Chapter 15: A Lesson

After Zhou Yuheng left, Lin Xilan was left alone at home. She stood there quietly, surrounded by emptiness.

Lin Xilan walked over to the sofa and sat down slowly. She did not cry, nor did her emotions collapse; she remained in a stable state.

Her mind was consumed entirely with thoughts of how to save Lin Xingmian. Nothing else could affect her now.

As for Zhou Yuheng’s mention of divorce in three days, Lin Xilan did not take it to heart at all.

The next day, Lin Xilan went to the Zhou family. After much consideration, she decided she had to plead with the old patriarch of the Zhou family.

In the study, the old man was wielding a brush, composing calligraphy in bold strokes on white rice paper. Lin Xilan stood before him.

After a while, the old man slowly straightened up and casually tossed the brush into the water jar beside him.

Lin Xilan was startled but quickly regained her composure and looked at him.

“Grandfather, you’ve finished writing.”

The old man picked up a handkerchief, wiped his hands, and looked at Lin Xilan as he asked, “What brings you back today? Where is Zhou Yuheng?”

Lin Xilan shook her head. “I came alone, Grandfather. I want to ask for your help with my sister.”

“What’s wrong with your sister?”

The old man sat down, and Lin Xilan immediately handed him his thermos cup.

“My sister has uremia. She needs a kidney transplant, but there’s a long wait for a donor kidney at the hospital. I’m afraid she won’t make it in time, so I’m here to ask for your help.”

…

Lin Xilan waited a long time for the old man to speak, but he remained silent. When she looked up, their eyes met.

A chill ran down Lin Xilan’s spine. She dared not speak.

Then the old man, who had been silent all along, finally spoke. “Xilan, I want to ask you something. The company recently held an open tender for a batch of seasoning suppliers. Many qualified suppliers with advantages were passed over, yet your stepfather’s bid won. His price was the highest, and his product range incomplete — there was no advantage at all. Why do you think the company chose to work with him in the end?”

Hearing this accusation, Lin Xilan felt panic because this was indeed her fault.

“Grandfather, may I explain?”

The old man refused. “No need to explain. The contract has been signed; it’s a done deal. There’s no point in saying more. But I’m curious why you and Zhou Yuheng would do this together. Is there some arrangement between you two?”

Indeed, the old man was as sharp as ever. Lin Xilan knew he was shrewd but had not expected such acumen.

…

Lin Xilan was still young; how could she match wits with such an experienced man?

“Speak.”

The old man commanded, and Lin Xilan confessed everything.

“I promised Zhou Yuheng that if he helped my stepfather win the bid, I would divorce him.”

“Nonsense!”

The old man suddenly slammed the table hard. Lin Xilan trembled in fear and quickly explained, “Grandfather, I know I was wrong, but Zhou Yuheng’s heart is no longer with me. There’s no point in holding onto this marriage.”

“Besides, I helped my stepfather not to exploit the company for personal gain, but because I want custody of my sister. Over the years, my stepfather has bullied her. My mother is very weak, and I cannot stand by and watch him hurt my sister.”

Every time she spoke of Lin Xingmian, something deep inside Lin Xilan’s heart was stirred—her weakness.

The old man did not soften at her words. If he were a soft-hearted man, he would never have come this far.

“Xilan, do you really think your marriage with Zhou Yuheng is a child’s game? Marry when you want, divorce when you want?”

“But—” Lin Xilan began.

The old man interrupted, “There is no ‘but’ in the Zhou family. Xilan, you’ve been married into this family for years. You know my temper. If this had been anyone else, I wouldn’t just give a warning. But you’re different. You know the relationship between me and your grandfather.”

The old man and Lin Xilan’s grandfather were once very close friends who struggled together. More importantly, Lin Xilan’s grandfather had saved the old man’s life. This was why a girl like Lin Xilan could marry into such a prestigious family as the Zhous.

“I know.”

A wave of helplessness suddenly overwhelmed Lin Xilan. She did not know what else to say.

The old man looked at her. “Alright, this ends today. I won’t pursue your stepfather’s matter, but it must not happen again. Also, you cannot divorce Zhou Yuheng.”

“As for your sister’s matter, I will arrange for someone to handle it.”

These last words comforted Lin Xilan, though she realized that for now, divorcing Zhou Yuheng was out of the question.

Three days later, Lin Xilan appeared at the civil affairs bureau as promised. She saw Zhou Yuheng there with Song Qingli.

“Good, let’s go.”

Zhou Yuheng glanced at Lin Xilan once before taking Song Qingli’s hand and heading to the service window.