TTLJDFL Chapter 44

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Li Jin did not take the scented letter.

He maintained his calm and composed demeanor, as he always did with patients, not even frowning at the girl's words.

In his past life, he had encountered many similar situations and was completely unfazed.

Although he disliked strong fragrances, his heightened sensitivity to scents allowed him to immediately recognize it.

It was the same perfume worn by the top courtesan from Piaoxiang Courtyard last month.

Seeing that Li Jin remained silent, Zhou Gui understood his stance. Following the clinic's usual protocol, he asked, "Do you have any discomfort?"

Which translated to: "If you're sick, seek treatment. If not, leave."

Zhou Gui had seen many people trying to use illness as an excuse to get close to doctors when he worked under Doctor Wu.

Doctor Wu’s approach was simple—he would drive them away without saying another word.

He should take a look at his age—he's old enough to be these young girls' grandfather, yet there are still people who want to marry him.

Li Jin, following the habits he carried over from his past life, would only dismiss people after confirming that they did not require medical treatment.

Of course, if someone truly needed medical attention, he would still fulfill his duty to heal and save lives.

This approach might not align with the views of ancient times, but it was simply Li Jin's habit.

Back when he chose to become a doctor, on his first day of school and his first day on the job, he had taken an oath never to give up on any life easily.

The girl in the pink dress did not understand Li Jin’s principles. She was briefly stunned by Zhou Gui’s question before responding, “I’m not unwell. I came to deliver a letter to Doctor Li.”

Li Jin spoke directly, “I don’t accept letters. You may leave.”

Zhou Gui, familiar with his rules, raised his voice and called, “Next!”

The young girl still wanted to say something, but the next patient was already behind her, waiting for her to stand up and give up the seat.

It wouldn’t do for the town’s wealthiest men to hear that the top courtesan of Piaoxiangyuan Courtyard was sending letters to another man. Otherwise, they wouldn’t be willing to spend money on her anymore.

The girl’s eyes widened, on the verge of tears, looking as if she had been terribly wronged.

Li Jin saw this but remained unmoved. He was just a doctor—he did not offer any other services.

The girl covered her face and ran off.

At the same time, Qin Muwen, who was inside the inner hall, had also witnessed this scene. He didn’t know who that girl was, but from her coy demeanor, he could guess what was going on.

So, there was a girl in town who fancied Ah Jin…

Qin Muwen hadn’t expected this. If she were a girl from a proper family, why would she come to the clinic alone instead of sending a matchmaker?

However, Li Jin’s consistently indifferent attitude gave Qin Muwen great comfort.

He had always considered himself undemanding, believing he had no desire to monopolize his husband’s affections. After all, wanting exclusivity would mean committing the ‘jealousy’ offense listed among the ‘Seven Grounds for Divorce.’

Qin Muwen tried to suppress his jealousy, yet he still felt deeply saddened.

As expected, he was still jealous.

Fortunately, it was the Mid-Autumn Festival, and by noon, the number of patients had dwindled.

Li Jin wrote a few prescriptions, explained the differences to Zhou Gui, and then, feeling restless, lifted the curtain and stepped into the inner hall.

Just then, the shopkeeper had sent someone over with red date porridge and some sweet pastries.

The maid who brought the food was chatty. “I’ve long heard that Doctor Li dotes on his husband, who is a great beauty. Now, I finally see it for myself.”

Li Jin knew this girl was betrothed to Zhou Gui, so her source of information was obvious.

Thus, he said, “Zhou Gui, it’s clear you haven’t been properly memorizing the prescriptions I assigned. Write them out twenty times as punishment.”

Zhou Gui instantly pulled a long face. “Doctor Li, she forced me to say it! I wasn’t gossiping on my own.”

The maid, who had a cheerful personality, laughed. “I was just curious! Not only did Doctor Wu say so, but even the shopkeeper and his wife said that Doctor Li is a good man who dotes on his husband. That’s why I begged Zhou Gui to tell me more.”

After a pause, she added, “Doctor Li, punish him however you like. The madam still needs attending to, so I’ll be on my way.”

Hearing their conversation, Qin Muwen felt a bit nervous, and his earlier sadness had disappeared without a trace.

However, he secretly agreed—Ah Jin really did spoil him. He always made sure his bathwater was warm and often brought back little trinkets for him.

Not just other husbands in the village, even Xiao An was envious of him.

Now, no one in the village thought he had married the wrong person. Even Li Dazhuang once said that if Li Jin weren’t already married, he would have wanted to give his own sister to him.

After the maid left, Zhou Gui busied himself sorting herbs in the outer hall, leaving only Li Jin and Qin Muwen in the inner hall.

Li Jin sat beside the young man, picked up the bowl of red date porridge, scooped up a spoonful, and said, “Open your mouth.”

Qin Muwen froze. Li Jin had fed him before—right after he had given birth to their little one, Li Jin had spoon-fed him soup.

But… but there were still people outside…

Qin Muwen could even hear the wooden drawers creaking as Zhou Gui pulled them open to sort the medicine.

However, when it came to the person he loved, he had always been soft-hearted.

In the end, he just blushed and obediently opened his mouth, eating half the bowl of porridge.

Li Jin knew his usual appetite and didn’t push him. After setting the bowl down, he said, “Eat a little more in the future.”

Qin Muwen nodded. His figure was slender, and as he sat in the dimly lit inner hall, his slight shyness made him lower his head slightly, revealing a stretch of fair, delicate neck.

In the faintly dim background, his cool, white skin was particularly eye-catching.

Li Jin suddenly had the urge to pull him into his arms, lean close to his neck, and kiss him.

When the thought first emerged, Li Jin himself was a little surprised.

Qin Muwen might be a ‘ger’ (a male capable of giving birth), but he was still a man. When he had delivered their child, he had seen that Qin Muwen possessed everything a man should.

Li Jin thought, he had never been opposed to same-sex relationships, but in his 29 years of life, he had never liked anyone. Even if he had needs, he had always handled them himself.

Back then, the campus belle who had pursued him for eight years had finally given up in frustration, saying, “Li Jin, are you asexual?”

Li Jin hadn’t answered because, at the time, he wasn’t sure himself.

With medical books and cases to keep him company, his days had been fulfilling enough.

But now, Li Jin realized that he genuinely felt… desire for another man.

As for whether his feelings were love, sympathy, or simply concern, Li Jin, who had never been in love, found it difficult to distinguish.

Li Jin thought—there was still a long road ahead. He wasn’t in a hurry; he had plenty of time to figure out his feelings.

This was a medical clinic, so Li Jin wouldn’t do anything inappropriate. He simply raised his hand and gently rubbed Qin Muwen’s neck.

His calloused fingertips applied just the right amount of pressure, carrying the unmistakable control and possessiveness of a grown man.

Qin Muwen was only momentarily surprised when Li Jin's hand reached out, but he quickly relaxed and submitted to his touch.

With Li Jin’s hand resting against the side of his neck, his eyes seemed to glisten with moisture as he gazed at Li Jin.

Li Jin felt extremely pleased. If another patient hadn't arrived just then, he might have found it difficult to control himself and would have done something more.

What Li Jin didn’t know was that, after hearing Zhou Gui call for the next patient and watching Li Jin leave, Qin Muwen suddenly felt as though he had no strength left and collapsed onto the table.

His exposed neck was tinged with a slight redness—whether from Li Jin’s touch or from his own shyness, it was unclear.

—

Meanwhile, in Lingmei’s room at Piaoxiang Courtyard.

The madam brought over a set of exquisite and vibrant garments, saying, “You must perform well tonight. You’ve been resting for so long due to your health, but if you don’t put on a good show, the patrons will soon forget about you.”

Lingmei agreed obediently, “Yes, Madam.”

After the madam left, Lingmei looked at the outfit and revealed a venomous expression.

She no longer wanted to spend her days flattering and serving men. She wanted to redeem herself, marry a respectable man, have children, and live a peaceful life.

In the past, she had never considered this path. After all, once she was freed, she wouldn’t have as much silver to spend on the finest rouge, powders, and silk garments.

But ever since she had seen Li Jin at the medical clinic that day, her thoughts had changed.

What was so bad about washing hands to prepare meals? If it was for the person she liked, what harm was there in doing these things?

Her maid soon returned but accidentally bumped into the madam on the way in.

The madam scolded, “So clumsy! Hurry and help your lady change her clothes!”

The maid quickly bowed and entered the room.

Lingmei’s eyes lit up when she saw her and asked eagerly, “Did you deliver the letter?”

The letter had been scented with her signature fragrance—there was no way Li Jin wouldn’t recognize it.

The maid’s eyes instantly reddened as she knelt on the floor, her voice trembling. “Li Jin… he refused to accept it!”

Lingmei took a step back and sat down heavily on the bed.

It was as if she had just heard something earth-shattering. “What?”

The maid explained, “It was in the medical clinic, so I didn’t dare mention your name. I only said it was a letter from my lady, but he still wouldn’t take it!”

Lingmei frowned and said, “You could have whispered my name to him! This is my fault—I’ve been recuperating after my miscarriage and arguing with the madam, refusing to entertain guests. Li Jin must have forgotten my scent because he hasn’t seen me recently.”

The maid quickly apologized, “It was my mistake. I completely forgot to quietly tell Doctor Li your name.”

Lingmei sighed. “Forget it. I originally planned to tell him today, on the Mid-Autumn Festival, that I wanted to redeem myself. If he was also willing to divorce his spouse, I would redeem myself and marry him immediately.”

Lingmei thought to herself that she knew Li Jin was poor, so she had already prepared the silver for her own redemption. She even had some extra savings to buy a few plots of land.

If Li Jin knew this, he had no reason not to marry her.

After all, she was the person Li Jin had loved for so long, and she came with her own ‘dowry’—even having extra money to provide him with ink, paper, and brushes.

Lingmei smiled. “I am truly giving up everything to live a frugal life with him. He should be overjoyed.”

The maid hesitated. “Miss, if you follow him, you will have to suffer in the future.”

Lingmei replied, “So what if I suffer? Last time, when he diagnosed me at the clinic, he clearly realized I was pregnant but chose to protect my reputation by keeping it a secret.

“He even went out of his way to publicly clear my name, proving that I wasn’t suffering from a venereal disease.

“Although he pretended not to recognize me at the time, I already understood his true feelings.”

The maid was shocked. “Miss, you truly have feelings for him? Is that why you haven’t been seeing guests lately?”

Lingmei hesitated before responding, “Love? Perhaps. I was genuinely happy when he protected me.”

Happier than when wealthy merchants threw dozens of taels of silver just to make her smile.

If Zhou Gui knew about this, he would probably scratch his head and say, “Those were just Doctor Li’s professional ethics.”

He had been taught never to disclose a patient’s privacy and to ensure that his words and actions did not bring harm or scandal to them.

Of course, Zhou Gui had only learned these principles after following Li Jin for some time.

That was also why Doctor Wu and the shopkeeper never underestimated Li Jin despite his young age; instead, they treated him as an equal.

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