Silent Gaze*

At the question, Mother Rui dropped her gaze, her lashes quivering slightly. But otherwise she remained silent. 

"You…!" The Chief's frustration flared at her stubbornness. This wordless rejection was all too familiar to him; that year, she also kept her mouth sealed like this no matter how much she was questioned, unmoved by both threats and pleas. The Chief simply hated iron for not becoming steel; exactly what held her back from telling the truth? He couldn't understand. The outrageous deed had been done, even the child was now big enough to run errands around the island. So why was she still unwilling to say anything?

Doctor Ma sighed and was about to add a few words when he heard faint sounds coming from the ward. His expression instantly changed, and he signaled for the two others to wait as he hurried to check on Rui Ye.