Chapter 59

Chapter 59

Jiang Yiyan had been carrying a heavy burden in her heart because the societal environment was such that people often said, "It's better to tear down ten temples than to break up one marriage." She had originally thought that Yu Wenlai would be like others and advise her to live well when he heard that her husband wanted to reconcile.

In her heart, she already had an answer: she was determined to get a divorce. However, she feared that if she expressed this desire, everyone would oppose her.

Today, she sought out Yu Wenlai to talk about these matters, hoping to gain his approval.

Indeed, he did not disappoint her.

Jiang Yiyan was pleasantly surprised and delighted. She happily asked Yu Wenlai, "I also advised my friend to follow her heart and not care too much about what others think. But my friend is a kind-hearted girl; she still cares about her family's opinions. I'm very happy that you could support my friend with an objective attitude today."

Although Yu Wenlai now runs a family heirloom qipao shop, he has received Western education and is not at all feudal in his thinking.

"If it works, stay together; if it doesn't, part ways—it's a normal thing. Even couples who were once deeply in love can separate if they find themselves incompatible after marriage, or if they cannot live together happily. In today's society, divorce is not shameful."

At this moment, the waiter knocked on the private room door and began bringing in dishes and water.

Jiang Yiyan poured two glasses of water, one for herself and another for Yu Wenlai.

"Let's toast with water. It's rare to have such a congenial conversation." Jiang Yiyan, having received understanding and support, felt wonderful and joyful.

Yu Wenlai, always gentle and refined, raised his glass and lightly touched it against hers.

"I'm very happy today," he expressed softly, "especially that you consider me a friend and share these things with me." The fact that she shared such important matters with him, someone she had only recently met, showed that he held a significant place in her heart.

Moreover, her trust in his character was the greatest affirmation he could receive.

The meal was delightful, and after dinner, Jiang Yiyan asked Yu Wenlai where he lived. Since she had invited him out for dinner and he hadn't driven, she couldn't let him go back alone. So, after a slight hesitation, she offered, "Let me give you a ride."

She thought that if Yu Wenlai refused, she wouldn't insist. Unexpectedly, he accepted without hesitation.

Jiang Yiyan's offer was sincere. Since he accepted, she happily opened navigation on her phone.

Fortunately, his residence wasn't far away, and with smooth traffic, it would take only twenty minutes to reach.

Yu Wenlai lived in an old neighborhood in the city center. Jiang Yiyan didn't drive into the neighborhood but found a suitable spot to park near the entrance.

"Send me a text when you get home," she said as he got out of the car. The door remained open for a moment as Yu Wenlai leaned over to give instructions, looking somewhat serious.

Friendship and mutual concern were normal, so Jiang Yiyan didn't think much of it and simply replied, "Don't worry," before waving goodbye.

After closing the car door, Yu Wenlai stood there for a while, watching the white car slowly merge into traffic and disappear from view before turning to enter the neighborhood, somewhat reluctantly.

.

When Jiang Yiyan returned home, it was around nine-thirty.

Seeing the living room lights still on, she assumed her daughter was waiting for her and hurried inside. Without looking into the living room, she started talking to her daughter as she changed her shoes.

"Didn't I tell you to go to bed early? It's already nine-thirty, why aren't you...?" She stopped mid-sentence upon seeing a tall, imposing figure standing before her.

Tense and slightly guilty, she avoided his gaze, looking everywhere except at him.

"Why are you here?" she tried to remain calm, her smile stiffening. "It's so late, why aren't you asleep yet?" She then walked past him towards the kitchen, feeling thirsty.

Wen Mochuan didn't move away and followed her into the kitchen.

"When have you ever seen me asleep by nine-thirty?" He spoke with a hint of teasing, unlike his usual formal tone.

After getting her water, Jiang Yiyan returned to the living room and sat down on the sofa.

"Even if you're not asleep, don't you usually go upstairs early? This is the first time I've seen you still downstairs this late," she said, slightly awkwardly.

Aware of her recent emotional state and attitude towards him, Wen Mochuan treaded carefully. Wanting to make amends, he gauged her mood before responding appropriately.

Noticing her attempt to avoid him, he sat down at a respectful distance, ensuring neither too close nor too distant, allowing them to chat comfortably.

He said earnestly, "I was worried since you weren't back so late."

Jiang Yiyan took a sip of water and forced a relaxed smile. "It's only nine-thirty, not that late." Then she added, "I invited Wenlai for dinner. He helped me a lot with work, and I hadn't thanked him properly. Today, after finishing my manuscript, I had some free time, so I invited him."

When Jiang Yiyan mentioned inviting Yu Wenlai to dinner, she did so openly. She always saw Yu Wenlai as a business partner and a regular friend, but hearing it, Wen Mochuan felt a pang of discomfort.

Though he had suspected, he hadn't expected his wife to invite Yu Wenlai herself.

Wen Mochuan fell silent, wearing his gold-rimmed glasses and looking unusually stern and cold, unlike his usual warm demeanor.

Jiang Yiyan glanced at him cautiously, unsure what to say.

While she considered Yu Wenlai just a friend, she understood that from Wen Mochuan's perspective, his reaction was understandable.

Feeling the need to explain, she softened her tone. "I decided to invite him for dinner spontaneously. You know, none of my previous friends were genuine. Today, I faced some issues and needed advice. So, I..."

But Jiang Yiyan suddenly realized that the more she explained, the more complicated it became.

Facing difficulties and seeking help from a new business partner instead of family or her husband... even she found it hard to accept.

Moreover, she couldn't confidently tell him why she sought Yu Wenlai's advice. She couldn't say, "I want a divorce but am unsure, so I talked to Yu Wenlai."

Deciding not to delve deeper, she thought, "The more I explain, the more complicated it gets."

"That’s how it was. We just had dinner and talked for a while. Then I drove him to the entrance of the neighborhood and came back." Since she couldn’t explain it clearly, Jiang Yiyan decided to give up trying.

Wen Mochuan believed her words. He could see sincerity in his wife’s eyes and attitude.

He believed that inviting Yu Wenlai to dinner today was just a casual meal between friends, with no ulterior motives. However, while he trusted her, he didn’t trust Mr. Yu.

Men understand men too well. Although Yu Wenlai’s intentions weren’t obvious, Wen Mochuan could sense them from their few interactions.

Wen Mochuan didn’t want to condemn his wife’s behavior. He remained rational, knowing he hadn’t been good enough before. Therefore, now that his wife’s attitude had changed significantly, he had no right to criticize her from a moral high ground.

But he was making every effort to salvage this relationship and this family.

After a moment of silence, Wen Mochuan said, "If you have any worries in the future, you can talk to me. After all, we are husband and wife, the closest people in the world." Since he chose not to continue discussing today’s events, he decided to talk about the future instead.

Work-related matters could be discussed, but how could one talk about emotional issues? So Jiang Yiyan merely smiled without taking it seriously.

"I understand," she said dismissively. "I will next time."

From her attitude and expression, Wen Mochuan could tell she was being dismissive, but he didn’t say anything more.

In the end, it was still because of his previous mistakes.

Wen Mochuan wanted to mend the relationship but knew he couldn’t push too hard. So after a brief conversation, he let her go to rest.

"You’ve been tired lately. Now that you’ve finished your manuscript, get some early rest."

Jiang Yiyan, eager to leave, gratefully stood up and said, "You should rest early too. Good night."

Wen Mochuan smiled. "Yes, good night."

Jiang Yiyan turned and went upstairs, while Wen Mochuan remained seated, his gaze following her until she disappeared around the corner. Only then did he slowly turn away.

For the first time, he was troubled by matters of the heart.

It was also the first time he was being cautious about a relationship.

Five years ago, although he faced a choice regarding his feelings, even if he felt reluctant and unwilling, once things happened, he wouldn’t irresponsibly run away.

So, although he felt guilty towards Shu Yao and didn’t want their innocent relationship to end abruptly, he had made his decision long ago.

He wasn’t indecisive; once he made a decision, he would handle it promptly.

Thus, he and Shu Yao parted ways amicably back then.

Now, however, things were different. Although the start of his marriage wasn’t ideal, he didn’t want to let go now.

Ending a relationship is easy, but maintaining one is not.