chapter 12

In the evening, Qi Sinian called.

“Where are you?”

“Why did you fire the housekeeper? Why did you tell the driver he didn’t need to come tomorrow?”

“Ning Yan, what on earth are you trying to do?”

I sat cross-legged on the grass while several employees prepared for the evening’s bonfire party.

There were stalls nearby. Some guests had brought homegrown vegetables, others set out homemade meals, and there were even handicrafts made by children-including the pottery Qiqi had made.

It was a barter system, based on mutual consent and the simple joy of sharing.

These were all Lin Yuan’s ideas.

They were quite interesting.

But as soon as Qi Sinian’s voice came through, the scene before me felt like it was about to shatter.

I let out a heavy breath, stood up, and walked to the side.

“What have you decided about the divorce?”

Qi Sinian fell silent instantly.

After half a minute, his voice sounded strained.

“Just because of Qingqing?”

“Do you really think I’d fall for her, that I’d be with her?”

“She’s just a child. You think I’m only protecting her, but don’t you realize I’m protecting you too?”

“Ning Yan, I don’t want you to do anything irrational.”

I listened to him quietly until he finished.

Then, I recited an address, right down to the street and house number.

It was where Tan Qingqing lived abroad.

Qi Sinian’s voice nearly cracked.

“What are you planning to do?”

“Ning Yan, I’m warning you…”

“Qi Sinian!” I interrupted him. “Let’s stop pretending, and you don’t need to test me. Think carefully about the divorce. This should be something worth gambling on for you.”