YOU DON'T DESERVE

Bai Qing gritted her teeth. "Mo Xiao, you've gone too far!"

"Then just tell me the truth," Mo Xiao said, his face darkened.

He didn't want to pressure her like this.

But lately, Bai Qing's temper had become increasingly volatile.

She wasn't as gentle as before.

Or perhaps, she was still the same sweet, gentle little rabbit.

But only with him, she was distant.

"A child had an episode. When I was helping, he accidentally bit me," Bai Qing explained evasively.

"Accidentally?" Mo Xiao grabbed her hand and tore off the large bandage covering the wound.

The bite mark was clear.

"You're not allowed to go back," Mo Xiao said, glaring at her pale, delicate hand, clearly displeased.

"I have to go," Bai Qing pulled her hand away. "Those children and everyone there need help. This was just an accident."

"Those children are dangerous. Do you understand? This time it was your hand, who knows what it will be next?" Mo Xiao said sternly.

Bai Qing pressed her cherry lips together. "The children aren't dangerous. As long as they're not provoked, they're well-behaved. Do you think their parents want them to be like this?"

Mo Xiao's voice turned cold. "What is this reaction?"

He was only trying to protect her!

Bai Qing knew she had let her emotions get the better of her.

She was afraid.

Afraid that her emotional turmoil would affect the baby.

Her inner turmoil, her anxiety, her fear—it was all for the baby.

But she couldn't tell anyone, no one could console her.

She even suspected she might have prenatal depression.

But knowing didn't help; she still felt powerless.

"Do whatever you want," Mo Xiao said angrily and stormed out.

Tears welled up in Bai Qing's eyes.

How had she become so fragile, so prone to tears?

She tried to hold back, but she couldn't stop them.

Mo Xiao drove past her, barely acknowledging her presence.

He must be losing his mind.

He had been thinking about how irritable Bai Qing had been lately and wanted to come home early to spend time with her.

But he never expected her to argue with him.

He should have known better than to show concern.

Bai Qing wiped away her tears and pretended nothing was wrong as she returned to the villa.

She didn't go down for dinner.

She wasn't hungry.

She sat on the sofa, cradling the picture book that Qiao Jiayi had given her.

Qiao Jiayi really knew how to write stories.

In his tale, Mai Mai was a mute yet gentle and understanding child.

To save her father, she ventured into the witch's territory to seek a cure.

Mai Mai was brave and strong in the story.

In the end, she even moved the witch, who gave her the medicine.

The story ended there.

How Mai Mai returned home and saved her father was left untold.

Perhaps it was setting up for a sequel.

But Bai Qing really liked the story.

In the story, Mai Mai made a boat from leaves and befriended fireflies.

The words and illustrations were both warm and healing.

She had looked it up—*The Adventures of Mai Mai* was a bestseller, and everyone was eagerly awaiting the second part.

Bai Qing felt a little bit healed herself.

She called Qiao Jiayi.

"Brother Qiao, it's me," Bai Qing's voice was always soft.

"Bai Qing, what's up?" Qiao Jiayi had just come out of Mai Mai's room.

Mai Mai had just fallen asleep.

"Brother Qiao, I've finished reading the picture book," Bai Qing pursed her lips. "Brother Qiao, can I try being an illustrator?"

"You're interested?" Qiao Jiayi was a bit surprised.

"Mm." Bai Qing nodded. "I think your story is wonderful, so healing. I'd like to give it a try."

"Sure," Qiao Jiayi smiled. "Why don't you draw a few sample illustrations for me to see?"

"No problem." Bai Qing was delighted. She had learned how to draw illustrations before, so the technique wasn't an issue for her.

But how to draw something that people would love—that would take some inspiration.

Still, Bai Qing had confidence in herself.

"Once you're done, just send them to me," Qiao Jiayi said.

"Okay," Bai Qing smiled. "I'll hang up now."

"Mm." Qiao Jiayi nodded and ended the call.

Bai Qing held the picture book, her eyes filled with anticipation.

Knock knock!

A knock came from the door.

Bai Qing walked over and opened it, surprised to see Lin Mo standing there. "Brother Lin Mo?"

"I came to deliver something to Auntie and thought I'd check on you too," Lin Mo's deep black eyes seemed to see through her. "I heard from Auntie that you and Mo Xiao had an argument."

Bai Qing bit her lip.

"Don't take it the wrong way. I'm just asking," Lin Mo said, worried she'd mind.

"It's fine," Bai Qing said quietly.

Lin Mo noticed her downcast expression and spoke in a low voice. "Bai Qing, if you ever want to divorce him, I can help."

Bai Qing was startled. "Help me?"

"Don't forget, I'm a lawyer. I can help you with the divorce," Lin Mo said.

"No, no!" Bai Qing was shocked. "You and Mo Xiao are cousins. How could I let the two of you go to court against each other? Auntie Shen loves me, and my mother-in-law cares for me deeply. I can't do that."

Lin Mo frowned. "But you don't seem happy at all."

In just a few days, she had grown so haggard.

Bai Qing was taken aback.

She really wasn't happy.

Had he noticed?

If Lin Mo had noticed, then Mo Xiao's grandmother and Shen Wan probably had too.

She really was foolish.

She couldn't hide it. She couldn't pretend everything was fine.

"I'm unhappy, but it's only temporary," Bai Qing said softly. "Brother Lin Mo, please don't interfere in matters between Mo Xiao and me, or I'll be in a difficult position."

Lin Mo was a good man.

She didn't want to put him in a tough spot.

Lin Mo's voice was filled with concern. "Bai Qing, there are some things you can't handle on your own."

"Brother Lin Mo, everyone has to grow up. There's nothing I can't handle," Bai Qing's delicate eyes held a deep resolve.

All Lin Mo felt was pain.

Mo Xiao didn't deserve her love!

Mo Xiao wasn't worthy!

"Brother Lin Mo, it's late. I need to rest," Bai Qing lowered her thick lashes.

Lin Mo suddenly remembered their roles.

He had been so worried about her that he came upstairs to check on her.

But with her words, he realized they really shouldn't be having this conversation.

"Rest well. Good night," Lin Mo turned and left.

He wished he could help her escape this prison.

Take her away from here.

Let her experience the happiness a 22-year-old girl should have.

But as he was now, he could do nothing.

All he could do was wait for Bai Qing and Mo Xiao to divorce.

Only then could he rightfully care for her.

Take care of her.

Make her his wife.

Lin Mo turned and left.

Bai Qing returned to her room.

She sat on the bed, biting her lip hard.

She couldn't burden Lin Mo any further.

It was too late.

She decided to wash up and sleep.

She had just laid down when her phone rang.

A stranger had added her on WeChat.

Who could it be?

She thought for a moment and assumed it was one of the parents from the charity organization, so she accepted the request.