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

“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?”