Returning to High School to Save My Wife - Chapter 23

Jiang Yuan didn’t usually eat hotpot or barbecue. She only agreed to go this time because Liang Qi and Qiao Shuxue had helped her out.

At 7:00 PM, the hotpot restaurant was moderately crowded. The group picked a relatively quiet spot to sit down and then took out their phones to scan the QR code to order.

 

“Yuan Yuan doesn’t like spicy food, let’s get a split pot,” Liang Qi suggested, being the first to select the soup base.

 

“I don’t like spicy food either, so how come I never see you ordering a split pot for me?” Qiao Shuxue exposed her leisurely. “Qi Qi, your favoritism is a bit too obvious.”

 

“Oh, my dear Ah Xue, I recall someone saying last time that they wanted to practice their ability to eat spicy food.”

 

Listening to the two of them banter, Jiang Yuan couldn’t help but smile, though she felt a trace of inexplicable loss in her heart.

 

Even though she had two friends at school, Liu Jiayao and Mu Zhizhi, and was also acquainted with Lin Ruoyan outside, she rarely had such intimate and seamless conversations with them.

 

She couldn’t help but think of what Liang Qi had said at the hospital: “I like it when you trouble me. Friends should help each other.”

 

Is that how it is?

 

Liang Qi noticed her brief lapse in focus and asked with concern, “Yuan Yuan, what are you thinking about?”

 

Jiang Yuan snapped back to reality, looked at her blankly for a moment, and quickly shook her head. “It’s nothing.”

 

Liang Qi didn’t believe her and followed up, “How is your aunt? Is she doing okay?”

 

At the mention of Xu Chengyu, Jiang Yuan’s expression turned solemn. “She is alright. The doctor said it’s not serious; she just needs to rest quietly for a while, and then we’ll see.”

 

Liang Qi placed her hand over the back of Jiang Yuan’s hand and comforted her, “It’s good that it’s not serious. Yuan Yuan, don’t worry too much; your aunt will be fine. If you need any help, just tell me.”

 

Jiang Yuan smiled and said, “Okay.”

 

Qiao Shuxue followed up immediately, “Yuan Yuan, Qi Qi told me about your mother. My dad works at the hospital, so I’ll ask him to keep an eye on her situation.”

 

Jiang Yuan felt a warmth in her heart. “Thank you, Sister Qiao.”

 

Qiao Shuxue replied, “No need to be so polite. Qi Qi and I have known each other since we were kids. You are Qi Qi’s good friend, so you can just call me Ah Xue like she does.”

 

“Um, Ah Xue?” Jiang Yuan asked.

 

“Mm,” Qiao Shuxue smiled slightly, “Let’s order.”

 

Aside from spicy food, Jiang Yuan didn’t have many dietary restrictions. After ordering some vegetables, she let Liang Qi and Qiao Shuxue make the remaining choices.

 

This hotpot restaurant was a chain. Liang Qi had eaten there several times before, so it wasn’t anything new to her. When ordering, her mind was entirely focused on making recommendations to Jiang Yuan.

 

“The iced jelly and brown sugar rice cakes here are delicious, especially their soybean flour. Yuan Yuan, do you want to try some?”

 

“Um, sure.”

 

“The bullfrog tastes great too.”

 

“Okay.”

 

“Also, their beef tripe and duck intestines are fresher and more tender than other places.” As Liang Qi spoke, she was already ticking off items on the menu.

 

“Mm.”

 

“And also.”

 

Jiang Yuan quickly stopped her. “Liang Qi, just order what you want to eat. You don’t always have to worry about whether I like it or not.”

 

Only then did Liang Qi realize she was being overly enthusiastic. She slapped her forehead. “That was my oversight. I’m so sorry, Yuan Yuan.”

 

With that, she quickly ticked a few more dishes and handed the menu to the waiter.

 

The food was served very quickly; in less than ten minutes, the soup base and dishes had all arrived.

 

The thick mushroom soup base was a milky white, and the aroma wafting toward them immediately whetted their appetites.

 

Liang Qi took the vegetable platter and skillfully poured it into the pot.

 

“Just a quick scald, and it’ll be ready to eat soon.”

 

Jiang Yuan was not the type of person who could watch others work for her constantly. After seeing Liang Qi busy for over ten minutes without eating a single bite, she finally stood up and took the plate. “Liang Qi, let me do it. You should eat something first.”

 

Earlier at the convenience store, Liang Qi’s stomach had been growling loudly, yet after arriving at the restaurant, she didn’t seem to be in such a hurry to eat anymore.

 

Seeing Jiang Yuan take the initiative, Liang Qi was too embarrassed to fight her for it and gave a shy smile. “Then I’ll trouble you.”

 

It was a small gesture, so Jiang Yuan didn’t give it much thought. “Your health isn’t great, so it’s better not to go hungry.”

 

Hearing this, Qiao Shuxue was startled and stopped her chopsticks. “Qi Qi, have you been feeling unwell lately?”

 

Liang Qi quickly waved her hand at Qiao Shuxue. “No, I’m just.”

 

But Jiang Yuan spoke up: “Liang Qi has a weak constitution and a bad heart. She needs to maintain a regular routine. Even if she can take medicine, she should try to avoid an onset of her condition.”

 

Qiao Shuxue was shocked. “Qi Qi, when did this happen? Why didn’t I hear you mention it?”

 

“Ahem,” Liang Qi felt guilty, “Actually, it’s not that serious, so there wasn’t much to say.”

 

“Heart disease is no small matter,” Qiao Shuxue, coming from a medical family, couldn’t help but get serious when she saw how lightly Liang Qi was taking it. “Quick, tell me, how did you—”

 

Before she could finish, she felt someone kick the tip of her toe under the table. Qiao Shuxue was confused. She swallowed and instinctively looked at Liang Qi’s face, only to find that Liang Qi was secretly winking and making faces at her.

 

As a childhood friend who grew up with Liang Qi, how could Qiao Shuxue not understand her intention? It was probably just another one of Liang Qi’s little tricks.

 

She sighed helplessly and looked at Jiang Yuan. “Yuan Yuan, this is an old problem of Qi Qi’s. It’s nothing serious, you don’t have to take it to heart.”

 

Liang Qi nodded quickly. “Yeah, it’s not serious.”

 

As soon as she finished speaking, she saw Jiang Yuan pour her a glass of hot water. “Drink it while it’s hot.”

 

That one sentence made “Little Trickster Liang” shut her mouth and obediently drink the water. A faint lingering fragrance clung to the rim of the glass, seemingly the same light floral scent as Jiang Yuan’s pocket tissues, making one feel refreshed and happy.

 

Since Jiang Yuan had to rush back to the convenience store, the hotpot meal ended quickly, lasting less than an hour. Liang Qi even felt a bit like she hadn’t had enough.

 

Before leaving, Jiang Yuan specifically went to the shop across the street to pack a portion of fried rice for Lin Ruoyan. By the time they returned to the convenience store, the clock already pointed to 8:00 PM.

 

“Sister Yan, I’m sorry, I’m back a bit late.” Jiang Yuan placed the packed dinner on the table. Looking at the time, she realized just how long they had been gone.

 

“It’s fine,” Lin Ruoyan said with no intention of blaming her, laughing as she covered her mouth. “But at this hour, it’s almost time to get off work anyway.”

 

“I’m really sorry,” the guilt in Jiang Yuan’s heart deepened, “I’ll take the next night shift.”

 

“Xiao Yuan, you don’t have to take it so seriously, I was just joking,” Lin Ruoyan said while opening the container. “Tell you what, go tidy up the warehouse for me. By the time you’re done, I’ll be finished eating.”

 

“Okay.” Jiang Yuan nodded and went to organize the warehouse, leaving Liang Qi and Qiao Shuxue standing at the front counter.

 

“You guys are waiting for Xiao Yuan to get off work, right?” Lin Ruoyan said with a light laugh. “I didn’t expect Xiao Yuan to have such good friends at school. It’s really enviable.”

 

“It’s safer to go home together at night. Sister Yan, where do you live? Why don’t you come with us?”

 

“No thanks, I’ll take the bus back to school in a bit. I live in the dorms.”

 

Only then did Liang Qi remember that Lin Ruoyan studied at the Shengjiang Media Institute. She was slightly older and could take care of herself, so they didn’t need to worry. Thus, Liang Qi didn’t pursue the conversation further.

 

Lin Ruoyan glanced at Jiang Yuan’s back in the warehouse and sighed. “It’s not easy for Xiao Yuan, working while still in high school. If you’re close to her, look out for her more often. It’s good to come and visit her when you’re free.”

 

“Don’t worry, Sister Yan. Yuan Yuan and I are good friends; we’d love to come and find her. We’re just afraid we’ll disturb your work or that you won’t be happy about us being here.”

 

“How could that be? If you want to come in the future, just come. It gets boring working here; I like it when it’s lively and crowded.”

 

Lin Ruoyan was sophisticated in her dealings. She chatted with Liang Qi at the counter for a while. By the time Jiang Yuan finished tidying the warehouse, Lin Ruoyan had finished her dinner and returned after throwing away the packaging.

 

“Sister Yan, the warehouse is organized.”

 

“Then I’ll lock up the shop. Xiao Yuan, go home early with your friends. Just let me know when you get home safe.”

 

“Mm,” Jiang Yuan nodded with a smile, “Sister Yan, you take care on the road too.”

 

After bidding farewell to Lin Ruoyan, Jiang Yuan checked the time on her phone: 8:15 PM. Seeing this, Liang Qi asked, “Going back to the hospital?”

 

Jiang Yuan put away her phone. “No, not back to the hospital. Mu Mu is looking after my mom over the weekend. I’m taking the bus home.”

 

The bus stop was not far away, just a few steps. Jiang Yuan didn’t know how Liang Qi and Qiao Shuxue had arrived, but she guessed they hadn’t taken the bus, so she spoke up: “You guys don’t need to see me off. Hurry back as well. Thank you for your help today.”

 

“Why so polite?” Liang Qi bumped Jiang Yuan with her shoulder. “Ah Xue and I have to go home too, so let’s just take the bus back together.”

 

After saying that, she winked at Qiao Shuxue. “Right, Ah Xue?”

 

Qiao Shuxue glanced at her and then turned her gaze back to Jiang Yuan’s face. “It’s not safe to take a taxi at night, so let’s take the bus together.”

 

Since both of them said so, Jiang Yuan couldn’t refuse. She nodded. “Then let’s go to the bus stop together.”

 

Just as she finished speaking, a Route 616 bus pulled up at the stop. Jiang Yuan was the first to board and swipe her card, finding a seat in the back. Liang Qi immediately sat in the seat next to her.

 

Not many people rode the inner ring bus at 8:00 PM. The carriage was empty, with only the glowing route display sign casting a sharp light. The city streetscape looked lonely and desolate under the streetlights, rushing past as the bus moved. Gazing at the scenery outside the window, Liang Qi felt a sense of bleakness for the first time.

 

Although Chengnan New Village and Fenghuali were in different locations, the bus stopped at the same station for both.

 

When they arrived at the stop, Jiang Yuan got off and said to the two of them, “You don’t need to walk me. I’ll be home soon.”

 

Liang Qi waved her phone. “Contact me when you get home then.”

 

“Mm.” Jiang Yuan’s expression softened slightly. After waving to the two of them, she turned and left.

 

Qiao Shuxue watched Jiang Yuan’s receding back, then looked at the person beside her who seemed reluctant to part, and suddenly spoke: “What? Can’t bear to let her go?”

 

Liang Qi knew she had troubled Qiao Shuxue today and quickly coaxed her, “Ah Xue, I’m sorry. Today was an unexpected situation. You won’t have to accompany me next time.”

 

Qiao Shuxue looked at her and sighed helplessly. “I say, you’re not actually trying to pursue her, are you?”

 

“How could that be? I’m just being friends with her.” It’s just that there are many types of friends.

 

“I don’t believe you.”

 

“Alright, don’t be mad. Just consider it that I owe you a favor.”

 

Naturally, Qiao Shuxue wasn’t doing it for a favor. She said to Liang Qi in a serious tone, “Qi Qi, aren’t you afraid your parents will find out? You like girls.”

 

Liang Qi held up a finger. “Keep it a secret for me.”

 

“But they will find out sooner or later,” Qiao Shuxue added.

 

“I’ll find a way to make them accept it,” Liang Qi replied.

 

Seeing her so confident, Qiao Shuxue stopped discouraging her. She repeatedly reminded her of the consequences before heading home.

 

Because it was so dark, neither of them noticed that this scene was witnessed by someone not far away.

 

That night, Liang Qi lay in bed reflecting on the day’s events. Qiao Shuxue’s concern wasn’t without reason. In her previous life, she had gone to great lengths to get Tao Huijuan to accept her and Jiang Yuan. Recalling the thrilling and absurd process of her past life, Liang Qi felt like her head was about to explode.

 

As for this life, as long as she didn’t let Tao Huijuan find out during high school, she was confident she could make Tao Huijuan accept it again.

 

With a “ding,” her thoughts were interrupted by a notification from her phone.

 

[Yuan: I’m home.]

 

Gazing at the late message, Liang Qi was momentarily dazed, an imperceptible curve appearing at the corner of her lips. Weariness swept over her in an instant. As if a heavy burden had been lifted, Liang Qi drifted into a deep sleep while clutching her phone.