Unexpectedly, Qi Longbing raised his hand high, causing her to lunge at empty air. An indifferent expression clearly hung on the corner of his mouth, and then he casually tossed the documents to Yu Bao, who was standing beside him.
"Director Zhang, what's the total cost?" Qi Longbing's voice was very soft, yet it made everyone feel extremely oppressed.
Director Zhang looked at Qi Longbing and answered honestly, "President Qi, the total cost is roughly 1.2 million." After speaking, he glanced at Hua Xiaomo, his voice very soft and tinged with a hint of blame. "This is our hospital's big boss, President Qi. Young lady, you shouldn't speak carelessly."
Uh...
So, Xie He Hospital is also part of the Qi Imperial Court? My goodness! Why is my luck so bad!
Hua Xiaomo's brows were tightly knitted, frustration evident in her clear, expressive eyes.
"How much has been prepaid?" Another voice asked, very light, like a traceless breeze, yet it carried a hint of coldness.
"President Qi, the first surgery fee of 100,000 has been paid," Director Zhang answered.
"Good..." Qi Longbing replied with one word. His ocean-blue eyes held an inscrutable expression as his lips curved into a crescent moon, lifting into a dazzling smile. Staring at the young woman before him, he continued, "Next time she has surgery, let her pay the full amount in one go... I want to see just how capable she is."
As the sound of his final, drawn-out syllable faded, Hua Xiaomo's slender hands had already clenched into fists. Her beautiful and delicate face turned pale with suppressed fury, the rage in her eyes beyond description.
Looking at this devastatingly handsome man, that enchanting smile seemed to prick her heart like a thorn. Truly the face of an angel, but the heart of a devil!
This bastard!
How had she offended this person? Why was he constantly finding trouble with her?
Was it because of that kick at the Haosheng Rose Hotel?
He wants to take over the Hua Clan? And he tried to hit her with his car?
She didn't die, and now he's here, pushing her every step of the way?
Hua Xiaomo took a deep breath, suppressing her grief and indignation. Her voice softened as she said, "Do the surgery first. I'll definitely pay the money, every last cent."
Unexpectedly, Qi Longbing's voice was very faint, like smoke. "Have all the money paid in full before the surgery, Director Zhang. Do you understand?" His narrow blue eyes gleamed with an extremely soft and sinister light, faintly carrying a hint of wicked charm.
"Understood, understood, President Qi," Director Zhang answered obsequiously.
As Qi Longbing watched her complexion turn increasingly pale, he inexplicably felt a perverse sense of pleasure.
Her eyes clearly showed a trace of resentment, along with that untamed wildness. Such a woman, it seemed, had a way of making one's mind race.
He really wanted to see her resist his pressure; that would surely bring more surprises!
Qi Longbing's exquisitely handsome face wore a gently elegant smile. He put his hands in his pockets and turned his face away. "Let's go."
Hua Xiaomo watched them leave, feeling a pang of distress. Looking at his retreating figure, she truly wished she had never met him.
If Yang Junze was a jerk, then Qi Longbing is the jerk of all jerks!
It's just not fair! Why does she always have to deal with scumbags?
Hua Xiaomo tilted her head back slightly, closed her eyes, and shook her head. When she opened them again, her mind was much clearer, a deep-seated resilience shining in her eyes.
"Heh... Bastard... I won't let you have your way," Hua Xiaomo said through gritted teeth, a defiant gleam illuminating her pale face.
...
「The next day.」
Hua Xiaomo continued to keep vigil outside her mother's door. Due to the post-surgery intensive care isolation, she couldn't enter, so she stood outside the window of the intensive care unit, gazing at her mother.
Every glance filled her with a heart-wrenching exhaustion.
"Mother... you must get well soon." Hua Xiaomo's eyes ached; she had hardly closed them all night. The feeling was crushing, yet the hope deep within her heart kept her going.
Suddenly, a voice came from behind her, "Don't worry, your mother will be all right."
Hua Xiaomo was startled. When she turned around, her gaze met a pair of exquisitely beautiful phoenix eyes and a handsome, gentle face. The sight was like a refreshing spring breeze.
"Senior, why are you here?" Hua Xiaomo forced a small smile, but she couldn't truly bring herself to smile at that moment.
She quickly reined in her emotions, unaccustomed to showing her vulnerability in front of others.
"Don't force yourself. If you want to cry, just let it out. You'll feel better," Long Shangxuan said with a smile, looking at her sorrowful face. "My sister is hospitalized here, so I came to visit. I didn't expect to run into you."
Hua Xiaomo looked at him. "Is your sister all right?"
"She's fine," Long Shangxuan said with a gentle smile, his clear eyes bright with a warm light. "She has congenital heart disease and comes here for check-ups, staying for a few days every so often. Director Zhang here is an old family friend, a very kind man. If you need any help, just tell me, okay?"
Looking at his warm smile, a wave of warmth surged in Hua Xiaomo's heart; she knew he genuinely wished her well.
"Thank you, Senior. I won't be shy to ask for help if I need it," Hua Xiaomo replied, the tension in her brow gradually easing.
"Mm," Long Shangxuan nodded. He looked at her clear, bright face; her alluring eyes twinkled like stars, and the subtle sorrow in their depths always managed to stir the soul.
Her dark hair, though uneven in length, was stylishly cut, highlighting her sharp and decisive personality. She was a very special girl—vibrant like the warm sun, yet also carrying a melancholy like mist in the drizzle. Long Shangxuan found himself unintentionally mesmerized by her.
"I have to go to work now. Tomorrow, I'll come over again. As for that painting..." Long Shangxuan paused, remembering something, then smiled. "If you're not in a hurry for it, could you leave it with me for now?"
Hua Xiaomo looked at him and answered with one word, "Okay..." She couldn't say anything more.
As she watched him leave, her eyes misted with an unexplainable brilliance. What it was, she didn't know, but she felt a strength supporting her, making her heartache a little more bearable.
...
Soon, a week had passed, and Su Ronghua was preparing for her second surgery.
In the hospital corridor, a slender figure paced back and forth. Hua Xiaomo clenched a bank card tightly in her hand, her brow furrowed with worry.