C3 What Kind of Trick Is This?

Two voices spoke at once, but Shi Qing's decisive interruption cut off Lu Sinian before he could finish.

As if he didn't understand what she was saying, Lu Sinian impatiently tapped his cheek. "Shi Qing, what game are you trying to play now?"

Shi Qing made up her mind in just a minute. She had once been a stand-in for Soong Wanwan in acting, and now, even after marrying the man she loved, she was still playing a role. This wasn't the life she wanted, so she chose divorce. If three years weren't enough to warm Lu Sinian's heart, it was time to let go.

"I'm not playing any games. Haven't you always wanted a divorce? I'm giving you what you want. I wish you and Soong Wanwan a happy life together."

Saying these words made Shi Qing's teeth ache with bitterness. Her eyes burned, but determined to maintain her dignity, she resolved to escape this suffocating place.

As she reached the door, she stopped without turning back. "I'll have the divorce papers ready for you tomorrow." Taking a deep breath, she added, "Lu Sinian, I never want to see you again."

Shi Qing drove away in her red Ferrari, speeding through the night as the cold wind rushing past her ears gradually cleared her mind. She navigated to a high-end neighborhood, where the luxurious standalone villas spoke of the area's exclusivity. Shi Qing finally stopped in front of a familiar house, feeling a twinge of irony. She never thought she'd return here again.

She entered the house and quickly headed upstairs to take a shower. In the bathroom, Shi Qing scrubbed her body vigorously, determined to wash away all the unpleasant memories. Only when her skin was red did she turn off the water and wrap herself in a towel to return to the bedroom. As if remembering something, she picked up her phone and dialed a familiar number.

"Prepare a divorce agreement for me and have it delivered to Scenery Villa by tomorrow morning."

After sending the message, she tossed her phone aside. Two minutes later, a reply came in.

"Yes, ma'am."

The next day.

Shi Qing got up only after she had enough sleep. As soon as she reached the second floor, she saw the staff downstairs already prepared and waiting. An older gentleman hurried over to greet her as she descended.

"Miss, we apologize for not noticing when you returned," he said, bowing respectfully.

"Mr. Ji, thank you for managing everything so well over these past three years. You don’t need to be so formal with me," Shi Qing replied, taking a seat at the dining table, where a sumptuous breakfast was promptly served by the staff.

As she ate, a woman hurried in, greeting her with the same respect as Mr. Ji before pulling a folder from her briefcase. "Miss, everything you requested is ready."

Shi Qing set down her knife and fork, casually flipping through the documents with her slender fingers.

When she set down the folder and looked around, a sense of relief washed over her. From now on, there would be no more nonsense about being Mrs. Lu; she was simply the eldest daughter of the Shi family.

Driving to Jasheng Group, Shi Qing glanced at the towering building, shut the car door, and walked inside. The receptionist, who had been chatting happily with a colleague, changed her expression as soon as she saw Shi Qing.

"Ma'am, Director Lu is in a meeting," the receptionist said, her tone noticeably impatient. Shi Qing chose not to argue; after all, this was the attitude she had faced every time she visited Shengjia over the past three years.

"Then I'll go up and find him myself."

As she moved to leave, the receptionist quickly stopped her. "Do you have an appointment? You know Director Lu is very busy, and not everyone can just see him. If you don't have one, I'm sorry, but I can't let you go up."

Shi Qing let out a cold laugh. The idea that she needed an appointment to see her own husband was absurd. She couldn't be bothered to argue further and headed straight for the elevator in her high heels.

The receptionist, perhaps not used to such defiance from Shi Qing, was momentarily stunned before hurriedly calling upstairs.

When the elevator doors opened, Shi Qing walked toward Lu Sinian's office with the divorce papers in hand. Ignoring the stares from the executive office staff, she pushed open the door in one swift motion.

Lu Sinian had just finished signing a document and looked up to see Shi Qing. She tossed the divorce agreement onto his desk. "Sign it."

This was the first time Lu Sinian had seen her like this. Just one night had passed, yet it felt as if another personality had emerged from within him. Where once she had been all charm and allure, now she was cold and distant.

After confirming everything was in order, Lu Sinian picked up the pen and signed his name. Shi Qing stood across from him, watching his decisive manner. Despite herself, a pang of hurt welled up inside her. She was only human, after all, unable to be as composed as Lu Sinian.

Once the papers were signed, Shi Qing picked up her copy and turned to leave. Lu Sinian instinctively asked, "Is there nothing you want to say to me?"

Hearing this, Shi Qing slowly turned back. Though separated by a desk, it felt as if they were worlds apart. "I said it last night—I never want to see you again in this lifetime," she replied, holding up the divorce agreement. "See you at the courthouse tomorrow at eight."