They Got Divorced

After finishing the breakfast the nanny had made, Gu Jia asked Xu Huanshan about his plans for the day and then took Xu Ziyan to school.

After dropping off the child, Gu Jia immediately called Wang Yan and asked him to come pick her up.

Wang Yan drove over, picked up Gu Jia, and the two of them headed to the area near yesterday's hotel to stake it out.

He had already received word that Lin Youyou still had not come out, so he was brimming with confidence.

No matter how idle Xu Huanshan was, he still had to handle the company's daily management. It was not until noon, when the two of them had grown thoroughly impatient, that Xu Huanshan finally arrived.

Xu Huanshan sauntered into the hotel. Not long afterward, he walked out with Lin Youyou on his arm.

Seeing this, Gu Jia finally gave up all hope. She might have thought about it extensively the previous night, but she was still perfectly clearheaded. She took out her phone and snapped a picture of Xu Huanshan and Lin Youyou in an intimate pose.

"Wang Yan, have a drink with me." After taking the picture, Gu Jia turned to Wang Yan.

Wang Yan nodded and took Gu Jia to a quiet bar.

After ordering some drinks, Gu Jia sat down, poured them both a glass, clinked hers against his, and downed the entire glass.

The alcohol was quite strong. It went down too quickly, making her choke, and she began coughing violently.

Wang Yan also emptied his glass, then stepped forward and patted Gu Jia's back.

Whether in marriage or romance, feelings were like this. Often, the person who loved most sincerely was hurt the deepest. At that moment, Gu Jia's heart was ashes.

As for why Xu Huanshan had cheated, Gu Jia had more or less figured it out the day before. The signs had been there for a long time.

It was nothing more than having been together for too many years and losing the novelty, while growing impatient with her constant supervision. On top of that, everything had been going smoothly lately. When a young, beautiful, energetic girl came along and started flirting with him, his defenses naturally collapsed.

Gu Jia said nothing and merely drank with her head lowered.

She had always been proud and had always striven for perfection. Her many relatives and friends had always praised and envied their happy family and flourishing business. Although there had been minor frictions in life and setbacks in their careers, they had supported each other and walked step by step to where they were today. She had always been proud of that.

As for the wives' circle, even though she fawned over those old biddies whenever necessary, deep down she looked down on them. Their husbands caroused outside while the women sat around talking nonsense, believing that everyone lived off their husbands. Gu Jia alone had fought her way up step by step through her own efforts.

Her pride—the thing she had upheld and worked so hard for all these years—had been obliterated by a single slap from Xu Huanshan.

What did a woman need after being betrayed by her husband and left utterly devastated by the failure of her marriage? Everyone had their own opinion.

To Wang Yan, the answer was obvious: he would conquer her body and occupy her heart.

Of course Wang Yan could not simply stand by in such a situation. He was not an idiot.

When an opportunity arose, he had to seize it. He had done so much—teased her, introduced business to her, even taken care of her child—all for this moment.

When her life and family had been happy, Wang could not go too far. But things were different now. Old Wang's little Wang had long been starving.

He snatched the glass from Gu Jia's hand. "Gu Jia, look at me. Look into my eyes."

Wang Yan's action pulled Gu Jia out of her thoughts. At his words, she looked at him.

Wang Yan placed both hands on her cheeks, his charming eyes gazing directly into hers. "Do you know how I feel about you after all this time?"

When she nodded, he continued, "Then what do you feel?"

This had to be voluntary. He could not force her or take advantage of her situation. That would be utterly classless.

Looking at Wang Yan's wise, weathered, and irresistibly charming eyes, Gu Jia could not help but fall into a struggle.

To be honest, if she had not always been thinking about her husband and child, even an ordinary man's charm would have been enough. She and Wang Yan would have gotten together long ago. Otherwise, would a married woman keep flirting and fooling around with a diamond bachelor for no reason? Her intentions were obvious.

Her struggle involved her marriage, her child, and her feelings toward Wang Yan.

Xu Huanshan had betrayed her first. If she and Wang Yan got together, would that not partly be revenge against Xu Huanshan? And what would Wang Yan think?

As a mother, would she not be letting her child down? The child was still young, but would grow up someday. What about positive guidance and the power of example?

It was like drinking hot water as a child: after being burned, one needed to steel oneself before drinking again, cautiously testing it again and again before finally bringing it to one's lips. Likewise, after experiencing one failed relationship, Gu Jia instinctively avoided men.

But after struggling for a moment, Gu Jia figured it out. Why the hell am I thinking so much? After getting to know Wang Yan during this period, she knew he would not overthink it. Besides, her son called him "Dad" more naturally than he called Xu Huanshan "Father." What she needed now was release, to be loved and cared for. Why waste time worrying about useless things?

Perhaps this would also settle her lingering regrets and fulfill her wishes. She stopped struggling and resisting, and nodded at Wang Yan.

Seeing her nod, Wang Yan let go of her and called over a server to pay the bill.

After paying, Gu Jia did not resist. Instead, she cooperatively let Wang Yan put his arm around her and lead her away.

Once outside, they stopped a taxi by the roadside and returned to Junyue Mansion, to Wang Yan's home.

From catching Xu Huanshan and Lin Youyou together to drinking and paying the bill, not much time had passed. The sun was still high in the sky. Gu Jia needed an outlet, and Wang Yan was ready. Not making use of such a fine afternoon would truly have been a waste.

They opened the door and entered. Wang Yan kicked it shut, and the two immediately embraced.

What one could not have was always the sweetest. Wang Yan had been thinking about her for more than a day or two. Now that his wish had finally come true—

In any case, Gu Jia was utterly exhausted, parched, and hoarse. In all these years, she and Xu Huanshan had never experienced such happiness.

After finally winning the beauty he had pursued, Wang Yan contentedly smoked afterward, holding Gu Jia as they leaned against the headboard.

Nestled in Wang Yan's arms, Gu Jia stroked the muscles that displayed a man's strength.

"You know I can't appear personally in this sort of matter. Do you want me to introduce you to a lawyer?" Wang Yan asked.

Gu Jia replied, "No. I'll talk to him first. If that doesn't work, we'll discuss it then."

"All right. What about us, then?"

When Gu Jia remained silent, Wang Yan said, "I won't give you any empty talk. You know I like Ziyan too. The three of us can live together."

"Once you finish the formalities, I'll transfer some of my assets into your name."

Gu Jia opened her mouth to speak, but Wang Yan interrupted her. "I know you aren't doing this for money. This is security for you and Ziyan, and it's meant to put your mind at ease."

After hearing him, Gu Jia fell silent and merely held him tighter.

After they were intimate for a while longer, Gu Jia went to take a shower.

She got dressed in front of Wang Yan without the slightest hesitation. "Go pick up Ziyan later. I'll sleep here tonight. Don't go back."

Wang Yan understood and nodded. "All right."

After getting dressed, Gu Jia left and returned to her own home.

It was impossible to say Gu Jia was not sad.

Their oaths of eternal love still rang in her ears. From the years of their youth to the present, when she was still a graceful middle-aged woman, how could she possibly see everything clearly in a single afternoon?

Otherwise, why had Gu Jia acted that way in the story? On one hand, their feelings had truly wounded her deeply. On another, the family and career she had worked half a lifetime to build had been destroyed. And she did not know how to face her future life, leaving her lost for a while.

Wang Yan's appearance perfectly took over the consequences above.

It was not that love until death did not exist, but that clearly was not what they had.

They had been together for more than seven years. Their former love had become something to reminisce about. More importantly, they relied on the familial affection forged through weathering hardships together, mutual support, and responsibility toward their family.

With Wang Yan, Gu Jia also felt a trace of youthful excitement. The more Wang Yan appeared in her heart, the farther Xu Huanshan receded.

He was also very good to Xu Ziyan, so she had nothing to worry about.

At first, whenever she thought about her failed marriage, Gu Jia still felt desperate.

But after the release she had experienced that afternoon, along with everything that had happened before and Wang Yan's assurances, everything about him seemed wonderful—he surpassed Xu Huanshan by more than a little.

Apart from the sadness of having placed her faith in the wrong person and her nostalgia for their lost love, she no longer had any other thoughts.

As for how long her grief and nostalgia could last under Wang Yan's relentless influence, that was another question entirely.

When she got home, Gu Jia ate a simple meal, then sat on the balcony quietly watching the nighttime scenery while scenes began playing in her mind.

Xu Huanshan, who had spent most of the day fooling around with Lin Youyou, finally walked through the door.

When she saw him, Gu Jia instinctively asked, "You're back. Why are you so late again?"

"There were a lot of things these past two days. They all happened at once." Xu Huanshan found an excuse.

Gu Jia stared into his eyes for a while, then picked up her phone, found the intimate picture she had taken that day, and handed it to him.

She had already found a way out and did not want to ask pointless questions anymore. What good would knowing everything do? Some betrayals could perhaps be forgiven by some people, but Gu Jia would never forgive this one.

Xu Huanshan took the phone. After looking only once, he dropped it with a "clatter" and opened his mouth to speak.

With red eyes, Gu Jia said, "Let's get a divorce."

Although she had thought about it all night, and Wang Yan had counseled her throughout the afternoon, she had spent several more hours preparing herself after returning home. Yet women were ultimately emotional. Saying those words made her think of the past, and tears inevitably fell.

"Wife, listen to me. I..." Xu Huanshan hurriedly tried to explain.

"What are you going to say?"

"Tell me how you met her."

"Tell me how the two of you ended up in bed."

"Xu Huanshan, you're something else. You found a mistress and didn't even know to stay far away from home? Were you really that desperate?"

Gu Jia's furious barrage left Xu Huanshan speechless.

Xu Huanshan lowered his head. What could he say? It had already happened. What use was there in saying more?

But he still had to say something. He could not simply accept judgment without a defense. Xu Huanshan began using the tricks he had once used to flirt with her, passionately recounting their past.

"Wife, when I first met you, we..."

He spoke of the hardships they had endured from meeting until now, the many loving and beautiful moments along the way, their vows of eternal love, their child's future marriage and children, the beautiful future they had once imagined together, and the emotional journey that had led him to cheat.

Finally, he said, "Wife, I'll definitely change. I promise there won't be a next time. Wife, give me one more chance."

After listening to Xu Huanshan ramble on endlessly, Gu Jia looked at him. "I don't believe a single word you said."

A flash of inspiration struck Xu Huanshan, and he remembered Xu Ziyan. "Wife, for Ziyan's sake, forgive me one more time. Give me a chance."

With a thump, Xu Huanshan dropped to his knees and grabbed Gu Jia's arm. "Just once, all right? Wife, I'm begging you."

"When you cheated, did you think of Ziyan then? You remember him now? Stop dreaming, Xu Huanshan."

Seeing that Gu Jia had made up her mind, Xu Huanshan stopped pleading and erupted instead.

He rose and shouted, "Why are you always so overbearing? From dating to marriage to starting a business, wasn't every matter, every decision, and every step between us dictated by you?"

"Have you ever really looked at me?"

"Even with this company—with me as President Xu."

"You want to climb higher, but I only want to make the most beautiful fireworks."

"Don't I know anything about the company? You decide the finances, you decide the company's development. Whether it's a major or minor matter, I don't sign until you've signed."

"From company development to Xu Ziyan's education, from what I eat and drink to what I wear, you control everything. Aren't all of us just doing what you say?"

"Xu Ziyan is your little son, and I'm your eldest son. Have you ever considered my feelings?"

Tears streamed down Gu Jia's face. "So you've finally told the truth. This is how you've always seen me?"

"There are irreconcilable conflicts between us. It seems that even without this girl, there would have been another."

"We haven't been able to live together for a long time. You've been fed up with me for a long time too."

"Then that's perfect. Let's get divorced. We'll both be free."

Xu Huanshan fell silent. Gu Jia said nothing either. For a moment, one could hear a pin drop.

After a long while, having calmed herself and wiped away her tears, Gu Jia said, "The fireworks factory goes to you. The tea factory and dessert shop go to me. Ziyan stays with me. We'll sell this house and split the money. What do you think?"

Xu Huanshan had no objections. "I'll do whatever you say." He had been the one to wrong Gu Jia and the child first. What right did he have to object?

It had to be said that Lin Youyou was indeed effective.

Wang Yan was pushing Xu Huanshan upward while Lin Youyou whispered into his ear.

Even children had rebellious tendencies. Adults who could not control themselves would only be worse.

Xu Huanshan had only made a token effort to save the marriage. As Gu Jia had said, he truly no longer wanted to continue. After experiencing all the good things Lin Youyou offered, the carefree and unrestrained feeling she gave him, he had also had enough of Gu Jia.

A person absolutely could not let success go to his head. He still had to keep his feet on the ground. Without discussing how he had attracted Lin Youyou, he never stopped to consider what he had used to fund the extravagant trips they took together, where all that money had come from, or how shameless it was to claim that he "only wanted to make the most beautiful fireworks."

Wang Yan had merely been the catalyst. He had given Xu Huanshan a taste of success and a little confidence, slightly changed his personality, and given him choices and a way forward. The main credit still belonged to that little woman, Lin Youyou.

Seeing that Xu Huanshan did not object, Gu Jia did not want to stay with him for even another second. "I'll find a lawyer tomorrow. We'll handle the paperwork."

With that, she opened the door and walked out, slamming it shut with a bang.

After leaving, Gu Jia sent Wang Yan a message. Only after Xu Ziyan had fallen asleep did she go upstairs.

Looking at Gu Jia standing at the door with red-rimmed eyes, Wang Yan sighed.

"I'll get some alcohol. Have a drink."

He said it lightly, but even with a fallback and a future ahead, how could one sever the past without sorrow?

He fetched several bottles of alcohol, put his arm around Gu Jia, and sat with her on the balcony, drinking one glass after another.

He listened as Gu Jia recounted their past and cursed Xu Huanshan.

At that moment, Gu Jia needed to get drunk.

When Xu Huanshan heard the door slam, he did not know whether he felt happy or worried. He could not help asking himself whether he had really done the right thing.

He had always wanted to escape Gu Jia's control. As his business grew more successful, that desire had grown stronger.

Now that he had actually done it, there was still much he could not bear to let go of. People often learned to cherish things only after losing them.

At this point, saying more was useless. He still had to look forward.

A real man never looked back.

After calming himself, he surveyed the surroundings. Gu Jia's traces were everywhere in the house. He was afraid that seeing them would make him soften, and he did not want to stay any longer.

Xu Huanshan went downstairs, got in his car, and drove to find Lin Youyou.

Thanks to big brother Cheng Jiean for the 100 coins.

Thanks to big brother jickkss for supporting me with a monthly ticket.

As always, thanks to all the good brothers who recommended this story, as well as those who comment and those who quietly read.

Thank you, everyone.