Isn't Han Dong someone who likes women? Why wouldn't he choose me?
Women tend to get fixated on things. No matter how she reached out to Han Dong, he ignored her. Heartbroken and despondent, the girl swallowed some pills, sending a message to Han Dong beforehand.
Han Dong hurriedly went to her and rushed her to the hospital. Fortunately, it wasn't too serious. Han Dong comforted her, advising her against doing anything foolish. The more she thought about it, the angrier she became, collapsing into his arms, sobbing.
"I like you, Han Dong. Why won't you give me a chance?"
Han Dong pushed her away gently: "There are so many people here, don't do this. Please, stop saying these things."
"I don't care, Han Dong. I genuinely like you..."
"I told you not to say these things." Han Dong said coldly, "I was quite the playboy when I was younger, but it never brought me happiness. Happiness isn't achieved that way. Do you think being young and beautiful now is an asset? Everyone ages eventually. I've never lacked beautiful women. These things are trivial to me; even if I took you, you'd just be a plaything. I wouldn't genuinely care for you. You wouldn't want that outcome, would you?"
"I've seen your wife. She's just ordinary. When I'm her age, I'll be much more beautiful. Don't you believe I can have feelings for you?" she shouted indignantly.
Han Dong chuckled, "My wife was never a stunning beauty, but she's gentle and wise. I rely on her a lot. She saved my life back in the day. I wouldn't be here if it weren't for her."
The woman looked up at Han Dong, "You're not divorcing just because of that? That's just responsibility, not love! You've repaid her with over twenty years, haven't you?"
"Do you understand love? What is love?" Han Dong looked at her. "I don't think there's love between us. Think carefully. Although I was quite flirtatious, after marriage, I haven't been unfaithful because marriage itself is a responsibility. You wouldn't want your future husband to betray you, would you?"
"I..." The woman hesitated, wanting to say she didn't care, as long as she got money. But saying it would mean she wasn't after love, just money, and Han Dong would certainly despise her more.
"Undeniably, you want my money. You think I'm generous with women, that you'd lead an enviable life. The twenty-year age gap doesn't matter because I wouldn't leave you destitute even in death. But that's not love. If I were just a boiler man now, you'd never give me a second glance. Age and looks are irrelevant as long as there's money."
The woman bit her lip, "Why do you need to slander me? You're slandering yourself as well!"
Han Dong said, "I understand your hesitation and conflict. Be it unwillingness or anger, it's your choice. What I can tell you is, I won't divorce, nor will I betray my wife. That's it! If you ever contemplate something foolish next time, I won't care for you anymore. You're on your own. I don't love you, and I'm not interested." He finished and left.
The woman squatted on the ground, crying, feeling utterly wronged. Why! Many said she was beautiful, so why couldn't she win his love!
Han Dong returned home. His wife was calculating something, and when she saw him, she greeted him with a smile, "Hungry? I made yam rib soup and milled rice. Have some soup."
"Alright." Han Dong changed his clothes and asked with a smile, "What are you busy with?"
"I'm figuring out the finances. Our younger son is getting married, right? I was thinking of getting him a better house nearby, a nice villa. I might even visit occasionally."
Han Dong chuckled, "If you like it, buy it. It's not like we lack money. Why bother with all these calculations?"
"It's not that. I don't want to touch the principal," she smiled. "With the investments I've made, we should have enough for decoration. I'm just thinking of selling some stocks, figuring out the most profitable way."
The elder son, like Han Dong back in the day, was quite the playboy with no intention to marry. The younger one, however, was diligent and well-mannered, planning to marry a colleague and even return to develop domestically. It pleased her. If both sons took after Han Dong, that'd be disastrous.
Han Dong kissed her forehead, "Alright, do as you please. Don't worry about this."
"No problem, it's not like I have much else to do." The woman talked to Han Dong with a smile but suddenly froze when she smelled the perfume on him. Quickly recovering, she pushed his shoulder, urging him to eat.
Noticing her expression, Han Dong was puzzled. What's wrong? Is she upset? Then he caught a whiff of himself, understanding that it was a misunderstanding.
Han Dong sat across from her and smiled, "We've been married quite a while now."
She nervously fidgeted with her fingers, "Yeah, many years. Are you tired of me getting old and unattractive?"
"You were never about appearances," Han Dong laughed heartily. "Don't worry, I won't be so trivial." He got up to take a shower.
His wife remained seated, looking dejected. Does he really have another woman? Wanting a divorce? Or just seeking an affair while pretending she's oblivious? Around her, many in the wealthy circle lived this way. The original wives stayed for the title and children, living like widows while the husband never returned. These women endlessly shopped and worked out, sometimes keeping younger men. She worried she'd end up like that. She truly loved Han Dong. She didn't want to become such a woman. Her husband was too perfect, making her feel unworthy.
When Han Dong emerged and saw her lost in thought, he approached and asked, "After so many years, you still don't know me?"
"Huh?" Startled, she quickly said, "Nothing's wrong. I'm fine."
"Don't lie to yourself, Wenli. Since we married, when have I ever wronged you?"
"No, Han Dong, I didn't..."
Han Dong touched her forehead, "Still lying? The perfume on me is from a nurse. She said she wanted to be with me and claimed you're old."
His wife looked at Han Dong, "I truly am old."
Han Dong chuckled, "I'm old too. I can't fool around anymore. Don't worry. What am I to you? A living teddy bear?"
"No, don't say that."