CHAPTER 253: CHAPTER 253 I DON’T NEED YOUR EXCESSIVE PROTECTION

Fu Bing smiled openly, her eyes bright and clear.

She seemed to have returned to her once carefree and dazzling self.

"I’m used to maintaining my best composure in front of you all," Fu Bing paused for a moment before adding, "It’s not that I don’t consider you very important people; it’s just that I don’t know how to show my vulnerability and negative emotions to anyone other than Qin Jinhai."

Han Hu understood this feeling, which made her want to stay by her side even more.

Han Hu and Xiaomei lived in a villa at Wangjiang Pavilion, occasionally returning to the Lian family home for short stays.

Xiaomei and Jian Si also had a great time with her.

Han Hu discovered that her trust in people was built upon the foundation of Fu Bing’s trust.

For the first time, she experienced the joy of having friends of the same gender.

Yang Ningzheng waited for Han Hu to leave before stepping in.

Fu Bing brewed a pot of tea for him. "Didn’t I ask you to rest for a while?"

"I’m used to being busy; I can’t sit still even on vacation," Yang Ningzheng said, handing her the detailed financial report. "My team and I have verified it multiple times and are sure there are no issues. You should take another close look."

"You handle these things better than I do. If you’re certain there’s no problem, I won’t look at it."

Yang Ningzheng shook his head. "You’ll need to establish your own financial team in the future to specifically audit the financial statements we submit. You can’t afford to make the same mistake again."

Fu Bing nodded with a smile.

These were matters she intended for Yang Ningzheng and Cheng Shuangqing to bring up themselves. When starting a business, it was crucial to avoid micromanaging. Yang Ningzheng and Cheng Shuangqing were both top talents in their industry. The best approach was to give them enough respect, allowing their abilities to be fully utilized. At the same time, they were people who understood discretion and knew when to advance or retreat. They would recognize the autonomy she gave them and, in turn, proactively work to make her team structure increasingly complete.

"I’ll consider it carefully. The Su Family helped you expand many medical sites; what are your thoughts on that? Did you encounter any obstacles while working with them?"

Yang Ningzheng replied cautiously, "I didn’t encounter any obstacles. In fact, it was too smooth—so smooth that I almost forgot I was in the treacherous world of business. I get the feeling their desire to partner with us isn’t just about the collaboration itself; it’s more about you."

"Do you think that’s a good thing or a bad thing?"

"If you’re willing to form a close association with them, it’s a good thing. If not, it’s a bad thing," Yang Ningzheng said, looking at her frankly. "I’ve seen you interact with the Su family, and my personal feeling is that you don’t like them very much. I can’t be sure if my judgment is correct, so I hope to get a clear answer from you. Then, I can deal with them in the way that is most beneficial for you."

A true gentleman covets talent but acquires it through proper means. If his career and abilities were to be built upon her discomfort, he would rather progress more slowly.

Fu Bing pondered for a long time before finally saying, "Right now, I don’t like them."

"I know what to do now."

Fu Bing smiled. "Sometimes, I actually wish you wouldn’t all adhere so strictly to my wishes. I have my limitations, and at times, they might hinder your development."

"Whatever decision you make is always the right one. I’ve never doubted that," Yang Ningzheng replied.

Fu Bing was startled, an indescribable and nebulous emotion surging within her.

"Have I ever told you that you gave me a great deal of strength when I first started my business?" she said. "The people who were willing to follow me later are certainly precious, but you were the first person back then to trust me wholeheartedly."

Yang Ningzheng wanted to blurt out his feelings for Fu Bing, but ultimately, he suppressed them. She would acknowledge his affection, but she wouldn’t reciprocate it with the same kind of love. Telling her would only place a psychological burden on her. If they couldn’t be lovers, then being lifelong close friends was also an acceptable outcome.

Yang Ningzheng said, "I’m very glad to know I hold a special place in your heart. The Qin Family has fallen, and the real Qin Sheng also died from a fall. Those who plotted against you back then have received their due punishment. If you’re willing, you could even find your biological relatives quickly. Your future is a visibly clear and open road, yet you seem unwilling to take that step."

They hardly ever discussed matters outside of work, and Yang Ningzheng knew he shouldn’t be broaching these topics with Fu Bing. He had tried to stop himself several times but still couldn’t hold back.

"Recently, many people have protected me inside a transparent bubble. Vendettas that should have been mine to pursue were resolved by others, bypassing me. The deep-seated hatreds that once made me gnash my teeth in anger were also avenged by others, lightly and without my involvement. I feel a lack of reality, and I don’t even know how to evaluate this whole series of events."

"Qin Jinhai, Wu Shi, even Han Hu, the Su family members, including you and Lu Yuan—all of you want to handle things for me, keeping me in a safe shell, creating a beautiful, secure vacuum around me."

"I’m trying to adapt to this environment, but as of now, I don’t know how. I see myself more like wild grass, possessing robust vitality, drawing nourishment from all sorts of experiences. By confining me to a safe environment, I find I don’t even know how to communicate with you all properly."

"I know I’m only a thin piece of paper away from my true identity, but I’ve never thought about piercing through it, and the other party probably doesn’t want to pierce it either."

Yang Ningzheng didn’t know what to say for a moment.

"Ningzheng," she continued, "I want to return to my real life and work. I don’t need you all to put me on a pedestal. When I face setbacks, all I hope for is that you make me feel your kindness and warmth."

"Besides, everyday setbacks are unlikely to defeat me. You don’t have to carry everything on your shoulders. If something comes up, you can come to me. I’m more than just your mascot; I’m quite capable too."

Yang Ningzheng’s lips curled into a smile. "No one has ever thought you were weak."

"That’s good," Fu Bing smiled as well. "I’ll look at the report later and discuss it with you after I’ve reviewed it."

"Okay."

Yang Ningzheng didn’t leave until after they had finished their meal.

After speaking her mind, Fu Bing felt a lot more relaxed.

She had given those around her ample opportunity to protect her, allowing them to experience the pleasure of, in a way, cherishing a mascot. But she really wasn’t suited to being a docile mascot; she still preferred to solve problems herself. Waiting for others to resolve her issues always made her feel antsy, like her hands were itching to act. For instance, with Chen Yuan and Lei Yuan, she had more direct methods to deal with them. However, after Wu Shi set a trap for Chen Yuan and Lei Yuan, she had no choice but to cede the main role to him, worried she might disrupt his plans. This feeling was somewhat stifling. She didn’t like it much. Even when Chen Yuan and his associates were imprisoned, she didn’t feel a significant thrill of revenge. Similarly, when the Qin Family fell and Qin Sheng was gone, she felt a sense of detachment, like watching a fire from the opposite bank of a river. Others enacted their revenge personally; she watched her friends avenge her. It was a difficult feeling to articulate.

Fu Bing called Xiaomei. "Are you free? Let’s go bungee jumping!"

Xiaomei was speechless for a moment.

"Sis, what’s gotten into you? Can your body handle bungee jumping right now?"

"No problem."

"Maybe we should ask a doctor?"

"I am a doctor myself."

Xiaomei thought Fu Bing had a point and immediately spotted the little pink car arriving.

Jian Si and Han Hu had come along with it.

Han Hu couldn’t go bungee jumping; she’d had cosmetic surgery on her face, and it would be too risky.

Jian Si and Xiaomei were fine to go.

Jian Si muttered under her breath, "Sister Bing doesn’t seem like the type who enjoys thrilling activities."

Xiaomei said with a composed expression, "That’s where you misunderstand my sister. She’s actually amazing at these kinds of things."