"What?" the grandfather panicked first. "Where has Gu Yuan gone? Is he trying to dodge the marriage again?"
The words sounded incredibly harsh. The phrase "dodging the marriage again" was difficult to stomach.
Xiao Qing responded with a cold sneer, "If he wants to run, let him run. It’s as if we actually need him."
Hearing this, Qian Rushan’s eyes widened in anger. "Third daughter-in-law, I’m warning you—if it weren't for Gu Yuan, your branch of the family wouldn't get a thing!"
Xiao Qing was momentarily rendered speechless, not knowing how to reply. Qian Ruixue was so anxious that she quickly pulled out her phone to call Gu Yuan, worried that she might have inadvertently touched a sore spot yesterday, leaving him in low spirits.
As it turned out, the news she received was that Gu Yuan was on his way to the Civil Affairs Bureau to file for divorce.
A collective sigh of relief washed over the family. Elder Qian, in particular, even laughed out loud: "It’s good that they’re divorcing. This way, our granddaughter can openly recruit a new husband."
Faced with Qian Rushan's joy, Xiao Qing and Qian Jinyuan felt helpless.
"Eat!" Qian Rushan commanded.
But Qian Ruixue sat restlessly. Qian Rushan noticed her unusual behavior and asked, "Ruixue, what’s wrong with you?"
"Grandfather... do you know how difficult Lin Xiangyu’s family is? If he goes there alone..." Qian Rushan paused, then looked at Qian Ruixue with a meaningful gaze, causing her to blush.
"Go on then. He will be your husband in the future; you should face everything together."
Qian Ruixue agreed and ran off. Even though Xiao Qing and Qian Jinyuan shouted after her, they could no longer stop her.
At the entrance of the Civil Affairs Bureau, the entire Lin family had arrived in luxury sedans, creating quite a spectacle. Lin Xiangyu had finally waited for this day, the day she could officially end her marriage to Gu Yuan.
She looked forward to the freedom after the divorce, hoping to date the young master of the wealthy Gao Family and perhaps one day become Mrs. Li. This would not only change her personal destiny but also bring endless benefits to her family.
Facing her new life, Lin Xiangyu had mixed feelings, while her family was nothing but supportive. They believed that by casting aside someone like Gu Yuan, Lin Xiangyu deserved a much better future.
The Lin family cheered Lin Xiangyu on. They were all dissatisfied with Gu Yuan, especially since he hadn't appeared on time. They began to speculate if he had run away, fearing he might make unreasonable demands, such as asking for five million as a condition for the divorce.
But Lin Xiangyu didn't care. She felt that even if Gu Yuan did that, it would only make him look even more pathetic.
Just as they were gossiping, Gu Yuan’s figure appeared in the distance.
His arrival surprised the Lin family; after all, given Lin Xiangyu’s current status and wealth, she could have easily dumped Gu Yuan. However, Gu Yuan’s arrival was not as the Lin family had imagined. He showed no regard for Lin Xiangyu’s five million, having come there of his own volition.
When Gu Yuan walked up to Lin Xiangyu and her family, the scene fell silent. Lin Xiangyu’s reaction was cold, as if she had already seen through everything. Gu Yuan’s words only invited mockery from his former mother-in-law, Li Xiuqin, and the rest of the Lin family, who subjected him to heartless sarcasm.
Yet, in this tense moment, Lin Xiangyu showed a flash of kindness, stating she was willing to provide Gu Yuan with some financial assistance after the divorce to ensure he wouldn't be left in dire straits.
This gesture triggered opposition from her mother, Xiao Qing, who reminded Lin Xiangyu not to forget Gu Yuan’s infidelity during the marriage and insisted that he should leave with nothing.
"Sister, five million is a lot of money! I’ll need money when I get married later," the younger brother, Lin Lei, said anxiously, secretly calculating how wonderful it would be if that money were left for him.
His sister, Lin Xiangyu, shook her head with a hint of helplessness: "I owe him this money. Once I give it to him, we’ll be square."
Her mother, Xiao Qing, firmly objected: "No, he’s not getting a single cent."
Gu Yuan stood to the side, listening to their argument, a cold sneer appearing at the corner of his mouth. "No need. I don't even have an eye for your things!"
His words stunned the Lin family.
*Look down on them?*
This man they had always looked down upon dared to say such a thing?
Xiao Qing immediately seized the opportunity. "Gu Yuan, you’d better keep your word. A real man doesn't go back on his promises!"
"Rest assured. We can state in the divorce agreement that all assets under each person's name belong to them," Gu Yuan replied dismissively.
Upon hearing this, Xiao Qing and Lin Lei immediately urged Lin Xiangyu to sign.
But Lin Xiangyu frowned as she looked at Gu Yuan, saying worriedly: "I know you want to maintain your dignity, but you can’t eat dignity. If you don't do well in the future, don't say I didn't warn you."
Gu Yuan replied with a cold laugh, "Miss Lin doesn't need to worry, because after we divorce, we are strangers, aren't we?"
Lin Xiangyu was stunned, not understanding why her ex-husband had such confidence.
Nevertheless, amidst the expectations of the Lin family, both parties signed the agreement. The seal of the Civil Affairs Bureau was stamped, the divorce certificates were obtained, and the marriage was over.
As they walked out of the Civil Affairs Bureau, three years of affection were severed just like that.
Gu Yuan felt a sense of relief, while the Lin family smiled from ear to ear, rejoicing that they had finally shaken off the man they considered a complete failure, having regained their daughter's freedom without spending a cent.
No one expected Gu Yuan to be so decisive, not clinging to them as they had imagined. Gu Yuan’s process of obtaining the divorce certificate had been unusually calm—so smooth it was hard to believe.
Lin Xiangyu felt a wave of inexplicable confusion. The divorce certificate in her hand had been her long-held wish, yet at this moment, a feeling of loss welled up in her heart.
Facing Gu Yuan, who was standing at the entrance preparing to leave, she asked involuntarily, "Where are you going? Should I give you a ride?"
Gu Yuan remained silent, but Xiao Qing, standing nearby, wouldn't let the opportunity pass. With her arms crossed, she sneered:
"Don't think that we, the Lin family, don't understand decorum. Gu Yuan, my daughter now drives a BMW and has a net worth of ten million; this is a height you will never reach. She is constantly progressing, and you? Three years have passed, and other than getting older, you are still a good-for-nothing."
Lin Xiangyu frowned and whispered to stop her mother, "Mom, why are you saying these things?"
"Why not say them? I’m afraid he’ll go around talking nonsense and ruining your reputation. Gu Yuan, remember, no one forced you to take on those responsibilities—you chose them yourself, understand?" Xiao Qing warned.
Gu Yuan gave a cold laugh. "I understand. I’ve made one mistake; I won't make a second. Farewell." With that, he turned to leave.
Lin Lei taunted from the side, "Hey, ex-con, have you thought it through? It’s a long walk back! Why don't you let my sister drive you? After all, that’s a BMW you’ll never be able to afford to ride in in your lifetime."
The Lin family burst into laughter, while Gu Yuan simply darkened his expression and made no reply.