Chapter 32: Sobbing and Begging, Lu Fan, Can We Not Divorce?

The group of rich kids sneered, "Well, well, look who it is. Found yourself a new man so soon, School Beauty Jiang?"

"What do you mean 'new man'? I haven't had the chance to introduce him yet. This is my husband, Lu Fan."

The people around them were stunned, especially Zhao Bingbing, who had been the first to notice Lu Fan. When she had seen him at the sales office last time, he had been utterly unremarkable. Now, however, he carried an imposing, heroic air, and even his aura seemed completely transformed. Yet, it was undeniably the same face. How could someone change so drastically in such a short time?

The others turned to Zhao Bingbing. "Bingbing, didn't you say Ruxue’s husband was a total loser? I honestly thought some celebrity had just walked in."

"Could it be that you’re just jealous of Ruxue’s beauty and that her husband is so handsome, too?"

Those who had previously mocked Zhao Bingbing instantly shifted their stance, turning their ridicule toward her instead.

Jiang Ruxue had felt something was off from the start. No wonder she had been pressured to bring her spouse; it was all Zhao Bingbing’s doing. To think she had given her a special discount out of schoolmate loyalty, only for her to talk trash behind her back.

As soon as she and Lu Fan sat down, Jiang Ruxue said coldly to Zhao Bingbing, "I trust the paperwork for your villa is all settled? I remember your family background was quite average, Bingbing. To go abroad and return able to afford a villa worth tens of millions—you must have made a fortune overseas, right?"

"Oh, really? You’ve become that successful, Bingbing? Where did you make your fortune? Care to let the class monitor in on the secret?"

The situation shifted instantly, and everyone became curious about how Zhao Bingbing had come into her money.

Zhao Bingbing forced a smile. "My boyfriend bought it for me."

"Weren't we all supposed to bring our spouses? Why didn't you bring him? A boyfriend counts as family."

"Exactly, Bingbing, that’s not very sporting of you. If he loves you enough to drop tens of millions on a house just like that, he must be generous. Bring him out so we can see—which young master is he?"

Zhao Bingbing’s expression soured. "He’s quite busy. He has an important business engagement tonight. Next time, definitely next time."

Jiang Ruxue felt something was wrong. Zhao Bingbing had been vain since high school. If she had really found such a generous boyfriend, she would have announced it to the world. Why hide him? There was only one reason she dared not show him: he wasn't presentable. Their relationship was likely illicit. Thinking of all the nonsense Zhao Bingbing had spouted to their classmates, Jiang Ruxue couldn't swallow her anger.

"There might not be a next time for everyone. Why wait? Since he has the means to buy you a villa, he must be quite capable. Everyone is so curious—why not call him over? We might even know him. The social circle is small, after all; I might even be acquainted with him."

Seeing everyone’s gaze fixed on her, Zhao Bingbing grew even more flustered.

"Bingbing, you’re being so secretive. Is there something shameful you’re hiding?"

"By the way, you went to study in Country Z, didn't you? I remember Shen Qianye went there a few years ago too. You both returned around the same time, and a friend of mine saw you two dining together abroad."

It was an offhand comment, but Lu Fan looked at Jiang Ruxue, and the atmosphere turned delicate. Everyone present knew Shen Qianye was Jiang Ruxue’s first love. Linking him to Zhao Bingbing made things complicated.

Jiang Ruxue recalled Zhao Bingbing’s social media posts; the man’s hand in those photos did look a bit like Shen Qianye’s. She hadn't thought much of it then, but now, with everyone mentioning it, she realized something was wrong. No wonder Zhao Bingbing was so hostile toward her.

She looked at Zhao Bingbing. "Is it really Shen Qianye?"

"Of course not! Don't listen to their nonsense. I just happened to run into Senior Shen abroad. There’s nothing between us."

"If there’s nothing, then call him right now. If you don't dare, it just proves you’ve already hooked up with him."

The situation spiraled out of control. Zhao Bingbing was pushed to the edge, caught in a trap where she could neither move forward nor retreat. Before she could react, her phone was snatched away. "Let’s see what you’ve saved him as in your contacts."

Jiang Ruxue felt a wave of unease. She recited the phone number she knew by heart. Before she even finished typing it in, a contact name popped up: *Hubby*.

As Zhao Bingbing tried to explain, someone hit the call button. Shen Qianye’s familiar voice rang out immediately: "I’m not coming to pick you up. If Jiang Ruxue sees me, I..."

His voice echoed clearly in Jiang Ruxue’s ears. Their relationship was laid bare. Jiang Ruxue felt as if a bucket of ice water had been dumped over her head. She felt like a fool. For five years, she had clung to the memory of her first love, even going so far as to ask Lu Fan for a divorce because of him. Yet, Shen Qianye had been with Zhao Bingbing all along, and Zhao Bingbing had even come to flaunt the house purchase in her face.

Zhao Bingbing hurriedly hung up. "Ruxue, listen to me, we..."

Jiang Ruxue remained calm. "What’s there to explain? I’m already married, and you two deserve each other."

Lu Fan wasn't one to kick someone while they were down, but he could tell Jiang Ruxue was deeply hurt. He peeled shrimp and served her, radiating a quiet, steady support.

Jiang Ruxue finished the meal with dignity. When the others suggested going to a club, she grabbed Lu Fan and left. Once they were in the car and the doors were shut, she said coldly, "If you want to laugh, go ahead. To think I did all that for such a piece of trash..."

Lu Fan sighed. "You’re still young. Life is long."

Jiang Ruxue suddenly threw herself into his arms, tears streaming down her face. "Lu Fan, I regret it. I regretted asking for a divorce the moment I said it. I shouldn't have listened to their provocation and separated from you. Can we... can we not get a divorce?"