GET ANGRY

After the volunteer event ended, Qu Qin escorted Bai Qing outside.

"Does your hand still hurt?" Qu Qin asked.

Bai Qing shook her head. "No, it doesn't."

Qu Qin, sensing her low spirits, said, "Almost everyone who volunteers here for the first time feels the same way you do. Even if they don't witness a child's episode, hearing the parents' stories is enough to make anyone feel like this."

Bai Qing bit her lip. "How much hope do these children have of being cured?"

"The chances are quite slim," Qu Qin sighed. "Even if a child recovers, there's always the risk of relapse. And as of now, we don't have a definitive explanation for what causes the illness, nor do we have a specific cure."

"Aunt Qu, I don't know how to describe my feelings. Seeing these children and their parents makes me worry about my own child," Bai Qing said softly. "Am I being selfish, thinking of myself first in such a situation?"

Qu Qin patted her on the shoulder. "Silly girl, that's only natural. Don't be too hard on yourself. If you get pregnant in the future, just focus on keeping yourself happy, and everything will be fine. Don't overthink it."

Stay happy?

Bai Qing wanted to, but right now, she was tormented. She worried that her unhappiness might affect her child.

"You're a kind-hearted girl. The heavens won't treat you unfairly," Qu Qin said gently.

"Aunt Qu, I really like it here. Can I come back to volunteer again?" Bai Qing asked.

"Of course, you're always welcome," Qu Qin nodded.

"Thank you," Bai Qing said, genuinely pleased.

At that moment, a black Mercedes pulled up in front of her.

Qiao Jiayi stepped out of the car. "Bai Qing, I came to apologize."

"Brother Qiao, where's Maimai?" Bai Qing asked, surprised.

"My mother's watching her. Don't worry, she's very experienced with children," Qiao Jiayi explained.

Only then did Bai Qing nod, reassured.

"You two go ahead and talk. I have to go," Qu Qin said as she turned and left.

Qiao Jiayi looked at Bai Qing. "How about I take you to dinner?"

"Brother Qiao, I'm sorry, my family is waiting for me to have dinner at home," Bai Qing said, a bit embarrassed.

"No problem," Qiao Jiayi said quickly, fearing she might misunderstand. "How about I give you a ride home? We can talk in the car."

"Alright," Bai Qing nodded.

Qiao Jiayi opened the front passenger door, but when he saw a pile of children's books on the seat, he looked embarrassed. "Sorry, I forgot I had books here."

He began moving the books to the back.

"Brother Qiao, I'll just sit in the back. Don't trouble yourself," Bai Qing suggested, not wanting to inconvenience him.

"That works," Qiao Jiayi smiled. "These books are quite heavy."

Bai Qing chuckled and climbed into the back seat.

Once Qiao Jiayi got into the car and fastened his seatbelt, he asked, "Where do you live?"

Bai Qing gave him the Mo family's address.

Qiao Jiayi hesitated for a moment but quickly regained his composure. "Alright, I know where that is."

Bai Qing noticed more books in the back seat. She picked one up and asked, "Brother Qiao, what are these?"

"These were published by my company," Qiao Jiayi said with a faint smile. "The one you're holding is a story I wrote for Maimai. An illustrator helped with the drawings."

"It's really beautiful," Bai Qing remarked.

"Do you think so?" Qiao Jiayi smiled.

"But why does it seem unfinished?" Bai Qing asked, puzzled.

"I planned to release the second part this summer, but the illustrator had an accident and can't draw anymore. I haven't found a suitable replacement yet, so it's been delayed," Qiao Jiayi explained.

Bai Qing nodded in understanding.

"Brother Qiao, what did you want to talk to me about?" Bai Qing asked, curious.

"I just wanted to ask if you plan on coming back to volunteer," Qiao Jiayi asked softly.

"As long as I have the time," Bai Qing nodded.

"That's great," Qiao Jiayi's expression relaxed. "You don't know how difficult it is for autistic children to communicate with others. They're usually locked in their own world. But if you can spark their desire to connect, there's hope for recovery."

Bai Qing listened intently.

"Today, Maimai actually responded to what you said. That's why I hope you can help by talking to her more. Would that be too much to ask?" Qiao Jiayi said, a hint of pleading in his voice.

"Not at all," Bai Qing replied softly. "Brother Qiao, you don't need to be so polite. I'm more than willing to help."

"That's wonderful. If you need anything, just let me know," Qiao Jiayi said, clearly relieved.

"Brother Qiao, can I take this book with me?" Bai Qing asked.

"If you like it, consider it yours," Qiao Jiayi said happily.

"Alright, I'll take it then," Bai Qing said, hugging the book to her chest.

Soon, they arrived at the Mo family's residence.

Qiao Jiayi looked at the grand villa, confirming his suspicions about the family.

Bai Qing, worried he might misunderstand, quickly said, "Brother Qiao, about that…"

"I know. After your parents' accident, the Mo family took you in," Qiao Jiayi said with a gentle smile. "Don't worry, I don't misunderstand, and I won't spread rumors."

"Thank you," Bai Qing said, her anxiety easing.

"I'll be off then," Qiao Jiayi waved and drove away.

Bai Qing watched him leave, taking a deep breath.

Just then, a cold voice came from behind her. "The driver went to pick you up but didn't find you. Now I see someone else brought you home."

Startled, Bai Qing turned to find herself face-to-face with Mo Xiao, her face going pale.

At this hour, wasn't he supposed to be with Yun Qiqi after work? Why was he home?

"Brother Qiao just happened to give me a ride," Bai Qing clutched the book tighter and started walking inside.

Mo Xiao stepped in front of her, his presence cold and dangerous.

"That man, did you meet him at the charity?" Mo Xiao's tone was icy. "First meeting, and he's already giving you a ride home. Your prospects seem quite promising."

Prospects?

Bai Qing bit her lip. "Mo Xiao, you don't have to be so sarcastic. That man is Qiao Jiayi, an old neighbor. We only ran into each other again today at the charity. His daughter is also autistic."

Mo Xiao's dark gaze fell on Bai Qing's hand. "What happened to your hand?"

"It's none of your concern," Bai Qing said as she tried to walk past him.

"Stop!" Mo Xiao grabbed her wrist. "Tell me, how did you get hurt?"

Her skin was delicate, and so was she.

"I already told you, it's none of your business," Bai Qing said, not wanting to explain.

Seeing him only made her more frustrated. 

Since Mo Xiao refused to divorce her, she didn't want to talk to him anymore. She feared that arguing would only affect her child.

"Do you believe I can have that charity shut down right now?" Mo Xiao threatened coldly.