Refusing Divorce After a Contract Marriage - Chapter 13

Chapter 13: Can I Borrow Your Embrace for a While?

The employee benefits at the Shen Group had always been excellent, and the Christmas gifts were quite generous; on this day, anyone who could leave work early did so.

At seven o’clock, Shen Qingye looked at the empty office. In previous years, she hadn’t felt it was empty, as she usually spent the holidays working overtime.

This year…

Shen Qingye thought about how the young girl seemed to be all alone. Although their marriage was fake, they could still be friends.

With that in mind, she sent a message to Jiang Chumian: “Do you want to go see a movie together tonight?”

Jiang Chumian had just picked someone up from the hotel. Looking at Shen Qingye’s message, she pursed her lips and glanced at the person in the passenger seat. She ultimately declined: “I have an appointment today, I’m sorry.”

Shen Qingye looked at the message, her fingertips tapping on the desk. She replied with a simple “Okay,” but the expression on her face was far from pleasant.

Meng Zhu asked if she wanted to go out and play. Usually, Shen Qingye didn’t like these noisy occasions, but today, for some reason, she agreed.

It was nothing more than a group of second-generation heirs or people from the business circle. When they played, they played hard, sometimes even pushing the boundaries of what ordinary people could accept.

Looking at the bar’s location sent by Meng Zhu, Shen Qingye paused it was Xiao Jinyu’s bar.

Shen Qingye had been there once before. Last time, Jiang Chumian had brought her along, but today she had to go by herself.

At the bar, Meng Zhu saw Shen Qingye arrive alone and looked at her playfully: “How is it that President Shen is having a spat with her wife? Why are you out playing alone on a holiday?”

“Or is it that Mianmian is too busy to accompany you?” Meng Zhu sat with Xiao Jinyu. Seeing Shen Qingye’s dark face, she found it exceptionally interesting.

Shen Qingye gave her a cold look before sitting down across from them: “No.”

Xiao Jinyu looked at Shen Qingye and didn’t even dare to meet her eyes.

Jiang Chumian had told Xiao Jinyu about Yu Xuan’s return. Xiao Jinyu had messaged her earlier that day, asking if she wanted to come to the bar to play since there were Christmas events.

But Jiang Chumian told her she couldn’t come and added: “Yu Xuan came back today.”

Without Jiang Chumian needing to say anything else, Xiao Jinyu knew that Jiang Chumian was definitely going to see Yu Xuan. Although she used to think Yu Xuan was quite good, Yu Xuan was now married abroad, and Jiang Chumian herself was married.

Xiao Jinyu truly couldn’t understand it.

“Alright, alright, I won’t tease you. Is Chumian really working overtime? That’s so tragic.” Meng Zhu didn’t know the truth. Her presence today wasn’t part of a large party with wealthy heirs as Shen Qingye had guessed. She was only there because Xiao Jinyu had invited her.

However, Xiao Jinyu had many friends, and the bar was naturally lively, so there were quite a few people sitting in their area.

“Little Goldfish, is there anything to eat?” After sitting down, Shen Qingye simply took off her coat and asked Xiao Jinyu in a very calm tone.

“Yes, what do you want? I’ll have someone bring it out.”

Shen Qingye didn’t stand on ceremony and ordered quite a lot of food.

Meng Zhu was still curious. Once Shen Qingye had eaten her fill and her expression had softened, she asked again: “You didn’t really have a fight on a big holiday, did you?”

Shen Qingye scoffed and shook her head again: “No.”

Such a problem wouldn’t exist between her and Jiang Chumian. They just weren’t spending the holiday together. There was no obligation; it was just a marriage agreement.

But the thought that their marriage was fake made Shen Qingye feel even more stifled.

Meng Zhu wanted to say something more, but Xiao Jinyu tugged at the hem of her clothes. Seeing Xiao Jinyu’s expression, Meng Zhu narrowed her eyes slightly, sensing that the person in front of her knew something.

But Xiao Jinyu didn’t say anything to her. She just pulled Meng Zhu into playing games with other friends to liven up the atmosphere.

Shen Qingye held her glass, slowly savoring the wine, making no effort to join the noisy crowd. Initially, only Meng Zhu and Xiao Jinyu would talk to her occasionally. However, once others realized Shen Qingye’s identity, many people came over to strike up a conversation. Some even attempted to throw themselves at her.

Xiao Jinyu was initially a bit anxious. Although she felt it was wrong for Jiang Chumian to pick up Yu Xuan, she felt it was also wrong for someone to throw themselves at her friend’s wife in her own establishment.

“Mianmian, where are you? Shen Qingye is at my bar,” Xiao Jinyu messaged Jiang Chumian.

But Jiang Chumian was slow to reply. Xiao Jinyu sighed; there was really nothing she could do. Whenever it came to Yu Xuan, Jiang Chumian easily lost her sense of proportion. In the past, Xiao Jinyu never said anything because a bond of so many years isn’t something one can easily let go of.

But now, Xiao Jinyu desperately hoped Jiang Chumian could let go of Yu Xuan. My Goddess is so wonderful; wouldn’t it be better to start a new life?

Just as Xiao Jinyu thought, Jiang Chumian was indeed with Yu Xuan.

After work, Jiang Chumian drove to pick up Yu Xuan and asked her what she wanted to eat. Yu Xuan said she missed the old noodle shop.

The moment she spoke, Jiang Chumian understood. She drove from the south of the city to the west. The south was the wealthiest part of the city, where the rich gathered; the west was the poorest, a collection of various forms of poverty—poverty that many people couldn’t even imagine.

the noodle shop Yu Xuan mentioned was the one next to the No. 14 Middle School. In their youth, Yu Xuan would always treat her to a meal there. Back then, even going to a noodle shop was an incomparable luxury for them.

Jiang Chumian’s BMW parked in front of the noodle shop, looking completely out of place with its surroundings. It had taken a full hour to drive from the hotel where Yu Xuan was staying due to traffic.

While in the car, Jiang Chumian’s phone rang several times, but she didn’t look at it. It wasn’t until she had parked the car that she saw Xiao Jinyu’s message. She held the phone, but a sudden sense of being at a loss came over her.

She saw Xiao Jinyu telling her that Shen Qingye looked very unhappy.

Logically, whether Shen Qingye was happy or not had nothing to do with her. Although their agreement mentioned “public performances,” this wasn’t an official performance time. Furthermore, the agreement stated they wouldn’t interfere with each other seeking people they liked.

But the fact was, seeing Xiao Jinyu say Shen Qingye was unhappy, Jiang Chumian inevitably felt a bit uneasy, and even a trace of guilt she couldn’t quite explain.

“Chumian, are you very busy?” Yu Xuan saw Jiang Chumian sitting in the car, staring at her phone for a long time, and asked gently.

Jiang Chumian shook her head and put the phone in her pocket without replying. She didn’t know what to say.

“It’s nothing. Didn’t you say you wanted noodles? Let’s go.” Jiang Chumian got out of the car, and Yu Xuan followed.

After years of development, the west of the city wasn’t as poor as before, but some old houses still hadn’t been demolished. High-rise buildings were interspersed with dilapidated old houses, creating a sense of dissonance.

The noodle shop was still there. Yu Xuan felt a bit cold after getting out of the car. Jiang Chumian handed her the down jacket she had forgotten in the car earlier: “Put this on, it’s cold.”

“Chumian is still as thoughtful as ever.” Yu Xuan reached out and rubbed her head.

Jiang Chumian gave a low laugh but didn’t respond; she was no longer the Jiang Chumian of the past.

The two walked side-by-side into the shop and found a seat. The owner and his wife were still the same couple, but they looked much older. They didn’t recognize the girls, which was for the best, as neither Yu Xuan nor Jiang Chumian wanted to be recognized.

They ordered two bowls of noodles, the same as before Braised Beef Noodles with extra chili.

Yu Xuan had been abroad for many years and could no longer handle spicy food well. After eating, her lips were bright red from the spice. Jiang Chumian was a bit better off, but she was also affected not so much on her lips, but her stomach felt fiery.

If Shen Qingye were here, she definitely wouldn’t allow her to eat this. Shen Qingye always controlled her on such matters and left little room for negotiation.

But Yu Xuan was different. The old Yu Xuan indulged her in everything. However, when Yu Xuan later forbade Jiang Chumian from liking her, she left no room at all, acting with such finality.

Now, sitting face-to-face, they shared a smile after being overwhelmed by the spice, just like they used to.

“I really can’t handle it anymore,” Yu Xuan spoke first.

“Mhm. Have some water, it’ll help.” Jiang Chumian poured her a glass of water, showing the usual thoughtfulness Yu Xuan was familiar with.

After finishing the noodles, Yu Xuan looked at the No. 14 Middle School nearby and invited Jiang Chumian: “Want to go for a walk?”

Jiang Chumian shook her head: “It’s closed. I’ll accompany you another day.” Her gaze fell on Yu Xuan’s slightly bulging belly: “And it’s not convenient for you to move around right now.”

Hearing this, Yu Xuan lowered her eyes slightly. There wasn’t a trace of joy in her gaze she didn’t look like an expectant mother at all.

“Fair enough.” Yu Xuan’s voice was very light, merging with the cold winter wind, appearing to have no temperature.

It was so cold that Jiang Chumian wanted to leave, even wanting to go back to Shen Qingye’s villa.

They walked side-by-side aimlessly along the familiar yet strange streets until they reached a residential area under construction. Both stopped simultaneously.

Looking at the dim construction lights, Yu Xuan sighed: “It’s been demolished.”

They used to live here, their families next door to each other. Yu Xuan still remembered the dim hallway light, the walls that grew damp and moldy every summer, and the ubiquitous cockroaches and rats.

Jiang Chumian, however, showed no excess emotion: “It’s good that it was demolished.”

“I suppose so.” Yu Xuan rubbed her hands, still appearing cold.

Jiang Chumian noticed. Although she didn’t understand why Yu Xuan had become so sensitive to the cold, she still took off her own gloves and put them on her.

Yu Xuan stared at her blankly. The girl was as gentle as always, but Yu Xuan still felt that something had changed. Even though she was still taking care of her with meticulous care at this moment, Yu Xuan felt that that tenderness no longer belonged to her.

She wanted to reach out and grab it, but she knew she likely couldn’t. From the moment she let go, Jiang Chumian no longer belonged to her.

“Won’t you be cold then?” Yu Xuan didn’t take them and shook her head gently.

Jiang Chumian put her hands in her pockets: “I’m wearing a thick coat.”

“Aren’t you going to ask why I came back, Chumian?” Yu Xuan looked at her.

The girl had grown up; her features were increasingly delicate. She had inherited all the visual advantages of those two people. She was beautiful in her youth, and even more so now.

“Sister Xuan must have her own reasons,” Jiang Chumian said with a smile, answering her plainly.

Jiang Chumian never forced her; it had been that way since childhood. If Yu Xuan didn’t want to say something, she didn’t ask, never wanting to make it difficult for her. But this time, Yu Xuan wished she were a bit more curious, because she heard a trace of exhaustion and indifference in Jiang Chumian’s voice.

“I’m getting a divorce,” Yu Xuan said in a low voice.

Jiang Chumian stood still, her entire body seemingly going stiff. Yu Xuan turned to face her. Snowflakes began to fall from the sky, landing on Jiang Chumian’s eyelashes.

Yu Xuan reached out to brush the snow away for her: “If I return to the country, would that be what you want, Chumian?”

Jiang Chumian suppressed the bitterness in her heart, blinked, and said with a smile: “Look at what you’re saying, Sister Xuan. We are like biological sisters. Of course I would want you to come back.”

Her words made Yu Xuan retract her hand. Hiding her emotions, she gave a forced smile: “Chumian is still as obedient as ever.”

Jiang Chumian looked up at the snowflakes in the sky. The light from the streetlamps and the snowflakes fell on her together, looking exceptionally beautiful, like a fairy tale. But even though Jiang Chumian was standing right in front of her, Yu Xuan suddenly felt she was so far away, as if she were out of reach.

Jiang Chumian still handed her the gloves: “Put them on first. It’s cold, and you’re pregnant; you shouldn’t catch a chill. I’ll take you back, don’t let the baby be harmed.”

“Okay.” Yu Xuan finally took the gloves.

Jiang Chumian put her hands in the pockets of her down jacket and smiled at Yu Xuan, revealing her cute dimples: “Let’s go. Fortunately, the car isn’t too far.”

“Okay.”

For the rest of the way, both were silent.

Jiang Chumian took Yu Xuan to the hotel. Just as Yu Xuan was about to get out of the car, Jiang Chumian suddenly grabbed her wrist.

“What is it?”

“Why the sudden divorce? Did he bully you?” Jiang Chumian finally asked. After all these years, she still couldn’t leave Yu Xuan completely alone.

“There was never any love between me and him anyway. You know that. Now it’s just gotten to the point where we can’t live together anymore, so we have to divorce.” Hearing her inquiry, a trace of hope ignited in Yu Xuan’s eyes.

But after hearing the answer, Jiang Chumian released her hand and said with a smile: “I see. Well, if anyone bullies my sister, you must tell me.”

At that moment, the hope in Yu Xuan’s heart completely fell through. She called her “Sister” she used to call her Sister when they were little. But now, hearing this address, Yu Xuan only felt her hands and feet go cold instantly.

Jiang Chumian was telling her that no matter what kind of life or path she chose in the future, Jiang Chumian would support her but only with the affection of a sister for an elder sister, and nothing more.

Yu Xuan’s beautiful red lips trembled for a moment. After a long while, she finally nodded with red eyes: “Okay, I will.”

Jiang Chumian’s gaze fell on Yu Xuan’s hands: “Can you return the gloves to me? Qingye gave them to me; it’s not right to give them to you, Sister Xuan. You can keep the down jacket, Sister. I bought it for myself and haven’t worn it yet. It fits you well, and it’s freezing in the country right now.”

Yu Xuan looked down at the gloves on her hands; it felt as if the warmth of Jiang Chumian’s palm still lingered on them. But it was useless to force what couldn’t be kept. She smiled gently, took off the gloves, and returned them to Jiang Chumian.

“Are you two on very good terms?” Yu Xuan asked casually.

“Mhm, it’s fine.” Jiang Chumian lied to Yu Xuan.

Yu Xuan’s hand on the car door tightened slightly as she struggled to pull out a smile: “I’ll be going up now.”

“Okay. Goodnight.”

After watching Yu Xuan enter the hotel lobby, Jiang Chumian finally drove away. On the way, the stomach pain became increasingly severe. Jiang Chumian endured it all the way to the villa.

Perhaps because the stomach pain was truly too severe, despite being only a short distance away, Jiang Chumian had no strength left to drive inside.

Shen Qingye had been out with Xiao Jinyu and the others. Initially, she didn’t want to participate, but she was eventually caught up in the atmosphere and drank quite a bit. Finally, she returned with a designated driver. As they neared the villa, she suddenly saw a red BMW parked at the intersection.

It was the car she had given to Jiang Chumian.

Shen Qingye didn’t understand why Jiang Chumian had parked the car there. Upon seeing it, she had the driver stop behind Jiang Chumian’s car. She got out and walked toward the car, but she couldn’t see anything through the driver’s side window. She walked around to the front and saw the girl sitting in the car, slumped over the steering wheel.

After thinking for a moment, Shen Qingye knocked on the window.

The girl lifted her head. Under the streetlights, Shen Qingye saw her red, swollen eyes. It was obvious she had been crying. At that moment, a clear sense of heartache rose in Shen Qingye’s chest. This fragile, breakable Jiang Chumian truly made her heart ache.

Jiang Chumian hadn’t expected Shen Qingye to come. For a moment, the atmosphere was a bit awkward. Their eyes met, but she didn’t know what to say. Finally, Shen Qingye knocked on the window again, and Jiang Chumian belatedly rolled it down.

“It’s cold in the car. Let’s go home.” Jiang Chumian, who had been looking after Yu Xuan the whole way, felt Shen Qingye’s care after her miserable departure.

“Okay,” Jiang Chumian nodded obediently.

But Shen Qingye, seeing her pale face, couldn’t help but frown: “What’s wrong?”

Jiang Chumian shook her head: “Nothing. Let’s head back first.”

Shen Qingye couldn’t argue with her, so she agreed for now. But she didn’t return to her own car; instead, she sat in Jiang Chumian’s passenger seat and told the driver to just follow them. The two cars entered the garage one after the other.

After paying the driver, Shen Qingye walked toward Jiang Chumian. The girl’s eyes were still red. Shen Qingye sighed, reached out, and took the girl’s hand: “Come on, let’s go home.” She held Jiang Chumian’s hand tightly in her own palm, as if protecting a treasure.

Once they reached the living room, the heat enveloped their bodies. Shen Qingye went to wet a towel and returned to the living room. Under the girl’s confused gaze, she placed it over her eyes.

“Grandma said this makes it feel better.”

Jiang Chumian could feel someone sitting beside her. For the first time, she felt she wasn’t alone.

After about fifteen minutes, Shen Qingye removed the towel. Jiang Chumian said “Thank you.”

Shen Qingye smiled: “We’re friends if not a couple. We look after each other. No need to be so formal.”

Jiang Chumian hugged her knees, and after a long while, she looked at Shen Qingye: “Shen Qingye, can I borrow your embrace for a while?”

No sooner had the words left her mouth than Shen Qingye pulled her into her arms.

Shen Qingye heard the girl say: “Shen Qingye, I lost my only former warmth. I can never find it back.”

The girl was so fragile, leaning against Shen Qingye, seemingly drawing some warmth from her.

“You still have me, and Xiao Jinyu. We are both your friends.”

The girl held Shen Qingye for a long time before letting go, whispering a soft “Thank you.” Like a kitten, she was truly endearing.

Shen Qingye, almost uncontrollably, placed a kiss on her forehead.

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