The Substitute Bride and the Cripple

“Everyone knows I like you.” His gaze burned bright. “Everyone but you. What would you call that, if not stupid?”

Tang Qiu’s brows pinched together. “Is this some kind of a dare?”

He fought the urge to facepalm. “You mean you really can’t tell?”

“Tell what?” Tang Qiu surveyed their surroundings. “Wherever your friends are, they can come out now.”

Ning Mufan couldn’t swallow the laugh that burst from his chest. He gripped her chin, forcing her to meet his gaze. “This isn’t a joke, Tang Qiu.?I like you.”

“Why?” In her confusion, she spoke without thinking. “We don’t even know each other well.”

She made him want to spit blood. He breathed deeply, mustering his courage. “You caught my eye ever since I first saw you in Professor Sun’s class. I’ve been attracted to you for years. I really like you, Tang Qiu. Won’t you give me a chance?”

“No,” she blurted out. “I’m married.” How had he liked her since their first meeting? She had been cordial with him all these years, nothing more. If she liked him, wouldn’t she have wanted to feel his embraces and taste his kisses–just like with her husband?

Ning Mufan fell silent, anger simmering helplessly. “Did someone force you to marry him?” he finally asked.

A shadow darkened her face. “Even if they did, it’s all in the past.”

“I’m willing to wait for you.”

“Wait?”

“When Jiang Shaocheng succumbs to his illness, I’ll help you leave the Jiang family and become my girlfriend.”

She gaped at him. “You?want?my husband to die?”

“I–” freℯ𝓌e𝚋𝐧𝘰vℯl.𝐜𝚘𝗺

“Save it. My husband won’t die. He’ll recover–he will!”

Ning Mufan scoffed, his aristocratic features turning cold. “Stop dreaming. How many years has Jiang Shaocheng been undergoing treatment? If he could recover, he would’ve long ago! How delusional can you get–just because you studied medicine for a few years? That cripple’s father despises him, and now he’s cut off all his son’s financial resources. Tell me: do you think he can survive without the aid of his family? Would you really rather stay with him than give me a chance?”

Tang Qiu was shocked. She hadn’t known that Jiang Shaocheng’s family had severed all?financial?ties with him, too. This was all her fault. If she hadn’t gotten into trouble, her husband wouldn’t have fallen out with his father over her–and he would still have money for his treatment. She bit her lip, warding off her rising anxiety.

“Are you listening to me?” Ning Mufan demanded.

“Yes. Thank you for informing me. I have some money to spare for my husband’s treatment.”

It was as if she hadn’t even heard his confession. He clenched his teeth. “Jiang Shaocheng is disabled. Do you know how expensive that treatment is? Or his daily expenses? Did that man put a spell on you, Tang Qiu, for you to go this far for him?” Everyone knew Tang Qiu hated spending money unnecessarily. But now, she was willing to fork out her savings for that cripple. Jealousy swarmed Ning Mufan’s vision in a haze of bright red.

“My husband doesn’t live an expensive lifestyle. It’s just his medical expenses, but I… I can afford them.” She still had to ask Doctor Ke about the fees for Jiang Shaocheng’s treatment; it wouldn’t do to leech off her services without paying her her due. Maybe she could find a part-time job. She could help earn money, save up for her husband’s treatment…

It was impossible to get through to her. Ning Mufan changed tactics, grappling for a middle ground. “If you’re short of money, I can help you.”

“It’s alright. Thank you for offering, Senior. I’ll think of something myself.” Jiang Shaocheng had been incensed about her pretending to be Ning Mufan’s girlfriend; if she went so far as to borrow money from him, it would surely enrage him further.

Ning Mufan inhaled, trying to steady himself. “What about the scholarship?” he asked softly. “If we come clean, aren’t you afraid the rumors will spread and affect your chances?”

Of course she was. She needed the money. Ning Mufan pounced on her hesitation, smiling gently at her. “You need to think about it carefully, Tang Qiu. I–”

“I’ve thought about it,” she interrupted. “I won’t betray my husband. My conscience is clear. Let people say what they want.”