Did My Wife Break Up With Me Today? - Chapter 82

Chapter 82: “Then Where Should I Play?”

Chen Kongqing never imagined that his plea would only make the situation more uncontrollable.

He had never seen this side of Xu Jingmo.

The man’s eyes were dark and heavy; no matter how much Chen cried or called out, Xu remained indifferent. He tried every endearment he could think of—from “Brother” to “Baby,” and even “Husband”—but none of them worked. They only served to make Xu even more relentless.

Chen felt as if he were adrift in a vast ocean, unable to grasp anything, rising and falling with the waves. He drifted with the tide, unsure of where he was going or where the end might be.

He lost track of time as his consciousness drifted in and out of sleep. Late into the night, he opened his hazy eyes and clung limply to Xu Jingmo: “I want water…”

“Then what is Xiao Man going to call me?” A slight curve appeared on Xu Jingmo’s lips as he pressed his forehead against Chen’s.

Chen Kongqing gritted his teeth, looking at Xu with a resentful gaze. The previous Xu Jingmo had been so cautious it made his heart ache, but the current one… as it turned out, one really shouldn’t be too nice to him.

“Hmm?” Xu Jingmo met the youth’s eyes. He remained composed as he reached out to grasp a sensitive spot on the “rabbit.”

Chen Kongqing: “!!”

The veins on Chen’s forehead pulsed. He grabbed Xu’s hand and let out a few whimpers, but Xu ignored him and continued. Chen finally gave in, speaking softly: “Brother… I want to drink water.”

“Alright, I’ll take Xiao Man to get water now.” Xu Jingmo’s smile grew more predatory as he finally released the poor little rabbit.

Before Chen could catch his breath, Xu lifted him from the bed. His entire weight was concentrated on a single point of contact. Chen stiffened instinctively, clutching Xu’s neck tightly for fear of falling.

Xu Jingmo pursed his lips and exhaled softly. Chen could feel the intensity; he furrowed his brows and hooked his arms around the man’s neck even tighter, too exhausted to even cry.

Xu carried him to the table. Though it was only a few steps, Chen felt every one of them was etched into his memory. Had he known, he would have preferred to die of thirst. Once they reached the water cup, Xu wouldn’t let him drink it himself—he insisted on feeding him, mouth-to-mouth.

Chen Kongqing truly couldn’t take any more.

Xu Jingmo acted innocent: “Xiao Man, why are you drinking water with your mouth while [redacted] down there?”

Chen buried his flushed face and took a sharp bite of Xu’s shoulder. Xu didn’t dodge; instead, he teased: “A cornered rabbit really does bite.”

“You’re the rabbit!” Chen shouted in anger, biting him in a different spot.

…

When he woke in the morning, the only consolation for Chen was seeing the bite marks and scratches all over Xu’s shoulders and back.

“What time is your club activity?” Xu Jingmo knew he was awake and rubbed his head.

“Nine o’clock…” Chen realized his voice was incredibly hoarse and dry.

“It’s already 8:40, baby,” Xu said, kissing his soft hair. “How about taking a leave of absence?”

“It’s all your fault…” Chen protested, rolling out of Xu’s embrace. “I could have gone… they’re going hiking; it would have been fun.”

“It’s all my fault.” Xu wasn’t annoyed. Propping his head up with one hand, he pulled Chen back to his side. “Then I’ll go climbing with you this afternoon. Just the two of us.”

Chen wanted to roll his eyes. Who had the energy for that? Feeling Xu playing with his hair again, he snapped: “Stop playing with my hair…”

Xu Jingmo: “Then where should I play?”

Chen Kongqing: “…”

Old pervert! Old pervert! He cursed in his heart but didn’t dare say it aloud.

Suddenly, a phone rang. It was Xu’s ringtone. The man frowned with slight displeasure and loosened his hold: “I’ll take this call.”

“Mhm.” Chen was more than happy for him to answer it.

Xu sat up, checked the caller ID, and answered expressionlessly: “Hello… Is that so? Then I’ll head over and take a look…”

After hanging up, Chen asked: “What happened? Is something wrong?”

“Mhm… a relative is in the hospital. I need to go check on them.” Xu pursed his lips, his eyes darkening for a moment though his tone remained steady.

Chen nodded obediently: “Then go quickly. Is it serious? Do you want me to come with you?”

“No need, I’ll go by myself.” Xu leaned in to kiss the corner of his lips. “I’ll be back soon. Are you hungry? I’ll cook some noodles for you before I go.”

“No, I’m not hungry yet.” Chen wrapped himself tightly in the quilt. “I want to sleep a bit longer. Just go.”

“Alright, sleep a bit more. I’ll bring you food when I get back.” Xu gave him a few more kisses before getting out of bed.

He hadn’t intended to make this trip, but Ling Xiao’s parents were frantic and still abroad, so he had to go.

…

Outside the ward, Gu Chengjing was keeping watch. He looked haggard: “He says he won’t see anyone.”

“I didn’t want to see him either, but his parents asked me to check in,” Xu said coldly. “What did the doctor say?”

“His leg is broken.” Gu let out a heavy sigh. “The doctor said… he might not be able to play professionally anymore.”

Xu’s expression remained calm: “Is he awake?”

Gu: “Mhm…”

Xu brushed past him and opened the ward door. Gu tried to stop him, but Xu ignored him.

Inside, the room was quiet except for the monitor’s beeping. Ling Xiao was pale, with an oxygen tube in his nose and his leg immobilized.

“What are you doing here?” Ling Xiao looked deathly still. Seeing Xu, his usual hostility was gone.

“Your parents asked me to check on you and pay the fees.”

“No need, I can handle it,” Ling Xiao said coldly, staring at the IV drip. “Xu Jingmo, you must be happy. You won. You win everything.”

Chen Kongqing’s love, the family’s regard—everything was Xu’s. Even the kindness Chen once showed him felt like it was only because of Xu’s shadow. The thought was like needles in his heart.

“Where is Chen Kongqing…” Ling Xiao finally looked up.

Xu said indifferently: “What? Are you using a pity play?”

“I don’t have as many tricks as you.” Ling Xiao looked at him with contempt. “I just want to see him one last time. To pay back what I owe.”

“He doesn’t want to see you,” Xu stated heartlessly. “Our relationship is stable now. Ling Xiao, just give us your blessing.”

Ling Xiao’s heart ached more than his physical injuries. He wanted to call Xu a home-wrecker, but he remembered Chen’s words. In an instant, he lost all standing. He realized he was the thief all along.

…

Chen Kongqing didn’t know about Ling Xiao’s injury until Wednesday afternoon when Gao Tianyou messaged him.

Gao: [Kongqing, are you busy with classes?] Azurite: [It’s okay. Just one this afternoon.] Gao: [Do you need to go to the lab?] Azurite: [I don’t have to.] Gao: [Well, “that person” fell down the stairs a couple of days ago. It’s serious.]

Chen was worried: [Who? A mutual friend?] Gao: [It’s Ling Xiao. His career is basically over. He’s refusing treatment and begging to see you one last time.]

Chen was shocked. For the rest of the class, he couldn’t focus. Ultimately, he went to the hospital. He bumped into Gu Chengjing outside, who quickly avoided his gaze.

Chen entered the room. Ling Xiao’s eyes brightened slightly: “I didn’t think you’d come.”

He looked sickly and thin. Chen sat down: “Cooperate with the treatment. Maybe you can still compete.”

Ling Xiao seemed not to hear: “Did it hurt this much when you had a fracture back then? Why did you never tell me it hurt?”

Chen didn’t want to reminisce: “It’s strange.”

“Don’t misunderstand, I’m not trying to cling to you.” Ling Xiao noticed Chen’s annoyance and smiled. “I just want to pay back what I owe. I fell down those stairs on purpose. Consider it my way of paying you back.”