Chapter 12: Exhausted Last Night

"No," Zhang Xiluo shook her head guiltily, quickly changing the subject. "Mom, why don't you stay for dinner tonight? I just hired a new housekeeper, and her cooking is excellent."

"Then I can rest assured. You will always be the daughter-in-law of the Li family." She didn't particularly like Zhang Xiluo, but she knew very well that Zhang Xiluo was the most suitable daughter-in-law for the Li family.

In the past, such words would have made Zhang Xiluo so happy she might have jumped for joy.

"Alright," she replied.

But now, all she wanted was to divorce peacefully and leave as soon as possible.

"I won't stay for dinner. I'll go find that rascal and make sure he comes home early to keep you company," Mrs. Li said, taking Zhang Xiluo's hand and offering a few more words of comfort.

After seeing Mrs. Li off, Zhang Xiluo sank, exhausted, onto the sofa.

Perhaps it was because she had taken the initiative to ask for a divorce that so many things now differed from her previous life.

Even Mrs. Li was getting involved in their affairs.

The pressure mounted instantly. Zhang Xiluo realized things were not as simple as she had imagined.

At two in the morning, Li Mingye returned to the villa. He strode directly to Zhang Xiluo's room, pushing the door open with deliberate noise and waking her up.

"Li Mingye, what are you doing?"

"What are you doing!" Li Mingye snarled, gripping her throat. The heavy scent of alcohol flooded the air. He hesitated for a moment, staring at the woman before him—was this the same Zhang Xiluo who once swore to love him forever, who would never give up on him?

"Damn it, out of nowhere you want a divorce! And you’ve stirred up so much trouble!"

"Let me go, I can't breathe," Zhang Xiluo gasped, pounding his arm with all her strength. He lowered his head, staring at her, his eyes blazing as if with fire.

"Heh." Li Mingye gave a cold laugh. "Since when are you afraid of dying?"

"I am," Zhang Xiluo replied seriously. She had already died once; she was very much afraid. "So please leave."

Li Mingye's lips curled in a mocking smile as he turned toward the bathroom. "Bring me a set of pajamas."

"You're sleeping here?" Zhang Xiluo was both alarmed and flustered.

"Where else?" Li Mingye stepped into the bathroom. "If you have a problem with it, tell my mother yourself."

Mrs. Li had personally brought Li Mingye home and was staying here, watching over them.

Zhang Xiluo was at a loss. She could only compromise.

She fetched his pajamas just as Li Mingye emerged from the bathroom, a towel wrapped low around his hips. The sight was almost too tempting.

Zhang Xiluo swallowed instinctively and tossed him the pajamas.

"I'll sleep on the sofa tonight. You take the bed. Let's not interfere with each other."

Li Mingye said nothing, changing into his pajamas without a care. Zhang Xiluo gave a small yelp and turned away, though she couldn't help but sneak a glance now and then.

"Like what you see?" Li Mingye lifted his lips in amusement. "Why not come over and have a proper look?"

"No, you pervert!" Zhang Xiluo shot back, wrapping herself in a blanket.

Li Mingye went straight to sleep. Zhang Xiluo, however, tossed and turned, unable to rest until nearly dawn.

She came down to breakfast exhausted, joining Li Mingye and Mrs. Li at the table. Mrs. Li glanced at her with a knowing smile.

"Tired from last night? Go back to sleep a bit later and get some rest."

Zhang Xiluo's hand trembled. Was there some misunderstanding?

"Madam, there's a young lady here asking for you."

"Show her in. That's my piano teacher," Zhang Xiluo replied, sneaking a glance at Li Mingye.

"Learning piano is a fine thing," Mrs. Li said approvingly, adding another egg to Zhang Xiluo's plate.

"I think so too. Girls who play the piano are always well liked," Zhang Xiluo said, eyeing Li Mingye expectantly, curious to see how he would react to the delicate "little white flower."

At that moment, Zhou Yao entered. She wore a white blouse with a Peter Pan collar, a yellow pleated skirt, and a butterfly ribbon in her hair—a radiant sunflower in bloom.

The moment he saw her, Li Mingye abruptly set down his chopsticks and stood up.