Chapter 16: There Are Others with the Surname Li
Zhang Xiluo stood at the doorway, feeling foolish for letting her imagination run wild.
“Sister-in-law, you shouldn’t be wandering around right now,” Li Zhan said kindly when he turned and saw her lingering at the entrance. “It’s easy to catch a chill. Go back to bed.”
The man with the surname Li was handsome—not only Li Mingye, but Li Zhan as well.
“As you command, Doctor Li,” Zhang Xiluo replied, glancing at his white coat and instantly understanding his purpose.
“I’ve reviewed your records. It appears to be a transient loss of consciousness. Nothing serious—just make sure to rest and keep your spirits up,” Li Zhan, now working in this hospital’s neurology department, said.
“If there’s no issue, I’d like to go home. I can’t sleep here.”
“Not just yet. You can’t be discharged today, but I’ll prepare the paperwork so you can leave first thing tomorrow morning.”
“All right, thank you.”
Li Zhan was truly pleasant to talk to; conversation with him felt effortless.
Early the next morning, Zhang Xiluo completed her discharge and only upon arriving home did she learn her parents were away on a week-long business trip.
She showered, curled up on the sofa, and messaged Zhou Yao to cancel that week’s piano lesson.
Zhou Yao didn’t reply, so Zhang Xiluo didn’t press further; instead, she chatted with Jiang Xueting about gossip.
Eventually, their conversation turned to dinner plans—a celebration for Zhang Xiluo’s discharge, and a welcome for Xu Xinyi.
Jiang Xueting booked a newly opened Thai restaurant and sent Zhang Xiluo the location.
When she arrived, Xu Xinyi was already there, giving Zhang Xiluo a thorough inspection from head to toe.
“You scared me! When you have time, let’s do a full check-up,” Xu Xinyi said.
“Sure.”
Three women together made for lively conversation.
“Excuse me, here’s our signature tom yum soup,”
The private room door opened and Zhou Yao walked in, carrying a tray. Even the Southeast Asian floral shirt she wore couldn’t hide her pure beauty.
Whoever said that shirt was tacky?
Zhang Xiluo thought it was quite fashionable!
Zhou Yao saw Zhang Xiluo as well, her gaze evasive as she nodded slightly.
When she set the pot down, some soup splashed onto her fair hand, instantly raising a blister.
After she left, Xu Xinyi couldn’t help but ask, “Xiluo, do you know her?”
“Yes, Li Mingye’s new flame.” She wanted to say true love, but thought better of it.
“Should I go teach her a lesson? So young and already playing mistress!” Jiang Xueting rolled up her sleeves, ready for action.
Zhang Xiluo quickly held her back. “Don’t make trouble—I’d rather they be madly in love.”
“Are you really planning to divorce him?”
“Of course.”
Zhang Xiluo’s resolve was unwavering, and both Jiang Xueting and Xu Xinyi felt happy for her, piling her plate with food and eagerly discussing the future joys of singlehood.
By the time dinner ended, it was nearly ten. Zhang Xiluo asked Xiao Zhao to drive her home. As soon as she stepped out of the car, she saw Li Mingye’s vehicle.
Li Mingye’s arm hung out the window, holding a cigarette. He always did that—never actually smoked, just watched it burn slowly.
Zhang Xiluo pretended not to notice, searching for her keys in her bag.
“Why didn’t you tell me you were discharged? Made me waste a trip,” Li Mingye said, putting out the cigarette and stepping out elegantly.
“I didn’t know you’d go. There was nothing wrong, so I just left,” Zhang Xiluo replied, surprised Li Mingye had gone to see her.
“Get in the car. Time to go home,” Li Mingye commanded.
“I’ve already explained to Mom—I’ll be staying at my parents’ for a while,” Zhang Xiluo refused.
“I don’t want to say it again.”
“Neither do I!”
Unwilling to argue, Zhang Xiluo headed straight for her door, pulled out her key, and was about to unlock it when Li Mingye snatched it away.
“Give me the key!” Zhang Xiluo frowned, not understanding what had gotten into this infuriating man.
Li Mingye gripped the key, his expression darkening. “Will you go on your own, or do I have to take action?”