After that night's quarrel, the two of them entered a new round of cold war—or rather, it was Cheng Yuan's unilateral cold war. Several times Jiang Xiao tried to make peace with him, but was repelled by his icy stare.
With no other choice, Jiang Xiao sought help from the Elder Master, using the excuse that she missed him and returned to the old mansion.
The Elder Master had seen all kinds of storms in his life. He immediately ordered the butler to call Cheng Yuan back, and the family had dinner together.
During the meal, the Elder Master repeatedly hinted for Cheng Yuan to pick vegetables for Jiang Xiao. Out of respect for the Elder Master, Cheng Yuan had no choice but to comply.
Jiang Xiao smiled and said, "Thank you, husband."
The word "husband" came out very naturally. Cheng Yuan's fingers holding the chopsticks paused slightly, and he slowly lifted his eyelids, revealing a mocking gaze.
This woman who had been clamoring for a divorce just a few days ago—what was she up to tonight?
Whatever she was up to, he would not soften his heart toward her again.
And he would definitely not… compromise like he did three years ago.
Jiang Xiao wasn't as despicable as Cheng Yuan thought. She just wanted to ease the tension between them first, then bring up the divorce again.
She thought that since he had picked food for her, it meant he had calmed down. But that wasn't the case.
In a secluded corner, Cheng Yuan grabbed Jiang Xiao's jaw. "Don't think that just because Grandpa is backing you up, I'll give in. Jiang Xiao, I'm telling you—impossible."
His grip was too strong; Jiang Xiao could barely breathe. She slapped at him desperately, "Let's talk this out… you… let go."
"There's nothing to talk about between us." Cheng Yuan pressed harder, pinning her leg down. "I'll say it again: if you want to live together, fine. But divorce? Impossible."
"Why?" Jiang Xiao grabbed his wrist, forgetting to struggle, her eyes locked on his. "You don't even like me, so why won't you agree?"
"My woman belongs to me for life." Cheng Yuan's jaw tightened, his voice icy. "Want to go mess with someone else? Dream on."
As he spoke, Jiang Xiao trembled. A smile uglier than tears appeared on her face. "Cheng Yuan, what did I ever do to deserve this from you?"
"Are you determined to drag me down into hell with you?"
"Yes." Cheng Yuan gritted his teeth. "You deserve this."
The butler walked over and called out, "Young Master."
Cheng Yuan wasn't afraid of the butler seeing them like this. He maintained his oppressive posture and said flatly, "What is it?"
Butler: "The Elder Master is looking for you."
Cheng Yuan stroked Jiang Xiao's cheek. "Be good. Wait for me in the car."
His palm was hot, but all Jiang Xiao felt was cold—more unbearable than falling into an ice cave.
Cheng Yuan…
He was a madman.
A madman who seemed warm but was actually freezing cold.
He… was terrifying.
That was Jiang Xiao's latest impression of Cheng Yuan that night. After three years of sharing a bed, she had thought he just didn't love her. But it turned out he not only didn't love her, but wanted to destroy her, to keep her trapped in hell forever.
She didn't obediently wait. Instead, she took a taxi back to the city.
When she got married, her parents had given her a property as a dowry. A part-time cleaner usually took care of it, and she rarely went there. But tonight, she didn't want to go back to the marital home. She just wanted to be alone.
She went to Xiangheyuan.
A nearly 800-square-meter luxury apartment, decorated by top foreign designers entirely according to Jiang Xiao's preferences, reeking of opulence.
The paintings on the walls alone were worth tens of millions.
When it came to indulging their children, Father Jiang and Mother Jiang were at the highest level. Whatever Jiang Xiao wanted, even if they had to rack their brains, they would satisfy her.
They often said, "Xiao Xiao, do what you want. Mom and Dad will always stand behind you. The door of the Jiang family will always be open for you."
Standing in front of the floor-to-ceiling window, the wind woke Jiang Xiao's muddled mind. Once again, she regretted her past actions.
Why had she stooped so low for a man who didn't love her, even making her parents suffer along with her?
Jiang Xiao, you're so stupid.
Luckily, it wasn't too late for her to wake up. Putting down her wine glass, she called Shen Yue.
"A Xiao, why are you looking for me at this hour?" Shen Yue's gentle voice came through the receiver.
"A Yue, I remember you said you have a classmate who is a lawyer." Jiang Xiao asked, "Are they reliable?"
"Not a classmate, a neighbor's older brother. Quite reliable." Shen Yue was puzzled. "Why are you asking?"
"I want to divorce Cheng Yuan." Jiang Xiao said, "Can you ask if he's available to take my case?"
The lawyer she had previously settled on suddenly said he couldn't take it, so she had to find someone else.
"Divorce? Have you really thought it through?" Shen Yue was surprised. "Are you really going through with it?"
"Yes, I'm getting a divorce." Jiang Xiao bit her lip, looked up at the sparse stars, and said softly, "Forcing something that doesn't belong to you is meaningless. Instead of tormenting each other, it's better to let go."
She sighed lightly and forced a smile. "I've thought it through. I want a divorce."
Shen Yue knew all of Jiang Xiao's decisions. "Since you've made up your mind, I'll help you. Wait for me; I'll contact him right away."
Jiang Xiao: "I'll wait for your news."