After Divorce: Why My Aloof Ex Starts Chasing Me?-Chapter 58 Don’t Be a Stranger

To accommodate Jiang Zhixun’s work schedule, Sister-in-law Wang arrived early, reaching the hospital room before dawn.

She initially thought of bringing some food along but worried it might put pressure on Jiang Zhixun and Shen Qingqing, so she decided to eat with them in the cafeteria instead.

Whatever Shen Qingqing wanted to eat, she would go fetch it from the cafeteria.

"Xiao Shen, I’ll take care of things here. You go ahead and focus on your work."

Jiang Zhixun glanced at the time. "After training, I’ll bring breakfast over. Sister-in-law, you just keep an eye on her for me."

"That works. In that case, I won’t head to the cafeteria."

Sister-in-law Wang wanted to give Jiang Zhixun some chances to show his care, so she avoided taking over the tasks.

Jiang Zhixun instructed Shen Qingqing, "Lie down properly and don’t move around. If you need anything, just tell Sister-in-law, don’t force yourself out of misplaced guilt."

A fracture is no minor issue. It must be properly rested, or there could be serious secondary injuries.

With Sister-in-law Wang present, Shen Qingqing’s attitude toward Jiang Zhixun was somewhat acceptable.

"Go quickly, don’t be late."

Jiang Zhixun also wanted to leave promptly, but he just couldn’t set his mind at ease.

Although he had already said everything that needed saying, he still didn’t want to step out of the hospital room until the very last second.

He glanced at Shen Qingqing’s hand. The needle marks were obvious, accompanied by a small patch of purple bruising—a sign of prolonged IV drips.

In no time, she would need another round of IV drips.

Jiang Zhixun began to worry again.

In the end, he nagged one more time. "If you feel cold during the IV, there’s hot water in the thermos. You can pour it into a cup to warm your hands."

Sister-in-law Wang couldn’t help but laugh and cry at the same time. "Go on to your training already. By the time you’re done and back, the IV might not even be started yet. You can nag all you want then."

Feeling a bit embarrassed, Jiang Zhixun nodded. "Sister-in-law, I’ll have to trouble you."

"No need for formalities. Hurry and go, don’t be late."

After casting one last glance at Shen Qingqing, and seeing she had no intention of speaking, Jiang Zhixun reluctantly left the hospital room, turning back to look every few steps.

Seeing this, Sister-in-law Wang asked Shen Qingqing, "I can tell, Xiao Jiang knows he was wrong and is willing to change. Do you think you could give him a chance?"

Shen Qingqing shook her head. "That’s just how he is. He’s doing all this simply out of responsibility, nothing more."

"But when we marry, aren’t we supposed to prioritize choosing a man who’s responsible?"

Shen Qingqing agreed with that.

But living as a couple requires more than just responsibility and accountability. It needs other things to sustain it.

"Sister-in-law, please don’t try to persuade me anymore."

Sister-in-law Wang knew Jiang Zhixun had already submitted the divorce papers, and with Shen Qingqing being this resolute, it seemed this matter wouldn’t easily blow over.

"Alright, I won’t say more. Just focus on getting better. In the meantime, give Xiao Jiang some of his own medicine. Not coming home to visit for such a long time? He deserves it."

Most people, when given the chance for home leave, are thrilled to go home.

But not him. With such a beautiful wife at home, he managed not to return for three whole years.

Sister-in-law Wang began to doubt herself. Could Xiao Jiang really only feel responsibility toward Xiao Shen?

If there was even a shred of romantic affection, it was hard to believe he could hold a grudge for three years!

When it comes to marriage, life won’t stray far from good when you marry a responsible man.

But men with two legs are everywhere—and many of them are responsible, considerate, and know how to cherish their wives.

With Xiao Shen’s outstanding qualities, there was really no need for her to cling to a crooked tree.

In a heartfelt tone, she said, "If you truly can’t make it work, don’t force yourself. But if you happen to change your mind and don’t want a divorce, don’t feel embarrassed about it either. People’s thoughts change daily, and it’s perfectly normal. Don’t get stuck on a single idea—just follow your heart."

Shen Qingqing vigorously nodded. "Sister-in-law, you’re absolutely right. I’ll remember that."

The two chatted in the hospital room. To pass the time, Sister-in-law Wang even brought along her needlework and started knitting a sweater.

By the time New Year’s came around, there’d be new clothes to wear.

The sweater Shen Qingqing wore before was quite attractive, but Jiang Zhixun washed it and somehow managed to misplace it while drying.

Sister-in-law Wang still remembered the design of that sweater and asked her, "Did you knit it yourself or buy it?"

"I knit it myself."

Good-quality yarn cost over twenty yuan per pound.

Yet one sweater could last for many years, so when spread out over time, it wasn’t expensive.

Shen Qingqing could earn her own money—and a significant amount at that. When it came to food and clothing, she never skimped on herself.

The clothes she bought were all of high quality and stylish designs.

To match her outfits, she also bought several pairs of nice shoes.

Some were flat, some had heels, and others were leather boots suitable for rain and snow.

While in Beijing, many people assumed she was spending Jiang Zhixun’s money.

Some even subtly or openly reminded her to practice thrift and frugality.

They said that a woman who knows how to manage a household is the kind of woman men like...

Sister-in-law Wang didn’t notice the flicker of emotion in Shen Qingqing’s eyes and complimented, "You’re really talented with your hands. If you weren’t injured, I’d shamelessly ask you to teach me some new knitting techniques."

As she spoke, Sister-in-law Wang glanced at Shen Qingqing’s hands.

These hands could both earn money holding a pen and handle household chores. And on top of that, she was so beautiful. Just what was she lacking?

Clearing her throat, Sister-in-law Wang gravely said, "Your hands are so valuable; you must take good care of them!"

Shen Qingqing appreciated her goodwill and replied, "Once I can move around, I’ll draw you a few diagrams and jot down some instructions. You can follow the steps when you need them."

Sister-in-law Wang was astonished. "You can draw too?"

Shen Qingqing shyly nodded. "Just a little bit."

"Even if it’s just a little, that’s already amazing!"

What’s more, knowing Shen Qingqing’s modest demeanor, Sister-in-law Wang guessed that she was likely understating her abilities.

Admiration was written all over Sister-in-law Wang’s face.

Where could one find another woman like this?

She could hold her own in all areas—elegant in public, skilled in domestic affairs, independent, and full of talents.

Who knows what other extraordinary skills she might have?

Sister-in-law Wang had never met such an impressive woman.

She sighed once again: Xiao Jiang truly suffered a loss this time!

The world isn’t short of smart people. If another man saw the opportunity, he’d definitely pursue Xiao Shen.

With Xiao Jiang’s unique job, he couldn’t see Xiao Shen every day.

It wouldn’t be surprising if, right after the divorce, Xiao Shen found someone else.

At that point, it would be his turn to feel the pain!

As they continued to chat, Sister-in-law Wang opened up more and even managed to gather quite a lot from Shen Qingqing.

Shen Qingqing’s parents were intellectuals who emphasized her upbringing.

From a young age, she learned foreign languages and various skills.

In addition to drawing, she could also play the violin and dance...

The more Sister-in-law Wang listened, the more serious her expression became.

"Your hands are so precious. I need to tell Xiao Jiang to be extra careful when taking care of you."

Shen Qingqing couldn’t help but laugh.

"As long as it doesn’t interfere with normal work and life, it’s fine."

"It definitely won’t interfere. Don’t worry."

While they talked, an elderly lady from the neighboring hospital room came over to check on Shen Qingqing. Seeing that she had company, the lady was reassured.

"The young man was worried about you, so he asked me to come by from time to time. If there’s anything you need, just let us know. We’ll help take care of things for a soldier’s family."

If this kind gesture came in a different setting, Shen Qingqing might have been more guarded.

But here, she only felt moved.

She thanked the elderly lady profusely.

Time passed quickly, and Jiang Zhixun finally returned with breakfast and some snacks.

As planned, he gave Sister-in-law Wang the malted milk powder and the rest to the elderly neighbor.

Sister-in-law Wang declined. "It’s all just little favors; there’s no need to be so formal."

She placed the malted milk powder on the bedside table. "If Xiao Shen gets hungry, I’ll make her a cup. I’ll have some myself, too. But if you give it all to me, I might refuse to come tomorrow to help watch Xiao Shen."