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Mu Xingyi was shocked after hearing what Li Qingqing said.
“So you took a few days off because your younger brother was having surgery?”
Li Qingqing nodded.
“Qingqing, how could you not tell me something this serious? Haven’t I told you before? I’m your mentor now—what’s yours is mine too. You shouldn’t be afraid to trouble me.”
Mu Xingyi was visibly emotional. He felt like Li Qingqing didn’t see him as someone she could truly rely on.
Li Qingqing was a little at a loss. She hadn’t expected Mu Xingyi to care so much about her family. But she had to admit she’d overlooked his kindness. When Xie Ze had the accident, the first person she thought of was Lu Yan.
If she had borrowed that one million yuan from Mu Xingyi instead, maybe he would’ve let her work to slowly pay it back? Li Qingqing wasn’t sure. But now that things had already happened, there was no point making such assumptions.
She rubbed her fingers together and apologized a little guiltily.
“Sorry, Shifu. I was just so scared about A’Ze’s condition at the time. I didn’t even think about asking you for help. But everything’s fine now, so you don’t have to worry anymore.”
Seeing how apologetic she looked, Mu Xingyi dropped the subject. But he suddenly thought about the cost of her brother’s surgery. Heart surgery was no small expense. Given Li Qingqing’s family situation, how had they managed to pay for it?
He looked at her, puzzled.
“So… how did you pay for your brother’s surgery?”
Li Qingqing immediately understood what he meant. Of course Mu Xingyi would doubt that her family could afford it—he probably knew her situation better than anyone. Her mind raced, and she quickly made up a plausible story.
“…The money for the surgery… was covered by the family my mom has worked for as a nanny for many years. They felt sorry for us and paid the cost.”
After saying this, Li Qingqing felt guilty and didn’t dare meet his eyes. Her heart was pounding—she had no idea if he’d buy it.
Mu Xingyi nodded slowly, half-believing it.
“I see. Then your mom is pretty lucky to have met such kind employers.”
Li Qingqing forced a nervous smile.
“Yes… very lucky…”
“Then let me come with you to the hospital after work. I couldn’t help with the surgery, but I should at least stop by and visit.”
Mu Xingyi still felt bad that he hadn’t done anything to help Li Qingqing.
Li Qingqing hesitated for a moment but finally agreed. If she refused again, he’d definitely become suspicious. Besides, it was just a friendly visit between colleagues—nothing to worry about.
And Lu Yan hadn’t insisted she be home by any specific time today, so staying out a little later should be fine.
She felt secretly glad that her “I’m on my period” excuse had worked after all.
After work, Mu Xingyi told her to wait in the car while he went to grab something real quick.
Li Qingqing obediently waited inside. After a few minutes, Mu Xingyi came back holding a bulging package.
Curious, Li Qingqing asked, “Shifu, what’s that you’re carrying?”
Mu Xingyi smiled but didn’t explain.
“You’ll see when we get to the hospital.”
So Li Qingqing didn’t ask again.
The two of them drove to Rui’an Hospital. Xie Ze had already been moved from the ICU to a regular room and looked like he was recovering well.
As soon as he saw Li Qingqing, his face lit up with joy, but it quickly shifted to a look of guilt. He lowered his head, avoiding her eyes. Remembering what Xie Hongde had done to her, Xie Ze felt like he had failed to protect his sister.
The comic book Li Qingqing had bought him was still sitting on his bedside table, but he hadn’t dared open it since that day. Every time he looked at it, it reminded him of what had happened.
The fact that his monstrous father had tried to do such a thing to his own daughter made Xie Ze feel filthy, just by being his son.
Li Qingqing noticed his emotional shift—of course she knew what he was thinking.
Xie Ze had always been like this, thinking of others first. He was especially thoughtful when it came to her. Between their father and her, Xie Ze had never hesitated to take her side.
Maybe it was because he knew that she had always had it the hardest in their family.
Li Qingqing sat at the edge of the bed and gently touched his little face. A twelve-year-old child, with a heart and sense of responsibility like his—it made her wonder if his heart condition was somehow linked to his sensitive nature.
Misfortune always targets the vulnerable. Life really could be terribly unfair sometimes.
Li Qingqing’s nose stung as she fought back tears. Cupping his face, she looked him in the eyes and said earnestly:
“A’Ze, he is him. You are you. He did wrong, and he should be punished. You don’t need to feel guilty for his actions. I don’t blame you at all. No matter what they do, you’ll always be my closest family. Understand?”
Xie Ze lifted his big, dark eyes and thought for a long moment before finally nodding. A relieved smile appeared on his face.
His sister didn’t blame him. She forgave him.
Some of the weight that had been crushing him these past few days finally eased.
Mu Xingyi watched this exchange in complete confusion. What were they talking about?
“Should I give you two some space?” he asked hesitantly.
Only then did Li Qingqing remember he was still there. She stood up and introduced him to Xie Ze.
“A’Ze, this is my mentor. Just call him ‘gege.’”
Xie Ze looked at Mu Xingyi and obediently greeted him, “Hello, gege.”
“A’Ze is such a good boy~”
Mu Xingyi was delighted to be called gege. He reached into his bag to pull something out when suddenly a woman’s voice sounded from behind.
“Oh my, is this Qingqing’s boyfriend? Why didn’t you tell me you were coming to the hospital?”
Chen Suyun had returned to the hospital room without anyone noticing. Seeing Mu Xingyi standing beside her daughter, she’d been observing for a while. She was convinced that this man must be her daughter’s wealthy boyfriend.
Last time, she had mistaken Shen Xing for Qingqing’s sponsor. But thinking back, his attitude hadn’t quite matched that role—he was probably just working for the real boss.
This time, she’d been extra careful in watching. This man had an air of wealth and elegance—and he was definitely better looking than the last one.
She was sure she’d gotten it right this time.