The Substitute Bride and the Cripple

Xie Qingqing eyed her strangely. “You seem to really care for him. Qiu, don’t tell me you actually have feelings for him?”

Tang Qiu met her friend’s gaze. “When the Fengs mistreated me, he trusted my word instead of doubting it, and defended me. I’m deeply grateful to him, Qingqing. He’s suffering too, you know. Maybe it’s because he reminds me of myself that I can empathize with him. I want to help him, whatever it takes.”

Xie Qingqing exhaled through her nostrils. “It might not be too bad of a bargain. You may have drawn the short end of the stick, but you’re his wife now. When he’s gone, you’re sure to receive a huge amount of money!” She flashed Tang Qiu a wink. “Have you both done it yet?”

“Done what?” Tang Qiu asked, all innocence.

“I guess not. A pity that Young Master Jiang isn’t up to it. The wedding is over and done with, so you can’t have fun with other men, and you might end up living the sad life of a widow… such a shame.”

“What are you talking about?” Tang Qiu snapped, her face contorted in fury.

Xie Qingqing smiled and nudged her. “What are you so shy about? Which woman doesn’t have… needs? You’re the young mistress of the Jiangs now. It’s too risky even if you wanted to go pick up a few pretty boys to warm your bed. Just wait a little longer, till he’s gone…”

Unable to tolerate the embarrassment any further, Tang Qiu covered her ears to block out her friend’s teasing.

After class ended, Tang Qiu prepared to leave for the library. The materials there could enhance her learning, maybe even teach her how to help Jiang Shaocheng’s legs recover.

“Tang Qiu, I didn’t see you around for the past few days. Is everything alright?” A gentle voice asked from behind her. She turned to face a man in a blue checkered shirt and black pants.

Xie Qingqing snorted under her breath. “It seems you’re lucky in love this year. Look at you, getting approached by the handsomest boy in school.” 𝐟𝓇ℯ𝐞𝚠𝚎𝒃𝑛𝒐ѵe𝚕.co𝚖

Tang Qiu shot her a warning look, then returned her gaze to the man in front of her, with his gentle demeanor. “Good morning, Senior. It was a private matter, nothing more.”

“If you’re having any trouble, please do let me know.” Ning Mufan approached her. The light cascaded over his tall, dashing figure; he was sure to strike a pleasing sight no matter the angle.

“Thank you, Senior.”

The corner of Ning Mufan’s lips lifted. “Are you headed to the library?”

Xie Qingqing nodded instantly. “What a coincidence, I’m headed there too. Why don’t you join me?” Ning Mufan asked, his eyes on Tang Qiu.

Tang Qiu had no way of refusing; the library didn’t belong to her, after all. Xie Qingqing tugged on her arm and whispered, “Take the chance to snag him. When your husband is dead, you can start afresh with this hunk of a man. No need to thank me for giving you this opportunity; that’s what good friends do!”

Tang Qiu’s brow pinched in displeasure. She didn’t like how casually her friend referred to Jiang Shaocheng’s death. “Qingqing, he’s my husband. No matter what, you shouldn’t speak of him like that. Besides, I don’t feel that way towards our senior.” fr𝚎e𝙬𝚎𝚋𝚗૦ν𝚎𝒍.c૦m

“Okay, I know! But I’m just speaking facts here. Like it or not, you and Jiang Shaocheng simply don’t have any future together. Plus, Ning Mufan is one of a kind. Just take it as though you’re making friends with him.” Xie Qingqing clearly didn’t think a man like Jiang Shaocheng was worthy of her close friend, let alone a better match for her than the man in front of them, who was more conventionally attractive in every way.

There was no winning with her, so Tang Qiu kept silent and promptly made her way to the library. She would find a way to save Jiang Shaocheng and help him live. As for what happened afterwards… there was no telling, was there?

Inside the library, Tang Qiu scoured the shelves for books and was about to reach for one on tiptoe, when a hand stretched out and took it for her. She turned to see Ning Mufan directly behind her, nearly knocking into him. She retreated a step so that her back was pressed against the bookshelf. Instead of moving away, however, Ning Mufan closed the distance between them, one hand placed on either side of her head. He leaned in with bated breath.

“Thank you, Senior!”

Tang Qiu took the book from him and rushed off. She still needed to look for more books to better understand the different treatment methods. If Western techniques didn’t work, she would try traditional medicine. Naturally, she was so lost in thought that she didn’t notice Ning Mufan’s crestfallen expression.

“Tang Qiu, that book’s level of difficulty is a little advanced. If you want to learn about traditional medicine, you should try to glean the basics from this book,” Ning Mufan suggested in a crisp, clear voice, holding out a second book with a smile.

Tang Qiu edged to the side, keeping her distance from him. She had indeed been looking for that book. “Thank you.”

Ning Mufan passed her the book, sensing her reservations about him and frowning slightly. He sat down next to Tang Qiu. “I’ve read all these books. If you don’t understand anything, you can ask me. I’d love to hear the opinion of our top student here.”

At his words, Tang Qiu came alert; when it came to her areas of interest, she was nothing short of earnest. Xie Qingqing sat opposite both of them, observing silently. Tang Qiu, naive darling that she was, didn’t even spare a glance at the fine, handsome man beside her. Ning Mufan’s eyes, on the other hand, lingered on her, and his manner constantly betrayed little signs of doting.

She pursed her lips. This man was most definitely interested in her dearest friend Qiu. She whipped out her phone, taking pictures to capture the evidence.