---
The next morning came quietly. The sunlight poured gently into the private hospital ward, casting a soft glow across the room.
After a full day of medical observation and reassurance from the doctors, Lin Yue was finally cleared to go home.
Mo Yuwei, however, tried her best to convince her to stay another night, her voice gentle yet persistent.
"Just stay one more day, Lin Yue," Mo Yuwei said gently, concern flashing in her eyes. "For the baby. It's just one more day."
Lin Yue gave her a small smile, touched by her care. "I promise I'm fine. Thank you for everything, but I don't want to burden you anymore. You've already done so much."
And she truly had.
Mo Yuwei had not only checked in daily, brought her meals, and offered her comfort, but had also paid the entire hospital bill.
They didn't know each other, but she'd taken care of her very well.
How could she keep asking for more?
Mo Yuwei sighed and finally relented, handing her a bag of clothes. "Fine. Here wear this."
Lin Yue chuckled softly. "Of course."
She changed into the fresh clothes—a soft white dress layered under a warm pink hoodie, paired with white sneakers.
The colors were soothing, comforting.
She admired them in the mirror briefly before leaving with Yuwei.
---
Outside, the air was fresh with the scent of blooming spring.
The sky was a calm grey, hinting at rain, but not threatening yet. Yuwei unlocked her sleek black car and gestured for her to get in.
Lin Yue hesitated. "I can take the bus—"
"No," Yuwei interrupted, her voice light but firm. "You're not taking the bus in your condition. Get in."
Left with no choice, Lin Yue climbed in, touched once more by Yuwei's unrelenting kindness and gives her her address.
---
As they drove into Lin Yue's neighborhood, Yuwei's polished brows furrowed. Her eyes scanned the crumbling walls, the uneven roads, and the graffiti-tagged buildings with increasing concern.
"Is this... where you live?" she asked carefully.
Lin Yue nodded. "Yeah. I've been here for a while. But I'm planning to move soon."
Mo Yuwei looked at her for a long moment. "You're strong, Lin Yue. And honest. I like that. If you need help looking for a place, just tell me."
"Thank you... Miss Mo."
"No, just call me Yuwei. We're friends now."
Lin Yue smiled as she stepped out of the car. "Thank you, Yuwei. Truly."
She waved at her before making her way up the narrow stairs to her unit.
---
Inside, the apartment greeted her with silence and still air.
She shut the door behind her and stood there for a moment.
Her apartment felt the same – quiet, cold, empty. She hadn't been home in two days, and it showed, but it looked like forever.
The air was musty, the laundry untouched.
Laundry, wiping down every surface, reorganizing the small space.
Her movements were slow but steady.
---
After the place was tidy, she cooked a simple meal— soup and some rice—she ate alone in silence.
The food settled warmly in her belly.
She lay on her bed and sleep took her fast.
She woke up hours later, sunlight now softer and golden. Her stomach rumbled faintly. She reheated the leftover food and sat on the couch.
Then, deciding to distract herself, she turned on the TV.
Mindless shows played in the background as she curled up on the sofa, one hand resting gently on her stomach.
Maybe I've been too caught up in pain, she thought, her gaze distant. I haven't been fair to this little one… I need to do better.
Just then, her phone rang.
She glanced at the screen—it was Yuwei.
"Hello?" she answered quickly.
Mo Yuwei's voice was bright and teasing. "You forgot, didn't you?"
Lin Yue blinked. "Forgot what?"
"Your paintings."
"Oh right— what do you say?"
"I'm taking all seven."
Lin Yue sat upright, surprised. "All seven? Yuwei, that's too—"
"Seven million. Sent. Deal's done. No refunds." Yuwei laughed on the other end.
"But—"
"Too late. Bye!"
The line cut. Lin Yue stared at her phone and sure enough, a few seconds later, a transaction notification popped up.
Seven million.
Her lips parted slightly in disbelief.
Just like that.
---
She had almost fifteen million now—between the money from Yuwei and the money in Ah Yan's account that he'd left even though she didn't plan to use it.
She set the phone down slowly, her thoughts racing.
Maybe it's time to invest.
Open something.
Start a business. Use this blessing to change my life... For my baby… she mused, her hand moving unconsciously to her stomach.
---
She was so lost in thought that she didn't hear the knock at first.
Knock! Knock!
It came again, harder this time.
Who could that be? she wondered. She wasn't expecting anyone.
She stood slowly and walked to the door, brushing her fingers through her hair.
But when she opened it, the air caught in her lungs.
Six men stood there.
Tall. Broad.
Their faces rough, scarred, twisted in permanent sneers.
Ink curled up their arms in elaborate tattoos, and each of them held an iron rod.
She froze.
Her breath hitched.
Her heart thundered in her chest.
They didn't speak. They just stared.
And Lin Yue knew—
Something terrible was about to happen.
---