Volume One, Chapter Eleven: Emerging from the Civil Affairs Bureau with a Darkened Face

Moreover, for reasons he could not quite explain, he felt that although Yun Mojiu’s appearance had not changed, her entire presence was now utterly different. Today, she wore a long, white dress with traditional floral patterns, her smooth black hair elegantly pinned up with a jade hairpin. She looked both graceful and dignified, exuding a noble and refined air.

Her eyes, clear and cold, carried a touch of aloof indifference, which only heightened the sense of distance and mystery about her, making one involuntarily want to learn more.

“Yun Mojiu.”

Unable to resist, he called out to her.

“Is there something you need?”

Yun Mojiu turned around, glancing at him with a detached, emotionless gaze.

There was not a trace of feeling in those cold, distant eyes.

Xie Jingling was momentarily speechless.

“Um… Take care on your way.”

“Mm.”

Yun Mojiu’s eyes remained icy.

How ironic, she thought.

In the past, Xie Jingling had never uttered a single word of concern to her.

Who would have thought that the first time he did so would be after their divorce?

She turned away calmly, as if Xie Jingling were nothing more than a passing stranger.

Watching her walk away with such composed grace, Xie Jingling felt a pang of discomfort in his heart.

He could not quite understand what was happening to him.

Before coming here, he’d worried that Yun Mojiu would try to pull some trick, that she might suddenly change her mind.

But not only did she not resist, she went along with everything, even seeming more eager for the divorce than he was.

Everything was unfolding exactly as he had hoped, yet for some reason, seeing Yun Mojiu treat the matter so coolly left him with an unexpected sense of loss.

Just as he was wallowing in this gloom, he suddenly saw a man in a tailored suit approach Yun Mojiu, holding a bouquet of bright red roses.

The bouquet was beautifully wrapped, making for a striking sight.

He then heard the man say, “Miss Yun, these are from our president. He’s been waiting for you for a long time and would like to invite you to lunch to celebrate your return to singlehood.”

The man gestured toward a Rolls-Royce parked by the curb.

That car was a limited edition, with only ten in the world.

He watched as Yun Mojiu walked toward the car.

The door opened, and he could just make out a young man seated in the back. Though the man’s features were indistinct, his relaxed yet imposing air suggested a person of extraordinary status.

Yun Mojiu took her place beside the young man, while the one who’d brought the flowers got into the driver’s seat.

The door closed, cutting off Xie Jingling’s view.

Moments later, the car glided away, leaving nothing but a faint trail of exhaust.

Xie Jingling’s gaze darkened.

When had Yun Mojiu become acquainted with such a wealthy man?

No wonder, he thought bitterly. One moment she had loved him desperately, and the next she was divorcing him without hesitation.

So, she had found someone better!

Celebrating her new single status?

She could hardly wait to throw herself into another man’s arms!

For no apparent reason, a surge of anger welled up inside him.

He was furious!

It felt as if something that should have belonged to him had slipped from his grasp and been snatched away by someone else.

“Brother, did you finish the paperwork with that woman?”

At that moment, Xie Tongtong came over, arm in arm with Sun Xiaoxuan.

The three of them had come together.

While Xie Jingling was handling the divorce, the two women had gone shopping at a nearby mall.

“Yes,” Xie Jingling replied, but his mood was clearly off.

“What’s wrong, brother? You look upset.”

As if suddenly recalling something, Xie Tongtong quickly added, “Did that woman refuse to divorce you? I knew it—she was faking before. She can’t bear to let you go!”

“No, the papers are done.”

Xie Jingling took out the divorce certificate.

Can’t bear to part?

Ha! She was more than willing!

Recalling Yun Mojiu’s cold detachment throughout, and the way she’d slipped into that luxury car afterward, Xie Jingling’s gaze grew even gloomier.

In that moment, he almost wished Yun Mojiu had clung to him, begging him not to abandon her.

“She really agreed to leave without taking a penny?” Xie Tongtong pursed her lips.

She wanted to ask more, but seeing Xie Jingling’s expression, she sensibly fell silent.

Suddenly, Sun Xiaoxuan let out a low groan and clutched her stomach.

“What’s wrong?”

Xie Jingling snapped out of his daze and hurried to support her.

That’s right—now he could be with his Xiaoxuan. She was the one he loved, and she loved him, too. They even had a child together. He ought to be happy.

There was no reason to let Yun Mojiu disturb his peace.

“It’s nothing, the baby’s just a bit lively and gave me a kick,” Sun Xiaoxuan said with a smile.

Then, her eyes flickered as she tentatively asked, “By the way, Jingling, remember I mentioned my father’s company abroad needing some funds to tide it over? Is everything alright on your end?”

Xie Jingling affectionately ruffled her hair. “Silly, of course it’s fine. Don’t worry, I’ll transfer the money in a couple of days.”

“Mm-hmm.”

Sun Xiaoxuan immediately wrapped her arms around his.

“Jingling, you’re so good to me! Don’t worry—my father said that as soon as this project succeeds, the company will rise to a new level, and he’ll pay you back double.”

“I know. How could I not trust you?”

“Then let’s go get our certificate.” Sun Xiaoxuan smiled.

Xie Jingling tenderly took her hand. “Alright.”

The two of them headed toward the civil affairs bureau.

They had planned all along to get their marriage certificate as soon as Xie Jingling and Yun Mojiu’s divorce was finalized.

Arriving at the counter, they were greeted by a staff member.

“Is there something else I can help you with?” she asked.

She recognized Xie Jingling, having just assisted him and Yun Mojiu earlier.

He left quite an impression—he and Yun Mojiu were both strikingly attractive and carried themselves with an air of distinction. Not easily forgotten.

“I’m here with my beloved to apply for a marriage certificate.”

“What? Your beloved? Didn’t you just get divorced? What certificate are you applying for now?”

Before Xie Jingling could finish, the staff member stared at him in disbelief.

Only then did she notice Sun Xiaoxuan standing by his side, her belly visibly rounded.

Her expression instantly soured as if she’d swallowed something foul. She was speechless with disgust.

Damn—divorced one moment, marrying the next, with the mistress already heavily pregnant!

He looked like such a decent man, yet turned out to be a complete scoundrel!

Disgusting!

She’d encountered deplorable men before, but never one quite so shameless!

What a dog!

A flash of anger and contempt crossed the staff member’s eyes.

Her manner turned icy.

“Go for a premarital physical exam first,” she said briskly.

“Where is it?” Sun Xiaoxuan asked.

The staff member didn’t even spare her a glance, just flicked her chin in the direction.

“Over there.”

“Could you give us the exact location?”

“It’s right there, can’t you find it yourself?” she replied impatiently, pretending to be absorbed in her computer.

She had always despised two-timers and homewreckers. Now, confronted with such a pair, she could hardly be expected to remain polite.

In the end, Xie Jingling and Sun Xiaoxuan left the civil affairs bureau with blackened faces, not a trace of joy at having received their certificate.