Volume One, Chapter Three: Divorce Is Fine, But First Find the Next Partner

A sudden shiver ran through Yaxuan’s heart as she softly replied. Though her words were candid, they reflected the truth.

Lan Bai, frustrated and disappointed, scolded her, “You gave up your chance to do business by the coast for Lin Jingsheng years ago, then quit your job after having children, almost risking your life in the process. You’ve managed the household for twenty-five years, and this is how he treats you?”

“Yaxuan, where has your pride gone?”

“I know. I’ve already filed for divorce.”

She couldn’t stay in this home another day.

“Divorce is fine, but you mustn’t lose a single thing that’s rightfully yours. That scoundrel cheated first; you deserve every bit of compensation.”

“Let’s go, I’ll negotiate on your behalf.”

Lan Bai said as she grabbed Yaxuan’s arm, ready to leave.

“Forget it, Bai. I want to handle this myself. It’s enough to have your support behind me.”

She was alone and helpless in this city.

Having even one person by her side was a great comfort.

“Alright then, once you’re divorced, I’ll throw you a celebration.”

“Okay.”

That afternoon, the two of them, reunited after a long time, enjoyed a leisurely stroll through the streets.

Yaxuan even changed out of the balloon sweater she’d clung to for over a decade.

Since the divorce was imminent, there was no need to continue enduring humiliation.

As soon as she returned home, her mother-in-law appeared with a face full of malice. “Where have you been all day? You didn’t answer your phone, didn’t come home to cook? What if my son starves?”

Yaxuan looked closely and noticed she was wearing new clothes and even a fresh hairstyle, which only fueled her anger. “You spend my son’s money like it’s nothing! Take those clothes off and return them immediately!”

Wang Guihua lunged to tear the clothes from Yaxuan’s body.

Frowning, Yaxuan pushed her away. Caught off guard, Wang Guihua stumbled and almost fell, glaring fiercely at Yaxuan. “What do you mean by that? How dare you push me?”

“So what if I did?” Yaxuan adjusted the disheveled clothes after Wang Guihua’s tugging. “I’ve labored faithfully for this family for twenty-five years. What’s wrong with spending a little of his money? He’s allowed to spend on his mistress, but I, his wife, am not?”

“Besides, you’re just at home doing nothing. You’re not dead; if your son’s hungry and can’t cook, what then?”

Besides, he now has a mistress to take care of him; what use does he have for her?

“You wretched woman! The world’s turned upside down! You want me to make my son divorce you?”

As a middle-aged woman, her greatest fear was being abandoned by a man.

She had always used that threat, and it always worked.

Wang Guihua smirked proudly. “Kneel down and apologize right now, then go cook. I want roast chicken, osmanthus cake, and crispy pastries for lunch.”

“Sorry, you can have your son divorce me if you like. I’m not interested in that filthy man.”

Wang Guihua’s face darkened. “What do you mean? I’ve been good to you, and you dare despise my son?”

Yaxuan curled her lips. “He’s a greasy, dirty old man. Only you treat him like a treasure. I feel disgusted just looking at him!”

“You—!”

Wang Guihua trembled with rage, just as a commotion came from the doorway.

“Mom, how can you speak like that about Grandma? She’s an elder. Don’t you know how to respect your elders?”

Baozhu Lin stepped forward, blocking Wang Guihua protectively.

Wang Guihua immediately straightened her posture. “Exactly! Baozhu understands! Unlike you, you’re so rude!”

Lin Jingsheng was led into the room by his mistress, his face full of displeasure. “I only said a few words to you yesterday, and today you’re in such a bad mood?”

Originally intending to reprimand Yaxuan, he softened upon seeing her delicate face.

He had to admit, his taste was good. Although Yaxuan was usually unkempt, a little effort revealed a refined lady’s elegance.

She even looked more proper than Huang Xiulan, making him momentarily stunned, as if seeing the young Yaxuan again.

“Enough, stop the drama. The kids are grown up. We’ve lived together for half a lifetime; what’s so unbearable?”

Huang Xiulan clenched her fists tightly.

She had said something different earlier at the hospital.

Now, seeing Yaxuan dressed well, her eyes were glued to her.

Men truly were despicable creatures.

Yaxuan sneered, “Your mistress has moved into the house, and you expect me to welcome her with a smile?”

Huang Xiulan smiled faintly. “Sister, I know I shouldn’t be in this family, but I worry about Asheng since no one else cares for him. Now that he’s back, I’ll leave. Just please don’t be angry and take care of him.”

As she turned to leave, Wang Guihua immediately grabbed her hand. “Look at Xiulan, now look at you! Such a petty, narrow-minded person!”

“Xiulan, you’ve worked hard caring for Jingsheng. Why don’t you eat before you go?”

The mother-in-law’s voice was unusually gentle, making Yaxuan wonder if she’d been possessed.

She had always treated her like prey.

“She’s tired after one day of care? I’ve taken care of him for forty days straight!”

“That’s your duty!” Wang Guihua retorted. “Jingsheng is your husband, and as his wife, this is your responsibility!”

So now she acknowledged she was the wife?

Had this so-called husband fulfilled even the most basic principle of fidelity?

“Yeah, Mom. Dad’s been working hard for this family. Without him, could you live your life as a housewife without worries? You just cook and wash, with no financial burdens. Your husband earns well—any woman would be thrilled with such conditions. Stop acting up, come apologize to Dad. He’s magnanimous and will forgive you.”

Baozhu Lin spoke earnestly, as if marrying Lin Jingsheng was a great catch for her.

But when she married him, he was broke. If she hadn’t brought her dowry and worked to support the household, Lin Jingsheng would have starved to death.

Even later, when he climbed up the ladder, it was her savings that paved the way. When the family was destitute, she sold blood to keep them fed.

Without her, Lin Jingsheng could never have achieved what he had.

Yet such devotion was casually dismissed by her own flesh and blood.

It was heartbreaking to the point she could barely breathe.

Lin Jingsheng also looked at her proudly, seemingly agreeing with Baozhu, waiting for her apology.

Yaxuan took a deep breath, suppressing the bitterness within. “Baozhu, one last question—do you really think I’m wrong?”

“Yes.” Baozhu answered decisively. “Mom, you’re out of touch with reality and don’t understand your worth anymore. But don’t worry, I won’t stand by and watch you go astray.”

Enough.

Yaxuan closed her eyes. This daughter was truly lost.

“Same as before—meet me at the civil affairs bureau at eight tomorrow morning to finalize the divorce.”

The smile on Lin Jingsheng’s face froze. Seeing Yaxuan’s resolute expression, he frowned deeply.

Wang Guihua immediately chimed in, “Son, this woman’s spoiled rotten. Divorce her tomorrow and let her see how cruel the world is! She’s ungrateful for the blessings she has!”

Lin Jingsheng, who had originally not wanted a divorce, now felt cornered by his mother and could only grit his teeth. “Fine, divorce is possible, but you can’t regret it or cling to me.”

“Don’t worry. I won’t cling. I’ll stay far away from you.”

Meeting Yaxuan’s determined gaze, Lin Jingsheng’s heart trembled, as if something uncontrollable was slipping away.

He pressed his lips and added, “No empty promises. If, within one day, you find a man willing to marry you, then we’ll divorce! So you won’t have a hard time later and cling to me…”

“Deal!”