The dormitory at Baoli Factory was much simpler than Shen Mingzhi had imagined.

The single room was only about ten square meters, containing a metal bunk bed, a peeling wooden wardrobe, and a rickety desk. The window faced north, and even on a sunny afternoon, the room felt damp and chilly. Shen Mingzhi spread the new bedding she had bought from the department store on the bed and hung up the floral curtains she had brought, which brought some life to the room.

A week passed, and Shen Mingzhi forced herself to throw herself into her work. During the day, she followed Director Sun to familiarize herself with the operation of each part of the factory, and at night, she returned to her dormitory, sulking. Only by keeping herself completely exhausted could she temporarily forget Jiang Shaozhen's bloodshot eyes.

"Ms. Shen, could you please take a look at this batch of new packaging designs?" The workshop foreman knocked on the door and handed her a set of drawings.

Shen Mingzhi took the drawings and forced herself to concentrate. This was her proposed improvement to the skincare product packaging, abandoning the original outdated design and replacing it with a simple and elegant white bottle with a light gold logo.

"If the curve here were a little more rounded, it would be more comfortable for consumers to hold." She made a mark on the drawing with a pencil, her voice so calm that no emotion could be detected.

The workshop foreman nodded and left. Shen Mingzhi looked out the window; the setting sun painted the factory chimneys orange-red. She suddenly remembered the stone table in the courtyard. At this time of year, Jiang Guofu and Jiang Qing would sit in the courtyard, playing with the two children, and Aunt Wang would always pour her a glass of water then.

She shook her head violently, grabbed her coat, and walked out of the office. She couldn't think about it; it made her heart ache like it was weighed down by a heavy weight.

The department store was two bus stops away from the factory. Shen Mingzhi planned to buy some daily necessities, but more importantly, she wanted some fresh air. The cramped dormitory space made her feel suffocated, especially late at night when her longing for her child almost overwhelmed her.

The department store was bustling with noise. Shen Mingzhi was selecting towels and soap in the daily necessities section when she suddenly saw a familiar figure in the mirror between the shelves—Song Wanyin.

"Comrade Shen, why are you shopping alone?" Song Wanyin's voice came from behind, sweet to the point of being cloying.

Shen Mingzhi turned around and saw Song Wanyin wearing a pale yellow dress, her makeup exquisite, and a faint, mocking smile playing on her lips. She ignored her, picked up her chosen items, and prepared to leave.

"I heard you and Shao Chen had a fight?" Song Wanyin quickly caught up. "I thought your relationship was so solid, but it turns out it's nothing special. But then again, a marriage without a foundation of love like yours can't withstand the slightest disturbance."

Shen Mingzhi stopped in her tracks, her fingers gripping the handle of the shopping basket tightly. "So, we're out of luck, and you have a chance?"

"How can it not be my business?" Song Wanyin lowered her voice. "You have no idea how many years I've liked Shao Chen! If you hadn't suddenly appeared, I would be the one standing next to him right now."

The mall's overhead lights shone on Song Wanyin's face, reflecting the undisguised jealousy in her eyes.

Shen Mingzhi suddenly found it ridiculous. Song Wanyin came from a good family, was beautiful, and well-educated. She didn't have to be so humble for love, but she insisted on being like a leech.

"Then you can go after him now," Shen Mingzhi said calmly, "Anyway, we're already separated."

Song Wanyin paused for a moment, then broke into a triumphant smile. "Shen Mingzhi, I thought your feelings for him were so deep, but now it seems they're nothing special. You're not worthy of Shao Chen marrying you at all; you've never trusted him!"

Shen Mingzhi looked at her coldly, "Trust is based on the premise that the Jiang family hasn't done anything to wrong me. If what you're saying is true, why should I wrong myself and choose to trust them?"

"When did you find out about this? Was it when you threatened me last time?" Shen Mingzhi looked directly into Song Wanyin's eyes, her voice slightly cold.

If she knew that last time... that would be very interesting.

She was really willing to swallow her pride for Jiang Shao Chen.

Song Wanyin looked at her warily, "Why are you asking this? But I won't lie to you, I really did find out back then, it was Jiang Yinyin who told me."

Shen Mingzhi was stunned for a moment, not expecting that... Jiang Yinyin also knew, but she didn't say anything, which showed that the Jiang family was determined to lie to her to the end!

"Not only did she know, she also said..." Song Wanyin leaned close to Shen Mingzhi's ear, "that a country woman like you is not good enough for her brother, and that if it weren't for the child, the Jiang family would never have accepted you."

Shen Mingzhi pushed Song Wanyin away and said expressionlessly, "These words have no effect on me. You can say them to Jiang Shaochen!"

"I know you're just comforting yourself," Song Wanyin said smugly, fixing her hair. "Because the Jiang family never took you seriously. Shao Chen only married you out of a sense of duty, and now that you've left, it's a relief for him..."

"Song Wanyin!" A deep, angry male voice suddenly interrupted her.

Shen Mingzhi turned her head and saw Jiang Shaozhen striding towards her, his face terribly gloomy. He was dressed in casual clothes, and there was a dark stubble on his chin, clearly indicating that he had not been doing well lately.

"Shao Chen?" Song Wanyin's expression changed instantly, and her voice softened. "What a coincidence, what are you doing here?"

Jiang Shao Chen didn't even glance at her, walking straight to Shen Mingzhi's side. "Zhizhi, are you alright?"

Shen Mingzhi took a step back, creating distance between them: "Were you following us?"

"I..." A flicker of pain crossed Jiang Shao Chen's eyes, "I've been waiting outside the factory, and when I saw you come out to buy something, I followed you here."

Shen Mingzhi's heart skipped a beat. He had actually kept watch for a week? But then she remembered Song Wanyin's words, and a nameless fire welled up in her chest: "Jiang Shao Chen, do you think this is touching? Following me, monitoring me, just like when you forced me, you never consider my feelings?"

"I didn't..." Jiang Shaochen tried to explain, but was interrupted by Song Wanyin.

"Shao Chen, she doesn't appreciate your kindness at all." Song Wanyin grabbed Jiang Shao Chen's arm. "What's so good about a woman who doesn't know what's good for her? We grew up together as childhood sweethearts. If I were in this situation, I would only trust you, not someone like her..."

"Let go!" Jiang Shao Chen abruptly flung her hand away, the force so strong that Song Wan Yin staggered a few steps. "Song Wan Yin, I'm warning you, if you dare harass my wife again, don't blame me for being impolite!"

People around had stopped to watch and whisper among themselves. Shen Mingzhi felt extremely embarrassed and turned to leave.

"Zhizhi!" Jiang Shaozhen caught up with her, his voice pleading, "Give me five minutes, just five minutes, I have something to tell you."

Shen Mingzhi stopped, but didn't turn around: "Speak."

"It's not convenient here..." Jiang Shao Chen glanced at the curious looks around him, "Shall we go sit at a nearby restaurant?"