Shen Qingchen stood by the window, gazing out at the night. The city's neon lights flickered, yet they couldn't illuminate the darkness within him. He had just learned that his father might have been murdered by Jiang Lingchuan and his stepmother, Gu Manqi. The news was like a bolt from the blue, his world instantly shattering. His hands gripped the curtains tightly, his knuckles turning white from the strain. The pain in his heart surged like a tide, drowning him.
He could never have imagined that someone so close to him would suffer such a fate. His father had always been his role model and support. Although they might have disagreed on some issues, their bond was deep. Now, the possibility that his father had met with an unforeseen fate was unacceptable to him. His mind replayed his father's smile and his teachings, and those once beautiful memories now pierced his heart like sharp blades.
He knew he had to do something to protect Jiang Zhi, even if it meant losing her. Jiang Zhi was the light of his life, the person he loved most in the world. They had shared many wonderful times together, and those sweet memories were the most precious treasure in his heart. However, the situation was dire, and he couldn't let Jiang Zhi fall into danger. He knew the power of his enemies was immense; if they knew Jiang Zhi was his wife, they would stop at nothing to harm her.
He turned back to the room and looked at Jiang Zhi who was sleeping soundly, his eyes full of reluctance and helplessness. Jiang Zhi's face looked particularly peaceful and beautiful under the soft light, her breathing even and steady, as if the darkness of this world had nothing to do with her. Shen Qingchen sat gently on the edge of the bed and reached out to touch Jiang Zhi's cheek. Her skin was delicate and smooth, and the touch made his heart throb. His fingers slowly stroked her eyebrows, eyes, nose, and finally stopped at her lips, thinking silently in his heart: "Zhi'er, I'm sorry, I can't let you get hurt."
Shen Qingchen's heart was filled with conflict and pain. He knew that if he said divorce, Jiang Zhi would be deeply hurt. Their love was so beautiful. They had made many promises together and planned their future life together. But now, he had to break it all with his own hands. However, he had no other choice. For Jiang Zhi's safety, he had to do this.
He recalled every detail of their acquaintance. It was by chance that he saw Jiang Zhi at a business event. She had a unique aura that caught his eye. The strength and kindness revealed in her eyes moved him deeply. From then on, he began to pursue her, caring for her and loving her in his own way. After much effort, Jiang Zhi was finally moved by his sincerity, and they came together. Their love story was once so beautiful that everyone around them envied it.
However, everything had changed now. Shen Qingchen knew that the decision he was about to make would change their fate. His heart was filled with fear and uncertainty about the future. He didn't know what would happen to Jiang Zhi after the divorce, nor did he know if he could successfully protect her. But he knew he had to give it a try, even if it meant enduring great pain.
Shen Qingchen didn't sleep all night. His eyes were fixed on the ceiling, and his mind was full of thoughts. He thought about how to tell Jiang Zhi, and how to explain so that she would be less hurt. He knew that no matter what he said, Jiang Zhi would be very sad, but he had to do it.
When the first rays of dawn's sunlight streamed through the window into the room, Shen Qingchen knew he could no longer escape. He watched Jiang Zhi wake up, her eyes still hazy, a lazy expression from just waking. She saw Shen Qingchen sitting by the bed, smiling and saying, "Good morning, Qingchen." Her smile was as warm as ever, but she had no idea that a nightmare was about to begin.
Shen Qingchen endured the pain in his heart, his voice a little hoarse, and said to her that insincere words: "Let's get a divorce." Jiang Zhi widened her eyes and couldn't believe her ears. She thought Shen Qingchen was joking, but looking at Shen Qingchen's serious expression, she knew that all this was true. Her smile froze on her face in an instant, replaced by shock and confusion.
"Why? Qingchen, why are you doing this?" Jiang Zhi asked with tears in her eyes. Her voice trembled, and her eyes were full of despair and pain. She didn't understand why Shen Qingchen suddenly filed for divorce when their relationship had always been good.
Shen Qingchen didn't dare to look into her eyes. He lowered his head and whispered, "I don't love you anymore. There's no love between us anymore." When he said this, he felt his heart bleeding. He knew it was a lie, a lie he had to tell, but this lie was like a knife, deeply hurting Jiang Zhi's heart, and also hurting his own heart.
Jiang Zhi didn't believe his words. She knew that Shen Qingchen must have some difficulties, but no matter how she asked, Shen Qingchen refused to say. She grabbed Shen Qingchen's hand and cried, "Qingchen, tell me, what happened? We can face it together, why do you treat me like this?" Shen Qingchen gently broke free from her hand. He didn't dare to face Jiang Zhi's eyes again. He was afraid that he would not be able to help but tell the truth.
"There's no reason, I just don't love you anymore. Don't ask anymore, let's go through the divorce procedures as soon as possible." Shen Qingchen's voice was cold and resolute. He knew that only in this way could he make Jiang Zhi believe that he really wanted a divorce.
Jiang Zhi's heart seemed to be torn apart. She looked at Shen Qingchen's indifferent back, her heart filled with despair. She didn't know what to do. She only felt that her world suddenly became dark and lightless. She didn't understand why her happy life suddenly turned like this. She felt as if she had fallen into a bottomless abyss and couldn't extricate herself.
Shen Qingchen walked out of the room, his steps heavy and slow. He knew that his actions had deeply hurt Jiang Zhi, but he had no choice. He came to the living room, sat on the sofa, and held his head in his hands, his heart filled with pain and self-blame. He didn't know if what he did was right, he only knew that he couldn't let Jiang Zhi get hurt.
The author has something to say:
This chapter focuses on Shen Qingchen's agonizing decision upon learning of his father's murder, and the scene in which he files for divorce from Jiang Zhi. Through delicate portrayal of Shen Qingchen's inner thoughts, the book reveals his difficult struggle between protecting his beloved and facing reality. It also highlights Jiang Zhi's shock and confusion, setting the stage for the subsequent plot developments. I hope readers will empathize with the characters' emotional conflicts and inner pain, and I look forward to your continued interest in the story as it unfolds.
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