Chapter 14 Splash It on Him

Now, let us speak of Lin Tianyou and his companions.

As they ascended the stairs, they saw Mrs. Gu standing outside the door, directing the servants as they moved things. When Mrs. Gu turned around, she caught sight of these radiant children.

“Godmother,” Lin Xi approached her, calling out sweetly.

Mrs. Gu gazed at Lin Xi—so graceful, lively, and cheerful—and couldn’t help but feel her eyes redden with emotion.

The Lin and Gu families had been close for generations; when tragedy struck years ago, the Gu family was among the first to know. Out of respect for Lin Tianyou’s wishes, they helped conceal the news of Mr. and Mrs. Lin’s passing. With the elders of the Lin family gone, there were no uncles or aunts left, so they once suggested sending Lin Xi to the Gu family for care. But Lin Tianyou politely refused and sent her abroad instead.

Thus, every year the Gu family would visit, fearing such a wonderful child might fall into despair. But Lin Xi, traumatized, eventually lost her memory—a blessing in disguise, allowing her to live her days in happiness, untouched by past sorrow.

“Godmother, you always get like this when you see me. Next time, I won’t dare come!” Lin Xi pouted.

Mrs. Gu gently stroked her long hair. “Godmother is just happy! You’ve finally returned home.” Unable to help herself, she embraced Lin Xi.

“Godmother, when I came back, you were traveling abroad. I didn’t even get to surprise you!” Lin Xi teased her deliberately.

Lin Tianyou and the others laughed quietly.

Gu Yao couldn’t stand the sentimental scene. “Oh, Mom! Xiao Xi! You two will have plenty of time to chat. We’re here to celebrate Dad’s birthday!”

“Yes, Mom, cheer up!” An Shiying stepped forward and patted Mrs. Gu’s shoulder, comforting her.

Mrs. Gu smiled, holding her daughter’s hand in one, her daughter-in-law’s in the other.

“Good, good! With all of you here, how could I not be happy?” Mrs. Gu finally laughed. “Quick, go in! Your father is waiting!”

“Godfather, Xiao Xi is coming in!” Lin Xi poked her head through the door.

Mr. Gu had heard the voices outside, but didn’t interrupt. His stern demeanor often made the children uneasy, only Lin Xi was unafraid.

Led by Lin Xi, the party entered.

There sat Mr. Gu in his chair, reading the newspaper, his back straight, imposing without being harsh.

Everyone composed themselves, even Gu Yao, who acted like a tamed tiger, waiting for the inevitable lecture.

“Enough, you,” Mrs. Gu said bluntly. “You’re just putting on airs, but I know how happy you are inside!”

Lin Tianyou and the others chuckled quietly.

Mr. Gu’s face reddened; he coughed heavily into his fist, casting a disgruntled glance at his wife, but not daring to glare.

“Godfather, may your days be bright as the sun and moon, your longevity like the pine and crane, prosperity and health, youth everlasting.” Lin Xi stepped forward, hands clasped in salute, reciting all in one breath to amuse Mr. Gu.

Sure enough, Mr. Gu was taken aback, but his stern expression quickly melted, and he burst into laughter. “Ha ha ha! You clever little sprite, with such wishes, I’ll become an immortal monster!” He reached out and tapped Lin Xi’s forehead.

The others laughed aloud.

“Xiao Xi always knows how to please!” Mrs. Gu said to the children behind her, hinting they should learn.

They all shook their heads, refusing—they couldn’t manage that.

——————————————

After presenting their gifts, everyone went downstairs to await the banquet.

The gentlemen were called away by various executives for drinks and business discussions, leaving Lin Xi and An Shiying to steal a quiet moment. They found a secluded spot, gathered some food, and chatted.

Both wore shawls brought by Gu Jue; November nights were still cold.

Wen Jin arrived and was immediately pulled by her father to toast the executives. Though unwilling, she couldn’t refuse and embarrass him.

Sun Yao led her son, hoping to fit into the circle of wealthy wives. She’d tried for years to join high society, but as a remarried woman and former dancer, those proud women never truly accepted her.

She knew those present were all wealthy or powerful, and wanted her son to meet more rich young ladies. But her smile was forced, no matter how she tried.

Wen Jin finally escaped her father, finding an excuse to slip away for some air.

By chance, she saw Lin Xi, radiant and engaged in conversation with another elegant young woman.

Wen Jin’s heart twisted; she looked at her own dress, painstakingly maintained over the years, and felt like an ugly duckling.

Lin Xi also noticed Wen Jin, and together with An Shiying, stood and walked toward her. Wen Jin managed a strained smile.

“Wen Jin, you’re here too? Let me introduce you, this is my third sister-in-law.” Lin Xi saw Wen Jin alone and sensed her mood, so she decided to include her.

Pulling An Shiying close, Lin Xi said, “Third Sister-in-law, she’s my castmate—her acting is superb! And we’re the same age!”

Wen Jin smiled awkwardly, overwhelmed. “Lin Xi, don’t say that. I’m just earning a little money, that’s all.”

An Shiying reached out to shake her hand, smiling warmly. “Xiao Xi’s friends are my friends, Wen Jin. Just call me Shiying.”

“Hello, Shiying, call me Wen Jin.” Wen Jin was flattered—this was Gu Jue’s wife, the president of Xingchen! Truly a beauty.

Looking at their friendly faces, Wen Jin gradually let go of her feelings of inferiority. The three chatted together, waiting for the banquet to begin.

Yet, someone always had to spoil the mood.

“Well, Wen Jin, why are you hiding here? Dad’s looking for you everywhere!” When Wen Sipei’s voice rang out, Wen Jin’s face changed instantly.

She hurried forward, trying to pull Wen Sipei aside, but he shook her off.

Lin Xi and An Shiying sensed trouble, but since it was Wen Jin’s private matter, they kept their distance, watching closely in case Wen Jin needed help.

“Wen Sipei, everyone here is out of your league. I advise you not to make a scene!” Wen Jin frowned, speaking gently.

“Hmph, since when has the Wen family feared anyone? You’re just used to cowering. They’re not even worthy to shine my shoes!” Wen Sipei pointed at Lin Xi and An Shiying. “The people you mix with—what good could they be?”

He raised his voice, aiming his words at Lin Xi and An Shiying, his eyes flashing with surprise as he looked at them.

Wen Sipei had been spoiled since childhood; although the Wen family’s fortunes had faded recently, they were still respected. No wonder he was so arrogant. In the past, trouble always ended with others apologizing to him. He was sure that anyone Wen Jin befriended would have no background, and meant to embarrass her.

Wen Jin’s face went pale with anger; at last, she couldn’t hold back. “Wen Sipei, what right do you have to insult my friends? Didn’t Dad teach you respect?”

But the next moment, Lin Xi and An Shiying were caught off guard.

“Splash—” Wen Sipei raised his glass and poured it over Wen Jin’s face and dress.

Wen Jin froze, stunned.

Her bangs were soaked, her dress stained with red wine, her whole appearance disheveled.

A cold wind swept through, her blood seemed to freeze, and she felt plunged into an icy abyss.

Wen Sipei, having drenched Wen Jin, showed no remorse. Instead, he smiled carelessly, relishing her embarrassment like a spoiled scoundrel. “You? You’re not fit to lecture me!”

An Shiying stood in shock.

Lin Xi had never expected such a thing.

In an instant, her entire aura transformed. An icy, terrifying chill radiated from her, her eyes frosted over, exuding a murderous intensity and an abyssal despair. The white ribbons of her dress fluttered in the cold wind, like the haunting elegance of a vengeful spirit.

She would never allow her friends to be bullied before her eyes; kindness when due, but ruthless when necessary—this was Lin Xi’s unwavering rule.

Lin Xi, expressionless, tore off her shawl and said without looking back, “Third Sister-in-law, hand me a glass of wine.” Then she strode toward Wen Jin.

The dark night should have been speckled with stars, lively and warm. Yet here, in this secluded spot, only the cold wind howled, making all things shiver.

An Shiying had never seen Lin Xi so cold and grim; realizing what was happening, she hurried to fetch a glass of wine and followed.

Lin Xi walked up to Wen Jin and carefully wrapped the shawl around her.

She turned, her gaze sharp and icy, stabbing toward Wen Sipei. Though she said nothing, her aura sent chills down everyone’s spine.

Lin Xi took the wine from An Shiying, raising her arm slowly.

Wen Sipei felt an overwhelming pressure descend upon him, panic rising, instinct warning him—this person was dangerous, best not to approach.

“You… what are you trying to do! I’m telling you, my father is…”

“Shut up.”

Lin Xi’s voice was frigid as thousand-year ice, breaking in with irresistible force.

She handed the glass to Wen Jin, uttering two words:

“Splash him.”

All four were stunned.

Wen Jin stared with wide eyes.

“Wen Jin, you dare! Dad will break your legs!” Wen Sipei broke out in cold sweat, pride making him stand his ground.

He thought Wen Jin would never dare, so he threatened her, bluffing.

But he miscalculated. Seeing Wen Jin hesitate, Lin Xi raised her hand and poured the wine onto him, not a drop left.

Standing close, a few drops splattered onto Lin Xi’s face; she merely smiled, wiping them away.

Wen Sipei was soaked, his face dark with rage, utterly humiliated.

He hadn’t expected Lin Xi to be so bold. Enraged, he shouted, “You! You dare splash me! I’ll tie you to my bed, make you beg, make you cry for your parents!”

He lunged at her, but Lin Xi’s eyes flashed coldly, ready to act. Suddenly, a figure darted from the side.

With a punch, Wen Sipei was knocked to the ground.

Everyone looked closely—it was Gu Yao.

It turned out Gu Jue and Lin Tianyou, worried for their wives and sister, but unable to leave their own business, had asked idle Gu Yao to watch over them and keep trouble away.

Unluckily, he’d been called away for a drink by a director, and in that short absence, this happened.

Gu Yao saw his sister confronting a man, hurried over, and caught the man’s foul words as he arrived.

He was always hot-tempered and fiercely protective, despising men who bullied women. To insult his precious sister was to cross his bottom line.

On Gu family ground, who would dare throw a tantrum?

He acted at once—he wouldn’t stop until the man was half dead.

Lin Xi, seeing Gu Yao arrive, instantly withdrew her hostile aura and resumed her gentle, demure demeanor.

Wen Sipei took several solid blows, Gu Yao deliberately avoiding vital spots, making him suffer without drawing blood.