Translator: Kingbao Editor: DarkGem
Only in the car did Qiao Anhao remember that she had been having gastric problems and that Lu Jinnian had reminded her to visit the doctor after she alighted.
She glanced at the crowded emergency unit, considering her condition. She wasn’t feeling that uncomfortable any longer, hence she decided to forgo visiting a doctor.
It wasn’t the first time she had gastric problems, she would usually recover after taking some medicine.
Han Ruchu made a call to push back Qiao Anhao’s entire day of filming, rendering her free. Once she boarded the car, Han Ruchu asked, “Qiao Qiao, where do you want to go?”
Qiao Anhao thought for a while, realizing that she didn’t have anywhere to go, hence she said, “Mian Xiu Garden.”
When she started the car, Han Ruchu glanced at the time, realizing that it was going to be noon. She said, “It’s lunch time, why don’t you come along to my house for a meal, it’s been a long time since you came over. Coincidentally, Uncle Xu is going to be out, you can accompany me and I’ll get the driver to send you back later.”
Qiao Anhao recalled the failed surprise she had planned for Lu Jinnian, deciding that it would be better to avoid that place, so she nodded. “Sure.”
Just then, she recalled that the Qiao family mansion was nearby and added, “I’ll go visit Qiao house after lunch, it’s been a long time since I visited them.”
Han Ruchu smiled, praising Qiao Anhao for being so filial, and drove towards the Xu family mansion. On the way, they had some small talk.
When the Xu family stewardess saw Han Ruchu and Qiao Anhao together, she was unusually happy, greeting Qiao Anhao enthusiastically, offering her a seat and helping her get tea. She even ordered the cook to add on a few more of Qiao Anhao’s favorite dishes.
Even though there was only the two of them, a wide spread was prepared on the table.
Back when Qiao Anhao was still living in the Qiao mansion, she and Qiao Anxia would often visit the Xu family, hence the Xu family steward and Han Ruchu were both clear of their preferences. Once the dishes were all served, Han Ruchu placed a piece of chicken into Qiao Anhao’s bowl.
“Qiao Qiao, here’s your favorite dish, Auntie Yun specifically made it for you, since you came.”
Auntie Yun was the stewardess that she had brought over when she married into the Xu family.
This chicken dish was indeed Qiao Anhao’s favorite. Thinking back, it had been a few months since she last tasted it. Her appetite kicked in. Smiling happily, she thanked Han Ruchu before starting to eat.
The familiar taste delighted her. She couldn’t help praising auntie Yun for her culinary skills.
Auntie Yun smiled happily, placing a piece of fish that she had made into Qiao Anhao’s bowl.
The fish meat was braised and smelled amazing. Qiao Anhao picked it up eagerly, placing it into her mouth. A fishy taste spread across her mouth and her stomach started to fumble once again. She raised her hand to cover her mouth, then dry vomited.
“Qiao Qiao, what’s wrong?”
“Miss Anhao, what’s wrong?”
Han Ruchu and the stewardess asked in concern.
Qiao Anhao waved her hands, rushing into the public bathroom to continue vomiting into the toilet bowl.
Han Ruchu placed her food down, following after her. Qiao Anhao had locked the door. Han Ruchu tried to push it open, but she was left outside, hearing Qiao Anhao vomit.
Translator: Paperplane Editor: DarkGem
Han Ruchu knocked on the door twice. “Qiao Qiao? What’s wrong? Qiao Qiao?”
“I’m fine…” Qiao Anhao said, and threw up again.
When Han Ruchu heard her vomiting, her brows furrowed in worry. Then she ordered the housekeeper right away, “Call the family doctor to make a visit. For Qiao Qiao to vomit like this, there must be something wrong.”
The housekeeper stood still on the spot.
Han Ruchu couldn’t help but say something to usher the housekeeper again. When the housekeeper drew close to Han Ruchu’s ear, she said in a low voice, “Missus’s vomiting may not be an illness. She could also be pregnant.”
Having given birth, Han Ruchu was experienced, and so when she heard those words, she realized it instantly, and turned to look at the closed bathroom door. Then she strode over towards the living room, pacing up and down. She waved the housekeeper over and whispered in her ear, “Give Sister Lin a call. Ask her to make a visit now.”
“Yes, Missus.” The housekeeper immediately did as instructed.
Qiao Anhao felt much better after throwing up, just as she did in the morning. As she came out of the bathroom, she immediately saw Han Ruchu, and said, a little embarrassed, “Aunt Xu, apologies for disturbing your meal.”
“Don’t worry about it. But what’s wrong with you? What got you vomiting like this?” Han Ruchu pointed at the dining room, and walked over with Qiao Anhao.
“I drank too much the night of Brother Jiamu’s birthday. Then the next day, my stomach didn’t feel well. For the past two days, I’ve just been wanting to vomit.”
“When the driver takes you home, buy some medicine for your stomach. Don’t let it drag on. Be careful not to let it become something serious.”
Qiao Anhao tenderly smiled, with curved eyes, and said, “Okay, Aunt Xu.”
Han Ruchu smiled but didn’t say a word. She sat with Qiao Anhao at the dining table and continued to eat. Taking two bites, she looked at the pickled vegetables and duck soup on the table, before she personally brought Qiao Anhao a bowl.
Qiao Anhao said “Thank you”, as she took a spoonful. It tasted sour. Just how she liked it, and she continued to take a few more mouthfuls. Han Ruchu, who sat opposite her watched her eat. In the blink of an eye, she wore a composed smile in the corner of her lips, and continued to eat elegantly.
After dinner, the Xu family had guests over. Han Ruchu offered her guest a seat, and then said to Qiao Anhao, “Qiao Qiao, do you still remember? This is Aunt Lin. When Jiamu and you got married, she gave you a white jade bracelet.”
Qiao Anhao remembered her at the mention of a white jade bracelet. This guest was a close friend of Han Ruchu who worked in the gynecology department of the Chinese hospital.
Qiao Anhao immediately greeted her politely. “Aunt Lin, hello.”
When the woman heard herself being called Aunt Lin, she gave a warm smile, and looked Qiao Anhao up and down. Yet her words were directed towards Han Ruchu. “Ruchu… your daughter-in-law sure is beautiful.”
Han Ruchu smiled, and also complemented Qiao Anhao.
“Look at your smug look.”Ms. Lin snorted at Han Ruchu. Then she politely asked Qiao Anhao a few questions.
Soon, her eyes fell on the bracelet on Qiao Anhao’s wrist. She suddenly moved closer and grabbed for that wrist. Silently pressing onto Qiao Anhao’s pulse with her fingertips, she said, “This is Chanel’s latest bracelet design, right? It’s a limited edition. I wasn’t able to get my hands on one.”
Translator: Kingbao Editor: DarkGem
“This is Chanel’s latest bracelet design, right? It’s a limited edition. I wasn’t able to get my hands on one.”
Qiao Anhao wasn’t familiar with Madam Xu, and she didn’t like having such close interaction, but out of courtesy, she didn’t just pull back her hand and kept a slight smile.
“Initially, when i saw a photo of the bracelet, I found it mesmerizing, now that I have seen the real thing, I’m impressed. But your milky white skin is much nicer than mine,” Madam Lin praised. She did so for some time before releasing her arm, turning to glance at Han Ruchu.
Han Ruchu returned Madam Lin’s glance, looking for a few seconds, then lowered her lids to take another sip of the flower tea. Slowly, she placed the tea on the table and spoke to Qiao Anhao in a warm voice. “Qiao Qiao, didn’t you say you want to visit Qiao mansion? I’ll get auntie Yun to prepare some tonics for you to bring along.”
Qiao Anhao instantly understood that Han Ruchu wanted to speak to Madam Lin in private, hence she started to politely bid them farewell and left the Xu mansion with the gifts.
After sending Qiao Anhao off, the stewardess came back to inform Han Ruchu, “Mrs. Xu, Miss Anhao has left.”
Han Ruchu nodded, looking slightly at the surrounding maids. The stewardess understood instantly, sending them all out of the house.
Han Ruchu then asked Madam Lin, “Sister Lin, how is it?”
“Ruchu, I felt her pulse just now and she’s definitely pregnant. But since I took quite some time, she seemed to have realized, so I couldn’t find out exactly when she got pregnant. But I do know that it’s at least two months old.” Madam Lin paused before asking again, “Isn’t it a joyous thing? Why aren’t you excited?”
Han Ruchu remained calm, a graceful smile plastered on her face as she took a slow sip of the flower tea. She raised her lids, replying, “Sister Lin, pretend nothing happened.”
Madam Lin could see the sharpness in Han Ruchu’s eyes, and so she suppressed the inner curiosity and nodded.”Sure, I’ll pretend I know nothing.”
Han Ruchu smiled again, signaling for Madam Lin to drink her tea.
Madam Lin’s Chinese hospital had something on in the afternoon, so she bade farewell soon after. Han Ruchu stood at the door. When Madam Lin drove off, she turned to enter the house.
She walked straight up to the second floor, the stewardess following behind her. The woman closed the door and stood beside Han Ruchu. In a low voice, she asked, “Mrs. Xu, is Miss Anhao really pregnant?”
In front of Madam Lin, Han Ruchu was graceful and calm, but she turned solemn instantly after, replying to the stewardess with a “Yea.”
“Who’s the father of her child?” Once the stewardess asked the question, her expression dimmed. “Do you think it belongs to Lu Jinnian?”
Han Ruchu remained silent, her face darkening.
After a long while, the stewardess asked. “Mrs. Xu, what do you intend to do? Are you going to let her give birth to the child?”
Han Ruchu’s heart clenched. She waved the stewardess away in irritation. “Go out first, I need to think.”
Translator: Paperplane Editor: DarkGem
“Yes, Missus,” the housekeeper answered with respect and left the room.
It was incredibly silent, as Han Ruchu was the only one left in the mansion. Bright rays of light came through the window, lightening the whole house. All was calm.
–
Qiao Anhao didn’t call ahead when she went to visit the Qiao manor, but luckily for her, Qiao Qinghai and Shen Yi were in.
Seeing Qiao Anhao back, they were unusually delighted. Since her parents had passed away when she was ten years old, they had taken her in. Over ten years had passed since that time. Their love for one another long surpassed just aunt and niece, uncle and niece. Qiao Anhao was just like their own daughter.
The Qiao family servants were also happy to see Qiao Anhao. They brought over a lot of delicious snacks to the table, whilst calling her “Little Miss”.
At first, Qiao Qinghai and Shen Yi did want for Qiao Anxia to marry Xu Jiamu, as biological parents understandably favor their own biological daughter. However, as the Xu family had their eyes set on Qiao Anhao, they didn’t have much of an opinion.
After Qiao Anhao “married” Xu Jiamu, she moved out of the Qiao family manor. Also, because of filming, she rarely had time to come back, and so they bombarded her with all sorts of questions, afraid that life on her own was difficult.
Han Ruchu were also worried for Qiao Anhao like this, but Qiao Anhao wasn’t moved by her concerns. Her responses were courteous and respectful, but now, having faced her aunt and uncle’s concern for her, she was very moved and filled with warmth.
Although she lost her family at the age of ten, the heavens hadn’t treated her so bad, giving her another family.
Qiao Anhao wanted to stay at Qiao manor for a while before heading back to the set, but her uncle and aunt were too nice. Under such great hospitality, how could she suggest she leave now? In the end, she stayed there all afternoon, knitting with Shen Yi and playing chess with Qiao Qinghai. It wasn’t until the evening that she said she had to leave.
At three in the afternoon, Han Ruchu called to specifically ask Shen Yi to let her know when Qiao Anhao was about to leave. So when Qiao Anhao said she was going to go, Shen Yi gave Han Ruchu a call back.
Five minutes later, the Xu family’s chauffeur appeared at the Qiao family’s door. Han Ruchu pushed open the passenger car door and courteously greeted Qiao Qinghai and Shen Yi, before turning around to say to Qiao Anhao, “I’ve asked the chauffeur to stay behind for you.”
Qiao Anhao said with a smile, “Thank you”.
Han Ruchu opened the trunk and pointed at the two boxes of swallow’s nest. “They’re ready made to eat. This afternoon, I especially asked Aunt Yun to prepare and choose top quality swallow’s nest for you. You must have endured quite a lot on set. You’ve gotten so skinny, and your appetite hasn’t been good these days, so you mustn’t let yourself suffer. Take these with you to revitalize yourself.”
Seeing how Han Ruchu was towards Qiao Anhao, Qiao Qinghai and Shen Yi were incredibly pleased.
Qiao Anhao thanked her again. She politely chatted for a while, and then got in the car.
–
Han Ruchu didn’t actually get in the car but stayed at Qiao mansion.
When the Qiao family chauffeur left the neighborhood, it was already almost seven o’clock. On route to south of the city, it was surprisingly congested today. The route that would usually only take an hour, took whole two hours.
When they reached the hotel of the set, it was already ten in the evening.
That night, filming at a distant location hadn’t yet finished, so the lower floor of the hotel was particularly quiet.
Translator: Paperplane Editor: DarkGem
The chauffeur steadily stopped the car, got out first, and then opened the car door for Qiao Anhao. After she got out of the car, he walked around to the trunk and carried the two boxes of swallow’s nest that Han Ruchu has especially prepared for her. The chauffeur politely said, “Miss Qiao, since you live in that house over there, let me carry it for you.”
Qiao Anhao saw the chauffeur carry the boxes with both hands, and said “Thank you” in a low voice. Then she turned around and walked into the hotel lobby with the chauffeur following respectfully two steps behind, boxes in hands.
The two of them didn’t notice that there was a person sitting in a car not too far away…
–
Since Lu Jinnian took Qiao Anhao to the hospital, he never left. At around eleven o’clock, he saw her get into Han Ruchu’s car. With his head in the mud, he didn’t think much. Nor did he know how long he sat in the car before he turned the steering wheel and slowly left. At dusk, he drove back to the hotel at the set, but he didn’t go up. He sat there waiting for four whole hours until he saw a familiar car drive in through the rear view mirror.
It was the Xu family’s car.
The car was parked at the hotel entrance. When the car door opened, the Xu family chauffeur got out first, then went over to open Qiao Anhao’s passenger car door. He took two boxes out from the trunk and followed Qiao Anhao into the hotel.
The Xu family must of given Qiao Anhao some kind of supplements. They have always treated her like family. If Xu Jiamu woke up, they would be the perfect family.
Lu Jinnian pulled down the car window and lit a cigarette. As he took a breath and blew out the smoke, an unspeakable pain emanated from his very bones.
–
Zhao Meng wasn’t in the hotel room. The chauffeur put the boxes down in an empty spot on the floor and politely took his leave.
Qiao Anhao didn’t do much that day, but she felt this unspeakable sense of exhaustion. After a hot shower, she climbed into bed. Just as she was groggily about to fall asleep, the hotel door opened, followed by Zhao Meng’s voice. “Swallow’s nest. Qiao Qiao, can I have some?”
Qiao Anhao didn’t even blink, just gave Zhao Meng a “mm” as though to say yes. Then she flipped over and coincidentally faced the light by the bedside cabinet. The light left her uncomfortable, and so she opened her eyes to turn off the lights. But then, her line of sight landed on the box of stomach medicine she’d put aside last night.
Zhao Meng twisted the lid off a bottle of swallow’s nest. As she ate it, she complemented on how good it tasted, then went over in front of Qiao Anhao to ask, “Qiao Qiao, do you want to eat some? It tastes great.”
Qiao Anhao didn’t eat anything that evening. She wasn’t hungry at first, but with Zhao Meng’s words, she suddenly felt an emptiness in her stomach. Even though she was just about to fall asleep, she stopped feeling sleepy with Zhao Meng’s chatter and the sight of her stomach medicine. So she nodded at Zhao Meng, who put the bottle of swallow’s nest in her hand, and cheerfully ran over. She gave Qiao Anhao a bottle, without forgetting to twist off the lid, and handed it to her.
Just as Zhao Meng said, the swallow’s nest tasted amazing. Qiao Anhao ate some. Since she didn’t feel any pain in her stomach, she continued to eat it.
Zhao Meng was always a night owl. After eating the swallow’s nest, she sat at the desk and went on the computer. Less than half an hour later, she yawned numerous times.
Translator: Paperplane Editor: DarkGem
Zhao Meng was always a night owl. After eating the swallow’s nest, she sat at the desk and went on the computer. Less than half an hour later, she yawned numerous times. In the end, she couldn’t stand it any longer. She got up and took a shower. When she climbed into bed, Qiao Anhao was already fast asleep.
–
In the next few days, Qiao Anhao still felt nauseous every now and then. She used to often have stomachaches, but they would only make her feel nauseous for two to three days. After her bodily functions recovered on their own, she would just be fine. Who knew that this time, it would last for a good few days, without any signs of recovery.
Qiao Anhao couldn’t help but feel uneasy. The other day, she wanted to go to the doctors to get it checked, but the next day, she ate something and the nausea and thought of vomiting had already disappeared. Even the red barbecue meat that she saw two days ago, didn’t make her want to vomit anymore.
Her stomach didn’t feel the least bit uncomfortable. She thought that everything was back to normal and that she had naturally gotten better, so she felt relieved.
Han Ruchu gave her forty whole bottles of swallow’s nest. Zhao Meng would have one every night. They were said to help improve one’s beauty. Though Qiao Anhao didn’t have one a day like Zhao Meng, she ate about five or six.
She didn’t know if it was because she’d been so exhausted and busy with filming, but she always seemed to be sleepy. Even Zhao Meng was often yawning alongside her.
One night, when Qiao Anhao was filming a night scene. It was only eight o’clock, yet she couldn’t open his eyes. Whilst filming with Lu Jinnian, she still yawned, because of which they had to cut the scene short and re-shoot.
Qiao Anhao drank half a bottle of cold water to wake herself up a little, as she wanted the second try to be the last. In the end, just as she had almost finished filming, she couldn’t control her yawning and let out a few consecutive yawns, which caused another NG.
After Qiao Anhao went on set, she had always performed well. Even with two consecutive NGs, the director didn’t get angry. He just ordered her to take a half an hour’s rest.
Qiao Anhao didn’t know what was wrong with her recently. She used to sleep seven hours, which was about enough, but in these past two days, she was madly sleepy. Even though the director didn’t blame her for the NGs, they still delayed quite a lot of time. That, as well as the fact that it was also a night scene, it naturally made everyone have to stay behind and work through the night.
To ensure that the third take would be successful, Qiao Anhao walked out of the studio on her own.
It was raining lightly, so the temperature outside was quite cold. Qiao Anhao only wore a thin mini dress, so when she stepped out, her whole body shivered a little in the cold breeze, instantly waking her up.
To make sure she stayed awake, Qiao Anhao took a slow walk outside. In the end, she reached a hibiscus tree which was in full bloom. She stopped to take a look.
Coincidentally, a gust of cold wind and water made the air moist. The petals from the hibiscus tree rustled and fell in the rain. Drops of water landed on Qiao Anhao’s exposed skin. It was so cold, she couldn’t help but shiver. She hugged her shoulders and was about to tip-toe back into the studio when she felt someone drape something over her from behind.
Qiao Anhao blanked out for a moment, then turned around. Who could say when he came over, but it was Lu Jinnian who was silently standing beside her.
As though he hadn’t noticed the bewilderment in Qiao Anhao’s eyes, he reached his hand out and pulled his jacket tighter over her shoulders.
Translator: Kingbao Editor: DarkGem
Lu Jinnian acted as though he didn’t see the doubt in her eyes, he reached out to place a jacket over her shoulders before saying in a calm voice: “It’s getting cold, becareful not to get a cold.”
Ever since the birthday, Lu Jinnian and Qiao Anhao had had a rather distant relationship, other than during filming, they barely communicated.
When she heard his voice, she looked away, thanking him faintly, “Thank you.”
Lu Jinnian didn’t respond. He continued to stare at Qiao Anhao for a while more before following her gaze towards a patch of hibiscus flowers.
She stood silently with the jacket over her shoulders. Lu Jinnian’s familiar scent clouded her senses, turning her mind into a frenzied mess.
Is he showing her care… If not, why would he get her gastric pills and bring her a jacket…
But if he cared, why did he suddenly get so mad at her?
Both of them stood in silence for a long while, staring at the blossoming hibiscus flowers. Just then, Lu Jinnian spoke silently, breaking the peace. ” How’s Jiamu? Is he going to wake up?”
“Yea,” Qiao Anhao replied lightly. After a bit, she added, “Since Jiamu moved, the specialists said that he would definitely wake up, but they weren’t sure when.”
As she spoke, she paid attention to Lu Jinnian, trying to find some regret. But after staring for a long while, she still wasn’t able to spot anything in his frosty exterior. He acknowledged her words with a faint “Oh, it’s good that he can wake up.”
Qiao Anhao hung her head, feeling a hint of sorrow. It wasn’t that she was hoping Xu Jiamu wouldn’t wake up, but she was feeling upset that Lu Jinnian didn’t seem to feel anything about the situation. It was as though the end of their relationship didn’t matter to him.
She hung her head for a long while, trying to calm herself. She spoke in a low voice when she told him, “I’ll go in first, I have a scene later.”
Lu Jinnian remained silent, his gaze still focused on the blossoming hibiscus.
Qiao Anhao stood for a while more, after confirming that he didn’t intend to react, she removed his jacket, passed it to him, and walked towards the filming set.
When her footsteps got lighter and finally disappeared, Lu Jinnian turned around to look towards the direction she had gone. Under the dim lighting and empty surroundings, he looked lonely and desolate.
She should be happy if Xu Jiamu woke up… Then, they would probably get together?
What about him? What was he going to do? Leave and stay alone forever?
The filming took the rest of the day, and when it finally ended, Qiao Anhao had at least ten days worth of rest.
After returning back to the city, she realized that there was a large amount of swallow’s nest left over, hence she gave some to Zhao Meng before taking the rest back to Mian Xiu Garden.
For the ten days that she didn’t have any scenes, Lu Jinnian didn’t have any either. When she looked up entertainment news, she would find news of him in the city, but never once did he come back to Mian Xiu Garden.
Translator: Kingbao Editor: DarkGem
On the afternoon of the fourth day of Qiao Anhao’s break, she could feel a slight discomfort in her stomach, a pain similar to period cramps.
Ever since young, she had always experienced period cramps. It was also not regular and would skip a few months, but the doctors had assured her that everything was fine. She had taken Chinese medicine to correct the problem and for half a year, everything had become normal. But soon after, it returned back to the irregular pattern. Too much medication was bad after all, so she went to visit another doctor who assured her once again that everything was fine.
Qiao Anhao had mild discomfort in her stomach, but later that afternoon, it was fine.
After having dinner, Madam Chen asked, “Mrs. Lu, is Mr. Lu working overseas? Why hasn’t he been back?”
The question left Qiao Anhao startled, and after a while, she murmured an inaudible “Yea”, then continued to eat her meal.
After dinner, Madam Chen specifically heated up a bottle of swallow’s nest that Han Ruchu had given her. Qiao Anhao finished eating it and curled up on the sofa to watch television. Just then, she could feel discomfort in her stomach, she took a blanket to cover herself, afraid that she would get a cold. Gradually, she fell asleep.
–
These few days, Lu Jinnian had been back to Mian Xiu Garden, but he didn’t leave his car.
He had a dinner meeting earlier today, but when it ended, it was still early. The host had invited everyone to another location for some games, but Lu Jinnian refused, feeling uneasy the entire time.
After his assistant drove the car up from the underground car park, he came out to open the door, but Lu Jinnian didn’t enter. He stood for a while longer, then said, “Pass me the keys, you can leave first.”
He waited for his assistant to leave with the cab before entering the car, his heart beating rapidly. He tried to calm himself, but he couldn’t stop a rush of anxiety from drowning him. He wind down the window, waiting for his breathing to calm, but the heaviness in his heart was still lingering. He started the car and slammed into the accelerator.
After about ten minutes, he still felt the same heaviness in his heart, hence, he took out his phone and called Mian Xiu Garden.
Madam Chen saw his number and picked up instantly, greeting him. “Mr. Lu.”
Lu Jinnian replied with a faint “Yea” before asking impatiently, “How’s Qiao Qiao?”
Madam Chen felt that the phone call was abrupt, so she paused for a bit, replying in confusion, “Mrs. Lu is fine, she’s watching television upstairs.”
Lu Jinnian’s anxious heart finally calmed down. He took a deep sigh before replying with a faint “Oh.”. He hung up after it.
Lu Jinnian had wanted to work overtime, but when he reached the crossroad, he seemed to feel uneasy, even though Madam Chen had assured him that Qiao Anhao was fine. Hence, he turned back to Mian Xiu Garden.
When he reached the front yard, it was just 10.30 pm. Madam Chen was not asleep yet. When she heard his car enter, she came out to greet him.
After alighting from the car, he didn’t bother with greetings, brushing past her while he pressed the lock button on the car keys. Without even removing his shoes, he ran up the stairs into the bedroom, slamming the door open.
Translator: Kingbao Editor: DarkGem
Madam Chen stood at the foot of the stairs, looking at Lu Jinnian in confusion, standing in a daze.
Lu Jinnian was walking past the bathroom door when he saw Qiao Anhao on the sofa. He froze, his gaze observing the entire bedroom.
The television on the wall was currently showing an advertisement.
The window wasn’t closed and cold wind kept blowing in, sending the curtains flying.
Qiao Anhao was fast asleep on the sofa with a white blanket covering her.
The entire bedroom was the same as usual, there was nothing different. The atmosphere was quiet and peaceful.
Lu Jinnian’s uneasiness finally settled, he took a long deep breath before walking to the sofa softly. Once he reached it, he bent down to remove the remote control from Qiao Anhao’s hands, switching off the television. Turning back to face her, he stared for a while before reaching out to caress her long hair that fell across her face. His slender fingers touched her soft, silky skin. It was smooth, and he knew it was real, which calmed his anxious heart.
His anxiety was due to her treating him so coldly for the past few days, or maybe it was because of Xu Jiamu. He was confused, his heart was in a mess, causing him to feel that way.
Just then, he realized that somehow his entire back was soaked in cold sweat, and his heart relishing in the comfort of her presence. He couldn’t help breaking into a smile as he gazed at her, longing in his eyes.
Perhaps she was the only one in this world that was able to send his mind and heart into a frenzy.
Lu Jinnian’s fingers slowly rubbed against her cheeks. He lowered his head and kissed her forehead before carrying her towards the bed, tucking her in.
After sweating so much, Lu Jinnian felt sticky and uncomfortable. He casually tossed his jacket onto the sofa and loosened his tie. After taking few steps to the bathroom, he paused, frowning slightly. He looked towards the sofa that Qiao Anhao had been lying on. That’s when he realized that there was a hint of red on the white blanket that she had used to cover herself.
Lu Jinnian frowned, retreating back to the sofa to grab the blanket. It was clearly a blood stain, and the blanket was slightly warm. The blood was fresh!
And the blanket was on Qiao Anhao…
Lu Jinnian’s calmed feelings started to run wild once again. He pulled his tie open, tossing it onto the floor before running to the bed to inspect Qiao Anhao. He turned her around and found a small trace of blood on the bed sheet, there was also a trace of blood on her panties.
Lu Jinnian’s mother had died young, and as a man, he didn’t interact much with women, hence he forgot that women had their period every month. The moment he saw blood, he started feeling anxious, reaching out to tap her face. “Qiao Qiao? Qiao Qiao?”
Qiao Anhao’s eyes remained shut, without any sign of movement.
“Qiao Qiao?” Lu Jinnian shouted once again, shaking her shoulders. When there was still no reaction, he rushed downstairs, shouting, “Madam Chen! Madam Chen!”
Translator: Kingbao Editor: DarkGem
Madam Chen stood at the bottom of the stairs, looking at Lu Jinnian in confusion. She had thought that he had run up to find Qiao Anhao in anticipation, since he had not seen her in a long time. But just when she was about go back to her room, the door flew open and Lu Jinnian was shouting for her.
Madam Chen did not hesitate, rushing up instantly. When she reached the top, Lu Jinnian had wrapped Qiao Anhao in a blanket and had carried her out of the room. “Get the car ready!” he shouted.
Madam Chen had wanted to ask what was wrong, but the moment Lu Jinnian had shouted at her, she ate her words and rushed out.
By the time he came out of the house, Madam Chen had already opened the car doors. He placed Qiao Anhao inside, fastened her seat belt, completely ignoring Madam Chen when she asked what was wrong. Entering the driver’s seat, he slammed into the accelerator and sped out.
As he sped to the hospital, he reached for his phone to get his assistant. Just then, he realized that his hands were soft and weak. “Inform the doctors … not me, its Qiao Qiao, I’ll reach there in a few minutes.
After he hung up, he looked towards Qiao Anhao, his mind running through the problems that she could be suffering from, his heart in a knot.
When he reached the entrance of the emergency exit, his assistant was already there, waiting for Lu Jinnian’s entrance.
His assistant had prepared everything, Lu Jinnian carried Qiao Anhao down and followed to the third floor where she was rolled for checks.
The sole floor was silent. Even though Qiao Anhao was only gone for about ten minutes, Lu Jinnian felt as though he had endured a century. Every minute lasted forever and pained him. His usual smooth demeanor was long gone, as he repeatedly asked his assistant, Why isn’t she out yet?”
His assistant could not help it any longer. “Mr. Lu, Miss Qiao could just be on her period, it’s probably nothing serious.”
Period.
Lu Jinnian frowned slightly, remembering that he had once learned about it biology lessons. Calming down slightly, he stood up once again. Just then, the operation door opened and a female nurse came out. She pulled down her mask and asked, ” Who are her family members?”
“I am.” At that moment, Lu Jinnian had forgotten that he was just acting as her husband and spoke on instinct.
“You’re the patient’s husband?” the nurse asked before passing a document over. “The patient is two months pregnant, but the report shows that the baby died at least a week ago. We need to do a miscarriage immediately, otherwise she’ll be in grave danger.”
Lu Jinnian froze, his mind running, unable to process what she had just told him.
His assistant, grasping the gist, asked, “Died in her stomach?”
Translator: Paperplane Editor: DarkGem
“Yes.” It seemed like there was an urgent situation in the operating room. The nurse handed the files to Lu Jinnian. again With some urgency in her voice,she said, “Mister, could you please quickly sign it? They’re waiting to proceed with the operation.”
Lu Jinnian still didn’t make a sound, though his face looked calm. He hesitated for only a second before taking the file from the nurse. He saw two words, “miscarriage operation”, there, on the consent forms. His heart suddenly shrank.
The woman he loved was pregnant with his child. Though it was meant to be a joyous occasion, the moment he found out he was going to become a father, he also knew he’d lost the child.
Lu Jinnian tried his best to compose himself, as he took the pen from the file. His fingers shivered when he took off the lid and lowered the pen to where the nurse had pointed. Yet, he didn’t sign it.
He clearly knew what those three words “intrauterine fetal death” meant. There was no saving the child, yet his heart was so unbearably pained, having to sign for an abortion.
“Mister.” Seeing as he hadn’t moved at all, the nurse in front of Lu Jinnian called him once more.
Lu Jinnian lowered his head and stared at the consent form in his hands. He tightly pursed his lips and lowered his pen.
He didn’t know just how many times he had written the two words, ‘Lu Jinnian,’ in the past. Ever since he became famous, he practically had to write those two words everyday for fans, just as he needed to do on the consent form. But this one, he believed, was the most painful, most excruciating signature of his life.
When the nurse saw Lu Jinnian sign the word “Lu” and pause, as though he had just felt the severity of it all in his heart, she, who perhaps because she was also a woman, spoke up with hints of resentment and blame.
“The two of you sure are something. Looks like you’re both not young, you got married and had sex, and yet you’ve never considered the pregnancy, right? Now, that there’s a life on the line, jeez… But the woman is the most pitiful. Let’s not talk about the damage done to a body after a miscarriage… As a mother, if she knew that her own child had silently passed away, she’d probably be heartbroken to death!”
Lu Jinnian’s face had become pale under the nurse’s criticism. He opened his mouth, but there were no words and no back talk. In the end, he suppressed the pain in his heart, signed rest of his name, and handed the consent form to the nurse.
When she saw Lu Jinnian’s signature, the nurse took the surgical consent form and rushed back.
The doors of the operating room closed shut once again, and silence returned to the corridor.
Seeing as Lu Jinnian stood on the spot motionless for a very long time, the assistant said in a low voice, “Mr. Lu, don’t be too sad.”
The assistant’s simple words of condolence, instantly made the bottom of Lu Jinnian’s eyes to heat up. He instinctively reached into his pocket. He originally wanted to smoke, but he saw the “No Smoking” sign in the corridors and gave up in the end. Then he looked over at his assistant and said, “Leave first. I’ll be fine here on my own.”
The assistant said, “Mr. Lu, if there’s anything you need, call me.”
Lu Jinnian nodded silently.
The assistant stood there on the spot for half a minute before he reached over and patted Lu Jinnian’s shoulders, then he walked away.
