Chapter 51 - Who Are You Calling Stupid? (1/2)

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?”

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.