Chapter 372 The Dull Wife in Republic of China Literature (29)

Chapter 372: The Inflexible Wife in the Republican-era Novel (29)

"Will he come?" Although he had accepted the invitation, Fang Zhuo's tone was full of uncertainty.

After all, based on the information available so far, this "Nan Xu" was hard to pin down and might not be interested in the tenth-anniversary celebration.

"Mr. Xu, there's another friend."

"He's should be arriving soon."

"Thank you, Mr. Xu, for specifically helping to find that copy of *Section Design* last time. My friend has been searching for this book for a long time."

Xu Jing was often overseas, so this was a rare opportunity to meet again.

Before heading out, Fang Zhuo had specifically arranged for someone to deliver a message to Yan Ningcheng, informing him that Mr. Xu from the publishing house had arrived.

"Mr. Xu, last time you mentioned that the book was specifically borrowed from the university library. Counting the days, it should be about time to return it…"

As they spoke, Yan Ningcheng indeed showed up at the café with the book!

"Hello, Yan Ningcheng."

As soon as he sat down, Xu Jing immediately figured out who he was and quickly reached out to shake hands, "You must be Mr. Fang’s architect friend!"

Judging by Yan Ningcheng’s attire, he certainly looked the part of an architect.

Dressed in deep ink-black, his style was meticulous and polished.

With narrow-framed gold-rimmed glasses, his air was both dignified and gentle.

His eyes were much more penetrating than those of most people, and at a glance, Xu Jing could tell that Mr. Yan was incredibly well-read.

"Mr. Yan, you are really something else!"

"Even I have heard… that you set up the first architectural design firm in the country!"

In a completely new field, Yan Ningcheng was the first to bring the concept of architectural design back to the country.

Yan Ningcheng kept his cool and said, "It’s no big deal, just a small company."

Since its establishment, Yan Ningcheng had never cared about the so-called "first in the country" title…

The copy of *Section Design* was placed on the table, and Yan Ningcheng said sincerely, "Thank you for the book."

"I’ve been searching for this book… for a long time."

Xu Jing replied politely, "I'm just glad I could help Mr. Yan."

As he pushed the book toward Xu Jing, Yan Ningcheng’s gaze drifted unconsciously onto the cover, and for a moment, he seemed lost in thought…

It was because of this book that he had the chance to meet Tang Qing.

Their encounter in the bookstore, a fleeting glimpse.

This brief moment of unease was still picked up on by the sharp-eyed Xu Jing, who ventured to ask, "Is Mr. Yan reluctant to return this book to me?"

"It’s alright…"

"There’s in no rush to return it. I’ll be around for a while. You can return it to me later…"

Yan Ningcheng, however, turned down the offer and said quietly, "No need."

"This is plenty."

There was already another copy of this book at home.

He was the one...

Driven by that foolish hope, he had sheepishly accepted Fang Zhuo's kindness.

He'd found the book long ago.

It was he who wanted a reason...

His mind wandering, Yan Ningcheng went quiet.

Just then, Fang Zhuo spoke up suddenly, "Mr. Xu, you're in the publishing business..."

"Do you know if you know the editor-in-chief of Shen Bao?"

"Shen Bao?" Xu Jing thought for a moment. "You mean the one in Shanghai?"

"Yes."

Fang Zhuo continued, "I want Shen Bao to urgently squeeze in a page for me."

"But... it seems Shen Bao's space is quite tight lately."

"Got it."

Xu Jing asked casually, "It must be good news, since Mr. Fang wants a page in Shen Bao."

As someone specialized in publishing, Xu Jing had naturally heard of Shen Bao domestically.

Shen Bao was currently the highest-circulation newspaper in the country!

Those newspaper boys working the streets might run out of any other paper, but never Shanghai's Shen Bao!

"Well... it's not really good news..."

Fang Zhuo said, "What I want to publish is the divorce announcement between my wife and me."

With that sentence, the two men across from him were totally stunned!

Especially Yan Ningcheng!

Usually a model of composure, today, unusually, he knocked his coffee cup over in front of him!

Amid the spilled bitter liquid, Yan Ningcheng's eyes were unusually bright!

Without even waiting to tidy up the mess before him, Yan Ningcheng pressed urgently,

"What did you just say!"

"Publish divorce papers?"

"You and Tang Qing..."

Have separated?

The news came too suddenly, or rather, it was a long-anticipated outcome...

Suddenly right there in front of him!

Yan Ningcheng never expected this day to come so quickly!

"Mm."

Vaguely sensing that something was off with his good friend, Fang Zhuo took another look at Yan Ningcheng before saying, "You knew about this, didn't you?"

"I'm going to divorce Tang Qing by mutual agreement."

"The one I love is Wan Ran."

Hearing this, Xu Jing finally understood the whole story.

It was the same old tale of talented scholars and beautiful ladies.

After the opening up of ideas, the newly awakened younger generation always sought to break free from all constraints and shake off the shackles of feudal traditions.

Among these were the old-fashioned blind marriages.

So, this young master of the Fang family was also riding this wave of divorce...

"I do know the chief editor of *Shen Bao*," Xu Jing thought carefully and replied honestly, "I know of him, but we're not close."

"As for the layout, I'm afraid..."

Before she could finish her sentence, unexpectedly, at that very moment—

Yan Ningcheng actually spoke up!

"I can help."

"I know the chief editor of *Shen Bao*."

"If you want space, I can help you."

This was unexpected. Originally, he had planned to inquire through Xu Jing, but who would have thought...

It was his good friend again who stepped in!

Fang Zhuo subconsciously murmured, "You're in architecture—how do you know people in publishing?"

Yan Ningcheng replied, "I do."

"Full page or half page? The earliest is in a week."

Fang Zhuo was visibly stunned again...

He couldn't help feeling that something was off about Yan Ningcheng. Like... he was unusually eager to help?

He was speechless for a while without responding.

Yan Ningcheng pressed again, "Full page or half page?"

The way he was pushing for an answer, out of nowhere, Fang Zhuo suddenly thought of Tang Qing.

The two of them...

When pressing for updates, their deadpan expressions are quite similar.

"A short notice will suffice."

Fang Zhuo thought for a moment, "A public notice is sufficient."

Unbeknownst to everyone...

Just hearing Fang Zhuo's reply, Yan Ningcheng's seemingly calm eyes suddenly churned with massive waves!

Those once wild fantasies, those unutterable desires...

The set boundaries, constantly tested and shattered...

As if the clouds had parted, a clear direction has finally emerged.

She got a mutual divorce.

Yan Ningcheng...

The legitimate chance you desired...

It came so fast.

A sudden surge of agitation!

Yan Ningcheng subconsciously undid his collar, trying to calm himself.

Xu Jing, being diplomatic, still offered congratulations, "This is indeed good news."

"Last time we met, I thought Mr. Fang and Miss Wan Ran were perfectly suited."

"Both of you are matched in both knowledge and background, meant to be together..."

She casually turned the topic to Yan Ningcheng, teasing, "Mr. Yan, wouldn't you say, right? They are a perfect pair, a match made in heaven, wouldn't you say..."

Hearing this, Yan Ningcheng’s eyes deepened once more.

He paused, then slowly spoke: "It's... truly perfect."