substitute marriage favor

Chapter 12: Unable to Resist Loneliness

Yang Limei's surgical plan was set. Given her prolonged coma, some of her health metrics weren’t up to par. She needed treatment for a period until her levels stabilized enough for surgery.

Ye Qinru felt slightly reassured, knowing that with Gu Shenyan overseeing everything, the operation would be in good hands.

The doctors in the medical team were among the best in the world. She had heard of them before but never imagined she’d meet them in such circumstances.

"What are you thinking about?"

Gu Shenyan emerged from the bathroom, toweling his hair dry, and saw Ye Qinru lost in thought at the vanity.

"Oh, nothing," she replied, standing up and taking the towel from him to dry his hair herself.

Gu Shenyan, enjoying the pampering, sat down and let her fingers massage his scalp.

"Gu Shenyan," Ye Qinru called softly.

"Yes? But it’d be better if you called me ‘husband,’" he replied, eyes closed.

"I'm not used to it," she said, a bit embarrassed.

Gu Shenyan turned to look at her. "Since we’ve agreed to be together, you need to start with how you address me. Otherwise, what will the Gu family think if you call me by my full name?"

She bit her lip and hesitantly said, "H-husband."

"See? Say it twice, and you’ll get used to it," he chuckled, closing his eyes again, secretly delighted.

"What were you going to say?"

"I was wondering if you’ve ever seen a psychologist for your...issue."

Gu Shenyan paused, understanding what she meant, and couldn’t help but find it amusing.

"You mean my ‘condition’?"

"Yes. Problems in that area can be psychological or physiological. If you’ve been checked and there’s no physical issue, it’s likely psychological," Ye Qinru suggested earnestly. "You shouldn’t feel embarrassed. If there’s a problem, it should be treated."

"I don’t trust anyone else," he said nonchalantly. "You know the rumors. If I saw a doctor, it’d just fuel more gossip. I have my pride."

"But if you don’t treat it, it could worsen," she persisted. "Maybe that’s why you don’t like women? I don’t mean to belittle gay people, but you’re hurting your family by continuing this way."

She wondered if his ex-wife had been driven mad by his condition. Women couldn't live in a sexless marriage indefinitely, but she owed him.

"Why, do you care?" Gu Shenyan tilted his head, looking at her.

In the warm light, his face was strikingly handsome, almost godlike in its perfection. When he looked at her, she felt her breath catch, thinking, "This man is unbelievably handsome. What a pity he’s gay."

"Why aren’t you saying anything?"

"I care about you," she said, moving her gaze away.

"Wife, aren’t you a medical student?"

He smirked. "I don’t trust other doctors, but I trust you."

"Huh?"

She was taken aback. "But I don’t specialize in men’s health or psychology."

If she were a psychologist, she wouldn’t be struggling with her trauma.

"Apply your knowledge," he said, taking her hand. "I’m willing to be your patient."

"Alright, I’ll try," she agreed, though not feeling very confident. She thought that maybe treating his psychological issues could help her with her own trauma.

Seeing her agree, Gu Shenyan smiled, "Wife, you’re the best."

He had maneuvered her into this role. If she discovered he wasn’t gay and only liked women, he wondered how she would react.

...

Ye Qinru was proactive. She started reading books on psychology and consulting with school psychologists and professors.

"Qinru, why the sudden interest in psychology?" Lin Xiaoya asked, puzzled.

"Being a psychologist isn’t a bad career. If I can’t handle the operating room after graduation, I might switch," she joked.

"That makes sense," Lin Xiaoya nodded. "How’s your mom?"

Ye Qinru had finally secured Yang Limei’s placement, free from her family's control.

"The doctors say her health is improving. Once she’s ready, they’ll operate. Brain surgery isn’t something to take lightly."

Ye Qinru visited her mother daily, chatting to aid her recovery.

"That’s good. Qinru, marrying into the Gu family was a blessing in disguise."

Lin Xiaoya clicked her tongue. "If Gu Shenyan were a normal man, you’d have hit the jackpot."

"I’ve never resented him," Ye Qinru sighed. She had shared her past with Gu Shenyan, and his acceptance had deeply touched her.

"For now, maybe. But you might get lonely."

Lin Xiaoya joked, knowing Ye Qinru wasn’t the type to stray. If she could date a scumbag like He Shengming for three years and only leave when he cheated, she wasn’t likely to be unfaithful.

"Oh, stop it!"

Ye Qinru pinched Lin Xiaoya playfully. "A woman doesn’t need love to survive."

"True," Lin Xiaoya agreed, then mentioned, "Did you hear He Shengming’s company went bankrupt? Chen Keyi dumped him for another rich guy."

Ye Qinru froze momentarily. "His affairs don’t concern me. He’s reaping what he sowed."

Their three-year relationship felt like a joke now. She couldn’t believe she’d loved He Shengming for so long, despite Lin Xiaoya’s warnings.

Maybe she should thank Chen Keyi for exposing He Shengming's true nature, saving her from further heartache.

"Be careful, Qinru. If He Shengming comes back, don’t give him the time of day."

Lin Xiaoya warned her, fearing she might be deceived again.

Ye Qinru shook her head. "Don’t worry. Once bitten, twice shy. I’m not that naive."