I'm Done with the Elite Marriage - Chapter 5

In the restroom, Zhou Youling splashed a handful of cold water onto her face, letting the icy sensation calm her down. The burning turmoil in her chest gradually subsided, leaving her with a fleeting sense of clarity.

She stared at her reflection in the mirror-disheveled, embarrassed, helpless, and bitter. A wry smile tugged at her lips. At least, she thought, no one from her past had seen her in this pitiful state.

Once upon a time, she had been bold and unyielding, someone who loved fiercely and hated just as passionately. Now, she was timid, hesitant, and easily defeated. It was a transformation she had brought upon herself.

Her phone rang again. It was her mother, Rong Huiying. Zhou Youling had deliberately retreated to the restroom to compose herself before answering, worried her earlier frustration might seep into her tone.

When she finally picked up, Rong Huiying’s cheerful voice came through. “Why did it take you so long to answer? Were you busy?”

“No, I just didn’t hear it earlier. What’s up?” Zhou Youling replied.

Her mother chuckled. “This trip has been so much fun! Your dad and I even bought gifts for you and Xiao Zhou. We were planning to come back sooner, but the tour guide mentioned a few more interesting spots. Since we’re already out, we thought we might as well make the most of it.”

Her parents had been traveling domestically, taking advantage of the pleasant weather. China was vast, and exploring all its famous landmarks could easily take weeks, if not months.

The mention of the trip brought back memories for Zhou Youling. When she and Fu Xunzhou had gotten married, it had been so rushed that they hadn’t even gone on a honeymoon. They hadn’t taken wedding photos either. Their marriage had been more of a transaction than a celebration.

Rong Huiying’s voice pulled her back to the present. “Do you know when Old Master Fu’s 80th birthday is? Your dad and I were thinking of extending our trip a bit and coming back just in time for the celebration.”

Of course, Zhou Youling knew the date. Every year, she personally prepared dishes for Old Master Fu’s birthday. He always praised her cooking, claiming it was better than anything from a five-star restaurant.

After giving her mother the exact date, Zhou Youling added, “Make sure to stay safe while you’re out, and don’t forget to use sunscreen.”

Her mother laughed. “Got it, got it. By the way, has Xiao Zhou returned from his business trip?”

“Yes, he just got back today.”

As expected, her mother began to nag. “You two really need to get moving. It’s been three years since you got married, and you’re still not in a hurry?”

“Mom,” Zhou Youling sighed, knowing exactly where this was headed.

Rong Huiying mistook her sigh for impatience. “Alright, alright, I know you don’t want to hear it. But I told you back then not to marry into the Fu Family, and you didn’t listen. You always have your own ideas. But now that you’ve made your choice, you need to make it work. Marriage requires effort.”

A bitter smile crept onto Zhou Youling’s face. The once sharp-tongued woman found herself at a loss for words. She understood her mother’s advice all too well, but what was the point of trying when she was the only one putting in the effort?

After a few more exchanges, they ended the call.

The conversation brought back memories of her wedding. No one in her family had approved of the match. The reason was simple: the Fu Family was wealthy, powerful, and complicated.

The Zhou Family had once been prosperous but had fallen on hard times due to a failed investment. Though they weren’t destitute, Rong Huiying had feared her daughter would become collateral damage in the Fu Family’s internal power struggles. She had tried every argument to dissuade her, but Zhou Youling had been adamant.

Her mother’s warnings still echoed in her ears:

“Fu Xunzhou may seem cold and distant, but if you have to marry someone, why not his cousin, Fu Hexu?”

“The Fu Family is too complicated. That younger sister of his may look cheerful, but she’s a wolf in sheep’s clothing.”

“His mother, Yu Wanrong, seems kind on the surface, but she’s no pushover.”

“Old Master Fu may like you now, but you’re still an outsider. How can you compare to someone with Fu blood?”

Looking back, it seemed her mother’s concerns had all come true. Over the years, Zhou Youling had not only dealt with her cold and distant husband but also navigated the treacherous waters of the Fu Family. She was exhausted.

But this was her choice. No matter how bitter the consequences, she would swallow them silently, unwilling to burden her parents further.

…

The dinner rush had passed, but the restaurant was still bustling. Most tables were littered with the remnants of meals, and patrons were preparing to leave.

Fu Xunzhou sat with his arms crossed, his expression as cold as ever. His mood was foul.

He had gone all day without eating, hoping to return home to a warm meal. Not only had Zhou Youling not been there, but when he found her at the restaurant, she hadn’t even let him eat.

Deep down, Fu Xunzhou knew there was nothing inappropriate between Zhou Youling and the youth. What irked him was her attitude.

He was used to being treated with deference, and the more he thought about it, the angrier he became. Just as he was about to leave, his phone rang. It was his mother, Yu Wanrong.

“Where are you?” she asked.

“Out,” he replied curtly. “What’s the matter?”

“Did Youling give Jiang Sha a hard time earlier?”

“And if she did?”

“I was at the ancestral home today, and your younger female cousin came back crying, saying Youling bullied her. You’re her elder brother-why didn’t you step in? And Youling, too. She’s usually so gentle. How could she say something like that?”

Fu Xunzhou scoffed. “What did she say?”

“Something about stepping in to teach Jiang Sha manners if her mother hasn’t.”

He neither confirmed nor denied it. Zhou Youling had said something along those lines, but he didn’t see the issue.

Jiang Sha was spoiled, a result of Fu Zhiqing’s overindulgence. While she was no longer a child, her behavior often suggested otherwise. If Zhou Youling wanted to discipline her, it was well within her rights as the sister-in-law.

Yu Wanrong sighed. “You know what your aunt is like. She’s now sitting with your grandfather, making a scene and demanding an apology from Youling.”

Fu Xunzhou chuckled. “And what does she expect to achieve?”

“She wants Youling to come to the ancestral home and apologize in person. Everyone’s waiting there now.”

Yu Wanrong had always avoided conflict. As a widow who had raised Fu Xunzhou alone, she understood the value of patience and discretion. Her quiet resilience had paved the way for her son to become the head of the Fu Group.

Fu Xunzhou thought about how Zhou Youling had annoyed him all evening. “Got it. I’ll head back soon.”

At the next table, the young couple continued their gossip, oblivious to his icy demeanor.

“That guy’s really putting up with a lot. She’s practically flaunting her affair.”

“Shh, keep your voice down!”

Fu Xunzhou’s expression darkened further. He had endured hunger and frustration all evening, only to be mocked by strangers.

He signaled the waiter. “Check, please.”

When Zhou Youling returned to the table, both Fu Xunzhou and the youth were gone. She glanced around before noticing a receipt on the table. It listed all the dishes she had ordered, clearly paid for by Fu Xunzhou.

He had left without a word, as if she were an afterthought.

Zhou Youling stared at the receipt, her heart sinking. This marriage had always been like this-he came and went as he pleased, never considering her feelings.

Why was she still trying to find her place in his life?