The Substitute Bride and the Cripple

Chapter 86: This Man is Your Husband?

Tang Qiu said, “Senior, my husband’s bodyguard was too impulsive when he attacked you. My husband is here to apologize to you.”

Ning Mufan took the cup and looked at Jiang Shaocheng with disdain in his eyes. “For Qiu’s sake, I’ll accept the tea–and your apology–and not kick up a fuss.” He took a swallow of the tea.

Jiang Shaocheng’s lips curled up slightly. “You’re very understanding, Mr Ning. I should also thank you for taking care of my wife.” He picked up the teapot and refilled Ning Mufan’s cup.

Ning Mufan chuckled and didn’t take the teacup this time. “Qiu is my junior, and we have the same professor. It’s only right that I take care of her. On your part, Mr Jiang, I believe you could do better than those simpleminded bodyguards you have. You should teach them to use their brains instead of resorting to brute force.”

Jiang Shaocheng smiled faintly. “You’re young, Mr Ning, but principled. No wonder your grandfather sent you here to develop your talents. You will definitely achieve great things in the future.”

Tang Qiu listened to them verbally spar, happy that they were–supposedly–making peace with one another.

However, He Lei could sense that the two of them were at loggerheads; it was a battlefield without smoke, nothing more.

When Ning Mufan heard him mention his grandfather, he was furious, but he couldn’t show it in front of Tang Qiu. He picked up the teacup and drank a mouthful of tea, then refilled his cup. “You’re here for treatment, aren’t you, Mr Jiang? How is it coming? Since you’re estranged from your father, are you facing any financial difficulties? If so, please let me know. I’d be happy to help.”

Was that meant to hit a raw spot? He Lei sneered. For all that his young master lacked, money was most definitely not one of them.

Jiang Shaocheng’s expression didn’t change. “Thank you. The doctor said that I’m recovering very well, and that my legs will heal quickly, too. As for the money, you’re still a student, Mr Ning. Your daily expenses are covered by your family. How can I ask you for help?”

He Lei recalled what his young master used to be like at the negotiation table; even professional negotiators and psychologists had had to admit defeat to him. How could a young master who relied on his family name for survival win against Jiang Shaocheng?

Ning Mufan sensed his mockery and suppressed his anger. Instead of replying, he lowered his head to take another sip of tea.

Not long after, the waiter came in to serve the dishes, breaking the awkward atmosphere. Tang Qiu asked why Ning Mufan came to N Country and found out that he was here as an exchange student. As Ning Mufan spoke, he looked at Jiang Shaocheng meaningfully. It was Jiang Shaocheng’s fault that he was here! He didn’t know how this cripple had convinced his grandfather to send him overseas, but since he had succeeded, he must have had some significant leverage over the Ning family.

After lunch, Tang Qiu got up and went to the bathroom. Only the two men were left in the private room.

“Jiang Shaocheng, what did you do to make my grandfather send me overseas?” Ning Mufan asked bluntly.

“What does your grandfather sending you abroad for your future have to do with me?” Jiang Shaocheng said innocently.

“Other than you, who else…” His refusal to admit what he had done incensed Ning Mufan.

“It had nothing to do with me. This is my reminder to you: Tang Qiu is married. From now on, you will have nothing to do with her.” Jiang Shaocheng warned coldly.

Ning Mufan wanted to say that an invalid like him couldn’t give Tang Qiu happiness at all, but when he thought about how Jiang Shaocheng might recover from his illness, no words emerged from his mouth. He could argue all he liked, but the other man was right: Tang Qiu was already married.

When Tang Qiu returned, the meal was over.

Ning Mufan couldn’t bear to look at Tang Qiu as she left. His face carried all the melancholy of a love that had been extinguished before being given the chance to catch aflame. He couldn’t even rationalize his heartache. He sneered at himself. He blamed himself for being too proud to tell her that he had missed her…

After leaving the restaurant, Tang Qiu told Jiang Shaocheng that she wanted to visit a middle-aged couple who had helped her. When Jiang Shaocheng heard this, he instructed He Lei to buy some tonics for them.

***

When the three of them arrived at Duan Qingman’s house, Tang Qiu went to knock on the door. Duan Qingman came out and welcomed them with a smile.

“Ms Duan, my husband and I came to thank you for your help.”

“Your husband? Where’s that young man from earlier?” Duan Qingman’s eyes searched the vicinity for him.

Jiang Shaocheng guessed that the young man Duan Qingman was talking about was Ning Mufan, and his face darkened.