Chapter 19 Is Sang Qi the Father?

Perhaps the pain made it feel numb, but it didn’t feel that bad when the doctor started stitching. Sang Qi accompanied me throughout the process. He probably thought I was odd. In the end, the doctor gasped in astonishment, “You are so brave, Miss Xia. Sixteen stitches without anesthetics didn’t make you even frown one bit.” Yes, brave but miserable. Then the doctor prescribed me some anti-inflammatory painkillers. Yao Keyi was getting treated in a nearby unit and her screams almost pierced the walls. I couldn’t walk now. Otherwise, the newly-stitched wounds would crack open again. I turned to Sang Qi, “Get me a wheelchair and put it on Yao Keyi’s bill.” I was injured because of her negligence, so she had to pay for it. Sang Qi stood beside me silently, tall and straight. Why was he still so attractive even in the hospital? The nurses walking by all checked him out secretly. Sang Qi was much kinder than I expected. He actually got me a wheelchair and helped me sit on it too. I went to Yao Keyi’s unit in the wheelchair and knocked on the door. She asked hoarsely, “What do you want?” “I have sixteen stitches on my legs, which will leave scars for sure. Give me 100,000 as compensation, or else I’ll sue you.” Dangerous driving was enough to put her behind bars. Her eyes widened and her jaw dropped, “Are you crazy?” I found a piece of paper and wrote down my bank account, “You are a public figure while I’m a nobody. That’s why reputation matters for you, but not for me. If I don’t get what I want, I’ll sue you and make sure my journalist friends give you enough attention. I’m just not sure if that’s the popularity you hope for.” I gave her the note and left right away. Instead of leaving the hospital, I went to the Gynecology and Obstetrics Department and made an appointment for tomorrow’s operation. The doctor was surprised because of the condition of my legs, “Are you sure you can do the surgery like this?” “Legs are not involved in this operation anyway,” I answered. The child was growing bigger every day. I was afraid it might be more harmful to my body if I didn’t get the abortion now. Moreover, I was starting to have feelings for this baby. After I made the tough decision, I finally left the hospital. The taxi I ordered online arrived on time. The driver was polite and considerate. He helped me get in the car and carefully folded the wheelchair before placing it in the trunk. When the car slowly started rolling, I saw a vague silhouette walk away through the rearview window. I wasn’t sure if that was Sang Qi. There was no reason for him to do so. Back in the villa, Jin was astounded to see me in a wheelchair, “What happened, Miss Xia?” “Car accident.” I answered briefly and held her arm, “Where’s Ms. Cai?” Ms. Cai rushed to the door and assisted me with getting back into the room. Then, Jin helped me bathe and change clothes. After that, I lay down on the bed and started to watch TV while enjoying my snacks. Jin stood beside me as company. She must be confused, considering I could still laugh out loud after a near-death experience. I was not Wonder Woman, but I had to be strong for myself, especially now. Ms. Cai served me a bowl of chicken soup and told me that she would make me fish soup tomorrow. What a pity. The surgery was due tomorrow. Otherwise, I could’ve had a taste of that. After dinner, I felt tired and sleepy, so I closed my eyes to get some shuteye. Suddenly, Ms. Cai shook me awake, “Miss Xia, Mr. Dong is here.” Mr. Dong? He hadn’t come to visit me even once since he brought me to this villa. What was he doing here today? Did he come to visit because of my injury? I didn’t move, “Let him in!” It made no difference. I couldn’t get off the bed to welcome him anyway. Mr. Dong walked in, still looking smart and neat in his suit. He didn’t bring flowers or fruits, which meant he wasn’t here because he cared. And obviously, there was no smile. He was more like a displeased judge. What crime did I commit to see his snarky face? I looked at my phone, ignoring his existence. Eventually, he said, “Miss Xia.” “Yes,” I answered casually without looking at him, “Anything I can do for you?” My attitude seemed to have annoyed him. He asked loudly, “Miss Xia, aren’t you a little too willful these days?” I was busy playing a game, so I didn’t respond. He yelled at me, “Miss Xia, you are not here on vacation!” He was so loud that I covered my ears with both hands without realizing it, and when I did, I had already lost the game. The black screen had two words on it: Good game! I threw the phone away and looked up at him, “Why are you so irritated?” He sneered, “Miss Xia, have you had enough fun? Now that you’re injured, can you please just stay at home for some time?” I noticed the disdain in his eyes. He must think it was my honor to bear his boss’ child. Pah! The child will be gone tomorrow. Let’s see who’ll be more disappointed. I found a pack of dried plums on the night table and popped one into my mouth, “I will do whatever I want unless you lock me up in this house.” “Miss Xia, you don’t want to mess with my boss. I suggest you behave.” “You are mistaken,” I looked straight into his eyes, “It’s your boss who wants this child. I can get rid of it whenever I feel like doing so.” He was stupefied. Maybe he expected for me to cry for his mercy? “Xia Zhi!” He called my name in exasperation, but he was speechless after that. “Ding!” It was a message from the bank. Yao Keyi had transferred me the 100,000 I asked for. She was good about keeping her part of the deal. I thought it would take some time! Sixteen stitches for 100,000. I’d call it a bargain. Since I was in a good mood, I didn’t want to argue with Mr. Dong anymore. I pulled the quilt up to cover my head. The thin layer didn’t muffle his angry voice, “Miss Xia, I’m here to warn you. If you keep asking for trouble, everything you have today will be taken away.” Unfortunately, I was immune to threats. I had gone through a lot of that for the past few years. I secretly observed his expression and asked abruptly, “Is Sang Qi the father?”