He Ling and Gong Qin had been married for seven years. Both were accomplished in their respective careers, and to everyone else, they were the perfect couple—like a match made in heaven.
One day, He Ling came home late. He called Gong Qin, telling him he had to stay late at work.
Gong Qin accepted it without question. But not long after, he unexpectedly saw He Ling at a club, together with a popular young celebrity.
A friend of Gong Qin’s hesitated, then finally spoke up, “He Ling seems pretty close with that kid.”
Gong Qin paused, lowered his gaze, and said quietly, “It’s probably just work.”
He Ling came home very late that night, reeking of cigarettes and alcohol. He tried to kiss Gong Qin, but Gong Qin pushed him away.
Gong Qin absolutely couldn’t stand that smell. He was just about to tell He Ling that he’d run a hot bath for him, when He Ling suddenly lost his temper, pinned him down, and kissed him roughly.
But Gong Qin wasn’t about to just take it. He punched He Ling, cursing, “Don’t you dare pull this drunken crap on me.”
He Ling’s lip split and began to bleed. The pain seemed to sober him up instantly.
He stared at Gong Qin for a long time, and then, as if all the strength had drained out of him, he said in a hoarse voice, “Let’s get a divorce.”
Gong Qin’s mind went blank. Images flashed through his head—the scene at the club, the young man’s sweet smile… He closed his eyes for a moment before answering, “Fine. Let’s do it.”
Even though it was He Ling who brought up the divorce, Gong Qin didn’t beg or cling. He agreed without hesitation. Yet somehow, He Ling looked as if he’d just lost everything. “I’ll leave right now…”
Gong Qin shook his head. “No need. The apartment’s yours. If anyone should leave, it’s me.”
He Ling was stunned.
Gong Qin calmly straightened the collar He Ling had rumpled, his voice steady. “Let’s have our lawyers handle the details tomorrow.”
All the color drained from He Ling’s face. “Fine. That’s just fine.”
Gong Qin couldn’t stand to stay even a second longer. He turned and walked out.
He Ling called after him, “What about your things…?”
“If they bother you,” Gong Qin replied, his tone flat and emotionless, “just burn them.”
He Ling clenched his jaw so hard it hurt, forcing out each word: “Of course. It’s not like any of that ever mattered to you anyway.”
Chapter 01
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