Chapter 405 Parting Ways

Chapter 405: Going Separate Ways

At the Hao family's side, Hao Chengbing also inquired, "Why this sudden divorce talk?"

"It wasn't our Yan Yan who brought it up. You should ask the Xu family what's going on."

He Qiaoxiang got mad just thinking about how the Xu family acted.

Hao Chengbing said, "Don't say that. If there are problems in a marriage, both parties are at fault."

He Qiaoxiang retorted, "Don’t act all superior. Our Yan Yan has suffered enough. Even after the divorce, she can do better—there’s nothing to worry about."

Hao Chengbing sighed. "Don’t be so stubborn. As parents, we should mediate, not stir up trouble."

He Qiaoxiang snapped, "Anyway, the two of them have already made up their minds to divorce. If you want to fix things, go talk to the Xu family yourself."

Hao Chengbing hesitated, "How can I, a man, go over there to talk about this kind of thing..."

He Qiaoxiang scoffed, "If you won’t go, don’t expect me to. I’m not going there to get disrespected."

Hearing her parents argue, Hao Yanyan suddenly felt tired of all this.

"Mom, Dad, stop fighting because of me. Xu Jianwen didn’t even think about how I’d feel when he brought up divorce. I’m not gonna beg him to stay."

Hao Chengbing sighed helplessly, "Well... if that’s what you want, I won’t stop you. After the divorce, come home to live. We can take care of you just fine."

Hao Yanyan lowered her head. "Thank you, Dad."

The divorce didn’t go smoothly.

They argued over splitting things up—the house and cars were all purchased by the Xu family.

Technically, Hao Yanyan wasn’t entitled to much, but considering she had been married to Xu Jianwen for so many years and had even been pregnant (though she ultimately didn’t give birth), Xu Jianwen decided to let her keep the house.

As for the other assets, he wouldn’t divide them.

Zhao Hongxia was being cheap about it. "That house was bought by me before the marriage. Why should she get it?"

Xu Jianwen looked at his mother. "We’re already divorced—there’s no need to be so calculative. Besides, didn’t you used to like her a lot?"

Zhao Hongxia huffed, "That was before, this is now."

Now that she wasn’t her daughter-in-law anymore, why should she side with her?

"Anyway, that house isn’t worth much. Just give it to her. Didn’t Hao Yanyan buy you plenty when she had money?"

Even though he was disappointed in Hao Yanyan, Xu Jianwen wasn’t totally cold.

Zhao Hongxia relented, "Fine, it’s up to you. Do what you want. But since that house is closer to your workplace, we’ll get you another place in a different neighborhood."

Xu Jianwen just shrugged.

And so, the divorce was settled.

On the day they went to collect the divorce certificate, Hao Yanyan said to Xu Jianwen, "What you found out is all old news. I hope you’ll keep it confidential."

By now, Hao Yanyan naturally had to prioritize herself.

Xu Jianwen didn’t mention that someone had already targeting the Hao family, and those past events might not be completely secret.

There was no need for him to make the effort to remind anyone.

"Well, don’t worry, even if someone knows, the information won’t be leaked by me."

Hao Yanyan knew Xu Jianwen well enough—once he gave his word, he wouldn’t easily go back on it.

So she put away the divorce certificate and bid him farewell.

The two walked away in opposite directions, growing more distant.

...

"Wait, you mean Hao Yanyan and Xu Jianwen got divorced?"

Ye Xiaoxiao was surprised by Lin Zhilu’s sudden visit, but even more shocked by the news she brought.

"Yes, I came specifically to tell you as soon as I heard."

Lin Zhilu added smugly, "And that He Jingxuan and Di Yu—who knows what they’re up to. Di Yu’s been fooling around a lot, while He Jingxuan has taken on the role of the Di family’s perfect housewife facade."

Ye Xiaoxiao was sorting through her notes.

She just gave a small smile at the gossip Lin Zhilu shared.

"Thanks for telling me this gossip, but I’m not really interested in their lives right now."

Lin Zhilu hesitated, "Actually, I came to you for something else."

Ye Xiaoxiao: "Between us, there’s no need to hesitate. Just say it directly."

Lin Zhilu: "Xiao Xiao, I heard your medical skills are amazing now. My sister-in-law has been wanting to see a TCM practitioner. I was wondering if you could come to our place to check on her."

Ye Xiaoxiao: "Why... can't your sister-in-law come to the hospital?"

Lin Zhilu: "Did you forget? My sister-in-law is an actress. If she shows up at the hospital, she might get photographed by tabloid reporters—it would cause problems."

Ye Xiaoxiao remembered—Lin Zhilu’s sister-in-law was indeed a nationally famous actress, appearing in many films.

"It slipped my mind. In that case, just name the time, and I can go to your place to check on her."

"Great! How about this afternoon? Do you have time? After work is fine too."

Lin Zhilu pressed, "Come over for dinner. It’s been so long since you visited."

"Alright."

Ye Xiaoxiao agreed.

Lin Zhilu’s older brother also worked for the government. When Ye Xiaoxiao arrived at the Lin household, both Lin Zhiyuan and his wife were there.

"Xiao Xiao, you’re here."

Lin Zhilu’s sister-in-law, Tao Manman, welcomed her with a warm smile.

Despite her warm appearance, she had her doubts.

She noticed Ye Xiaoxiao had changed quite a bit—probably since getting married—she seemed much gentler and quieter than before.

"Hi, big bro, sis-in-law."

Ye Xiaoxiao gave them a polite greeting.

"Have a seat, Xiao Xiao. You haven’t eaten yet, right? Let’s have dinner together first."

Ye Xiaoxiao didn’t hesitate. She had been pulled along by Lin Zhilu right after work and was a little hungry.

Once they finished eating, Lin Zhilu got to the point about why he had brought Xiao Xiao.

"Sister-in-law, weren’t you looking for a traditional Chinese medicine doctor? I brought Xiao Xiao here—she’s the final protégé of Dr. Song Guangjing."

"Xiao Xiao's that good?"

Tao Manman wasn't well-versed in TCM, but she had recently done some research since she needed to see a doctor.

Finding a good TCM doctor these days was difficult. Even booking appointments with top specialists was tough.

Song Guangjing was a famous TCM doctor in the capital, and just hearing his name made Tao Manman see Xiao Xiao in a new light.

"Look at Xiao Xiao—doing so well for herself now. If only Little Lu would get serious and work steadily like her, our family would be at ease," Lin Zhiyuan chimed in.

Lin Zhilu gave an awkward look at Xiao Xiao. "Big brother, sister-in-law, enough about me. Now that Xiao Xiao is here, get your consultation while she's here."

He clearly didn’t want to hear about the family’s expectations for his career and deliberately changed the subject.

"Then, Xiao Xiao, why don't we go up to the bedroom?"

Tao Manman wasn't comfortable talking about her condition in front of everyone.

Ye Xiaoxiao nodded. "Sure."

Once they were in the room, she asked, "Manman, where do you feel unwell?"

Tao Manman hesitated before saying, "I haven’t had my period for four months. Isn’t that abnormal?"

Tao Manman was in her thirties—way too young for menopause. This situation was indeed unusual.