A Good Country Wife

"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."