The Substitute Bride and the Cripple

Chapter 38: Visiting the Jiang Family

Tang Qiu recalled what Professor Sun had said and perked up even more. “By the way, dear,” she began excitedly, “Professor Sun told me that as long as you keep your mood up and actively cooperate with the treatment process, there’s a good chance you may be able to stand again in the future.”

Part of the reason Jiang Shaocheng had instructed He Lei to show her his past medical reports was to uncover what she meant to do with the information. It seemed his little wife was trying to help him recover as soon as possible. She had been in tears just a moment before; now she was smiling from ear to ear. She really was a child at heart.

“I have to keep my mood up?” he asked, to which she nodded. Teasingly, he said, “Well, I’m happiest when you kiss me.”

Tang Qiu lowered her head, blushing. “I thought I kissed you earlier…”

“Oh.” Jiang Shaocheng’s chin dropped, clearly dejected.

Seeing his response, Tang Qiu planted a kiss on his lips. “How’s that?”

“Not good enough…”

Heat flooded Tang Qiu’s cheeks. She kissed him again. “How about now?”

Jiang Shaocheng cupped her face, smiling tenderly. “I want you to kiss me like this every day, Qiu. I’ll be sure to always be happy then. What about you? What brings you joy?”

Tang Qiu pondered the question for a few seconds. “Plenty of things. Making sure my grandmother gets to stay in the best possible nursing home… You being able to stand again… Excelling in my studies… Becoming a valuable member of society…”

It was the first time Jiang Shaocheng had heard her mention her grandmother. “The money you got from the Fengs is more than enough to send your grandmother to the best nursing home you can find.”

A pang of sorrow lanced through Tang Qiu at the thought of her grandmother. “We’ve been talking for a while. You must be thirsty. I’ll get you some water.”

Jiang Shaocheng watched her hurry off. His eyes narrowed. She was clearly keeping something from him. But what could possibly warrant such secretiveness?

The next morning, Jiang Shaocheng came downstairs and was greeted with the sight of his little wife with an apron tied around her waist, her lips moving as she mumbled to herself. “You’re up, dear,” she said when she saw him. “Breakfast is ready.”

She helped him push his wheelchair to the dining table. Jiang Shaocheng studied her. Her smile was radiant enough to rival the sun streaming in from the windows. “If I could have a good morning kiss…” he said, “… it would certainly improve my appetite.”

Tang Qiu eyed her husband. What was with him, this man in his thirties, always pestering her for kisses? Begrudgingly, she gave him a peck on the lips. “Will this do?”

“If you’re going to put it that way, no.”

Tang Qiu pouted and fell silent. When he caught sight of her expression, Jiang Shaocheng’s mouth flattened into a thin line. He began eating without another word.

After they were done with breakfast, Jiang Shaocheng was quiet for a while before speaking up. “Qiu, it’s the weekend tomorrow, so we have to make a trip to the family home.”

“The family home?” Tang Qiu repeated slowly. “You mean your parents’ home?”

“Are you afraid?”

“No. A little nervous, that’s all.” The panic was evident on her face.

Jiang Shaocheng took her hand. “You married me. They don’t matter.”

“But they’re your family.”

He scoffed. “Do you think Jiang Ming deserves to be called my family?”

Tang Qiu thought of her husband’s brother and felt her anxiety settle. Jiang Shaocheng’s family had despised him ever since he had gotten into a car accident; it was why Jiang Ming had grown bold enough to push around his older brother like that. But she was his wife now, and she would protect him. She wouldn’t let anyone mistreat him, including his own family!

“Do I have to do anything to prepare?”

“No. Just accompany me on the day itself.” The visit was only perfunctory anyway, and he wouldn’t allow them to intimidate her or put her in a spot of any sort.

The days flew by and the weekend arrived. Jiang Shaocheng watched as Tang Qiu helped him don an indigo suit and a pair of glasses, choosing their outfits with a critical eye, muttering all the while that she wanted his family to see just how fortunate, how blessed they were together…

Jiang Shaocheng was left somewhat speechless, but he didn’t argue. He, too, wanted those people to see for themselves what a wonderful little wife they had bestowed upon him.

She was still engrossed in her tasks. Without warning, he reached out and grabbed her. “You’ve been so busy helping me prepare for the visit for the past few days, Qiu.” His gaze was intent and earnest. “You must be worried that my family will mistreat me somehow. Does this mean you have feelings for me?”

Tang Qiu froze, floundering as she realized his meaning.

“We’re husband and wife, Qiu.” Jiang Shaocheng’s voice turned gentle, coaxing. “It would be completely normal. I’m grateful that you don’t despise me for being a cripple. And I like you too… very much…”

Tang Qiu was at a loss. She managed a nod and ran off to find a change of clothes for herself, eager to avoid his question.

We got married as strangers. How can there possibly be feelings between us? The question replayed in her head. She hadn’t been able to bring herself to refute him, not when confronted with the warm intensity in his gaze. But her answer wasn’t something she could take lightly either… especially since she didn’t want to lie to him…