Chapter 5: "Happy Divorce to Lovers?"

What an original masterpiece. Su Nian peeled the wrapper off her lollipop, placed the candy in her rosy lips, and let the sweetness spread across her tongue, diluting the bitterness in her heart. She lifted the corners of her mouth slightly, her eyes sparkling like they were reflecting the dawn's glow. Gu Yichen's gaze was sharp, causing Su Nian's smile to freeze.

"Was this your doing?"

Apart from Su Nian, he couldn't think of anyone else boring enough to create such meaningless rituals and call them "romantic."

Recalling those words spoken high above, Gu Yichen's expression darkened again, his voice devoid of any warmth.

"I've already told you, you can find men outside; I won't interfere, as long as you keep it low-key and avoid making headlines."

The morning breeze carried a cool chill. Su Nian, clad only in her nightgown and barefoot on the floor, met Gu Yichen's cold eyes and suddenly shivered.

"Let's divorce. Let both you and me go."

Su Nian took a deep breath, tears glistening in her eyes. Her face, once flushed from just waking up, turned pale. Her body swayed slightly, her lips losing their color.

"Please, I'm begging you, okay?"

Su Nian's gaze passed through the glass window, landing on the wedding photo hanging above the large bed. In the picture, Gu Yichen remained as stern as ever, while she smiled sweetly and radiantly. When she learned that Gu Yichen had agreed to marry her, she had been overjoyed, immersed in romantic fantasies, believing for a moment that her sincerity and affection had moved him. She had thought that since they grew up together, they would make a happy couple. Gu Yichen fell silent for a moment, his hand beneath his sleeve tightening.

"Su Nian, a business marriage isn't that simple. Your father won't give up your value. Any future partner he arranges for you will be even worse, or instead of another arranged marriage, he'll directly turn you into a socialite hostess. Once we're divorced, my mother won't be able to help you, and I'll have no reason to intervene in the Su family's affairs."

He rarely explained things so patiently, yet Su Nian merely offered a sorrowful smile, using her soft, melodious voice to deliver cruel and resolute words: "It doesn't matter. If I disfigure my face, that should prevent all of that."

Back then, completely lost in her fantasies of love, she never imagined that marriage was like fireworks—after an illusory brilliance, only cold ashes remained. Su Nian tilted her head slightly, looking innocently adorable and pure.

"I suppose no man would be interested in a disfigured woman, right?"

Gu Yichen's pupils contracted slightly as he looked at Su Nian standing there so vividly. Her stubbornness gave him a headache.

"You'd rather disfigure yourself than stay married to me?"

Su Nian shifted her gaze, her eyes rimmed with red, and nodded firmly. If she weren't utterly disappointed, how could she be so resolute?

"Nian Nian,"

Gu Yichen suddenly reached out, pulling her into his embrace, his tone growing warmer.

"If we divorce, you'll return to the Su family. After that, I won't be able to help or protect you. Do you understand?"

Unlike his cold demeanor, his embrace was warm and comforting, making one reluctant to leave. Su Nian was stunned, her round eyes wide and her little mouth agape. Gentle, affectionate eyes, a deep voice sounding profoundly tender. Where had she ever seen such an irresistible Gu Yichen? Su Nian's heartbeat quickened; she felt somewhat bewildered and at a loss, her previously sharp demeanor weakening.

"D-don't try using your looks on me; I won't fall for it!"

She must divorce him; she had finally gathered the courage to make this decision. Gu Yichen frowned slightly, a flicker of irritation passing through his eyes. He pressed his hand against Su Nian's slender waist, lowered his head, and kissed her brow.

"Nian Nian, Wan Rou and I are just friends. Forgetting our wedding anniversary was my mistake. I'll have someone reserve a table; let's celebrate tonight."

"What gift would you like?" Gu Yichen asked, his tone gentle and compliant.

Su Nian was so shocked she felt dazed, staring with innocent, blank eyes. The warm sensation on her brow felt like spreading electric currents, making her heart tremble. Unconsciously, she replied, "Just having you accompany me is enough…"

The door opened, and Xu Qing stood at the entrance, smiling with satisfaction.She had administered the right dose of medicine last night; sure enough, the young couple's relationship was heating up at lightning speed.

"Mom, I'm off to work."

Gu Yichen's tone reverted to its usual chill. As Su Nian watched him reach the doorway, she blurted out, "Aren't you having breakfast?"

In the past, whenever Gu Yichen was home, she prepared all three of his meals herself, crafting inventive breakfasts that rivaled those of renowned restaurant chefs.

"No time,"

Gu Yichen replied curtly, taking his phone from Xu Qing.

Watching his一如既往地 cold retreating figure, Su Nian, who had been basking in a blissful atmosphere, suddenly jolted awake. She wanted to call him back, but he had already vanished. She was truly foolish—so foolish that she had fallen for his handsome-man ploy yet again.

"Nian Nian, last night you two…"

Xu Qing began hesitantly, casting a puzzled glance toward the "divorce scene"

outside. Su Nian's spirits sank. Just as she was about to respond, her phone rang. She picked it up to find an unfamiliar number with no contact name.

"Good morning, big sister!"

The voice was still as soft and youthful as ever. Slightly bewildered, Su Nian asked, "May I ask who this is?"

"Has only one night passed, and you've already forgotten me?"

Shen Yuhuan sounded aggrieved, with a hint of coquettishness.

"We talked for quite a while last night and agreed to meet today."

Fragments of disjointed memories flashed through Su Nian's mind, giving her a rough idea.

"Where shall we meet?"

It would do her good to get out and clear her head; otherwise, she'd go stir-crazy.

"I'm right outside your place; just come out," Shen Yuhuan said with a smile.

"We could go to the beach. The sun is perfect today, and the autumn breeze is refreshingly cool."

His voice carried that uniquely youthful softness capable of melting anyone's heart. Su Nian smiled in return.

"Alright, I'll be right there."

Her gaze met Xu Qing's, and noticing the slight furrow in her friend's brow, her own smile dimmed somewhat.

"Can I bring a friend along?"

Meeting alone with a man could easily invite gossip.

"Of course, no problem,"

Shen Yuhuan replied thoughtfully, his smiling voice radiating sunshine.

"Xi is off today as well; the four of us can go together."

Su Nian hung up, half-expecting Xu Qing to object. Instead, her friend smiled warmly.

"Nian Nian, stay safe out there. Is this friend trustworthy?"

She nodded.

"Tang Tang and I will go together, with bodyguards following at a distance. Moreover, his brother is a people's police officer; there won't be any danger."

※ Seated in the back of the car, Gu Yichen dialed his assistant, his expression grim.

"Book a table for tonight at six. Make the ambiance romantic…"

He paused mid-sentence upon spotting a man standing at the entrance of the villa compound. So he'd actually shown up at their doorstep! In an instant, Gu Yichen identified the "wild man"

: Shen Yuhuan—the pretty boy who had chatted so happily with Su Nian last night and was now eagerly positioning himself to become her lover.