Chapter 92 Because I Want to Get Married

Chapter 92: Because I Want to Get Married

The next day, both families went hiking together. No matter how reluctant Qian Youyou was, she gritted her teeth and soldiered through it.

Even Caesar—who had clung to Qin Shuyi like glue—ran faster than her. The dog frolicked wildly in the mountains, occasionally darting up to Qian Youyou to shoot her a disdainful look.

This enraged her so much that she cursed, “The dog takes after its owner!”

Then she immediately launched into nonstop brainwashing of her cousin: *Stay away from bad men.*

Unaware he’d been betrayed by his own pet, Ling Jue’s first task upon returning home was to follow up on the divorce proceedings between Qi Manjun and Ling Mufeng.

In truth, there wasn’t much difficulty involved—it was mainly stalled because Ling Mufeng refused to cooperate.

Though Qi Manjun had treated him as if he didn’t exist for years, he deluded himself into believing even the mere title of “husband” held value. He was unwilling to sever all ties with her—to have absolutely no connection whatsoever in this world.

After formally reconfirming Qi Manjun’s unwavering determination to divorce, Ling Jue dispatched someone to deliver the divorce agreement to Ling Mufeng.

That very night, Ling Mufeng barged into Ling Jue’s study.

If this weren’t his own son, he would have shouted, *“Have you lost your mind?!”*

“What good does it do *you* if your mother and I divorce? Why are you so eager to push this through?”

He truly couldn’t understand.

He and Qi Manjun shared only the nominal title of husband and wife. Over the years, he hadn’t even attempted to restrict her personal life outside their marriage. Whether they divorced or not made little practical difference—so why couldn’t he be allowed this sliver of hope?

At least regarding Qi Manjun, he possessed some self-awareness—she hated him.

The reason their marriage had lasted this long was simple: initially, she needed the Ling family’s support to stabilize the chaotic situation; later, their intertwined interests kept them bound—she simply no longer cared about the marriage at all.

But Ling Jue—who had never interfered in their entanglements before—why was he suddenly so actively stirring up trouble?

Ling Jue, however, remained calm and composed. He glanced up coolly, meeting Ling Mufeng’s furious gaze with icy detachment. “Because I want to get married.”

“What does *your* marriage have to do with *our* divorce?” Ling Mufeng was both speechless and furious.

“Her family looks down on families like ours. Divorced parents are preferable to parents trapped in a dysfunctional marriage.”

After the close interaction with Qin Shuyi’s family during the farm stay, he’d grown increasingly aware of the chasm between them.

Their family’s gloomy, cold atmosphere would undoubtedly count against them in the eyes of Qin Yuan and Zhou Yunhe.

Even when Ling Mufeng had deliberately sought out Qin Shuyi to dissuade her back then, though she’d said nothing, she surely harbored resentment in her heart.

A father like this—having one was worse than having none.

A figure instantly flashed through Ling Mufeng’s mind.

Who else could possibly look down on their family besides *that woman*?

It made his blood boil.

He’d always claimed Qin Shuyi was his nemesis.

“I’m no longer opposing you two,” Ling Mufeng ground out through clenched teeth.

His wife was about to divorce him—what else could he possibly say?

“But your very existence tells everyone the Ling family lacks proper family values.”

Now he had to gradually eliminate every potential turn-off for Qin Shuyi.

“Even if I divorce, I’m not dead!” Ling Mufeng roared.

Ling Jue’s expression remained unchanged. “But being off the same household register means you lose the standing to play the overbearing father-in-law. And”—he paused—“I’m afraid you’ll influence the next generation.”

This was growing more and more absurd!

*Next generation?* He didn’t even have a fiancée yet—let alone a child.

He was dreaming!

Ling Mufeng was truly driven mad. What a piece of work his son was!

To get married himself, he’d destroy his own father’s marriage.

“Don’t even think about it—I won’t sign!” He spat out the words and stormed out angrily.

Ling Jue set the divorce agreement aside. It didn’t matter if he refused to sign—he’d make him sign.

Marriage couldn’t bind Qi Manjun—but without it, she’d be freer still.

Glancing at the steaming chrysanthemum tea beside him, his expression turned somber.

…

Aside from that outburst during the farm stay, Ling Jue maintained silence in the following period—just as he had before that chance encounter.

Qin Shuyi had nearly erased him from her thoughts, only occasionally recalling that kiss—and still grinding her teeth.

Ling Jue claimed Qin Shuyi always infuriated him, but in truth, he was one of the few people who could stir such intense emotional waves within her—even if the direction was entirely off.

Yet what concerned Qin Shuyi most was another matter.

Qin Yuan and Zhou Yunhe’s vacation was ending.

To accompany Zhou Tinglan for her birthday, they’d already delayed their return. After the celebration, they’d have to depart again immediately.

At the airport.

Qin Shuyi hugged her mother, her eyes red-rimmed.

Qin Yuan gently patted her head. “Don’t worry. This time, we’re just going back to handle the handover and training work. We’ll return soon—then Mom and Dad will stay home with our *precious treasure*.”

Qin Shuyi threw herself into her father’s arms. “Dad, be careful—you *must* come back safely.”

Though she’d grown accustomed to separations since childhood, each parting still hurt.

Thinking of the days during this period when her parents had doted on and cared for her, Qin Shuyi felt even more reluctant to let go.

Zhou Tinglan and her family of four had also come. She hugged her sister. “Don’t worry—I’ll take good care of Shuyi.”

Zhou Yunhe gently patted her. “Take care of yourself too.”

Zhou Tinglan smiled. “Don’t worry—I know how to enjoy life better than anyone now.”

After bidding farewell to her family, Zhou Yunhe looked at her daughter—clinging to her father’s arm, playfully clinging—and stroked her hair. “Dr. Chi’s parents know us, and we all share the same perspective. You two should spend time together yourselves. Whether you get along or not doesn’t matter—so don’t feel pressured.”

As for others, my advice is the same: be brave, but don't get hurt. But if you do get hurt, it's okay—that's also part of life's experience. Remember, Mom and Dad will always have your back."

Qin Shuyi felt a soft warmth in her heart. "Mom."

"Alright, it's really time to go." She gently pinched her daughter's cheek and smiled. "You're all grown up now, so no waterworks, okay?"

"Mhm," she mumbled, her voice muffled.

On the runway, engines roared as the plane, like a giant bird spreading its wings, shot up into the sky, soon shrinking to a tiny dot on the horizon before vanishing into the vast blue.

Not wanting her auntie to worry, Qin Shuyi excused herself to go to the restroom.

But once she was out of her family's sight, tears rushed to her eyes.

In a corner by the wall, she crouched down, hugged herself, and buried her head in her knees.

She needed a minute to pull herself together.

Just as she was collecting herself and about to stand up, a tiny, milky voice spoke.

"Are you crying, miss?" A little girl with big, round eyes stood beside her, tilting her head and looking at her curiously.

Before Qin Shuyi could wipe her eyes and respond, the little girl handed her a stuffed toy almost as tall as herself.

"You're so pretty, big sister! Here's a present for you. Be happy, okay?"

Then she leaned in, kissed Qin Shuyi on the cheek, waved with a smile, and scampered away, her tiny figure quickly disappearing around the corner.

Qin Shuyi just stood there, stunned.

Standing up and looking down, she realized the toy in her hands was an adorable, fluffy green turtle.

She wiped her eyes, wanting to return the child's toy, but when she chased after her, the little girl was already gone.

Standing in the bustling airport, holding the turtle, she felt tears well up again.

This time, though, the feeling was warm.

Meanwhile, in a nearby lounge, someone bent down and patted the little girl's head, then turned his gaze to her parents.

"Thank you."

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