"I know what you're trying to do: fooling me. Pfft. You're too young for that." Old Master Huo moved his hand over his chest as he coughed due to his agitated speech. It shocked Liang Yan, and she advanced instinctively to help him. But he blocked her with his hand, unwilling for her to touch him. With his slight push, she stumbled backward, landing her butt on the floor.
Old Master Huo couldn't care less about her now. He was pissed off. "Our family values integrity more than anything. You must remember what you've promised me today."
Liang Yan went silent for a second before she nodded. "Don't worry, grandpa. He's right outside. When I walk out of this door, I'll tell him straight."
Old Master Huo could finally catch his breath to hear an affirmation. "Good. I'm not some unreasonable old folk. As long as you draw the line, I'm not going to do anything to you."
Huo Qingning had been waiting for her when Liang Yan came out of the ward. Putting up his nonchalance, he came forward. "How's grandpa? What did he say?"
"He's fine," Liang Yan replied plainly without any emotions in her words. They were in a pretend marriage, after all. And she'd do anything as long as she could protect the welfare home. She met his eyes, her decision set-in-stone. "I've promised grandpa. Let's get the divorce over with."
Huo Qingning wasn't expecting that. He grabbed her wrist and yanked, pulling her close. "What are you talking about? Why did you agree?"
It caught Huo Qingning off guard that she staggered. "What are you doing? Let me go!"
The people in the hospital had been long waiting for a fight to break out between these two. But because of Huo Qingning, they kept to themselves. Now, the couple attracted some onlookers' attention.
With the crowd growing, Liang Yan let out an unnoticing smirk. Very well, then. It could be her chance to make things big. She started struggling, forcing tears out of her eyes. "I'm telling you to get a divorce!"
Her putting up a fight was no match for Huo Qingning. He tightened his grip, making her immovable. "I gave you your chance, wild girl. Don't get on my nerves."
Her asking for a divorce had stepped on his toes. He'd thought as long as he helped out with the welfare home, she'd obey and comply. He'd never imagined how stubborn she'd get when things get rough. He sighed, recollecting his calm. "Listen. Be good, and I'll take care of the welfare home."
Liang Yan was always sensitive about matters concerning the welfare home. She shivered, her body going limp from struggling.
Huo Qingning flashed a grin, thinking he'd got her under control. With everyone staring, he slid his hand down to her waist. "See? We're all good now. Good girl." He planted a kiss on her hair.
But she dodged him, her hair covering her face, her expression unreadable. "I've made up my mind. I'm getting a divorce."
"You!" When Huo Qingning was distracted, Liang Yan pushed him away and stood three feet apart. She fixed her eyes on his and set a determined stance. He scoffed. "If that's the case, the welfare home wouldn't be a concern of yours soon." He turned to the exit.
"What do you mean?" Liang Yan chased after him, but he disappeared into the crowd too quickly.