With my deep feelings, I honor the passing years

I stand in the abyss, and no one can save me. —Shen Nian The hospital registration line stretched long, winding across several rows. Even on a weekday, the number of patients seeking appointments was far from few. The environment buzzed with noise. In one corner, a figure blended into the crowd, inconspicuous. Her professional business attire outlined her graceful figure, lending her a composed, capable air. She sat on a bench along the hospital corridor, leaning slightly forward, her hands resting casually on her knees, fingers tapping lightly on the fabric of her skirt. Head lowered, she remained silent. She was a quiet contrast to the bustling hospital. “Patient number 23, Shen Nian, please proceed to consultation room 5.” Hearing the computerized call, Shen Nian finally lifted her head, grabbed her bag from the seat beside her, and rose to enter consultation room 5. Handing her examination report to the doctor, she sat down. The doctor glanced at the report and spoke, “The fetus is seven weeks along, developing well. Congratulations.” Shen Nian remained silent. The doctor continued, “Are you married? Have you had any previous pregnancies or miscarriages? Any history of gynecological conditions?” Receiving no answer to her series of questions, the doctor looked up briefly, noting that the young woman appeared quite youthful. Her gaze shifted to the name and age on the report: Shen Nian, 22 years old. Already an adult. Judging by her attire, she seemed like a company employee, not the type to be careless. Perhaps this was her first pregnancy, and she was in shock. The doctor patiently reassured her, “I need to know your medical background so that I can…” “I don’t want it.” The soft voice interrupted the doctor—a beautiful voice, yet trembling slightly. Shen Nian looked up, fixing her gaze on the doctor. Her words, spoken with resolve, were clear: “I don’t want this child.” The doctor paused briefly, then resumed his composure. “Even if that’s the case, I still need your medical information.” He repeated, “Have you had a previous pregnancy or miscarriage, any gynecological conditions? Why do you want to terminate the pregnancy? Are you married?” This time, he saved the marriage question for last. After asking, he added, “A termination requires consent. Your silence won’t work; please don’t delay the following patients…” “I’m not married, and I don’t have any gynecological conditions.” Shen Nian’s eyelashes quivered, memories instantly drawing her back a few years. Her lips seemed burdened, barely able to move. “I was pregnant once before… and lost it.” The doctor nodded in understanding, then asked, “Would you mind explaining why you lost it?” “I don’t mind,” Shen Nian replied. The doctor continued with a few more questions, which Shen Nian answered one by one. Throughout, her expression remained unchanged. With years of experience, the doctor had seen countless pregnant women: those who wept with joy at the prospect of motherhood and others who grieved deeply over an unwanted child, resolute in their decision. But someone this quiet… this was a first. From the moment she entered, her emotions hadn’t wavered. Beyond responding to questions, she stayed silent, an oppressive atmosphere radiating from her. Though unaware of her circumstances, the doctor followed protocol, saying, “If you’re unmarried, we’ll need a signature from either a guardian or your boyfriend. Would you like to call your parents or…?” “My parents died in a car accident when I was seventeen.” Shen Nian interrupted calmly. “I broke up with my boyfriend.” She looked up again, meeting the doctor’s gaze. “Can I sign for myself?” The doctor hesitated, then nodded. “Yes.” He opened a drawer, pulled out a form, and slid it toward her. “This is a waiver form, stating that you are voluntarily giving up the fetus. Sign it, and I’ll arrange the procedure.” Shen Nian picked up the pen nearby, her gaze going straight to the signature line at the bottom without glancing at the contents of the form. As she started to write the character with the water radical, her hand began to tremble uncontrollably. Shen Nian’s lips quivered slightly, but she gripped the pen firmly and finished signing her name in one go before sliding the waiver form back to the doctor. “Thank you.” Her tone remained calm from beginning to end. The doctor gave her another glance but didn’t comment, instead issuing her a procedure slip. Since Shen Nian hadn’t eaten since yesterday, she could proceed with a painless abortion, scheduled for later that afternoon—just about an hour away. When she was wheeled out, the anesthesia hadn’t completely worn off, and Shen Nian was still in a drowsy state. A nurse pushed her into the hospital room. It was unclear how much time had passed before Shen Nian opened her eyes. She didn’t move, only stared blankly at the ceiling. She hadn’t been out of surgery for long, and a dull ache throbbed in her abdomen. “Buzz—” The phone in her bag vibrated, pulling her back to reality. She reached over, unzipped her bag, and took out her phone. Noting the contact name, she swiped the screen and held the phone to her ear. “Lingling, what’s up?” “Sister Nian, where are you?” The voice on the other end sounded anxious. Shen Nian lowered her gaze. “I had something to take care of today, so I’m not at the office right now.” There was a brief “Oh” on the other end. “But there’s a very important dinner event tonight. This investor is crucial for our company, and President Lu specifically requested you to attend…” Shen Nian was silent for a few seconds. “Got it.” She ended the call, returned the phone to her bag, and then moved to get out of bed. A slight pain radiated from her abdomen, and she furrowed her brows, slipping on her shoes and pressing her hand against her lower abdomen as she left the hospital room with some difficulty. When she arrived at the company, Lu Lingchuan happened to be coming downstairs. Today, he was dressed particularly formally: a black checkered suit paired with a matching brand-name tie, accentuated by a diamond tie clip that added a touch of elegance. His polished leather shoes gleamed, and his tall figure exuded a dignified, noble aura. His facial features were well-defined and handsome, but his expression remained indifferent, his serious demeanor creating a sense of aloofness. Hearing the sound of a door closing, Lu Lingchuan glanced up, casting a brief look in her direction. Shen Nian stepped out of the taxi, adjusted her attire, and walked toward him in her high heels. She stopped about a meter away. “President Lu,” she greeted him with a slight bow, respectful in her manner. Lu Lingchuan acknowledged her with a distant glance but said nothing, opening the car door and getting in. Shen Nian closed the car door, walked around to the front passenger side, and got in. Today’s business meeting was scheduled at a high-end five-star hotel. Lu Lingchuan held this project in high regard, having personally overseen it from the beginning. The other party seemed aware of their intentions and had refused to budge, aiming to secure the best possible terms. The two sides met in a reserved private room, beginning with a handshake. “Hello, President Lu. I’ve heard much about your talent at such a young age, and meeting you today proves it true, ha ha…” Compared to Lu Lingchuan and Shen Nian, who appeared young and somewhat easier to handle, the other side was a group of experienced middle-aged men in their thirties and forties, their eyes sharp and calculating.