Chapter 9, "Let's Get a Divorce"

Qiao Shu's smile was unmatched.

She hummed a light and cheerful tune, as if she had been busy making fluffy and soft desserts these past few days, living a life undisturbed by the turmoil of the outside world.

"Why did you suddenly want to make a cake for Grandpa?" Yu Zeheng asked, looking at her.

Qiao Shu leaned against the island counter, his face expressionless and his voice flat. She couldn't guess his current mood. She smiled and nodded, saying, "Yes, he lacks nothing. The most important thing about giving a gift is sincerity, and this is my sincerity. How about my first work? I'll use you as a guinea pig."

The chef said, "It's already very good that you could make it like this for the first time."

"Please do me the honor of trying some." Qiao Shu brought over a cake knife and a porcelain plate. She carefully cut out small triangular pieces, and the fruit spread out all over the plate fell down. She compulsively adjusted the arrangement of the fruit, and then pushed forward with two fingers against the edge of the porcelain plate.

Yu Zeheng never eats desserts that put a strain on the body, especially those that look terrible. He frowned, then stepped forward, picked up a piece, and put it in his mouth. Under Qiao Shu's expectant gaze, he said, "It's okay, not too sweet."

"Really? Let me try it."

She leaned over, propped herself up on her arms, casually picked up a cherry, dipped it in a little cream, and put it in her mouth.

The distance between them instantly closed. Besides the sweet aroma of the cake, he smelled her scent wafting over him. She blinked her eyelashes and said, "It's not bad. Thank you for helping me."

Yu Zeheng gazed into her eyes: "No need to thank me for such a small thing."

"I still need to thank you, otherwise how would you know my feelings?"

Her feelings.

Yu Zeheng was still holding a fork in his hand. The metal felt cold to the touch, but after holding it for a while, he would get used to the feeling that it was warm. He grunted, took the rest of the cake, and finished eating it at the dining table in the living room.

Qiao Shu was making her second cake in the kitchen. She practiced for a week and finally made a perfect birthday cake by hand on the old man's birthday. It was made with two kinds of cake bases, one with butter and one with dark chocolate, and the cream was sprinkled with fine chocolate powder.

Then carefully and delicately packaged it and took it to the old house.

The old man chose to hold his birthday celebration at the old house. For nearly a month, the whole family has been cleaning and renovating the place, setting up the venue, planting new turf and flowers in the courtyard, and even replacing a batch of koi in the pond. Each koi is of excellent quality and swims nimbly under the water lily leaves.

Besides his own family members all returning, Yu Xunli and Jiang Wenxin will also be present. The grand occasion on that day was already foreseeable. The old man has spent most of his life in the business world, weathering all kinds of storms. He has countless friends in the industry, and there are also business partners who have cooperated with the Qiao family. They all came to celebrate the old man's birthday on this day.

The old man was full of energy and spirit. He was dressed in a black Chinese-style suit. He was tall and thin. Even as he got older, he did not become thin and frail. Instead, he became more and more energetic. He looked like he was going to live for a thousand generations.

Qiao Shu stayed by the old man's side the whole time, handling all the greetings and farewells with ease.

She wore a champagne-colored strapless long dress, made of smooth silk satin, with a flowing skirt. Thin straps of the same color wrapped around her neck and draped casually behind her, sparkling as she walked. Her bright and elegant appearance easily made her the focus of the entire room with every smile and gesture.

Like professional actors on a large stage, everyone present was Qiao Shu's audience. Yu Zeheng was already used to it; he had never been interested in the glitz and glamour of social gatherings. But today, as a semi-host, he also needed to step forward and socialize.

The couple were busy with their own things, and only exchanged glances a few times throughout the day.

During the banquet, the old man stepped forward, first expressing his gratitude to all the guests for taking the time to come, then talking about his ups and downs over the past forty years, and finally saying: "Now it is already the battlefield of the young people. The world is developing too fast, and I obviously can't keep up. Now, it is time to let go and hand over our Qiao family to the next generation. I have already drafted my will. Attorney Wen, please read it, and I also ask everyone present to be my witness."

Second brother Qiao Yizhou frowned: "Grandpa, you have more energy and spirit than me. I'll be the first to disagree if you want to retire."

Qiao Zhenkai waved his hand: "I'm getting old."

Attorney Wen stepped forward with the documents and declared that the following were all written agreements made while the old man was lucid, and therefore had legal effect.

Qiao Shu crossed her arms, her gaze fixed on Attorney Wen's face, maintaining a polite smile. When she heard the names of her eldest uncle, Qiao Kaiyu, and even her second brother, Qiao Yizhou, that all the company shares had been given to them, her smile gradually froze, turning into an unyielding mask. When she heard her own name followed by two properties and a family trust fund that would provide her with two million annually, she lowered her eyelashes and subconsciously glanced at the old man beside her. The old man, however, was looking straight ahead, completely oblivious.

She turned her head, her blood seemed to freeze. She heard people talking, cheering, even clapping, but they were far away from her.

Until Qiao Mingjie came over and whispered in her ear, "See what I told you? I know your grandfather better than you do what kind of person he is."

Qiao Shu turned around, and Qiao Mingjie tilted his head back and drank the wine in his hand in one gulp before striding away.

She was pulled back to reality, and all the sounds around her exploded. She saw the host invite the old man to come forward, and the old man turned around and gently and lovingly extended his hand to her.

Qiao Shu naturally stepped forward and took his arm. As usual, they walked in front of the crowd. When others praised the old man for doting on his granddaughter, she smiled generously and gracefully. The old man patted the back of her hand.

The banquet was a great success, and all the guests enjoyed themselves.

Qiao Shu stood in the study on the second floor. The carpet was covered with dark patterns, and it had a magnificent, retro style with excellent soundproofing. When the door was closed, the noise from the outside world was also silenced.

Qiao Zhenkai sat there, exhausted from welcoming and seeing off guests all day. But it wasn't over yet.

Qiao Shu heard her own voice and asked softly, "Didn't you promise me that you would give me the prestige? I don't quite understand."

Qiao Zhenkai wearily pinched the bridge of his nose. He told Qiao Shu to calm down and that they could talk about this later: "You've always been sensible."

Qiao Shu lowered her head and smiled, then looked up with tears welling in her eyes: "Just because I'm sensible, I can't even ask why now. Just because I'm sensible, I'm always put last, right?"

Qiao Zhenkai frowned and interrupted her: "Enough! I only said I would consider giving it to you. Shengyu is already listed on the stock exchange. Even if you were given it to you, would you have the ability to manage it?"

Qiao Shu met his gaze, her usually beautiful eyes revealing undisguised ambition. Her voice held a mix of hurt at being looked down upon and an urgency to prove herself: "I can do it. What task have you entrusted to me failed me? I am more capable than them. What they can do, I can do; what they cannot do, I can do as well. You said I am the most worry-free and most like you in the family. I will not let you down. If you entrust something to me, I will only do it better than anyone else."

Qiao Zhenkai clasped his hands together, his gaze deep and sharp. He exuded an imposing aura without anger, and his stare at the other person was extremely oppressive. This was the result of years of growth and the accumulation of rich experience.

He held absolute power in this household. He was the one who built it up and made it function like the sun, moon, and stars. He provided them with a comfortable life, so he did not allow anyone to disobey him. What right did they have to disobey him?

"Qiao Shu, you've disappointed me now." Qiao Zhenkai's voice was firm and resolute. "Didn't I give you anything? What are you fighting with your brothers for? You've been with me since you were six years old, is this how I raised you?"

Yes, six years old.

With her mother's sudden passing, Qiao Mingjie was completely unable to shoulder the responsibilities of her father. She grasped Qiao Zhenkai's outstretched hand and was taken back to the old house. The early days were difficult; she was still too young and had not yet emerged from the shadow of losing her mother. Qiao Zhenkai was also overly strict, requiring her to learn various rules and conduct herself in accordance with her status. As she grew older and began school, her exam results became the barometer of her fortune at home. She learned musical instruments and dance, her time was fully scheduled. Then, she was sent to study antique appraisal, run an auction house, and appear at various banquets. She was observant, adept at navigating social situations, and busy with the Qiao family's affairs, even sacrificing her own marriage.

Qiao Shu couldn't explain what Qiao Zhenkai was in her life. Over the past twenty years, he had been someone she admired, someone she subtly learned from and imitated, someone who was both a father and a mother to her, and the reason she studied hard and got high scores in order to get a smile from him during her school days.

Her desire for his approval was stronger than anything else.

It's ridiculous that without Qiao Zhenkai, there wouldn't be the Qiao Shu we know today. She knows this, but she can't control it.

So when Qiao Shu heard the will, her first thought wasn't about monetary gains and losses, but rather a disappointment bordering on betrayal, a resentment at realizing she was nothing.

Her eyes were unusually bright with tears welling up. Qiao Shu leaned on the desk with one hand and covered her face with the other. She took a deep breath, her voice trembling: "You never thought of giving it to me, did you? Even if my eldest brother was stupid enough to lose 30 million in three months, even if my second brother was a good-for-nothing whose brain was full of eating, drinking and having fun, and he was promiscuous and got other people pregnant, it didn't matter, right? I, Qiao Shu, was never in your consideration, was I?"

"Why?" Tears rolled down her cheeks, making her look helpless and lost.

Qiao Zhenkai stared at her, his expression unmoved, his tone cold: "Now that you're married, you should be a good Mrs. Yu. Even without the Yu family's wealth, I won't treat you badly. You'll live a life of comfort and ease. It's just that you're too ambitious and greedy."

This statement is tantamount to saying, "You are a woman, and as a woman, you should be content with your lot. Anything given to you is a blessing, and you should be grateful."

Qiao Shu couldn't see any guilt or remorse in his eyes, not even a trace of it. On the contrary, her every word and action seemed ridiculous. She wiped away her tears, her eyes reddening, and asked cautiously, "Putting all this aside, Grandpa, compared to my two older brothers, am I the one you like the most, as you've always said?"

Qiao Zhenkai pursed his lips and leaned back, his brows furrowed with annoyance at her persistent pestering.

"I understand." Qiao Shu chuckled, like a dutiful and obedient granddaughter. "Grandpa, happy birthday."

—

After the guests had all left, only the cold lights remained on in the vast mansion. Yu Zeheng found Qiao Shu on the stone steps on the east side.

She sat on the ground, her skirt and ribbons spread out on the ground. She hugged her fair arms, her waist was slender, her back was thin and frail, and her black curly hair was smooth and fell behind her. Strands of hair rose in the wind. She remained motionless for a long time, staring into the darkness in front of her. Her profile was clear and smooth, with long, curled eyelashes, and she was cold and aloof.

Surrounded by the soft night, she felt fragile and vulnerable.

Yu Zeheng walked over, the gravel making a soft rustling sound, but the person in front of him didn't notice until he draped his coat over her shoulders.

"Thank you." Qiao Shu turned her head, momentarily stunned. Her eyes were vacant as she looked at him, yet it was as if she were looking behind him.

Yu Zeheng could tell she was in low spirits; her expression changed the moment the will came out.

But people can never truly empathize. Although he thought that Qiao Shu received very little from the will, he had enough for her to continue her extravagant lifestyle for several lifetimes. Inheriting the family property was just icing on the cake; it would be nice to have it, but not having it wouldn't be a big loss.

“Mom and Dad have already gone back. It’s all over here. We can go back anytime.” Yu Zeheng didn’t sit down. He stood beside her, and because of today’s situation, his voice was gentler than usual.

"Okay." Qiao Shu turned her head away.

The two fell silent at the same time.

Yu Zeheng kept his distance from her, unmoving. He pursed his lips, his tall figure appearing even more defined in the dim light. He took off his suit jacket, revealing a white shirt and red plaid tie, with the cuffs rolled up to reveal his strong, lean wrists.

One high and one low, arranged in a staggered manner, the clash between hardness and softness creates a strange harmony under the night.

After a long pause, Yu Zeheng spoke again: "Qiao Shu, you can keep that celadon chopstick bottle. You decide whether to sell it or keep it as a collectible."

That priceless treasure she once said in bed was the one she wanted if they divorced.

Qiao Shu slowly regained her senses. She lifted her long eyelashes, tilted her head to look at him, and asked, "Are you really going to give this to me?"

There was no meaningful smile; something about her receded like the tide, and she became simple and pure.

Yu Zeheng looked into her eyes, his gaze dark and calm, and murmured, "It was originally yours too."

They are husband and wife, and he should rightfully own half of everything he has. However, he suspects that she is not fully aware of this. Aside from the business on the surface, his shares, stocks, and funds have always been managed by someone else. Perhaps he should invite that person over to his home to discuss these matters in a while. Qiao Shu should also be aware of these things.

Yu Zeheng is not good at comforting people.

He just wanted her to know that she didn't have to feel uncomfortable about the will, and that he could give her more.

Qiao Shu smiled gently: "It's very expensive. You don't have to spend a fortune to comfort someone."

"If it's useful, it's worth it."

She stared at him silently for a few seconds, then suddenly called his name: "Yu Zeheng, why were you willing to marry me? You clearly didn't like me back then."

Qiao Shu clearly remembered that he had witnessed her almost getting engaged to his cousin, and then she turned around and broke off the engagement to come to him when his career was about to be ruined. Her scheming was obvious, while he was enduring the darkest moment of his life alone. If it were her, she would also be extremely annoyed.

The light, clattering sound of high heels echoed in Yu Zeheng's mind. The ward door was pushed open, and she appeared wearing a bright, highly saturated color long dress, holding blooming flowers, like a match lit in the dull darkness.

He hated her presence, her feigned greetings, her superficial attempts to please him, yet the next day, he would listen intently to the sounds outside the ward.

After a moment of silence, Yu Zeheng said calmly, "Because you are right, even if it wasn't with you, there would be another Miss Li."

Yes, their marriage was a product of a family alliance. If it wasn't Qiao Shu, or Yu Zeheng, it would have been someone else.

They were simply taking what they needed.

"Let's go back." Qiao Shu let out a long breath. Her gaze drifted into the distance and then returned. She had lived here for eighteen years, and sometimes when she thought about it, she really felt reluctant to leave. She tried to get up, but her legs were numb from sitting for too long.

Yu Zeheng reached out his hand to her.

Qiao Shu looked at his hand, hesitated for a moment, and then placed her own hand on it. He pulled her up, and she staggered two steps. He then supported her arm.

"Thank you." From the bottom of my heart.

The two got into the car one after the other. Qiao Shu held her phone and typed on the keyboard, sending messages to Song Yue. By the time they got home, it was already past midnight.

As they went upstairs, Qiao Shu asked, "Would you like something to drink?"

Yu Zeheng frowned: "Now?"

Qiao Shu nodded. The housekeeper was already asleep. She went to the wine cabinet and took out some wine and two glasses. She poured the wine and handed them to Yu Zeheng. She held her glass and gently touched his glass to hers.

Happy second wedding anniversary.

Yu Zeheng corrected her: "It's not here yet, it's next Wednesday."

"That's about it. We don't need to calculate the exact number of days." Qiao Shu tilted her head back, the rich flavor of the wine spreading between her lips and teeth.

Yu Zeheng took a sip.

What happened next was unexpected and sudden. After Qiao Shu finished her drink, she kissed him. He was knocked back two steps by her. She tried to pull at his tie. He held onto her waist, swaying and breathing heavily. Her kiss was more like a random nibble, biting his lips, chin, and even his neck.

Yu Zeheng had to hold her chin and teach her the correct kissing technique.

In the chaos, his shirt buttons were ripped open, forcing him to free his hands and carry her upstairs before more clothes were torn off.

Upon entering the bedroom, as soon as the door closed, they kissed passionately once again.

He braced himself against the door with his palm, and she bumped her back against the back of his hand. In the darkness, the two looked at each other and could hear each other's breathing.

In less than half a second, he leaned in and sealed her lips with his, his voice fading between their teeth.

When they separated, the first rays of dawn appeared.

When Yu Zeheng woke up, there was no one beside him. The long skirt on the floor had been put away, leaving only his shirt and trousers draped on the sofa. As usual, he got up, changed into his sportswear, and went for a morning run.

He ate breakfast alone. According to Aunt Chu's account, Qiao Shu went out early in the morning, but it was unclear what he was doing.

Later that evening, a document was delivered to his home in the same city, and the recipient's name was on the delivery slip.

He casually picked up a paper cutter, tore it open, and took out the document. The cover was white paper with the words "Divorce Agreement" written in black. His face darkened. He opened it and saw his and Qiao Shu's names written on it.

Yu Zeheng's brows furrowed more and more, his face growing darker and darker. He felt as if he had been tricked by a prank, and he called Qiao Shu almost simultaneously.

The other end answered quickly, his voice escaping through clenched teeth: "Qiao Shu, what do you mean?"

Qiao Shu said, "You received it? It doesn't mean anything else, just the literal meaning. You can take a look and see if there's anything to add, and I'll have someone revise it."

Yu Zeheng's voice was icy cold as he repeated, "What do you mean?"

Outside, the sound of a car engine could be heard; it was Qiao Shu's car.

There was a half-second pause on the phone, and Qiao Shu's voice came clearly to his ears, in her usual lighthearted tone: "I don't want to live like this for even a day longer."

"Yu Zeheng, let's get a divorce."

A note from the author:

----------------------

The young master was cruelly deceived, both emotionally and physically. [Clown]

Let you be stubborn, and strengthen our princess's resolve to divorce.

This chapter took me a really, really long time to write, oh my god!

——

50 red envelopes, kiss kiss!