My Wife Always Wants to Run Away - Chapter 12

Exhausted both physically and mentally, Tang Jinzhi quickly fell into a deep sleep, plunging the already quiet room into an even deeper silence.

She slept dreamlessly, her slumber heavy and profound.

For days, her nerves had been on edge, but this sleep finally allowed them to relax completely.

When Tang Jinzhi woke, the night outside the window was still dark. Her body felt weak, and her limbs moved sluggishly beneath the covers.

She was ravenously hungry, her consciousness still hazy. Tang Jinzhi felt like she had woken up from hunger.

She lay in bed for a few minutes before opening her eyes, her muddled mind gradually clearing.

Her phone was nowhere to be seen. Tang Jinzhi propped herself up on her elbows and sat up. The room was dimly lit. She ran a hand through her tangled hair and sat on the edge of the bed for a while before turning on the light.

She stumbled out of the room and into the bathroom, only to realize she hadn’t prepared any toiletries.

After combing her hair, Tang Jinzhi returned to the bedroom and found her phone wedged between the bed and the wall.

It was 1:00 AM.

Switching back to her work WeChat account, she saw several unread messages.

They were from Jie Xiangyi and Zhang Yueqi.

She opened Jie Xiangyi’s chat first.

Jie Xiangyi: I blocked her, and my aunt immediately asked me about it. I tried talking to her, but it didn’t work. When I get home, I’ll show you what they look like so you can avoid them in the future.

Jie Xiangyi: Remember to eat dinner. I don’t cook, so there’s no food in the house. I’ll send you the address—just order takeout if you’re hungry.

After these two messages, Jie Xiangyi sent nothing more, seemingly unconcerned whether Tang Jinzhi replied or not.

Tang Jinzhi read the messages and smiled, her eyes softening with genuine contentment.

Jie Xiangyi was clear-headed and wouldn’t question herself based on a few casual remarks. Moreover, she always told Tang Jinzhi everything she heard about her, holding nothing back. Tang Jinzhi deeply appreciated Jie Xiangyi’s honesty and trust.

Jie Xiangyi even disliked her own aunt.

After reading the messages, Tang Jinzhi felt certain that Jie Xiangyi was on her side.

Smiling sweetly, Tang Jinzhi replied:

Okay, Doctor Xie, we’ll stay far away from them.

I just woke up hungry. Are there any new toiletries at home?

Are you busy? Even at this hour?

When are you coming back?

The incessant buzzing of her phone startled Jie Xiangyi out of her focus. She glanced away from her computer screen toward the charging phone beside her.

Who would be messaging me at this hour? she wondered, though she already had a good guess.

Sure enough, it was Tang Jinzhi.

Jie Xiangyi had been wondering why Tang Jinzhi hadn’t replied to her earlier messages. Now, here she was.

Even when Jie Xiangyi didn’t initiate contact, Tang Jinzhi would occasionally send a few messages, giving Jie Xiangyi an indescribable feeling. It was as if Tang Jinzhi was forcing her to acknowledge her presence, to confirm she was still there.

Jie Xiangyi: There’s a new toothbrush and towel under the sink. You can use my toiletries, but if you don’t like the brand, feel free to buy your own.

Jie Xiangyi: I should be back around 8 AM tomorrow, barring any unexpected delays.

Jie Xiangyi: Have you been sleeping all this time?

Clutching her phone, Tang Jinzhi walked to the bathroom, following Jie Xiangyi’s instructions to find the toothbrush and towel before replying.

Tang Jinzhi: I couldn’t sleep well at the hospital. I fell asleep right after taking a bath when I got back and just woke up. I found the toothbrush.

After replying, Tang Jinzhi began brushing her teeth.

While brushing, she picked up the toiletries on the counter and examined them. Tang Jinzhi was a practical person; she was certain she wouldn’t dislike them.

She then opened the message from Zhang Yueqi.

Zhang Yueqi: Are you free tomorrow? I’ll come hang out!

Zhang Yueqi: Let’s celebrate your discharge! I’ll treat us to dinner.

Zhang Yueqi: [Peeking out.jpg]

Zhang Yueqi: Seriously? You went to bed this early?

Tang Jinzhi pondered how to reply while brushing.

Zhang Yueqi had such a lively personality—he must have many close friends.

Why did it seem like he was closer to her?

After finishing her thorough routine, Tang Jinzhi finally replied.

Tang Jinzhi: I’m free tomorrow, but I don’t want to go out.

Tang Jinzhi: Jie Xiangyi will be back in the morning and needs to rest during the day, so she won’t have time to go out either.

Tang Jinzhi: And if nothing unexpected happens, I’ll be sleeping in the morning too. Why don’t you come over in the afternoon?

Zhang Yueqi replied instantly: Ah, I was planning to come over in the afternoon anyway! Since you’re staying in, I’ll just buy some of your favorite snacks and bring them over!

Hehe, I’m not just coming over to hang out. I have something important to tell you!

Tang Jinzhi was surprised by the instant reply at this hour. It seemed everyone was a night owl.

Tang Jinzhi: What is it?

Zhang Yueqi: I’ll tell you tomorrow. Gotta sleep now, my mom’s back.

Tang Jinzhi: ……

Zhang Yueqi always gave her the immature feeling of chatting with a high school classmate.

It wasn’t surprising she got along so well with the little girl in the bed next to hers.

Doctor Qiu’s maturity and composure versus Zhang Yueqi’s…

How did those two even get together?

Tang Jinzhi pinched the bridge of her nose. Never mind, I don’t even want to think about it.

No high, no buzz.

Tang Jinzhi copied the address Jie Xiangyi had given her and ordered takeout through a delivery app.

Normally, she’d spend ages choosing what to order, but this time she was quick. At this early hour, barbecue joints dominated the options, with the occasional fried chicken place scattered among them.

Not wanting barbecue right after waking up, Tang Jinzhi opted for fried chicken.

Just as she was about to vent to Jie Xiangyi again, she noticed a new group chat had appeared in her chat list.

It was created by Zhang Yueqi, who had claimed he was going to bed.

Group Chat (3)

Zhang Yueqi: Can you guys flirt here?

Zhang Yueqi: [Obedient cat head.jpg]

Jie Xiangyi: ?

Tang Jinzhi’s eye twitched.

Tang Jinzhi: Does anyone have her mom’s contact info? Send it to me.

Tang Jinzhi: @me, I’m married

Jie Xiangyi: ?

Jie Xiangyi: [Contact Card]

Zhang Yueqi: ……

Tang Jinzhi nearly choked on her own breath. In disbelief, she clicked on Jie Xiangyi’s profile and stared at the glaring “I’m Married” displayed there, taking several deep breaths to compose herself.

Even this is so abstract! Are there any normal people left in this world?!

Ignoring the group chat, she quickly opened Jie Xiangyi’s private chat.

She typed and deleted several messages, unsure how to address this.

After agonizing for a while, she finally asked directly: Why would you choose such a username?

Jie Xiangyi’s reply was straightforward: What’s wrong with it? Isn’t it great? Now everyone knows I’m married.

Tang Jinzhi’s mind finally clicked. This was about the rumors at the hospital.

Jie Xiangyi wasn’t being abstract; she genuinely thought this was convenient and simply changed her username.

But those glaring four words…

Tang Jinzhi patted her flushed cheeks, took a deep breath, and replied: Why didn’t you just post a photo of our marriage certificate on your WeChat Moments? Wouldn’t that be even more convenient?

Now that everyone had nicknames, who would even bother checking her username?

Little did Tang Jinzhi know, after changing her username, Jie Xiangyi had specifically asked a few people in the hospital group chat to @ her.

It was incredibly conspicuous.

Doctor Qiu even mocked her for it.

Jie Xiangyi: …I forgot about the marriage certificate.

Jie Xiangyi tried to save face: I changed it before we got the certificate.

The thought that her own name was part of that nickname made Tang Jinzhi shudder. She immediately urged: Change it back right now.

Jie Xiangyi: No, everyone’s already seen it.

Jie Xiangyi: Besides, using this nickname has kept things much quieter around me.

So she was using it to ward off unwanted attention.

Tang Jinzhi was speechless, feeling utterly tongue-tied.

Tang Jinzhi: [Image]

Tang Jinzhi: I’ve sent you a photo of our marriage certificate. Post it on your WeChat Moments. After that, things will be even quieter around you.

Jie Xiangyi: Okay.

Whatever Tang Jinzhi said, Jie Xiangyi did. In less than half a minute, a new post appeared on Jie Xiangyi’s WeChat Moments.

It was just a photo, no caption needed.

That was enough.

Tang Jinzhi felt too embarrassed to linger on the official announcement post.

Jie Xiangyi must have transferred all her shame onto me, she thought.

Doesn’t she feel embarrassed using that nickname?!

Tang Jinzhi: Okay, okay, go change your nickname.

Jie Xiangyi: Fine. Can’t I just keep it?

Tang Jinzhi sensed Jie Xiangyi’s reluctance, but the mere sight of those four characters made her blush.

Tang Jinzhi: You can even use a couple’s name, just not those four words!

Anyone who didn’t know better would think Jie Xiangyi was just showing off.

Jie Xiangyi: Alright, I’ll change it. Don’t get so worked up.

Tang Jinzhi: I’m not worked up. I don’t feel anything at all.

Jie Xiangyi: Oh, really? Then I won’t bother changing it.

Tang Jinzhi: …Hurry up and change it! You’re my wife now, and it’s my reputation that’s at stake. I have thin skin—I’m embarrassed. Please, I’m begging you.

Jie Xiangyi: Haha

Jie Xiangyi: Actually, I already changed it before posting on WeChat.

Tang Jinzhi: …

Tang Jinzhi understood perfectly. Jie Xiangyi was deliberately teasing her.

She’s still laughing?

She must be having a great time right now…

After nearly half a month of interacting, this was the first time Tang Jinzhi had seen Jie Xiangyi openly express her emotions during a conversation.

After a few seconds of stunned silence, Tang Jinzhi retaliated: Doctor Xie, you seem awfully free these days. Have you finished your thesis yet?

Jie Xiangyi: …

Can’t we just have a normal conversation?