Chapter 7

I called my best friend Lu Yuan and asked her to go shopping.

She eagerly filled me in on gossip from our circle, including the tycoon whose mistress turned out to be his wife’s adopted daughter.

I said nothing.

One world, one set of horns? Interesting.

So I remarked casually, “What a coincidence, bestie. We have the exact same setup at home.”

Lu Yuan scoffed.

“Oh, please. You two are famous in our circle for keeping it in your pants.”

Clearly, she didn’t believe me.

I smiled. “What if I told you we’re about to divorce?”

Lu Yuan stared at me in shock for two seconds. Then she started spouting whatever came into her head.

“Bestie, bestie, did he cheat on you? Shall we follow the romance-novel routine? I’ll take you to a bar to drown your sorrows and order some male models. A whole row of sweet puppies and bad boys calling you ‘big sis,’ or some incognito heir from Beijing’s elite. You’ll fall in love at first sight and fuck each other’s brains out, and Xie Ting can suffer trying to win you back.”

I twirled a strand of hair, bored.

“Bestie, bestie, do I look that desperate? If one man doesn’t work out, do I have to rush straight into the arms of another?”

With a little regret, I added, “Especially some grubby, much-used rent boy.”

Honestly, I barely felt heartbroken. The absurdity of being betrayed was far stronger.

Xie Ting and I were more like partners sharing a life.

Growing up in that family had taught me that true love might exist, but it would never come my way.

Before I met him, I’d dated a few men and quickly realized I had an avoidant attachment style.

Apparently, people like me needed a lover they couldn’t push away.

What a nuisance.

Why would I need that sort of fervent love?

I preferred lovers who were like cats.

When I felt like giving you attention, you’d let me cuddle. The rest of the time, I’d have my own life and you’d have yours.

When the marriage to Xie Ting was decided, I nodded without much interest.

Only when I confirmed he didn’t want children did my smile acquire a little sincerity.

I knew I didn’t love him much. He probably felt the same.

His most uncharacteristic reaction had probably been at a family gathering, when my ex-boyfriend—now married to my brother—gave me a gentle wink.

Knowing our history, Xie Ting had remarked dryly, “Quite the charmer, aren’t you?”

“A wink makes me a charmer?” I’d asked.

Then I’d pulled him over and winked at him, over and over and over.

Xie Ting had gone silent.

When you had too much already, gaining or losing love barely mattered.

Once, Xie Ting and I went a month without seeing each other. Neither of us sent a single message.

He didn’t cry or make a fuss.

Then we ran into each other on a street in Sweden.

He was there for a business meeting.

I’d happened to open a new shop there.

There wasn’t much yearning.

We merely raised our eyebrows and exchanged a calm look. Then we found somewhere to go at each other like a house on fire, losing all sense of the world.

Afterward, we each went back to our own pursuits.

Our need for love was pitifully small. Neither of us held the other dearest in our heart.

Our one shared understanding was a certain fastidiousness: our bodies belonged exclusively to each other.

I’d made the divorce sound like a joke. Since I didn’t elaborate, Lu Yuan didn’t press.

Halfway through our outing, a phone call summoned her away. Bored, I headed home as well.

But just as I reached the bedroom door, a torrent of comments exploded across my vision:

[This is it, right? He and our girl cross the forbidden line again. Waaah, after this, he won’t be able to get enough~]

[Our girl’s such a pure blank slate. The male lead really is an experienced older fox. The way he coaxes her so patiently is incredible!]

[Oh my God, that bit where he pleasures her had me blushing! He takes such good care of her…]

[Has a certain wife still not noticed? He hasn’t initiated anything with you lately, has he? Can’t you take a hint? It’s because you’re no match for our fresh, sweet girl! Heehee~]

…

I froze, looking at the narrow gap in the half-open door.

Should I go in? One extra glance and I’d probably pass out and crash.

But… why not try?

I frowned slightly. My fingertips were about to touch the door.

At that very instant, it was yanked open from within!

Xie Ting’s tall, straight figure blocked the doorway. He pulled me into his burning embrace.

He lowered his head, his breath unnaturally hot against my ear.

His low, magnetic voice sounded beside it, huskier than usual.

“Pei Xue. You’re just in time.”