Chapter 49 - Not Part of the Plan (1/2)

“Do we have a guest?” Tang Qiu asked.

Before Jiang Shaocheng could introduce her, the woman approached them and said, “My name is Ke Liuyi. I’m Shaocheng’s personal doctor. How should I address you?”

“My name is Tang Qiu. I’m his wife. Nice to meet you, Doctor Ke.” Tang Qiu remained reserved. She could sense the woman’s hostility; subtle, but undeniable. She might not be the most aware when it came to matters of the heart, but she had grown accustomed–and therefore attuned to people’s disdain for her.

“Nice to meet you too, Ms Tang.” Liu Keyi brushed her off and pushed Jiang Shaocheng inside without waiting for a reply. She didn’t call me Mrs Jiang, Tang Qiu noted.

“You’re still frail,” she heard the woman say. “How can you place so many groceries on your legs? Plus, supermarkets are crawling with bacteria, and of all the times to go out, you chose the hottest time of the day. Why can’t you pay a little more attention to your health?”

Jiang Shaocheng didn’t respond. When they reached the living room, he realized Tang Qiu hadn’t followed them in. “Qiu?” he called. Only then did she walk briskly up to him.

“Yes, dear?”

Sweat glistened on her temples. Jiang Shaocheng used his handkerchief to wipe it away. “Are you feeling warm?”

“No, I’m fine. I just sweat easily. What about you? Should I get you some water?” She didn’t wait for him to reply–with his health, it was almost a given that he would be more physically delicate than her.

Jiang Shaocheng took a sip of water and offered the cup to her. “It’s okay,” she said, slightly taken aback. But her husband insisted, so she had no choice but to empty the cup of water. Satisfied, Jiang Shaocheng took out his handkerchief and dried her mouth for her.

Ke Liuyi observed the exchange wordlessly–them sharing the same cup, him helping her wipe her mouth. Something flashed across her eyes, there and then gone.

“You must be thirsty too, Dr Ke.” Tang Qiu extended a cup of water to her.

Ke Liuyi thanked her politely without accepting the drink. “When do we start your treatment?” she asked Jiang Shaocheng.

“Now.” He had something to discuss with her. “Let’s go to my study.”

Tang Qiu wanted to protest that she should be by his side, but they were already gone, leaving her somewhat crestfallen. I’m the mistress of this house, she reminded herself. It’s my responsibility to entertain guests properly.