Chapter 16.1`

Cheng Yao knew that a lot of divorce cases that involved lawyers were usually not very pleasant. In many divorce disputes, people would strip off all of their masks to expose the primitive malice and selfishness in their heart. The decision to get married to someone may be linked to love but in many cases, other factors would also have already been considered before marriage.

If that person had nothing, will you still love him? Would you still choose him?

When in love, no one wants to ask that from themselves and neither do they want to think about it. However, when the relationship breaks down and there’s no longer any affection between them, they would have no sympathy for each other. They would act according to their own interests, tearing off their masks to maliciously slander the other. The two, who once had the closest relationship with each other, once divorced would hold more hatred and hostility than strangers.

The truth of marriage was sometimes very cruel.

Cheng Yao had always known that. However, after listening to Bai Xingmeng’s statement, she was very shocked. She didn’t expect that a man could calculate all that, step by step. From their love affair to marriage, he had managed to maintain his focus on such terrible goals. He was calm enough to use his own feelings as a bargaining chip. When the final divorce came about, he ruthlessly divided the property.

So, was that why Bai Xingmeng insisted on suing now?

Because of hatred. Because she wanted revenge. Because she was unwilling to reconcile. She wasn’t money motivated so she didn’t need to wait for Xu Jun’s company to be successfully listed at all. What she wanted might just be to freeze all the shares in Xu Jun’s company so it wouldn’t have the opportunity to be listed.

Bai Xingmeng looked at Cheng Yao’s expression and sighed: “At that time, I liked Xu Jun purely because I admired his strong mentality. I felt that it was a very fulfilling thing to be loved by such a talented man but later I realised that successful and talented men will always love himself the most. The smarter a man is, the more selfish and aloof he is.”

Speaking of that, Bai Xingmeng paused and then she thought for a while. She added: “Just like your boss Qian Heng.”

Ah? How did Qian Heng get involved?

“I have worked with a lot of lawyers. He is the most competent, professional but also the most indifferent lawyer I have ever seen.” Bai Xingmeng shrugged her shoulders. “He never cares about what the person concerned is thinking of or what psychological state they are in. He only cares about closing the case. Like a robot, he is meticulous and perfect. In his eyes, the most important thing is to be paid for the case.”

Because of Bai Xingmeng’s words, Qian Heng’s cold face appeared in Cheng Yao’s mind. Was he such a person? Without a hint of human warmth?

Bai Xingmeng rarely got to speak about her hardships. After pouring it out, she was obviously in a much better mood. She regained the same self-confidence she had in front of the cameras. After confirming the list of evidence with Cheng Yao, she fluffed up her hair and said goodbye to Cheng Yao.

———

Cheng Yao went home that day with a large pile of files and materials. Because of Bai Xingmeng’s confession, she strongly sympathised with her. She could only think about fighting for the rights and interests of her party as much as possible.

Unexpectedly, Qian Heng also got off work very early that day. The two, once again, were forced to be in close range after work.

While Cheng Yao hesitated to say a greeting or something of the sorts to her boss, Qian Heng took the lead in opening his mouth first.

“Have you finished considering it?”

Cheng Yao was surprised and quickly reported: “I have already communicated with Bai Xingmeng. I’ve written the draft of the indictment. She wants to sue immediately. I can send you the first draft of the full set of materials for review tomorrow and then I can try to go to the court next Tuesday to hand in the filing materials…”

Qian Heng pursed his lips: “I’m asking you when will you pay me the compensation listed on my loss list? That is the consideration I was referring to.”

”

”

“…”

Bai Xingmeng was right. Qian Heng was indeed an inhumane man.

Unfortunately, people still had to bow their heads when they encountered eaves. Cheng Yao suddenly had a bitter face and decided to play the pitying card: “Boss, you know how much my salary is. If you are willing to write off this payment, I will definitely work like a cow and horse1 for you…”

“There is no need to be a cow or a horse.” Qian Heng seemed to have been waiting for this moment. He narrowed his eyes and said. “Cook for me.”

“Ah?”

Qian Heng took it for granted and continued, “I haven’t eaten yet. Your cooking is so-so and you owe me so much money. It’s a good thing we live together now, you can pay me with food in the future.”

What was so-so? Her cooking could be tasted by anyone2?! It was chef level!

“One month, I’ll cook for a month and after that my debt will be paid.”

Now, how could Cheng Yao get the courage to hesitate or slander him? She was afraid Qian Heng would change his mind and thus, quickly agreed to him.

“Steamed sea bass, braised beef with potatoes, vinaigrette cabbage, stir-fried pork with bamboo shoots.” Qian Heng glanced at Cheng Yao. “This is what I want to eat tonight.”

“But I didn’t buy sea bass, beef or bamboo shoots tonight.”

“Then what are you still here for? Why aren’t you going to purchase it?

“…”

Five minutes later, Cheng Yao was shopping for the freshest sea bass in the supermarket with gritted teeth. Look at my boss. He’s really inhumane!

———

Fortunately, Qian Heng didn’t order any Australian lobsters related dishes. Cheng Yao quickly brought all those ingredients home. Her hands and feet moved fast and before long, a table of food with all colours, flavours and tastes was served.

Qian Heng ate very reservedly but in the end, he still ate two bowls of rice.

Footnotes

A horse and cow in Chinese text means the person is willing to work hard like an animal.

If your cooking can be eaten by everyone/anyone then it means that she’s ready to be married.