The word "divorce" slipped lightly from Lu Feng's mouth, but I knew in my heart that once executed, it would come with a very painful price.
Because for both parties, it would be a defeat.
I looked at Lu Feng's handsome face and asked, "Don't you have any feelings for her at all?"
Lu Feng smiled and said, "There's someone else I love in my life; there's no room for her."
I couldn't imagine how hurt Ding Yahong would be if she heard this.
I continued, "Then what about the woman just now? Can you accept her?"
Lu Feng shrugged with a smile, "No, I can't. But she treats me well, so naturally I choose the one who treats me well."
It sounded reasonable, but to me, it was Lu Feng shirking responsibility for his own actions.
I thought for a moment and asked, "Who exactly is that girl?"
He said, "She was a classmate in school who admired me. By chance, we got together."
Suddenly, I asked, "Are you with her because she looks like Lu Wan?"
Instantly, Lu Feng fell silent, obviously unwilling to answer.
But in my heart, I was certain.
Obviously, the girl knew Lu Feng was a married man, yet she didn't care at all—showing just how much she liked him.
I said, "Since you're together, you should treasure her."
But after saying that, I felt like a jerk.
What about Lu Feng's wife?
Especially since I promised Ding Yahong I'd give her an explanation tomorrow.
Suddenly, Lu Feng said to me, "The reason I lost Lu Wan back then was because I wasn't thinking straight. Now, I see things clearly. If my wife goes out cheating, I wouldn't mind at all."
To be so detached shows he's already given up on life. I couldn't understand what force could drag a campus heartthrob's spirit so low.
I asked, "After Lu Wan got married, did you try to find her?"
Lu Feng glanced at me and smiled, "Are you jealous?"
Admittedly, I kind of was. The guy in front of me was too outstanding.
If he got his act together, I wondered how many girls would chase after him—handsome guys are always popular.
Faced with his question, I lost the courage to reply.
Lu Feng smiled and said, "Don't worry, it's impossible between me and Lu Wan now, plus she doesn't want to see me anymore."
Hearing that, I suddenly felt like crying.
My wife never talked about how popular she was at school; she seemed very low-key.
But in reality, all her endurance seemed to be for my sake.
Lu Feng then said, "I'm tired today and want to rest early. You should go home too."
Hearing his hint to leave, I refused—my task wasn't finished.
I said, "Your wife needs to make a stand. Dragging this out won't do any good."
Lu Feng said, "I have no opinion. If she wants a divorce, fine. But there's no way I'll go back."
It was clear how much he hated his wife.
I asked, "If you never loved her, then why did you marry her?"
Lu Feng didn't answer directly, just said, "Love is the most unfathomable thing in the world. Maybe back then, I was at my most vulnerable emotionally."
I thought for a moment and said, "Mr. Lu, I'll convey your feelings to your wife. Whether she agrees is another matter."
When I left Jingquan Hotel, my mood was restless.
On one hand, I felt ashamed for doubting my wife; on the other, I felt pity for Lu Feng's negativity.
That night I got home late; my wife had already gone to bed.
I didn't disturb her and ended up dozing off on the sofa.
That night, I slept soundly without insomnia.
The next morning, I was awakened by sounds from the kitchen.
My wife was making breakfast.
From any angle, she looked the most gentle then.
I couldn't help but walk over, hug her from behind, and whisper in her ear, "Honey, I really love you."
I could swear those were my most sincere words—because my wife was truly worth it.
She asked me, "When did you get back last night?"
I thought but didn't even know myself.
I didn't know how to answer and didn't bother trying.
She said, "Go wash up quickly. It's getting late. Eat breakfast and don't be late for work."
Having a dutiful wife at home is a great joy; no matter how hard and tiring work is, it's not scary.
While eating breakfast, my phone suddenly rang.
Usually, I rarely get calls in the morning, so I found it odd and quickly answered.
To my surprise, it was Zhao Hu calling.
This guy has the habit of sleeping in, so a morning call from him was unusual.
As soon as he spoke, he said, "Brother Jian, I discovered a secret."
Suddenly, I remembered I had told Zhao Hu to follow Liu Jing. Could he have found something?
I hurriedly asked, "What is it?"
Zhao Hu said, "Do you know where Liu Jing goes after work?"
Typically, after work is personal time, and having someone followed is wrong.
But Liu Jing's behavior was so suspicious, and her confident tone made me wary.
I got impatient and said, "Just spit it out—don't beat around the bush."
Zhao Hu continued, "Don't be fooled by her serious appearance—she actually goes to the Dihao Nightclub."
Zhao Hu knew that place very well since, when unemployed, he hung out there often.
I had been there once too and saw my wife there.
Under the dim lights, the place felt chaotic and wild.
Thinking about it, I hated Zhao Zheng for bringing my wife to that place without reason.
For someone as gentle and virtuous as my wife, agreeing to go there seemed unthinkable.
I knew what kind of person Liu Jing really was deep down. Zhang Zhiyuan was old and couldn't satisfy her; going there for younger men was hardly surprising.
I frowned and said, "So, you're interested in her now?"
Zhao Hu sighed, "I wouldn't dare touch anyone there. If anything goes wrong, even Fang Min would get dragged down."
Now I understood—he found Liu Jing dirty.
In other words, Zhao Hu was making an indirect remark.
I thought for a moment and asked, "Is Liu Jing selling herself there?"
Zhao Hu suddenly got excited and said, "Brother Jian, you're really clever. That's exactly it. By day she's vice manager of sales at Xingchang; by night, she's selling herself. No one would have guessed!"
Materialism is too powerful these days. I guessed Liu Jing did this mostly for money.
But some women actually enjoy that life.
To be sure, I asked Zhao Hu, "Are you certain?"
Zhao Hu said, "I'm familiar with Dihao Nightclub. I know exactly what the girls there wear. Liu Jing was dressed just like one of them."
I knew Zhao Hu was sharp; if he said so, he probably wasn't mistaken.
Having Liu Jing's secret was like holding a trump card.
I told Zhao Hu, "Good job—that's exactly the kind of person I need."
My wife overheard this and suddenly looked a little uneasy.
But how could I notice such details? Even if I did, I wouldn't think my wife had any connection with Liu Jing.
One was a school teacher, the other a nightclub girl—their professions couldn't be more different!
So I still couldn't understand: where did Liu Jing's confidence come from?