His eyes swept over her impressive figure, the implication clear. Su Li’s expression stiffened. She refused to back down, certain he wouldn’t actually go through with it here. She grabbed the hem of her sweater and lifted it, revealing a sliver of pale skin. The white lace of her bra was stark against the black wool. Suddenly, the man shoved her off him, his face a mask of disgust. Su Li stumbled, catching her balance just in time. She suppressed a surge of relief, schooling her features into an expression of innocent hurt. Mo Xingyuan glanced at the woman’s act, disgusted. She’d really do anything for money. Greedy for money now, but had she ever considered that when he died, she’d be saddled with the reputation of a widow for the rest of her life? He didn't have to care, but marriage… it shouldn't be a game. “Get out!” Mo Xingyuan despised women who were this phony. Su Li felt a wave of reprieve, a silent ecstasy, but her face was a picture of reluctance. “Darling…” Mo Xingyuan’s patience snapped. “Don’t make me say it again!” Without another moment’s hesitation, Su Li pulled down her sweater, snatched her coat, and left. Once outside the private club, she finally let out a huge sigh of relief. She didn't even feel the cold without her coat on; her heart was still hammering in her chest. The whole ordeal had been thrilling and dangerous, but she’d thankfully emerged unscathed. It felt like surviving a disaster, so the next day, Su Li treated Lu Jing to a celebratory feast. “You’ve got some serious nerve,” Lu Jing had to admit. Su Li linked her arm through Lu Jing’s. “Fortune favors the bold.” Lu Jing was in awe of her. “Weren't you afraid he'd actually go through with it?” “With his face, his body, and his family background? It's easy to develop a little crush.” “Huh?” Lu Jing frowned. “Besides, having his baby wouldn't be so bad,” Su Li added. “A child from the two of us would be gorgeous.” Lu Jing was speechless. Su Li grinned, but Lu Jing warned her not to push her luck. If he brought up divorce again, she should just take the offer and run. “Being tortured in a marriage is domestic abuse,” Lu Jing said. “And that's treated as a marital dispute. The law isn't nearly as tough on the abuser as it should be.” “I know,” Su Li said, aware that her friend was just looking out for her. After their meal, Lu Jing had calmed down considerably. The two were strolling through the mall, laughing and chatting, when Su Li suddenly froze. Lu Jing’s face hardened. “That scumbag!” Su Li had no desire to see He Shuming. It had nothing to do with feelings; she just felt a visceral revulsion. “Let’s go,” Su Li said, pulling Lu Jing in the other direction. Lu Jing scowled. “What are you afraid of? I’m not done with him yet.” She shook off Su Li’s hand, rolling up her sleeves, ready for a fight. Su Li grabbed her. “I’m not afraid. I just don’t want to touch something so filthy.” Hearing that, Lu Jing spat on the ground. “Right. Disgusting piece of trash.” They turned to leave. “Su Li.” He Shuming rushed over, blocking their path. Lu Jing stepped in front of Su Li, ready to go head-to-head with him. Su Li pulled Lu Jing to her side and faced He Shuming directly. “What do you want?” “You’ve made my life a living hell. What do you *think* I want?” He had been utterly humiliated, and he couldn’t let it go until he’d taught her a lesson. With that, He Shuming reached for Su Li. She dodged easily; he didn’t even touch her. Infuriated, He Shuming lunged again, his movements rougher as he tried to grab her wrist. Su Li's hand shot out, and the sharp, clean crack of her palm connecting with his cheek echoed in the mall. Her hand stung from the impact. He Shuming’s head snapped to the side. He looked back at Su Li in disbelief, his eyes blazing with fury. “Su Li, you dare hit me!” “You should be glad I don't have a knife,” Su Li seethed, her eyes filled with loathing. “And if you ever harass me again, I’ll take this fight straight to your family's doorstep.” Su Li had always been the type to rise to a challenge; when pushed, she was capable of fighting with reckless abandon. He Shuming had only seen Su Li a few times while they were dating; they had mostly communicated through calls and texts. She had always been gentle and considerate, and he’d pegged her as a pretty girl with a docile nature. He’d never expected such a fiery spirit. This woman needed to be tamed. A crowd was starting to gather. Lu Jing pulled Su Li away. In situations like this, it was always the woman who bore the brunt of the gossip. He Shuming rubbed his stinging cheek and shouted at Su Li’s retreating back, “We’ll see how tough you really are!” Not far away, Mo Xingyuan had witnessed the entire scene. Including the moment Su Li slapped that man. Chi Mu was surprised by Su Li's fearlessness. “The man's name is He Shuming, a notorious good-for-nothing. A video of him circulated in their social circles a few days ago. It appears the Young Mistress was the one who recorded and released it.” He Shuming had managed to get the video scrubbed from the internet, but Chi Mu had still found a copy. He handed his phone to Mo Xingyuan. Mo Xingyuan watched the video without a word. Chi Mu pursed his lips and put the phone away. “This He Shuming is bad news. After being humiliated like that by the Young Mistress, he’s likely to retaliate.” “Anyone who does something should be prepared for the consequences,” Mo Xingyuan said, turning away. “If she faces retaliation, she deserves it.” Chi Mu fell silent. Should he perhaps remind Mr. Mo that Su Li was now his legal wife? Chi Mu hurried to catch up. “So… are you still going through with the divorce?” The thought of Su Li’s phony face made Mo Xingyuan’s brow furrow involuntarily. “Yes.” . Su Li stayed at Lu Jing’s place until dark. Lu Jing spent the time cursing He Shuming and worrying that he would seek revenge against Su Li. Su Li, however, wasn’t afraid. “Why don’t you ask your husband for help? You’re his wife, after all. He could take care of He Shuming for you.” The thought of Mo Xingyuan still sent a chill down Su Li’s spine. That man was… unsettling. “Do you think I actually dare to treat him like a real husband?” “Then what will you do? You could move in with me.” “He won’t dare to do anything to me.” Only after Su Li had repeatedly promised to protect herself did Lu Jing let her go home. The apartment was a two-bedroom her father had bought for her before he married her stepmother. It wasn't large, but for her, it was enough. She had just gotten out of the shower and was lying on the sofa scrolling through videos when a string of numbers popped up on her screen. An unfamiliar number. Su Li let it ring for a while before answering. “Hello?” “Civil Affairs Bureau. Eight a.m. tomorrow. We're getting a divorce.” Su Li recognized the voice and glanced at the number on the screen again. Her first thought was, *how did he get my number?* Then it hit her. For a man as rich as him, finding her number would be child’s play. He was certainly persistent. Su Li sat up cross-legged, a faint smile playing on her lips. Her voice was gentle and syrupy sweet. “I married you with the intention of spending the rest of our lives together. Now that we're married, I have no plans to divorce.” “No divorce? So you're just waiting for me to die?” “…” The words struck a nerve, making Su Li genuinely uncomfortable. Though that had been her initial thought, hearing it from his own mouth felt entirely different. “Don't say that. Modern medicine is incredible; they can cure anything these days. As long as you cooperate with the treatment and stay positive, I'm sure you'll get better.” She truly meant it. No one, no matter who they were, should have to hear words like that. Mo Xingyuan stood before the floor-to-ceiling window, easily imagining the insincere expression on her face. “If you don't want this to get ugly, I suggest you be smart about it,” Mo Xingyuan warned. Su Li could sense how unwilling he was to accept this marriage. Neither of them was a fool; he could tell whether she was being genuine or not. “I can’t agree to that. Unless… you tell your parents. If they agree, then I’ll agree.” Getting married had been impulsive, but the outcome would probably have been the same no matter whom she married. Marrying him was, in a way, simpler. Mo Xingyuan’s eyes narrowed slightly. He had to admit, she was clever. His parents were thrilled with the match; there was no way they'd agree. The woman’s scheming only deepened his disgust. “You think defying me is the easier path?” The low rumble of his voice betrayed his displeasure, and a flicker of fear stirred in Su Li’s heart. “It's getting late. You're not well, so you should rest early. When you've thought it over, or convinced your parents, we can talk again.” “Good night.” Su Li didn’t give him a chance to reply, ending the call immediately. She put down her phone and let out a long breath. Staring at the number, she saved it under a new contact. 「Mo Xingyuan」 She set the phone aside, the image of Mo Xingyuan’s pale, handsome face floating in her mind. He was probably furious right now. Either way, it was best to avoid him. The less she saw of him, the better. But the very next day, Madam Mo sent someone to bring Su Li back to the old family residence.