Chapter 13: An Excellent Performance

Upon hearing Chen Shaojie's words, Jiang Xue took a deep breath and instantly transformed into a gentle, motherly expression.

“Chenchen, you are Mommy’s dearest. I was so worried and anxious when you fell ill. Mommy’s uncle passed away, and there was a memorial today, but because of your illness, I didn’t attend. How could Mommy not love you? You are the flesh and blood from my own body!”

Faced with Jiang Xue’s fluctuating mood, little Qin Jinchen stared wide-eyed, confused.

“But… but Mommy is strict. Mommy never took Chenchen to the amusement park, Mommy never told bedtime stories, and Mommy only treats Chenchen well in front of Daddy. Mommy…”

“Oh, enough! You’re such a little brat to complain so much. I’ve been working so hard to find you a suitable kidney, and you…”

“Waa!” Before Jiang Xue could finish, the little Qin Jinchen was already crying loudly.

“Don’t hit Chenchen! Chenchen doesn’t want Mommy anymore! Chenchen has no Mommy! Boohoo, Chenchen wants Daddy!”

Watching the little boy’s tears, Jiang Xue felt a wave of irritation. “So annoying. Chen Shaojie, go ask the doctor when the surgery can be done. I’m speechless.”

Chen Shaojie, not daring to offend the source of all wealth before him, promptly went to find the surgeon.

Meanwhile, Jiang Xue dropped the act and pinched Chenchen’s arm hard.

“I’m telling you, you must behave and wait patiently for that little girl to donate her kidney to you. If you weren’t sick, your father wouldn’t have married me, and I wouldn’t bother with you at all. Also, don’t ever speak ill of me in front of others or your father. I am your mother, and I do as I please.”

The little one, pushed by Jiang Xue, curled up even more fearfully, sneaking a glance at the girl lying on the nearby operating table.

Then he nodded, “I’m sorry. Chenchen understands. Chenchen will behave and wait for the big sister to wake up and donate her kidney. Then Chenchen will be healthy, and Mommy and Daddy will like Chenchen just the same.”

Jiang Xue pinched the bridge of her nose; children were the most exasperating.

She impatiently nodded, “Fine, I’ll lock the door. You’re not allowed to go anywhere, understood?”

“Mm-hmm, Chenchen will be very good.”

Seeing Qin Jinchen’s timid demeanor, Jiang Xue muttered in annoyance, “If it weren’t for Qin Mu treating you like a treasure, I wouldn’t bother with you!”

With that, Jiang Xue swayed her graceful figure and left the operating room, locking the door firmly behind her.

---

The little Qin Jinchen peeked out and, after Jiang Xue left, carefully climbed down from the bed and approached Youyou’s bedside.

“Wow, such a pretty big sister. But is she really going to donate a kidney to Chenchen?”

Looking at the beautiful girl in a sky-blue princess dress, with snow-white skin and delicate red lips, Chenchen simply thought she was lovely.

He shook Youyou’s small hand, then pinched her nose.

Softly, he whispered, “Big sister, wake up. Big sister, what’s wrong?”

But Youyou was sleeping deeply.

Bored, Chenchen sat by her bed, and when tired, lay beside her, gazing at her sideways.

At that moment, Chen Shaojie returned and happened to meet Jiang Xue.

“Director Jiang, I asked the doctor just now. He said because it’s a major surgery, the patient must fast for at least six hours beforehand. So the surgery is scheduled for 8 a.m. tomorrow. Don’t worry, I’ll stay here tonight to watch over that girl and make sure nothing happens.”

Hearing Chen Shaojie’s assurance, Jiang Xue nodded. “Alright, it’s night now. I locked the two kids together. I checked — there’s no serious danger. They can’t run away.”

Chen Shaojie agreed, “Good, that’s settled.”

Jiang Xue yawned. “Since fasting is required, we don’t need to worry about them. I’m tired and going home to sleep. You keep watch. Don’t forget, that ten million isn’t easy to earn — especially since that bastard has heart disease. Be prepared to explain everything to Jiang Li.”

Chen Shaojie smiled faintly. “Don’t worry, Director Jiang. If that girl doesn’t survive, I’ll handle the aftermath properly. After all, Jiang Li wants to divorce me and save her mother. I have plenty of tricks.”

“That’s good. Here’s the key. See you tomorrow morning.”

Jiang Xue tossed the key to Chen Shaojie, yawned again, and left the hospital.

Taking the key, Chen Shaojie glanced toward the ward, then happily made a phone call.

“Keep a close watch on that old woman, Xie Yun. If she doesn’t appear to cause trouble by noon tomorrow, I’ll give each of you a 100,000 bonus.”

After hanging up, Chen Shaojie, in high spirits, headed straight to a hotel near the hospital.

Meanwhile, as Jiang Xue was about to leave, Qin Mu came to visit his son.

“Brother Qin Mu, will you escort me home? I’m really tired of looking after Chenchen. He finally fell asleep. Don’t worry, there’s a caregiver watching him. Also, the kidney donation agreement is signed. We’ll have the surgery after you return from my uncle’s funeral.”

Seeing Jiang Xue almost faint, Qin Mu’s cold face softened slightly.

---

“These days, you’ve been taking care of our son. You’ve worked hard. Also, you don’t have to attend your uncle’s funeral.”

Qin Mu was worried about their son, knowing he must attend the funeral.

If Jiang Xue went too, there might be no one to look after the boy.

“Brother Qin Mu, I’m very sad about my uncle’s family passing away. I want to attend the memorial too, but my son… I’m so torn and heartbroken.”

Jiang Xue collapsed into Qin Mu’s arms, looking utterly exhausted and sorrowful.

Qin Mu felt uneasy inside but gently pushed her away. “I know you’ve worked hard. I’ll explain the situation to Grandpa Jiang.”

“Mm-hmm, Brother Qin Mu, please take me home. Chenchen finally fell asleep. Let’s not disturb him, okay?”

Qin Mu glanced toward the son’s ward. “I’ll have my assistant send you back. I’ll stay with Chenchen tonight; I’m worried he might be scared.”

“Ah! I feel dizzy!” Jiang Xue’s acting was flawless as she collapsed weakly to the ground.

Qin Mu had no choice but to support her, his eyes filled with concern for their son.

Once in the car, Jiang Xue clung tightly to Qin Mu’s arm, tears streaming down her face, filled with grievance.

“Brother Qin Mu, Chenchen’s surgery is about to happen. I’m so happy. These past four years, I know you’ve been worried about Chenchen’s illness, which is why our wedding was postponed. But now, it’s finally settled — we found a kidney donor.”

Thinking of Chenchen now lying next to Jiang Li’s daughter, Jiang Xue felt uneasy and was determined not to let Qin Mu meet them.

At that moment, Qin Mu’s phone rang — it was Grandpa Jiang, his mentor.

With a serious expression, Qin Mu hurriedly answered, “Grandpa Jiang!”

A weary voice came through the line, “Little Qin, come to me right away. Grandpa Jiang has something important to discuss.”

Realizing the gravity of the matter, Qin Mu promptly agreed, “Alright, Grandpa Jiang. I’m heading to Jiang City now.”