Two hours later.
Bai Qing lay weak and drained on the large bed.
A black quilt covered her, making her delicate skin appear even more porcelain-like.
Her tender body bore traces of what could only be described as "abuse."
Beast!
Bai Qing bit her lip, glaring at the man standing by the bed, dressing.
"I'll tell Yun Qiqi about this. Just wait," Bai Qing threatened.
"Still have the strength to talk?" Mo Xiao raised a brow.
Bai Qing pursed her cherry lips.
Mo Xiao bent down, propping his arms on either side of her, then lightly flicked her forehead with a fond gesture. "You don't even have her contact information. How are you going to report me?"
Bai Qing froze.
"Besides, you're someone with pride and a thin skin. Would you really send photos of your body to anyone?" Mo Xiao cast her a sidelong glance.
Bai Qing huffed, retreating further under the quilt.
"I'm heading out. Rest well. If you don't feel like getting out of bed, have Aunt Cai bring the food upstairs." Mo Xiao instructed.
Bai Qing ignored him.
Suddenly, she felt something slip into her quilt.
Mo Xiao took her hand and placed a black card into her palm. "I'll look into why the card was frozen. Keep it with you. You'll be the one suffering without money."
Bai Qing remained still.
Mo Xiao, dressed in his suit, left.
Bai Qing threw the black card onto the floor.
Mo Xiao's dark eyes flickered with a deep intensity before he turned and walked away.
Lying on the bed, Bai Qing stared at the ceiling.
She would never spend another cent of Mo Xiao's money!
Starting tomorrow, she would earn her own.
But what could she do?
Ever since Mo Xiao had "kept" her, she hadn't thought about survival.
She had been careless.
——
Mo Xiao left the Mo residence.
Sitting in the car, he called Zhao Teng. "Call the bank and find out why Bai Qing's card was frozen."
Zhao Teng was surprised. "Didn't you instruct them to freeze it?"
"When did I say that?" Mo Xiao's face darkened. "Did I ever tell you that even if Bai Qing and I divorce, I will still take care of her?"
Zhao Teng awkwardly replied, "I'll have the bank unfreeze it right away."
"Hurry," Mo Xiao's voice was icy. "And remember, even if we divorce, all special privileges for her remain the same."
"Yes, sir!" Zhao Teng nodded.
He couldn't shake the feeling that Mo Xiao might not be as emotionless toward Bai Qing as he appeared.
"Meet me at the office," Mo Xiao said coldly.
"Sir, aren't you going to the hospital?" Zhao Teng asked, confused.
"I go to the hospital every day. Can you handle the company?" Mo Xiao retorted sharply.
"No, I can't," Zhao Teng admitted without hesitation.
"Goodbye," Mo Xiao ended the call.
He was preparing to drive to the company when Yun Qiqi called.
"Mo Xiao, didn't you say you'd be back soon? Why haven't you returned yet?" Yun Qiqi's voice held a pouty grievance.
"There's an urgent matter at the company," Mo Xiao replied indifferently. "I've arranged for a nurse to take care of you. Rest well. Goodbye."
He hung up.
Yun Qiqi froze in shock.
He hung up on her?!
It must be because of Bai Qing again!
No, she had to come up with a plan, make Bai Qing obediently donate her bone marrow, and then disappear from this world!
——
Bai Qing got up, took a shower, and changed into loose clothing before leaving her room.
She went downstairs to see the old Madame Mo.
The old lady looked full of energy. "Qingbao, you're here."
Bai Qing's cheeks were flushed. "Grandma, how's your health?"
"Much better," the old lady beamed, pulling Bai Qing's arm and rolling up her sleeve slightly.
Bai Qing felt awkward.
"That rascal Mo Xiao, he doesn't know how to be tender with you," the old lady chided. "And you, don't spoil him too much. Having children is important, but so is your health."
Bai Qing felt even more embarrassed.
She knew this would happen once she moved into the Mo residence.
"I had the kitchen prepare black chicken soup for you. Drink plenty," the old lady smiled. "I heard you and Mo Xiao will be staying here. I couldn't be happier! With you around, my recovery will be even faster."
"I don't have that kind of magic," Bai Qing laughed.
"You're my medicine," the old lady affectionately declared.
Bai Qing rested her head on the old lady's shoulder. Why did everyone in the Mo family adore her, yet Mo Xiao didn't care for her at all?
"Qingbao, don't worry. If you ever feel wronged, tell Grandma, and I'll stand up for you," the old lady's hand trembled slightly as she held Bai Qing's.
"Mm," Bai Qing nodded, but her eyes moistened.
Afraid the old lady would notice, she blinked back the tears.
She stayed with the old lady, chatting away, and before long, the evening passed.
At eight o'clock, the old lady retired to bed.
Bai Qing left the room.
Mo Xiao still hadn't returned.
Bai Qing assumed he wasn't coming back.
She returned to her room just as Yu Qi called.
"Xiao Qi?" Bai Qing answered softly.
"Bai Qing, I need a favor," Yu Qi sounded embarrassed.
"No problem, tell me," Bai Qing said.
"Well, I used to volunteer at a charity, but recently I haven't been able to because of my brother. I was wondering if you could help in my place. Would that be okay?" Yu Qi asked shyly.
"Of course, it's a good cause," Bai Qing agreed readily.
"It's for children with autism. Their condition is very unique, so you'll need to be patient and take care of yourself too," Yu Qi explained.
"Autism?" Bai Qing had heard of it but didn't know much.
"Yes," Yu Qi nodded. "These kids are really pitiful. They don't engage with the outside world, immersed in their own world. When their parents or loved ones are no longer around, they'll struggle because no one will be there to care for them."
Bai Qing's heart ached.
Now that she was expecting a baby, too.
She only wished her child could grow up healthy and happy.
She didn't need her child to achieve great things, just to be content.
"Alright, I'll go tomorrow," Bai Qing agreed, gently stroking her belly.
"I'll send you the address and some details. I'm really sorry to trouble you," Yu Qi apologized repeatedly.
"Don't be so formal with me," Bai Qing smiled. "I'm happy to do it."
"Great," Yu Qi sighed in relief. "I have to get back to work. Goodbye."
"Goodbye," Bai Qing hung up.
Then she grabbed her tablet and started searching for information on autism.
As she read, she drifted off to sleep.
When Mo Xiao returned, he found her dozing off against the headboard, without even a blanket to cover her.
The tablet was still on, its screen glowing softly.
He walked over to turn it off, but as he caught a glimpse of the phrase "What can cause autism during pregnancy," his hand trembled.
Was she pregnant?!