My Wife Always Wants to Run Away - Chapter 41

Having exhausted all her strength and courage, Xie Xiangyi sat alone in the living room, her face utterly crestfallen. She was particularly upset, feeling so dejected she nearly hugged herself and burst into tears.

Xie Xiangyi gripped her trembling fingers, the two people in the kitchen completely unaware of the immense courage she had just mustered.

She had never felt so nervous before; her heart was still pounding wildly.

Tang Jinzhi remained rooted in the kitchen, not because she didn’t want to leave, but because she wasn’t prepared. Xie Xiangyi’s sudden advance had caught her off guard—just a moment ago, they had been discussing Song Xiaoci…

Yet Tang Jinzhi had fled just as quickly. She began to reflect, worrying that her hasty retreat might have wounded Xie Xiangyi’s pride. Her mind drifted, preoccupied with the thought.

Zhang Yueqi didn’t notice Tang Jinzhi’s unease. She had insisted Tang Jinzhi stand there and not interfere, wanting to prepare the meal independently while Tang Jinzhi simply oversaw the process.

When Zhang Yueqi focused on her tasks, she was utterly absorbed, not sparing Tang Jinzhi even a glance. Even if Tang Jinzhi stood daydreaming in the kitchen, Zhang Yueqi wouldn’t notice—or, if she did, she’d consider it perfectly normal. The fact that Tang Jinzhi could relax and daydream meant Zhang Yueqi had no concerns about her cooking skills.

However, just before starting the final dish, Zhang Yueqi sensed something was off. She wanted Tang Jinzhi to taste the braised shrimp she had just plated, but Tang Jinzhi was lost in thought, her gaze fixed on the living room. It was then Zhang Yueqi realized that Xie Xiangyi, who usually crowded into the kitchen whenever they cooked, was conspicuously absent today.

“Hey? What are you spacing out about? Why isn’t Xie Xiangyi here today, trying to steal the spotlight?”

Yes, Zhang Yueqi had always believed Xie Xiangyi’s kitchen visits were nothing more than attention-seeking stunts.

The old Xie Xiangyi would never have wasted time on such trivialities. Now, she was finally learning to experience life.

Marriage might not be perfect, but it was undeniably good for Xie Xiangyi. Of course, the most crucial factor was that Xie Xiangyi’s husband was a wonderful man.

Tang Jinzhi absentmindedly shook her head, her gaze slowly drifting away from the living room. She couldn’t see the scene inside, nor could she see Xie Xiangyi, unsure of her current state. Tang Jinzhi worried that Xie Xiangyi might withdraw into herself.

Her eyes landed on Zhang Yueqi, and Tang Jinzhi’s thoughts gradually returned to the present. She hesitated, then said, “You… um, good luck.”

She doubted Xie Xiangyi, who had long wanted to kick Zhang Yueqi out, would suddenly give her a warm reception.

Even though most of the blame lay with Tang Jinzhi herself.

Zhang Yueqi was puzzled. “What’s going on? Why would I need good luck just for making dinner?”

“Nothing,” Tang Jinzhi said, shaking her head guiltily.

The more Tang Jinzhi denied it, the more suspicious Zhang Yueqi became. When Tang Jinzhi unconsciously glanced toward the living room again, Zhang Yueqi blurted out, “If you want to be with Xie Xiangyi, just go. I don’t need you here. Dinner will be ready soon.”

Tang Jinzhi hesitated for a moment before shaking her head. She was even more afraid to face Xie Xiangyi alone now.

Zhang Yueqi stared at Tang Jinzhi, scrutinizing her for several seconds. Remembering Xie Xiangyi, who had stopped trying to make her presence known in the living room, she suddenly realized, “You two had a fight?”

Zhang Yueqi felt she had uncovered the truth, and that Tang Jinzhi was undoubtedly in the wrong. Her guilt was written all over her face. Before Tang Jinzhi could even deny it, she pressed on, “What did you do to upset Xie Xiangyi?”

Tang Jinzhi’s lips twitched, and she looked at Zhang Yueqi with pity. “It wasn’t me, but it kind of was.”

But you’re definitely the one who made Xie Xiangyi angry, and you’ll definitely suffer the most, Tang Jinzhi silently added in her mind.

Zhang Yueqi was eager to gossip about what had happened, but Tang Jinzhi refused to elaborate, brushing her off with just two vague sentences.

In the living room, Xie Xiangyi sat with a dark expression, waiting for Tang Jinzhi to come find her. She waited until lunch was ready, but Tang Jinzhi never came. Xie Xiangyi felt utterly wronged.

Contrary to Tang Jinzhi’s assumptions, Xie Xiangyi’s pride wasn’t hurt. She didn’t believe Tang Jinzhi was unwilling; Tang Jinzhi had hinted at her feelings several times before.

Xie Xiangyi couldn’t accept the outcome of their earlier conversation, but what she found even more unbearable was that Tang Jinzhi hadn’t come back to find her!

Tang Jinzhi was still pondering how to break the awkward silence and interact with Xie Xiangyi when Xie Xiangyi, wearing a thunderous expression, stormed over. Without a word, she snatched Tang Jinzhi’s rice bowl, filled both their bowls, and, refusing to even glance at Tang Jinzhi, turned and stalked away.

Her entire demeanor screamed displeasure, but Zhang Yueqi felt the full force of it. She swore she’d just been glared at by Xie Xiangyi’s icy, murderous eyes.

Zhang Yueqi was completely baffled. Xie Xiangyi’s expression looked like someone owed her money—no, Xie Xiangyi didn’t need money. It was more like someone had stolen her wife!

At the dining table, Tang Jinzhi’s worries proved unfounded. She realized Xie Xiangyi wasn’t withdrawing into herself, merely sulking, and breathed a sigh of relief.

Good thing she’s just upset. Otherwise, I wouldn’t know how to coax her.

In contrast to Tang Jinzhi’s relief, Zhang Yueqi felt her head about to explode. Eat!

She picked up her chopsticks.

Is Xie Xiangyi okay?!

When did she become so childish?!

Zhang Yueqi snapped, “I know you love my cooking, but stop stealing from my plate! If you want more, take some from your own!”

Xie Xiangyi scoffed coldly, her voice icy. “I don’t like it that much. It’s just average.”

Zhang Yueqi gritted her teeth, stabbing her chopsticks into the rice. She was about to lose her temper!

“If you don’t like it, then don’t eat it!”

Seeing the situation escalating, Tang Jinzhi quickly intervened, “I love it! I love it! Let’s all just eat peacefully.”

She earnestly served Xie Xiangyi more food, coaxing Zhang Yueqi, “She’s just teasing you. She loves it too.”

But Xie Xiangyi showed no mercy, setting down her chopsticks and refusing to eat.

Zhang Yueqi pointed angrily at Xie Xiangyi, complaining to Tang Jinzhi, “Look at her!”

Tang Jinzhi’s composure nearly cracked. She tentatively offered a bite of greens to Xie Xiangyi, “Eat?”

Without hesitation, Xie Xiangyi opened her mouth, adding as she swallowed, “Not bad.”

After speaking, Xie Xiangyi shifted her gaze to the shrimp in Tang Jinzhi’s bowl. “That shrimp…”

Without a word, Tang Jinzhi picked up the shrimp and stuffed it into Xie Xiangyi’s mouth.

Xie Xiangyi smiled. “The shrimp is delicious too.”

Tang Jinzhi, looking like she had violated a divine law, remained speechless.

Zhang Yueqi was equally speechless.

Despite Xie Xiangyi’s praise, Zhang Yueqi couldn’t feel happy. It was like a fishbone stuck in her throat!

Now completely devoid of anger, Zhang Yueqi turned to Tang Jinzhi with a complex expression. What exactly did you do to provoke Xie Xiangyi? she wondered. It feels like Xie Xiangyi is launching a passive-aggressive attack. I’m innocent, but Tang Jinzhi is truly suffering.

Because Tang Jinzhi wouldn’t move until she fed Xie Xiangyi.

Zhang Yueqi could clearly read the unspoken resentment on Tang Jinzhi’s face. Yet, strangely, Tang Jinzhi obediently complied with Xie Xiangyi’s demands, feeding her every dish on the table.

To endure this humiliation, Tang Jinzhi must have truly offended Xie Xiangyi deeply, committing a grave offense.

Zhang Yueqi couldn’t bear to watch any longer. She desperately wanted to capture Xie Xiangyi’s behavior on her phone.

Tang Jinzhi, feeling like she was sitting on pins and needles, could no longer endure Zhang Yueqi’s complex, hesitant glances. After suppressing her frustration, she finally put down her chopsticks, leaned close to Xie Xiangyi’s ear, and hissed through gritted teeth, “Enough is enough!”

How embarrassing! If Zhang Yueqi weren’t here, Xie Xiangyi could do whatever she wanted—even have Tang Jinzhi feed her without a word of protest. But he was watching!

Tang Jinzhi’s stiff expression was on the verge of cracking.

Xie Xiangyi finally picked up her own chopsticks, her gaze still resentful.

The two tormented souls at the table simultaneously let out a sigh of relief, exchanging a glance that revealed the same complex emotions in each other’s eyes.

Zhang Yueqi discreetly pulled out her phone and sent Tang Jinzhi a message:

Zhang Yueqi: Your wife is seriously adorable…

Zhang Yueqi pursed her lips. So difficult to appease. I could just slap her to death.

Hearing the notification tone, Tang Jinzhi didn’t dare check her phone. Xie Xiangyi was staring at her—staring, staring, staring…

Tang Jinzhi’s heart skipped a beat as that naked gaze landed squarely on her lips, making no attempt to hide its intent.

Xie Xiangyi’s desires were now laid bare.

After taking action, Xie Xiangyi completely abandoned any pretense of restraint, openly displaying her desires. Her gaze, bold and unrestrained, followed Tang Jinzhi relentlessly.

After a strained lunch and cleaning up the kitchen, Zhang Yueqi fled back to her room, eager to vent to her mother—specifically about Xie Xiangyi. She declared she couldn’t bear to share the same space with those two any longer.

Tang Jinzhi didn’t particularly want to be around Xie Xiangyi either.

Xie Xiangyi’s eyes showed no restraint whatsoever!

Those once calm, indifferent eyes now burned with an overwhelming, aggressive intensity. Tang Jinzhi couldn’t even meet her gaze; she couldn’t withstand it.

She realized she had underestimated the situation during lunch. Xie Xiangyi had clearly been provoked and deeply affected, or she wouldn’t have changed so drastically.

So what if we didn’t kiss? Tang Jinzhi thought. Is that really enough to make you lose it like this?!

All her earlier worries in the kitchen had vanished. Now, she just felt like Xie Xiangyi was tormenting her.

Unable to endure it any longer, Tang Jinzhi glared at Xie Xiangyi, who remained stubbornly in the living room. “Go back and read your books!” she snapped, finally driving her away.

Xie Xiangyi huffed in annoyance.

Tang Jinzhi: “……”

Xie Xiangyi stood up and shifted closer, pressing herself against Tang Jinzhi to demonstrate she wasn’t leaving. Her gaze, subtle yet persistent, kept drifting back to Tang Jinzhi’s face.

Tang Jinzhi licked her lips, closed her eyes, and sighed in exasperation, “Can you tone it down a bit…?”

Xie Xiangyi withdrew her gaze but tugged at the hem of Tang Jinzhi’s shirt.

Tang Jinzhi lowered her eyes, her heart pounding. Xie Xiangyi’s stubbornness and possessiveness were unmistakable. If she didn’t appease Xie Xiangyi today, it would be nearly impossible to pacify her later.

Despite being constantly scrutinized by Xie Xiangyi, Tang Jinzhi felt no anger. Instead, a faint sweetness stirred within her at Xie Xiangyi’s unwavering devotion.

Tang Jinzhi wanted to slap herself. What’s wrong with me?

After lingering as long as she could, Tang Jinzhi finally relented. She reached out and grasped Xie Xiangyi’s fingers, which were still tugging at her hem, giving them an annoyed squeeze before pulling firmly.

Xie Xiangyi’s eyes lit up as she pressed closer to Tang Jinzhi. She turned to face her directly, half her body pressed against Tang Jinzhi’s.

Xie Xiangyi tilted her head slightly, gazing up at Tang Jinzhi. Her eyes were filled with such radiant light that even a single glance could leave one momentarily dazed, yet it was impossible to tear one’s gaze away.

Tang Jinzhi found herself irresistibly drawn in. Lowering her eyes to meet Xie Xiangyi’s gaze, she felt her breath catch in her throat. She swiftly reached out and gripped Xie Xiangyi’s jaw, temporarily preventing her from getting closer.

Her voice, slightly strained and trembling with nervousness, asked, “Is this really how you want to kiss me?”

Xie Xiangyi’s stubbornness left her utterly defenseless. Her reckless, all-or-nothing approach only made it even harder to resist. Everything about Xie Xiangyi’s actions conveyed the overwhelming intensity of her desire to kiss Tang Jinzhi.

Flushing crimson at the question, Xie Xiangyi nodded sheepishly, realizing there was no point in hiding her feelings now.

Now she’s getting shy? Tang Jinzhi thought, amused by Xie Xiangyi’s sudden bashfulness. The tension in her own body eased considerably.

“Do you even like me?” Tang Jinzhi couldn’t help but ask. “Why would you want to kiss me if you don’t?”

She had always cared deeply about the circumstances and the person with whom she would share her first kiss. She had imagined it would at least be with someone attractive, someone of good character, and most importantly, someone she loved.

But now, Tang Jinzhi felt she could abandon her third requirement for Xie Xiangyi.

She was just asking, after all.

Xie Xiangyi’s answer came without hesitation: “I do.”

Tang Jinzhi didn’t notice her shyness or embarrassment, mistaking the answer for the kind of “like” she had meant.

Xie Xiangyi clearly realized her mistake immediately. Her body stiffened slightly, and after a two-second pause, she added, “I’m slowly growing to like you.”

Every time she had intimate contact with Tang Jinzhi, Xie Xiangyi felt her affection for her deepen a little more. This feeling was particularly pronounced; she experienced it almost every night before they went to sleep.

Xie Xiangyi neither rejected nor ignored this growing affection. She was genuinely starting to like Tang Jinzhi, little by little.

Tang Jinzhi smiled, her fingers tightening slightly on Xie Xiangyi’s jaw. She was particularly pleased with this answer. Xie Xiangyi hadn’t simply blurted out “I like you” just to get a kiss.

There was no need to ask whether Xie Xiangyi wanted to kiss her because she liked her, or simply because she wanted to kiss her.

Both were true, but the latter was definitely the stronger motivation.

Not that it mattered much. Tang Jinzhi felt she was already winning. Just Xie Xiangyi’s face alone made her feel like she’d struck gold. Besides, she’d long since lost her resistance. She wasn’t some stoic turtle; she found it nearly impossible to resist such temptation.

Tang Jinzhi was out of options. She gently pulled Xie Xiangyi closer, her breath ragged with nerves. Xie Xiangyi’s face, now inches away, flushed crimson.

Their heated breaths intertwined before their lips could meet.

The anticipation in Xie Xiangyi’s eyes was palpable, her gaze burning into Tang Jinzhi’s slightly pursed lips. Sensing Tang Jinzhi’s momentary hesitation, as if gathering herself, Xie Xiangyi couldn’t endure the torment any longer. She tugged at Tang Jinzhi’s hands, which were cupping her cheeks, and leaned forward.

The instant their lips touched, both women froze. A sudden heat surged through Tang Jinzhi’s chest, her breath catching in her throat. For a fleeting moment, her mind went blank, but she recovered faster than the stunned Xie Xiangyi.

As Tang Jinzhi’s senses slowly returned, her long lashes fluttered. The soft warmth of Xie Xiangyi’s lips against hers sent her heart pounding like a drum in her ears. She swallowed hard, and without waiting for Xie Xiangyi’s next move—nor wanting to wait any longer—Tang Jinzhi closed her eyes, cupped the back of Xie Xiangyi’s head, parted her lips slightly, and awkwardly pressed them against the cool lips before her.

The kiss lasted only a few seconds before Tang Jinzhi pulled away, pushing Xie Xiangyi away without mercy and slapping her shoulder.

“Why did you bite me?”

The slap jolted Xie Xiangyi back to her senses. Her apologetic gaze fell on Tang Jinzhi’s vivid lips, where a clear tooth mark remained. “I… I…”

She had lost control in her excitement.

Tang Jinzhi didn’t expect a coherent explanation from Xie Xiangyi in her flustered state. Seizing the opportunity while Xie Xiangyi’s mind was still reeling, she reached out and pinched Xie Xiangyi’s plump, glistening earlobe, then squeezed her ear. The sensation was exquisite; she had wanted to do this for ages.

Xie Xiangyi lowered her head slightly, letting Tang Jinzhi play with her.

After a long pause, she finally dared to speak, her voice tight, “Does it hurt?”

Hearing this, Tang Jinzhi pinched Xie Xiangyi’s earlobe harder. “About this much…”

Xie Xiangyi sighed in relief. That shouldn’t hurt.

But Tang Jinzhi added, “…times ten, maybe.”

Xie Xiangyi lowered her head. “I’m sorry…”

Tang Jinzhi remained silent. Xie Xiangyi had bitten her hard. She licked the inside of her lip, tasting a metallic tang—it was bleeding.

Catching Tang Jinzhi licking her lips, Xie Xiangyi instinctively reached out and pressed her fingertip against Tang Jinzhi’s lip. Leaning closer, she glanced down and saw bl00d.

Tang Jinzhi tilted her head back, evading Xie Xiangyi’s hand, and reassured her, “It’s nothing, just a tiny cut. It’ll heal by tonight.”

Xie Xiangyi’s voice was soft, “I’ll be more careful next time.”

A flicker of suspicion crossed Tang Jinzhi’s eyes. She’s already thinking about next time? Give it a rest. Her kissing skills are even worse than mine.

Sensing Tang Jinzhi’s skepticism, Xie Xiangyi opened her mouth to retort, but she couldn’t think of anything useful to say.

A wave of disappointment washed over Xie Xiangyi. She felt she had ruined their first kiss.

Tang Jinzhi, however, was thrilled. Her eyes sparkled with excitement. She found it quite thrilling—Xie Xiangyi had even kissed her lip hard enough to draw bl00d!

Their moods couldn’t have been more different.

Tang Jinzhi, in high spirits, went to the kitchen to wash fruit, while the sullen Xie Xiangyi reverted to her usual aloof demeanor. With a stony expression, she knocked on Zhang Yueqi’s door.

Zhang Yueqi hadn’t really wanted to come out.

Sure enough, the moment she opened the door, she was greeted by Xie Xiangyi’s sour face.

“What now?” Zhang Yueqi snapped.

Xie Xiangyi’s icy voice sent a chill through Zhang Yueqi’s heart. “Zou Limeng told me you have a project to work on. She wants you to join her at her company and work with her. Pack your things and head over as soon as the rain stops. You’ll be living with her, commuting together, and she’s even offering you a higher salary.”

Zhang Yueqi pointed at her own bewildered face in shock. “Me? Working with her? Leaving this soon?”

She knew about their makeshift team’s plans—wasn’t she just supposed to help Tang Jinzhi with odd jobs? Why would she need to go work for Zou Limeng?

And why did Zou Limeng tell Xie Xiangyi first instead of her?

Meanwhile, Zou Limeng was equally stunned. Xie Xiangyi had actually reached out to her first. But when she learned it was about Zhang Yueqi, everything clicked into place.

Zou Limeng thought Xie Xiangyi was doing the right thing. What was the point of keeping Zhang Yueqi around indefinitely?

She readily agreed to Xie Xiangyi’s proposal.

Zhang Yueqi, however, was vehemently opposed. Zou Limeng’s family company wasn’t even in the same province—it was miles away!

Though Zhang Yueqi’s hometown was nearby, she had no desire to return. Zou Limeng’s visits were only possible because she was temporarily in the area on a business trip.

Zhang Yueqi refused flatly, “I’m not going!”

Xie Xiangyi tried to reason with her, “You’re just going ahead. We’ll all be back before our engagement ceremony in June.”

Having grown up as neighbors, their families naturally lived there, and the engagement banquet was planned for their hometown. Zhang Yueqi would only be temporarily separated from them for a month.

Still, Zhang Yueqi stubbornly refused. Frustrated, she stormed off to Tang Jinzhi to complain.

Tang Jinzhi, holding a plate of fruit, swallowed a mouthful of fruit and glanced sideways at Xie Xiangyi. Didn’t we already kiss? she wondered. Why is she still arguing with Zhang Yueqi?

Xie Xiangyi sighed softly and explained, “It would be good for her to try working there.” After a moment’s thought, she added, “If she doesn’t like it, she can always come back.”

Though Xie Xiangyi had her own ulterior motives, letting Zhang Yueqi experience working with Zou Limeng seemed like a good idea. It wasn’t like she was being forced to earn a living.

Tang Jinzhi nodded in agreement, finding Xie Xiangyi’s approach quite reasonable.

Hearing that she could return if she didn’t like it, Zhang Yueqi finally stopped fussing.

She reluctantly agreed, “Just so you know, I’m only going to try it out.”

If Xie Xiangyi’s mother didn’t listen to every suggestion she made, she would have rebelled long ago. Wouldn’t it be better to let her be a carefree, worry-free salted fish?

Tang Jinzhi chuckled softly. “What else would you expect?”

She didn’t want to pressure Zhang Yueqi too much—just enough to make her think. With Zhang Yueqi’s family background, she didn’t need to work to support herself, but she still needed to gain some life experience. She couldn’t remain completely ignorant of the world.

After Zhang Yueqi’s relentless coaxing and pleading, Tang Jinzhi finally relented, agreeing to let her stay a few more days.

Since Tang Jinzhi had agreed, Xie Xiangyi had no choice but to go along.

Zhang Yueqi, wearing a smug grin, stuck her tongue out at Xie Xiangyi. It’s not my fault! she thought. Xie Xiangyi always bullies me.

Xie Xiangyi couldn’t take it anymore. She grabbed Tang Jinzhi’s hand and dragged her toward the bedroom, refusing to acknowledge Zhang Yueqi any longer.

Once inside, Tang Jinzhi teased her, “You’re so petty.”

“I’m not!” Xie Xiangyi protested, following her into the study. She explained softly, “Aunt Zhang asked me to help her find a tutor.”

Tang Jinzhi firmly pressed Xie Xiangyi into a chair at the desk. “Alright, hurry up and study.”

Xie Xiangyi obediently pulled out her textbook, flipping through the pages as she said, “Actually, there’s no need to rush like this. I’m quite confident about the exam.”

Tang Jinzhi leaned against the edge of the desk, arms crossed. Hearing this, she casually closed the book Xie Xiangyi was flipping through. “Then stop pretending to study.”

Xie Xiangyi stared at her, speechless.

“Has there been any news about the hospital incident?” Tang Jinzhi really wanted to ask if there was any news about Song Xiaoci.

Xie Xiangyi nodded and briefly explained the situation at the hospital.

Tang Jinzhi was momentarily stunned to hear that five doctors had been injured—three with minor injuries and two critically wounded.

The patient’s family member who caused the injuries had completely lost control of their emotions. Xie Xiangyi learned the reason from group chats: the family’s child hadn’t been saved because they had brought the child to the hospital too late.

Having understood the full context, Xie Xiangyi stopped worrying about the hospital. She had originally intended to tell Tang Jinzhi about it, but Tang Jinzhi had been in the kitchen and hadn’t come to find her, so she never mentioned it.

Tang Jinzhi didn’t notice the resentment in Xie Xiangyi’s eyes.

After struggling for a moment, she asked, “Any news about that young Dr. Song?”

Xie Xiangyi pursed her lips and sighed softly. “Yes, just got word. She’s seriously injured—stabbed in the abdomen. She’s out of the emergency room now and out of danger.”

Ji Li had told her this while Tang Jinzhi was washing fruit.

Tang Jinzhi froze, straightening up and tilting her head to look at Xie Xiangyi.

“Is… that all the reaction you have?”

Xie Xiangyi looked bewildered. “What do you mean? What kind of reaction should I have?”

Tang Jinzhi opened her mouth to ask, “Aren’t you worried?”

Xie Xiangyi blinked. “I was worried earlier, but she’s out of danger now, right?”

Tang Jinzhi fell silent.

Xie Xiangyi tugged at her sleeve. “What’s wrong?”

Tang Jinzhi pulled her sleeve free. “Nothing. I’m just worried about her. I’ll visit her in the hospital tomorrow.”

After all, she was still the true heiress.

Xie Xiangyi: “……”

Something felt off.

Why was her wife so concerned about someone else?