I returned home, crumpled the information I had found about Sumei's clinic into a ball, and irritably tossed it into the trash can.
"What's wrong? Who are you upset with?" My sister-in-law walked into the room holding a plate of fruit. Seeing my sulky expression, she teased, "Who made our Xiaofeng unhappy?"
I forced a smile, took the apple she offered, took a bite, and mumbled, "It's nothing, just lost a game and feeling a bit frustrated."
"You’re still the same as when you were little, taking games so seriously," my sister-in-law shook her head helplessly. "By the way, I discussed it with your brother. We're going to the hospital for a prenatal check-up this weekend. You should come with us."
I felt a surge of joy; the opportunity had arrived!
Feigning surprise, I asked, "Going to the hospital? Isn't there a new private clinic nearby? I heard their equipment is very advanced and the service is great. Why not go there?"
My sister-in-law paused for a moment, clearly hearing about this clinic for the first time.
"Private clinic? I haven't heard of it."
I quickly pulled out my phone, pretending to search for information, then handed her the details I had prepared earlier: "Here it is, called Ankang Clinic. Look, the reviews are really good!"
She took my phone and carefully browsed through the comments, her face showing signs of hesitation.
"But... is it safe to go to a private clinic?"
I put down the apple and took her hand sincerely, saying, "Sister-in-law, don’t worry. A friend of mine had an examination at that clinic and said the service was excellent and the doctors are highly skilled—just as good as those in big hospitals."
I paused for effect and lowered my voice mysteriously, "I heard they use imported equipment; it's very advanced—many large hospitals don’t even have it!"
My sister-in-law was swayed by my words and nodded, "Alright then, let's try this clinic."
I secretly breathed a sigh of relief; the first step of my plan was successfully completed.
In the following days, I discreetly contacted Uncle Wang to help spread negative rumors about Ankang Clinic. Uncle Wang lived up to his reputation as a local gossip; the rumors spread faster than I had imagined.
Within days, whispers about Ankang Clinic circulated throughout the neighborhood. Some claimed that the doctors at Ankang Clinic were "barefoot doctors" without any medical qualifications; others said that their equipment was second-hand and that test results were completely unreliable; even more alarming were claims that there had been medical accidents at Ankang Clinic that had been covered up...
These rumors reached my sister-in-law's ears, making her already wavering heart feel even more unsettled.
On the weekend, I accompanied my brother and sister-in-law to Ankang Clinic for a prenatal check-up.
Before we even entered the clinic, my sister-in-law overheard a few women gossiping at the entrance.
"Hey, have you heard? This clinic seems a bit unreliable..."
"That's right, I've heard people say..."
My sister-in-law's expression changed, and she stopped in her tracks, grabbing my brother's hand. She whispered, "What if... we switch to another hospital?"
My brother clearly heard the rumors as well; his brow furrowed slightly. "What's wrong? Didn't you choose this clinic?"
She bit her lip, hesitating for a moment before saying, "I... I'm a little worried..."
My brother sighed, patting her hand gently. "Don't worry, I'm here. If this clinic really isn't reliable, we can always find another one."
With that, he led her into the clinic.
I walked behind them, a barely noticeable cold smile creeping onto my lips.
Sumei, your good days are over!
As soon as I stepped into the clinic, my phone vibrated. It was a message from Sumei:
"Eight o'clock tonight, same place. I need to talk to you."
A glint of cold light flashed in my eyes as I replied with a simple "Okay."
It seemed she was getting anxious and wanted to test me.
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