Chapter 50 - Baited with a Smile (1/2)

“You’re a guest, Doctor Ke.” Tang Qiu smiled politely. “It wouldn’t be right.”

“I’ll be staying here for a while from today onwards.” Ke Liuyi matched her smile. “I hope you don’t mind.”

“Not at all.” Tang Qiu was sincere. “Thank you for helping my husband with his recovery.”

Jiang Shaocheng wanted to be alone with his wife, so he told Ke Liuyi, “Why don’t you go rest in the living room?”

Ke Liuyi sighed. “If you wish. I suppose I have no choice but to sit around and wait for lunch, then.”

***

The three of them sat down to lunch, and Ke Liuyi watched as Tang Qiu helped pick out dishes for her husband. She was about to interject that Jiang Shaocheng only ate food he chose himself when he opened his mouth and let Tang Qiu feed him–from her own pair of chopsticks, too!

Was this the same man she had known? He had been so wary of others who tried to get close to him–even she, as his doctor, had found him to be intimidatingly brooding at times…

“Is the food not to your liking, Doctor Ke?”

Ke Liuyi shook her head, smiling magnanimously. “You’re an excellent cook, Ms Tang. I’m just tired from my flight, that’s all. Shaocheng is lucky to have you around.”

.

Her praise made Tang Qiu glow. When they were done, Ke Liuyi even insisted on helping to wash the dishes. Tang Qiu was about to object; this wasn’t her house and she shouldn’t have to clean up after them. But Jiang Shaocheng stopped her. “You must be tired. Let her do it.”

“She’s a guest…” Tang Qiu protested, mindful of her manners.

“Like she said, she’ll be staying here a while. It’s only natural she should help out a little.”

Tang Qiu couldn’t argue with him, but neither did he force her to leave. When Ke Liuyi emerged from the kitchen, a plate of fruits awaited her on the table. “You’re too kind, Ms Tang,” she said, sitting. “I’ve known Shaocheng for many years. You don’t have to treat me like an outsider.”

Tang Qiu had no choice but to agree. She didn’t see a point in offending the woman who was helping to treat her husband.

“That reminds me: I thought I should mention, Shaocheng’s treatment involves acupuncture, so we can’t afford any distractions during the process.”

As a medical student, Tang Qiu was aware of this. “Don’t worry. I understand.”