C5

The next morning, Shi Qing got up early to get ready, or maybe she hadn't slept at all. She slipped into a black dress with a deep V-neck and a slit, showing off her long, elegant legs, paired with the latest Valentino heels. She looked stunning in the mirror.

By 8:30 a.m., she arrived at the courthouse, where Lu Sinian was already waiting. She thought to herself how eager he seemed.

When she approached, Lu Sinian glanced at his watch. "You're late."

"For the past three years, I can't count how many times I've waited for you, Director Lu. Surely, it's okay for you to wait for me once in a while?" Shi Qing chuckled as she sat beside him.

Lu Sinian shrugged. "Fine. Did you bring everything?"

"Of course."

In no time, two dark red certificates were in their hands. Staring at the word "Divorce," neither of them spoke.

It wasn't until they left the courthouse that Lu Sinian stopped Shi Qing. "Shi Qing, let's not bring this up to the old man. His health isn't great."

She thought he might say something else. "Of course. It's just a divorce, nothing worth making a fuss over."

Lu Sinian felt a surge of irritation. How could Shi Qing be so indifferent? Did she ever really mean it when she said she loved him, or was it all just a joke?

Realizing where his thoughts were going, Lu Sinian quickly dismissed them. "If that's the case, then good."

Shi Qing nodded. "Well, I wish you and Wanwan a long and happy life together, if that's possible."

"Shi Qing!"

"What's up, Director Lu? Not happy with my congratulations?" Shi Qing raised an eyebrow, enjoying the sight of Lu Sinian's flustered expression.

Lu Sinian suddenly caught himself, calming his emotions as he teased, "Are you holding a grudge because you can't have me?"

Shi Qing chuckled, "Sorry, Director Lu, couldn't help it. I admit you used to be a treasure to me, but I know how to play and how to let go. Now, you're just a passerby."

She stepped closer, lifted his tie with her fingertips, and whispered in his ear, "Back then, I couldn't tell the difference between people and dogs. Make sure you don't make the same mistake." With that, she took two steps back, flashed a bright smile, and got into her car.

Lu Sinian was left standing there, fuming. What did she mean by that? Was she cursing him or calling him a dog?

Shen Yi, standing nearby, almost couldn't hold back his laughter. He hadn't expected Shi Qing to be so sharp-tongued.

Shi Qing returned to Scenery Villa, tossing the divorce papers onto the table as soon as she walked in. She pulled out her phone and called her friend, Qiao Jing. As soon as the call connected, Qiao Jing's sweet voice came through, "Hey, babe! How come you have time to call me today? Aren't you with your darling husband?"

Shi Qing took a deep breath, glancing at the divorce papers on the table. "I divorced him."

"What?! You've been doing big things behind my back?" Qiao Jing shouted dramatically.

Shi Qing held her phone a bit farther away, feeling like her ears were about to burst.

"Shi Qing, are you listening to me?"

She brought the phone back to her ear. "I'm listening, go ahead."

"Right now, you must be feeling down and in need of your little angel's care, so I've decided to prepare a big surprise for you."

Hearing "big surprise," Shi Qing sensed trouble. She quickly interjected, "No need, suddenly I don't feel that upset anymore."

"No way! I'll send you the location in a bit. Remember to dress up nicely!"

"I really don't want to go..." Shi Qing started to say, but the call was cut off. Moments later, Qiao Jing had already sent the location.

Shi Qing tossed her phone onto the table with a sigh. She turned her head to look at the garden. After days of rain, the sun finally came out today. Her three-year relationship with Lu Sinian had ended in divorce.

She couldn't even remember how much she had sacrificed for him, thinking there would be a happy ending. But now, it seemed like she had been fooling herself all along.

Tears rolled down Shi Qing's cheeks. She decided to cry for Lu Sinian one last time, just once more.