Jiang Xiao didn't like seafood. At the smell, her stomach churned, but she showed no reaction on her face. She took the bowl with a smile. "Mom, thank you."
Tonight, she had to drink this porridge no matter what; otherwise, her mother-in-law wouldn't give her a good face.
Enduring the discomfort, she swallowed and said, "Sun Ma's porridge-making skills are getting better and better."
Sun Ma said politely, "Thank you, Young Madam."
Old Master Cheng was pleased and called Jiang Xiao to the study.
He didn't let her leave until 8:30.
Cheng Yuan had already left on business, so she took the car back alone. Shortly after driving out of the Cheng estate, she got out of the car, leaned against a tree, and vomited heavily, almost everything she had eaten that night. But she still didn't feel well.
"Master Wang, please take me to the hospital."
Jiang Xiao was probably allergic to seafood, and her body was extremely uncomfortable.
As she had guessed, the doctor diagnosed her with a severe allergic reaction.
"If you can't eat seafood, don't force yourself. It could kill you," the doctor said.
Jiang Xiao nodded with a pale face. "I understand, Doctor. I'll be careful next time."
"You need to stay in the hospital tonight for observation. If nothing happens, you can be discharged tomorrow."
"I understand."
Jiang Xiao was on an IV drip, with a nurse attending to her. During this time, the nurse's phone rang twice, both times from her husband.
He asked if she had eaten and if she was tired.
Later, he reminded her to keep warm at night.
They were both married, but Jiang Xiao had never heard such caring words. Cheng Yuan never cared whether she lived or died.
Just like during her hospitalization a few days ago, he had only come once.
Perhaps, in the whole world, only she had a husband who was the same as having none.
That person only existed on the household register.
Shen Yue's words jumped into her mind: "Is it worth holding onto a marriage like this? Xiao Xiao, this is not how you love someone. A marriage where both love each other can last."
Mutual love...
No, her marriage was something she had begged for; only she was putting in the effort.
Jiang Xiao had originally planned to stay only one day, but later the doctor said one of her tests was abnormal and she needed to stay another day.
Jiang Xiao had no choice but to stay an extra day.
As she had expected, Cheng Yuan didn't call even once. He didn't even know she was hospitalized.
Lifting her eyes to look at the birds outside the window, she felt a strong desire for "freedom" for the first time. She wanted to break free from the cage of marriage and live the life she wanted.
But she knew it was very difficult...
Old Master Cheng called and asked if she could come back for lunch.
She couldn't hide her illness. Jiang Xiao told the truth. "Grandfather, I'm feeling a bit unwell. I'm in the hospital."
"What? The hospital?" Old Master Cheng said. "Why didn't A Yuan mention it just now?"
Jiang Xiao: "It's not a serious illness. I didn't tell him."
"You are husband and wife. He should know if you're sick." Old Master Cheng frowned. "Has A Yuan been bullying you?"
"No," Jiang Xiao was still building up Cheng Yuan's image as a good husband. "A Yuan treats me very well. He gives me everything I want. He cares about me a lot and never bullies me."
The nurse pushed the door open and approached. "Miss Jiang, why are you crying?"
"Crying?" Jiang Xiao touched the corner of her eyes. They were wet. She really was crying.
She forced a smile. "Maybe it's because of the wind."
"But the window isn't open," the nurse checked and, still worried, closed it again. "The doctor said you shouldn't be exposed to the wind. I'm sorry, I was careless."
Jiang Xiao knew it wasn't the nurse's fault. She shook her head. "It's not your fault."
What made her sad was never the wind, but that man's indifference.
...
Shen Yue found out that Jiang Xiao was in the hospital that afternoon. "What happened?"
Jiang Xiao recounted the dinner at the old residence in detail.
Shen Yue cursed, "That old witch, she's so spiteful. She's always thinking of ways to torment you."
"A Yue, she's my mother-in-law," Jiang Xiao said. "Don't talk about her like that."
"What mother-in-law," Shen Yue said. "She's just a vicious supporting character. She's jealous of others' happiness. It's disgusting."
Jiang Xiao didn't respond.
Shen Yue asked, "Was Cheng Yuan there at the time?"
Jiang Xiao: "Mm, he was."