After Eight Years Of Marriage, You're Asking Me For A Divorce - Chapter 1

Chapter 1

At the charity gala, someone casually mentioned to Xiao Yanxiu, “I heard that Mr. Lin is planning to resign and dedicate himself to managing your family business. Mr. Xiao, you are truly blessed.”

This news had been circulating for six months.

Xiao Yanxiu, the elder brother of the rising tech giant, the Xiao brothers, married Deputy Chief Prosecutor Lin Sinian, a union of business and politics—a true golden match. Less than three years into their marriage, Mr. Lin had been hinting about resigning to focus on supporting his husband. This was a monumental decision. Lin Sinian was the Deputy Chief Prosecutor, a Class One Grand Prosecutor; the next step was Chief Prosecutor, the pinnacle of the entire prosecutorial system. He was a piece of precious jade from Mount Kunlun, and the Lin family boasted three generations of political figures. If nothing went wrong, the position of Chief Prosecutor would certainly be his within three to five years. For him to say he was destroying his own career at this point, regardless of whether Xiao Yanxiu agreed, the Lin family wouldn’t stand idly by.

Surprisingly, the elder Mrs. Lin didn’t seem concerned. She would comfort those who came to inquire with a smile, saying that children and grandchildren have their own fortunes, implying that parents couldn’t control everything. Consequently, attention shifted entirely to Xiao Yanxiu.

Though called a “rising giant,” the Xiao Group was not exactly new, having been in the tech sector for over ten years. However, its long-term accumulation of efforts only truly became apparent in the last two years. The helmsman, Xiao Yanxiu, just over thirty, was an engineer by trade. After returning from overseas, he partnered with his younger brother to found the company. Having truly built his success from the ground up, his capabilities were undeniable. But starting a business is easier than sustaining it, and many were still watching to see if this dazzling new star in the tech world could light up the sky for the long term.

The union of the two families was initially beneficial for Xiao Yanxiu in gaining political support. If Lin Sinian resigned, it would ironically be a setback. Yet, others speculated that the Chief Prosecutor position was too conspicuous; a powerful alliance must also consider the risk of attracting too much attention. Lin Sinian’s move to consciously avoid suspicion was a way to create a fallback for his husband’s family.

In short, there were endless discussions, and everyone was waiting for the two men to give an explanation.

Xiao Yanxiu merely smiled and did not deny it: “He said he was tired and wanted to take a break at home for a while. I support him.”

A friend didn’t quite believe it: “Mr. Lin must be doing it for you. Mr. Xiao should cherish this blessing.”

Just as they were speaking, Lin Sinian entered through the main door.

The man was exquisitely handsome, but his cold, stern demeanor and commanding presence made him a living, breathing legal document—dark and edged in gold. Although Xiao Yanxiu was only two years his junior, standing together, Xiao Yanxiu appeared younger and gentler, showing no trace of a listed company owner’s airs.

“We were just talking about you,” Xiao Yanxiu fetched him a drink: “Everyone is envying me for having married you.”

Lin Sinian was slightly cool: “Is it about the resignation again?”

Seeing his low spirits, the friend didn’t dare press further and shifted the topic.

“There’s someone I’d like to introduce you to, Mr. Xiao, if you’re interested. He’s Meng Jin, the former Chief Field Engineer at Wansheng Wind Power. He just resigned, and his old company is undergoing asset restructuring. He was quite pleased when I mentioned you.”

“I’ve met him once. My impression was good.”

“How about next Saturday? Grab some tea together?”

“I’m afraid not. Next Saturday is our third wedding anniversary.”

“Oh, you must celebrate properly.”

“Sinian and I are planning a private dinner party. If you are willing to honor us with your presence, you are welcome to attend.”

…

After leaving his friend, Lin Sinian looked a little pale. He held the champagne flute, uncomfortably loosened his collar, and an arm reached over to untie his necktie, straighten his collar, and smooth the hair at his temples. Lin Sinian lowered his eyes and yawned.

“You’re not looking well,” Xiao Yanxiu murmured.

Lin Sinian relaxed his brow and took a gulp of champagne: “You didn’t tell me we were planning a private dinner party for next Saturday.”

“It’s our wedding anniversary. It’s only right.”

“Of course, it’s right. The problem is, how am I supposed to arrange the venue, finalize the guest list, prepare the entertainment, gifts, dinner, drinks, book the restaurant, and service staff—all within a week? I still have work, Axu. You should have told me at least half a month ago.”

“Why do you need to trouble yourself? What’s the point of hiring a housekeeper?”

Xiao Yanxiu didn’t take it seriously. Lin Sinian rubbed his temple, deciding not to pursue the topic. For other matters, he would happily delegate to his staff, but the wedding anniversary was different. Xiao Yanxiu would insist it be something shared between the two of them, which meant he would still end up having to do it.

He put down the wine glass. He didn’t want to drink too much tonight. The suit he was wearing was one size too small and was uncomfortably tight. He shouldn’t have let Xiao Yanxiu report his size. His husband still thought it was when they first started dating—the Lin Sinian of his twenties, who could wear the smallest size suit in any ready-to-wear store. The background music changed to Chopin’s Waltz in C sharp minor.

Xiao Yanxiu extended his hand to his husband: “A quick dance?”

Lin Sinian gently cleared his throat, and under his husband’s gentle gaze, he still handed his hand over. They danced slowly. Lin Sinian rested his forehead against his husband’s chest, taking a brief nap with his eyes closed. His head felt heavy and dull, his nerves twitching with pain. He might be getting sick, he thought.

“Next Saturday, I think we shouldn’t make it too grand. Just the neighbors and a few close friends should be enough. All the food can be catered by the restaurant, have the housekeeper buy some balloons and ribbons, and decorate when she cleans. Simple and cozy is fine. I didn’t mean for it to be complicated. What do you think?” Xiao Yanxiu whispered in his ear.

Lin Sinian hadn’t even thought about celebrating their anniversary: “Fine. Give me your guest list, and I’ll call the restaurant tomorrow. Luoshi is okay, right? You only like Luoshi’s soup. I’ll review the menu before showing it to you. Also, the housekeeper told me that the swing in the yard has been broken for at least two months. She wants to know if you want to replace it or repair it, as the cost is about the same. If you’re hosting a dinner party and people bring children, it’s best to fix it to prevent accidents while they play. Should we order some flowers? The yard can’t look so bleak.”

Xiao Yanxiu remembered the swing: “I forgot about it. I intended to repair it myself.” They bought it the year they got married; he couldn’t just replace it.

“You didn’t forget. You simply didn’t care,” Lin Sinian said.

Xiao Yanxiu fell silent. Any more discussion would turn into a reprimand. He admitted that over the years of their marriage, Lin Sinian managed most of the household affairs. The Deputy Chief Prosecutor’s execution power was formidable; he was meticulous and orderly, capable of perfectly organizing the smallest details of even the most massive tasks. In their first month of marriage, Lin Sinian created a two-page spreadsheet of all household expenditures and emailed it to Xiao Yanxiu for review. From the Filipino maid’s salary down to the purchase of drinks and snacks, Xiao Yanxiu was astonished by the spreadsheet, wondering how he managed to personally worry about these things while being so busy with official duties.

Occasionally, Xiao Yanxiu wished he could participate in housework, like ordering a suit, fixing the swing, or hosting a dinner party. This was their home, and he married for a partner, not to hire a housekeeper. But Lin Sinian became extremely serious and strict when it came to these matters, and Xiao Yanxiu felt like he wanted to run the house like the Procuratorate.

Xiao Yanxiu didn’t want to argue over small things; it was truly unnecessary.

…

They didn’t speak again until the end of the gala and their return to the hotel room.

Lin Sinian’s headache was severe. He swallowed two aspirins before getting into the shower. Xiao Yanxiu hung up his suit jacket and walked into the bathroom, finding his husband leaning against the bathtub, head wet, resting. He pulled up a chair and sat by the tub, washing and massaging his husband’s hair. Lin Sinian opened his eyes. After a moment, he lifted his wet arm and wiped the foam that had splashed onto his husband’s cheek, offering a smile.

Xiao Yanxiu captured his hand and kissed it against his lips in an act of appeasement.

Lin Sinian’s ears trembled slightly: “Actually, celebrating the anniversary doesn’t matter. I’m already very satisfied right now.”

While massaging the back of his neck, Xiao Yanxiu asked: “You don’t have to work overtime this month, right?”

Lin Sinian nodded. The handover at the Procuratorate would be complete in another month, and he would finally be free.

“I have to go on a business trip tomorrow night,” Xiao Yanxiu said, “There’s an issue with the joint commissioning, and I need to see the site. We’ll discuss the dinner party when I get back the day after tomorrow. I promise I’ll fix the swing before heading to the airport tomorrow night.”

That marked a truce.

Hot water poured down from above, and Lin Sinian sighed contentedly. The aspirin was taking effect, and the headache slowly began to subside. Xiao Yanxiu dried his hair and applied body lotion in front of the long mirror.

The Prosecutor’s naked body formed a blurry, hazy, damp halo in the steam-filled mirror.

“You’re very animated tonight,” Lin Sinian found the interest to talk: “Is there something you’re happy about?”

Xiao Yanxiu’s hand ran down his straight, pale spine. He involuntarily straightened his back, his muscles trembling slightly. The rough calluses on the man’s thumb scraped a little painfully, and the skin that had been touched became warmer. The soft scent of the lotion lingered in his nose, gentle and tranquil.

He thought, Xiao Yanxiu will like this scent; I can buy another bottle as a spare.

“I’m happy just having you next to me.”

“Don’t flatter me.”

Xiao Yanxiu smiled: “I really like this hotel. When I got the first contract for the company, the celebration dinner was held here. A twenty-million contract, with a profit of less than five million. It’s nothing now, but I was so excited back then. It was the first time I had eaten in such a high-end place. I never had caviar when I was a student.”

He built his success through hard work and was entitled to reminisce. Lin Sinian turned back and kissed his face: “You’ve always been excellent.”

“It witnessed the first step in realizing my dream, giving me a foothold.” Xiao Yanxiu stroked his skin, looking deeply into his eyes: “You are also my foothold, Sinian.”

He was skilled with words, but not excessively so—not overly dramatic—which was why he was able to win over the stern and calm Deputy Chief Prosecutor.

“I’m honestly a little drunk,” Lin Sinian murmured, touching his forehead to Xiao Yanxiu’s: “What brand of wine did I drink today?”

Xiao Yanxiu kissed his nose: “You are very beautiful, Sinian. You always look this good.”

Lin Sinian exhaled a warm breath: “You shouldn’t be so good to me, then I could be a little more self-indulgent.”

“I wanted to say that if you don’t want to resign, you are completely free to continue the career you love,” Xiao Yanxiu said: “Don’t give up what you love for me, or for anyone else. I’m fine, and the company is fine. You can rest assured.”

They still ended up talking about the resignation. What outsiders speculated was one thing; Xiao Yanxiu didn’t want too many barriers between partners.

Lin Sinian shook his head: “I only want to manage this home well.”

They kissed, then embraced and went to bed. Xiao Yanxiu fell asleep quickly; his sleep quality was good. Lin Sinian was different. In the early years, he often suffered from insomnia, and for a long time after starting his relationship with Xiao Yanxiu, he was uncomfortable with having another person beside him in bed.

Tonight, his thoughts were numerous and chaotic. His life had reached a crucial turning point—marriage, settling down, giving up his career. This decision ultimately had a significant impact on him. The various uncertainties—professional, familial, past, and future—left him confused.

Now, he asked for nothing else. He only hoped for a harmonious and lasting marriage with Xiao Yanxiu.