Chapter 31: Spreading Rumors That I Have a Woman Outside?

Jiang Sui had been in a hidden marriage for a year, and throughout that year, her relationship had been guarded so tightly that not a hint escaped—and all thanks to Lu Ye. The marriage contract itself contained a clause demanding secrecy. Clearly, Lu Ye had no desire to go public either.

He studied Jiang Sui, who spoke with such earnest conviction that he couldn’t discern whether she spoke truth or fiction. Although Jiang Sui was an actress, he knew her skills were unpolished; she’d joined the industry halfway and her acting had always been criticized. Thus, her display now couldn’t possibly be a performance—she simply wasn’t that good.

His brows drew together in a subtle frown, his slender, jade-like fingers tapping lightly against the sofa beside him.

Inwardly, Jiang Sui sneered. She had lived through so many lives, played so many roles—there was no identity she hadn’t assumed. When it came to slipping into character in a heartbeat, she was unmatched.

“But I think you take very good care of Xuanxuan,” Lu Ye replied at his own measured pace. His voice was pleasant, magnetic yet clear, like a spring breeze—if one overlooked the innate chill beneath his tone.

“Perhaps I misunderstood you before. We can get to know each other better in time. As for other matters, I believe there’s room for negotiation.”

Jiang Sui felt a surge of frustration. She didn’t know why Lu Ye was saying these things, only that she needed to keep her distance from this man. She had to get a divorce.

“Do you honestly think an unhealthy family is good for Xuanxuan?” she retorted, her tone sharp.

Since Lu Ye had married her only to give Xuanxuan a convenient mother, if she pressed on this weak spot, she doubted he’d refuse. “Do you know how I treat Xuanxuan when you’re not around? You can ask her yourself. This live variety show is just a publicity stunt—I’m building an image. Can’t you see that? Did you really believe it?”

Fine, if you won’t divorce, don’t blame me for turning ruthless.

Sitting nearby, Xuanxuan watched Jiang Sui speak. At six years old, she didn’t understand terms like “publicity” or “image,” so she found nothing odd in Jiang Sui’s words.

“Xuanxuan, am I often strict or scold you?” Jiang Sui asked, turning to her.

Lu Ye also looked at Xuanxuan.

Without hesitation, Xuanxuan nodded.

Lu Ye’s brows knitted closer.

“But I know Mommy Jiang Sui means well. My mom used to scold me a lot too,” Xuanxuan added.

Jiang Sui was speechless. That last part was unnecessary.

Lu Ye’s expression relaxed.

He continued, “Xuanxuan, do you agree with Daddy and Mommy Jiang Sui getting a divorce?”

Now it was Jiang Sui’s turn to frown.

She knew Xuanxuan didn’t want her to get divorced. If the child said she disagreed, it would make things much harder. Despite many lifetimes that had rendered her cold and indifferent, she’d grown somewhat attached to Xuanxuan over time. Simply abandoning her seemed heartless.

Xuanxuan pondered for a long moment, then said, “I agree.”

Both Lu Ye and Jiang Sui were surprised.

“Why?” Lu Ye’s tone deepened, an undercurrent of chill in his voice.

“Because Daddy has someone he likes. Mommy Jiang Sui told me Daddy has another woman. That’s not fair to her. If they divorce, Mommy Jiang Sui can find someone she likes. Even though I don’t want them to split, still...” Xuanxuan’s lips quivered and her eyes reddened. “Daddy owes Mommy Jiang Sui an apology.”

Lu Ye was taken aback.

Jiang Sui was speechless. Had she gone too far?

“You told Xuanxuan I have another woman?” Lu Ye’s voice dropped several degrees, the coldness making Jiang Sui shiver.

“Well...” Jiang Sui’s mind raced, “I wasn’t exactly wrong. We have no feelings between us, so it’s only natural for you to see other women. But I admit, I shouldn’t have said that to Xuanxuan. Perhaps... we should just get divorced? I have a loose tongue, and I’m afraid I’ll be a bad influence on her.”

Lu Ye’s expression was grim. But soon, he regained his composure. He’d sensed Jiang Sui’s intentions. He had considered divorce before, but suddenly, at this moment, he didn’t want to.

He had wanted to ease things and reconsider, especially after watching Jiang Sui and Xuanxuan’s interactions on the show. He’d seen how Jiang Sui protected the child. Though Xuanxuan wasn’t his biological daughter, she was his late eldest brother’s beloved child. She had been adopted into his household; he treated her as his own.

So when Jiang Sui proposed divorce, he intended to wait and see. Yet he hadn’t expected Jiang Sui’s resolve—or that she’d claim he had another woman.

Jiang Sui could clearly see the flicker of anger in Lu Ye’s eyes.

But he was no scoundrel; he was a well-mannered, gentlemanly man.

“If I said that wasn’t true?” he asked.

“Then it’s not true,” Jiang Sui replied indifferently. What did it matter to her? She hadn’t even experienced this body.

Lu Ye was silent for a long moment.

“Jiang Sui, I hope you’ll reconsider. As I said, other matters are negotiable—including your resources in the entertainment industry, and how often I come home...”

“Stop,” Jiang Sui interrupted, “So you just don’t want a divorce?”

Lu Ye neither confirmed nor denied it.

“I think this is all too sudden. Perhaps we should both give it further thought,” he said evenly.

Jiang Sui took a deep breath. It seemed she’d have to play her trump card.

“Xuanxuan, go to your room,” she commanded.

Xuanxuan obediently gathered her things and headed upstairs.

Lu Ye was quietly surprised. Xuanxuan now listened to Jiang Sui so well. Last time they’d all been together, the girl had complained about Jiang Sui, even insulted her to her face and argued constantly. When had their relationship improved so much?

Once Xuanxuan was gone, Jiang Sui turned to Lu Ye, rolled up her sleeves, and declared sternly, “Lu Ye, you’re shameless! Do you know what marriage has cost me? My youth! My love! My life! All you wanted was someone to look after Xuanxuan. Do I look like a nanny to you? This is unfair to me! If you have a shred of conscience, sign the divorce papers now!”

Lu Ye seemed dazed, staring at her for a long time.

Jiang Sui knew she sounded a bit like a shrew in the street. Under his gaze, she felt awkward and quickly sat up straight again, resuming her ladylike composure: obedient, sensible, and beautiful.

“In any case, think it over. Xuanxuan is not my biological daughter; I have no obligation to care for her. With your means, you can find her a better nanny and tutor.”

Lu Ye was silent for a while. Just as Jiang Sui was about to speak, he finally replied.

“But what Xuanxuan needs isn’t a nanny or a tutor. She needs someone who can discipline her, talk to her, teach her when she’s wrong—a mother.”

Jiang Sui was speechless.

What exactly did Lu Ye mean? Was this turning into one of those “chasing his wife through fire and brimstone” plots?