Although it was early summer and the sun was growing warmer, Li Xianglian could feel the coolness of Wen Lezhi’s fingers against her skin. The chill spread through her limbs, a sensation entirely different from before, and even her heart began to stir restlessly.
Li Xianglian lowered her head slightly, afraid that her unusual reaction might be noticed.
After all, she was a married woman, with children…
Wen Lezhi released her wrist. Before Li Xianglian could speak, Chen Lang asked, “How is my wife recovering? When will she be able to walk again? Our household can’t do without her—the weeds in the fields are already waist-high. We need her to work this summer.”
Wen Lezhi: “…”
Li Xianglian curled her lips, about to curse him, when Father Li suddenly left and returned with a broom, angrily shouting, “Chen Lang, you’re no good! Get out of here!”
Chen Lang’s eyes widened. He pulled the children aside to avoid the blow. “Y-you! I’m a scholar, and you dare show me such disrespect? I see now—it’s you who won’t let Xianglian come back with me!”
Chen Jue grabbed Chen Xuan and ran outside.
“My daughter has suffered eight lifetimes of misfortune being married to you! She’s still injured, and you’re already expecting her to go back and work—are you even human?” Ignoring Mother Li’s attempts to stop him, Father Li chased Chen Lang with the broom.
Wen Lezhi watched coldly from the side.
A man like that deserved to be beaten to death.
Li Xianglian gripped the armrests of her wheelchair tightly. If she could stand, she might have taken a knife and chased Chen Lang herself!
This was simply outrageous!
“Don’t get angry. It’s not good for your health,” Wen Lezhi said, pressing gently on her shoulder.
Their eyes met for a moment, and more than half of her anger dissipated.
He was right—she couldn’t let herself get worked up. It would harm her body.
She took a deep breath and slowly exhaled, watching expressionlessly as her father drove Chen Lang out.
“Get out! Don’t ever step into my home again!” Father Li’s eyes were red. Even with villagers watching, he didn’t care, raising his voice to curse Chen Lang for being hypocritical.
Many villagers gathered to watch. Mother Li crouched at the doorway, quietly sobbing. Several women tried to comfort her, and as she cried, she explained what had happened.
“So that’s how it is. I was wondering why he suddenly changed and started caring about his wife.”
“So it was all just to please Xianglian, to get her back early to work in the fields.”
“This Chen Lang is truly despicable.”
“That act this morning was just for show, for those who didn’t know the truth. Does he think we’re all fools? We have eyes—we can judge right from wrong ourselves.”
“Don’t cry, Aunt Li. Once Xianglian recovers, you should find a way to separate from him. My cousin was in a similar situation—she separated earlier this year and remarried just a few days ago. Her new husband treats her like a queen. Xianglian is such a good and capable woman—she’ll surely meet someone worthy.”
“Yes, yes, don’t be sad.”
Listening to the villagers’ discussions, Li Xianglian felt relieved that they were still on her side. Everyone had seen her hard work over the years. If she had been lazy before, they wouldn’t have supported her now.
Wen Lezhi looked at Li Xianglian. Noticing his gaze, she quickly wiped her tears before turning to him.
“Sorry for letting you see this.”
After a moment’s hesitation, Wen Lezhi sat down and asked, “Do you want to separate?”
Li Xianglian lowered her eyes and nodded. “Does it sound unbelievable? A woman like me, wanting to leave her husband—does it seem overreaching?”
“Not at all.”
Li Xianglian looked at him in surprise. “You don’t think it’s my fault?”
Wen Lezhi shook his head, his expression still gentle. “From the few times I’ve interacted with you, I think you’re kind. I can’t imagine what you’ve gone through to change your temperament so drastically.”
At that moment, all of Li Xianglian’s grievances surfaced. Tears streamed down uncontrollably. Covering her eyes, she laughed through her sobs. “I’m sorry, I’ve lost my composure. I… I’m not usually like this. I don’t know why, I just suddenly couldn’t control myself.”
Hearing her cry, Mother Li wailed, “Xianglian, my poor child!”
“Mother…”
The mother and daughter embraced, crying together. Wen Lezhi stood to the side, at a loss, though his emotions churned within him.
Several village women nearby wiped their tears as well.
“Doctor, you must take good care of Xianglian. Help her recover properly. Before she got married, she was so lively and beautiful—the prettiest in our village. But after marriage, she worked day and night, and her body has been worn down.”
The woman who spoke was Qinglan, Li Xianglian’s close friend, who often helped her.
In her past life, Qinglan’s husband had been framed and somehow developed a gambling addiction. He even gambled Qinglan away to an old landlord in town. She refused to submit and was bound and sent to the man’s house. Not long after, she was said to be pregnant with the landlord’s child. During the famine years, she was cast out and eventually starved to death on the road while fleeing, along with her unborn child.
With reddened eyes, Li Xianglian held Qinglan’s hand. She had so much to say but couldn’t voice it. Thinking back to her previous life, in just three months, Qinglan might be sold by her husband.
Li Xianglian wanted to change her fate. After these next few days, she would invite Qinglan over and talk properly.
Wen Lezhi nodded slowly and wrote out a prescription, handing it to Father Li. “Sir, follow this prescription—take it three times a day…”
Looking at Li Xianglian, he continued, “I’ve added some calming herbs. It will help you rest and recover sooner.”
“Thank you, thank you.”
“We’re truly grateful.”
Father and Mother Li were deeply thankful. Mother Li took out two copper coins. “Doctor Wen, please accept this as your consultation fee.”
“There’s no need, Auntie. I’ve already discussed it with Madam Li. Once she recovers a bit, she can gather herbs from the mountains to offset the fee.”
“This…”
Li Xianglian said apologetically, “But it may take me over a month to recover. I don’t know when I’ll be able to go up the mountain. Will that be too long for you? Will it affect your patients?”
Wen Lezhi shook his head. “Any time is fine. The clinic has reserves that can last two months, so there’s no rush. Just focus on recovering and don’t worry about gathering herbs.”
“Thank you, doctor.” Li Xianglian smiled gently at him. Seeing the faint smile in his eyes startled her, and she quickly looked away.
What was wrong with her today? Even though he was handsome, she wasn’t a young girl anymore—why would she be so affected by another man, her heart even racing?
This feeling… was the same as when she first fell for Chen Lang.
Could it be she was someone who fell in love easily?
No, absolutely not.
Li Xianglian shook her head, trying to rid herself of the chaotic thoughts.