Chapter 225: Chapter 225

A subtle emotion, accompanied by the gradually clarifying sky, pearl white mixed with a hint of blue, enveloped them in a hazy drift.

Shi Nian found it hard to breathe, straightening his back against the wall, his hands quietly clenching the seams of his pants at his sides...

She was almost unable to resist his gaze, and even more unable to resist the tenderness and longing flowing from his eyes.

That tenderness was as soft and lingering as water, but the longing was as fiery as a blaze.

The intertwining of water and fire almost completely disarmed her senses bit by bit.

Inwardly panicked, she asked herself: What’s happening to you? Why is it that with him, even knowing it’s impossible, you have no ability to resist?

Fortunately, the sound of high heels came from the hallway, followed by a light exclamation, breaking the strange magnetic field between the two of them.

"Hey, bro? What are you doing?"

Only then did Shi Nian abruptly turn his head away, taking a deep breath and then extinguishing the cigarette.

Tang Yanyi had already walked over, her doubtful gaze falling more on Shi Nian’s face: "Didn’t you say you were going to the bathroom? Why are you with my brother?"

Shi Nian awkwardly raised the cigarette: "Just asked him for a smoke, that’s all."

Tang Yanqing narrowed his eyes and turned to stare at Tang Yanyi, unhappy that the unusual moment had been scattered by her, so he hummed lightly: "Who I’m with, do I have to report to you?"

Tang Yanyi was taken aback: "That’s not what I meant... What I mean is, just the two of us girls, I saw she hadn’t returned from the bathroom for a long time, I was wondering if she needed any help."

Shi Nian shook her head, slid the hairband off her wrist, and re-tied her hair into a bun, "Thank you. I’m fine."

Tang Yanqing slowly stood up, hands in his pockets: "Xiao Yi, you and I are adults now. Even though you’re my sister, you can’t be with your brother all the time. In the future, whoever I’m with, I don’t want you to talk to me in that surprised or even scolding tone."

"But brother, you know she’s...!" Tang Yanyi bit her lip but ultimately didn’t dare to mention "Xiang Yuan’s wife," simply stomped her foot in frustration, held back her anger, and turned away.

Shi Nian lowered her head in gloom, deliberately yawning: "I’m a bit tired, want to head back first. You siblings chat, I won’t disturb you, goodbye."

Tang Yanqing immediately turned back, calling to Shi Nian’s departing figure: "Wait for me. Let’s go together."

"Brother!" Tang Yanyi was deeply disappointed.

Tang Yanqing slightly shrugged his shoulders, bending down to glare into Tang Yanyi’s eyes: "Xiao Yi, stop doing these meaningless things with me. Remember, I can never be a good-tempered brother, don’t provoke me."

Shen Wan, accompanying her husband who was constantly busy with the campaign, finally got two days of free time, but instead of resting, she came to the women’s association to participate in activities.

As a prominent female figure in the city, Huo Danru was also a member of the women’s association, and the two met again.

Shen Wan always initiated greetings, talking eagerly and considerately with Huo Danru.

No matter what, even though all friends around knew it was Huo Danru and Tang Mingyi’s personality clash that led to their fallout first, and Shen Wan entered Tang Mingyi’s life later... But anyway, Shen Wan and Huo Danru had once been good friends, and she always felt a subtle sense of guilt towards Huo Danru.

Today was the day everyone went to the shelter to cook meals for the homeless. These female elites first had to put aside their social status, take off their expensive dresses, remove their exquisite makeup and tidiness, then go to various vegetable markets and food supermarkets to collect ingredients.

The vendors at the markets would give them slightly wilted vegetables, while the supermarkets would provide spices and canned goods nearing their expiration date.

Shen Wan and Huo Danru were jointly responsible for a large cart. Both wore the women’s association’s unified cheese-yellow aprons and rubber boots, bustling like ordinary housewives. First, they would smile and persuade others to ingredients, then return to the shelter to personally peel the rotten parts of the vegetables and fruits. Then they would chop and stir-fry, pairing main dishes with side dishes, completely resembling the most ordinary housewives.

As Shen Wan busily worked, she softly conversed with Huo Danru: "Danru, I wonder what you’ve been busy with lately? Is work going well?"

Huo Danru had a quick temper, often getting worked up over job issues, so Shen Wan always carefully asked about her work when they met, trying to ease her worries.

Huo Danru glanced at Shen Wan, then slowly spoke: "Recently... I’ve mainly been busy with Xiang Jingsheng’s son and daughter-in-law’s matters."

"Oh?" Upon hearing this, Shen Wan paused her work as she asked, trying to remain subtle: "Could it be that they’ve also come to you for marriage counseling?"

"Yes. They’ve legally separated—they’re essentially divorced. But Xiang Yuan is looking after Shi Nian, and doesn’t want Shi Nian to lose her M Country residency and medical benefits due to the divorce. Especially given Shi Nian’s mother’s poor health."

Shen Wan said nothing.

Thinking about the situation between Xiang Yuan and Shi Nian, Huo Danru sighed: "Xiang Yuan, that child, is someone we’ve watched grow up. He’s truly a devoted child, realizing his mistakes, he’s tried everything to save the marriage. A lawyer, yet he doesn’t mind me hypnotizing him to help recall a painful memory from his past."

Shen Wan lowered her head: "Have their marital issues improved? Danru, you’re an expert in this field. I’m confident that any marriage you manage would see improvements."

Huo Danru shook her head sadly: "Unfortunately, Xiang Yuan did her best to reconcile, but it’s obvious that Shi Nian has made up her mind to leave. Xiang Yuan gave her all, but she has only been thinking about leaving as soon as possible."

Shen Wan’s head lowered further: "For Shi Nian, hurriedly divorcing Xiang Yuan isn’t a wise decision. Firstly, the green card might face scrutiny from immigration, secondly, she’ll lose her medical and other benefits; and thirdly, the cost of her mother’s treatment is a burden she can’t bear."

"I feel the same way, so I suspect it’s not Shi Nian’s genuine choice, perhaps influenced by some external factors." Huo Danru said this, unable to help but look away from Shen Wan’s face.

Shen Wan couldn’t help but frown: "Danru, are you suggesting that Shi Nian has someone else outside?"

Having come to this point, Huo Danru also frowned: "...Xiao Wan, Yanqing isn’t young anymore. It’s fine when he used to be playful and talkative as a kid, but at his age now, he should seriously find someone and engage in a relationship aimed towards marriage."

Shen Wan was startled and looked up.

That day after work, Shi Nian received a call from Xiang Yuan, hoping Shi Nian could accompany him to an event.

As if very worried Shi Nian might refuse, Xiang Yuan’s tone was completely humble, with a low plea.

"...It’s not a particularly formal occasion, don’t worry. It’s just a family gathering, everyone will be relaxed. It’s really required for family members to attend. Shi Nian, could you do me this favor?"

Shi Nian stood with her mobile in the evening breeze, unable to stop thinking that Xiang Yuan never used to take her to social events. At first, it was because she was shy, then because of her trouble with English, and eventually... everyone gradually became accustomed to Rosa being the one who accompanied Xiang Yuan as his partner.

She used to really hope he would extend such an invitation... but now that it’s truly here, she finds it hard to feel fulfilled.

She hesitated a little: "A Yuan... although I’m undergoing marriage counseling with you, that doesn’t mean we can revert to our past relationship. A Yuan, in terms of both law and fact, I’m no longer your family."

"Why don’t you invite Rosa instead?"

Xiang Yuan sighed heavily on the phone, then said after a while: "...Shi Nian, I beg you. I really can’t face those old family friends alone—you know, since I was a child, I’ve always been expected so much from among the kids. If they find out my marriage is such a failure, I really, can’t hold my head up."

Huo Danru’s words echoed in her ears: If you forcibly leave Xiang Yuan now, Shi Nian, you will completely ruin him...

Shi Nian gently closed her eyes, seeing again the man in a silver-gray suit, with features as if drawn with meticulous care. His actions and words were perfectly graceful, and he was almost obsessively demanding of every detail... She saw him at her father’s bloodied bedside, firmly holding her hand, saying "Teacher Shi, don’t worry, I will take care of Shi Nian and her mother for life."

Shi Nian heard herself sigh softly.

Outside Kangchuan University, Shi Nian was wearing a gray-blue chiffon dress, standing in the dimming twilight, waiting for Xiang Yuan to pick her up.

Tonight, Tang Yanqing had something to attend to and said he would return to the police station. She begged Guan Liang repeatedly to help keep it a secret.

At the thought of how unhappy he might be to know she went out with Xiang Yuan again.

The night breeze gently stirred the chiffon skirt, softly swirling against her calves, like gentle ripples.

Shi Nian couldn’t help but quietly sigh.

Such a nervous heart—how does it feel like Tang Yanqing is the husband instead, and Xiang Yuan became the one who shouldn’t be there?

[The people you should meet, you’ll eventually meet~ See you tomorrow.]

Thanks to cxlwwp for the flowers, and Xiaomeng for the flowers Thɪs chapter is updated by NoveIꜰire.net

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