“Mengmeng, I heard from Tingyu that you stayed in the county for the rescue. How are things there?” “It’s fine.” Her voice was still hoarse from the cold wind. Over the years, Shao’s mother had treated Lin Mengmeng like her own daughter and continued with concern: “You always think of others, but don’t wear yourself out.” Hearing the concern in her voice, Lin Mengmeng’s eyes welled up: “I understand.”
They hadn’t spoken much when Shao’s mother’s voice came through again: “Tingyu, come talk to Mengmeng.” Lin Mengmeng’s hand holding the phone stiffened. There was some noise on the line, followed by the sound of light breathing. Even without words, she knew Shao Tingyu had taken the phone.
After a long silence, Shao Tingyu’s voice came through: “When are you coming back?” Lin Mengmeng tightened her grip on the phone: “Four days from now.” The line went silent again. They had been married for five years, but Lin Mengmeng didn’t know when they had gone from sharing everything to having nothing to say. Her eyes began to tear up, and she cleared her throat: “If there’s nothing else, I’ll hang up.” After a long wait, Shao Tingyu’s low voice responded: “Okay.” The line went dead, leaving behind the cold sound of disconnection.
The night wind, carrying frost and snow, drifted into the room, seeping into Lin Mengmeng’s heart. She curled up, wrapping herself in the thin blanket, trying to ward off the encroaching loneliness and cold, but it felt futile, only adding to her desolation.
Meanwhile, at the Shao family’s home, Shao’s mother watched as Shao Tingyu hung up the phone and couldn’t help but ask: “What did Mengmeng say? When is she coming back?” Shao Tingyu turned to look at her, pondering for a moment before answering truthfully: “We’re getting a divorce.” Shao’s mother was shocked: “Why?” Shao Tingyu’s eyes flickered as if the question had caught him off guard. When he married Lin Mengmeng, it was merely because both needed a partner to present to their families. They had no real affection for each other. Now, after five years, was there still no love between them? For a moment, Shao Tingyu was at a loss for how to answer.
Chapter Nine: Surgery
Seeing her son’s contemplative look, Shao’s mother sighed: “It’s your decision, but Mengmeng is a good girl. Don’t let a moment of impulsiveness ruin things.” Shao Tingyu didn’t reply. After dinner, he returned to his bedroom, looking at the handwritten divorce agreement on the desk, his eyes deep with thought. Lin Mengmeng’s handwriting was so elegant. He slowly picked it up, but the paper, which should have been light, felt as heavy as a thousand pounds, his hand trembling slightly.
