Chapter 103 Chapter 103 You should divorce now.
Shao Chengzhang has been exercising regularly, so he has good physical fitness and recovers quickly. In addition, Ms. Chi stews hen soup, pigeon soup, and bone soup for him in different ways every day. After three days, the pain is gone, but his calves and arms are still a little swollen, and the bruises, half the size of a palm, are purple and look a bit scary.
After consulting with Shen Zhuo, the doctor decided to transfer him directly to the inpatient psychiatric ward. Shen Zhuo didn't say much to Ms. Chi, only vaguely saying they needed to observe him for a few more days and telling her not to return to the hospital. Shen Zhuo subconsciously didn't want anyone to know that Shao Chengzhang had mental problems.
But Ms. Chi was worried. Although she didn't agree to come, she still made some soup early the next morning and rushed to the hospital with a thermos.
She walked into the orthopedic ward, only to find it empty. She asked the nurse if Shao Chengzhang had been discharged. The nurse, who had a deep impression of Mr. and Mrs. Shao, told her without checking any records that Mr. Shao had been transferred to the psychiatric department downstairs.
"Psychiatry?" Ms. Chi was stunned, her face full of suspicion. "Is this a mistake? Why would he go to the psychiatry department?"
The young nurse just smiled politely and said, "You can go downstairs for consultation."
Ms. Chi thanked him and walked towards the elevator with the soup pot. At this moment, the nurse's voice was whispered behind her:
"Oh, what a pity! Mr. Shao is so handsome and well-off. Who would have thought he was suffering from severe depression?"
"That's right, he's good-looking, rich, and has a beautiful wife. He's a real winner in life. I can't understand why he's so depressed. If I were him, I'd have to smile every night when I sleep--" The young nurse who was speaking was elbowed by the nurse next to her, and her voice stopped abruptly.
"What did you just say? Cheng Zhang... has depression?!" Ms. Chi stopped in her tracks, turned around, and glared at the two nurses. The two nurses panicked instantly, hesitating and not daring to say anything more.
When she reached the second floor and walked out of the elevator, Ms. Chi saw the words "Psychiatric Ward" written on the door and was stunned.
"Mom, why are you here..." Shen Zhuo, who came out of the doctor's office on the other side, was also stunned when he saw Ms. Chi.
Ms. Chi turned around slowly. She couldn't accept it and asked woodenly, "What happened to Chengzhang?"
Shen Zhuo blinked guiltily. She took two steps forward and took Ms. Chi's arm. "It's nothing. It's just that the work pressure is too great. You know he's in charge of such a big company by himself, so he must have a lot of things to do." She said, forcing a soothing smile, "Don't worry, it's not a big problem."
Ms. Chi's eyes flickered, as if she was convinced, but also clearly skeptical: "Then I'll go see him."
"Hey—not now..." Chen Zhuo immediately stopped her, "The doctor has set visiting hours. He just got transferred and needs a quiet environment. Let's wait a few days until his condition stabilizes before we see him. Mom, I'll take you home first." She deliberately avoided Ms. Chi's gaze, bent down to pick up the thermos, and pretended to smile nonchalantly, "He can't drink this soup today, so it seems I'll have to save it for him."
In fact, the doctor had just told Shen Zhuo very seriously that Shao Chengzhang had experienced hallucinations before the car accident and his condition was extremely dangerous. He had obvious tendencies to self-harm or even commit suicide, so he had to be admitted to a fully enclosed single room to ensure maximum safety. Family members could only visit during designated hours.
However, because Shao Chengzhang still had severe separation anxiety and he himself was very willing to receive treatment, the doctor allowed his family to have one hour of visiting time every afternoon.
After lunch at Ms. Chi's house, Shen Zhuo didn't stay long, rushing to the hospital early that afternoon. She felt that not only Shao Chengzhang was suffering from separation anxiety, but she was almost experiencing it herself. Whenever she was apart from him, she wondered about him and even considered installing a surveillance camera in the ward.
Visiting hours hadn't arrived yet, so she peered through the window of the ward. The closed room contained nothing but a bed. Shao Chengzhang sat on the edge of the bed, looking outside, his back a dejected and lonely figure.
She unconsciously reached out and gently pressed on the door, trying to break through the barrier, but she could only touch the cold glass.
Shao Chengzhang's new medication, sertraline and agomelatine, was showing significant results, stabilizing his mood and alleviating his anxiety. Initially unable to accept Shen Zhuo's departure from the ward, a week later he could smile and say he'd see him tomorrow.
However, the side effects made his movements and reactions slow. Shen Zhuo rarely spoke to him when he came to visit him every day. Most of the time, he just lay in bed holding him, or brought a book to read to him.
Shao Chengzhang is unable to handle work for the time being. Chen Zhuo sends a message to Chen Hang, telling him that all projects previously approved by Shao Chengzhang are progressing normally, and those that have not been approved will be put on hold for the time being and will be handled by him when he returns.
The Venice Film Festival opened at the end of the month, and "Fog Lights" was shortlisted for the main competition unit. Chen Zhuo was supposed to go with Guan Siyu, but she directly declined and asked Xiaoyun to take Guan Siyu with her.
Xiaoyun was managing an artist's international schedule independently for the first time, and with the trauma of her lost luggage, she was extremely nervous. Chen Zhuo, intent on training her to be a capable and independent agent, encouraged her to go ahead confidently and boldly, and to contact Li Yaqi if she encountered any unsolvable problems.
Shao Chengzhang's condition improved day by day. The doctors lifted his isolation and transferred him to a regular single room. His medication dosage was gradually reduced. He could even come and go freely in the ward and participate in the hospital's recreational activities.
The weather in early September was gentle and clear, and the air was filled with the sweet fragrance of osmanthus. Chen Zhuo sat with him on a bench downstairs in the hospital, and the gentle breeze seemed to pause these dreary days.
"What a nice weather." Shen Zhuo looked up at the sky, closed his eyes, took a deep breath, and the corners of his mouth curled up unconsciously, "When you are discharged from the hospital, let's go hiking." The doctor had just told her that as long as there was no problem for another week of observation, Shao Chengzhang could go home.
"Okay." Shao Chengzhang's eyes were filled with smiles as he looked at her sideways, as if he couldn't get enough of her. He took her hand and gently rubbed it in his palm. His eyes fell on the slightly loose ring on her finger. His thumb slowly stroked the back of her hand and he whispered with heartache, "Wife, you've worked hard."
"You've worked hard, too." Chen Zhuo linked his fingers together and took his hand, saying gently, "Shao Chengzhang, thank you for persevering."
He stared at her and said, "You are the reason why I keep going and want to live." He raised his hand and kissed the back of her hand.
Shen Zhuo's eyes felt a little sore, and he couldn't help but lean his head on his shoulder. After a while, he buried his head in his neck again, took a few deep breaths before steadying his voice: "Hurry up and go home from the hospital. Ares said he missed you."
"Yeah." He held her waist tightly, put his lips close to her ear, and asked in a low voice: "What about you?"
Chen Zhuo's voice was so soft that it sounded like a whisper: "I miss you too, very much."
Shao Chengzhang's Adam's apple rolled slightly, and he couldn't help but lower his head and place warm kisses on her cheeks. Shen Zhuo raised her hands to wrap around his neck, raised her chin, and took the initiative to meet his lips.
He held her face in his hands and deepened the kiss almost uncontrollably.
The tenderness between lips and teeth was filled with a long-lost passion, and all the longing and desire for each other were melted into this deep kiss.
"Buzz—" The phone suddenly vibrated, interrupting the two people who were kissing each other. Shao Chengzhang let go of her and gestured for her to answer the phone. Shen Zhuo realized that they were still outside and quickly looked around, thankful that no one was around to see him.
Her little action made Shao Chengzhang couldn't help laughing.
The caller was Ms. Chi. She said that the niece of a girl she danced with was coming to City A for work and had no place to live for the time being. She thought of renting the house near Chenzhuo Zhonghu to the girl because it was still available.
Chen Zhuo had no objection. She had gradually emptied out the house over the past year and moved to Yuelan Bay. Jiang Jun's belongings had also been moved out long ago, so it could be rented out. She agreed and let Ms. Chi set the rent herself.
After saying this, Ms. Chi asked about Shao Chengzhang's recovery. Shen Zhuo looked up at him and saw him smiling at her. His heart warmed, and he said to Ms. Chi in a light tone: "He's fine, don't worry, we'll go home for dinner in a few days when we're not busy."
*
"Fog Lights" premiered to rave reviews at the Venice Film Festival, earning a 3.87 rating from the ICS program guide, putting it in a commanding lead. Many fans and leading bloggers in China are buzzing about whether this Chinese-language film can contend for the Golden Lion Award, and whether Guan Siyu and Jiang Rui have a chance of winning Best Actor.
As the second time the two have teamed up, this time they directly play the main CP, and the topic of "artificial rain" has once again become a hot search. Chen Zhuo and Nadia immediately met with the film's publicity team and released a batch of film materials while the iron was hot.
After the meeting, Shen Zhuo rushed to the hospital again. As soon as she came out of the hospital, she received another call from Ms. Chi. However, Ms. Chi's tone was unfriendly and asked her to go home immediately.
Shen Zhuo didn't know what happened, but felt that Ms. Chi was very angry, so he changed the navigation address and turned around.
As soon as she entered the room, she saw Ms. Chi sitting on the sofa, her face gloomy and frightening. "Mom, what did you call me for?" Shen Zhuo said as he lowered his head to change his shoes and walked towards the living room.
"Can you explain to me what this is?!" Ms. Chi raised her hand coldly and pointed at the coffee table, her voice filled with suppressed anger.
"What?" Shen Zhuo smiled as he walked over to see a stack of documents on the coffee table. As she got closer and took in the black words, the smile on her lips froze.
That was... the prenuptial agreement and property notarization she and Shao Chengzhang signed before they got married.
This agreement has been kept in the last drawer of Shen Zhuo's master bedroom wardrobe. Ms. Chi has been busy clearing out and moving in Zhonghu these days, and she didn't expect to discover such a big secret of her daughter.
Ms. Chi leaned over and picked up the agreement, shaking the two thin sheets of paper with a rustling sound. She asked sternly, "Chen Zhuo, tell me what does 'the marriage period stipulated in this agreement is two years' mean? What does 'in principle, you will not live together' mean? What does 'both parties should attend certain occasions together as husband and wife and should cooperate with each other' mean? Huh? Are you getting married or just acting?!"
She subconsciously wanted to argue: "No, Mom, listen to my explanation..." Shen Zhuo was caught off guard by Ms. Chi's questioning. She had long forgotten that the agreement was still in Zhonghu, and she didn't expect that Ms. Chi actually found this agreement.
"It was you who kept urging me to get married, so I drafted this agreement when I got married to Shao Chengzhang..." After saying this, she pursed her lips, feeling a little guilty.
"Are you still blaming me? I urged you to find a partner because I wanted someone to take care of you, not to let you find someone and marry him and then divorce him after two years!" Ms. Chi slammed the agreement on the table, her eyes full of disappointment and anger.
"No, we don't want to divorce anymore." Shen Zhuo added.
"Where's Shao Chengzhang? Call him over too!"
Shen Zhuo lowered his head and whispered, "He can't come now."
Ms. Chi stared at her, "Where is he now?"
"Oh, don't ask. This happened a year ago. We are doing well together now and don't want to get divorced. It doesn't affect our relationship whether we have this agreement or not." Chen Zhuo tried to change the subject.
"Is he not discharged at all and still in the hospital?"
Shen Zhuo pursed her lips and spoke after a while, "I'll be discharged soon." She didn't dare look at Ms. Chi.
Ms. Chi was silent.
Shen Zhuo took a deep breath and said with a stiff upper lip: "Mom, I admit that we did agree to get married at the beginning, but later...we were sincere. Please don't be angry anymore, okay?"
"Stop talking." Ms. Chi said in a cold voice, her eyes determined. "You don't have to wait another year. Get a divorce now."
"Huh? What are you talking about...what do you mean by divorce?"
"Do you really think I don't know everything? I've lived so long, what haven't I seen? The internet is so advanced now, I can just look it up and find out. Severe depression can't be cured. If it gets better this time, you never know when it will come back next time. Have you thought about the future? Are you going to keep taking care of him like this?"
She became increasingly emotional as she spoke, even bringing with her a mother's most instinctive heartache and worry: "You're not even thirty yet, you still have a long life ahead of you! I don't want you to live your whole life with a sick person. No matter how good Chengzhang is, his illness is a hidden danger! Anyway, your marriage is fake, so why not just get a divorce and don't get yourself into this! His family is rich, so he won't lack people to take care of him in the future."
"Mom, do you know what you are saying? You only thought about getting married so that someone would take care of me, and now that I have to take care of others, you want me to divorce you. How can you be so selfish?"
"What do you mean I'm selfish? Isn't this all for your own good? What will you do in the future? Did you know that mental illness is hereditary? If you have another child, what if he inherits it? You'll have to take care of two people in your life, don't you know?!" Ms. Chi spoke very quickly, her chest heaving.
"Shao Chengzhang's psychological problems are acquired, which are different from congenital ones! Besides, if it's really hereditary, I won't have children. I never wanted to have children anyway!" Shen Zhuo's stubbornness came up and he directly blocked Ms. Chi's words.
Ms. Chi was completely furious with her. She stood up and pointed at Chen Zhuo: "Why did I give birth to a daughter like you?"
Chen Zhuo stiffened his neck, his eyes stubborn, and with his eyes downcast, he refused to give in. "Anyway, I just want to live with him. No matter what anyone says, I will never divorce him. Even if he relapses in the future, I will stay with him."
"Stupid! You're playing with your own lifelong happiness!" Ms. Chi slumped back on the sofa in anger. She looked at her daughter's stubborn expression, feeling very disappointed, but helpless. Tears streamed down her face. "Why do you always go against your mother?"
Chen Zhuo hated to see people cry. When Ms. Chi was so angry that she wiped away her tears, her heart softened. She squatted in front of her, holding Ms. Chi's hand and said, "I'm sorry, Mom. I didn't mean to go against you. But I really don't want to divorce Shao Chengzhang. This is the first time in my life that I've loved someone so much, and I don't want to be separated from him. You always say that I take care of him, but in fact, it's usually him who takes care of me more. I'm an adult, and I can be responsible for my own choices. I beg you to just stop interfering, okay?"
Ms. Chi remained silent, and finally just sighed heavily.
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