The 99th Divorce

Xu Cheng was seated beside Ou Ming having lunch. When he saw Ou Ming hang up the phone, he gave a gentle cough and asked, “Was that Miss Yu?”

“Yeah.” Ou Ming gave a one-word reply. After briefing Xu Cheng on work-related matters, Ou Ming stood up. “Should anyone look for me, tell them I’m very busy and that I’m still in the office.”

In such volatile times, it was best not to provoke any of the reporters. If any of them caught sight of him, there was no telling what stories they’d cook up.

Xu Cheng understood the severity of the situation. He nodded his head in affirmation but added a suggestion. “Why don’t you finish your lunch first?”

“I’m done. You go ahead without me.”

Ou Ming entered the cloakroom in his office, put on a pair of shades, and changed into an unrecognizable black trench coat. Only then did he head down.

He sneakily drove off in an inconspicuous car and headed over to Yu Lili’s address.

When he reached the apartment, he rang the bell, and the person inside opened the door immediately.

Ou Ming was dressed casually, but Yu Lili recognized him in one glance. Her face broke out into a beaming smile, and she swooped forward to embrace him.

She plastered her body against his and hooked her legs around his thighs. Ou Ming held on to her with a steady arm as his smile widened. He carried her inside the house, closed the door, and then he kissed her.

Yu Lili removed his shades and wrapped her arms around his neck before kissing back.

Ou Ming carried her onto the couch, pinched her cheeks, and then scrunched his face up. “Why have you lost weight again? Did you not eat well these few days?”

“I’m not used to the French cuisine.” Yu Lili giggled as she sat astride him. Exhaustion was written all over his face, and his originally wheat-colored skin was now saddled with two eye-bags.

It was obvious; even his jaw displayed a hint of green.

Seeing his long hair so unkempt and his cheeks so sunken caused Yu Lili’s heart to ache. Stroking his face gently, she asked, “Have you been very tired lately?”

The love in Yu Lili’s eyes made Ou Min smile. He cupped her face and kissed her on her lips. “Not at all.”

“Liar. Look at your face.” Yu Lili pinched his cheek and said, “You look like a man in his thirties. You look like you’ve aged.”

The smile disappeared from Ou Ming’s face. “I am in my thirties, to begin with.”

“No, you always looked like you were around the same age as Shen Zhilie.”

“He grew up too fast.” Ou Ming looked at her seriously. “That’s why he looks older than his age. I’m different. I’m young no matter what, otherwise, how could I have had you mesmerized for so many years?”

In reply, Yu Lili clucked her tongue and rolled her eyes.

“What expression is that?” Ou Ming held onto her and started chuckling. “Did I say something wrong?”

“You’ve grown shameless in the few days that we were apart.” Yu Lili pushed him off. “I’m hungry. Have you eaten yet?”

“No.”

“Just in time, then. Let’s have instant noodles. That’s all I have here.”

“Alright.” Ou Ming smiled indulgently at her. “Whatever you cook is delicious.”

Yu Lili wiggled her brows and stepped into the kitchen with a face of satisfaction. About ten minutes later, Yu Lili walked out carrying the bowls of noodles and hollered, “Food’s ready!”

What she heard in reply was the sound of steady breathing.

He fell asleep?

Ou Ming had always been a light sleeper, and it usually took him half an hour of tossing and turning in bed before he fell asleep. To think he just fell asleep so easily!

He must have been so tired.