Translator: EndlessFantasy Translation Editor: EndlessFantasy Translation
Tan Xiao sat back in the chair with a weary breath, looking at Chi Ming beside her. âMr. Chi, wonât you sit for a while?â
âNo need,â Chi Ming withdrew his gaze from Shen Qingyue, âIâll go out and get some food. When she comes back, just let her know.â
Tan Xiao nodded.
When Shen Qingyue returned and did not see Chi Ming, she was about to go and ask about him.
Tan Xiao sensed her thoughts and said, âYour boyfriend went out to buy some food.â
Hearing this, Shen Qingyue paused for a moment, then explained, âHeâs not my boyfriend.â
âIs that so?â Tan Xiao found it a bit strange. That manâs eyes were always following Shen Qingyue. He seemed aloof on the outside, but whenever he looked at her, there was a lingering tenderness. Could she have misunderstood? Nevertheless, she did not pry further, considering she was not acquainted with Shen Qingyue.
Soon, Tan Xiao was ready for the surgery.
For the last time, Shen Qingyue asked, âAre you sure? Once you enter this room, thereâs no turning back.â
Tan Xiao nodded silently. âThis child shouldnât have come into this world. Itâs my fault, but getting rid of him is the best for both of us.â
Tan Xiao spoke resolutely, and the pain and complex emotions in her eyes were beyond Shen Qingyueâs comprehension. Still, she respected Tan Xiaoâs decision Whether this child should live or not was for Tan Xiao alone to decide
âThen go ahead. Iâll wait for you outside.â
Before going into surgery, Tan Xiao said, âMiss Shen, if thereâs a chance in the future, I will repay you. But please, help me keep todayâs secret.â
Shen Qingyue nodded. She had no inclination to spread other peopleâs private matters around.
Shortly after Tan Xiao went in, Chi Ming returned with two meals. They had a simple meal to ease their hunger.
Tan Xiao had not been pregnant for long, so the surgery was quick. After observing her for about half an hour post-surgery with no abnormal symptoms, the doctor allowed Tan Xiao to leave.
Tan Xiao removed her mask, her face pale.
Shen Qingyue supported her as they left. Chi Ming was about to follow, but the doctor stopped him. âAre you the childâs father?â
Chi Ming was about to say no, but the doctor continued, âYour girlfriendâs surgery went smoothly, but abortions still have a significant impact on the body. Frequent procedures can lead to infertility. You young people need to take responsibility for life. If youâre not ready for a child, make sure to use contraception.â
Worried about Shen Qingyue, Chi Ming followed her and did not bother to explain. He hurriedly left.
After he left, a figure emerged from the corner. It was Ling Bingâer, who had seen Chi Ming before. She still remembered the incident where he had thrown her into the artificial lake. She walked away, and when she returned, Madam Ling asked, âHow did it go? What did the doctor say? Your delayed menstruation is affecting your health.â
âItâs just hormonal imbalance. They gave me some medication to try,â Ling Bingâer replied, then asked, âBy the way, Mom, donât you have a friend at the hospital? Can you ask them to help me check something?â
Madam Ling did not think much of it and arranged it promptly.
Soon, Ling Bingâer obtained Shen Qingyueâs medical records, which showed that she was two months pregnant! That means Shen Qingyue had already been having an affair with that man before her divorce. Ling Bingâer immediately called Qin Zhen.
On the other hand, Shen Qingyue escorted Tan Xiao downstairs. âDo you want me to send you home?â
âNo, Iâll take a taxi. Youâve already helped me a lot today.â Tan Xiao forced a smile.
Shen Qingyue did not insist and watched her leave.
Chi Ming drove her home, and Shen Qingyue did not refuse. As she gazed at the seemingly endless road ahead, she suddenly asked, âThe evidence of my uncle buying medicine at the pharmacy, you provided it, right?â
Chi Ming did not hide it. âYes.â
âAnd the incident with the white chrysanthemum, was that you too?â
Chi Ming answered, âYes.â
Although she had already guessed the answers, hearing them firsthand still stirred complex emotions within Shen Qingyue. He had done so much for her but never sought recognition. Protecting her from harm was already enough to satisfy him.
Shen Qingyue turned to look out the window and murmured, âChi Ming, donât be so good to me. Iâm afraidâ¦â
She feared she could not reciprocate his feelings.
Chi Ming understood what she did not say, but he did not force her to give an answer. He gave her time and freedom to decide. Calm, assured, and yet determined to win her over..