My Wife Always Wants to Run Away - Chapter 44

The sudden shift startled Tang Jinzhi. The world seemed to spin as Xie Xiangyi forcefully flipped her over, pinning her against the sofa back. Before she could even catch her breath, their lips, which had parted briefly during the change of position, were pressed together again.

Tang Jinzhi groaned softly, her breath heavy and intimate. Forced to tilt her head back, she endured Xie Xiangyi’s aggressive kiss. Just when she thought it was about to end, she realized Xie Xiangyi had never been satisfied enough to stop so quickly.

Xie Xiangyi pulled one of Tang Jinzhi’s hands from her shoulder. As Tang Jinzhi wondered what was happening, her fingers brushed against Xie Xiangyi’s burning ear.

Tang Jinzhi, whose lips had just been bitten again, immediately began kneading Xie Xiangyi’s earlobe. She understood now: Xie Xiangyi liked it—she liked having her ears touched.

A flicker of warmth stirred in Tang Jinzhi’s heart. She kept her hand in place, indulging Xie Xiangyi’s preference and teasing her further.

Their noses brushed against each other as Tang Jinzhi’s tongue explored Xie Xiangyi’s soft mouth. Lips and tongues intertwined endlessly, their breathing growing deeper and heavier.

Pinned down and unable to move, Tang Jinzhi felt every inch of her body drained of strength by Xie Xiangyi’s kisses. Even if Xie Xiangyi hadn’t deliberately pressed against her, Tang Jinzhi would have already gone limp, melting completely into Xie Xiangyi’s arms.

After several rounds, Xie Xiangyi’s movements finally softened considerably. Yet her tongue continued to deliberately or unconsciously trace Tang Jinzhi’s lips, and she couldn’t resist nipping gently at the corner of Tang Jinzhi’s mouth. Tang Jinzhi indulged her actions.

Xie Xiangyi felt every cell in her body overflowing with satisfaction. Her heart burned with passion, and her body was unbearably hot. She couldn’t bear to let go of Tang Jinzhi.

As the initial frenzy subsided, reason gradually returned, but the kisses persisted. Tang Jinzhi released her grip on Xie Xiangyi’s ear, signaling that it was enough, but Xie Xiangyi refused to acknowledge the hint. Her reluctance and affection threatened to burst from her chest. Her restrained, delicate kisses landed repeatedly on Tang Jinzhi’s thin lips, one after another. Though no longer lingering, passionate kisses, Tang Jinzhi didn’t stop her. Each kiss from Xie Xiangyi sent an irresistible thrill through her heart.

The movement was both stubborn and endearing.

Tang Jinzhi’s chest, which had been heaving, gradually calmed. She slowly opened her eyes, returned Xie Xiangyi’s kiss with equal fervor, and then gently bit her lip before pushing her away slightly. Enough, she thought. If we keep going, my lips will be raw.

Xie Xiangyi, though still unsatisfied, didn’t insist further. Yet the unyielding desire burned brightly in her eyes.

Their gazes locked. Tang Jinzhi unconsciously pursed her lips. Seeing this, Xie Xiangyi leaned in again, pressing another kiss.

Tang Jinzhi couldn’t help but chuckle softly.

Xie Xiangyi lifted her head, her gaze fixed on Tang Jinzhi’s smiling face. Her heart surged with emotion, and she lowered her head to kiss her again, abandoning all pretense of restraint. Her tongue slipped inside once more.

Tang Jinzhi, who had barely caught her breath, was left speechless.

Even the usually yielding Tang Jinzhi couldn’t hold back any longer. Xie Xiangyi’s relentless teasing had pushed her too far. Her eyes flashed, she closed them, and she kissed back with fierce intensity.

The attack was too fierce. Xie Xiangyi froze for only a moment, but Tang Jinzhi immediately seized the initiative, her palm pressing firmly against the back of Xie Xiangyi’s head. The momentum Xie Xiangyi had built instantly crumbled.

Tang Jinzhi showed her no more courtesy. Her hand, which had been resting on Xie Xiangyi’s waist, shifted, and Xie Xiangyi stiffened at the unfamiliar sensation. The moment her skirt was lifted, she froze completely.

Tang Jinzhi’s palm, burning hot, pressed against the delicate skin of Xie Xiangyi’s waist, deliberately rubbing against it as if about to move further. A mischievous glint sparkled in her eyes as she teased the stunned Xie Xiangyi.

When the kiss ended, Tang Jinzhi’s hand remained “properly” positioned, leaving the tense and expectant Xie Xiangyi waiting for what seemed like an eternity.

Blushing crimson, Xie Xiangyi buried her face in Tang Jinzhi’s neck.

Tang Jinzhi let out a soft “hmph,” expressing her dissatisfaction with Xie Xiangyi’s frozen immobility. This idiot really just froze up, she thought. She didn’t even try to touch me.

Xie Xiangyi reached up and pulled Tang Jinzhi’s hand away from her waist, her face still buried in Tang Jinzhi’s neck.

Tang Jinzhi nuzzled Xie Xiangyi’s cheek, her voice soft and teasing, “What are you hiding from?”

The teasing in her voice was unmistakable.

Xie Xiangyi opened her mouth, pretending to bite Tang Jinzhi. Tang Jinzhi chuckled, speechless. Xie Xiangyi had dodged so quickly that she hadn’t even realized Xiangyi had buried her face.

Tang Jinzhi wrapped her arms around Xie Xiangyi, taking her threat lightly. She patted Xiangyi’s head gently. “Still hiding?”

Xie Xiangyi retracted her utterly harmless teeth, her red lips parting slightly as she pressed them tightly against Tang Jinzhi’s neck. Tang Jinzhi soon felt a sharp sting—Xie Xiangyi was sucking on her. Her eyes widened in genuine panic this time.

“Get off me!” Tang Jinzhi shoved Xie Xiangyi frantically, but Xie Xiangyi clung to her like a leech, refusing to let go.

Gritting her teeth, Tang Jinzhi twisted Xie Xiangyi’s ear—unlike their earlier playful teasing, this time she used real force. The pain made Xie Xiangyi quickly release her grip and lift her face.

Tang Jinzhi let go and clutched her neck where Xie Xiangyi had sucked. The stinging sensation was unmistakable; she was certain there would be a hickey.

She glared angrily at Xie Xiangyi.

“Look at you,” Tang Jinzhi snapped, glaring at Xie Xiangyi. “That hickey is going to take forever to fade.”

Xie Xiangyi gazed at the mark she’d left with a sense of accomplishment. If it weren’t for the risk of getting caught, she’d have left more than just one.

Tang Jinzhi pinched Xie Xiangyi’s arm, her voice seething, “What am I supposed to do when I go out?”

Xie Xiangyi covered her pinched arm, her gaze darting around as she mumbled, “I… I forgot.”

Tang Jinzhi closed her eyes briefly, gritting her teeth. “Isn’t Aunt coming over tomorrow?”

Xie Xiangyi froze, her mouth falling open.

She had completely forgotten, her mind consumed by thoughts of being close to Tang Jinzhi.

Besides, her aunt rarely visited, so she hadn’t given it much thought. During their conversation, she’d been too focused on Tang Jinzhi to remember their plans to eat out.

No wonder her wife was angry.

Xie Xiangyi wilted.

Yet she refused to let go of Tang Jinzhi, even going so far as to sit on her lap.

Tang Jinzhi’s anger gradually dissolved under Xie Xiangyi’s persistent affection.

She rubbed the ear she’d pinched earlier and asked irritably, “Satisfied now?”

After such a long kiss, even Xie Xiangyi, no matter how insatiable, should be satisfied.

Xie Xiangyi leaned closer, her voice suddenly plaintive as Tang Jinzhi tried to pull away. “My ear hurts.”

Tang Jinzhi had really twisted it, showing no mercy at all!

Sensing Xie Xiangyi’s wounded gaze, Tang Jinzhi flicked her fingers against Xie Xiangyi’s crimson ear, using only half her strength.

As Tang Jinzhi massaged Xie Xiangyi’s ear, she grumbled fiercely, “Serves you right for being so stubborn.”

Xie Xiangyi suddenly cupped Tang Jinzhi’s cheeks in both hands, her smiling eyes lowered as she gazed intently into Tang Jinzhi’s eyes. “Wife,” she declared earnestly.

Tang Jinzhi’s pupils widened, and she unconsciously held her breath, staring back at Xie Xiangyi.

She knew Xie Xiangyi had been planning this moment for days, carefully plotting how to say those words. This wasn’t a spur-of-the-moment decision; Xie Xiangyi didn’t say such things lightly.

Tang Jinzhi feigned nonchalance, teasing her, “We’ve kissed, you’ve called me ‘wife’… Is Xiao Xiangyi satisfied now?”

Xie Xiangyi nodded vigorously, her voice sincere. “Completely satisfied.”

She lowered her head and pressed another kiss to Tang Jinzhi’s lips, leaving Tang Jinzhi no chance to evade.

Clinging tightly to Tang Jinzhi, Xie Xiangyi began to grumble, “Were you deliberately avoiding me before?”

Her tone was accusatory and unwavering.

How much time did you spend kissing her again?

Tang Jinzhi knew the petty Xie Xiangyi would definitely confront her about this.

“I didn’t.”

This time, it was Tang Jinzhi who denied it.

Xie Xiangyi didn’t believe a word. She pressed herself tightly against Tang Jinzhi, as if using this intimate posture to protest the suffering she had endured earlier. You never used to be like this before! But now that you are, isn’t it normal? Why are you avoiding me?

Tang Jinzhi’s eyes flickered slightly. She gently pushed Xie Xiangyi’s head away, meeting her gaze. “You’re being unreasonable,” she said. “Every time you kiss me, it’s always in bed. So, can I kiss you now?”

Xie Xiangyi looked confused. “Why not?”

Tang Jinzhi’s gaze deepened. She didn’t answer, but instead lifted Xie Xiangyi’s hem again, her palm pressing against her skin once more.

The blush that had only half faded returned to Xie Xiangyi’s cheeks. She buried her face in Tang Jinzhi’s neck again, this time keeping her lips still, afraid to move.

This practiced maneuver almost made Tang Jinzhi laugh.

Tang Jinzhi pulled Xie Xiangyi’s hand away and gently tugged her ear, drawing her face up.

“If anyone saw you like this, they’d laugh at you,” Tang Jinzhi teased.

Xie Xiangyi remained unconcerned. “Only you know.”

After all, who else would ever witness this except Tang Jinzhi?

Tang Jinzhi didn’t threaten to tell anyone to scare Xie Xiangyi. She simply found Xie Xiangyi’s current demeanor utterly endearing. Not that she hadn’t been endearing before, but Tang Jinzhi particularly loved this version of her.

Xie Xiangyi hugged Tang Jinzhi tightly, nuzzling against her and calling out, “Wife.”

Tang Jinzhi’s throat tightened. She turned her face away from the nuzzling, feigning composure as she asked, “What is it now?”

A hint of panic stirred within her, wondering if Xie Xiangyi would start calling her “wife” like this from now on.

Xie Xiangyi glanced furtively at the red mark on Tang Jinzhi’s neck and said with mock seriousness, “Weren’t you going out?”

Tang Jinzhi’s lips twitched. “…Not anymore.”

The other woman’s thoughts were so transparent.

Xie Xiangyi blinked. Not going out? That’s fine too. She felt that Tang Jinzhi wouldn’t avoid being intimate with her anymore.

After Xie Xiangyi coaxed her into another round of kisses, Tang Jinzhi, unable to endure the prolonged clinginess, gently pushed her away and led her to the kitchen.

Since they weren’t going out, they could cook something delicious at home. With Zhang Yueqi absent, Xie Xiangyi finally had a chance to shine in the kitchen.

As she washed vegetables, Xie Xiangyi said to Tang Jinzhi, “You could teach me too.”

Tang Jinzhi, who was busy preparing a soup, turned to her and asked, “Teach you what? Cooking?”

Xie Xiangyi nodded.

Tang Jinzhi frowned. “What’s the point? We have money. We can just hire someone. No need to go to all this trouble.”

“It’s fun,” Xie Xiangyi replied.

Tang Jinzhi fell silent.

She couldn’t argue with that. She herself had initially felt the same way, finding the process enjoyable.

After a moment’s thought, Tang Jinzhi nodded. “Alright. From now on, you can make whatever you want to eat.”

Xie Xiangyi added, “With you.”

She didn’t want to be in the kitchen alone.

Tang Jinzhi’s eyes flickered, and she smiled without comment.

Sensing something, Xie Xiangyi asked, “Is that murder mystery script you were writing for me finished yet?”

She hadn’t asked before, fearing Tang Jinzhi might feel pressured, but since it had been so long, she figured it must be finished.

Tang Jinzhi paused, pursing her lips in thought. “It’s done,” she replied, “but it needs a little more editing.”

Xie Xiangyi’s eyes lit up. “We’ll be heading over a few days before the engagement banquet. Everyone will arrive gradually, so we can have some fun the night before.”

Tang Jinzhi felt a knot of anxiety tighten in her chest.

“Are you sure you want to party the night before the engagement?”

Xie Xiangyi tilted her head, puzzled. “Is there something wrong with that?”

Tang Jinzhi shook her head distractedly.

“No, it’s just… I’m worried you won’t get enough sleep.”

Xie Xiangyi waved it off. “Don’t worry about that. It’s just staying up late. By then, I won’t be Doctor Xie anymore. I’ll have plenty of time to rest.”

Tang Jinzhi chuckled at her words. This wasn’t just about staying up late.

“Alright, limited-edition Doctor Xie. I hope you won’t be too scared.”

Xie Xiangyi found this amusing. What could she possibly be scared of? Instead of arguing, she played along with Tang Jinzhi’s teasing. “Yes, my wife.”

Tang Jinzhi: “……”

Numb. In such a short time, she was already getting used to it, no longer finding it awkward.

Tang Jinzhi racked her brain, trying to figure out where Xie Xiangyi’s sudden transformation had come from.

Tang Jinzhi really wanted to know what Xie Xiangyi had been up to every day. Her adaptation speed was too fast; she must be secretly accelerating her progress.

Little did Tang Jinzhi know, Xie Xiangyi’s transformation was entirely fueled by Tang Jinzhi’s constant teasing: “Your wife’s going to be stolen,” “You’re going to lose your wife,” “You’ll end up without a wife.”

Half of it was fear—Xie Xiangyi genuinely dreaded losing her wife so soon after getting married.

But deep down, she harbored a fierce determination. The more Tang Jinzhi hinted at her losing her wife, the more Xie Xiangyi resolved to make their relationship even stronger.

After lunch, Xie Xiangyi pulled Tang Jinzhi into the living room to watch TV.

Tang Jinzhi still wasn’t used to this. Before, Xie Xiangyi would always study in the study during her breaks, and Tang Jinzhi would work alongside her there.

But now…

Xie Xiangyi insisted she take a day off too, so they could relax together.

How ridiculous! Tang Jinzhi thought. When Xie Xiangyi used to study, why didn’t she ever tell me to take a day off and stop working with her in the study?

Ultimately, Tang Jinzhi couldn’t win against Xie Xiangyi’s stubbornness and ended up spending the entire day with her.

Perhaps to make up for the days Tang Jinzhi had avoided her, Xie Xiangyi’s kissing skills had improved dramatically. But she still got a playful punch from Tang Jinzhi for leaving another small strawberry mark—this time behind her ear.

The expression on Tang Jinzhi’s face grew increasingly frustrated as she tried to cover the mark on her neck the next day. It just wouldn’t hide!

With the weather getting warmer, she couldn’t wear turtlenecks—and she didn’t like them anyway. The more she tried to conceal it, the angrier she became. She wanted to curse Xie Xiangyi.

That damn Xie Xiangyi! Neither of them wore makeup—not because they didn’t know how, but because they didn’t need it. Tang Jinzhi was always rushing out the door and wore a mask at the hospital, while Xie Xiangyi rarely left the house and often went out barefaced. As a result, they didn’t even own concealer.

Tang Jinzhi was beyond annoyed. She had always focused on skincare, never caring about makeup. She strutted around with the air of someone born naturally beautiful.

If only Zhang Yueqi hadn’t left, she thought. She had makeup.

Tang Jinzhi pulled out her phone and gave Xie Xiangyi, who was on her way home, a thorough scolding.

Xie Xiangyi protested her innocence. Whenever she had events to attend, makeup artists came to her home to do her makeup, using brand-new products that were discarded afterward.

Arriving home, Xie Xiangyi, fearing another scolding, preemptively handed Tang Jinzhi a full set of makeup before she could even open her mouth.

“I had them delivered,” she said quickly.

Tang Jinzhi touched her neck and swallowed her curses. She looked at the makeup in surprise. “In just a few minutes?”

Xie Xiangyi nodded. “The brands are pretty ordinary, but they’re still some of the best available in the city. Let’s just use them for now.”

Tang Jinzhi had no issue with the makeup itself, but she was annoyed with Xie Xiangyi. She never imagined she’d be bothered by this.

She glared at Xie Xiangyi. “Keep your mouth shut in the future.”

Xie Xiangyi looked slightly aggrieved. “I genuinely forgot we were going out.”

Tang Jinzhi retorted irritably, “Even if you had remembered, you still would have done this.”

Otherwise, how would you explain that mark behind your ear?

As Xie Xiangyi unwrapped the makeup beside her, she muttered under her breath, “If you weren’t so calm, you’d have done the same.”

Xie Xiangyi’s tone dripped with sarcasm.

Tang Jinzhi choked. She detected a hint of blame in Xie Xiangyi’s voice—as if she were being criticized for not letting her have a hickey too.

She ignored Xie Xiangyi, knowing that any further conversation would only infuriate her more.

It used to be me who always left Xie Xiangyi speechless…

Having been out of practice with makeup for a while, Tang Jinzhi felt a bit rusty. Xie Xiangyi, on the other hand, had never been particularly skilled at it, so she relied entirely on Tang Jinzhi.

Tang Jinzhi applied light makeup to both of them. Though somewhat perfunctory, their faces hardly required any special skill.

When it came to changing clothes, Xie Xiangyi insisted on wearing matching outfits. Tang Jinzhi refused, finding it too contrived. There was no need to deliberately flaunt their affection.

Xie Xiangyi’s quiet contentment turned into nervous tension the moment she sat in Tang Jinzhi’s car.

Tang Jinzhi reassured her, “Don’t worry, my driving skills are pretty good.”

Xie Xiangyi didn’t dare speak. She had no idea where her wife’s confidence came from, considering she had only just gotten her license.

Tang Jinzhi snorted coldly, clearly offended by her lack of faith.

It wasn’t until they had driven several miles that Xie Xiangyi finally realized Tang Jinzhi actually knew what she was doing, and her tense nerves gradually relaxed.

Tang Jinzhi glanced at her. “Even if I wasn’t very skilled, it wouldn’t matter. This car has an intelligent driving system. We can just let it drive itself.”

Xie Xiangyi’s newly calmed heart leaped back into her throat. So, her wife had brought her along with a backup plan in case of an accident?

Tang Jinzhi: “……”

Why did I even bother explaining?

They arrived safely at the agreed-upon restaurant. After getting out of the car, Xie Xiangyi let out a long sigh of relief. Tang Jinzhi walked over and couldn’t resist giving her a playful shove.

Xie Xiangyi stumbled sideways, feeling guilty about her earlier behavior. She quickly leaned closer to Tang Jinzhi and praised, “Impressive.”

Tang Jinzhi: “Heh.”

Xie Xiangyi hurried after Tang Jinzhi, taking two quick steps to grab her hand.

She quickly added, “I was just worried you might be nervous driving alone for the first time.”

Tang Jinzhi wasn’t truly angry. She tugged at their joined hands and asked, “Oh, so you were avoiding talking to me the whole way here because you were afraid I’d get nervous?”

Xie Xiangyi shook Tang Jinzhi’s arm. “You weren’t nervous. I was nervous.”

Seeing Xie Xiangyi’s genuine concern instantly lifted Tang Jinzhi’s spirits, which had been dampened by being ignored the entire drive.

She chuckled softly to show she wasn’t really upset. “I know. I was definitely nervous the first time I drove alone.”

Xie Xiangyi looked confused. “But isn’t this your first time?”

Had Tang Jinzhi gone out by herself these past few days? Why hadn’t she mentioned it?

Tang Jinzhi turned to Xie Xiangyi with a smile. “Of course not. I’ve been driving for a couple of years in my past life.”

Xie Xiangyi: “……”

Xie Xiangyi rubbed her twitching eyelid. For a moment, she actually believed Tang Jinzhi was telling the truth. But past life? Why was she still falling for this nonsense?

She must be too tired lately.

Aunt wasn’t waiting for them inside; she was standing right at the door and happened to witness the two girls playfully teasing each other. Her aging eyes seemed to be playing tricks on her. Who was that waving her hand and acting coquettish? It looked like Xiao Xiangyi was coaxing someone?

Xie Xiangyi spotted Xie Rujun at the door and immediately composed herself, greeting her politely, “Aunt.”

Tang Jinzhi paused for a moment, then followed suit, “Hello, Aunt.”

Tang Jinzhi hadn’t expected Aunt to be waiting at the door; she had noticed someone standing there earlier.

Xie Rujun smiled and waved. “Good, good, you’re even more beautiful in person, child. Come, let’s go inside and talk.”

She then turned to Xie Xiangyi, scrutinizing her for a few moments before saying, “Xiao Xiangyi, why are you…”

She trailed off, unable to finish her sentence.

Xie Xiangyi’s steps faltered slightly as she moved inside. Tang Jinzhi turned to look at Xie Xiangyi, her peripheral vision secretly observing Xie Rujun.

Confused, Xie Xiangyi asked, “What’s wrong?”

Xie Rujun sighed, “Nothing, Aunt just thinks you’re being a bit silly.”

That clear, innocent, almost foolish expression… Tang Jinzhi seemed to have seen it on her own daughter, Xiao Xiangyi’s face.

Xie Rujun pressed her cheek against her wife’s silly face, watching her panic. “Our child wasn’t like this before,” she thought. “Could she have caught this from Zhang Wanzhu?”

Tang Jinzhi turned away, struggling to suppress her laughter.

She hadn’t expected her aunt to be so blunt, completely disregarding Xiao Xiangyi’s feelings.

Xiao Xiangyi’s face fell.

What’s so silly about me? she thought. I just greeted Aunt!

Her voice filled with exasperation, she said, “Aunt…”

Xie Rujun quickly covered her mouth. “Alright, alright, Aunt won’t tease you anymore.”

The commotion eased Tang Jinzhi’s tense nerves slightly. Though she managed to keep her mouth shut, her eyes betrayed her amusement. Xiao Xiangyi saw it, knowing Tang Jinzhi was definitely laughing at her inwardly.

The three of them pushed open the private room door and entered.

Tang Jinzhi and Xie Xiangyi both froze at the sight of the person sitting inside.

Zhang Yueqi? What’s he doing here?

Isn’t he supposed to be with Zou Limeng?

When did she sneak over here?

Xie Xiangyi, her expression stiff, called out to the other woman sitting beside Zhang Yueqi, “Aunt Zhang.”

She then turned to Tang Jinzhi and whispered, “This is Zhang Yueqi’s mother.”

Tang Jinzhi nodded with a smile. “Hello, Aunt Zhang.”

Before her mother could even respond, Zhang Yueqi couldn’t contain herself. “What about me? Why aren’t you greeting me?!”

How could she miss out on meeting Tang Jinzhi’s parents? She had practically begged her mother to bring her along.

But before she could even show off, Zhang Wanzhu smacked her on the back of the head. “What do you want me to call you? Go play in the mud.”

As Zhang Wanzhu explained that they had just happened to be passing by, Xie Xiangyi smiled in response and pulled Tang Jinzhi down to sit. She caught Zhang Yueqi, who was clutching her head and peeking at them, staring.

Xie Xiangyi shot her a sidelong, icy glare, her eyes brimming with warning.

Zhang Yueqi remained unfazed, her smile sly and her expression defiant.

With Tang Jinzhi here, she was determined to completely shatter Xie Xiangyi’s carefully constructed image today!

Noticing the subtle exchange between the two, Tang Jinzhi, who had been observing Zhang Yueqi closely, couldn’t help but twitch her lips.

My silly wife is about to lose all her dignity today.