After Eight Years Of Marriage, You're Asking Me For A Divorce - Chapter 2
Chapter 2
The only person who seemed to know what Lin Sinian was thinking was Cheng Siyu.
He openly teased at a card game: “How long have I known him? You think I don’t know? Don’t look at him giving orders like a local tyrant at the Procuratorate; he doesn’t dare to lose his temper around Xiao Yanxiu. At most, he’ll complain a couple of times.”
This was a gathering of wives and socialites—madams and young ladies from prestigious families—playing cards, drinking tea, and seasoning their gossip with various rumors.
Cheng Siyu was not the youngest, but he had the biggest presence when he spoke. He was always unfiltered, daring to say whatever came to mind. People didn’t take him too seriously, thinking he deserved sympathy for losing his husband at such a young age. Cheng Siyu’s husband was in finance, an actuary who made a name for himself during the 2008 financial crisis by shorting several real estate companies, establishing a high status in the industry thereafter.
Unexpectedly, fate was jealous of talent. During their honeymoon on a Pacific diving trip, the actuary drowned, triggering acute myocardial infarction, and could not be saved, passing away instantly. Cheng Siyu, being naive and incapable, only knew how to spend money and enjoy life. Lin Sinian helped him a lot in safeguarding the inheritance his husband left behind, and their friendship became unbreakable.
The conversation at the card table spread, and when Lin Sinian heard it, he could only laugh it off.
He wasn’t going to quibble with Cheng Siyu, but Cheng Siyu sought him out first: “When are you finishing your handover? Come out for tea.”
Lin Sinian arrived at the agreed spot and found the widower playing with his pet dog.
“Widowhood suits you well,” Lin Sinian declined a drink.
Cheng Siyu looked relieved to see him: “You’ve come just in time. Baby Dog has been moody lately. It doesn’t seem to like the haircut the groomer gave it. Do you think I should hire a pet psychologist?” A round, plump sheepdog lay beside his leg. Lin Sinian couldn’t tell the difference between its current haircut and its usual one. Seeing his silence, Cheng Siyu took it as agreement and added: “I think it might be a little depressed.”
Lin Sinian replied: “It might just be overfed.”
The two good friends rarely had time to talk. “Do you have any plans? Are you really going to be a full-time househusband after you resign?” Cheng Siyu asked.
Lin Sinian fiddled with his teacup lid: “I haven’t decided yet. I’ll take a break first.”
“You can’t sit still; you’re just a workaholic. Why not take on some private work? I know a lot of people who want to meet you.”
“Are people asking you to pimp for them?”
Cheng Siyu was displeased: “What kind of talk is that?”
Lin Sinian knew him too well but couldn’t be bothered to expose him. Cheng Siyu was not only naive but also vain. If people praised him a couple of times at the card table and made a request, he’d immediately agree, not considering if they had ulterior motives or if he could even help. Lin Sinian didn’t plan to indulge his nonsense. He came out today intending to visit a wine cellar to select two good bottles of champagne for their wedding anniversary.
Cheng Siyu also knew about the dinner party, and he could see that Lin Sinian genuinely put effort into it. Lin Sinian wasn’t like this before; he valued his official duties above everything else. It was only after marrying Xiao Yanxiu that Lin Sinian started to change. Cheng Siyu couldn’t figure it out—how could a man like Xiao Yanxiu make Mr. Lin willingly take off his uniform and put on an apron?
“Do you know what people are saying about you outside?” Cheng Siyu felt it was undeserved: “You’re infatuated with a younger man, acting as both husband and nanny. You’ll ruin your reputation sooner or later! Oh, they talk about fashionable younger-man relationships; are you following suit? Playing around with someone young and pretty is one thing, but completely dedicating yourself—what does that look like?”
Lin Sinian listened while looking at the wine, pretending not to hear.
Cheng Siyu continued: “I don’t understand business, but no one can guarantee who will be up and who will be down tomorrow. Of course, I hope the Xiao guy can stay firmly on his feet, but what if he can’t? You’ve already resigned. Will you two be eating air?”
Lin Sinian frowned: “We’re already married. Why are you saying this?”
Cheng Siyu sighed: “You really love him, don’t you?”
Lin Sinian stayed silent, and Cheng Siyu took it as assent. Many people believed Lin Sinian’s resignation was not simple. Even couples in prominent families, despite having some emotional foundation, wouldn’t sacrifice their careers and futures out of sheer love. Lin Sinian’s position was high; his abandonment of his career must have an ulterior motive, certainly not for love.
He didn’t expect that the man’s motivation was truly just for his husband, with no other thoughts.
Lin Sinian selected the wine.
As the two walked toward the exit of the underground wine cellar, Lin Sinian suddenly said: “It doesn’t matter if others don’t believe it. I just want to dedicate all my energy to supporting him now. I finally managed to marry him, and I will see this marriage through with him.”
Cheng Siyu waited for him to pay, then said: “Aren’t you afraid someone will cause trouble?”
Lin Sinian’s brow twitched, but his steps didn’t falter.
“Sinian, I may not be smart, but I’m not an idiot,” Cheng Siyu said, “For people like us, every involved interest is too vast. You want to get married, settle down, and throw away your past to live your sweet, cozy life. You think it’s fine, but what if someone isn’t happy about it? What if someone wants to cause trouble?”
Lin Sinian’s face turned cold. If he didn’t know Cheng Siyu, he would take these words as a threat.
Cheng Siyu held his hand: “I’m genuinely worried about you. Do you think you’re still a minor company employee who can just resign? You know the secrets of how many people, and hold the lives of how many in your hand? The cases under you are all about money or human lives. Do you think people will easily let you go just because you say you’re stepping away?”
Lin Sinian pressed his lips together in silence.
Cheng Siyu hugged him: “Sinian, I see you as a friend. I don’t want anything to happen to you.”
…
After parting with Cheng Siyu, Lin Sinian felt a tightness in his chest. He opened the car window. The summer wind rushed onto his face, making his head hot and his chest stifled with impatience. In the distance was the gray, dim river water, with an artificial island and a lake on the island. Outside the water was land, and outside the land was more water. Bridges stood over the river, and clouds cast shadows on the bridges, enveloping this maze-like world.
Lin Sinian knew his resignation was not a simple or easy matter; nothing in his life had ever been easy. He had faced troublemakers before and was not afraid of those in the future. He just didn’t want it to affect his marriage. Cheng Siyu’s words reminded him that his marriage, his life, everything he had obtained with difficulty and cherished, was fragile, like a beautiful teacup.
Lin Sinian took the wine to the Lin family home. The old man, retired for many years, was practicing calligraphy in the courtyard. Lin Sinian gave the wine to the housekeeper, rolled up his sleeves, and ground the ink for his father. It had been a long time since he returned home, and the rare opportunity to serve his father made the atmosphere between them very harmonious.
“You must be prepared for this outcome when you decide to resign; it’s not that easy,” the old man put down his brush: “I had continuous trouble during my first few years of retirement. It took a lot of effort to placate those people.”
Lin Sinian bowed his head: “Father, will you help me?”
The old man said: “Of course, I’ll help you if I can, but you must also be ready yourself.”
“Yes, I know. But Yanxiu doesn’t understand the situation yet. Please don’t tell him too much.”
“What can’t he know?”
Lin Sinian stated matter-of-factly: “If trouble arises, he doesn’t need to know if I can resolve it myself; if even you can’t resolve it, he might not have a solution, so there’s even less need for him to know. The company is still in its growth phase, and he is under immense pressure. I only wish for him to focus entirely on the company.”
The old man raised an eyebrow: “What pressure? It’s not his first day in the game. Who at that level isn’t under pressure? You’ve spoiled him!”
“It’s better for him to know less. If it’s just trouble aimed at me, so be it, but I worry about malicious people targeting him.”
“If someone threatens you using him, do you plan to hide it from him then too?”
“After the matter is resolved, I will find a chance to discuss it with him.”
Lin Sinian answered vaguely, his eyes softening as he spoke.
The old man sighed, only now realizing that his child, raised for over thirty years, was a sentimental fool: “I don’t object to you being considerate to him in this way, Sinian. But there’s more than one way to cherish your lover. If you hold him so close to your heart, you will inevitably create a weakness for others to exploit. You still have a big target on your back; are you sure you can handle it while trying to protect him?”
Lin Sinian said: “When I step down, he won’t be so conspicuous. Otherwise, people will always say he climbed up with my help.”
“What’s wrong with getting help? Others wish they had the chance.”
“Father, this is not your era anymore.”
“Have you ever considered that he doesn’t need you to be so considerate?”
“We’re married. He is my responsibility.”
The old man shook his head and waved his hand: “You deal with your own husband.”
Lin Sinian smiled: “I’ll visit you again in a couple of days. Next week is our wedding anniversary. Please come and have dinner with Mom and me.”
…
The next day, Lin Sinian decided to grant Cheng Siyu’s request: “You wanted to introduce someone to me, right? When?”
Cheng Siyu was delighted and arranged the meeting at his home. Lin Sinian had his driver drive to the Cheng house. Halfway up the hill, the car suddenly stalled and wouldn’t start no matter how many times the ignition was turned. The driver called the tow truck and the insurance company. Lin Sinian was running late and was about to ask the Cheng family to send a car to pick him up when a Cayenne whizzed past his shoulder, nearly knocking him over.
The quick-witted driver pulled him back, shielding Lin Sinian behind him. The Cayenne braked sharply, and a young man got out, running over in a panic.
“I didn’t hit you, did I? I am truly sorry. Do you need to go to the hospital? I’ll take you.”
Lin Sinian saw that the man was wearing a Bordeaux red, snowflake-patterned tie, a bit overly stylish. Assuming he was a young master from some family, he said: “I’m fine.”
The young man offered a business card: “Why are you standing in the middle of the road? It’s too dangerous. My name is Lu, Lu Jingyao. I will pay for any medical expenses.”
Lin Sinian glanced at the card and was surprised, realizing it was the son of Lu Jiancai, the chairman of Zhonglian Petrochemical.
He extended his hand: “Lin Sinian.”
Lu Jingyao was stunned, then broke into a smile: “Mr. Lin, it is an honor to meet you.” He quickly regained his composure, “I see your car has broken down. Where are you headed? Let me give you a ride.”
The car finally arrived at the Cheng house gate. Cheng Siyu happily welcomed the two honored guests. Lin Sinian realized that the person Cheng Siyu wanted to introduce was this young master. The two sat in the Cheng family’s antique-style reception room. Cheng Siyu ordered snacks. He was wearing a squirrel-tail blue, fur-collared, long coat. The lush fur clustered around his slender, pale neck, and his smiling face peered out, making him look like a witch waiting to devour someone. Since losing his husband, his appearance had become more vividly beautiful.
“Jingyao is the junior here. You serve this cup of tea to Mr. Lin,” Cheng Siyu instructed, pointing to the enamel teacup.
Lu Jingyao respectfully served the teacup. Although Lin Sinian accepted it, he felt a surge of discomfort looking at the cup. Lu Jingyao saw that he wasn’t drinking the tea, thought he was unhappy, and dared not speak, constantly signaling Cheng Siyu with his eyes.
Cheng Siyu smiled: “Don’t look at me. I’ve brought Mr. Lin here for you. Whether he helps you depends on your own ability.”
Lu Jingyao gritted his teeth: “My father should have paid a visit to you, but he hasn’t been in good health lately, so he sent me to gain some experience. Zhonglian is vying for the Binhai Wind Power project, and we wanted to ask if you know anyone at the Environmental Protection Bureau and if you could put in a good word?”
Lin Sinian said: “I’m not familiar with this project. If it’s just putting in a good word, I can ask around.”
He found it odd. For a major energy company like Zhonglian Petrochemical, the Environmental Protection Bureau should be a regular point of contact. Why would they need him to introduce them? But he held his question, guessing Lu would have something more to say.
Sure enough, Lu Jingyao took an envelope from his suit pocket, which showed the outline of a thin card, and placed it on the small tea table. Lin Sinian didn’t even bother to touch it, shaking his head: “You don’t need to be so polite.”
Lu Jingyao explained: “I heard you’re almost done with the handover process. It should be fine to accept this now.”
Even if he were officially no longer in his post, Lin Sinian wouldn’t accept it, let alone when he hadn’t officially resigned yet.
Lu Jingyao had heard before coming that Mr. Lin never accepted money, but he didn’t know what Lin Sinian liked, so he hadn’t prepared a gift. Seeing Lin Sinian staring at Cheng Siyu’s teacup, he thought, Does the Deputy Chief Prosecutor like tea sets? He did have a set of unopened celadon teacups at home. He couldn’t tell its monetary value, but his father had gone to great lengths to acquire it, so it must be valuable.
“Do you like tea sets? I have a nice set of teacups at home. If you like…”
“We have to report any gifts we receive. Don’t trouble yourself.”
The conversation reached a stalemate. Lin Sinian didn’t want to make things difficult for him. Since he agreed to Cheng Siyu’s request, he wasn’t there to give a cold shoulder. Lu Jingyao looked young and inexperienced. Perhaps this was his first time trying to bribe someone, and Lin Sinian felt a touch of pity.
He said: “Keep the money and the items. I am here to help a friend; don’t be a stranger.”
Lu Jingyao hesitated: “Then I won’t hide it from you. We had a bit of an unpleasant dispute with the Environmental Protection Bureau over batteries in the first half of the year. They haven’t agreed to meet, and we are truly at a loss. As long as they agree to a meeting, we can handle the rest ourselves.”
“What happened with the batteries?”
“Ah, Zhonglian doesn’t have the qualification for battery recycling, but environmental protection is a mandatory requirement now. Any project involving batteries must consider recycling. If Zhonglian wants to do the power generation project, they must consider batteries. Father wants to smooth things over with the Environmental Protection Bureau, get the qualification approved first, and then find a third party to cooperate with. But the Bureau disagrees, and sometimes my father’s attitude is quite tough, so…”
Environmental protection has been a key focus in recent years, a mandatory requirement pressed down from the top; even the Procuratorate wouldn’t dare interfere with it. This was an internal issue for the Lu family, and Lin Sinian couldn’t help. Intervening would only invite trouble.
Lu Jingyao offered a compensatory smile: “As long as you are willing to put in a good word…”
Lin Sinian said: “I really can’t help with this. You’ll have to rely on yourselves to get the recycling qualification.”
“We’re waiting for this certificate to start work.”
“I’m very sorry.”
“Are you afraid of causing trouble?”
“Environmental protection is a high-voltage wire now. It’s useless even if I go; they won’t agree.”
Lin Sinian waved his hand, his refusal clearly stated. He was slightly annoyed, thinking Cheng Siyu should have done his homework before bringing people to him. What kind of person and what kind of matter was he pushing onto him? Was this the kind of favor he could grant? He wasn’t tired of living yet.
Leaving the Cheng house, Lin Sinian didn’t dwell on the matter. Many people sought his help; some he could assist, and others he naturally could not.
Two days later, his phone received a message—a photo. He opened it, and a familiar face immediately jumped into view.
He recognized the person as his twenty-six-year-old self, an excellent prosecutor at the Public Prosecution Office.
A year later, he would attend the university’s 120th-anniversary celebration as a distinguished alumnus, where he would meet Xiao Yanxiu, the man he would love for the rest of his life.
But a year before that, he had absolutely no thought of any alumni celebration. He was sound asleep on a hotel bed, his naked shoulder exposed from under the sheet. A sweet-smiling woman was kissing the corner of his mouth while raising her phone to snap this photo.