Returning - Chapter 132
Chapter 132: Interrogation
Urinary system, endocrine system, central nervous system...
Staring at the lengthy paragraphs of text on his phone, Xue Zhan felt the chill that had never left him deepen even further.
Just moments ago, he had specifically sought out the doctor treating Zhao Yu to ask about the details. But she had been hospitalized because of a gastrointestinal reaction caused by taking a morning-after pill.
This wasn't the obstetrics and gynecology department, and her uterus had been removed four years ago. He couldn't find out anything here and could only search online himself at first.
He had never seriously understood before what a profound impact the removal of a uterus would have on a woman. But now, the more meticulously he researched, the more a creeping terror seized him.
Even if her body had recovered well, just thinking about her having such an organ removed made him feel an intense, aching pain.
So much pain. How had she endured all of this four years ago?
Moreover, he didn't even know if her body had recovered well, or if she was still suffering from many long-term complications now.
He had been so rough with her before. Every time he thrust harshly into her body, had it hurt her too?
Based on what he had gathered online, since she could still secrete a lot of fluid when they had sex before, the cervix must have been preserved.
But if that were the case, there was a future risk of cervicitis and even cervical cancer. Just seeing that term made him feel so terrified he could barely breathe.
On one hand, he comforted himself, telling himself that ordinary women also faced the risk of cervical cancer, and it could be treated. This was needless anxiety. On the other hand, he couldn't help but think: had his roughness been a contributing factor to all of this?
The doctor earlier had said that after being admitted, Zhao Yu's psychological issues were quite severe and suggested he find her a psychologist.
And what he had read online also indicated that, aside from the effects on various bodily systems, aside from an early onset of menopause and premature aging, the loss of her uterus also posed significant psychological harm to a woman.
Anxiety, depression, and even the potential for severe depressive disorders, possibly leading the patient to suicide.
Remembering how she used to smoke and rely on sex to alleviate her pain, he felt as if countless sharp blades were viciously stabbing into his internal organs.
What exactly had she gone through these past years? How had she walked this path all alone?
Looking at the person now sleeping soundly on the bed, Xue Zhan gripped his phone tightly again.
He urgently searched for information on booking a cervical cancer vaccine, contacted friends to find the best gynecologist, the best psychologist...
In over thirty years of living, he had never been so utterly panicked.
After sending out all the messages, he paused, then stood up and walked outside the door to make a call: "First, help me look into something. The faster, the better."
Taking advantage of Zhao Yu's deep sleep, he returned to the villa, intending to get her usual toiletries and clothes, and bring a comfortable blanket.
He had considered transferring her to a private hospital with better conditions, but he also knew that, as things stood, she wouldn't accept such a gesture from him.
Even now, she still refused to utter a single word to him. He knew she hated him, and he also knew that no matter how much she hated him, it was only what he deserved.
The villa hadn't been tidied up yet; everything inside was exactly the same as it had been a few hours ago.
Looking at the birth control pill wrapped in a tissue on the table, Xue Zhan sat on the sofa and pondered for a long time. The truth dawned on him.
Someone as calculating and cautious as her—how could she be so careless as to drop a birth control pill onto the toilet seat without noticing, leaving such crucial evidence for him to find?
She had been hospitalized for gastrointestinal distress.
Even if she had to tell the doctor what caused it, there was no need for her to mention the fact that he had forced her to take the pill.
And before, she had been the one to actively mention that she was taking regular birth control pills, even showing him the blister pack with a few pills missing, which naturally led to him not using a condom.
The unlocked villa door was pushed open. The housekeeper from the main family residence walked in carrying several thermal containers.
"Director Xue, the food and soup you requested are ready."
Seeing the mess on the floor, she paused, surprised. "Are you sick too?"
Xue Zhan shook his head and gestured for her to put the soup on the table. "Don't let my father know about today's matter yet. The family already has enough chaos; there's no need to give him more reason to worry."
The housekeeper agreed repeatedly. "Don't you worry too much."
"Young Master Xue's fever has already subsided. He's just in a poor mental state now, nothing serious."
Xue Zhan nodded. After the housekeeper left, he stared at the birth control pill on the table for a moment longer, then stood up, gathered his things, and walked out the door.
There were some things he no longer wished to pursue, no longer wished to hold against her.
"President Shang, here's the information you requested." Secretary Qin Rui entered the office and placed the documents on Shang Lu's desk.
Seeing the exhaustion on his face, she hesitated for a few seconds before speaking. "Would you like to rest for a bit first?"
She knew her boss had always prioritized work above all else. In the year since returning to China, he had been working relentlessly, day and night. Especially recently, he had been sleeping only three or four hours a day. If this continued, even an iron constitution would break down.
Shang Lu flipped open the file and replied flatly, "I'm fine. You can get back to work first."
Qin Rui didn't dare say anything more. She turned and went back to her desk, but not long after, she had to knock on the door again.
"President Shang, Xue Zhan, Vice Chairman of Huacan Jewelry, says he has a matter to discuss with you."
Shang Lu was somewhat surprised. After pondering for a moment, he said, "Invite him to my office."
Although Kuangshiji and Huacan had business dealings, they were limited to some retail space leasing—hardly matters requiring the two of them to personally negotiate cooperation.
Shang Lu's instinct told him that Xue Zhan was here because of Zhao Yu.
Indeed, as soon as he entered Shang Lu's office and closed the door, Xue Zhan got straight to the point. "During those years Zhao Yu was in the United States, was she with you?"
Seeing Xue Zhan's haggard expression and bloodshot eyes, Shang Lu didn't answer.
Instead, he asked first, "What have you done to her?"
Xue Zhan gave a cold laugh. "So that man she mentioned, the one who kept her in the United States, really was you."
Shang Lu couldn't help but be taken aback again.
Since Xue Zhan had already investigated to this point, Shang Lu saw no reason to continue hiding anything.
He just hadn't expected that Zhao Yu had already told Xue Zhan about this matter.
Staring straight at Xue Zhan, he repeated his question. "What have you done to her?"
Xue Zhan's gaze was icy, his eyes locked just as firmly on Shang Lu. "Was that child she miscarried yours? Was it you who caused her to have her uterus removed?"
It seemed Xue Zhan knew even more than Shang Lu had assumed.
But Shang Lu had no idea what Zhao Yu's plan was, and he certainly couldn't casually reveal anything to anyone.
"Why don't you go ask her yourself?" Meeting Xue Zhan's furious gaze, Shang Lu smiled.
He picked up his phone from the desk and started walking out, simultaneously dialing Zhao Yu's number.
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