Chapter 123 - How Much?

"The blondie," Lu Mengjie replied, giggling. "His name is Han Yizhou."

Her lashes fluttered a few times when she heard the name. "Is he related to Han Xukun?"

The woman on the bed bobbed her head. "Yes, he's his older brother."

"By older brother… did you mean Han Qinshan's missing son?" She covered her mouth as she gasped.

Bella Qin was once a citizen in the Azure Republic so she knew a few things about what happened before she left for the mainland.

"Anyway, Madam Bella, meet Bai Jingye. He is a friend of mine who's been helping me around here."

The man stood still and only gave her a nod in acknowledgment. If she was someone Lu Mengjie knew, then he has nothing to worry about. It was just… for some unknown reason, he couldn't help but keep his eyes on her. 

"Seems like you had your plate filled with spoiled food, right now." She placed a hand on her waist and threatened, "tell me, who's bullying you? I shall take care of them myself." 

Ah yes. How could she forget that Bella Qin was like a fierce hen protective of her chicks? Anyone who tried to grab her children would surely lose their hand!

"It's fine, madam. It's not like it's something I can't handle."

The woman sighed. "They caused you to lose your memories, how can I not get mad?"

"You always say that everything happens for a reason. I guess me losing my memories and getting in the Bai family was so that I can help Jingye here."

Aside from that, this was the result of all the decisions she made so she has to see it through to the end. 

"The last time I saw you, you were bawling your eyes out for that Si Hongqi, and now, you're pregnant with another man's child." She could only heave out a helpless sigh. "You're like a daughter to me but how can you be this irresponsible? Pregnant out of wedlock? Seriously, Lu Mengjie?" She raised her voice as she scolded her.

This was a mother's normal reaction but if it was her real mother, Lu Mengjie could already imagine Li Bingbing saying, "you're already an adult. You can make your own decisions. Getting pregnant out of wedlock is not a new thing anymore. As long as you're carrying a handsome man's baby, then I have no complaints. My grandchildren should have a pretty face!"

Yup, she could already hear her voice. Her mother, Li Bingbing, was more of an open-minded person. She would only advise her children but it was up to them whether they would follow it or not. She was the 'cool' mom others wished they had. She was not a naggy-type. Instead, she was like a best friend who would love to listen and have late-night conversations about boys or movies or anything that caught their interest. 

On the other hand, based on her memories about her father, he was… the strict, naggy dad who teenagers didn't want to have. He was very strict, the opposite of her mother. Well, he was only strict when it came to boys. She would always be a young girl in his eyes. He was protective of his children.

Having a mother like Li Bingbing and a father like Lu Xian Yu brought balance in the family.

As she recalled her parents, Lu Mengjie's shoulders sank. She missed them. Not only them but also her two younger brothers. She couldn't help but wonder how they were doing. If back then, she was not ready to see them, she may have been confused and afraid because of her lack of memories but… it was different this time. Even a glimpse would be enough.

As Bella Qin continued to scold her, the woman on the bed was just smiling nostalgically. 

"Why are you smiling?" The woman who was dressed in a nurse attired raised her brow as she asked the question.

"I'm not smiling."

She narrowed her eyes this time. "I am not blind, young lady."

A giggle escaped from Lu Mengjie's lips. "Sorry. I just missed you."

Bella Qin couldn't help but sigh in defeat. She always had a soft spot for her. "Where is that blondie?"

"Oh, he's gone back to work."

"Work? I thought his only job is to take care of you?" Her face darkened. She was actually liking Han Yizhou for Lu Mengjie. The first time she met him, she tested him… but she was not done with her test. He was gone and now, he was failing it.

"Madam, please don't blame him. Our situation right now is complicated and it requires him to leave but he'll come back." 

"He better should!" She shot her eyes towards the man who has been quiet for the whole time. "You! Give me your contact."

"Why should I?" The man replied with an indifferent look which only made the woman narrowed her eyes. 

Bella Qin began walking towards him. She stopped right in front of him and raised her head so that her sight was in level with his face. The man was tall, after all. "You."

"I have a name."

"You." She stubbornly said.

Bai Jingye's brow twitched. "If you can't even address me properly, why should I listen to you?"

"How old are you?" The woman asked.

"Twenty-five."

"I'm older than you."

He raised a brow. She was older than him? He glanced at Lu Mengjie and saw the figures she was making on her fingers: '3' and '5'

Was she trying to say that the woman in front of him was 35 years old? She didn't look like she was 10 years older than him!

Women usually didn't want to be called old but she was somehow… different? She didn't mind addressing herself as 'older'.

"Young man, pay your respects."

He cast his eyes back at her and stared at her for a few seconds before he finally moved his hand, reaching something inside his coat. He pulled out his wallet.

"How much?"