Volume 1, Chapter 42: Let’s Divorce!

Jiang Yunmiao’s eyes lit up. Her heart raced, and her hands trembled. Had Zhou Manhua finally spoken her mind?

Perhaps she had gripped the dog, Yeye, a little too tightly, causing the animal to shudder and shoot her a resentful glance.

Suppressing her emotions, Jiang Yunmiao retorted with a rebellious edge, "You want a divorce just like that? Do you think I’m stupid? What if Duan Yixiao inherits the Duan Group one day? Then I’d be the lady of the Duan family."

Jiang Yunmiao’s words only served to solidify Zhou Manhua’s determination to see them divorced.

"You don't deserve it! I knew it—you’ve been hiding your wolfish ambitions all along, wanting to be the lady of the house. Look at who you are! Let me tell you, A-Xiao will definitely divorce you!"

"I’m pregnant, you know. Even after the baby is born, there’s the nursing period; the husband cannot file for divorce within a year." Jiang Yunmiao’s words held no real legal weight, but with Zhou Manhua already incensed, they were like pouring gasoline on a fire.

Zhou Manhua stood on one leg, hands on her hips, channeling the fury of a shrew. "I must have been blind to be fooled by your act of being demure and virtuous. You’ve played the part well all these years! Hmph, you want to cling to my A-Xiao? Not a chance! I’ll find the best lawyer in the country and sue you for marriage fraud!"

Jiang Yunmiao let Yeye go off to play, brushed the dog hair off her hands, and looked indifferent. "Regardless, I am not getting a divorce!"

With that, she went upstairs, leaving Zhou Manhua stomping her feet in a rage. After this, no one was willing to accept Zhou Manhua’s invitations to play mahjong.

Every night when Duan Yixiao returned home, Zhou Manhua had an endless stream of grievances.

"Son, I’ve lived for more than half a century and have never felt so stifled. I thought I could enjoy some peace and comfort here, but instead, I have to walk on eggshells every day. Why is my life so bitter?"

"You’re busy with work and don't see it, but your wife is absolutely ruthless! I finally managed to get a game of mahjong going, and before I could even play a few rounds, she drove everyone away."

"She treats that dog better than she treats me, her mother-in-law! What sins did I commit in my past life to suffer at her hands in this one?"

"I think I should just move out. Why don’t you rent a place for me outside and let me wither away there on my own?"

Zhou Manhua aired these complaints right in front of Jiang Yunmiao, articulating them with such conviction and dramatic flair that she painted her life as a series of tragic misfortunes. She wanted to see how Jiang Yunmiao would refute her.

Duan Yixiao felt a headache coming on. He turned to look at Jiang Yunmiao, ready to lecture her, only to find her eating her dinner unhurriedly, as if none of this concerned her, her expression perfectly placid. He didn't know what to say.

"Mom, let’s eat first. Food is the fuel of life; we can talk after we eat," he said, trying to appease her.

Zhou Manhua pushed her bowl away. "I’m too angry to eat anything."

Later, she called Duan Yixiao into her room, and the two talked for a long time. Jiang Yunmiao guessed that Zhou Manhua was pressuring him for a divorce, so she stayed out of it, happy to see where it would go.

Duan Yixiao walked out with a sullen face. "Yunmiao, let’s talk."

Jiang Yunmiao followed him into the study.

"Do you have a problem with my mother living here?" He leaned back in his chair, rubbing his temples, looking exhausted.

Jiang Yunmiao’s eyes remained clear and calm, a peaceful curve touching her lips. "If your mother didn't stir up trouble, we could live in peace."

Duan Yixiao’s brow knotted. Even as he suppressed his irritation, he couldn't hide the accusation in his tone. "But you two got along so well before. Why now... can't you just maintain a surface-level peace?" He trailed off, looking as if he were in a difficult position.

Jiang Yunmiao smiled faintly, her eyes showing only detachment. "That’s a good question. Why do you think that is?" She tossed the question back to him.

Duan Yixiao sensed something unusual. His gaze darkened, locking onto Jiang Yunmiao’s face as if trying to uncover her cards. Yet, she remained indifferent, giving nothing away.

Duan Yixiao sighed helplessly. "My mother is injured and stuck at home; it’s understandable that she wants some entertainment. Why can’t you be more accommodating? She’ll only be here for a month at most. Can’t you just endure it for my sake?"

Jiang Yunmiao had expected him to say exactly that. His solution was to sacrifice her life and freedom to buy his own peace.

"I can endure it, but there is a limit to anyone’s patience," Jiang Yunmiao said.

"What do you mean?"

The study was brightly lit, the light casting a cold, pale glow over his handsome face, adding a touch of heartlessness to his features. Jiang Yunmiao adjusted her posture, looking at him with mild interest. "Did your mother not ask you to divorce me?"

Duan Yixiao’s pupils constricted, his composure nearly shattering. "I... look, you know what my mother is like. She speaks without thinking. Don't take it to heart. I have no such intentions." He hurried to explain, his hands nervously interlaced on the desk.

"Is that so? But all these years, your mother has acted with such perfection and tact in the Duan household!" Jiang Yunmiao stared at him unblinkingly, having quietly seized the initiative.

"A mother always thinks her son is a prize; she’s just jealous of you. Plus, she’s hurt and in a bad mood, which is why she’s babbling nonsense. Please, don't take it seriously." Duan Yixiao stood up, walked quickly to her side, and grasped her hands, feigning affection to prove his loyalty.

Seeing this facade, Jiang Yunmiao felt only disgust and repulsion. She pulled her hands away.

"Duan Yixiao, I’ll give you a chance. If you truly want a divorce, say it now, and I’ll consider setting you free."

"I don't! Why would I want that? I have a successful career, a virtuous wife, and I’m about to be a father. Why would I want a divorce? Don't listen to my mother’s nonsense," he declared firmly.

Jiang Yunmiao knew he was telling the truth. The cost of divorce was too high for him right now; it simply wasn't profitable. It wasn't that he didn't *want* to; it was that he couldn't afford to. Once he found a better option, or if this marriage became a stumbling block, he would likely be the first one to walk away.

This was the man she had once loved so dearly. It was a pity she only saw his true colors now.