Although Fu Hanjiang had a smile on his face, who was Fu Mingzhu?
The old lady could tell at a glance that he was unhappy. There was a hidden edge behind his smile.
"Hanjiang!"
Fu Mingzhu lowered her voice and slowly shook her head at Fu Hanjiang, signaling him not to act impulsively.
Was it necessary to be so tense? Fu Hanjiang laughed angrily. Did his grandmother think he was going to do something drastic?
The atmosphere was somewhat tense.
Sheng Xiangsi and Zhong Pei exchanged glances and stood up together.
"Grandma."
Zhong Pei smiled, "Thank you for your hospitality tonight. It's getting late, so Xiangsi and I won't disturb your rest any longer. We'll be leaving now."
"You're leaving?"
Fu Mingzhu quickly turned around, smiling awkwardly, still blocking Fu Hanjiang.
"Yes." Sheng Xiangsi nodded in agreement, "Grandma, I'll come see you another day."
Given the circumstances, Fu Mingzhu didn't insist on them staying.
She nodded, "Alright then. Zhong Pei, take good care of Xiangsi and make sure she gets home safely."
"Don't worry, Grandma."
"Goodbye, Grandma."
Sheng Xiangsi turned around, and Zhong Pei extended his hand to her.
She understood his intention—Fu Hanjiang was watching.
After hesitating for just a moment, Sheng Xiangsi took his hand and smiled, "Let's go."
"Mm."
The two of them walked out hand in hand.
Behind them, Fu Hanjiang sneered, "Grandma, they're gone. Can you let go of me now?"
Fu Mingzhu released him reluctantly, watching him with concern, "Are you alright?"
Fu Hanjiang shrugged his shoulders, "What's wrong with me?"
Listen to his tone—does that sound alright?
"You..."
Fu Mingzhu was quite helpless and poked his forehead, "I know you're upset. You've put a lot of effort into Xiangsi recently."
Hmph. Fu Hanjiang let out a low, cold laugh.
"Hanjiang."
Fu Mingzhu heard him and felt a chill, "Listen to Grandma, let it go. Xiangsi truly doesn't like you anymore. She and Zhong Pei are good together."
Even Grandma was taking their side?
Fu Hanjiang held back his anger and replied nonchalantly, "I never said I was going to do anything to them. Why are you so nervous?"
"Really?" Fu Mingzhu was skeptical.
"Really." Fu Hanjiang chuckled softly.
"Otherwise? Am I the type to cling to one person? Besides, Sheng Xiangsi isn't so special that I can't live without her."
That made some sense.
Fu Mingzhu nodded, "Exactly, you never truly liked Xiangsi. I think...you just can't stand seeing someone who used to like you, suddenly liking someone else."
Hearing this, Fu Hanjiang froze.
"Is that so? Grandma, you mean I'm treating Sheng Xiangsi like this because...of that?"
"Yes."
Fu Mingzhu nodded seriously, "I think so. Otherwise, how do you explain why you never cared about her all these years?"
"..." Fu Hanjiang was stunned, unable to respond.
"It will pass in time. Zhong Pei is different from you; he genuinely likes Xiangsi."
Fu Mingzhu sighed, "I just hope they have a good future together. Then I wouldn't have raised her in vain, and I could face her grandmother."
...
That night.
Fu Hanjiang stood under the shower, warm water pouring down on his scarred back.
He closed his eyes, recalling Fu Mingzhu's words.
"You don't truly like Xiangsi."
"You just can't stand seeing someone who liked you, like someone else."
"Why did you never care about her all these years?"
Is that it?
Is that really it?
Yes, that's it.
Exactly.
No doubt about it.
...
The next day, the weekend.
Fu Hanjiang came downstairs, unexpectedly seeing Sheng Xiangsi talking with Fu Mingzhu.
"Awake?"
Fu Mingzhu saw him coming down and waved, "Perfect timing, I have something to discuss with you."
"What is it?"
Fu Hanjiang sat down on the sofa, picked up an orange from the fruit plate, and peeled it slowly.
"It's like this."
Fu Mingzhu said, "You should set a time to go with Xiangsi to get the divorce certificate."
"?!"
Suddenly, Fu Hanjiang froze, mechanically raising his head to look at Sheng Xiangsi.
So early in the morning, she came for this?
Sheng Xiangsi met his gaze, nodded, and said slowly, "I promised Grandma. Now that I'm with Zhong Pei, I need to get the certificate."
"Exactly."
Fu Mingzhu nodded in agreement, "This needs to be done quickly. If the Zhong family finds out we haven't done it yet, it could cause trouble!"
She glared at her grandson, "You need to set the time today. If this ruins Xiangsi's future, I won't forgive you!"
Originally, it was to give Xiangsi a way out, but now it was no longer necessary.
"Alright, I understand."
Fu Hanjiang glanced at his phone.
Fu Mingzhu kept nagging, "The sooner the better."
Fu Hanjiang frowned, feeling irritated, and said casually, "How about Monday morning?"
"Monday morning? Will that interfere with your work?" Fu Mingzhu was worried.
"No." Fu Hanjiang shook his head, "I can go in a bit later; it won't cause any major issues."
"Alright then."
Fu Mingzhu decided, patting Sheng Xiangsi's hand, "It's settled. Are you relieved now?"
"Yes, thank you, Grandma."
Sheng Xiangsi smiled and nodded, but thought secretly: I can't be relieved until I get the certificate and it's all over!
"Grandma."
Having achieved her goal, Sheng Xiangsi stood up, "I have to go now... I have an appointment with Zhong Pei."
"Oh."
Fu Mingzhu beamed, teasing, "Then I won't keep you. Go on, don't keep Zhong Pei waiting!"
"Yes, Grandma."
The old lady reluctantly saw her off.
Fu Hanjiang didn't move, finishing peeling the orange and popping a segment into his mouth.
As he bit down, his face twisted.
"Ugh! What kind of orange is this, so sour??"
Was it made of vinegar?
...
Early Monday morning.
Zhong Pei, at Sheng Xiangsi's invitation, took leave and drove to Xishi Street to pick her up—heading to the Civil Affairs Bureau.
Firstly, the incident of walking back from Jiu Xian Qiao had left a shadow in her mind, fearing another mishap.
Secondly, she worried Fu Hanjiang might back out at the last minute. With Zhong Pei there, he wouldn't.
The car stopped at the entrance of the Civil Affairs Bureau. Zhong Pei leaned over, unbuckling Sheng Xiangsi's seatbelt.
He asked gently, "Do you need me to go with you?"
"Not for now." Sheng Xiangsi shook her head.
"Alright." Zhong Pei didn't insist, "If you need anything, just call me. I'll be here waiting for you."
"Okay."
Sheng Xiangsi took a deep breath, opened the car door, and got out.
Simultaneously, Fu Hanjiang also got out of his Bentley Azure.
Just like years ago, they were heading in the same direction.
That time, it was to embark on a journey together.
This time, it was to part ways.