Chapter 32

Is Such a Man Good?

Meng Haotian drew in a deep breath. Afterward, he hailed a taxi, conveyed the destination to the driver, paid the fare, and silently watched Meng Nianyao’s departure.

The car gradually faded into the distance, and Meng Haotian’s silhouette disappeared with it. The taxi driver glanced at Meng Nianyao and struck up a conversation, “Is that your boyfriend, young lady? Not too shabby.”

A wry smile curved across Meng Nianyao’s lips as she responded, “Sir, you might not be the best judge of character. The man you’re referring to isn’t my boyfriend; he’s my ex-husband. He cheated on me and brought a mistress into our home. He even claimed she was his cousin and asked me to take care of her. Eventually, the mistress got pregnant, and they conspired to deceive me into getting a divorce. Master, do you think such a man is praiseworthy?”

The driver fell silent.

***

Thanks to the roses, Meng Nianyao’s demeanor at the dinner table towards Meng Haotian had softened considerably, and his anxieties were put to rest.

Upon his return home, Meng Haotian wasted no time in broaching the topic of divorce with Jiang Shanshan.

“What did you just say?” Jiang Shanshan couldn’t believe her ears.

“I said,” Meng Haotian stated deliberately, “Let’s get a divorce.”

Jiang Shanshan’s eyes welled up instantly, her fists clenched. “Divorce? Why?”

“The entertainment city project has already commenced,” Meng Haotian explained, “I need Meng Nianyao’s complete cooperation.”

“And?” Jiang Shanshan began to comprehend.

“Only by divorcing you can Meng Nianyao place her full trust in me and assist me wholeheartedly,” Meng Haotian clarified.

“So…” Jiang Shanshan glared at Meng Haotian and gritted her teeth, “You’re abandoning me and our child just to gain Meng Nianyao’s favor?”

“It’s not abandonment,” Meng Haotian replied impatiently. “Shanshan, you weren’t this irrational before. You must understand that everything I’m doing is for our future, for us to lead a better life.”

“I don’t want this!” Jiang Shanshan’s emotions erupted. She couldn’t fathom Meng Haotian’s actions. “I’m about to give birth, and you’re talking about divorce now?! I won’t agree to it! Absolutely not! Unless you want two lives on your conscience!”

Meng Haotian had already exhausted his patience earlier with Meng Nianyao, especially because of her gentle demeanor and pleasant attitude. In contrast, Jiang Shanshan’s disheveled appearance and the sight of her pregnant body irritated him even more. “Jiang Shanshan, are you being reasonable?” His tone turned ice-cold. “If you continue making a scene like this, our entire family might end up in the northwest. Your son won’t have a better life, even if he’s born. Think it through for yourself.” With that, he turned and walked away.

Jiang Shanshan grabbed his arm. “Meng Haotian? Where are you going? To see that woman, Meng Nianyao? Stop right there! I won’t allow you to go!”

Meng Haotian recoiled as Jiang Shanshan’s long nails scratched his arm. He forcefully disentangled himself and stared at her with disdain. “Let’s put an end to this. Don’t push me to think of you as a shrew! Look at yourself now, it’s repulsive!” With those words, he slammed the door and left.

Thrown onto the bed by Meng Haotian, Jiang Shanshan clutched her aching stomach. Her face contorted with pain and hatred as she stared in the direction Meng Haotian had gone. She couldn’t believe it. How could the man who had flirted with her just the day before be so callous today?

Jiang Shanshan was a pragmatic woman. She loved Meng Haotian, but her affection was primarily for the material comforts he provided. She had used various means to successfully drive Meng Nianyao away and secure her position as Mrs. Meng. However, she knew that these ill-gotten gains were not sustainable. She had always reminded herself to keep a vigilant eye on Meng Haotian. But now, was she destined to follow in Meng Nianyao’s footsteps so soon? No, she refused to accept it! Clutching the bedsheets tightly, her face was a portrait of loathing.

As Meng Nianyao returned to Jinxiu Garden, the clock was edging towards midnight. She bent to change her shoes at the entrance when the living room lights suddenly blazed to life. The sudden brightness made her instinctively shield her eyes. Once adjusted, she lowered her hand and found Gu Wencheng leaning against the wall, regarding her intently.

Meng Nianyao felt her heart race momentarily before it steadied.

Gu Wencheng remained silent, and Meng Nianyao struggled to find words. She glanced at the wall clock and remarked, “It’s quite late, Mrs. Gu. Aren’t you supposed to be resting?”

“Mrs. Gu, you’re aware of the late hour as well?” Gu Wencheng responded with a question.