With the protection and care of her parents, An’an would certainly have been a very happy and carefree child. She wouldn’t have been forced to grow up prematurely, struggling to make a living under a harsh aunt, losing her childhood innocence in the process.
Thinking of this, Luo Wan felt a pang of sadness.
Her brother-in-law was a very kind man—strong, masculine, intelligent, and brave.
Luo Wan thought, although An’an did not inherit her cousin’s beauty, she inherited her brother-in-law’s intelligence and kindness.
Shen You’an didn’t know Luo Wan was reminiscing about her parents. Shen picked up the form and said, "I’ll go complete the discharge procedures."
After Shen You’an left the hospital room, Luo Wan hesitated before asking, "Brother, have you tried reaching out to brother-in-law’s side again?"
Zhang Jian shook his head, "The year brother-in-law had his accident, I called once. They said there was no such person as Shen Li. After that, I tried calling again, but the number just wouldn’t connect."
Zhang Jian said, troubled, "Maybe brother-in-law lied to us just to marry sister. While arranging his death certificate, I saw his file—it said he was an orphan."
"Brother, have you ever considered that Shen Li might not even be his real name?"
Zhang Jian looked shocked, "What do you mean? Do you think he might’ve been a fugitive?"
"I don’t think it’s that extreme. I just feel that brother-in-law’s looks, demeanor, and speech don’t resemble an ordinary person. Do you remember that jade pendant he gave cousin? It was no ordinary piece."
Back then, that jade pendant had Zhou Qin salivating with envy. After cousin passed away, the pendant was buried with her.
Zhang Jian sighed, "She’s gone now; what’s the point of talking about this?"
Outside the door, Shen You’an’s hand loosened its grip on the doorknob. Her pale lips pressed tightly together before she turned and walked away.
After completing the discharge procedures, Shen You’an accompanied Zhang Jian home.
They flagged down a taxi at the hospital entrance and headed straight for their destination.
Laden with multiple bags, they had just reached the downstairs area when they ran into Liu Cuifen, who was out grocery shopping.
"Your health any better now?" As an old neighbor for years, Liu Cuifen genuinely worried for Zhang Jian, who had always been honest and simple.
"I’m better now. Are you heading out grocery shopping, sister-in-law?"
"Yes, An’an’s back too, isn’t she? Come over to Auntie’s home for dinner tonight. Auntie will make your favorite sweet and sour fish."
Seeing Shen You’an, Liu Cuifen’s smile grew even warmer.
"Thank you, Auntie." In front of elders, Shen You’an was always humble and well-mannered, leaving no room for criticism.
As the three headed upstairs, Liu Cuifen quickly stopped them.
"Xiao Jian, brace yourself mentally. Things might get messy; this woman’s not easy to deal with. Men keep showing up at her place recently—I think she’s given up all sense of decency."
"Thanks for the warning, sister-in-law. I have my plan."
These past few days, Zhang Jian had made up his mind—he was determined to get a divorce.
Not just for his own sake, but for the child’s as well.
If the child chose to stay with him, he’d take care of him. If not, he’d pay child support every month.
At the end of the day, the child was innocent.
The child shouldn’t have to suffer as collateral in a disastrous marriage.
When Zhang Jian opened the door, the house was a complete mess. Almost every smashable item had been destroyed, giving the place the appearance of a robbery.
Having mentally prepared himself, Zhang Jian wasn’t overly surprised.
Inside the bedroom, a man and a woman lay stark naked, lost in sleep.
Even someone as mild-tempered as Zhang Jian boiled with fury at the sight. He grabbed a broom from the corner and swung it at them.
"You shameless scum! I’ll beat you to death!"
Luo Wan immediately covered Shen You’an’s eyes.
"An’an, it’s filthy. Don’t look."
Shen You’an turned her back to the scene, her heart heavy with a deep sigh.
Soon, sharp screams from Zhou Qin and angry curses from the man echoed from the room.
The adulterer bolted in chaos, clutching his clothes as he escaped.
"Zhang Jian! You dare hit me? I’ll fight you to the death!"
Zhou Qin lunged at Zhang Jian, sparring with him.
Zhang Jian’s usual principle of not hitting women was finally shattered in the face of Zhou Qin’s shamelessness. This time, he couldn’t hold back—he slapped her hard across the face.
"In front of a child, look at the vile things you’ve done!"
"We’re divorcing—right now!"
Zhang Jian grabbed her, eager to drag her straight to the civil affairs office.
Zhou Qin bit into his arm with all her might, forcing Zhang Jian to release his grip in pain.
"You want a divorce? Dream on! I won’t agree, even if you kill me."
Caught in the act, she had been terrified for a moment. But she played her cards right, knowing Zhang Jian’s nature—he’d endure everything for the sake of the child.
Shen You’an said coolly, "Uncle, file a lawsuit. She’s the party at fault in the marriage. The court will mandate the divorce. Don’t waste your breath arguing with her."
Zhou Qin glared at Shen You’an, her eyes practically bulging out of their sockets.
She picked up a slipper from the ground and hurled it at Shen You’an, yelling curses as she did.