Qi Taiguo certainly couldnāt accompany Chiang Qing on her shopping trip; where does he stand? Not to mention, this is purely a private matter, and as a married man already labeled as someoneās property, Qi Taiguo was aware of that.
"Doctor Chiang, I donāt think that would be appropriate. If you need, I can arrange for a sentry to take you to the city for shopping," Qi Taiguo refused, his face devoid of any smile.
Chiang Qingās smiling face slightly retracted, and she said, "I thought as the person who saved Commander Qiās life, he would agree to such a small request. Seems I thought too much." After a pause, she added, "These past few days, it seems that Commander Qi has been intentionally avoiding me. Could it be that I have done something to cause a misunderstanding?"
Seeing her look so sorrowful and doubtful, Qi Taiguo wondered, did he think too much?
"Youāre thinking too much, Doctor Chiang. Thereās no such thing," he said with an embarrassed smile.
Chiang Qing bit her lip, looking aggrieved, "Could it be because of the other day when I returned your clothes and caused a misunderstanding with your sister-in-law? If thatās the case, I can explain."
Qi Taiguo thought for a moment then said, "Thatās not it. But as a married man, I should keep a distance from Doctor Chiang to avoid idle gossip, which isnāt good for either of us."
Chiang Qing frowned, "I canāt understand what Commander Qi is saying. We have been upright in our behavior and havenāt done anything inappropriate. How could this lead to gossip? Those who spread such rumors are probably just paranoid. I am not afraid."
Youāre not afraid, but I am!
Qi Taiguo inwardly chuckled wryly, not wanting to continue this discussion, he said, "Itās all about guiding the way and carrying things. Iāll call a sentry now to run errands for Doctor Chiang. Excuse me!"
With that, without waiting for Chiang Qing to respond, he turned and swiftly walked away.
Chiang Qing clenched her teeth in anger.
After making herself clear, he still didnāt understand; who cares about some errand-running sentry?
"Doctor Chiang? Is there anything I can help with?" Dong Jun came up with a smile, "I happen to be free and can help you."
Chiang Qing cursed Qi Taiguo in her heart but responded to Dong Jun with a beaming smile, "Great!"
Having escaped from Chiang Qing, Qi Taiguo took a deep breath of relief.
"Old Qi." Gao Linbing caught up to him, poked his waist, and asked, "What was Doctor Chiang talking to you about just now? You lucky guy, it seems Doctor Chiang has a soft spot for you!"
Qi Taiguoās face turned stern, "What lucky guy, stop talking nonsense."
"Isnāt it true? Doctor Chiang has been here for a while and always has an icy demeanor ā indifferent and proud ā to everybody except you, guy. Sheās all smiles with you; isnāt that a special regard?" Gao Linbing said, cocking his eyebrow.
Qi Taiguoās frown deepened, "Really?"
Gao Linbing nodded then teased, "What, youāre not having a soft spot for her, are you? Let me tell you..."
"Nonsense, what soft spot? Iām a married man!" Qi Taiguo glared at him, saying, "Donāt say such things again in the future, or Iāll have to deal with you."
"Look at you, Iām just worried youāre getting seduced by beauty," Gao Linbing said with an embarrassed smirk.
Qi Taiguo replied, "My wife gets jealous, so donāt let her hear you say that."
Gao Linbing sneered mischievously, about to speak when Long Shaoguang rushed over, saying, "Big news, guess what I just saw?"
They both looked over.
Long Shaoguang said with a gossiping tone, "I saw Deputy Battalion Commander Dong driving Doctor Chiang out."
Qi Taiguo and Gao Linbing exchanged glances, each observing the contemplation in the otherās eyes.