Chapter 4: Congratulations, Miss Mu, You Are Three Weeks Pregnant
Another week passed.
Mu Xiaoxiao began experiencing bouts of drowsiness. Dr. Lin, ever observant, reported her condition to Steward Li daily, who, in turn, informed Lu Yufeng.
Knowing she needed to fake a pregnancy, Mu Xiaoxiao diligently drank milk to induce vomiting, enhancing the illusion. She also soaked in baths infused with crimson wolf flower three times a day—morning, noon, and night. These days were crucial, and she couldn't afford any mistakes.
One month later, in the bedroom.
Mu Xiaoxiao reclined on the bed, watching anxiously as Dr. Lin checked her pulse. Her heart raced. If her ruse failed, she would be trapped in this suffocating place indefinitely, forced to endure a bleak existence under the control of a man she despised.
No, I can't let that happen. I have to go home. I won't bear this monster's child. I need to escape this city!
Her desire for freedom burned stronger than ever. Closing her eyes, she clenched her fists beneath the covers, waiting for Dr. Lin's diagnosis.
Finally, his voice broke the tension. "Congratulations, Miss Mu, you are three weeks pregnant."
Relief washed over Mu Xiaoxiao. She exhaled deeply but quickly schooled her expression into one of despair. Opening her eyes, she stared blankly at the blanket, a disappointed look deliberately etched on her face. The others in the room, noticing her reaction, tactfully ignored it and focused on their joy.
"Dr. Lin, are you certain? Miss Mu is really pregnant?" Steward Li asked excitedly, seeking confirmation.
Dr. Lin smiled confidently. "Yes, I'm sure. With my years of experience, there's no doubt—Miss Mu is pregnant."
Heh. Too bad you fell for my act today, Mu Xiaoxiao thought smugly. She silently praised the medical book that had provided her with this ingenious method.
Suddenly, she shouted, "Why am I pregnant? I don't want this!" She grabbed her head, her mood plummeting.
"Miss Mu, bearing the Young Master's child is an honor," Steward Li said seriously.
"Well, if it's such an honor, why don't you do it?" she retorted angrily.
Steward Li ignored her outburst and turned to the maids. "Prepare nutritious food for Miss Mu."
"Yes, sir," the maids replied.
The Young Master would finally have an heir, and the mission was halfway complete. Steward Li left the room to call Lu Yufeng.
"What is it?" Lu Yufeng's deep, resonant voice came through the phone.
Despite his usual composure, Steward Li's excitement was evident. "Young Master, Miss Mu is pregnant."
There was a brief pause on the other end before Lu Yufeng replied, his voice steady, though tinged with surprise. "Are you sure?"
"Yes, absolutely," Steward Li affirmed with a smile.
After a long silence, Lu Yufeng spoke again. "Send her back tomorrow. If she decides to go abroad, accommodate her request but ensure she's protected at all times. Hand the phone to her—I need to say something."
"Yes, sir." Steward Li, still elated, returned to the bedroom with the phone.
Inside, Mu Xiaoxiao sat in a daze. At a signal from Steward Li, a maid nudged her gently. Snapping out of her thoughts, Mu Xiaoxiao frowned. "What is it?"
"Miss Mu, the Young Master wishes to speak with you," Steward Li said, offering her the phone.
Mu Xiaoxiao glanced warily between Steward Li and the phone. Reluctantly, she picked it up and pressed it to her ear. Her first words were a defiant, "What do you want, you pervert?"
The room fell silent as everyone froze, shocked by her audacity. Who would dare insult the Young Master? Did she have a death wish?
Mu Xiaoxiao had her reasons. She needed to vent her frustration while reinforcing her act. The more she rejected the idea of pregnancy, the less likely they would suspect her ruse.
On the other end of the line, Lu Yufeng was momentarily stunned. This woman had cursed him in bed, and now she was doing it again, openly, in front of his staff. Amused, he chuckled softly. She was bold—he liked that.
His voice turned cold and authoritative. "If anything happens to the child, it will be your fault. You'll be punished accordingly and brought back to start over."
The weight of his words struck her like a hammer, and before she could respond, he hung up.
Staring at the phone in disbelief, Mu Xiaoxiao seethed. "That damn pervert! Bastard!" she yelled, throwing the phone onto the bed.
The maids exchanged uneasy glances, their admiration for her audacity mingling with disbelief. Only one word could describe her now: fearless.
"What are you all staring at? Get out!" she snapped, her irritation making her even more commanding.
"Miss Mu, please don't be upset. Be careful not to upset the baby," Steward Li said before ushering everyone out of the room.
Once the door closed and she was alone, Mu Xiaoxiao's angry facade melted into a grin. Rolling around on the bed, she silently applauded her own acting skills. It was flawless.
Finally, she could leave this dreadful place. Tomorrow, she would reunite with her parents and uncle.
Still, the thought of Lu Yufeng lingered. His power was undeniable, and though she had never seen his face, his commanding presence was unforgettable. If he ever discovered her deception, he would undoubtedly hunt her down. She needed to leave Jing City tomorrow night, no matter what.
The next day, escorted by bodyguards, Mu Xiaoxiao was returned to Jing City's downtown area. As per her request, they even provided her with a phone.
Watching the men drive away, Mu Xiaoxiao let out a sigh of relief. However, she remained cautious, aware that they might still be monitoring her.
Her uncle, Mu Lingrui, was her only hope. Though she didn't know the full extent of his work, she trusted in his resourcefulness to help her evade her pursuers.
Dialing his familiar number, she waited as the call connected. A tired voice answered, "Hello, who is this?"
Her heart ached at his weary tone. "Uncle, it's me, Xiaoxiao."
The voice on the other end immediately perked up. "Xiaoxiao? Where are you? Tell me now!"
"I'm in the city center. Come pick me up," she said calmly, understanding his anger stemmed from worry.
Mu Xiaoxiao had always been closest to her uncle. He had protected her from her older sister's bullying and her parents' indifference. To her, he was family in the truest sense.
Not long after, a sleek silver Bentley pulled up. Excited, Mu Xiaoxiao waved energetically.
The window rolled down, revealing her uncle's stern, handsome face. "Get in," he ordered, his tone cold.
Pouting slightly, Mu Xiaoxiao climbed into the passenger seat. As the car drove off, she recounted everything that had happened over the past month. When she finished, her uncle slammed on the brakes, his face dark with anger.
"We're leaving tonight. Don't go home—it'll only endanger your parents," he said firmly.
"But—"
"No buts. I'll take care of your family's safety," he reassured her.
Mu Xiaoxiao hesitated before nodding. "Will you come with me?"
"Of course," he replied.
Relieved, she smiled. "Thank you, Uncle."
That night, they boarded a flight, leaving Jing City behind.
On the top floor of the Lu Corporation building, Lu Yufeng stood by the floor-to-ceiling window, listening to a report on Mu Xiaoxiao's movements. His lips curved into a faint smile. Smart girl. She knows how to protect herself.
On the plane, Mu Xiaoxiao gazed out at the dark night sky and the dazzling lights of Jing City below. After eighteen years, she was leaving the city behind for good. All thanks to that detestable man. She prayed they would never cross paths again, or she might just beat him to death.