The Substitute Bride and the Cripple

For once, Jiang Shaocheng found he couldn’t argue. “So you’re going to leave just like that?” he asked Tang Qiu.

This was her cue to give him a goodbye kiss–a practice that she secretly enjoyed, and that warmed her heart. But Ke Liuyi was right there, same as yesterday. Shyly, she gave him a pat on the shoulder, like they were brothers instead of husband and wife.

“You can do it!” she said encouragingly, and fled. Jiang Shaocheng stifled a disbelieving laugh.

Ke Liuyi’s fists clenched when she saw the smile tugging at his lips. “Ms Tang is such a darling,” she commented.

“She is,” he echoed, eyes uncharacteristically soft. “But you should refer to Qiu as Mrs Jiang instead.”

“Don’t you despise that surname?” She raised a playful brow. “Or should I call her Mrs Shaocheng?” 𝘧r𝘦𝗲w𝘦𝚋𝐧o𝘷𝘦𝙡.co𝑚

Jiang Shaocheng gave it a moment’s contemplation. “I don’t mind that either.”

Ke Liuyi was throbbing with rage, but her smile never wavered. “Shaocheng, I’ll be living with you both for some time. I think it’s best if I act a little more casual around her. I don’t want your wife to have to stand on ceremony, keeping her distance and all.”

Tang Qiu held doctors in high regard, so it wasn’t out of the ordinary for her to treat Ke Liuyi with more respect than was strictly necessary. “Sure,” he said. “She’s young, but incredibly hardworking. Do look out for her too.”

“I will,” she promised, her demeanor betraying nothing.

***

In school, Tang Qiu sent Ning Mufan a text after class asking to meet up. She intended to call off the charade of them being a couple–otherwise, it would only further infuriate her husband. They had arranged to meet outside the school library. As Tang Qiu drew closer, she saw a woman standing beside Ning Mufan.

Niu Caijie.

Before she could open her mouth, Niu Caijie bowed her head and said, “I owe you an apology, Tang Qiu. I was too hasty the last time we met. I’m sorry.”

Are you??Tang Qiu thought. “If you really want to apologize, you should do so through a letter.”

Niu Caijie’s eyes were still trained on the ground. Loathing flashed across her gaze. She bit down hard on her lip.?Let’s see if you’ll still be so high-and-mighty later, you bitch.

“Didn’t you hear what Tang Qiu said?” Ning Mufan’s voice came from behind her, cold as ice.

“Yes,” she said quickly. “I’ll do it. I’ll write you a letter.” She was willing to grovel, if it meant she could redeem herself in Ning Mufan’s eyes.

“Don’t repeat this foolishness,” he warned, before adding, “You should leave.”

“I won’t.” Niu Caijie turned her back on them to hide the glint of angry tears in her eyes as she retreated.

The encounter felt off to Tang Qiu, but she had more important things to ponder than Niu Caijie’s intentions. She got straight to the point.

“The fake relationship between us ends here. If anyone asks, just say we were joking.”

His brows creased. “Because of that crippled husband of yours?”

“It has nothing to do with him. I’m married. It’s only natural that I shouldn’t be involved with anyone else.” She attempted to ease the tension between them with a smile. “Qian Hongwei was only trying to help me, but I should have given the matter more consideration. I’m sorry for the trouble I’ve caused you.” She bent in a bow.

Ning Mufan took hold of her shoulders. “You don’t have to apologize, Qiu. Actually, I have something to ask you too.”

“What is it?”

“The man you married–he’s the crippled young master of the Jiang family? Jiang Shaocheng?”

“Yes.” How had he known? She had never told him who her husband was. “Did you find out from Qingqing?”

“Never mind how I found out.” Ning Mufan couldn’t resist pressing her. “Tang Qiu, don’t you know Jiang Shaocheng doesn’t have much longer to live? You won’t even get any money or assets out of the marriage, because of his strained relationship with his family.”

She stared at him in disbelief. “You think I married him for money?”

“No, I just–” Frustration and sympathy twisted through him. If only she wasn’t so stubborn. “I just don’t think he deserves you.”

“I’m his wife. Whether you think he deserves me or not doesn’t matter.” She turned on her heel. “I’ve said my piece. I’m leaving.”

Ning Mufan caught her wrist. “Tang Qiu…” he murmured, the words laden with weariness, “… how can you be so stupid?”

“Stupid? Who are you calling stupid?”