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Originally, Rong Shu intended to find Wen Xi and sincerely apologize, but now, with only vague hints of her whereabouts, she had no idea when she might locate her.

She hoped that Miss Wen wouldn't encounter any unforeseen circumstances. Otherwise, not only would she and Ama feel uneasy, but they would also irreparably offend Gu Changjin.

After much contemplation, Rong Shu decided to reveal everything to Gu Changjin at once.

At the very least, he should know that she had attempted to find Wen Xi and would continue striving to rectify her past mistakes, guiding everyone back onto their rightful paths.

Rong Shu poured a second cup of wine.

"This second cup was meant to be an apology when I returned Miss Wen to your side. However, since Miss Wen's whereabouts remain unknown, please rest assured, Lord, that I won't give up searching for her. The moment I receive any news, I will certainly inform you."

As she raised the cup to drink, a slender finger, calloused from labor, gently but firmly pressed against it, causing the wine to ripple and dampen both their fingers.

Rong Shu looked up in surprise.

"Lord?"

Gu Changjin's gaze remained fixed on her, unwavering.

Her eyes were truly captivating, as clear as a newborn's, with an amber glow shimmering beneath the lamplight.

Within them lay an open admission of guilt and a carefully considered determination.

Gu Changjin saw no trace of reluctance, sorrow, or longing in her gaze.

He swallowed, then said softly, "You don't need to drink the second cup."

Pausing for a moment, he continued, "Miss Rong, is your visit to seek a divorce from me?"

Rong Shu was not surprised by his insight into her purpose, and replied without hesitation, "Yes."

Upon hearing the young woman's words, the man's heart, already pounding like a drum, seemed ready to burst from his chest.

Such a frenzied heartbeat was unprecedented.

Yet, his expression remained as deep as the sea, but the long fingers holding the wine cup couldn't help but tremble slightly.

He was well aware of the unusual feelings he had for her.

Those fragmented dreams and strange, uncontrollable palpitations were entirely new to him in his two decades of existence.

In the past, such dreams and sensations wouldn't have stirred any desire within him to be with her permanently; they would only set off alarm bells in his mind.

He had even suppressed his instinct to investigate the origin of his peculiar feelings towards her.

It was as if delving into it would cause certain matters to slip beyond his control.

But at this very moment, upon hearing her mention divorce, the sudden, intense pain in his heart made him realize that some things had already slipped from his grasp.

Gu Changjin's survival until today had been due to his ruthlessness towards himself.

He had always been decisive in his actions, never hesitating.

Just like now, upon sensing those repressed emotions cracking like ice under fire, he agreed without the slightest hesitation.

"Very well, I'll agree to this." He paused before continuing, "But the time for divorce is not yet ripe. I hope Miss Rong can grant me some time."

According to the laws of Great Yin, a couple seeking divorce must sign a divorce certificate, which is then stamped by the local government office, followed by the woman's return to her maiden family's registry, before their marital ties can be officially severed.

She was a pawn that Xu Fu intended to exploit, and there must have been a purpose behind her placement at his side.

Given Gu Changjin's understanding of Xu Fu, he would have arranged for Rong Shu's marriage to him because her entry into the game could only come through such a union.

Initially, he was unsure if Rong Shu was truly aligned with Xu Fu, thus he remained cautious. But after several interactions, he had realized that she was not Xu Fu's agent and had no acquaintance with her.

If so, divorcing her might be the means to remove her from this intricate scheme.

The Gu residence was far from a safe haven.

However, he couldn't simply let Rong Shu leave abruptly without a proper reason; an unexpected divorce would undoubtedly arouse Xu Fu's suspicion.

He needed to find the right opportunity for her departure to seem natural and reasonable.

Gu Changjin's decisive response didn't surprise Rong Shu, but she hadn't expected him to need time. She had thought he would be eager to end their relationship as soon as possible.

If possible, Rong Shu wished they could proceed to Obeying Heaven Mansion tomorrow to seal the official stamp on their divorce certificate.

With the New Year's festivities approaching, the Obeying Heaven Mansion was already refraining from handling tedious matters such as divorce and property division. Even if they were to go there tomorrow, no one would attend to their divorce request.

After some thought, she said, "I wonder when my lord thinks would be an appropriate time?"

Gu Changjin fell silent for a moment before replying, "This coming March."

March.

Rong Shu was slightly dazed. Initially, she had planned to divorce him in March as well.

Rong Wu was due to marry on the twenty-eighth day of the second month. She had intended to divorce Gu Changjin right after Rong Wu's wedding to prevent her grandmother from causing a scene at the Qingheng Courtyard.

Now, she didn't care anymore. Her mother had already moved to the Minglu Yard, and even if her grandmother wanted to cause trouble, there was no one to let her in.

Since Gu Changjin mentioned that more time was needed, she wasn't willing to hinder his plans.

In any case, she had already written the divorce document. All that was left was to have it stamped by the officials at the Obeying Heaven Mansion.

"If that is the case, then I shall follow my lord's suggestion. Once March arrives, I will accompany you to the Obeying Heaven Mansion. The divorce document is already prepared, signed and sealed. My lord may examine it at your leisure."

Speaking of which, she withdrew a document from her sleeve and gracefully unfolded it with her slender fingers resembling green onions.

Gu Changjin lowered his gaze, meeting the two neat characters "Rong Shu" on the paper.

Her handwriting was full of vitality, like a delicate flower on a hairpin – elegant and graceful, as if a tree swaying gently in a breeze.

The ink on the paper had faded into a dark hue, indicating that this divorce letter had been written at least two months prior.

His thick eyelashes cast a shadow beneath his eyes, and after a moment, he picked up the pen, dipped it lightly into the ink, and signed his name, "Gu Changjin," next to hers.

Once the seal of Obeying Heaven Mansion was stamped on these two names, their marital ties would be severed, turning them into strangers.

This realization triggered a persistent ache in his heart. Gu Changjin concealed any unusual expression in his eyes, and when he opened them again, his dark gaze returned to its usual cold detachment.

He disliked dragging matters out, especially when the situation was already set in stone.

He told himself that the immediate concern was to uncover why Wen Xi was going to Su Prefecture and whom she was searching for.