A Good Country Wife
Chapter 363 - 357_1

Chapter 363: Chapter 357_1

"But I don’t know Doctor Zheng, Brother Erhu, so I’ll need you to introduce me." Li Xiaotao’s tear-filled eyes gazed at Zhao Erhu with such hope, making it difficult for anyone to decline, if it weren’t for that hint of provocation in her eyes when she looked at Lin Yue.

"Alright, I’ll take you there. I’m well acquainted with Doctor Zheng, and he will certainly do his best to treat your husband," Zhao Erhu agreed without hesitation, owing someone a favor. Lin Yue’s face instantly grew sullen, unable to even force a smile. Her own husband was about to accompany a woman with ulterior motives, and her opinion wasn’t even considered. What could she do, tell them not to go? Knowing Zhao Erhu’s character, unless she truly made a scene by crying, making a fuss, or even threatening suicide to hold him back, Zhao Erhu was set on going. Yet, to actually do such a thing would be beneath her.

Li Xiaotao was not yet satisfied, assuming that Zhao Erhu agreed because he cared for her, and became even more smug. She wanted to provoke Lin Yue further, to strike at Lin Yue and show her true status in Zhao Erhu’s heart. "But Brother Erhu, what about your wife? If you accompany me to see Doctor Zheng, won’t your wife be left alone?"

"Don’t worry about me, just go. I can handle my own matters alone," Lin Yue said coldly, not glancing at the smug expression that flitted across Li Xiaotao’s face. She felt frustrated at the sight, especially upon seeing Zhao Erhu’s hesitance, and even more annoyed. She had always been reserved about her feelings, believing that real affection shouldn’t be so easily shaken. If Zhao Erhu were truly tempted by this Li Xiaotao, it would show that he wasn’t a reliable man.

Zhao Erhu had initially intended to suggest Lin Yue come with them, but seeing her expression and hearing her words, he realized she might have misunderstood his relationship with Li Xiaotao. How could he have such feelings for Li Xiaotao? He really wanted to take this opportunity to repay Li Xiaomei’s favor so he wouldn’t owe her anything further. Besides, both he and Li Xiaotao were married; nothing untoward was possible. It seemed his little wife was overthinking things.

"Wife, I’m worried about you being alone. Come with me. I’ll drop Xiaotao off at Jimin Hall then have a word with Doctor Zheng. It won’t take long," Zhao Erhu insisted, as he would not feel at ease leaving Lin Yue by herself. It went without saying who was more important between his wife and Li Xiaotao.

"What’s there to worry about? When you were unconscious, didn’t I take care of everything by myself? You better keep Xiaotao company; I don’t need your concern," Lin Yue said, though inside she felt slightly better knowing that Zhao Erhu was still worried about her.

"Wife, please come with me. Will you?" Zhao Erhu persisted. Lin Yue didn’t want to make a scene in front of Li Xiaotao, which would be embarrassing, so she reluctantly agreed. Little did she know that after they had arrived at Jimin Hall and spoken with Doctor Zheng, Li Xiaotao would make more trouble, insisting that Zhao Erhu stay with her. Seeing Zhao Erhu looking ready to agree, Lin Yue became genuinely angry. Without saying another word, she turned and walked away. Zhao Erhu, who was in conversation with Doctor Zheng, didn’t notice until Lin Yue was out of sight.

Zhao Erhu panicked and hastily asked the staff at Jimin Hall, "Have you seen my wife?"

"Madam Lin just left in a carriage."

"Where did she go?" Zhao Erhu asked the staff and learned that Lin Yue had gone in the direction of the academy. They had originally planned to visit Lin Qing, so his wife must have gone to Songshan Academy. Zhao Erhu stroked his forehead, realizing he might have underestimated his little wife’s jealousy. She must have been very angry to leave him behind and go off on her own.

"Brother Erhu, what’s wrong? Did Sister-in-law leave first? Don’t worry, with her smarts, nothing bad will happen to her in broad daylight. Let’s go, didn’t you agree to go to my place with Doctor Zheng?" Li Xiaotao saw the situation, a triumphant smile crept onto her lips, and she very appropriately consoled Zhao Erhu.

Zhao Erhu glanced at Li Xiaotao and felt uncomfortable listening to her, but ultimately didn’t say anything in response. He just had no desire to accompany Li Xiaotao back to her place now, especially since he had already hired a good doctor and paid the consultation fee. That should be enough; there really was no need to go back with her again. All he could think about was his young wife, worrying that something might have gone wrong since she left angry. He had to find her soon to ease his mind.

"Xiaotao, I’ve already asked Doctor Zheng to take good care of your husband. I have something else to attend to, so I won’t be able to go back with you. My wife is waiting for me." Zhao Erhu said, then strode past Li Xiaotao and chased after Lin Yue in the direction she had left. Li Xiaotao’s words of retention hadn’t even left her mouth before Zhao Erhu was already out of sight.

Her plans unfulfilled, Li Xiaotao clenched her fists in frustration, convincing herself that Lin Yue had done it on purpose. "This woman is really not easy to deal with, ah, to think she knew to use such a tactic, retreating as a way to advance and taking hold of Zhao Erhu’s heart."

"Madam, let’s go." Doctor Zheng, having been through this himself, had noticed some issues between the couple and Li Xiaotao, thus he spoke to Li Xiaomei with a hint of disdain and a cool tone.

"Alright, please follow me, Doctor Zheng." Li Xiaotao was formidable herself. She suppressed the resentment in her heart and quickly regained her composure.

As expected, Lin Yue headed straight for Songshan Academy with her carriage. The gatekeeper uncle recognized her and let her through without having to notify Lin Qing. Lin Yue, carrying a bundle, made her way to Lin Qing’s residence. Midway, she overheard a heated argument not far away. She wasn’t sure if she had heard wrongly, but it sounded like Lin Qing’s voice, tinged with anger.

"We’re all classmates, don’t cross the line! It was Jiang Wenshu who sent you, wasn’t it? Tell him that intimidating me like this is useless. Now that I’ve seen his true colors, I won’t let my sister be with someone like him. Tell him to save his efforts!" Lin Qing never imagined Jiang Wenshu would stoop so low. After his sister left the academy last time, Jiang Wenshu approached him for help, which he refused. Since then, Jiang Wenshu had been causing him trouble, each time more excessive than the last.

"Lin Qing, there’s no need for this. Young Master Jiang taking a liking to your sister is a blessing for your family, don’t be ungrateful." The speaker was one of Jiang Wenshu’s lackeys in the academy.

"Pah, dream on!" Lin Qing spat in contempt, his face swollen and bruised from being hit by the man, his body covered in wounds, yet without a trace of submission.

Lin Yue then realized it was indeed her brother Lin Qing’s voice. From the sounds of it, Jiang Wenshu had sent people to cause him trouble. She hurried over and asked, "Brother, how are you? Are you alright?"