That evening, at Aunt Wang’s fervent invitation, the Meng Family stayed at her house, with Meng Xiuying staying there as well.
Because they had to deal with Meng Xiuying’s divorce, Meng Family’s Brother had some connections, so he contacted his classmates here, who found a reliable lawyer, and then they hunkered down there to sue the Liu Family.
Actually, the lawsuit was easy to handle. Meng Xiuying had already accused her husband of human trafficking, and because Liu Xueliang confessed and led to the human trafficker, the case moved forward. Although his sinister plot was unsuccessful, with the persistence of the Meng Family, he was still sentenced to one year of imprisonment. Considering the Liu Family was now deeply in debt, the Meng Family didn’t take advantage of them; they only insisted on a quick signing of the divorce papers and giving up child custody; henceforth, they wished to sever ties completely.
Old Lady Liu pressured Liu Xueliang to sign the divorce agreement; the couple from then on went their separate ways.
The Meng Family stayed at Aunt Wang’s house for five days. Before they left, Meng Xiuying’s mom tried to give her one thousand yuan, but Gong Mingxia refused it.
"Aunt, everyone faces struggles when they’re outside; there’s no need for such formalities. I’m fortunate to have met sister, and it’s a blessing. If you keep refusing, it would be too polite."
With the conversation reaching this point, Mrs. Meng knew she couldn’t continue anymore, so reluctantly, she took back the money. Meng Xiuying was very grateful to her, and they exchanged addresses, hoping to keep in touch often in the future, and invited Gong Mingxia to visit her in Beijing whenever she had time.
After bidding farewell to the Meng Family, Gong Mingxia breathed a sigh of relief. Although Gong Mingxia did not take any money, Aunt Wang found five hundred yuan under her own pillow.
"This family, they are too polite," Aunt Wang remarked while holding the five hundred yuan.
"They feel like they have disturbed us and are feeling guilty. Actually, we didn’t really do anything. But auntie, after this incident, I’ve come to realize, sometimes women might be better off on their own. If you encounter the wrong man, it could ruin your life, like Xiuying sister, or even me. If time could be replayed, I’d rather stay unmarried for life,"
Aunt Wang frowned, "Child, you can’t generalize all men like that. There are many good ones out there. Take my son, for example; he’s a good person, he—"
"Aunt, Cao Yuan is indeed a good person; but ever since he joined the military, he couldn’t stay by your side, could he? In terms of his job, he might give his all, but as a son, a husband, a father—does he fulfill those roles adequately?"
Aunt Wang’s mouth opened slightly, and she soon fell silent, prompting Gong Mingxia to regret her blunt words.
"Aunt, I’m sorry; I shouldn’t have been so direct, but I—"
"No, child, you’re right. I know it too, just that I didn’t want to face it. He isn’t a good son, not a good father, and definitely not a good husband. My daughter-in-law really endured a lot, from pregnancy, prenatal care, childbirth, and even raising the son, it was always her bearing the burden. Thinking about it, as a father, my son just became a visitor in his own home, and it’s understandable why you didn’t choose him. You were sensible, perhaps because—" New ɴᴏᴠᴇʟ ᴄhapters are published on NoveI-Fire.ɴet
"Yes, because I’ve already experienced a failed marriage, so I’m more cautious about marriage. Aunt, please forgive my selfishness; I hope you won’t let this create a rift between us."