Chapter 18 Retreating to Avoid Conflict

Mu Yinyin picked up the call, but before she could speak, the breezy voice on the other end made itself heard.

“So, darling, did you get it done?” Wan Yu asked, running her fingers through her wavy hair.

But when she heard the sigh from the other end, her brows knit in concern. “What’s going on? What’s with the sigh?”

Wan Yu was sitting in the driver’s seat, the engine already purring, ready to set off. But Mu Yinyin’s tone made her pause in her tracks.

Unable to help herself, Mu Yinyin sighed again and spoke softly, “I had to deal with something on my way there today, so I was late. Fu Siye thought I was playing games and didn’t wait for me.”

“Wait, what?” Wan Yu was surprised, but after a moment, she pressed on, “Did you try contacting him again?”

“I did. He was furious, convinced I was scheming. He thought even if I showed up, I wouldn’t really go through with the divorce, so he didn’t have the patience to go to the Civil Affairs Bureau, even after I sent him a video of myself waiting there.”

“And that didn’t work?” Wan Yu put a hand to her forehead, exasperated.

In the past, though Mu Yinyin had never resorted to such tactics, she’d always tried to get close to Fu Siye, pestering him to come home and the like. Maybe he was truly and utterly fed up with her now.

Mu Yinyin’s lips curled into a bitter smile. “I’ve tried every method I can think of, but he still won’t come.”

“That’s not acceptable! If he doesn’t show up, your marriage hangs in limbo, and how am I supposed to introduce you to a new husband?” Wan Yu’s voice was tinged with irritation.

Mu Yinyin fell silent, a headache beginning to stir.

Wan Yu frowned, growing more agitated. “Dragging it out like this won’t do. Why don’t you go to his company to find him?”

Mu Yinyin’s lips pressed together. “No, I’ll leave it for another day.”

“That won’t do,” Wan Yu said, her worry obvious. “Every time I see him cozying up to that fake little innocent, I get annoyed. How can you put up with it?”

Mu Yinyin massaged her temples, helpless. “It was my fault for being late today. I’ll get the divorce done as soon as I can.”

Wan Yu made a disappointed noise, her mood deflating. “Ugh, just hurry up and kick him to the curb. Don’t let him waste any more of your youth—there are so many good men waiting for you! Don’t let him keep you from living your life.”

She put particular emphasis on the word “youth.”

Mu Yinyin couldn’t help but laugh and cry at the same time. “Alright, alright, I get it. I don’t want to drag this out either. I’ll take care of it soon.”

“Good. Any plans tonight? Want to go out and meet some handsome guys?”

Mu Yinyin was speechless. Wan Yu never missed a chance to bring up finding her a new romance.

She replied helplessly, “No, I’m hosting a welcome dinner for two colleagues tonight. Maybe another time.”

“Two? Male or female?” Wan Yu honed in on the key detail.

“One man, one woman,” Mu Yinyin replied with a faint sigh.

“Ooh? Who’s the guy? Any potential there?” Wan Yu chattered on. “You have to learn to go for it, you know? Actually, you have to learn not to turn people down so quickly. You’re getting divorced anyway—the agreement’s signed—it’s no different from being single. You’re still young, you can’t spend your life alone, can you?”

Mu Yinyin couldn’t hold back a laugh. “You’re one to talk. What about you?”

“Me? I just haven’t met the right one yet. Besides, even if I’m not married, do you see me lacking for men? I’m just filtering through the candidates, one after another.”

Wan Yu gave a light laugh, her carefree, self-assured air something Mu Yinyin could never hope to emulate.

After all, Wan Yu always had a crowd of admirers. She preferred younger men, surrounding herself with a steady stream of handsome boys.

Mu Yinyin massaged her temples again, her headache mounting. “I’m heading to the office now. I’ll call you later.”

“Go on, then. Since you’re determined to set things right, just take it one step at a time. If anything comes up, I’ll call you.”

“Just don’t involve me in any matchmaking.”

“No problem,” Wan Yu replied quickly, then immediately caught herself. “Wait, what? That won’t do! If there’s a handsome guy, your big sister is thinking of you! Actually, I still think Lu Sinian is the best option.”

Mu Yinyin’s headache intensified. She hurried to cut her off, “Alright, I’m driving now. We’ll talk about this some other time.”

Wan Yu could only laugh in exasperation, but she knew some things couldn’t be rushed. “Fine, off you go. I’m heading to the office too.”

With a word of assent, Mu Yinyin ended the call.

At last, she’d dealt with Wan Yu. It was time to go to work herself.

All in all, apart from failing to get divorced, Mu Yinyin felt the day hadn’t been so bad.

And that evening, it was time for the welcome dinner.

Back when the four of them had founded the company together, they’d been close friends. When she’d decided to return, she’d only told Jiang Ling.

Li Chuan and Gu Xiaoqi had been away on business, so she hadn’t said much, not wanting to distract them. Their friendship meant a lot to her, and she didn’t want her own problems to affect their work.

…

At the restaurant.

Mu Yinyin was the first to arrive. She had barely sat down when the door of the private room swung open and a tall, slender girl in a white dress, her hair in a ponytail, burst in. The moment she saw Mu Yinyin, she rushed over and hugged her tightly.

“Ahhh, darling! You’re finally out! I haven’t seen you in ages!”

Mu Yinyin’s heart ached. For three years, she’d given up everything for love, believing that being a good housewife and tending the home was the most important thing. But reality had slapped her hard, teaching her that love was the least important of all.

She returned Gu Xiaoqi’s embrace, her eyes full of apology. “I’m sorry, dear. From now on, I’ll put our work first.”

The news of her return had already reached them. Even if they hadn’t mentioned it, the company gossip would have made sure they knew.

Gu Xiaoqi gave her a disgruntled pat on the shoulder. “What are you apologizing for? You’re back, that’s all that matters! It’s not too late! You’ve been gone so long—just take half my workload and we’re even!”

Mu Yinyin smiled gently. “Alright.”

The two parted and took their seats.

Gu Xiaoqi was beautiful, with a line of suitors stretching for miles, but she had no interest in romance. She was straightforward, fiercely loyal, and kindhearted—always the life of their group.

The door opened again, and two handsome men entered, one after the other.

Jiang Ling, as always, wore a crisp white shirt and slacks, his jacket draped over his arm. His sharply defined features were striking, the small scar at the corner of his right eye only adding to his allure, making him seem like a man with a past.

At twenty-eight, he was calm and steady, earning him the nickname “Boss Jiang.”

He sat down without much ado—he and Mu Yinyin had already been in touch these past few days.

Behind him, Li Chuan entered, his royal blue suit perfectly matching his blue eyes. He was reserved to the point of coldness, his words sharp enough to keep strangers at bay.

Li Chuan glanced at Mu Yinyin, his voice even. “This time, have you really made up your mind?”