My Wife Always Wants to Run Away - Chapter 31

Jie Xiangyi and Tang Jinzhi had left later than planned, and after declining lunch earlier, they were now both hungry.

They decided to eat out.

Jie Xiangyi instructed the driver to take them to a restaurant near their home.

After settling into their seats, Tang Jinzhi asked, “Zhang Yueqi said he wouldn’t be joining us?”

The drive from home had only taken about ten minutes.

She was still concerned about Zhang Yueqi’s mood today.

Jie Xiangyi shook her head, sifting through Zhang Yueqi’s messy, tearful ramblings to extract the key points. “He ordered takeout. Let’s eat. He said he didn’t want to interrupt our date.”

Sunlight streamed through the glass window, illuminating Tang Jinzhi’s cheek. She squinted slightly, raised her hand to shield her eyes, and didn’t refute Jie Xiangyi’s use of the word “date.” After all, a simple meal didn’t require such a romantic setting. The restaurant was filled with couples, and even the complimentary gifts were designed for pairs.

Jie Xiangyi had specifically mentioned their relationship when they entered.

Tang Jinzhi realized the restaurant’s special atmosphere as soon as they reached the upper floor.

It seemed Jie Xiangyi had planned this outing as a date all along.

Tang Jinzhi couldn’t help but ask, “Going straight home after we finish eating?”

Jie Xiangyi adjusted the sunshade and asked gently, “Want to catch a movie?”

Feeling a little nervous, Jie Xiangyi avoided looking directly at Tang Jinzhi. Knowing Tang Jinzhi enjoyed movies, she thought she wouldn’t refuse since they were already out.

Tang Jinzhi raised her gaze, a hint of amusement in her eyes. “We can watch at home too.”

Rejected.

Jie Xiangyi opened her mouth, trying to persuade her. “The cinema isn’t far, and since we’re already out, it wouldn’t be a big detour.”

Besides, Zhang Yueqi wasn’t with them this time—it would just be the two of them.

Tang Jinzhi sighed softly. “No, you have exams in twenty days. Go home and study.”

She knew she was taking up Jie Xiangyi’s time today.

Though Jie Xiangyi hadn’t said anything, Tang Jinzhi had noticed her constantly reviewing professional materials on her tablet in the car, which stirred a sense of urgency in her own heart.

Jie Xiangyi disagreed. “There’s no need to rush.”

Tang Jinzhi raised an eyebrow. “One day won’t make a difference to our date.”

Jie Xiangyi explained, her voice slightly muffled, “I just thought we could work on building our connection.”

Tang Jinzhi could see through her.

Jie Xiangyi was clearly still bothered by Tang Jinzhi’s earlier remark that “there’s no emotional bond between them.”

Tang Jinzhi smiled. “We can build that at home too.”

After a moment’s thought, she added, “You used to barely say a few words to me, replying with just one or two words. You didn’t even visit me when I was hospitalized.”

All true.

Jie Xiangyi’s face flushed crimson under Tang Jinzhi’s words, her gaze drifting evasively, refusing to meet Tang Jinzhi’s eyes.

Tang Jinzhi chuckled. “See? Isn’t this much better now?”

“So don’t rush things. Who can predict matters of the heart? Focus on finishing your studies first. I’m not going anywhere.”

Having made her position crystal clear, Tang Jinzhi left Jie Xiangyi with no room to argue.

Jie Xiangyi sighed softly. “Alright, let’s finish eating and go home.”

Tang Jinzhi propped her cheek on her hand, studying Jie Xiangyi. “Honestly, I’m still curious. Why did you agree to this arranged marriage in the first place?”

This was the second time she had asked Jie Xiangyi this question. The first time, Jie Xiangyi had avoided giving a straight answer. Now, perhaps she would finally hear the truth.

The words she had used to comfort Jie Xiangyi back then might have sounded exaggerated, but they were fundamentally true.

The fact that those two men didn’t dare utter a single negative word about Jie Xiangyi proved that her very presence commanded authority.

Authority, wealth, and power.

Tang Jinzhi couldn’t imagine Jie Xiangyi being forced into an arranged marriage. That kind of tragic fate was reserved for me, not someone like her.

Jie Xiangyi pondered for a long time, carefully choosing her words to explain her situation to Tang Jinzhi in a way she could understand.

Just when Tang Jinzhi thought she wouldn’t answer, Jie Xiangyi finally spoke. “You could say I’ve benefited from my family’s resources, so it’s only natural I should make some contributions.”

“The dividends my family has deposited into my account over the past few years are no less than what you earned today, and I don’t have to lift a finger. It’s a gift my mother prepared for me before she passed away.”

“Though they never said it outright, they’d always hint at arranged marriages. Over the years, they’d casually ask if there were any suitable candidates I liked. I understood what they meant—they wanted me to marry for the family’s benefit. Some of the elders who were kind to me tried to help me privately, but I knew they were in a difficult position too.”

Jie Xiangyi chuckled, her gaze settling on Tang Jinzhi’s face. She seemed quite satisfied with her choice of marriage partner, someone who would silence the gossips.

Tang Jinzhi clutched her chest. Though she could sense the resignation in Jie Xiangyi’s voice, she felt she should be feeling sorry for herself first.

“Do you think I’m asking for too little with the three hundred million?”

Jie Xiangyi came from a powerful family, a true dynasty with centuries of history. Perhaps three hundred million was indeed insignificant to them.

Without hesitation, Jie Xiangyi nodded. “It’s a steal.”

The fact that her family could afford it proved they weren’t in dire straits. Three hundred million yuan was indeed a trivial sum to them.

If she had demanded more—enough to make them feel the pinch—they would have realized they’d been swindled after her true identity was revealed. When they couldn’t recover the money, Tang Jinzhi would have faced serious trouble.

By asking for only three hundred million yuan, she ensured that even if they later discovered the deception, they would have to swallow their anger. This amount wasn’t enough to provoke them into launching a full-scale assault against her.

In a wealthy family where even the slightest disturbance is noticed, maintaining appearances is crucial. Moreover, with her marriage to Jie Xiangyi under constant scrutiny, they couldn’t afford to lose face.

Unless they truly couldn’t bear the loss and were willing to risk everything to destroy Tang Jinzhi.

Tang Jinzhi had already planned her escape. If cornered, she would flee with the entire sum. After all, she had nothing to lose—a barefoot woman fears no one wearing shoes.

Jie Xiangyi asked, “What are you smiling about?”

Tang Jinzhi chuckled softly. “Just thinking about running away with three hundred million yuan. Makes me happy.”

Jie Xiangyi frowned. “Why would you run?”

Why would anyone run away with three hundred million yuan for no reason?

And why wouldn’t she take Jie Xiangyi with her?

Tang Jinzhi explained matter-of-factly, “Of course I’d run. What do you think they’ll do to me once they realize I have no inheritance rights?”

Jie Xiangyi tilted her head, straining to understand Tang Jinzhi’s words. “Why don’t you have inheritance rights?”

A sudden realization widened her eyes. “Are you… your mother’s child with someone else?”

Tang Jinzhi, who was mid-sip of water, nearly choked. She coughed violently, glaring at Jie Xiangyi. “Don’t let your imagination run wild. The point is, I don’t have them.”

Jie Xiangyi handed her a tissue. Seeing Tang Jinzhi’s reaction, she realized her guess was wrong and felt too embarrassed to try again. Instead, she said, “Even if they find out, they wouldn’t dare target you. I’m here for you.”

Tang Jinzhi paused, then smiled at Jie Xiangyi.

She hadn’t factored Jie Xiangyi into her plans, nor did she intend to rely on her. By then, Jie Xiangyi might no longer be by her side, leaving her alone.

Jie Xiangyi disliked Tang Jinzhi’s dismissive smile, which made her feel distrusted. She didn’t offer any more promises but asked, “Is there something you haven’t told me clearly?”

Tang Jinzhi met her gaze with a radiant smile. “I’ve told you everything. You just didn’t understand.”

The only truth she hadn’t revealed to Jie Xiangyi was her identity as the fake heiress.

But even that wasn’t the full truth. She wasn’t even the fake heiress—she was the fake Tang Jinzhi.

Tang Jinzhi, unwilling to continue the conversation, handed Jie Xiangyi the freshly cut steak. “Eat up. We’re going home after this.”

Jie Xiangyi opened her mouth to say something, but Tang Jinzhi’s fork, with a piece of steak, veered and pressed against her lips.

The words were effectively blocked.

Jie Xiangyi lowered her gaze, opened her mouth, and bit into the steak.

Tang Jinzhi’s refusal to discuss it further didn’t deter her. Time was on her side; she would eventually uncover the truth. She would do everything in her power to protect Tang Jinzhi from being bullied.

Back home, Tang Jinzhi coaxed Jie Xiangyi into the study, a routine she had grown accustomed to lately. Jie Xiangyi now readily complied with her requests, doing whatever she was told.

In the living room, Zhang Yueqi, who had finally hoped for a chance to confide in Tang Jinzhi, found herself assigned a mountain of work instead.

Tang Jinzhi: “I’ve sent you all the scripts. Just download them—no need to open them yet. Forward them directly to the boss for photocopying later, but remember to keep each script separate.”

Zhang Yueqi: “So, everything’s ready? Can I invite everyone over to play now?”

Tang Jinzhi nodded. “Yes, we’re just waiting for them.”

Technically, they could play online—setting up a group voice chat was simple enough, and she could send the files individually. But that lacked the fun of everyone gathering in person. Besides, online play wouldn’t allow Tang Jinzhi to observe everyone’s reactions firsthand.

“So, I’ll have to trouble the players,” Tang Jinzhi said.

After a moment’s thought, she added, “Just find people who are willing to play. If they’re busy or not interested, don’t bother them. I don’t want to interfere with their own commitments.”

She simply wanted to gather some people for a playtest, not turn it into some kind of job.

Since she wasn’t paying anyone, the least she could do was ensure everyone had a good time with plenty of food, drinks, and entertainment.

Zhang Yueqi gave a confident thumbs-up. “Don’t worry, they’ve been looking forward to this for ages. Everyone’s eager to play—you’re the one who’s been dragging your feet!”

Tang Jinzhi raised an eyebrow. Judging by Zhang Yueqi’s attitude, the players he’d recruited were definitely not the roommates she’d fallen out with yesterday.

“Alright, then. Coordinate a time with them.”

Zhang Yueqi nodded. “Got it.”

After seeing Zhang Yueqi off, Tang Jinzhi went to the kitchen to wash a plate of grapes and cut up a plate of mangoes. Then she headed to the study to find Jie Xiangyi.

Hearing the door open, Jie Xiangyi looked up, her gaze sharpening as it met Tang Jinzhi’s perpetually smiling face. Her attention was immediately drawn.

“Some fruit,” Tang Jinzhi said, placing the plates beside Jie Xiangyi’s computer.

Jie Xiangyi glanced down at the fruit before fixing her gaze back on Tang Jinzhi. “Where’s Zhang Yueqi?”

Tang Jinzhi sat down beside her. “I took her out and found her something to do.”

Otherwise, she’d just stay home brooding all day.

Jie Xiangyi didn’t say much, glancing at the laptop. “Do you need the computer?”

Tang Jinzhi shook her head without hesitation. “No, you can be the workhorse. I need to rest.”

What’s the point of being a freelancer if I can’t enjoy my freedom?

“I refuse to become a daily grind. When I’m tired, I rest. I won’t be exploited.”

Jie Xiangyi’s lips twitched. She suspected Tang Jinzhi was deliberately teasing her.

“I’m not working right now,” Jie Xiangyi argued, trying to convince herself and Tang Jinzhi. “I’m just studying. This doesn’t count as being a workhorse.”

Tang Jinzhi burst out laughing. “Haven’t you ever heard people debate which is harder: school or work?”

Though annoyed by the mockery, Jie Xiangyi played along. “What’s the question?”

Tang Jinzhi shrugged, chuckling for a moment before answering, “Which is harder: school or work?”

She grinned at Jie Xiangyi. “But I think you, juggling both, have it the worst.”

Jie Xiangyi didn’t even have time to catch her breath before trying to convince herself it wasn’t that bad.

She forced a bitter smile. She was strong; she wouldn’t break down so easily.

Yet, for some inexplicable reason, she desperately wanted to punch Tang Jinzhi.

Turning her head away, Jie Xiangyi muttered to herself, “It’s fine. I just need to hang in there a little longer, and it’ll all be over.”

Tang Jinzhi, seemingly intent on undermining her, chimed in with a grin, “You’ll catch your breath and realize you still have to hang in there.”

Jie Xiangyi: “……”

In that moment, she once again questioned why she had chosen to study medicine.

Tang Jinzhi stopped teasing her. She casually picked up a book, got up, and settled onto the tatami mat, leaning against a cushion. “Why are you still wearing such formal clothes at home?” she asked Jie Xiangyi. “Why not change into something more comfortable? I’m already in my pajamas.”

Jie Xiangyi swiveled her chair to face Tang Jinzhi. “You’re the one who dragged me in here without letting me rest first.”

Tang Jinzhi blinked innocently. “Oh, did I?”

Jie Xiangyi rose from her chair and stalked over to Tang Jinzhi, looming over her. Tang Jinzhi felt a shiver run down her spine under that intense gaze, wondering if Jie Xiangyi was about to settle the score.

Tang Jinzhi’s mind raced with chaotic thoughts. Only belatedly did she realize Jie Xiangyi’s gaze had shifted to her lap.

Tang Jinzhi followed her line of sight.

Jie Xiangyi was looking at her lap.

Ah, no, she’s looking at the book in my lap.

Jie Xiangyi finally spoke, “Are you interested in traditional Chinese medicine?”

Tang Jinzhi silently closed the open book, straightened her posture, and handed it back to Jie Xiangyi.

Her actions answered Jie Xiangyi’s question.

She preferred reading novels to studying.

Jie Xiangyi couldn’t suppress her amusement. She took the book, flipped through a few pages, and asked, “Why aren’t you watching TV outside?”

During their breaks, Tang Jinzhi had been binge-watching dramas with Zhang Yueqi every day.

Today was a rare exception.

Tang Jinzhi smiled gently, her eyebrows lifting slightly. “Of course I’m here to keep you company.”

Jie Xiangyi paused, surprised. “What?”

She hadn’t explicitly asked Tang Jinzhi to stay with her.

A hint of helplessness flickered across Tang Jinzhi’s smile, as if she couldn’t resist Jie Xiangyi’s unspoken desires. “Even if we didn’t go to the movies, you still wanted me to be with you, right? Being here is the same. Watching a movie outside would just mean sitting together. At home, we’re even more comfortable.”

A faint blush crept across Jie Xiangyi’s cheeks, and she grew slightly flustered. “Did I say I wanted you to keep me company?”

She had simply wanted to spend a little more time together, to nurture their connection. It wasn’t the clingy behavior Tang Jinzhi was implying. The difference between their intentions was worlds apart!

Tang Jinzhi was deliberately twisting her words.

Tang Jinzhi pursed her lips, suppressing a smile. “No, you didn’t say that. I just wanted to keep you company. But if you don’t want me here, I’ll leave.”

Her tone sounded like she was coaxing a child.

Jie Xiangyi, at her wit’s end, angrily shoved Tang Jinzhi’s shoulder.

Tang Jinzhi tilted sideways, her smile finally breaking free. Jie Xiangyi’s childish reaction sent her into uncontrollable laughter.

If Jie Xiangyi weren’t usually so mature and composed, Tang Jinzhi would have half-expected her to declare, “I hate you! I’m not playing with you anymore!”

Still laughing, Tang Jinzhi continued teasing, “Alright, don’t be mad. I won’t leave. I’ll stay here and keep you company.”

Jie Xiangyi: “……”

“If you want to stay, just stay. Why all the fuss?”

It wasn’t like they hadn’t spent time together in the study before. But those times, they were both busy, not deliberately keeping each other company.

Jie Xiangyi refused to continue this childish banter with Tang Jinzhi. She knew she couldn’t win against Tang Jinzhi’s shameless teasing; her playful nature was simply too mischievous.

Tang Jinzhi leaned back against the cushions, her smile still lingering, but her tone finally returned to normal. “Alright, hurry up and change.”

Ignoring her, Jie Xiangyi turned and left the study temporarily.

When she returned, Tang Jinzhi had shifted her position. She was now kneeling on the tatami mat, gazing out the half-open window. Only when she heard Jie Xiangyi’s footsteps did she turn to look at her.

Tang Jinzhi’s eyes lit up.

Her usually cool and aloof wife had instantly softened after changing into her pajamas. The oppressive aura had vanished, replaced by a gentler presence. Tang Jinzhi’s eyebrows arched slightly, sensing that Jie Xiangyi had become even easier to tease.

In Tang Jinzhi’s eyes, Jie Xiangyi was a pure and innocent softie, easily manipulated by anyone.

Unaware of Tang Jinzhi’s thoughts, Jie Xiangyi eyed her suspiciously, puzzled by her unwavering gaze. It’s not like I’m not wearing pajamas, she thought.

As Tang Jinzhi’s expression grew increasingly excited, Jie Xiangyi felt uneasy. She took a step closer and waved her hand in front of Tang Jinzhi’s face.

“Why are you staring at me like that?”

Tang Jinzhi blurted out, “Because you’re so beautiful.”

Jie Xiangyi’s eyes flickered slightly as she instinctively touched her face. Almost against her will, she asked, “You like it?”

“Like it? Of course I like it! I don’t think anyone could dislike it.”

Tang Jinzhi nodded quickly, openly admitting her admiration for Jie Xiangyi. It wasn’t just her looks; she genuinely appreciated every aspect of Jie Xiangyi’s personality and character.

A faint smile tugged at Jie Xiangyi’s lips. “Then I like you too.”

Tang Jinzhi froze for a moment, her heart skipping a beat. But she quickly realized Jie Xiangyi meant she liked her face.

Almost misunderstood.

Jie Xiangyi realized the ambiguity in her words. Her cheeks flushed crimson as she awkwardly turned away and hastily sat down at her desk.

She didn’t bother explaining. After all, her relationship with Tang Jinzhi didn’t require her to specify what she liked. Even if Tang Jinzhi misunderstood, it didn’t matter.

Before she could change the subject, Tang Jinzhi had already launched into a narcissistic monologue, stroking her own jawline with utter confidence. “I knew you liked it! I’m just too beautiful. Anyone who says they don’t like it needs to get their eyes checked.”

Jie Xiangyi sighed, resting her forehead in her hand. She swiveled her chair around and scooted closer to Tang Jinzhi, crossing her arms as she scrutinized her face. “Have you always been this narcissistic?”

Tang Jinzhi shot her a disgruntled look. “What’s narcissistic about that? Isn’t it just the truth? Didn’t you just say you liked me?”

“It’s true,” Jie Xiangyi conceded, “but it sounds so arrogant.”

Tang Jinzhi narrowed her eyes, raised her hand in front of Jie Xiangyi’s face, and slowly extended her fingers before clenching them into a fist. “I’ll give you one more chance. You, speak properly.”

Jie Xiangyi pursed her lips and chuckled softly. Under Tang Jinzhi’s playful “tyranny,” she reluctantly complied, responding childishly, “Alright, you really are the most beautiful. If you’re second, no one else dares to claim first.”

The compliment lacked any finesse, but Tang Jinzhi beamed with delight.

Jie Xiangyi is so much fun, she thought. Where’s the coldness Zhang Yueqi keeps talking about? He’s just spouting nonsense.

Tang Jinzhi waved her hand modestly, her smile shy. “Exaggerating, exaggerating. Let’s keep it low-key. If I’m first, you’re still qualified for second.”

Though she spoke of modesty, her words were anything but humble.

Jie Xiangyi: “……”

If she could, she’d rather not participate in this ranking at all.

She abruptly changed the subject, skipping past the childish banter. “Wake up early tomorrow. We’re going to the hospital together.”

Tang Jinzhi froze, puzzled. Why would I go to the hospital?

After a moment’s thought, she quickly understood. It was time for her checkup.

But…

Tang Jinzhi glanced up at Jie Xiangyi, her mischievous grin barely concealed. She couldn’t resist teasing, “Has our Doctor Xie become so clingy that she needs her wife to accompany her even to work?”

Staring at Tang Jinzhi’s mischievous grin and enduring her constant teasing, Jie Xiangyi finally snapped. Furious and embarrassed, she grabbed the plate of grapes Tang Jinzhi had brought and shoved one into Tang Jinzhi’s mouth.

Just as I thought!

“Shut up!” Jie Xiangyi snapped. “You’re the one who needs a checkup.”

I shouldn’t have bothered worrying about her.

Seeing Jie Xiangyi’s aggressive stance, Tang Jinzhi thought for a moment and simply opened her mouth. If she didn’t, the grape juice would likely smear all over her face. She deftly swallowed the grape.

The grapes were easy to eat, requiring no peeling. Tang Jinzhi chewed, the sweet, fragrant juice bursting in her mouth. Her eyes lit up. After a moment’s hesitation, she asked, “Another one?”

Jie Xiangyi grabbed another grape and shoved it in. Tang Jinzhi swallowed it down as before, now silent but her expression clearly enjoying the treat.

The situation was gradually becoming bizarre.

Jie Xiangyi fell silent.

Suddenly, she found herself feeding Tang Jinzhi grapes, even though she had been angry just moments ago.

After feeding Tang Jinzhi several grapes in a row, Jie Xiangyi had grown numb to the task. But as the numbness wore off, her cheeks flushed crimson. Her fingertips inevitably brushed against Tang Jinzhi’s lips, and her gaze involuntarily lingered there.

After feeding another grape, Jie Xiangyi didn’t withdraw her hand. Instead, she pressed her fingertip against Tang Jinzhi’s lips, gently stroking them.

Lost in Jie Xiangyi’s intriguing thoughts, Tang Jinzhi froze mid-chew. Her movements stilled as she lowered her gaze, meeting Jie Xiangyi’s eyes, which had just lifted to meet hers.

Their gazes locked for only a fleeting moment before both women simultaneously looked away. In that instant, the atmosphere in the room suddenly became charged with a palpable tension—both intimate and fraught with anticipation.

Tang Jinzhi swallowed the juice in her mouth, suddenly feeling a surge of nervousness.

She couldn’t shake the feeling that Jie Xiangyi’s earlier gesture had been laden with unspoken implications.

I think I’ve gone too far, she thought.

In that sudden, unguarded moment when their eyes met, Tang Jinzhi saw desire in Jie Xiangyi’s eyes—a desire directed at her. Tang Jinzhi desperately hoped she was mistaken, feeling both flustered and secretly expectant.

Tang Jinzhi wrestled with her thoughts. It wasn’t that she was opposed to kissing Jie Xiangyi; she was just nervous because they hadn’t kissed before.

She never imagined she would skip the entire dating process and go straight to marriage. She had absolutely no experience in this.

Lost in her thoughts, Tang Jinzhi didn’t notice her face gradually flushing crimson.

Still, if Jie Xiangyi really wanted to kiss her, she wouldn’t refuse. That would be too disrespectful.

Jie Xiangyi lowered her gaze, thrust the plate of grapes into Tang Jinzhi’s arms, and said in a cool voice, “Eat them yourself.”

With that, she turned back to her desk and opened her notebook.

Tang Jinzhi snapped out of her daze, cradling the plate of grapes, her mind buzzing with confusion.

What? That’s it?

She hadn’t even had a chance to play hard to get before Jie Xiangyi gave up on kissing her?

I didn’t even say no!