I'm Done with the Elite Marriage - Chapter 23
“Mom, the divorce is finalized,” Zhou Youling said into the phone, her voice steady yet tinged with an unspoken complexity.
She glanced down at the red divorce certificate in her hand. It was supposed to mark a fresh start, yet it felt surreal, as though she was still caught in a dream she couldn’t wake from.
On the other end of the line, Rong Huiying’s voice was warm and comforting. “Are you coming home now? How about we go shopping? Or maybe a spa day? Better yet, let’s plan a trip to Europe-you can join us.”
Youling chuckled softly. “No, I’ve got other things to take care of. Don’t worry about me.”
“Alright, sweetheart. Do whatever you feel like. Remember, I’ll always be your strongest support.”
“Thanks, Mom.”
After exchanging a few more words, they hung up. The call ended, leaving Youling alone in the backseat of the car, staring at the slim booklet in her hand.
The divorce certificate bore a striking resemblance to the marriage certificate-same color scheme, same size, one copy for each party. Yet the emotions tied to them couldn’t be more different.
The joy she had felt on her wedding day was now mirrored by an equal measure of melancholy.
Her thoughts kept drifting back to the earlier scene with Xue Yining. The image of her standing there, so deliberately poised, lingered in Youling’s mind, refusing to fade. It wasn’t supposed to matter anymore, yet it gnawed at her, disrupting her peace.
She shook her head vigorously, as if trying to physically dislodge the unwelcome thoughts.
“Stop the car,” she said abruptly.
The driver complied, pulling over to the side of the road. Youling stepped out and turned to him. “You can head back. I’ll take a walk.”
“Alright, take care,” he replied, his tone respectful.
Now alone, Youling felt an unfamiliar sense of freedom. She could do whatever she wanted, without worrying about anyone else’s expectations or schedules.
It was just past 2 p.m., and though Nanzhou City had already entered early winter, the sun was shining brightly, its warmth cutting through the crisp air. A gentle breeze accompanied her as she strolled along the wide streets, making the chill almost unnoticeable.
The area was quiet, likely because it was a weekday and somewhat removed from the bustling city center. The greenery here was well-maintained, with a nearby park encircling a lake-a perfect spot for families to unwind on weekends.
Youling wandered aimlessly, her steps unhurried. Occasionally, she paused to take in the towering buildings around her. In the distance, she spotted an elementary school, where children were engaged in a lively PE class on the playground.
Further ahead, a construction site caught her eye. A large banner read, “Topping Out Ceremony,” marking a milestone in the building’s progress.
The site was surrounded by a perimeter of promotional materials, including a bird’s-eye view of the planned development. The scale was impressive, exuding an air of grandeur. As expected, a sales center was situated nearby.
Gazing at the sales center, an idea suddenly struck Youling-she wanted to buy a place, just for herself.
On impulse, she stepped into the elegantly designed sales office. It was quiet, with no staff in sight.
Like most sales centers, it featured a detailed model of the development, accompanied by glossy brochures and promotional posters.
Youling circled the model, studying it carefully. The residential complex was expansive, with a layout that suggested meticulous planning.
Having grown up in the Zhou Family, which had once thrived in real estate development, Youling had picked up some knowledge about the industry. Large-scale projects like this required significant resources just to secure land-use approvals. The competition for such developments was often fierce, a battlefield of negotiations and rivalries.
She couldn’t help but think back to the downfall of the Zhou Family, which had been triggered by a failed investment. It was a stark reminder of how quickly fortunes could change in this cutthroat world.
“Hello, are you here to buy a house?”
A deep voice suddenly echoed behind Zhou Youling.
In the vast and empty sales hall, the voice carried a certain chill, amplifying the quietness of the space.
Zhou Youling turned around and saw a man dressed in a white casual shirt. He was tall, well-groomed, and his attire didn’t quite match the typical image of a real estate agent. Perhaps it was because attractive people often share a certain resemblance, but her first impression was that he looked vaguely familiar.
The man appeared to be around 185 centimeters tall, with a physique that clearly indicated regular exercise, with a physique that clearly indicated regular exercise. His broad shoulders stretched the simple white shirt in a way that made him look like a walking mannequin.
He approached her, his tone polite but direct. “Is there anything you’d like to know? I can answer all your questions.”
Zhou Youling’s gaze fell on the watch on his wrist. In the next instant, she was certain-this man wasn’t a real estate agent.
Coincidentally, two years ago, she had bought the exact same brand and model of watch as a birthday gift for Fu Xunzhou. The price of that single watch could rival the cost of any property in this development. It was definitely not something a typical real estate agent could afford.
“You’re… Zhou Youling?” The man seemed to recognize her.
She was taken aback. “You know me?”
“I’m Ji Yangwen,” he introduced himself, extending a hand. “I know your husband, Fu Xunzhou, and I’ve had business dealings with your father, Zhou Zhishan. Three years ago, I attended your wedding, and just yesterday, I was at Old Master Fu’s 80th birthday celebration. But you probably never noticed me, let alone remember my name.”
Hearing this, Zhou Youling couldn’t help but marvel at how small the world was. She politely extended her hand to shake his and said with a smile, “So, you’re not a real estate agent?”
Ji Yangwen chuckled, shrugging lightly. “Well, in a way, I do sell houses. It’s just a matter of titles.”
Noticing the curiosity in her eyes, Ji Yangwen explained in a casual tone, “The sales team is in a meeting this afternoon, and the receptionist might have stepped away for a bit. My apologies for the lack of service.”
“Then I’ll trouble you to give me an introduction,” Zhou Youling replied.
She tried to recall if she had ever noticed him before, but no matter how hard she thought, she couldn’t remember anything about Ji Yangwen.
Perhaps it was because, over the years, all her attention had been focused on Fu Xunzhou, leaving no room in her mind for any other man.
“Are you buying for investment or personal use?” Ji Yangwen asked directly.
“For personal use,” Zhou Youling answered.
He paused for a moment before asking, “Just for yourself?”
She nodded. “Just for me.”
“Alright then, two-bedroom, three-bedroom, or four-bedroom-what kind of layout are you looking for?”
Zhou Youling thought of the cold, cavernous villa she had shared with Fu Xunzhou. Without hesitation, she said, “I want something smaller. A place so packed with furniture that there’s barely room to move.”
Ji Yangwen smiled faintly at her response. “Feeling lonely?”
His words struck a nerve, leaving Zhou Youling momentarily speechless.
Lonely?
She had never really considered the question before.
Ji Yangwen noticed the subtle change in Zhou Youling’s expression and quickly explained, “Apologies, I didn’t mean to offend. It’s just that, from a professional standpoint, clients who make such requests often share a common desire. You long for a warm home, a place where everything is within arm’s reach. Based on that, I’d recommend a single apartment.”
“Single apartment,” Zhou Youling murmured softly, letting the words linger.
Yes, starting today, she was single.
A single apartment for a single person-it seemed like a fitting choice.
“Alright, I’ll sign the contract now,” Zhou Youling declared resolutely.
Ji Yangwen couldn’t help but chuckle at the seriousness etched on her face. “I haven’t even given you the details, and you’re already ready to sign?”
Feeling a bit awkward, Zhou Youling admitted, “Actually… I don’t really understand much about this.”
Ji Yangwen rubbed his forehead in mock exasperation. “Not understand? Aren’t you afraid that once you sign, I might sell you off?”
With a deadpan seriousness, Zhou Youling replied, “Human trafficking is illegal. Punishable by five to ten years in prison.”
Ji Yangwen raised both hands in surrender, utterly defeated.
–
Meanwhile, Fu Xunzhou’s car had been trailing Zhou Youling’s all along. He saw her step out and walk into a sales office.
He wanted to get out of the car, wanted to explain to her that there was nothing between him and Xue Yining. But cowardice held him back. He feared his presence would only repel her, feared his explanation would be met with disdain.
Sitting in the passenger seat, his assistant Xiao Youyang noticed Fu Xunzhou’s gaze lingering on the building’s name and offered, “This is the land Ji’s Group snatched from us three years ago. It’s now fully completed.”
Fu Xunzhou remembered all too well.
Three years ago, fresh into his position, he had lost a prime piece of land. It was a humiliation he wouldn’t forget.
Ji’s Group was now primarily managed by Ji Yangwen. Fu Xunzhou had crossed paths with him on occasion and found his approach to business less than admirable.
In fact, at Old Master Fu’s 80th birthday celebration yesterday, there had been a minor clash between them.
Ji Yangwen had teased with a smile, “Your wife is so stunning, yet you keep her hidden away at home instead of letting everyone admire her beauty. What a shame.”
Fu Xunzhou could easily see the frivolity in Ji Yangwen’s demeanor. If not for the occasion, he might have acted on the urge to land a punch.
“Xiao Youyang,” Fu Xunzhou said coolly.
Xiao Youyang nodded slightly. “What are your instructions?”
Fu Xunzhou’s tone remained indifferent. “Starting tomorrow, you’ll be reassigned to the General Office. You’ll no longer serve as my assistant.”
Caught off guard, Xiao Youyang hurriedly asked, “Did I make a mistake? Please, tell me directly.”
Fu Xunzhou didn’t respond. He reached for the car door, intending to step out, but then he saw Zhou Youling exiting the sales office.
She was still dressed in black, but her demeanor had shifted significantly.
Walking alongside Ji Yangwen, she wore a rare smile.
Whatever they were discussing, her laughter was radiant-a brightness he hadn’t seen in a long time.
Fu Xunzhou’s hand hesitated on the door handle. He gestured to the driver, “Drive.”
Everything was supposed to be unrelated to him. Yet, why did his heart ache even more?
