Indeed, she always acted one way in front of him and another behind his back. Despite promising time and again to behave and obey, she constantly disappointed him. It was she who single-handedly shattered the trust between them.
"As for our divorce, let’s not tell father about it just yet. We shouldn’t be causing him to worry about us at home. That wouldn’t be very filial. He’s the only father I have so I hope he’s well." As she spoke, He Zhilan suddenly looked up at He Teng and flashed him a faint smile. "Brother, you should also be well in the army, whether you’re on a mission or training, don’t push yourself too hard, your health is important."
He Teng nodded and agreed. Looking at her teary-eyed and not-so-pretty smile, he felt a sting in his heart. For an instant, he wanted to hold her in his arms and wipe away her tears. He also wanted to ask her why she didn’t obey, why she couldn’t continue the act forever?
But in the end, he didn’t ask any questions or say anything. He simply took off his military coat and draped it over He Zhilan. Then, he turned around and walked away. In just a few seconds, he disappeared from sight.
The coat still carried his warmth and scent, bringing warmth to He Zhilan who was lightly dressed.
She took in deep breaths, reluctant to let go of his scent. He left, without looking back, taking with him his disappointment in her, and he let her go.
She wasn’t exactly sure whether her heart had turned to ashes, or if she was completely devastated.
As for the Gu family, the more unwavering her belief was in them, the more desperate she felt at this moment, even hatred.
The pain she felt for He Teng was equal to her guilt.
She failed to be a good wife to him. She gave him up with her own hands, for the Gu family who didn’t belong to her.
He Zhilan didn’t know how she managed to drag herself back to the dormitory. Each step she took felt like she was stepping into the void, as if the world was spinning.
"You’re back? Why are you back so early? Did the banquet end early?" Seeing He Zhilan suddenly return, Jiang Biyun and Chen Xiting in the dormitory were surprised. Seeing the military coat draped over He Zhilan, they paused, "You weren’t wearing this coat when you left, were you?"
"My brother came. He was waiting for me at the school entrance." He Zhilan responded, then closed the door and changed her clothes, "We’re going to get a divorce. He will apply for it after he goes back to the military. I agreed."
He Zhilan’s words directly dumbfounded Jiang Biyun and Chen Xiting, "Why did you agree? Didn’t you try and explain to him? And, did you find your parents?"
"If you’re wrong, then you’re wrong. Even if I explain, it’s still wrong. There’s nothing to explain. He no longer trusts me. If I don’t agree, do I make a fuss with him? Upset him like a hooligan or shrew?" He Zhilan shook her head, "Biyun, Xiting, I won’t look for them anymore. In the future, I’ll only have one family, the He family in the countryside."
"What do you mean?" Jiang Biyun was very worried seeing He Zhilan in such a state, "Did something happen?"
"They don’t deserve to be my parents, and I, I don’t deserve to be their daughter. Biyun, Xiting, but right now, I still despise them so much." He Zhilan began to whimper, "I will never acknowledge them. Thirteen years ago, they lost me and removed me from their lives. They have other daughters who make them feel satisfied and proud. From now on, I only have the He family."
Although they didn’t fully understand what had happened, hearing He Zhilan say that she hated them, Jiang Biyun and Chen Xiting didn’t further inquire about her family matters out of fear it would cause her emotions to