Chapter 54: Wild Dodder (12)

Fu Jingyan sighed softly; after deciding to nurture this flower, he had anticipated this outcome.

However… it happened too soon.

In his plan, Zhu Zhan was supposed to be the last one to discover the relationship between him and Bai Ling. By then, the food salvaged from the plane wreckage would have long been depleted, eliminating any moral condemnation. Their normal romantic interactions would go unquestioned, with no one able to object.

But since they’ve been discovered, there’s now only one way to address this trouble.

Fu Jingyan gently placed the food and beverages into the young lady’s arms and said soothingly, “Tonight you’ll have to eat alone. Once you’re finished, I’ll come back to keep you company.”

Bai Ling nodded, her gaze shifting briefly between them.

“It’s alright.”

Before Fu Jingyan could say more, Zhu Zhan, unable to bear it any longer, forcefully pulled him away from Bai Ling.

“Fuck, when will you finally stop!” Zhu Zhan refrained from acting in front of the young lady but waited until he dragged Fu Jingyan out of Bai Ling’s sight before landing a punch.

Zhu Zhan was an experienced fighter, always adhering to the principle of acting first and talking later. On this deserted island, Bai Ling was the only person he could tolerate with patience; as for the rest… what did he have to fear from them?

Before seeing Fu Jingyan’s true nature, Zhu Zhan had trusted and even respected him. Fu Jingyan’s intellect and abilities far surpassed his own. In such an environment, Fu Jingyan managed to organize everything meticulously—a feat Zhu Zhan knew he couldn’t achieve.

Now it became clear that Fu Jingyan had planned too much behind the scenes. To exploit everyone’s trust and carry out these actions secretly was truly audacious!

Whenever Zhu Zhan imagined this man recklessly kissing and claiming the young lady without his knowledge, fury consumed his chest. He yearned to pummel the man before him relentlessly, reducing him to mere mud, letting him rot in the soil, decay on this uninhabited island.

With merciless punches, Zhu Zhan sent Fu Jingyan staggering, causing his teeth to cut open his lip and blood to instantly well up. Before Fu Jingyan could regain his footing, Zhu Zhan unleashed another blow. Fu Jingyan’s expression turned cold, realizing there was no room for dialogue at this moment. Consequently, he decided to let loose as well, retaliating against Zhu Zhan.

The depth of Zhu Zhan’s hatred matched Fu Jingyan’s loathing for him.

Fu Jingyan had long harbored seething anger towards this reckless and impulsive bastard who had harmed Bai Ling. Previously, he suppressed his fury solely to maintain stability within the group. But now… stability? Fuck that! Until this mad dog stopped its rampage, there was no room for concerns about the bigger picture.

Despite being a few years older, Fu Jingyan was no match for Zhu Zhan when it came to physical confrontations. As Zhu Zhan relentlessly pinned him down, inflicting numerous wounds, Fu Jingyan spat out a mouthful of blood, his gaze chillingly menacing. “Have you finished your insane tantrum?”

“If you want Bai Ling to suffer hunger from here on, by all means, continue fighting. Without my support, she won’t last long.”

These words finally managed to cool Zhu Zhan slightly.

Zhu Zhan stood up but, still resentful, delivered one more kick to Fu Jingyan. Watching the man clutch his abdomen and gasp sharply, Zhu Zhan felt a sense of satisfaction wash over him.

Zhu Zhan’s face bore some bruises from Fu Jingyan’s punches, but such minor injuries meant little to him. Rubbing his cheek, he made his demand clear, “Hand over the food you’ve been hiding.”

“Hand it over to you?” Fu Jingyan sneered. “Do you think I’m unaware of what you’ve done to Bai Ling?”

Zhu Zhan momentarily choked, feeling slightly guilty as he recalled how Fu Jingyan treated Bai Ling. However, that guilt swiftly turned into annoyance. “I’m not like you, scum. I wouldn’t use food to control the young lady!”

“Using force makes you noble, then?” Fu Jingyan retorted sarcastically. “Little Ling fears you; don’t pretend you’re oblivious.”

Zhu Zhan clenched his jaw tightly.

“F**k! You, of all people, have no right to lecture me,” Zhu Zhan spat angrily. “Do you really think the young lady doesn’t fear you? On the plane, she even considered suicide. If it weren’t for something you did to her, why would she be so distraught!”

“I never harmed her,” Fu Jingyan said firmly. “Unlike you, I consistently took care of her and prevented her from experiencing such painful situations.”

“Care?” At this, Zhu Zhan nearly lunged again. “By holding her captive in your arms?”

“She was well-cared for under my watch,” Fu Jingyan insisted confidently. “She remained beautiful, neat, and clean. I intended to ensure her survival on this island without any hardships.”

“I hid those supplies for her sake. Without them, she wouldn’t have the strength to work and wouldn’t receive any food allocation; she’d be the first one unable to survive here. If you truly care for Bai Ling, don’t spread this matter around. Keep your mouth shut as if nothing happened.”

Fu Jingyan’s attitude infuriated Zhu Zhan beyond measure. “Hand over the food, and I’ll ensure it all goes to her. As for you…if you dare come near her again, don’t blame me for being less than courteous!”

Realizing that Zhu Zhan wouldn’t be easily dissuaded, Fu Jingyan softened his tone. “If you’re not convinced, you can watch her finish eating. Outside of meal times, who she chooses to spend time with is her freedom.”

Zhu Zhan furrowed his brow. “What do you mean by that?”

“I’ve never forced her, nor would I allow others to coerce her,” Fu Jingyan replied calmly. “If you don’t trust me, why not ask Bai Ling herself? Whom does she willingly choose?”

Initially, Zhu Zhan had assumed Fu Jingyan controlled the young lady through food. But seeing Fu Jingyan’s demeanor, could it be that the young lady actually…

Impossible! Zhu Zhan would rather believe Bai Ling was being manipulated than accept that the young lady could fall for another man here!

Fu Jingyan glanced at Zhu Zhan before turning and walking towards Bai Ling.

Food… Even without food, Fu Jingyan believed the young lady would still choose him. It was time to make Zhu Zhan face this reality. If even this didn’t convince him to give up, Fu Jingyan would have no choice but to consider other methods…

After Zhu Zhan and Fu Jingyan left the area, the twins, who had been observing from hiding, stealthily emerged from the woods.

Duan Jiaze grumbled, “Why couldn’t that idiot Zhu Zhan beat Fu Jingyan harder? Ideally, he should’ve incapacitated him completely; then we’d be rid of the problem once and for all.”

“Fu Jingyan didn’t take out his medicine either. I wonder which pocket it’s hidden in—it must be well-concealed,” Duan Jiayou said regretfully. “It seemed like Zhu Zhan fell easily for Fu Jingyan’s act, believing the young lady genuinely likes that man.”

Duan Jiaze walked over to where Fu Jingyan had spat blood and examined the spot. The blood had quickly seeped into the soil, leaving no trace behind.

His eyes flickered. “At least Fu Jingyan will suffer for a while now, and Zhu Zhan will keep a close watch on him.”

Duan Jiaze hadn’t informed Zhu Zhan about the young lady needing medication. After Fu Jingyan took her away, Duan Jiaze quietly woke up Zhu Zhan, claiming that he suddenly couldn’t find Fu Jingyan and Bai Ling upon waking and asking Zhu Zhan to search for them.

The fool Zhu Zhan, upon noticing their absence, even tried to wake others to help look for them, but Duan Jiaze promptly stopped him. Once outside the log cabin, Duan Jiaze managed to lead Zhu Zhan towards the beach while staying behind himself in the small woods to observe their movements.

Duan Jiayou noticed more details. “I clearly saw where Fu Jingyan hid the food; after tonight, we can try searching around.”

“Fu Jingyan won’t hand over the food to Zhu Zhan. When they discover it’s missing…”

Visualizing the scene, Duan Jiaze also smiled. “Ha, Fu Jingyan will definitely suspect Zhu Zhan of stealing the food, and Zhu Zhan will think Fu Jingyan is playing tricks. Then…”

“Hee-hee, will those two start fighting again?” Duan Jiayou eagerly asked, “Seeing their bruised and battered faces, Elder Sister Bai would be scared too, wouldn’t she?”

After giggling for a while, the twins tiptoed to the edge of the woods to watch the unfolding drama.

Tong Ling didn’t bother with how Fu Jingyan and Zhu Zhan would resolve their issue; as soon as they left, she sat down and started sipping wine while munching on cookies.

Only m577 anxiously paced circles within her consciousness sea: What should we do, what should we do… Will something happen to the male lead and his rival?

“Are you that concerned about them?” Tong Ling snorted. “Why don’t I ever see you caring about me?”

m577 bristled: Do you need my concern? You don’t! How can I not be concerned about them… Its voice nearly broke into tears. The plot of this small world is almost over—it could have been smoothly completed without incident. But now, if the storyline collapses, all our rewards will disappear…

“Don’t worry,” Tong Ling reassured it. “In the end, they’ll be rescued. The original plot only mentioned everyone getting saved, but it didn’t specify their condition upon rescue.”

“If you feel they really can’t hold out much longer, find a way to send a message outside, so assistance arrives sooner.”

m577 instantly sighed in relief: Right, I can help contact the outside.

“So just relax and wait.”

Wait… Suddenly, m577 realized—wasn’t this helping the host cheat?

m577 convinced itself that it didn’t matter; after all, cheating wasn’t new for them. Everything was for completing the task.

After Tong Ling finished eating, Fu Jingyan and Zhu Zhan reappeared within her line of sight.

As expected, their appearances looked significantly more “dire” than before. Fu Jingyan’s condition was particularly grim; his handsome face bore clear signs of deliberate mistreatment, with red swelling across one side and traces of blood at the corner of his mouth.

Despite this, when facing her, Fu Jingyan still managed to force a smile, maintaining his courteous and attentive demeanor as always.

“Sorry to keep you waiting.” Fu Jingyan glanced at the empty food packaging beside Bai Ling, relieved to see the young lady had such a good appetite.

Due to drinking the red wine, a rosy flush adorned the young lady’s fair cheeks, her eyes slightly unfocused and hinting at intoxication. Upon spotting him, she obediently approached, extending her arms for a hug.

Fu Jingyan’s gaze instantly softened, stepping forward to embrace his charming young mistress.

However, Zhu Zhan, following closely behind Fu Jingyan, swiftly intervened and snapped harshly, “What do you think you’re doing? Can’t you see she’s drunk?”

As Zhu Zhan’s suspicions grew, he became increasingly convinced of Fu Jingyan’s malicious intent. By offering Bai Ling red wine, was this guy trying to take advantage while she’s intoxicated? If not for Zhu Zhan uncovering Fu Jingyan’s clandestine schemes tonight, the young lady might have…

With these thoughts, the anger Zhu Zhan had suppressed flared up once more.

“Scum!” Zhu Zhan stepped protectively in front of Bai Ling like a wolf guarding its territory, baring his teeth menacingly at Fu Jingyan. “Stay away from her!”

The young lady, unable to reach Fu Jingyan, simply embraced the person standing before her instead. Her arms wrapped around the slender waist of the youth like supple vines, gradually tightening their hold. Even without much force, they were nearly impossible to break free from.

Zhu Zhan could feel the softness of the young lady’s cheeks against his back as she gently nuzzled him, causing his heart to flutter with each subtle movement.

“This woman…” Zhu Zhan muttered quietly, “has no sense of caution whatsoever.”

He prepared to turn around and escort the tipsy young lady back to the log cabin.

Suddenly, the girl called out softly, “Jingyan~”

She let out a small belch, then pleaded in a sweet voice, “Feed me, hurry and feed me!”

The warmth that had filled Zhu Zhan’s heart moments ago instantly turned ice-cold.

Was this how the young lady behaved around Fu Jingyan? So assertive yet obedient, it made his heart soften uncontrollably just watching her.

If only the name she called wasn’t Fu Jingyan, if only the person she yearned for was him…

An unprecedented surge of jealousy and resentment welled up from the depths of his heart.

Zhu Zhan observed as Fu Jingyan gently pulled the young lady away from himself. That nauseatingly fake man even used a soothing tone, coaxing her tenderly.

“You’ve had wine today, so you can’t eat it now.” Fu Jingyan felt Bai Ling’s forehead; relieved to find her temperature normal, he sighed inwardly. “It’s my fault for forgetting not to give you alcohol. How about I feed you some tomorrow instead?”

The young lady wrapped her arms around Fu Jingyan’s neck and obediently nestled into his embrace. “I’ll listen to Jingyan.”

Fu Jingyan tightened his hold on the young lady and said warmly to Zhu Zhan, “I must take her back first. Leaving Little Ling out here any longer might make her catch cold.”

Fu Jingyan’s demeanor towards Zhu Zhan seemed perfectly cordial, almost too cordial, which only heightened Zhu Zhan’s sense of being provocatively dismissed. Despite having just been punched by Zhu Zhan, Fu Jingyan maintained such unwavering politeness—it was clear disdain, treating him with utter indifference!

“I won’t hand her over to you,” Zhu Zhan glared coldly at Fu Jingyan and declared, “She will be mine.”

Regardless of whom the young lady chose, would Zhu Zhan abandon his desires simply because of her decision? Hadn’t it been clear from the start? From the moment he first acted upon his feelings towards her, he knew he was a pervert who could never let go of her.

Facing such obstinacy, Fu Jingyan’s expression also turned frosty. “Suit yourself.”

Ignoring Zhu Zhan’s threatening words, Fu Jingyan openly carried Bai Ling away from the beach without a second glance, feeling the youth’s icy gaze on him throughout their departure.

He’s too much of a hindrance, Fu Jingyan thought. Zhu Zhan’s very existence was far too obstructive.

This mad dog, once latched onto someone, wouldn’t release its grip. It seemed there was no choice but to find a way to deal with him.

The next morning, Xuan Yiqing woke up startled by the sight of Fu Jingyan and Zhu Zhan’s injuries.

“What happened?” Unconsciously moving closer to Fu Jingyan, she looked at his facial wounds with genuine concern, “How did you get so battered…?”

Fu Jingyan retrieved some topical medication from the medical kit and casually sprayed it on the wounds. “It’s nothing, just tripped accidentally.”

Due to Zhu Zhan’s relentless attack, Fu Jingyan’s abdomen still throbbed severely.

Lifting his shirt hem, it became evident that large bruises covered his body.

Xuan Yiqing gasped, covering her mouth. “How did it get so severe…?” After pondering for a moment, she hastily said, “I’ll look on the island for any plants that can treat external injuries.”

“Yiqing, would this be too much trouble for you?” Fu Jingyan asked.

Under Fu Jingyan’s earnest gaze, Xuan Yiqing felt a touch self-conscious. “Not at all. I can just check while searching for food.”

Observing their interaction, Zhu Zhan couldn’t help but let out a cold snort. With Fu Jingyan’s fickle nature, he was fundamentally unworthy of Bai Ling.

Fu Jingyan remembered to retrieve another bottle of medicine and hand it to Zhu Zhan. “Zhu Zhan, you also fell trying to catch me.”

Zhu Zhan stared at Fu Jingyan for a while before taking the bottle and saying, “Indeed, how come I didn’t manage to hold onto you?”

The twins approached Fu Jingyan and Zhu Zhan separately, enthusiastically offering, “Fu Ge, Zhu Zhan, applying the medicine like this won’t be effective; we’ll help you.”

As Duan Jiaze spoke, he picked up the bottle and attempted to remove Fu Jingyan’s clothing, saying, “Fu Ge, your injuries are quite serious—let me see if there are any wounds on your back.”

“No need.” Apart from Bai Ling, Fu Jingyan didn’t want anyone else close to him.

Seeing Fu Jingyan’s evasion, Duan Jiaze persisted somewhat stubbornly, “Fu Ge, there’s no need to feel embarrassed; I’m quite skilled at applying ointments.”

As he spoke, Duan Jiaze turned to the two girls inside the log cabin and said, “Please step out for a moment so Fu Ge won’t be too self-conscious about taking off his clothes.”

Xuan Yiqing promptly pulled up the motionless young lady and responded, “Alright, take care of Fu Ge’s treatment while we go outside.”

Supporting the dazed young lady, Xuan Yiqing’s tone seemed uncertain between exasperation and complaint, “Why do you always just sleep? Lingling, you should also move around more.”

“Qingqing…” Tong Ling hugged the protagonist and deliberately whispered in Xuan Yiqing’s ear, “I’m hungry, what else can I do if not sleep?”

Xuan Yiqing found herself at a loss for words. She guided the young lady and settled her on the grass outside, saying, “W-we haven’t found much food recently…”

“I know.” Tong Ling gazed at Xuan Yiqing. “On this deserted island, I only trust you. Qingqing, you won’t leave me behind, right?”

“Of course not,” Xuan Yiqing hastily replied. “I’ll take you with me when we leave here.”

“Hearing that puts my mind at ease.” Tong Ling displayed a relieved smile.

Xuan Yiqing promptly asked, “Do you know of any plants that can treat external injuries?”

“There’s one called Joyous Flower Plant; its leaves can activate blood circulation and dissipate bruising.” As Tong Ling spoke, she picked up a twig and sketched the plant’s appearance for Xuan Yiqing. “It has deep blue corollas, oval-shaped leaves arranged in pairs… It grows in areas with ample sunlight, in the southern part of this island…”

Xuan Yiqing noted down all the information before continuing her questions. “How much longer must we stay on this island? When will the rescue team arrive?”

“Not too long now,” Tong Ling said. “Within two weeks, the rescue team should come.”

Having extracted all the relevant information, Xuan Yiqing immediately let out a long sigh of relief. “That’s wonderful… Now I can be at ease.”

By now, Xuan Yiqing’s presence was of little use to Tong Ling.

“Oh right, there are many poisonous plants on the island. Qingqing, be careful not to pick the wrong ones,” Tong Ling reminded her.

Xuan Yiqing immediately perked up. “What kind of plants? Lingling, tell me more about them.”

“For example, water hemlock; its toxins can damage the central nervous system… There are also some wild mushrooms - the brighter their colors, the more toxic they tend to be…” Tong Ling proceeded to inform Xuan Yiqing about various poisonous plants she knew of. Once Xuan Yiqing left, Tong Ling leisurely lay down again.

As the host mentioned poisonous plants, m577 trembled all over: [What do you plan to do… Bell Sister, why bring up this topic…]

It was scared, genuinely terrified!

“Nothing much. As someone who enjoys helping others, I’ll certainly assist those with dreams in achieving their desires.” Tong Ling spoke while casting another glance towards the log cabin.

“I wonder if the twins have found that bottle of medicine yet. Judging by their determination, Fu Jingyan’s clothes must have been thoroughly searched.”

“This time, I’m truly going to change my master.”