After leaving the hospital, Li Susu went straight to a small gynecology clinic in the suburbs. It was far from her school, which would help her avoid running into anyone she knew.
By the time she reached the clinic by bus, it was 11:30 AM. Thinking the doctors would be finishing their shifts soon, she went to a coffee shop across the street to wait.
She chose a window seat and pulled her CET-6 exam prep materials from her bag, intending to review the vocabulary words she had memorized the day before. However, she was so hungry that she couldn't focus. The doctor had instructed her to fast for the surgery, and she hadn't eaten much since the night before. Although she was famished, she knew she had to endure it for the sake of the pre-operative check-ups that afternoon.
She had researched online that this clinic didn't require an appointment and could perform the surgery immediately after the physical examination, which wouldn't interfere with her classes tomorrow. She forced herself not to dwell on the potential risks of the surgery; there were too many things in life beyond one's control, and all she could do now was seize every passing minute.
With that thought, she began to silently recite her vocabulary, quickly losing herself in her work.
Around 2:00 PM, a black Cullinan pulled up slowly to the curb outside the floor-to-ceiling windows. The window rolled halfway down, revealing the man’s sharp, angular profile. His high nose bridge and tightly pressed thin lips exuded an aloof, unapproachable aura, yet his gaze remained fixed on her as if rooted to the spot.
Li Susu remained completely unaware. When her alarm went off, she silenced it, quietly packed her bag, and left the cafe for the clinic across the street.
Ji Lin couldn't help but click his tongue; this girl was truly naive. He glanced back at his boss’s icy expression, his tone tinged with panic. "President Bo, what should we do now?"
"If she doesn't want this child, then let her terminate it."
Bo Junyi’s tone was indifferent, though a hint of impatience lurked beneath the surface.
Ji Lin looked at him in disbelief, carefully choosing his words. "President Bo, Miss Li is carrying twins. The Old Madam has consulted countless famous doctors to treat your condition. If the children are really gone, the Old Madam will be devastated—"
"If you don't tell her, how would she know?" Bo Junyi retorted coldly.
Ji Lin’s brow twitched. He wanted to say more, but he didn't dare. The truth was, in a moment of panic just now, he had impulsively sent Li Susu’s pregnancy test results and the clinic’s address to the Old Madam. If all went as expected, she was likely rushing over at this very moment.
Ji Lin swallowed hard and changed the subject. "President Bo, even if she goes through with the surgery, we should at least find a reputable hospital. The medical conditions here are not exactly top-tier—"
"My only responsibility is to sign the papers and ensure her surgery is successful." Bo Junyi stepped out of the car, slammed the door shut, and said to Ji Lin, "Wait here. Take her back when it’s over."
Ji Lin gave him an "OK" gesture, though he couldn't help but complain to himself about how stubborn his boss was. The man was clearly worried sick, yet insisted on acting as if he couldn't care less. *Is this awkwardness because he's worried Miss Li refuses to bear his children?*
After waiting for a while, bored, Ji Lin checked his phone. Seeing no reply from the Old Madam, he prepared to call her. He was certain his boss would never blame him for being meddlesome.
But before he could dial, a white Audi came speeding toward the clinic, roaring into the parking lot. Ji Lin broke into a cold sweat; it hadn't even been twenty minutes, and the Old Madam had already arrived. For the sake of her precious grandchildren, the old lady was truly risking it all!
After registering, Li Susu went straight to the outpatient department. Because she had arrived early, there wasn't much of a line. The doctor, a somewhat aloof middle-aged woman, finished listening to Li Susu’s basic history and asked about her marital status as a matter of routine.
Li Susu answered truthfully.
"And the boyfriend?"
"We broke up."
The doctor glanced at her calmly. "It’s best to have someone with you for twenty-four hours after the surgery. I can help you contact a social worker if you need one—"
Li Susu shook her head quickly. "No, thank you."
She only had three or four thousand yuan to her name. After the surgery, she wouldn't be able to work her part-time job at the restaurant for a while, and she’d likely struggle just to feed herself. She had no money to waste on anything else.
Seeing her firm attitude, the doctor didn't press the matter, but as she handed over the check-up slip, she added, "It would be best to call the father of the child and discuss this with him."
Li Susu nodded and replied, "I will."
Just a moment ago, the thought of calling him had crossed her mind. If Mr. Bo were there, perhaps, in recognition of their brief acquaintance, he might save her life if she suffered a hemorrhage. Even though there wasn't much in this world she felt attached to, she hadn't yet realized her own value, and it would be a shame to leave so soon.
But the moment she remembered his cold, "As you wish," she lost her nerve. She was afraid of his anger and afraid of truly provoking him and bringing disaster upon herself.
Her fingers turned white as she clutched the edge of her phone. Finally, she tucked it into her bag and walked toward the stairs. The doctor had suggested she buy a bottle of water in the lobby, drink it, and wait twenty minutes before the ultrasound to ensure the fetal images were clear and accurate.
Afraid of running into someone she knew, Li Susu opted for the stairwell instead of the elevator. The lighting in the stairwell was dim. She walked slowly, but her steps felt inexplicably floaty, and her head was spinning. Suddenly, her body lost control and she began to fall.
However, the expected pain never came. Instead, a firm, powerful hand caught her and held her steady.
Li Susu’s consciousness was fading, but she could feel herself cradled in a broad, warm embrace. A faint scent of pine and tobacco lingered in the air—the same scent that had been on him that night.
"Li Susu!"
She heard someone call her name, the voice deep, magnetic, and pleasant. It sounded just like his. But she was unable to determine if this was reality or a dream before she slipped into unconsciousness.