The 99th Divorce

“You were being muddleheaded!” Yu Lili scolded through clenched teeth. Evident in her heart and eyes was the intense disappointed she felt toward Wen Fenglin’s actions and choices.

It was the first time in Wen Fenglin’s life that he had been admonished by a girl so young. But, he wasn’t embarrassed. He was instead overcome by guilt and self-condemnation.

“After the country was established, Xian’er family went into the timber business,” he said. “They were very influential in the G province. Of course, as their only daughter, Xian’er was very loved and cherished. The background of the Zhen family in those days was comparable to theirs, and there was already a prior betrothal contract between the two families.”

In other words, it was he who was the third party.

“Argh!” Just listening to Wen Fenglin’s story made Yu Lili’s blood boil, but she couldn’t think of anything else to say.

Rich families were always particular about ensuring that their children married one of their own kind. The in-laws had to be well-matched in social and economic status. Ou Ming’s mother had reiterated this many times.

Basing an individual’s value off the family’s pedigree had been a practice since the olden days. That prejudice wasn’t going to be easily changed.

Looking at the circumstances surrounding Wen Fenglin now, Yu Lili couldn’t help but feel a tinge of pity for this warm-hearted Uncle.

Ou Ming’s warm hand patted Yu Lili on her shoulder gently. Without a shift in focus in his eyes, his voice remained steady as he asked, “Uncle Wen, where are you staying? Let’s go back to Kingstown tomorrow. I’ve been here for a few days already.”

Wen Fenglin knew that Ou Ming was intentionally trying to help him retain his dignity. With a smile, he nodded his head. “Alright. Let’s go. We’ll go back together tomorrow. Which hotel are you staying at?”

Yu Lili mentioned the hotel. While it was some distance away from the hotel Wen Fenglin was staying, it was along the way. They flagged a cab together and shared the trip back to the hotel. Nobody spoke during the journey back.

Yu Lili’s mind was swarming was numerous what-ifs.

If only Wen Fenglin had persisted a little more back then, and not sent Xian’er back, choosing to see to her recovery on his own, would the ending have been different?

What if Xian’er hadn’t been as weak as everyone had assumed?

If only Xian’er hadn’t married Zhen Xianlang, would she have recovered later on and returned to Wen Fenglin’s side?

The more Yu Lili thought about it, the more unsettled her heart felt. Xian’er was already dead, and Wen Fenglin had remained without a family for more than 20 years. Furthermore, Xian’er’s ultimate choice had been another man, and she’d even given birth to a child.

Zhen Xianlang’s actions made Wen Fenglin seem especially desolate.

It seemed hateful, but Yu Lili also knew that her resentment was irrational. Why would a man remain single in honor of a woman who held another man in her heart?

The Zhen family was an influential family in their own right, and he had his own responsibilities to fulfill.

Wen Fenglin reached his destination first and got out. Ou Ming scooted over to Yu Lili. In a lowered voice, he asked, “What are you thinking about?”

Yu Lili shook her head. Her agitation was evident.

When they reached the hotel, Yu Lili realized that her phone had powered off some time ago without her knowledge. It was no wonder the journey had been such a quiet one.

Switching on the phone, she found more than 10 missed calls awaiting her. They were from Shen Zhilie.

Ou Ming spied the name from afar. Smiling sardonically at Yu Lili, he asked, “Aren’t you going to return his calls?”

Judging from his expression, Yu Lili knew that he had something up his sleeve. She shook her head and put her phone down.

As she turned to stretch her back, she said, “I didn’t even bring my luggage. I need to go back to that hotel tomorrow to retrieve them.”

“Yeah. We’ll go together then. Help me bathe,” Ou Ming said.

“Can’t you bathe on your own?” she asked.

“My hand is incapacitated!” Ou Ming reasoned confidently. Without a second word, he dragged Yu Lili into the bathroom with him.