I'm Done with the Elite Marriage - Chapter 16

This was probably the first time Zhou Youling had such a direct conversation with Xue Yining.

In the past, Zhou Youling had always imagined Xue Yining to be gentle and soft-spoken, someone who spoke in a calm and soothing manner. But now, she realized that wasn’t the case. Xue Yining might appear pure and harmless on the surface, but her words carried sharp edges, like blades hidden beneath a velvet glove. Perhaps this woman was far more complex than she seemed.

Before Zhou Youling could say anything, Xue Yining picked up the bag and turned to leave. “Sorry, I have something to take care of. Take your time browsing,” she said.

Zhou Youling maintained a neutral expression, but a wave of unspoken anger churned within her. Then, as if to calm herself, she reminded herself of the inevitable-after Old Master Fu’s eightieth birthday banquet, she would divorce Fu Xunzhou. There would be no reason to stand in the way of whatever might happen between them.

She glanced at Xue Yining’s departing figure, shook her head in self-mockery, and resumed her search for a suitable birthday gift for Old Master Fu.

Time flew by, and soon it was the day of Old Master Fu’s eightieth birthday banquet.

This year, the celebration was held at a five-star hotel in Nanzhou City, with eighty tables set up for the grand occasion.

The event was primarily organized by Fu Zhiqing, and it was far more extravagant than in previous years.

Old Master Fu was still in excellent health, despite a serious illness three years ago that nearly claimed his life. Since recovering, he hadn’t even caught a minor cold.

On the day of the banquet, Old Master Fu wore a traditional Tang suit, his hair dyed black and slicked back. He leaned on a jade-green cane, standing tall and straight, earning compliments from everyone who saw him.

The Fu Family was vast, and anyone with even a tenuous connection to them wanted to join the festivities. Additionally, prominent figures with business ties to the Fu Group seized the opportunity to network. The event was also attended by members of the press.

In such a setting, aside from Old Master Fu, Fu Xunzhou, as the current face of the Fu Group, naturally became a focal point.

Since the morning when Zhou Youling had drunkenly mentioned divorce to Fu Xunzhou, the couple hadn’t seen each other until today.

When Fu Xunzhou saw Zhou Youling, his gaze didn’t linger on her for even a moment. He continued conversing with those around him, as if she were a stranger. Yet, when acquaintances passed by, they seamlessly pretended to be a loving couple, exchanging polite greetings.

Fu Xunzhou had been busy with his projects over the past few days, opting to stay at the office rather than return home to face Zhou Youling’s divorce demands. He believed she was simply acting out and needed time to cool down.

Zhou Youling, on the other hand, had already accepted the reality of divorcing Fu Xunzhou after Old Master Fu’s birthday. She paid no attention to his whereabouts during this time.

The banquet followed a set program, with the host eloquently delivering speeches that drew rounds of applause from the guests.

Zhou Youling sat at her table, lost in thought. Her mind wandered to the documents she had prepared in her bag, while her ears caught snippets of conversation between her mother and mother-in-law discussing grandchildren.

Her mother-in-law, Yu Wanrong, seemed particularly eager for a grandchild. Her face lit up as she held Zhou Youling’s hand and said, “You must do your best this year. I want to hear some good news, no matter what.”

Rong Huiying, noticing her daughter’s distraction, leaned in and whispered, “What’s wrong?”

With a smile, Zhou Youling replied, “Nothing.”

Her gaze, however, instinctively followed Fu Xunzhou as he stepped onto the stage.

Invited by the host, Fu Xunzhou delivered a brief speech.

Today, Fu Xunzhou was dressed impeccably in a tailored suit, his words commanding and confident. The audience couldn’t help but murmur among themselves.

“Fu Xunzhou is truly thriving now. He’s come a long way.”

“A rare talent, indeed.”

“Three years ago, when he took over, the pressure was immense. But now, he’s proven himself.”

“Speaking of which, it’s been ages since we’ve seen Fu Deyao’s eldest grandson.”

“Why isn’t the eldest grandson here for such an important occasion? Could the rumors about discord among the brothers be true?”

“Hard to say. The world of the wealthy is a deep ocean.”

Their comments carried layers of meaning.

Zhou Youling glanced around but couldn’t spot the elusive eldest grandson.

In the Fu Family, Fu Xunzhou was the third grandson under Old Master Fu’s lineage.

The eldest grandson, Fu Hexu, was a year older than Fu Xunzhou. He had left for abroad three years ago and hadn’t returned since. Coincidentally, his departure aligned with Fu Xunzhou’s takeover of the Fu Group, fueling rumors of sibling rivalry.

Zhou Youling had heard of Fu Hexu but had never met him. He hadn’t attended her wedding to Fu Xunzhou, nor had he returned for any family gatherings during the holidays.

Whenever Old Master Fu mentioned Fu Hexu, his expression turned sour, as if disappointed. He avoided discussing him and discouraged others from bringing him up.

To Zhou Youling, Fu Hexu remained the most enigmatic figure in the Fu Family.

Speaking of Fu Hexu, one couldn’t overlook his sister, Fu Ruxuan.

Among the entire Fu Family, Fu Ruxuan seemed to be the only one who genuinely liked Zhou Youling. Every time she saw Zhou Youling, her face lit up with admiration, and she would eagerly strike up a conversation.

Today was no exception. Fu Ruxuan clung to Zhou Youling, chattering away. “Sister-in-law, what foundation are you using today? Your skin looks flawless!”

“Wow, your lipstick shade is gorgeous!”

“You look stunning! I’m totally smitten!”

Her compliments poured out like a waterfall.

Fu Ruxuan had adored Zhou Youling from the moment she first saw her, feeling an inexplicable sense of kinship. To Fu Ruxuan, the greatest regret was that Zhou Youling wasn’t married to her own brother.

Naturally, Zhou Youling had a soft spot for this younger cousin.

Just as Zhou Youling was about to respond, her aunt asked Fu Ruxuan, “Where’s your brother? Why isn’t he here yet?”

Fu Ruxuan shrugged innocently, grinning. “My brother comes and goes as he pleases. I’m not his shadow; how would I know why he’s late?”

Her aunt frowned and dialed his number, but after several attempts, she couldn’t get through.

“He’s only been back for a few days, and on such an important occasion, he’s unreachable!” she grumbled.

Her husband, Fu Zhiyong, remained indifferent, casually remarking, “He’s an adult. His actions are his own, and we have no right to interfere.”

“Fu Zhiyong, that’s enough!” she snapped. “You’re always gallivanting around, fishing and playing cards! It’s your bad influence that’s spoiled him!”

Fu Zhiyong shrugged and wisely chose to stay silent.

Among the brothers, Fu Zhiyong was the most laid-back, and his son, Fu Hexu, had inherited his carefree nature.

As the banquet officially began, the hall filled with the clinking of glasses and lively chatter.

Zhou Youling had little appetite, savoring the sea cucumber soup in her small bowl.

The sea cucumber itself wasn’t particularly tasty, but the broth was rich and sweet, its subtle flavor leaving a pleasant aftertaste that made her want another sip.

Beside her, Fu Ruxuan suddenly tugged at her hand. “Sister-in-law, look at Jiang Sha. Her makeup is so heavy today; she looks like she’s heading to a nightclub. Why doesn’t Aunt say something?”

Following Fu Ruxuan’s gaze, Zhou Youling spotted Jiang Sha sitting with a group of friends, including someone she’d recently encountered-Xue Yining.

As Jiang Sha’s friend and a former classmate of Fu Xunzhou, Xue Yining had longstanding ties to the Fu Family.

Fu Ruxuan leaned in and whispered, “See Xue Yining over there? Sitting next to Jiang Sha?”

Zhou Youling nodded.

Fu Ruxuan continued, “You know, Aunt seems to really like Xue Yining. She used to try setting her up with Xunzhou.”

“Really?” This was news to Zhou Youling.

Fu Ruxuan sighed. “Honestly, if Aunt had succeeded, things might have been better.”

Realizing her mistake, Fu Ruxuan quickly clarified, “I didn’t mean it like that! I just meant, if Xunzhou had married Xue Yining, maybe you’d have ended up with my brother. Oh no, what am I saying? I didn’t mean Xunzhou is bad…”

Zhou Youling chuckled and patted Fu Ruxuan’s head. “Alright, eat your food.”

Fu Ruxuan puffed out her cheeks, noticing that Zhou Youling seemed to enjoy the sea cucumber soup. Without a word, she slid her untouched bowl over to Zhou Youling.

The gesture warmed Zhou Youling’s heart.

In three years of marriage, Zhou Youling knew all of Fu Xunzhou’s preferences, yet he didn’t even know she disliked ginger.

Was it carelessness or indifference? She no longer cared to find out.

As the banquet wore on, Zhou Youling grew increasingly disinterested.

Her husband, Fu Xunzhou, who should have been seated beside her, spent most of the evening mingling, barely sparing her a glance.

Not that Zhou Youling minded his attitude, but seeing him chatting and laughing with Xue Yining in the distance made her feel like an unnecessary presence.

Xue Yining raised her glass to toast Fu Xunzhou, her laughter ringing out.

Fu Xunzhou had his back to Zhou Youling, so she couldn’t see his expression, but their proximity was unmistakable.

From their table came bursts of laughter, with Jiang Sha exclaiming, “Drink up! Drink up!”

Xue Yining laughed, “Oh, come on, let’s not.”

Feeling suffocated, Zhou Youling excused herself to her mother, saying she needed to touch up her makeup, and left without looking back.

In the restroom, she chose the farthest stall and sent Fu Xunzhou a message: [Let’s go to the Civil Affairs Bureau this afternoon and finalize the divorce.]

She hadn’t seen him in days and felt the need to remind him.

Soon, other women entered the restroom, their chatter filling the space.

As Zhou Youling waited for Fu Xunzhou’s reply, snippets of their conversation reached her ears:

“Did you see? Fu Xunzhou hasn’t said a word to his wife all night.”

“I noticed! But wow, Fu Xunzhou is really handsome. I always thought he’d be some balding middle-aged guy, but he could totally be a celebrity!”

“Marriage is just a façade. The rumors must be true-he’s still in love with his white moonlight.”

“You mean Xue Yining? What does her family do? Real estate?”

“The Xue family isn’t as prominent as the Zhou family, right? At least the Zhou family is considered upper-class. But the Xue family used to have good ties with the Fu family.”

“Upper-class? The Zhou family is barely hanging on. If it weren’t for their connection to the Fu family, who in Nanzhou City would even remember them?”

“True enough.”

“Ha! Zhou Youling used to be so arrogant back in school. Now she’s as quiet as a mouse. How the mighty have fallen.”

“Exactly.”

“She’s gone from a proud peacock to a humble sparrow.”

Zhou Youling felt a surge of anger and stepped forward but hesitated.

What was the point?

Even if she confronted them, what would she gain?

Soon, she would have no ties to Fu Xunzhou. Whatever people said about her would no longer matter.

She clutched her phone, waiting for Fu Xunzhou’s reply, her palms cold.

Gradually, the restroom fell silent, the sound of dripping water echoing faintly.

Her phone buzzed.

She quickly unlocked it, her hands trembling slightly.

Fu Xunzhou: [Do whatever you want.]