The Substitute Bride and the Cripple

Chapter 85: Rivals in Love

Guilt surged through Jiang Shaocheng when he remembered what she had been through, made even worse by her telling him not to kiss her. He put his arms around her and kissed her again, heedless of her words. He was so afraid of losing her, it was the only way he could be reassured of her presence. He was especially terrified that she would leave him because of his bad temper. “I can only get better if you kiss me, Qiu. You can’t abandon me.”

“No, I meant… I’m still sick…” Tang Qiu thought about her husband’s health; what if she passed her virus to him? She just hadn’t expected Jiang Shaocheng to kiss her so eagerly–so desperately. She sighed and patted him comfortingly.

It was as good as a silent invitation to Jiang Shaocheng. Gratification rolled through him. How he wished he could claim her right now, and tell her how much he loved her.

When night came, the two of them slept in the hospital bed together. Tang Qiu leaned into her husband’s arms and discussed when she could be discharged.

Jiang Shaocheng had no choice but to go along with what she wanted; she would be discharged after her fever subsided.

“By the way, it’s fortunate that I met Ning Mufan, or I wouldn’t have known what to do. But your bodyguard hit him and even scolded me. That bodyguard of yours has a bad temper!”

Jiang Shaocheng cleared his throat awkwardly. “How dare he?”

Tang Qiu huffed. “A bodyguard like him might be intimidating, but he’s too rude and unreasonable. It will affect your reputation. You have to control him.”

Embarrassed, Jiang Shaocheng pulled her into his embrace and nodded repeatedly. “You’re right. I’ll deduct his salary.”

“Also, dear, I–”

“Let’s not talk anymore, Qiu. We should sleep.” Jiang Shaocheng was worried that she would complain about him again, so he lowered his head and kissed her silent.

Tang Qiu stopped talking, but he kissed her again. Her eyes widened, and she grabbed his arm nervously.

Maybe he couldn’t have all of her–just a taste, enough to whet his appetite but not satisfy it. All it did was make him even hungrier for her. This incident had made Jiang Shaocheng realize that as long as this woman occupied his heart, he wouldn’t be able to think rationally–or even bear to let her go.

“It tickles.” Tang Qiu laughed and squirmed in his arms. Jiang Shaocheng let go and kissed her lips again. “You’re mine, Qiu. There can be no one else in your heart but me.”

Hearing his solemn tone, Tang Qiu looked at him suspiciously–oblivious to how desperately her husband yearned to make her his. “What’s wrong with you, dear?”

“I’m very happy about the surprise you gave me, Qiu.” It was her first time out of the country, and she must have been terrified of her unfamiliar surroundings. Still, she had done it for him, without even looking back. He was genuinely surprised and gratified that she cared about him too, but the thought of her injuries made his heart ache even more.

Tang Qiu smiled. “I’m just happy to be with you.”

Jiang Shaocheng tightened his arms around her, wishing their bodies could be joined in the union they were meant for.

***

Tang Qiu was generally in good health, and her infected wound recovered smoothly. Her fever had broken, too, so Jiang Shaocheng brought her out of the hospital.

After being discharged, Tang Qiu suggested that he should thank Ning Mufan and apologize to him for the incident with his bodyguard.

He Lei, who was walking behind, felt his legs almost give way when he heard Tang Qiu’s words.

Why did Tang Qiu mention Ning Mufan in front of the young master?

Jiang Shaocheng looked at Tang Qiu’s clear eyes, which were filled with sincerity. He restrained his anger. “Alright. Just this once.” Some things were better conveyed in person, anyway.

He Lei looked at him in surprise. Since when had his young master become so… magnanimous?

Jiang Shaocheng didn’t want her to contact Ning Mufan again, so he took her phone and called him.

He Lei overheard what his young master said to Ning Mufan, and the corners of his mouth twitched. He knew it. The young master’s ability to nurse a grudge over his wife was remarkable. How could he be so benevolent all of a sudden?

This meal was destined to be a battle between rivals!

***

When Tang Qiu and Jiang Shaocheng arrived, Ning Mufan was waiting for them.

Jiang Shaocheng grabbed Tang Qiu’s wrist and ignored Ning Mufan. He poured Tang Qiu a glass of water.

Tang Qiu smiled. She reached for Ning Mufan’s cup and asked Jiang Shaocheng to pour him some water too.

Jiang Shaocheng gritted his teeth, but he refused to let his demeanor waver in front of his love rival.