Shen Qingqing let go, and Xixi immediately dashed towards his Daddy, leaping into his arms. After this period of getting along, the little one had already become very affectionate towards him.
He no longer complained, calling him "Daddy" with great warmth.
Shen Qingqing was happy to see this scene. "I met one of Xixi's little friends in the garden. The two children played for a while."
"Mm."
Fu Jingshu patted Xixi's back. The little one then hopped down from his own volition, not wanting to disturb his Daddy and Mommy's conversation.
The next day, Shen Qingqing took the child downstairs to play again and happened to run into Ms. Zhao and Yuanyuan. Xixi immediately ran towards them.
"Yuanyuan."
Yuanyuan looked up and her eyes lit up when she saw Xixi. "You're here."
Shen Qingqing and Ms. Zhao exchanged glances, and the two of them tacitly walked to the side, leaving the open space in the garden for the two children to play together properly.
Suddenly, Shen Qingqing's phone rang. It was Colin.
Presumably, Professor Liao had news.
She nodded at Ms. Zhao, took her phone, and went to the side to answer. On the other end, Colin indeed brought good news.
"Professor Liao has news."
"Where is he?"
"Director Liu's people have taken him to F Province."
"What is he doing there?"
Colin was a bit puzzled. "I think it's strange too. I've decided to personally go and bring Professor Liao back. I'll find out what's going on once I ask."
"Okay, be careful on the road."
After hanging up the phone, Shen Qingqing turned and saw Ms. Zhao rushing towards her anxiously. She grabbed her arm. "You need to go and see quickly, Xixi suddenly fainted!"
The child, who had been lively and energetic moments before, was now lying there, motionless.
Shen Qingqing's eyes widened slightly. "Xixi!"
She scooped the child up and rushed to the hospital. Ms. Zhao followed with Yuanyuan, but Shen Qingqing no longer had the capacity to care about them.
After the doctor's examination, the child had an allergic reaction. However, it was discovered in time, and coupled with the child's good physique, there were no major issues. After taking medicine and receiving an injection, he was sent to a ward.
Shen Qingqing sat by the bedside, holding the child's hand. "Xixi?"
He slowly opened his eyes, saw her, and even smiled. "Mommy..."
But his voice was very soft and carried a hint of weakness.
Shen Qingqing's brows furrowed with heartache. She touched his little face. "It's Mommy's fault. I shouldn't have left. I should have been watching you the whole time."
Shen Jinxi shook his head. "It's not Mommy's fault."
Shen Qingqing asked gently, "Xixi, tell Mommy, did you eat anything just now? Or touch anything?"
The little one thought seriously, then shook his head.
He had been sitting on the grass playing with Yuanyuan at the time. He hadn't done anything, nor had he eaten anything. He always remembered Mommy's instructions not to eat random things outside.
Shen Qingqing's brows furrowed slightly. "It's okay. The doctor said you're not seriously ill. You just need to rest well, and you'll recover soon."
Shen Jinxi nodded and in turn comforted her, "Mommy, don't worry, I'm fine."
Shen Qingqing stroked the little one's head.
But her heart felt heavy. Since the child hadn't eaten anything unusual, why would he have an allergic reaction for no reason? There must be some reason.
She always had a sense of unease.
Afterward, she saw Ms. Zhao and Yuanyuan waiting at the door. However, Xixi was clearly tired. After saying a few words, he closed his eyes, about to fall asleep.
She didn't disturb the child and walked towards the door, gently closing the room's door.
Ms. Zhao asked, "How is he? Is he alright?"
"He's fine, just a minor ailment." Shen Qingqing looked at Yuanyuan beside her, crouched down, and asked gently, "Yuanyuan, Auntie wants to ask you, did you see Brother Xixi eat anything just now?"
Xixi's little face was pale. "I don't know. I just saw Brother suddenly faint, and then Mommy came. I called out several times, but Brother didn't respond to me, and then Mommy ran to find you..."
She was clearly frightened, shrinking behind her mother the entire time.
Shen Qingqing felt a pang of guilt. "It's okay, don't be scared. Brother just had an accident. The doctor said as long as he rests well, he'll recover soon."
"Really?" Yuanyuan asked cautiously.
"Really."
Receiving a positive answer, Yuanyuan finally relaxed, her voice delicate. "That's good. Auntie, please be sure to tell me when Brother Xixi gets better!"
"Mm."
A hint of disappointment flashed in Ms. Zhao's eyes. She picked Yuanyuan up. "Alright, Brother Xixi needs to rest now, and your Auntie is also tired. Let's not disturb them and go back first."
Yuanyuan nodded obediently.
Shen Qingqing turned and returned to the ward.
Meanwhile, Ms. Zhao looked back at the ward, her eyes filled with a somber expression. She carried her child to the doctor's office, where Director Liu was waiting.
"You're here." Director Liu glanced at her.
Ms. Zhao put the child down and patted her back. "Go and play in the office inside. Mommy needs to talk to the doctor about something."
Yuanyuan went obediently.
As soon as the inner door was closed, Director Liu asked, "Did it work?"
He had vaguely heard about the commotion Shen Jinxi had caused in the hospital today, but to avoid arousing Shen Qingqing's suspicion, he hadn't gone to see. Therefore, he didn't know the specifics.
Ms. Zhao pursed her lips. "It worked, but it might not be anything serious..."
Director Liu abruptly stood up. "How could it be nothing? The dosage of that medicine was enough for a child. Or are you lying to me?"
Those medicines were obtained at a high price from abroad. Accidents were impossible. After the herbal medicine, even doctors and high-tech machinery couldn't detect it!
"No!" Ms. Zhao quickly said, gritting her teeth. "I just didn't dare to use that much. I didn't use that much, and as a result, he only had a mild allergic reaction. The doctor said there's nothing serious. I'm sorry, I..."
"Useless!"
Director Liu couldn't hold back any longer.
Ms. Zhao's face immediately turned pale.
Director Liu took a deep breath. He thought about the limited number of people available. Anyone connected to him couldn't get close to Shen Qingqing. So, only this person was usable.
He suppressed his temper and his tone softened. "I know it's your first time, and it's normal to be a little scared. But don't worry, I will definitely do what I promised you."
Ms. Zhao's hands clenched tightly.
Director Liu had indeed promised her that if anything happened, he would protect her with all his might. But Ms. Zhao was still afraid.
She had never harmed anyone before.
Director Liu's tone was gentle but his attitude was firm. "If it doesn't work the first time, there will be a second time. Doesn't she suspect you at all?"
"She doesn't..."
"Then that's fine."
Director Liu was somewhat satisfied. At least she hadn't exposed anything, so there was still a chance.
Ms. Zhao, however, was hesitant. "But the child's medical expenses need to be paid again. Can you give me some of it first?"
Her face felt a little hot as she spoke, but for the sake of her child, she persisted.
Director Liu let out a low, ambiguous chuckle and said, "You want money before the job is even done?"