white lie

Xu Kewei tugged at the corner of Wanqing's dress, her fingers instinctively gauging the fabric. As a former high-society lady, she could easily tell the quality at a glance.

"Quite expensive, isn't it?"

"Not… not really, I think…" Wanqing stammered, cold sweat running down her back, unsure of how to explain.

Xu Kewei gave her a sharp look, then asked, "Did your father buy it for you?"

Wanqing froze, suddenly reminded that she did, in fact, have a father. She didn't know how to respond and stiffly nodded. "Yes, Dad bought it…" After saying that, her heart tightened, and she desperately fought back tears. Her father had practically sold her, so how could he have bought her clothes?

Xu Kewei retracted her hand, her face turning expressionless. "At least he's still good to you."

"Mom…" Wanqing didn't know how to comfort her.

Xu Kewei gave a small, bitter smile before asking, "Do you see him often now?"

Wanqing shook her head. "No. How could that mother and daughter allow it? They probably wish we'd disappear."

Xu Kewei snorted coldly, but suddenly felt a sharp pain in her ribs. Wanqing saw her pale face and immediately panicked. "Mom! What's wrong? Don't worry about them! We don't need them!"

She quickly called for the nurse, and both the nurse and doctor worked quickly to stabilize Xu Kewei.

Wanqing began to sob uncontrollably. "It's all my fault. I shouldn't have made you upset…"

"It's okay. If you don't cry, Mom won't be upset," Xu Kewei whispered weakly.

"Okay, I won't cry!" Wanqing hurriedly wiped her tears away.

After a moment of rest, Xu Kewei asked, "Are there any exams coming up? How are your grades?"

"Pretty good. I've improved," Wanqing said. "Last time I ranked seventh in the class, and I'm in the top hundred in the grade. I'm sure I'll get into a good university."

Hearing this, Xu Kewei's expression softened, and she seemed comforted.

In reality, Wanqing's grades were usually around the top ten in her class, but with the few months she had missed, she knew she'd likely fall out of the top twenty, perhaps even farther. But for now, to reassure her mother, she couldn't say anything else. She could always catch up once school resumed—she'd put in the extra effort and make up for what she'd missed.

They chatted for another ten minutes before the nurse entered. "The patient needs to rest."

Wanqing reluctantly looked at Xu Kewei. "I'll go now."

"Don't take leave again. Come back after the holidays," Xu Kewei said.

Wanqing nodded, checking that her mother's blanket was properly tucked before leaving the room. As she stepped outside, she was startled to see Acheng waiting for her.

Acheng spoke in a low voice, "Miss."

Wanqing glanced into the room, then took a few steps forward, her anger barely contained. "Did you send the nurse in?" How could he interrupt her time with her mother? This was too much!

Acheng, as if anticipating her thoughts, said calmly, "The President called and reminded us. Miss, don't forget the important matters. You should go and change your bandages first."

Important matters?

Right, changing her bandages was the priority—visiting her mother had only been incidental.