The Ruthless Female Forensic Doctor's Husband-Destroying Story

Chapter 31

Chapter Thirty-Seven

As he spoke, his eyes already fell on the two drenched attendants standing behind Xu Jinrong with their hands at their sides. His expression changed slightly, and he pulled Xu Shirong a few steps to the side before lowering his voice to ask, "Was it one of Xu's men who pulled me up here?"

Xu Shirong glanced at Xu Jinrong and saw him nod at her, then turn to leave. She hummed in response.

Yang Huan slapped his forehead and sighed, "I might as well just stay in the river and feed the turtles!" As he spoke, he saw Xu Jinrong and his entourage turn to leave, so he hurriedly called out and rushed after them.

"You two heroes are truly skilled on the water. I never expected this to happen today. I'm in such a hurry that I have nothing to offer but some silver. Please accept it." As he spoke, he pulled the still dripping purse from his waist and stuffed it into the attendant's hand without even looking at it.

The two attendants dared not accept the money, claiming they were only following orders. Yang Huan pretended not to hear and continued to press on towards the fortress.

"Since it is Lord Yang's kind gesture, you two should accept it."

Xu Jinrong spoke, saying this. The two attendants then respectfully accepted it, expressing their gratitude.

Yang Huan then pretended to have just seen Xu Jinrong, feigning surprise, and chuckled, "Lord Xu is here too, what a coincidence! It's all thanks to Lord Xu's timely appearance, otherwise I would have had to go down to the Dragon Palace to have tea with the Dragon King. Why didn't you come sooner, sir, and rescue that little beggar? I wouldn't have had to embarrass myself like this."

Xu Jinrong glanced at Xu Shirong, who was not far from him, and then smiled slightly, saying, "Lord Yang, you flatter me. Since you can't swim, you still went into the water to save people. This is truly a noble act. How can it be considered shameful? I admire you very much. If there is an opportunity in the future, I hope to get to know you better."

Xu Shirong noticed that although Yang Huan had expressed his gratitude, there was a hint of reluctance in his words, indicating that he had some lingering resentment. Now, listening to Xu Jinrong's reply, which was completely discreet, she realized that he was indeed a person who kept his true abilities hidden.

Xu Jinrong glanced at Xu Shirong again before saying goodbye to Yang Huan and turning to leave with his entourage.

After Xu Jinrong had disappeared from sight, Yang Huan remembered the little beggar from earlier. He turned around to look for him, but found the ground empty except for a puddle of water. It seemed the little beggar had come to his senses and was scared, and had already sneaked away. Yang Huan cursed, "That little devil is quick to run away. I almost lost my life because of him!"

Seeing that he was still soaking wet, Xu Shirong called him back. Yang Huan then wiped the water off his face and followed her across the bridge. He didn't even ride the horse anymore, telling the servant to lead it back himself, and then squeezed into the carriage to go back.

When Madam Lu saw him return soaking wet, she was taken aback. After asking what had happened, she complained, "Jiao Niang, you didn't know any better. He was just a complete stranger, a little beggar. Why did you force him into the water? Luckily, Lord Xu happened to pass by and rescued him, otherwise, wouldn't there have been a huge mess?"

Xu Shirong hummed in agreement and remained silent, head bowed. Yang Huan glanced at her and hurriedly said, "It was just that I wanted to show off, that's why I went down. It has nothing to do with Jiao Niang."

Xu Shirong looked up at him and saw him winking and smiling at her. She was stunned and speechless for a moment.

Madam Lu chuckled, "You're usually so clever, why are you being so honest today? You can't even swim, yet you still jumped in. Nobody would believe it. Go change your clothes quickly. Although the midday sun is hot and you're sweating, it's almost Mid-Autumn Festival, and it'll get a bit chilly in the evening. Staying wet for too long might make you catch a cold."

Yang Huan laughed and said, "You've caught a cold like this? Do you think I'm some kind of clay figure?" He stopped mid-sentence, glanced at Xu Shirong to the side, shut his mouth, and went downstairs to change his clothes with a grin.

Because she was leaving early the next morning, she had to pack her things today. She put away everything she had brought with her, and with the new things she had bought today and the satin and food that Madam Lu had given her, she filled a whole cart. After Xu Shirong saw that everything was packed, she returned to her room, only to find Yang Huan already lying on the bed.

The two had slept in the same bed for the past few nights. Although Yang Huan hadn't done anything, she herself was quite tense, and her eyelids always felt heavy the next morning. She only felt better after taking a nap. So when she got up this morning and found his hands and legs on top of her again, she was instantly furious and had already told him not to get in the bed again. Now, seeing him lying there blankly, seemingly preoccupied, she was quite surprised to see him like this, and the words to kick him out stuck in her throat.

"Jiaoniang, you're back!"

Xu Shirong stood there for a long time before Yang Huan suddenly seemed to realize what was happening. He immediately composed himself, sat up, and grinned at her.

Xu Shirong hummed in agreement and was about to speak when Yang Huan patted the edge of the bed next to him, gesturing for her to come and sit down.

Xu Shirong was full of suspicion. Although she didn't know what he wanted to do, she still sat down.

As soon as she sat down, Yang Huan's face showed the same sorrowful expression as before, and he let out a long sigh.

What exactly are you doing?

Xu Shirong frowned and asked.

Yang Huan sighed again, then looked at her and whispered, "If I really drown today, what will you do?"

Xu Shirong was stunned, speechless.

"Sigh. I know I'm a scoundrel. I never really realized it before, but after this brush with death, I've suddenly come to understand a lot. If I really drowned, I wouldn't expect you to shed a tear for me, much less remain a widow. You're still young, go marry someone better and forget about me..."

As he spoke, he gently took her hand, his face filled with grief.

Xu Shirong was about to pull her hand away when she heard his low voice and his heartbroken expression. Suddenly, she remembered his usual carefree smile, and a soft spot in her heart seemed to be touched. She sighed and finally let him hold her hand, saying softly, "What are you thinking? You're doing fine, aren't you? Why are you cursing yourself for no reason?"

Yang Huan glanced at her and saw her gentle expression as she softly comforted him. He desperately held back a grin, tightened his grip on her hand, and continued in a low voice, "Jiaoniang, I mean it. If I really die, please don't be sad..."

"Alright, alright, let's not talk about that anymore. You've been frightened today, you should get some rest."

As Xu Shirong spoke, she pressed him down and pulled the thin quilt up to cover his abdomen.

"And what about you?"

Seeing that she was about to get up, Yang Huan grabbed her hand again and asked softly.

Xu Shirong saw his eyes shining brightly in the candlelight, gazing at her expectantly, just like the Pekingese her family used to have when she was a little girl. Her heart softened immediately, and she sighed, saying, "You go to sleep first. I was just unpacking with the maids and I'm a little sweaty. I'll take a bath and come back."

Yang Huan said "Oh," and then let go. Xu Shirong smiled at him before standing up. After taking a few steps, she felt something was amiss, but couldn't quite put her finger on it.

Seeing that Xu Shirong had left the room, Yang Huan realized his scheme had succeeded and he could once again share a bed with her. He took her pillow, pressed it against his face, and chuckled to himself for a long time. After a while, he heard footsteps outside and knew she had returned. He quickly composed himself and resumed his somber act.

Xu Shirong took a bath and wore an undergarment. Her hair was still a little wet. When she returned to her room, she began to dry herself with a cloth. Upon seeing this, Yang Huan hurriedly got out of bed, snatched the cloth from her, and began to rub it for her.

"I heard from Little Sparrow today that you fell into the river once before? This time I pushed you in, but last time someone pushed you in too, didn't they?"

Xu Shirong sat on the stool and saw him standing behind her, wiping diligently. Remembering what had happened that day, she asked him about it.

She had only asked casually, but Yang Huan was startled. He tightened his grip and tugged at her hair. Xu Shirong cried out in pain and hurriedly blew on her hair. She stammered, "It's nothing... Who would dare push me in? I just slipped on the side of the boat and fell in headfirst."

Xu Shirong turned to look at him, and asked in surprise, "I was just asking casually, why are you so nervous?"

Yang Huan hummed twice, then suddenly remembered the matter that had been bothering him since he returned today. He quickly changed the subject, saying, "That guy surnamed Xu today, I saw him staring at you the whole time. From now on, stay away from him and don't talk to him. I think he has ill intentions."

Xu Shirong turned to look at him again, a half-smile on her face, and said, "If you hadn't mentioned it, I would have forgotten about it. Speaking of which, I just remembered. Today on the street, I noticed your eyes were constantly staring at other girls."

Yang Huan was embarrassed and retorted, "Both of my eyes were glued to you, how could I have an extra one to look at anyone else? You must be overthinking it. Besides, even if I accidentally glanced at him, I would have forgotten about it immediately. Unlike that guy, who looked like he wanted to devour you whole, making me furious. If I hadn't been so unlucky today, being dragged onto the river by his men, I would have definitely given him a piece of my mind!"

Reminded by him, Xu Shirong recalled her recent encounters with Xu Jinrong and a strange feeling suddenly arose in her heart. Hearing Yang Huan still rambling on, she frowned slightly and said, "Today I finally owe him a favor. My hair is dry, so I'll go to bed early and get some rest. We have to travel early tomorrow morning."