Xiaoling was stunned. Her mind went blank, with only Shen Meiyan's eerie smile and cold words echoing in her ears.
To be honest, she had followed Shen Yanshan for so long, and even though she wasn't sure if he was capable of doing such a thing, the fact that she hesitated and had doubts after hearing Shen Meiyan's words showed that she herself was unsure.
Five million, although far less than what Shen Yanshan gave her, was enough for her to take the money and leave, start a new life, avoid future troubles, and prevent herself from living in fear forever.
Her gaze lingered on Shen Meiyan's heavily made-up face. She knew perfectly well that this woman was no good, and she herself was the prey cornered. Despite her deep distrust and fear of Shen Meiyan, the harsh reality forced her to consider the money.
Shen Meiyan seemed to have seen through Xiaoling's thoughts. She smiled gently and then sat gracefully on the sofa. Her movements appeared casual, yet they exuded an air of unyielding dominance.
"Think it over carefully. I'll wait here until you've made up your mind." Shen Meiyan's voice wasn't loud, but it was full of authority. She seemed to be enjoying this game, relishing the pleasure of watching Xiaoling struggle under her control.
Xiaoling clenched her fists so tightly that her nails dug deep into her flesh, the pain bringing her to a slightly more alert state. She tried hard to think, to think about her future.
"If you take my dad's money, that's marital property. If my mom sues you, you'll not only be bankrupt from paying the fines, but you'll also go to jail. What will happen to the children then? Have you thought about that?" Shen Meiyan's voice rang out again.
Xiaoling trembled, her eyes filled with tears. She knew Shen Meiyan was right; she couldn't bear such a risk. But she didn't want to succumb to Shen Meiyan's threats.
"Why gamble with your precious youth? Youth is so valuable! The money I give you, though not as much as my dad's, is safe and you won't have the burden of children. You can use the money to start a business, and you can still get married and have children later. No matter how you look at it, it's good for you, isn't it?" Shen Meiyan continued to tempt Xiaoling.
"Of course, you can disagree." Shen Meiyan smiled wickedly, "But you definitely won't be able to go to tomorrow's prenatal checkup, and you won't be able to go in the future either."
The mental hospital in the south of the city might not be very convenient, but I have a way to get you to another city.
You know, in this day and age, money makes the world go round.
"Even if I offered five million, or even just five hundred thousand, there would be plenty of people willing to do the job."
Finally, after being coaxed and tricked by Shen Meiyan, Xiaoling gritted her teeth and decided to accept the money. She knew she might regret it, but she had no other choice now. She looked at Shen Meiyan, her voice trembling slightly: "Okay, I'll take five million. But you have to promise me you won't bother me again."
Upon hearing this, Shen Meiyan smiled with satisfaction. She knew she had won this contest, and Xiaoling was no longer a threat.
"Once you get rid of the child, I won't contact you again." Shen Meiyan smirked smugly.
"I'll find a way to stall my dad tomorrow, and I'll have someone come pick you up to settle things." Shen Meiyan looked down at her. "Did you hear me?"
"How do I know you won't change your mind?" Xiaoling grabbed her arm. "What if I abort the child and you don't pay me? You have to pay me first."
"I'll give you a two million yuan deposit first," Shen Meiyan said nonchalantly. "Give me your bank account number."
"I don't want you to transfer money, I want cash," Xiaoling insisted.
"Deal." Shen Meiyan nodded.
Xiaoling slumped onto the sofa, her body utterly exhausted. Watching Shen Meiyan's departing figure, she was filled with despair and helplessness. She knew she had embarked on a path of no return, and the days to come would be even more difficult and painful. But she had no way out.
The morning sunlight streamed through the gaps in the curtains, falling on Xiaoling's face. She slowly opened her eyes, staring at the ceiling, her mind racing. Shen Meiyan's words from yesterday still echoed in her ears, making her feel a pang of unease and anxiety.
Just then, the landline rang, breaking the silence of the room.
"Hey, Xiaoling. Why can't I get through to your phone? I'm so worried!" Shen Yanshan's voice came through the receiver.
"I accidentally dropped my phone last night and it broke. I'm going to buy a new one today," Xiaoling said softly.
"Oh, I see. Then go buy one." Shen Yanshan breathed a sigh of relief, his tone apologetic. "I have some urgent business at home, so I probably can't go today. You'll have to go for your prenatal checkup by yourself."
Xiaoling kindly agreed. She tried to remain calm and said in a relaxed tone, "It's okay, I can go by myself. You don't need to worry."
Upon hearing this, Shen Yanshan breathed a sigh of relief. "Alright, be careful. I'll take care of things at home as soon as possible and come visit you in a couple of days."
A moment later, there was a knock at the door. Xiaoling snapped out of her reverie, went to open the door, and saw Shen Meiyan standing outside with two other people. One of them was carrying a leather suitcase.
"You're pretty quick." Xiaoling looked at Shen Meiyan, her tone somewhat cold.
“With money, everything is done quickly.” Shen Meiyan curled her lips in a mocking smile. “If there are no problems, let’s go directly. I’ve already made arrangements with the clinic.”
The suitcase was carried in and placed on the table.
Instructing the people she had hired to wait outside the door, Shen Meiyan opened the box in front of Xiaoling, revealing stacks of neatly arranged hundred-yuan bills inside.
"Take a look for yourself," Shen Meiyan said, stepping aside.
The car slowly came to a stop, and the dilapidated clinic came into Xiaoling's view. The paint on the exterior walls was peeling and mottled, and the few windows were tightly closed, exuding a sense of desolation and mystery. Xiaoling's heart began to race involuntarily, and an ominous premonition enveloped her.
"How did I end up here?" Her voice trembled as she looked at Shen Meiyan in disbelief.
Shen Meiyan frowned impatiently. "You're too far along in your pregnancy, so they won't do it anywhere else. This place may be a bit run-down, but it's cheap, and I know the owner well, so there won't be any problems." As she spoke, she gave Xiaoling an impatient shove.
Xiaoling stumbled as she was pushed, instinctively grabbing the car door as if it were her only lifeline. Her face was pale, and her eyes were filled with fear and unease. "How about another day? I... I'm a little scared." Her voice was barely audible, barely audible.
Shen Meiyan sneered; she had no time to waste with Xiaoling. She gave the two men a wink, and they immediately understood, stepping forward to try and grab Xiaoling's arm.
"What are you doing? Don't touch me!" Xiaoling screamed in panic, struggling desperately to break free from the two men's grasp. However, they held her tightly like iron clamps, making it impossible for her to move.
"Take them away!" Shen Meiyan ordered.
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