new clothes？

After finishing her lunch, Wanqing dialed Mu Tianyang's number. "Mr. Mu…"

"What did you just call me?" Mu Tianyang's voice grew cold, the unmistakable threat seeping through the phone line. Though he hadn't expected her call, the way she addressed him stung.

Wanqing froze for a moment, then tentatively tried again, "Mr. Mu?" How else should she address him?

Mu Tianyang tapped his fingers on the desk, a mocking laugh escaping his lips. "Perhaps 'Benefactor' would be more appropriate."

Wanqing's expression shifted, her voice trembling as she murmured, "I don't know how to address you…"

"What's the matter?" Mu Tianyang's tone grew more impatient. "I'm busy! This better be important, or you'll regret calling me!"

The thought of his wrath made Wanqing shudder. She hesitated before speaking, her voice barely above a whisper. "I need to go to the hospital today to change my bandages… so I just wanted to inform you."

"Oh, and you plan to visit your mother while you're at it?"

"…If that's possible." Wanqing's voice was so soft, it was almost inaudible. "Of course, I'll do as you say."

"Only change your bandages. You're not going to see your mother."

The coldness in his words struck her like a sharp knife. Wanqing's eyes stung, and tears began to fall uncontrollably. She choked out, "Really? Is that not allowed?"

Mu Tianyang, who had been reviewing some documents, paused, his brow furrowing. "Are you crying?"

"No!" Wanqing quickly wiped her tears away. "I'm not…"

Mu Tianyang was silent for a moment before speaking again, his voice flat. "Fine. Go ahead. The hospital is only half an hour from the villa. I'll give you two hours for the round trip."

"Thank you," Wanqing replied softly, but then added, "I plan to leave around five-thirty."

"Why?"

"Because school ends at five, and if I leave then, I should reach the hospital by six. I don't want my mother to suspect anything."

"Have you told her whether you're a boarding student or a day student?"

"I… I used to be a day student. Whether boarding or day, I still need to attend self-study at night."

Mu Tianyang remained silent for a moment before asking, "Is there anything else?"

"No."

Click The phone call ended abruptly.

Upon arriving at the hospital, Wanqing found that Xu Kewei looked much better than the day before.

"Why are you here again?" Xu Kewei asked, though she was happy to see her. Still, a trace of worry crossed her mind—she was concerned about Wanqing's studies.

"Because school just ended!" Wanqing smiled. "After school, I came to see my mom."

"Aren't you supposed to be in evening study?"

"I took a leave."

"Don't keep taking leave!" Xu Kewei said sternly.

"I know…" Wanqing muttered, lowering her head in a mock expression of guilt.

Xu Kewei sighed, holding her hand gently. "How's your hand?"

"It's much better."

Xu Kewei patted her shoulder, then suddenly looked at the clothes Wanqing was wearing. "New clothes?"

"Uh…" Wanqing froze, realizing she had forgotten. These clothes were from Mu Tianyang! Her mother had never seen them before!