Chapter 148 - Effects of Stress

"There is bad news?" Asked Andrea. 

"Yes, I'm afraid so. Your uterus had somehow formed a small hemorrhage. You may experience mild bleeding in the coming days."

The men's faces were puzzled, while the mothers, Li Wen and Christina gave insights. 

"I had that with Mei-Mei, though it got worse and I had to be on complete bed rest. However, I heard from other mothers, they got through a normal pregnancy and the bleeding disappeared on its own after a few days."

"What caused this, Doctor Qi?"

The doctor pursed her lips before answering, "there are many causes. It could be the implantation or, trauma." She turned to Andrea and asked, "How have you been, Andrea? Have you been straining your body?"

The Lu Family, especially Lu Fang did not want to be disturbed by the media and requested from the General and the Chief of Police not to associate the recent shoot-out to the family. 

Recalling the attack at the Starlight Tower, reporters followed them every day for an entire week, the man picked up from that experience and kept the recent attempt a secret. Thus, nobody knew what they had just gone through. 

Sensing the odd silence, Doctor Qi continued, "Have you been stressed lately?"

Without thinking straight Xio Hanxi said, "It must have been the sight of dead bodies and the pool of blood! Dammit!" He punched his fist against his own palm as he said this.

Andrea glared at Hanxi, but before she could taunt him, Han-joon added, "No! I'd say it was the late-night monitoring of the assassin's movements!"

"It's work! I've been busy with work!" Andrea desperately tried to save the conversation. 

"I'd have to say it was the Kord-M sniper rifle. Andy carried it with her all day and holding the rifle in each shoot requires strength to keep it in place! Come to think of it, Andy, we never should have allowed you to kill all those men. The thought of taking a life alone can add to the stress, is that right, doctor?"

It was Anton Yeong who asked thinking she was a doctor associated with Gabriel's Den. 

Li Wen's eyes narrowed at her brother. He could not take a hint. The same could be said about Hanxi and Han-joon who seemed to be unaware that Doctor Qi is not part of their family nor the Lus. Next to her, she saw Andrea throwing daggers with her eyes towards Yeong. Lu Fang was scratching his head in defeat.

The revelations stunned the Doctor. "That definitely adds to the stress?" She wasn't sure if the report provided deserved an affirmation. 

"Oh, my!" Li Wen turned to Andrea and with conviction in her eyes, she added, "you should not have taken that role as a female action star. I will instantly call the movie producer and tell them to find another artist! Besides, your babies are more important!"

"Yes! Yes, that's right Doctor Qi. We should have realized much sooner the disadvantages of Andrea acting on an action movie," said Christina as she placed a hand to her chest. "We should have known better."

"Phew! Hahaha!" Doctor Qi laughed hysterically. "Oh, my! You got me there. I was starting to feel frightened for my safety." She turned to Yeong, Hanxi, and Han-joon then asked Andrea, "they must be your co-actors?"

It did not take long for everyone in the room to laugh. Han-joon and Hanxi realized their mistake and chuckled with the group. Yeong finally understood what was happening, but he was not the type to admit his wrongs and continued to give a poker face. 

"Very convincing!" The doctor nodded approvingly. She looked closely at the injuries of the two that Andrea quickly clarified, "they got into an accident during the shoot, using knives are their weapon."

Out of the blue, Mei-Mei jumped at her Aunt. With eyes thinking she said, "Wow Aunt! I will tell all my classmates I have a showbiz aunt!"

"…"

"Oh, but you can't baby," said Li Wen. 

"Why not?"

"Because she already quit!"

"When?"

"Just today!"

"Why?"

Yet again, began a series of questions coming from the inquisitive little girl and everyone laughed at her adoringly. This made Andrea relieved. At least, it diverted the attention to Xia Mei. 

"Well then, going back to the issue at hand. Andrea, you must take good care of yourself. I will give an additional prescription to help thicken your uterus lining. You need to eat well and rest well. Complete bed rest is unnecessary but if there is no improvement on our next check-up, I may require this of you."

When the doctor finally left, everyone felt relieved. The three men received a good scolding from Li Wen that even the powerful Anton Yeong felt scorned. 

Moments later, the two experienced mothers gave the couple tips on how Andrea can keep the babies safe. they reminded them constantly about avoiding unnecessarily stressed. 

Hearing this, Xio Hanxi could not help but comment. 

"Lu Fang is also stressed out!" He came closer to the bed and directed his words to the man, "you should also take some rest Bro because my sister is stubborn. If she sees you getting all worked up, she can't help herself but support you out."

The man nodded in agreement. Andrea never wanted for him to bear all the worries alone. He needed to plan out their daily routine and ensure to keep their babies safe. To make this happen, he needed to hire an additional assistant. 

Xio Hanxi was still at it talking to Lu Fang. "Bro, you were so tired last night that I heard you cry while having a nightmare!"

Andrea immediately coughed while Lu Fang gulped. 

"Son, you are had a nightmare? We should have your blood pressure checked," Christina asked with concern. 

"Yes, Mrs. Lu. I heard him well.  He was like Aaaah! Aaah! I was about to get up and check on him but the groaning stopped so I thought Andrea might have woken him up. I Just went back to sleep after that."

Andrea pursed her lips seeing the concern of her mother-in-law's face and assured her it wasn't serious. "It was only for a moment, mom. Lu Fang just had a bad dream. Don't worry about it."

"Oh, don't take it lightly, Andy. I heard some could get a heart attack from those."

Only the couple knew the truth about Lu Fang's nightmare. They looked at each other holding down their giggles.