Fu Jingyan’s mouth. “Ultimately, there isn’t much difference between you.”

To him, these individuals were all equally bothersome.

“Do you think you’re superior to us?” Zhu Zhan most detested Fu Jingyan’s lofty attitude; this man hadn’t done anything particularly virtuous either, so what gave him the right to play the hero?

Fu Jingyan didn’t respond to Zhu Zhan.

Of course, he was different from them—he had greater self-control and maturity. With Bai Ling by his side, she would receive the best treatment possible.

For several days, Duan Jiaze and Duan Jiayou felt Zhu Zhan’s constant scrutiny, which made their skin crawl. They nearly decided to strike first without any reservations. Fortunately, they always managed to slip away. They had agreed upon a meeting place with the young lady—the very spot where they fed her that night. When the young lady had free time, she could stay there, and whoever arrived first among the twins would feed her.

The advantage of splitting up was that they were less conspicuous. Combined with their habitual caution, no one discovered their movements.

Everything was much as before; they secretly fed the young lady, but now their time together was limited, and each encounter ended hastily with them leaving right after.

The only fortunate thing was that the young lady cooperated fully with their actions. She had become even more charming and well-behaved than before, making it increasingly difficult for the twins to accept Zhu Zhan and Fu Jingyan’s presence.

“We can’t always sneak around like this,” Duan Jiaze said. “With those two around, we can never feel at ease.”

Duan Jiayou agreed, “If not for them, taking the young lady out alone wouldn’t be a problem.”

“What methods could disable them?” Duan Jiaze knew brute force wasn’t an option—they needed another approach.

Duan Jiayou pondered. “Besides venomous snakes and insects on this island, there are various toxic plants too. We could find a way to make them accidentally ingest something harmful. If their health deteriorates, they likely won’t have the energy to keep tabs on us anymore.”

Duan Jiaze felt somewhat hesitant. “Is this really okay…”

The conditions on this island were so harsh; what if they couldn’t endure it and someone lost their life? What then?

Duan Jiayou clearly hadn’t considered this either. “Let’s think some more. If we really have no other options, then…”

Although undecided, the twins nonetheless picked a few wild mushrooms while out searching for food. They didn’t dare to collect the obviously poisonous ones, but the species of those they did gather remained unknown. However, they knew one basic fact—mushrooms become toxic when soaked for too long.

In particularly hot weather, the longer the mushrooms soak, the more likely they are to turn poisonous.

The twins concealed these wild mushrooms as a last resort.

If Zhu Zhan and Fu Jingyan didn’t cause trouble, they wouldn’t do anything. But if they did, well, it couldn’t be blamed on them…

After being entrusted with a crucial task by Fu Jingyan, Xuan Yiqing began closely observing Bai Ling.

Previously, seeing that the young lady mostly slept, she hadn’t paid much attention to Bai Ling. She never expected that the young lady was hiding something from her, which made Xuan Yiqing feel instantly deceived.

By keeping a close eye on Bai Ling, Xuan Yiqing began to notice some details she had previously overlooked.

Bai Ling appeared excessively clean and well-groomed; even if she merely slept every day without engaging in any activities, her appearance should not be this immaculate. Her cheeks were remarkably fair, not pallid or sickly white, but rather radiant with a healthy glow. Her hair remained smooth and glossy, still jet black and silky, unlike Xuan Yiqing’s own tangled strands stuck to her scalp. It wasn’t that cleanliness hadn’t crossed her mind, but washing hair with seawater only exacerbated the damage.

From head to toe, Bai Ling seemed meticulously cared for, as if someone was attentively tending to her needs. Even the water she drank had mint leaves added to it. There was no sign of hunger on her; instead, she looked exceptionally well-off—almost too comfortable… so much so that Xuan Yiqing started doubting whether they were truly stranded on the same deserted island. How could Bai Ling live such a luxurious and content life here?

“Lingling…” Xuan Yiqing gently held Bai Ling’s hands, hoping to lower her guard and uncover something revealing. “Is there something you haven’t told me?”

The young lady had always been unable to hide secrets from her. Upon being questioned, Bai Ling’s brows furrowed, and she lightly bit her lip, visibly becoming uneasy.

“Lingling, you’re my best friend,” Xuan Yiqing said, gazing at Bai Ling with a hint of disappointment on her face. “I used to believe that you trusted and relied on me, but now I’m not so sure. Do you truly consider me your friend?”

“Qingqing, you are my friend…” the young lady hastily responded, “But…”

“As friends, what is there that cannot be shared?” Xuan Yiqing’s expression turned serious. “If you can’t confide in me, our friendship will no longer stand.”

Such talk of ending their friendship deeply hurt Bai Ling.

Xuan Yiqing feigned indifference, preparing to walk away without acknowledging the young lady.

After hesitating for a moment, Bai Ling indeed called out to stop her.

“Qingqing, I can tell you, but…” The young lady lifted her head, tears welling up as she looked at her, “Can you help me?”

Xuan Yiqing sat back down next to Bai Ling. “What exactly is going on?”

“I’ve told you before, those people aren’t good!” The young lady’s body trembled slightly. “I have no choice, Qingqing; I must listen to them…”

This was not the first time Xuan Yiqing heard Bai Ling express such sentiments. Since arriving on the deserted island, Xuan Yiqing had advised Bai Ling to keep a low profile, and outwardly, Bai Ling indeed avoided interacting with others. However, during that stormy night, witnessing how everyone treated Bai Ling, Xuan Yiqing began sensing something peculiar.

Yet, after being surrounded by men vying for her attention, she dismissed these suspicions.

On this deserted island, food was paramount. Without it, why would anyone concern themselves with anything else?

But if, as Fu Jingyan claimed, their supplies were stolen, perhaps the twins, having obtained that food, might truly…

Xuan Yiqing hesitated to think the worst of people and signaled the young lady to continue her story.

However, what the young lady revealed turned out to be far more bizarre and exaggerated than Xuan Yiqing could have imagined.

“It started with Zhu Zhan. When he saw me alone in the woods, he came over to harass me.”

“Then there was Fu Jingyan. He held my medication, and since I want to survive, I had to go to him every night.”

“Finally, it was the twins. They discovered my relationship with Fu Jingyan and threatened me, forcing me to maintain relations with them as well.”

Tears streamed down the young lady’s face. “Recently, the twins took away all my medicine and food, insisting I obey their commands and wait for them at designated spots…”

Xuan Yiqing’s expression turned horrified. “What nonsense are you talking about…?”

She could understand Zhu Zhan; during that stormy night, he showed the most concern for the young lady. His relentless grip clearly indicated something troubling.

As for the twins… given their playful nature, wanting to pursue Bai Ling wasn’t surprising either.

But Fu Jingyan… how could it be possible? Why would he harbor such intentions towards Bai Ling?!

“Lingling, are your memories confused?” Xuan Yiqing searched for explanations, unable to fathom why the young lady would utter such absurdities. “Are you mixing up past events with what’s happening now?”

“You really don’t believe me!” the young lady sobbed. “That’s exactly why I didn’t tell you before, thinking you wouldn’t trust me…”

“This can’t be true…” Xuan Yiqing murmured, “Such developments are utterly abnormal…”

M577 fully understood the protagonist’s mindset; this turn of events was inherently abnormal, clearly indicative of a corrupted storyline.

However, m577 was more curious about the host’s “honesty”: [Why did you reveal these things to the protagonist?]

“Don’t you feel it’s rather pitiful that while everyone else knows the ‘truth,’ only the protagonist remains in the dark?” Tong Ling had always been fair and unbiased. “Besides, we should give her a chance to see how she chooses.”

In a soft voice, m577 responded: [I think she might be happier knowing nothing at all.]

Tong Ling countered, “But who made her my favorite Qingqing? I still hope she’ll choose me.”

After concluding her conversation with the system, Tong Ling turned to Xuan Yiqing. “I can take you, Qingqing, to the meeting place where I arranged to meet the twins. Once you witness what they do there, you’ll realize everything I’ve said is true!”

Xuan Yiqing recalled Fu Jingyan mentioning their need to find food. Even if Bai Ling didn’t voluntarily lead her, Xuan Yiqing would have secretly followed…

But with the young lady’s cooperation, it would undoubtedly be much easier. For now, Xuan Yiqing preferred not to dwell on extraneous thoughts and decided to accompany Bai Ling to the agreed-upon location the next day.

“I don’t know where they hide their food and medicine,” Tong Ling candidly told Xuan Yiqing. “Qingqing, once you find those items, could you please return the medicine to me?”

Xuan Yiqing did not refuse the young lady’s request. “Don’t worry, I’ll help you.”

Hiding nearby, Xuan Yiqing waited for the twins to arrive one by one, witnessing… witnessing those scenes unfold.

As described by the young lady, under the pretense of feeding her and administering medication, the twins took advantage of her in various ways. The young lady didn’t resist even slightly, allowing them to act as they pleased.

Should she believe what the young lady said? Believe that Zhu Zhan and even Fu Jingyan would engage in such behavior?

Xuan Yiqing’s emotions were incredibly conflicted. After secretly following the twins to discover the hidden location of food and medicines, she found herself unsure of what to do next.

Should she hand these items over to Fu Jingyan or…

“Qingqing, did you find it?” The young lady emerged, adjusting her dress. Her cheeks were flushed, eyes glistening with moisture, and her lips had an enticing hue. Even Xuan Yiqing felt momentarily captivated by her striking beauty.

Having such a vulnerable yet captivating girl on this deserted island, it was unsurprising that others might harbor improper thoughts.

Xuan Yiqing lowered her gaze and said apologetically, “Sorry, Lingling, they hid everything too quickly; I couldn’t find anything.”

“Really…” The young lady sounded disheartened. “What should I do? With this, I can’t possibly leave them…”

Xuan Yiqing’s tone remained calm. “If you truly want to leave, you could just run away. This island is vast; no one would find you for quite some time.”

“But I need my medication…” Bai Ling replied.

“Is your dignity less important than the medicine?” Xuan Yiqing couldn’t comprehend why Bai Ling had endured so much. Thinking about the possibility of Fu Jingyan treating the young lady similarly fueled her jealousy, causing her words to slip recklessly, “Or perhaps you enjoy being pampered and cared for? Would you show that same expression with anyone else? Are you so easily taken advantage of?”

“Qingqing…” Bai Ling seemed stunned by Xuan Yiqing’s outburst, staring at her blankly. “I…”

Realizing she had momentarily lost control of her emotions, Xuan Yiqing bowed her head and apologized, “I’m sorry, Lingling. I spoke out of line.”

“You’re so vulnerable, and I wish for you to learn how to refuse,” Xuan Yiqing said firmly, gripping Bai Ling’s hand. “Whether there’s medicine or not, find a way to leave here. You can’t stay any longer.”

Upon returning to the camp, Xuan Yiqing privately called Fu Jingyan aside.

She scrutinized the man before her closely; he was the most exceptional person she had ever met—handsome, with an outstanding background and a sharp intellect. Someone like him was far beyond the reach of her past self, and she genuinely admired him.

“I found where the twins were hiding food, just as you mentioned, Fu Ge. They were secretly sharing it with Lingling.” Xuan Yiqing couldn’t deny feeling jealous about Bai Ling being cared for in this manner. However, more importantly, she wanted to know if Fu Jingyan had done similar things himself.

“The twins towards her…” Xuan Yiqing struggled to articulate her thoughts, “Fu Ge, do you know what they did to Lingling…?”

Hearing Xuan Yiqing’s words, Fu Jingyan’s expression darkened. “Let’s set their actions aside for now; we need to retrieve the hidden food first.”

“Yiqing, could you show me where they stashed the supplies?” asked Fu Jingyan.

Xuan Yiqing replied, “No problem.”

Following Xuan Yiqing’s lead, Fu Jingyan arrived at the spot where the twins had hidden their items. He dug beneath the tree and uncovered all the stashed food. However, that wasn’t what Fu Jingyan sought; he continued digging deeper but still couldn’t find the crucial medicine bottle.

“Are you sure they only hid these things here?” Fu Jingyan turned to look at Xuan Yiqing.

Xuan Yiqing’s gaze flickered slightly, “Fu Ge, what else are you looking for? Didn’t you say they only stole food?”

Fu Jingyan’s eyes scanned Xuan Yiqing’s face before he let out a soft laugh. “Nothing, this is enough.”

On their way back, Fu Jingyan casually asked, “Yiqing, I wanted to inquire if Little Ling said something to you?”

Xuan Yiqing’s heart tightened, “N-no, nothing important.”

“Haven’t I ever told you that you’re the girl I admire the most?” Fu Jingyan’s lips curved gently, his smile as bright and cheerful as it used to be. “If we can survive and leave this deserted island, I should…”

His implication was…

Xuan Yiqing’s heart began to race again. Fu Jingyan’s smile held no trace of gloom; he seemed incredibly dependable. Xuan Yiqing was strong-willed, but on this island, she had truly endured much hardship. She too wished she could be cared for and cherished like Bai Ling…

“I don’t know what you think of me or if you consider me unreliable.” Fu Jingyan shook his head, “Never mind, why am I even saying this?”

“No, I believe in you,” Xuan Yiqing quickly responded. Unsure if she would get another chance with Fu Jingyan after this moment, she decided to advocate for herself just once. “Fu Ge… Little Ling told me something.”

“Oh?” Fu Jingyan tilted his head, appearing genuinely curious. “What did she say?”

“She claimed that, similar to the twins, you did something wrong to her.” Xuan Yiqing grasped Fu Jingyan’s arm urgently, pleading, “You didn’t do such a thing, right? I trust that you wouldn’t, isn’t it true?”

“That’s how she sees me?” Fu Jingyan furrowed his brows and gently patted Xuan Yiqing’s hand. “How could I possibly do anything harmful to Little Ling? Do you also think I’m the type of person she described?”

Xuan Yiqing hastily replied, “Of course not, I also don’t believe you would be that kind of person.”

“That’s good,” Fu Jingyan said with a gentle smile to Xuan Yiqing. “It doesn’t matter if others don’t trust me; as long as you do, it’s alright.”

After much internal conflict, Xuan Yiqing couldn’t resist and finally revealed, “Besides food, the twins had hidden a bottle of medicine…”

“Fu Ge, do you need this medicine?” Xuan Yiqing cautiously asked.

“The medicine is on you?” Fu Jingyan questioned.

Xuan Yiqing took out the medicine bottle from her pocket. “If you want it, I can give it to you.”

“No need, keep it with you.” Fu Jingyan showed no interest whatsoever in the medicine bottle. “Why would I require this?”

Fu Jingyan’s reaction greatly relieved Xuan Yiqing.

She thought perhaps Bai Ling might have been mistaken, and Fu Jingyan truly wasn’t that type of person.

“This evening, there’s something important I need to discuss with everyone.”

Fu Jingyan washed the wild vegetables gathered earlier and placed them in a pot to cook.

Xuan Yiqing sat at her usual spot, casting a glance towards Bai Ling beside her.

Xuan Yiqing knew what Fu Jingyan was about to say - it concerned the twins stealing food. As someone who valued team unity, she expected Fu Jingyan would impose some form of punishment.

The twins and Zhu Zhan all wore disgruntled expressions towards Fu Jingyan. “Just get straight to the point.”

Fu Jingyan distributed bowls of wild vegetable soup among everyone, including himself.

“Eat first, I’ll speak after we’re done.”

Unsure of Fu Jingyan’s intentions, Zhu Zhan finished his portion and asked, “So, what exactly do you want to say?”

After ensuring everyone had eaten, Fu Jingyan retrieved from his clothing the hidden stash of food belonging to the twins.

Upon seeing those items, the twins’ eyes widened instantly.

Zhu Zhan remarked incredulously, “Your efficiency… is quite impressive.”

“Xiao Zuo, Xiao You, not only did you steal everyone’s food, but you also committed inappropriate actions against Little Ling. On this matter… surely you won’t deny it?” Fu Jingyan walked over to Bai Ling, his smile gentle as he said, “Little Ling, today you can identify those who harmed you.”

“Don’t be afraid; they won’t hurt you again.”