Chapter 16

Chapter 16

Wang Meili’s heart turned to ice.

Not only did the old lady still need care, but considering Xu Jiefang’s age, he couldn’t stay celibate forever. Since the Xu family had not yet divided the household, if he were to marry again, the family would have to pay for it.

If the old lady recovered, that would be one thing. But if she didn’t, Xu Jiefang’s chances of finding a new wife would become even harder. She had considered countless solutions, but never once imagined Feng Yanwen would refuse to return. Her expression changed, and her tone softened:

“Hear yourself speak. You’ve been with Third Brother for over a decade now. He’s honest and doesn’t fool around with other women. How can you even bring up divorce? And at your age, in your condition, leaving him might not make life any easier for you. Let’s not talk about anything else—just look at Xu Meng. She’s not even your biological daughter. Do you really think she’ll support you in your old age?” Had Feng Yanwen lost her mind?

In those early years of marriage, trying to conceive, she had taken all sorts of herbal remedies. Later, her skin improved, and even her periods became more regular, but still no pregnancy came. Back then, infertility wasn’t common knowledge, and she felt humiliated to have it brought up in public.

Listening to what was said before, Xu Meng just laughed bitterly. As if a woman couldn’t live without a man?

Hadn’t she lived quite comfortably in her past life without ever dating or having a partner? No marital spats, no parenting woes—even when her friends’ boyfriends slacked off, she traveled alone and ended up living the kind of life others dreamed of.

“Hear yourself. What does it matter if I’m not her biological child? Stop trying to drive a wedge between us. Rest assured, even if no one supports my mom, she can manage perfectly on her own. In fact, she’ll live better than every single one of you.

And don’t even think about tricking my mom into going back to serve your elderly. You keep going on and on about how she can’t bear children, as if she’s the one clinging to you. But now it’s you who won’t agree to a divorce. My mom owes you nothing. I bet you’ve got other plans—use her until she’s worn out, then kick her aside when she’s old. It’s beyond disgusting.”

She had always thought selfishness was a basic instinct, but she never imagined people could be this selfish.

Wang Meili was a woman too, yet she looked down on others constantly, always using fertility as a weapon. If she wanted children so badly, why not find someone else? Why keep rubbing it in their faces?

This time, Feng Yanwen lifted her chin defiantly.

Xu Meng was right—she owed the Xu family nothing.

“Are you planning to get the divorce papers before leaving?” Feng Yanwen countered sharply. “And spare me the holier-than-thou nonsense. I don’t care about any of that anymore. Xu Jiefang, if you truly cared about me, you wouldn’t let these people walk all over me. And when I say I want a divorce, I mean it. If we’re going to settle accounts, the 88 yuan you gave me as a dowry back then—I can repay it all right now.”

Xu Jiefang froze in shock. What was she saying?

In the 1980s and 90s, social norms were still rigid. The general understanding was that women got the short end of the stick in marriage. Unless a woman had committed a serious offense, men were expected to compensate them for their lost youth upon divorce. Yet here Feng Yanwen was, offering to return the dowry.

He had never dreamed Feng Yanwen had this steel in her. She wasn’t afraid of gossip or struggling to make ends meet on her own. This was a side of her he’d never seen before—not even when she first landed a job at the school. Back then, she still carried the nervous diffidence of a rural woman stepping into the city.

Of course, this wasn’t entirely Feng Yanwen’s fault. Back then, the urban-rural divide was vast, and marrying into the city was seen as a golden ticket to upward mobility.

And now, the woman he had suppressed for nearly two decades was asking for a divorce. She actually wanted a divorce.

Xu Jiefang’s mind went blank. His mouth hung open, but no words came out.

Sister Liu also found these people infuriating. She linked arms with Feng Yanwen. “Come on, let’s go talk at your place.”

Too many people around—it was too embarrassing.

Xu Jiefang threw Sister Liu a grateful look, but right now, all he wanted was to escape.

Maybe she was just lashing out in anger, being impulsive. If he came back another time, gave her an out, perhaps she wouldn’t be so set on divorce.

“I… I’ll go. I’ll come see you another time.”

————

Feng Yanwen felt utterly triumphant.

Xu Jiefang’s stunned expression, Wang Meili’s disappointment—she saw it all.

These two had given her endless grief in the past. But now, for once, she held her head high.

When she first brought up divorce, she had felt somewhat lost. But as the conversation went on, it was as if she had been given a boost of courage, and a door seemed to open before her, revealing a bright, open future.

Yes, what was she so afraid of?

Once she stepped out, she realized how boundless the world was—the world outside was so beautiful.

Lately, life felt like a dream, more relaxed than ever before. Even Xu Meng’s grades had improved a lot.

Indeed, despite being busy all day, Xu Meng now had independent time to study without interruptions or nights tossing and turning over worries. Feng Yanwen also helped her organize her study schedule and noticed how much Xu Meng’s English had improved.

And as for those who were no good—they were none other than those Xu folks.

Sister Liu accompanied them to Liu Jin’s house.

The moment the three children saw Feng Yanwen return, they came running, all smiles—one took the cart from her, another chimed in that they had warmed water for her bath, and the third proudly announced they had already swept the yard.

Feng Yanwen’s face slowly lit up as she pointed to the large watermelon left in the basket and said to the eldest, “You can take this and eat it first. The bath can wait.”

The sun was still up; the bathwater wouldn’t cool by nightfall.

The second child craned his neck and grabbed the watermelon—it was as big as usual.

Kids are always hungry, and since Feng Yanwen had returned a bit late today, all three had grown impatient.

The eldest gave the second kid a look before smiling and asking, “Auntie Feng, have you eaten yet?”

Xu Meng brought out two chairs from inside: “We ate at noon. This was set aside just for you. Go ahead and cut it up, but remember to tidy up the pail and scraps afterward.”

She waved the kids off so Feng Yanwen and Sister Liu could talk.

“Got it!” Even the eldest, usually so responsible, couldn’t hold back his excitement, clutching the watermelon and scampering off joyfully.

Sister Liu had been visiting them often lately. At first, she had been a little worried they wouldn’t get along, but over the past few days, she noticed the children had become tidier and more organized, and the yard was starting to feel like a proper home. Most importantly, the kids always had smiles on their faces—nothing like the gloom they used to wear. And that watermelon they were given just now? It was huge—at least three or four pounds.

Watermelons weren’t cheap this season, and they certainly weren’t eaten every day. No wonder the kids were so happy all the time.

Sister Liu warmed to Feng Yanwen and her daughter even more.

“Sister,” Sister Liu said with a warm smile, getting straight to the point, “don’t laugh, but I’ve been divorced before too.” As if to say, *So you can talk to me—it’s no big deal.*

Now it was Feng Yanwen’s turn to be surprised. Sister Liu always seemed so cheerful, and her husband treated her well—there was no hint that they were a second marriage.

Sister Liu patted her hand. “I’m not lying. My ex was a terrible man. In the seventies, he became a factory director and took up with a young widow from the factory. I couldn’t take it and filed for divorce. Later, I met your Brother Zhang. People should never force themselves to suffer. I overheard a bit—is it that you can’t have children or something? Honestly, whether you can or can’t isn’t a big deal. A good man wouldn’t blame you for it. Look at some of our leaders—several of them never had kids.”

Feng Yanwen pictured kind, familiar faces and suddenly felt less upset.

Those who truly care about you won’t keep stabbing you in the heart.

“I’ve come to realize it too. I have Mengmeng now—what does it matter if I can’t have more kids? If someone’s heartless, even biological children might not treat you well. With a conscience, even without blood ties, things can still be good, right?” Feng Yanwen sighed. “I used to have a terrible life. Not only did I do all the housework, but I was constantly put down, openly and secretly. He never gave me his earnings, and after I lost my job, I had to beg him for money just to buy the smallest things—and put up with his temper. There’s no way I could go back to that kind of life now.”

Sister Liu glanced at Feng Yanwen, thinking how young she looked.

Perhaps because she had never given birth, her figure was more graceful than others her age.

“Sister, have you ever seen a doctor about this? Taken any medicine? Medical care is better now than before—if there’s a chance, you should get checked.” Though infertility wasn’t life-threatening, Sister Liu believed in seeking treatment if possible.

Feng Yanwen sighed. “When I was little, I fell into a river in winter. Later, they said it caused ‘cold womb.’ After marriage, I couldn’t conceive. His family took me to doctors, and they said the same thing. I was treated for a while, but it didn’t help much. And now I’m thirty-six—even if I got better and found someone, I’d be an older mother.”

Back then, the legal marriage age was eighteen. Rural girls married young, and Feng Yanwen had found a city-dwelling partner from the capital. So the moment she turned eighteen, they registered their marriage. Xu Jiefang was eight years older than her—the gap hadn’t seemed obvious before, but after he hit forty, he aged rapidly. When they walked together, they could pass for parent and child.

This was another reason Xu Jiefang refused to divorce—at least Feng Yanwen was easy on the eyes.

Sister Liu exclaimed in surprise, "You're only thirty-six? That's not old at all! In the past, people didn't practice birth control—some women kept having kids into their fifties. Coincidentally, my sister-in-law works at the hospital. Go see her and get some treatment. Even if we’re not aiming for childbirth, women have so many health issues—a little treatment can’t hurt."

This time, Feng Yanwen didn’t object and nodded in agreement.

As soon as Sister Liu left, Xu Meng urged her to hurry up and take a bath.

The house wasn’t using coal heating yet, so bathing depended on water heated by the sun. Seeing that it was almost dark, any more dawdling meant a cold bath.

The three kids were already cleaned up. Under Xu Meng’s supervision, the eldest and second child carried small buckets to wash clothes by the door, while the youngest crouched nearby playing with cardboard. When Sister Liu left, she saw them chatting and laughing while washing—the kids were nothing like before, when they sometimes wore the same clothes for days.

Feng Yanwen glanced at the sun and quickly got up to bathe.

By the time she finished, she saw Xu Meng hanging clothes to dry. Water dripped onto the floor, quickly evaporating from the scorching heat. The air was heavy with heat. The earlier talk about childbirth reminded her of something—Xu Meng had also fallen into water as a child.

"Mengmeng, let’s wake up early tomorrow. Go to bed early tonight."

"Why?"

"Just now, your Auntie Liu mentioned seeing a doctor. I want you to come with me." Feng Yanwen had thought it over—she wanted Xu Meng checked too. In the past, she didn’t have the money for it, but now that she did, it would be wrong not to get Mengmeng checked out.

Xu Meng had just finished hanging the clothes and looked up. "Why do I have to go? You can go by yourself."

She had overheard Sister Liu’s words—wasn’t this just about fertility? Why did she need to tag along?

But Feng Yanwen was firm. "No, you’re coming too."

Seeing her unyielding expression, Xu Meng opened her mouth but didn’t argue. Feng Yanwen had become much more assertive lately—not necessarily a bad thing. But it meant she’d have to ask the kids to help with the watermelon delivery tomorrow morning. Zhang Xiufen wouldn’t arrive too early. After a moment’s thought, she waved at the eldest.

"Liu Jin, come here..."

——————

The hospital normally opened at eight, so the two planned to go early, pick up the medicine, then head to the train station for work.

Gotta love being your own boss.

Before leaving, they took their time getting ready. Feng Yanwen even pulled out a dress she hadn’t worn forever—it wasn’t practical for running a stall at the train station. She even made Xu Meng wear a dress herself. With her striking looks, the dress accentuated her figure beautifully.

Feng Yanwen looked pleased. "Beautiful. This is how girls should dress."

They bought these two dresses after they left home.

Not expensive, but they complemented their skin tones well.

She was a traditional woman who liked seeing girls in dresses.

Xu Meng had been adorable and rosy-cheeked as a child. Back then, Feng Yanwen still had a job and bought her many little dresses, making Xu Jia, her same-age cousin, jealous as hell—she wanted pretty dresses too.

"Beautiful? I don’t even like wearing dresses."

Xu Meng had striking looks, but older folks often clucked about her figure and looks. Some even gossiped, calling her “seductive.” Back when they lived with the Xu family, Granny Xue started the rumors, and Xu Meng’s reputation suffered.

In her past life, she'd had suitors lining up right after high school, but none were worth a damn. Back then, Granny Xue’s criteria was simple—whoever ponied up the biggest bride price.

The moment the two stepped out today, they turned heads. At first, Xu Meng thought it was her imagination—until several people said hello as they passed. Then she knew the attention was real.

"Mom," Xu Meng said with a grin, "guess what I noticed? People are checking you out."

Feng Yanwen laughed in exasperation. “Who would be looking at me?”

Wait, people really were staring.

Her face fell as she recalled yesterday’s argument with Xu Jiefang… Now they were making a scene. She quickly pulled Xu Meng away.

Xu Meng was secretly amused. She didn’t sense any malice in those glances, but she quickened her pace anyway to avoid making Feng Yanwen uncomfortable.

They went to a fairly reputable hospital. Feng Yanwen stood at the registration window and got two appointment slips.

Xu Meng: “Mom, one's for you too?”

Feng Yanwen: “One's for you too.”

Xu Meng: “Me?”

Feng Yanwen: “You had that drowning accident as a child. Let’s check if there are any lingering issues.”

Xu Meng didn’t really want to, but Feng Yanwen insisted, dragging her into the doctor’s office.

The doctor was a plump woman with a round face, in her fifties. Seeing them enter together, she motioned for Feng Yanwen to sit and then took her pulse.

Since fertility issues were usually addressed through traditional Chinese medicine, Feng Yanwen had sought out an experienced TCM practitioner. As soon as she sat down, she was about to describe her condition, but the doctor waved a hand, signaling her to wait.

“Let me take your pulse first.”

Good doctors nowadays preferred not to hear patients’ self-diagnoses—they can usually figure everything out from the pulse alone.

After checking the left wrist, she moved on to the right, then examined Feng Yanwen’s tongue.

“You have a cold uterus, and your digestion isn't great either. You have trouble sleeping at night, don't you?”

Feng Yanwen thought she hit the nail on the head: “Exactly! Lately, if I get up to use the bathroom at night, I can't fall back asleep. At first, I thought it was because the environment was too noisy, but even after changing rooms, it didn’t help. I wake up exhausted—tired but never feeling rested.”

She went on about all sorts of things, almost forgetting why she came in the first place.

Then she pulled Xu Meng forward. “Doctor, could you take a look at her too?”

After showing the appointment slip, she had Xu Meng sit down for a pulse check.

This time, after taking the pulse, the doctor didn't jump to any conclusions. Instead, she began asking Xu Meng questions.

“Is your menstrual cycle regular?”

“Yes.”

“How many days?”

“About six to seven.”

“At your age, six or seven days is normal. How heavy is it?”

...

After a long series of questions, the conclusion was that Xu Meng was perfectly healthy, no problems whatsoever. If the doctor had to find something, it would be slight malnutrition—but lately, she’d been eating and resting well. Kids bounce back fast, so there wasn’t anything to worry about.

“There’s nothing wrong with her. Just have her eat more nutritious foods. You two probably weren't eating right before, but now that conditions have improved—if the family isn’t struggling too much—hard-boil two eggs each morning, one for each of you. Don't bother with anything fancy. Plain hard-boiled eggs are the most nutritious…”

Feng Yanwen seemed unconvinced: “She really has no problems?”

The doctor was baffled. "What exactly are you hoping is wrong with her?"

Feng Yanwen froze, nearly forgetting why she had come in the first place.

Xu Meng quickly interjected: "Doctor, my mother can't conceive. She blames it on falling in water as a kid. Coincidentally, I also fell into water when I was little, so she’s worried I might have the same issue. Can you check if this can be fixed?"

The doctor immediately grew displeased: "Nonsense. Uterine coldness is one thing, but it doesn’t mean you can’t have children."

Xu Meng: "Really?"

"When was your last check-up? Have you had any specific examinations? Is it a blocked fallopian tube or an ectopic pregnancy? There's got to be an actual diagnosis. Without any evidence, you can’t just claim falling into water makes you infertile. By that logic, all swimmers should have fertility issues—that’s simply not true!"

Feng Yanwen's heart turned to ice. She wasn’t even sure how she walked out of the doctor’s office.

Xu Meng asked a few more questions before leading the bewildered Feng Yanwen out.

Once outside, Xu Meng had Feng Yanwen sit on a bench in the hospital while she went to the pharmacy to pick up the medicine. Feng Yanwen sat there obediently, like a hollow shell. It was no wonder she acted so strangely—this matter, along with her lingering guilt, had been crushing her.

After all, she was a 1970s college grad. But whenever she thought about how the Xu family never held it against her, she felt she had no reason to leave Xu Jiefang. Besides, what prospects did a divorced woman like her have? Even if she remarried, it would likely be to someone with an agenda, and she’d still have to raise a child.

Xu Meng still remembered when she was little, every time this topic came up, Granny Xue would point at Feng Yanwen’s nose and hurl insults like “a barren hen,” saying the most hurtful things possible. Over the years, Feng Yanwen had indeed never even conceived.

Even as an educated woman, she wasn’t perfect in every way—she was clueless about fertility.

Xu Meng decided to let Feng Yanwen be alone for a while. Her own thoughts were scrambled enough.

Just as she reached the payment hall, she saw someone familiar.

The man was tall and slender with handsome features—it was Han Jiming.

Xu Meng immediately noticed him and waved: "Uncle Han."

Han Jiming saw her too and quickly walked over, his eyes crinkling as he looked her over before asking, "Why are you at the hospital? Are you sick?"

Xu Meng headed toward the payment counter as she replied, "My mom came for a check-up, just to regulate her health."

Han Jiming visibly relaxed.

There weren’t many people in the morning, so Xu Meng’s turn came quickly. After paying, she turned around and saw Han Jiming still standing there.

Only then did she notice he was wearing a white coat, which made him look unusually sharp.

Han Jiming seemed a bit flustered: "What’s wrong?"

Xu Meng smiled: "You look different than last time. Are you a doctor?"

The previous two times she’d met him, he'd seemed more laid-back.

Han Jiming: "I came to see my niece."

He looked her over again: "You're dressed differently today too."

Xu Meng laughed: "Well, I’m out and about today, and my mom insisted on dolling me up a bit." She felt a little self-conscious.

Han Jiming chuckled: "It suits you."

Xu Meng got even more flustered. With his background and looks, he probably had girls lining up—he didn’t seem like the kind of guy who’d be short on options. And she likely didn’t measure up among them. That thought twisted her stomach, but soon someone called for Han Jiming.

"Uncle Han, you should go ahead. I’ll be heading out after this."

"Still running your business at the train station? I remember you’ve got school again next semester."

"Yeah, summer break and all. We just moved out—we need money to get by." Xu Meng trailed off: "That guy’s still calling for you."

Han Jiming turned to leave but paused and looked back. "If you ever need help, just holler. You and Xiao Wuer are tight, and we grew up together—don’t be a stranger."

Xu Meng thought his tone was odd—less polite than usual. But before she could dwell on it, he was already walking away. After a moment’s hesitation, she picked up the medicine and headed back. When she returned, Feng Yanwen sat exactly as she had left her—zoned out, motionless.

"Mom, I got the medicine. Start taking it tomorrow morning. I checked—this doc’s got a great rep." Seeing no reaction from Feng Yanwen, Xu Meng crouched in front of her and took her hands, just like when she was little. That’s when she noticed the tears streaming down her mother’s face.

Her mother was crying.

Xu Meng had never seen her cry before. She was always strong.

Even when Granny Xue tore into her or her sisters-in-law took jabs, she’d clap back.

Xu Meng froze. "Mom, what’s wrong? The doctor said it wasn’t serious. Maybe it’s not even your issue. Having kids isn’t always on the woman."

The more she said it, the surer she felt. In her memory, Granny Xue had always been the one chasing and berating her mother, so she’d assumed it was her mother who couldn’t have children.

But decades ago, medical testing was limited. How could they be so sure it was Feng Yanwen’s problem?

Feng Yanwen wasn’t naïve—why had she believed it so firmly?

They returned home from the hospital and sat under the electric fan, letting it blow for a while as they talked.

Xu Meng was stunned by what Feng Yanwen revealed. "So back then, only you went to see the doctor? And the doctor was recommended by their family?"

Now composed, Feng Yanwen wiped her face. Thinking back, she realized how gullible she must have seemed. At the time, she hadn’t questioned it—the doctor had sounded so certain. No one doubted doctors; they only doubted themselves.

Besides, it was the 1970s. Good doctors were stuck in re-education camps—she might not have found a decent one even if she tried.

Xu Meng knew how it played out after that. As a younger generation member, though, she had no reason to pry into such personal matters. If not for today’s visit to the clinic, she wouldn’t have known the real origin of it all. It wasn’t surprising Feng Yanwen had believed it—healthcare was underdeveloped back then, nothing like the decades to come when people could just search online. Back then, the most reliable source of information was naturally a professional like a doctor.

If the doctor said it was her problem, she believed it. Was that really so strange?

Xu Meng suddenly blurted out, "But look at the bright side—it’s not your problem. It’s his!"

She knew Feng Yanwen had always wanted a child of her own—something she’d never dared hope for before. But if it wasn’t her issue, couldn’t she try with someone else?

This could finally get her divorced. Once they ditched those bloodsuckers, life would get better.

Outside, the three kids were running around the yard. Feng Yanwen spotted the watermelons stacked under the eaves and forced herself to perk up. She shut off the fan and stepped outside.

The oldest kids scrambled to butter her up when they saw her.

The second kid, still mischievous and eager to show off, piped up, "Aunt Feng, the melon lady said the melons were small, so she let us take an extra one. We grabbed fifteen. We filled the bucket with water and the thermos too—with boiled water, not tap. When are you leaving? We’ll walk you out!"

Feng Yanwen had a soft spot for kids, and these ones were well behaved. Hearing the second kid’s report, she visibly relaxed.

At first, she’d been appalled when they drank straight from the tap. She taught them to boil water, and now they made a big pot every morning. With this heat, it still wasn’t enough, but they’d formed the habit—boiling water first thing after waking up.

It took a load off the two of them, and Feng Yanwen was grateful. She grinned at the second kid. "Then do me a favor—help carry the water."

Everything else could go on the cart, but the water had to be carried separately. They needed water for washing hands during business—at least two buckets a day.

The oldest bolted upright. "Are we heading out now?"

Seeing Feng Yanwen distracted, Xu Meng exhaled, relieved. After double-checking their supplies, she walked out. The oldest and second kid helped carry things, while the youngest tagged along like a duckling. As they got close to the station, Feng Yanwen split off some goods for them to hawk.

This was a recent collaboration they had reached with these young boys—they gave them half the profits from whatever the kids managed to sell.

Some jobs were too much for just the two of them. For instance, these kids could run all over the train station, while Feng Yanwen and Xu Meng had to stay put to sell watermelons. The children, however, ran around, focusing on the exits, and on good days, they made over ten yuan. They were more than happy to do it.

At the time, schools were still promoting work-study programs, and even the local neighborhood committee encouraged it—keeping the kids busy kept them out of trouble.

Xu Meng naturally set boundaries for the little ones, forbidding them from wandering too far before letting them loose. She wasn’t too worried about them—these kids had grown up around the train station and knew the area inside out. With that settled, the two women began setting up their watermelon stall.

Feng Yanwen brightened up too. Xu Meng had mentioned before that this gig wouldn’t last long—at most until school started, which was less than a month away. Currently, they were making a solid seventy or eighty yuan profit a day. With the kids’ help, they could earn an extra five or ten yuan a day. They didn’t plan to keep that money—most of it went toward fixing up shared spaces at home.

Around two in the afternoon, the three boys returned. The eldest held up the small bills in his pocket. "Aunt Feng, sold out. Here’s the cash."

They had been given a hundred copies to sell, which meant a ten-yuan profit once sold out. Feng Yanwen took the money, put it in a separate pouch, then pulled out ten yuan and handed it to the eldest. The moment the boy got the money, he ran off with his brothers, thrilled.

Xu Meng laughed. "I never expected them to sell so much in a day."

Feng Yanwen was in better spirits too. "Neither did I. What if—after school starts—I sell maps too?"

While the kids had been selling maps, she had been quietly observing. Seeing how well they sold put her mind at ease. She had even made a silent decision—even if the watermelon business couldn’t continue after school started, she could still sell maps at the train station.

"I’ve been watching them these past few days. They can earn several yuan in just half a day. I’m not greedy—once you’re back in school, I’ll go to the station and sell travel maps. Maybe even other things. Even eight or ten yuan a day would keep me going. So even if I divorce Xu Jiefang, I’ll be just fine."

Seeing her mother’s determined look, Xu Meng’s eyes slowly brightened.

So that was what she had been thinking.

————

"She refuses to come back?"

Granny Xue bolted upright, stunned, her mouth agape.

She couldn’t believe it. Was she really divorcing over petty family squabbles? What kind of woman couldn’t tolerate her mother-in-law and just up and left? She itched to jump out of bed right then, grab Feng Yanwen by the ear, and make her think clearly about her own situation.

"Third Son, step outside. I need to talk to your second sister-in-law."

Xu Jiefang was a mess. He still had feelings for Feng Yanwen and had never considered divorce. But judging by her earlier stance, she was dead set on ending things. A slow dread crept in—if they divorced, would he ever find another woman like her?

Suddenly, all her good qualities flashed through his mind.

Feng Yanwen was eight years younger than him, beautiful, and a college graduate.

Back when they married, she hadn’t even been admitted to university yet. Everyone had said how lucky he was. His family had told him to keep her on a short leash—colleges were messy places. What if she fell for someone else and refused to come back?

Xu Jiefang walked out of the hospital room in a daze.

Granny Xue’s expression turned stormy, her sharp brows lifting as she demanded, "What’s really going on? Why is Third Son’s wife suddenly talking about divorce? Is there another man? How dare she bring up divorce! And what about that little brat? After all these years we raised her for nothing?"

Wang Meili shifted uncomfortably. "Do you think… she found out about what happened back then?"

Her words had been so final—even demanding the return of the 88 yuan. It was a slap in the face.

Some things were open secrets among the older neighbors in the alley—they just never spoke of it outright. Most had only heard rumors, and without solid proof, no one would gossip to Feng Yanwen directly, especially since they were all older and closer to Granny Xue.

Granny Xue’s face darkened further. "Back then, we picked a village girl for Third Son precisely because they’re supposed to be obedient and hardworking. Seems she’s neither. Is there another man?" She was convinced—if a woman left a man, nine times out of ten, it was because she had someone else.

But Feng Yanwen had indeed been capable. Maybe they’d pushed too far, treating her less like a person and more like a tool. At first, they hadn’t been so harsh—but attitudes change. Repeat something a thousand times, and even you start believing it.

Wang Meili shook her head. "We asked around yesterday. The two of them rented a place, and the landlord’s kids are all under eight. I doubt that’s the case. So I think… she must know."

Granny Xue’s eyes grew even colder: “So what if she knows? At her age, if we stall the divorce for a few years, as long as it doesn’t go through, she won’t be able to remarry. A few more years and she’ll hit forty—by then, even if she does find someone, she won’t be able to have children anymore. If she can start this mess, we can finish it just the same. Go bring your third brother back for me.”

Wang Meili sighed, a twinge of conscience stirring within her. She thought her mother-in-law was being truly despicable, but she didn’t want to argue in the hospital, so she stepped out to fetch him.

Xu Jiefang walked in blankly, still dazed. He noticed his mother sitting up straighter than before, looking slightly better than she had earlier. He stared in surprise for a moment, until he heard Granny Xue snap:

“What are you staring at? I’m better now—I can even get out of bed by myself.”

Xu Jiefang let out a sigh of relief.

Granny Xue lifted her legs with her hands and began massaging them slowly. Her legs had regained feeling that day, and the doctor had warned her to keep moving or risk blood clots. Now reinvigorated and ready for battle, she knew she needed a strong body if she was going to play the long game. She laid out her strategy to Xu Jiefang before adding:

“Just hold firm and refuse the divorce. I don’t believe she has any tricks left. Drag things out another few years and she’ll have no choice but to come back and settle down. Of all three of my sons, you’re the one I worry about most. What will you do when you get older? You’ll have to rely on your nephews. Don’t be foolish—guard your money fiercely. She hasn’t given you any children, so not a single cent should go to her. Don’t let her throw a tantrum and make you soften. Understand?”

Without any shared children, there would always be a distance between them. That’s why he favored his nephews over his wife by a thousandfold—they were the ones who would support him in old age.

He had poured a lot into Xu Dawei’s education, giving a hundred yuan every month for living expenses.

Only then did Granny Xue’s face show a hint of satisfaction. She praised him warmly, reminding him again how much she valued him. She feared her son might give in to manipulation, losing his senses and handing over all his money. She had always kept a tight grip on things—even if she wanted her daughter-in-law back, she would never loosen her hold on the finances.

Her son’s money could go to his nephews, but never to outsiders!

Xu Jiefang nodded firmly. His income had gotten quite good lately—he earned several hundred yuan a month driving trucks, sometimes even over a thousand during busy periods. He saved every penny, planning to hand over a hefty sum all at once when Dawei married. That kind of grand gesture would show how generous he was as an uncle, and Dawei would surely be grateful, making sure to take care of him later.

As for Feng Yanwen—if she thought she could control him with this nonsense, she was dead wrong. Sure, she might be doing well now, but the day would come when she failed outside and came crying back home. Unless she begged on her knees, he’d make sure she got exactly what she deserved.

With his mind made up, Xu Jiefang gave another heavy nod.