My Wife Always Wants to Run Away - Chapter 42

“Why are you staring at her? She has family to take care of her.”

Xie Xiangyi voiced her suspicions, unable to bear the uncertainty any longer.

Ever since their encounter with Song Xiaoci that day, she had sensed a connection between the two women.

Not only had Song Xiaoci acted strangely, but upon reflection, Tang Jinzhi’s behavior had also been off. However, Xie Xiangyi’s attention had been completely captured by Tang Jinzhi’s sudden gesture of taking her hand, preventing her from pursuing the thought further.

Xie Xiangyi’s gaze grew increasingly suspicious. Tang Jinzhi was clearly hiding something, and it involved her junior!

Tang Jinzhi cleared her throat. She wanted to say she had gone to check on her junior, but the excuse sounded flimsy even to her own ears. Xie Xiangyi hadn’t seemed particularly worried herself, so why would Tang Jinzhi rush to visit?

Besides, she was just a junior. Xie Xiangyi had plenty of juniors; a simple greeting from Xie Xiangyi would have sufficed. Tang Jinzhi’s presence was undeniably odd.

Under Xie Xiangyi’s scrutinizing gaze, Tang Jinzhi hesitated before replying, “I was worried about you going to the hospital alone today. I wanted to go with you and check on you, and I figured I might as well visit your junior while I was there. I’ve at least said hello to her before.”

Her concern was genuine. Xie Xiangyi had narrowly escaped disaster today. If her shift hadn’t been changed, Tang Jinzhi shuddered to think of the consequences.

Tang Jinzhi’s worry seemed genuine, but Xie Xiangyi still felt she was being brushed off.

After a moment’s thought, Xie Xiangyi sighed softly, looked up, and said gently, “The person has already been taken away by the police. Don’t worry, I’m fine.”

“Instead of worrying about me, you should worry about yourself. If you come with me, how will you get back when I go to work?”

She deliberately added, “Aren’t you afraid of running into Sheng Yanzhi on the way?”

She hadn’t yet told Tang Jinzhi that Sheng Yanzhi had been transferred abroad last night, and wouldn’t be back for at least two months—meaning she wouldn’t have the chance to harass Tang Jinzhi during that time.

Tang Jinzhi frowned in thought, then her expression suddenly relaxed as she came up with a solution. “Didn’t you say you were going to hire a bodyguard for me? Where is the bodyguard?”

Xie Xiangyi finally understood: Tang Jinzhi was determined to visit Song Xiaoci in the hospital.

“You’re really that worried about her?” Xie Xiangyi’s eyes held a probing look, and she felt a pang of annoyance at Tang Jinzhi’s evasiveness. Why couldn’t she just tell her the real reason?

A hint of frustration flickered across Tang Jinzhi’s face. Realizing she couldn’t avoid the truth any longer, she sighed softly and said, “I don’t know Song Xiaoci personally, but I know about her. I can’t just ignore her.”

A hint of surprise flickered in Xie Xiangyi’s eyes. Tang Jinzhi had actually answered her question; she had expected it to be much harder to get a response.

“What do you know about her?”

Xie Xiangyi was certain that Tang Jinzhi’s knowledge of Song Xiaoci had nothing to do with her being her junior classmate.

Tang Jinzhi’s gaze shifted slightly before settling back on Xie Xiangyi’s face.

“I can’t tell you.”

This was the first time she had refused to answer Xie Xiangyi’s question. Previously, she had revealed everything, but this was the one thing Tang Jinzhi was unwilling to disclose right now. She had to consider her own interests.

In truth, the moment she saw Song Xiaoci, Tang Jinzhi had considered whether to approach her and reveal her true identity. After all, it was Song Xiaoci’s rightful inheritance. But Tang Jinzhi had immediately dismissed the idea.

Even if Song Xiaoci’s return to her family wouldn’t be like jumping into a fire pit, Tang Jinzhi herself was unwilling to create trouble for herself before she had firmly established her position. This was purely selfish pragmatism, especially for someone as inherently self-centered as she was. Having just transmigrated, she couldn’t even manage her own affairs properly, let alone meddle in matters that would only give her headaches.

Still, Tang Jinzhi occasionally felt a pang of conscience. Perhaps what she perceived as a fire pit might look different through Song Xiaoci’s eyes. After all, the allure of wealth and status was something few could resist.

Tang Jinzhi still possessed a shred of conscience. Upon hearing about Song Xiaoci’s severe injuries, she thought, “Since I can’t bring her home yet, I should at least visit her. I can’t let her lose her life or ruin her health. Otherwise, they’ll use it to stir up more hatred, claiming their own daughter is suffering so much hardship while living outside.”

Though Tang Jinzhi doubted her so-called parents would genuinely care, she knew they’d exploit the situation for their own gain.

When Tang Jinzhi finally saw Song Xiaoci, she felt only the guilt of occupying her identity, not genuine remorse. After all, the fake heiress had never known comfort, only hardship. While she didn’t know Song Xiaoci’s past well enough to compare their suffering, Tang Jinzhi still believed the fake heiress had suffered more.

Xie Xiangyi didn’t ask why she hadn’t been told, but her displeasure was clear on her face. She glared at Tang Jinzhi, standing beside her, her voice dripping with accusation. “You said you didn’t remember anyone…”

“And now you claim to know Song Xiaoci?”

Tang Jinzhi choked on her words.

Thinking quickly, she blurted out, “I know because someone secretly told me about her. I don’t actually know her personally.”

“Xie Xiangyi?”

Tang Jinzhi suddenly clapped a hand over her mouth, feigning pain. “Ouch! My mouth hurts so much!”

Xie Xiangyi stared at her, speechless.

No, even knowing it was a ruse, Xie Xiangyi couldn’t help but glance at Tang Jinzhi’s lips, though her view was blocked.

She stood up, pulled Tang Jinzhi’s hand away, and leaned down to examine her lips, but her fingertips had barely touched them when Tang Jinzhi recoiled in disgust.

“You haven’t washed your hands,” Tang Jinzhi protested. “Don’t paw at me.”

Xie Xiangyi, who prided herself on cleanliness, was stunned to be accused of having dirty hands—especially by her own wife.

Her face darkened as she retorted, “I did wash them.”

“I don’t care,” Tang Jinzhi insisted. “If I didn’t see it, it didn’t happen.” With that, she clamped her lips shut, refusing to let Xie Xiangyi see.

In truth, Tang Jinzhi’s lip had stopped hurting long ago. The tiny cut was so small she couldn’t even find it anymore. What was Xie Xiangyi even trying to look at?

Xie Xiangyi refused to back down. She pinned Tang Jinzhi against the table, bracing her hands on either side to prevent her escape, then returned to the original topic, her expression serious. “Who told you? And why would they tell you about Song Xiaoci?”

Tang Jinzhi’s eyes darted around nervously, her lips pressed tightly together. Realizing she couldn’t escape, she squeezed her eyes shut and pretended not to hear.

Xie Xiangyi shifted her hands from the table to Tang Jinzhi’s lower back, determined to break through her charade.

Feeling the sudden weight against her, Tang Jinzhi’s eyes snapped open. Her gaze burned with indignation at Xie Xiangyi’s underhanded tactics.

Before their kiss, Xie Xiangyi had managed to maintain some restraint, but now she seemed to have completely let go.

Just as Xie Xiangyi leaned in, Tang Jinzhi blurted out, “I don’t know her!”

Xie Xiangyi froze, then quickly realized, Of course she wouldn’t know her. Tang Jinzhi doesn’t know anyone.

But Tang Jinzhi’s next words left her completely bewildered.

Tang Jinzhi raised her hand to push against Xie Xiangyi’s shoulder, stating truthfully, “Maybe it’s not even a person.”

Xie Xiangyi tilted her head, utterly confused.

Tang Jinzhi pointed to her own head. “It just appeared suddenly.”

Xie Xiangyi’s eyes widened in shock as she stumbled back a step. But she quickly pulled Tang Jinzhi into a tight embrace, took a deep breath, and asked, “Are you teasing me?”

She hadn’t forgotten Tang Jinzhi’s earlier words—the ones that had nearly made Tang Jinzhi lose her temper. She couldn’t possibly forget them, so she immediately understood what Tang Jinzhi meant.

Tang Jinzhi shook her head. “No, I lied about not having a wife.”

Xie Xiangyi choked on the words, then felt a surreal sense of wonder. Her gaze fixed on Tang Jinzhi’s head, as if she were trying to dissect her brain with her eyes.

Tang Jinzhi felt a chill run down her spine, as if Xie Xiangyi were about to perform a mental autopsy on her.

Xie Xiangyi’s throat tightened. She couldn’t resist asking, “Then… what’s your special relationship with Song Xiaoci?”

Tang Jinzhi’s eyelid twitched, her voice growing serious. “I can’t tell you. If I do, I’ll lose my wife.”

Xie Xiangyi stared at her, speechless.

“…Stop saying such ominous things.”

It’s bad luck. She won’t ask anymore.

Tang Jinzhi pouted. “It’s the truth.”

Xie Xiangyi sighed. “Fine, fine. I won’t ask.”

Tang Jinzhi nodded vigorously, her gaze lingering on Xie Xiangyi’s face. She couldn’t resist asking, “You believe me?”

Xie Xiangyi looked up at her. “Half and half. You said it with such conviction, I can’t completely dismiss it.”

Tang Jinzhi shrugged. “I knew it. But besides Song Xiaoci, you were in my thoughts too. And that other one… Sheng Yanzhi.”

Xie Xiangyi frowned. “What does Sheng Yanzhi have to do with this?”

Tang Jinzhi chuckled softly. “They said she’s mentally ill and warned me to stay away from her. ‘Run the moment you see her,’ they said.”

Xie Xiangyi was extremely satisfied with this answer. “That’s actually quite useful information. It’s definitely helpful for you.”

She then asked, “What about me? What did they say about me?”

Tang Jinzhi looked at her with a teasing smile, her lips curving into a smirk. “They said you’re clingy, childish, petty, and a terrible kisser.”

Xie Xiangyi’s expression instantly fell. She didn’t believe a word Tang Jinzhi said. Before Tang Jinzhi, she had never kissed anyone, so no one could know how good or bad her kissing skills were. Even if the other party wasn’t human, it couldn’t possibly know what had just happened.

Tang Jinzhi must be making this up, just teasing me again.

Xie Xiangyi frowned, her cheeks puffed out in indignation. “That’s impossible! You’re lying!”

Tang Jinzhi nodded in mock agreement. “You’re right, there’s no evidence of that. But what exactly am I lying about?”

Xie Xiangyi felt a pang of discomfort at the thought of those unflattering adjectives, none of which she usually associated with herself. Fortunately, it was only Tang Jinzhi who saw her that way. Though she didn’t care much for socializing, she still cared about her public image.

Seeing Xie Xiangyi’s stubborn yet silent defiance, Tang Jinzhi suppressed a laugh and asked, “Why aren’t you saying anything?”

Xie Xiangyi lowered her head, avoiding eye contact. She mumbled in protest, “It’s enough that I know I’m not like that…”

Tang Jinzhi chuckled. “Not like what? Why don’t you say it louder?”

Xie Xiangyi’s head drooped even lower, her voice barely audible. “Except for the kissing skills, I won’t admit to anything else.”

Not that I actually want to admit my kissing skills are bad. It was just a mistake…

Tang Jinzhi glanced at Xie Xiangyi’s flushed ears and lightly touched them with her fingertip, chuckling softly. “Alright, I’ll stop teasing you now.”

Xie Xiangyi wanted to say something, but Tang Jinzhi seized the opportunity, using both hands to firmly push her back into her chair, giving her no chance to make any further moves.

Xie Xiangyi felt a pang of disappointment. She had wanted to seize the moment and try again with Tang Jinzhi. She shouldn’t have hesitated when she had such a perfect opportunity earlier.

She regretted it inwardly.

Tang Jinzhi avoided her gaze and reached out to turn on the computer. “Hurry up and study.”

Xie Xiangyi opened her book, pondered for a moment, and then suddenly spoke up. “Don’t tell anyone else about… what happened.”

Tang Jinzhi paused, then nodded. “I only told you. Besides, you only believed half of it anyway. Don’t worry.”

Xie Xiangyi realized she was right. Few normal people would believe such a story.

It was then that she realized her wife was far more complex than she had imagined.

Xie Xiangyi dared not dwell on it further.

She ended up spending the entire afternoon studying, grinding through practice problems and memorizing key concepts. Her focus was abruptly broken by a phone call from the hospital, summoning her back.

Tang Jinzhi was reluctant to let Xie Xiangyi go so soon, but she couldn’t refuse a direct summons.

The sky outside had already darkened, and the rain still hadn’t stopped. Making someone travel in this weather was truly inconvenient.

Xie Xiangyi stopped Tang Jinzhi, who was about to accompany her to the hospital, and gently reassured her, “It’s just a meeting. I’ll be back soon.”

Tang Jinzhi nodded in understanding but gently pushed aside Xie Xiangyi’s restraining hand. “I’ll come too. I won’t follow you around—I just want to check on things.”

Knowing Tang Jinzhi wanted to see Song Xiaoci, Xie Xiangyi felt a pang of annoyance but couldn’t bring herself to stop her. She was genuinely curious about the relationship between the two women but didn’t dare investigate her own wife.

Besides, Xie Xiangyi remained deeply worried about Tang Jinzhi’s earlier remark about losing her wife if she found out the truth.

Fine, she thought, suppressing her curiosity.

The rain outside was torrential. They didn’t bother calling Zhang Yueqi; the kids would make their own meals when they got hungry, no need to worry.

The two women took a taxi to the hospital, but even so, they were drenched by the wind-driven rain in the brief dash from the car to the entrance.

Xie Xiangyi smoothed Tang Jinzhi’s wind-tossed hair, teasing with a smile, “Still love heavy rain?”

“Hmph…” Tang Jinzhi dabbed her face with a tissue, falling silent. She only liked watching heavy rain from inside her home.

Xie Xiangyi glanced at the time. It was still early before the scheduled meeting. She could first check on their injured colleagues and accompany Tang Jinzhi to see Song Xiaoci afterward.

Song Xiaoci was still unconscious, so Tang Jinzhi wasn’t in a rush to see her. Instead, she accompanied Xie Xiangyi to visit the other injured doctors. Although their relationships weren’t particularly close, they were all colleagues in the same department, and it would have been impolite not to check on them.

However, their plan proved too simplistic. The hospital rooms were crowded, and Xie Xiangyi, who had never been one for superficial gestures, merely made a brief appearance before leaving. Knowing she had come was enough for the patients.

Tang Jinzhi saw no harm in this approach. She led Xie Xiangyi to Song Xiaoci’s room.

Xie Xiangyi was puzzled by Tang Jinzhi’s sudden stop. “What’s wrong?”

Tang Jinzhi shook her head, peering through the glass window into the room. Song Xiaoci lay unconscious in bed, while someone sat beside her, their face etched with palpable worry and heartache.

Xie Xiangyi followed Tang Jinzhi’s gaze and explained, “That’s her aunt. She visited her at the hospital before.”

Xie Xiangyi recognized her. Song Xiaoci had mentioned during casual conversations that her aunt worked nearby and often came to see her, even treating them to meals.

Xie Xiangyi squeezed Tang Jinzhi’s hand and asked, “Should we go in?”

Tang Jinzhi opened her mouth to nod, but a voice interrupted her.

“Who are you?”

Xie Xiangyi turned to the elderly woman who had just returned with hot water. She politely pulled Tang Jinzhi aside and explained softly, “We’re here to see Xiao Ci. I’m her senior and a doctor at this hospital.” She hadn’t had time to change into her white coat yet, hence the explanation.

Hearing Song Xiaoci’s name, the old woman’s eyes instantly welled up with tears. Nodding, she said, “Oh, I’m Xiao Ci’s grandmother. The poor dear hasn’t woken up yet. Please, come in.”

Tang Jinzhi quickly waved her hand. “No need, Grandma. We’ll come back when she wakes up. We don’t want to disturb her rest.” She had noticed Song Xiaoci’s aunt wiping away tears earlier, and two strangers entering now would only make things more awkward.

Xie Xiangyi nodded with a gentle smile. “Xiao Ci should wake up soon. I’ll come back then.”

Song Xiaoci’s grandmother wiped the tears from the corners of her eyes and couldn’t help but lament, “That child always jinxed herself with her words. Now she’s really in trouble! Just wait till she wakes up and starts crying!”

Xie Xiangyi offered a few comforting words. Tang Jinzhi watched silently until the grandmother entered the ward. Then she spoke, her voice low and heavy, “They’re very close, aren’t they?” Her tone was more of a statement than a question, filled with certainty.

Xie Xiangyi nodded slightly. “Mm.”

Tang Jinzhi’s gaze drifted dreamily toward the hospital room. Xie Xiangyi turned to block her view, and when Tang Jinzhi finally looked at her, Xie Xiangyi tightened her grip on Tang Jinzhi’s hand and pulled her away.

“Don’t look anymore,” Xie Xiangyi said, her voice muffled. “If you’re so worried, just come back when she wakes up.”

Xie Xiangyi had been holding back for too long. Tang Jinzhi had been staring at the hospital room for ages without saying a word, and anyone watching would have sensed something was wrong.

Tang Jinzhi glanced at Xie Xiangyi, who was clearly jealous, and for once refrained from teasing her. She squeezed Xie Xiangyi’s hand reassuringly, sighed softly, and followed her into the elevator.

Tang Jinzhi’s prolonged silence finally alerted Xie Xiangyi to her unusual mood. Temporarily setting aside her own displeasure, Xie Xiangyi asked, “What are you thinking about?”

Tang Jinzhi shook Xie Xiangyi’s hand gently, her smile strained. “Do you think I was miserable before we got married?”

Xie Xiangyi’s gaze froze. She had assumed Tang Jinzhi was worried about Song Xiaoci, but she hadn’t expected this question.

She lowered her head slightly, feeling a pang of guilt. “I don’t know. I didn’t really look into it.” Since Tang Jinzhi, with her memory loss, hadn’t seemed to care much about her past, Xie Xiangyi hadn’t bothered to investigate further.

Ding! The elevator arrived. Tang Jinzhi led Xie Xiangyi out. “I feel really bad for her,” she murmured, her voice barely audible above the crowd surging into the elevator. “I even feel a little sorry for her.” There was a hint of injustice in her tone, like a casual sigh.

But Xie Xiangyi heard her.

She couldn’t understand why Tang Jinzhi had brought this up. Puzzled, Xie Xiangyi’s brow furrowed with confusion as she pressed her lips together, lost in thought.

The floor outside the elevator was slick with water tracked in by umbrellas and shoes. Xie Xiangyi tightened her grip on Tang Jinzhi as they walked out, mindful of the slippery tiles. They stood at the hospital entrance, waiting for the rain to ease. After a long pause, Xie Xiangyi finally spoke, “I’ll be good to you.”

She couldn’t make up for how she had treated Tang Jinzhi before their marriage, but she could find ways to make the current Tang Jinzhi happy.

Tang Jinzhi turned to Xie Xiangyi with a smile. She believed that this solemn promise, carefully considered and earnestly spoken, wasn’t just empty words.

“Okay,” she replied, smiling.

Then she glanced at the rain outside, her expression wistful. She would no longer feel guilty for occupying this identity, nor would she feel ashamed.

This trip to the hospital was just an excuse for her to continue being selfish.

Seeing Tang Jinzhi suddenly take a deep breath, Xie Xiangyi couldn’t resist asking, “Doesn’t the air smell fishy?”

She found the air particularly fishy today. Not all rainy days brought clear air; at least, not today’s downpour. The constant flow of people in and out of the hospital created a chaotic mix of odors.

Tang Jinzhi nearly choked on her breath. Lost in thought, she hadn’t noticed the smell until Xie Xiangyi pointed it out. It really does smell fishy!

She quickly pressed her nose against Xie Xiangyi’s arm, taking a few sniffs to relieve her nose from the offensive odor, then changed the subject. “When do you have to go to your meeting?”

Xie Xiangyi was stunned by Tang Jinzhi’s casual gesture, so much so that she almost lifted her own arm to smell it. But she maintained her composure. In the hospital, she was always proper, a stark contrast to her behavior at home. Straightening her expression, she replied, “In about fifteen minutes.”

Tang Jinzhi leaned in for another sniff of Xie Xiangyi’s arm, completely unbothered by the impropriety. Her tone was utterly natural as she said, “Then let’s go. This rain isn’t going to let up. No point in waiting.”

Xie Xiangyi shifted slightly away from Tang Jinzhi. Tang Jinzhi is acting strange.

Tang Jinzhi let out a soft “heh.” Xie Xiangyi finally remembers to act normal in the hospital.

Pretending not to notice the mockery in Tang Jinzhi’s tone, Xie Xiangyi glanced at the time and said, “You should go home. This meeting will probably take a while. Don’t wait for me; I’ll head back as soon as it’s over.”

Having already achieved her purpose for coming here, Xie Xiangyi wasn’t foolish enough to assume Tang Jinzhi would stay to keep her company.

Tang Jinzhi looked at Xie Xiangyi, who was staring at her with hopeful eyes.

Speechless. Can she honestly say what she’s saying matches what she’s thinking?

Opening her umbrella, Tang Jinzhi nudged Xie Xiangyi’s arm impatiently. “It won’t take long. Hurry up and go before you’re late and get scolded.”

Xie Xiangyi murmured an “oh” and obediently followed.

In reality, Xie Xiangyi’s meeting dragged on longer than expected. By the time Tang Jinzhi was regretting her decision to stay for the third time, Xie Xiangyi finally emerged.

Her butt ached from sitting outside for so long, her phone battery was nearly drained, and the doctors inside sure knew how to talk.

Xie Xiangyi had just reached Tang Jinzhi’s side and barely exchanged a few words when Doctor Qiu suddenly appeared, seemingly out of nowhere.

From several meters away, Doctor Qiu teased, “Aww, are you two lovebirds being all clingy?”

A nearby doctor who knew them well also turned to look curiously.

Tang Jinzhi suddenly felt a bit embarrassed, her gaze toward Doctor Qiu carrying a hint of resentment.

Qiu Wanjun couldn’t help but chuckle. “How’s your health? Have you remembered anything?”

Tang Jinzhi shook her head. “I’m feeling fine, but I haven’t remembered anything.”

Xie Xiangyi, standing beside her, hesitated, wanting to speak but holding back.

She felt Tang Jinzhi was far from fine, but she didn’t dare voice her concerns now.

A few doctors who hadn’t left yet were still glancing their way. Tang Jinzhi couldn’t bear the attention and instinctively moved closer to Xie Xiangyi.

Xie Xiangyi also felt restless. She quickly said goodbye to Qiu Wanjun, took Tang Jinzhi’s hand, and hurried away.

The two hadn’t even reached the main entrance when Xie Xiangyi’s phone began ringing incessantly.

Xie Xiangyi didn’t want to answer, but Tang Jinzhi gestured for her to check it, just in case it was urgent news from the hospital that would require them to return.

Xie Xiangyi sighed inwardly, sensing she was about to become the subject of gossip.

Sure enough, it was the hospital’s casual chat group, where several colleagues had tagged her.

To her surprise, the group’s messages were quite flattering.

They were praising the close bond between her and Tang Jinzhi, and some even envied her for having a wife by her side.

Tang Jinzhi couldn’t resist poking Xie Xiangyi’s smiling face. “What are you looking at? Why are you grinning so widely?”

Xie Xiangyi handed her phone to Tang Jinzhi, her voice light and cheerful. “The group’s saying we’re a perfect match.”

Xie Xiangyi realized her colleagues had excellent taste. She thought so too.

After reading the messages, Tang Jinzhi’s cheeks flushed slightly. What nonsense are they spouting? When did we become so lovey-dovey?

Xie Xiangyi tugged at Tang Jinzhi’s sleeve, tilting her head and gazing at her with bright, sparkling eyes. “Why aren’t you saying anything?”

Tang Jinzhi licked her lips, shyly turning away, her voice muffled. “Mhm, yeah, right.”

Xie Xiangyi pressed deliberately, “Right about what? Do you agree with the group that you’re really fond of me?”

Tang Jinzhi choked, turning to glare at the suddenly narcissistic Xie Xiangyi. “…That’s not right.”

Xie Xiangyi had never brought up this topic before.

Tang Jinzhi only needed a moment to realize why Xie Xiangyi had started asking about liking her—because she had asked Xie Xiangyi about it earlier that day.

“Why isn’t it right?” Xie Xiangyi pressed. “What’s wrong with it?”

“What makes you think I really like you?” Tang Jinzhi retorted.

Xie Xiangyi feigned concession. “Fine, then. Not really like you, just like you.”