Chapter 18: A Mysterious Twist of Fate

Madam Liu angrily hung up the phone, leaving Liu Zhuyin utterly dejected.

She had just wanted to vent a little to her mother but ended up being scolded harshly.

Her mother wanted to bring me back, to return to my old life.

But my resistance exceeded all her expectations.

Once, I obeyed her in everything without question; whatever she asked, I would comply.

Now, it felt as if I had become a completely different person—an instant change, turning my back on family.

She couldn’t understand how I had become like this.

Was this still the husband she once knew?

Moreover, whether it was my mother’s words, Luo Mingzhu’s, or even mine,

she found it all hard to grasp.

It was nothing more than asking me to treat A Zhou a little better—was that really a reason for divorce? Was it fair to blame everything on her?

She pondered all day but found no answer, gritting her teeth and determined to stay, racking her brains to bring me back.

But I kept my distance, avoiding her altogether; out of sight, out of mind. I didn’t want to speak more than necessary.

Yet, Luo Mingzhu insisted on dragging me along.

“You, the ex-wife, hiding won’t help,” she said.

“Because of her, are you really going to live the rest of your life as a pariah, hiding here and there?”

I smiled bitterly; she didn’t know how little time I had left.

Avoiding her was merely a way to keep some peace for myself.

At the restaurant, Luo Mingzhu waved her hand grandly and treated me to a lavish meal.

As the price, I still had to serve her thoughtfully.

If it were just because she was paying, I wouldn’t mind the expense.

On one hand, I truly regarded her as a sister; on the other, her staunch support for me yesterday touched me deeply.

“Eat,” I said.

I peeled a shrimp and handed it to her. Luo Mingzhu chuckled, then provocatively glanced toward Liu Zhuyin sitting not far away.

Liu Zhuyin frowned, her expression turning sour.

In the past, I would have been the one serving her meals.

She hadn’t minded before, but seeing this scene made her uneasy.

Still, she said nothing, shot a cold glance, and clicked away in her high heels.

“Haha, she stormed off,” Luo Mingzhu laughed.

“Chen, your ex-wife must be jealous.”

“See how good I am?”

Luo Mingzhu beamed wildly, but I felt helpless.

Of course she was angry.

I used to revolve around her, catering carefully; now that I ignored her, she had every reason to be upset.

But jealousy? Impossible.

To her, I was insignificant—what was there to be jealous of?

Still, I didn’t take it to heart. No matter what, as long as she willingly agreed to the divorce, that was enough.

“You’re quite cunning.”

“Enough, stop laughing, you’ve got it all over your hands and face.”

Luo Mingzhu made a playful “oh” sound but leaned closer.

“Wipe it for me, I can’t see.”

I glared at her in mock annoyance. “Don’t you have hands? Can’t you do it yourself? I’m not your maid, you know.”

She wasn’t angry at all.

“Oh, I know, I just can’t see.”

“Besides... we’re friends, right? I even call you Chen. So what? Can’t you help me wipe it off?”

“And who stood up for you so fiercely yesterday? Have some conscience!”

“If you keep this up, I won’t help you anymore!”

I snorted. “You’re just making things worse. Ignoring it is better. What’s the point of arguing?”

Our marriage was already shattered, devoid of love; arguing was meaningless.

“You jerk!”

“Fine! I admit I’m meddlesome! Sorry!”

“But I did my best!”

“Or are you just afraid your ex-wife will see and get jealous?”

She would never be jealous, and besides... I wasn’t afraid of her seeing.

“Alright, alright! Knowing you must be the worst luck I’ve ever had.”

Unable to argue, I took out a tissue and wiped her face clean. She settled down happily, unaware that Liu Zhuyin had been watching from the shadows.

Seeing me serve Luo Mingzhu stirred a bitter feeling inside her, like a heavy stone pressing down.

She had intended to leave but, for some inexplicable reason, stayed.

Witnessing that scene only fueled her anger.

“That bastard! He really attracts women!”

Unable to bear it, she finally turned and went upstairs.

In the afternoon, Luo Mingzhu dragged me out for rafting.

She was lively and cheerful, like a burst of sunshine.

Though I complained about her, I found more joy than annoyance in her company.

Letting go of a five-year marriage was a harsh blow.

I had loved her so long; to no longer love her was not easy to relinquish.

This trip was meant to relax and help me move on.

I knew it wouldn’t be a high-quality journey—more a whirlwind tour, a blur.

Yet, I hadn’t expected Luo Mingzhu to cling to me.

The constant bickering wasn’t so bad.

When I grew tired and rested ashore, a graceful figure sat beside me.

It was Liu Zhuyin.

She had changed into a swimsuit, accentuating her near-perfect figure—snow-white skin, incredibly alluring.

But I only glanced briefly before looking away.

She snorted coldly.

“So, you like that young one?”

“Pretty, good figure, younger than me too.”

“If you really like her, then get a divorce.”

I frowned; she was trying to smear me.

Trying to pin the blame on me for abandonment?

I decided to play along.

“Fine, I will.”

“You... you really like her!”

She exploded, glaring fiercely.

“Liu Zhuyin, we’re divorced.”

“Who I like or don’t like is none of your business.”

I found it strange. If she wanted to accuse me, I accepted it—yet she was unhappy?

“Then tell me clearly.”

“When did you start liking her?”

She pressed me relentlessly, confusing me.

This wasn’t like her at all.

Since when had she cared so much about me?

“Liu Zhuyin, what exactly do you want to say?”

Her expression shifted unpredictably. After a long silence, she scoffed.

“I know you like me. You’re doing this just to provoke me, to get my attention.”

“I don’t know when you became so childish.”

“But it doesn’t matter—I won’t stoop to your level.”

“Just one thing! Once you’ve made your point, go home.”

I was dumbfounded.

She spoke as if we were playing house.

What was she thinking?

“Let me say it one last time.”

“I’m not making a scene. I sincerely want a divorce.”

“And please, don’t be so confident in yourself.”

“I don’t love you anymore.”

Since Ning Yuanzhou returned, I had been trying to forget her bit by bit.

Now, I had completely let go.

Liu Zhuyin was furious but forced herself to hold back.

“Fine, I’ve booked a flight for tomorrow. I’ll wait for you at the airport.”

“If you really don’t want to be with me, then don’t come.”

“I won’t bother you anymore!”

“Divorce!”