Chapter Sixteen: Resolute to Divorce

“Click.” The heavy wooden door of the law firm closed behind Duan Fei, shutting out the clamor of the outside world.

Inside, Bei Mo stood in a well-tailored suit, yet the weariness etched between his brows could not be concealed.

He gazed at Duan Fei’s cold profile, his heart gripped by an invisible hand, waves of suffocating despair crashing over him.

Lawyer Liu, an elderly gentleman with graying hair but sharp eyes, pushed up his gold-rimmed glasses and began the routine explanation of procedures: “Both of you will need to provide your marriage certificate, ID cards…”

Each word struck Bei Mo like a small hammer against his already fragile nerves.

The solemn atmosphere around them felt like an impenetrable net, trapping him with no escape.

How he wished Duan Fei would glance back at him, even with anger—it would be far better than the current expression of utter rejection.

“Regarding the division of property…” Lawyer Liu’s voice pulled Bei Mo back to reality.

He took a deep breath, forcing himself to focus.

He knew now was not the time for sentimentality; he had to take action.

“All properties under my name, except for the one we currently live in, will belong to Duan Fei,” Bei Mo said calmly, as if discussing the day’s weather.

Duan Fei didn’t even lift her eyelids, as though she had long anticipated this.

“In addition, I will pay Duan Fei a substantial monthly alimony,” Bei Mo continued, his gaze fixed intently on her face, searching for any flicker of emotion.

But he was met with disappointment. Duan Fei remained expressionless, as if none of this concerned her.

“And my shares?” Duan Fei finally spoke, her voice cold and devoid of warmth.

Bei Mo hesitated for a moment, a subtle smirk curling the corner of his lips. “Those shares, I’m not planning to divide for the time being.”

Duan Fei abruptly lifted her head, her eyes sharp. “Bei Mo, what do you mean by that?”

“Literally what I said,” Bei Mo answered without backing down.

Duan Fei sneered, “Unless what? Unless I kneel and beg you?”

“Of course not,” Bei Mo chuckled lightly. “Unless you change your mind and decide not to divorce.”

“You!” Anger flared in Duan Fei’s eyes as she stood up abruptly, pointing at him. “Do you think I would give up my freedom for these material things?”

“Freedom?” Bei Mo rose as well, stepping closer, his voice low and pressing. “Are you sure all you want is just freedom?”

Duan Fei’s heart jolted violently; her eyes flickered and she averted his burning gaze.

---

Bei Mo reached out to touch Duan Fei’s cheek but was fiercely pushed away.

“Bei Mo,” Duan Fei’s voice trembled, “we… are over.”

She turned and left the law firm with resolute steps, leaving Bei Mo standing alone, stunned for a long moment.

“Duan Fei…” Bei Mo murmured, his voice barely audible.

He stared at the empty doorway as memories of their once-sweet moments flashed through his mind…

Duan Fei stepped out into the biting wind, rain lashing against her face, yet it could not extinguish the raging fire of anger burning within her.

Her footsteps echoed crisply as her high heels struck the pavement, a sharp sound that seemed to vent her inner resentment.

Wait!

The flood of once-sweet memories surged up—the moments that once made her heart race now felt like knives piercing sharply into her chest.

Back then, Bei Mo would gently drape a coat over her shoulders, silently bring her a cup of warm milk when she worked late, prepare surprises for her birthdays…

But now, only cold agreements and endless quarrels remained.

“Heh…” Duan Fei smiled bitterly. Is this what they call ‘marriage as the graveyard of love’?

She found a quiet corner in a nearby café, the surrounding noise fading into a distant hum, leaving her wrapped tightly in sorrow.

Back at the law firm, Lawyer Liu flipped through the documents, his brow furrowed. “Miss Duan, your proposed property division seems reasonable to me.”

At these words, Duan Fei finally breathed a sigh of relief.

She clearly articulated her perspective to Lawyer Liu, analyzing the unfairness of Bei Mo’s share division from a legal standpoint and putting forth her demands.

Lawyer Liu nodded repeatedly, impressed by her professionalism and logical approach.

Bei Mo sat nearby, his face darkening.

He hadn’t expected Duan Fei to be so resolute, nor that she was so well-versed in the law.

He had thought that by setting a few obstacles, Duan Fei would back down and return to him.

Now, it was clear he had underestimated her determination.

A wave of panic surged within him; he clenched his fists so tightly his nails dug into his flesh.

“Bei Mo, do you have anything to say?” Duan Fei challenged, a hint of triumph in her eyes.

---

Bei Mo inhaled deeply, struggling to quell his inner unease. “I need time to consider.”

Duan Fei scoffed, “Fine, but my time is precious.” She stood, grabbed her bag. “I hope next time we meet, you have a proposal that satisfies me.”

She turned and left, leaving Bei Mo alone, his face ashen.

He took out his phone and dialed a number. “Help me check…”

Bei Mo found Duan Fei and blocked her path.

“Lili, I know I was wrong. Can we start over? I’ll listen to you from now on,” he said softly, his eyes full of pleading.

Once the aloof CEO of the Bei family, he now looked like a wounded giant dog, pitifully gazing at Duan Fei.

Duan Fei stopped, a mocking smile curling her lips. “Bei Mo, are you acting? Don’t be ridiculous. We’re already over.”

She bypassed him without looking back, leaving Bei Mo disheveled in the cold wind.

Onlookers cast sympathetic glances; the CEO’s desperate pursuit of his wife was burning fiercely indeed!

Back at the law firm, Bei Mo presented a new property division proposal.

“I can also give Duan Fei the land in the southern part of the city,” he said through gritted teeth, as if tearing flesh.

Duan Fei chuckled lightly. “The land in the south? Bei Mo, do you take me for a fool? That land is now a ghost town of unfinished buildings. Do you expect me to be your scapegoat?”

She pulled out a stack of documents detailing the value and income of Bei Mo’s various assets, even exposing his failed investments from years ago.

“Mr. Bei, instead of playing word games here, why not do your homework properly?”

Lawyer Liu observed Duan Fei’s clear and thorough analysis and nodded inwardly.

This young woman was truly both beautiful and formidable.

Bei Mo was silenced by Duan Fei’s retorts, his face shifting from pale to flushed like a painter’s palette.

Although temporarily ahead in the property division, Duan Fei knew Bei Mo would not relent easily.

She began preparing for her entrepreneurial plans, starting with finding a suitable venue.

However, after contacting several agents, she discovered many ideal locations had already been reserved.

“Strange, is the city center’s market really this hot recently?” Duan Fei frowned, studying the information in her hands.