Translator: Nyoi-Bo Studio Editor: Nyoi-Bo Studio
Shu Pan walked out of the companyâs gate, looked back with mixed feelings, and couldnât help but feel reluctant. She had started working here right after graduation, and now she was leaving like this. She truly couldnât bear it.
It was still early, and Shu Pan didnât want to go back yet, not to that place that could no longer be called home. She had decided to pack her things tomorrow and return to her hometown. There, she could have her child. After all, with her father and Auntie Lu there, they could help each other.
For now, she didnât want to tell Xiaomeng about her divorce, so as not to worry her. She would contact her once she was settled.
People were bustling on the streets, hurriedly walking by, but Shu Pan felt like a lifeless doll, aimlessly wandering the streets. She wanted to take in everything, because it might be a long time before she returned to Bin City.
There was a saying that one fell in love with a city because of a person.
Now that her love was gone, the meaning of staying in this city was gone too.
When she returned home, Gu Shaoting was already there, standing on the balcony exhaling smoke. For some reason, he seemed a bit lonely. She thought he would be happy, finally rid of her, able to let go of the burdens in his heart and not live in guilt and hatred anymore.
Seeing Shu Pan return, Gu Shaoting casually stubbed out his cigarette. Lately, he had a tendency to unconsciously reach for a cigarette when he felt annoyed.
He would smoke when he was irritated.
As Gu Shaoting approached, Shu Pan spoke softly, âIâll be leaving tomorrow morning. Iâll leave the keys on the coffee table. Iâm only taking my own things. The rest, things Iâve used and you donât want, you can throw away.â
âWhatever. Weâll finalize the divorce procedures this afternoon. After that, weâll have no debts to each other,â Gu Shaotingâs expression was cold, devoid of much emotion.
âAlright, I understand.â
In the afternoon, after completing the procedures, they finally became the most familiar strangers. There were no more ties or connections between them. n/ô/vel/b//in dot c//om
âCan I go see Grandpa? I wonât tell him about our divorce. I just want to see him before leaving,â Shu Pan asked Gu Shaoting with a pleading look.
âI happen to have some free time. Iâll go with you,â Gu Shaoting walked to the car and backed it out.
Shu Pan reluctantly got into the car. On the way, no one spoke, and the atmosphere was a bit awkward.
Shu Pan hadnât expected that after the divorce, they would still visit Grandpa together.
When they arrived at the Gu Familyâs mansion, Auntie Wang came to open the door, her face full of joy.
âYouâre back. Master will definitely be overjoyed,â Auntie Wang opened the door and then headed to the kitchen, probably preparing some delicious food.
âPanpan, youâre here? Have you been busy lately? Itâs been a long time since you visited the old estate,â Grandpa Gu said, his tone carrying some resentment. He completely ignored Gu Shaoting in his words.
âIâm sorry, Grandpa. Iâve been busy lately. How have you been?â Shu Pan looked guilty. It was indeed wrong. When elderly people grow old, they long to have their children and grandchildren around.
âDonât worry, Iâm still in good health. I was hoping to see my great-grandchild born,â Grandpa Guâs words made Shu Panâs eyes slightly red. She secretly thought that she might disappoint him.
âTake care of yourself, Grandpa,â Shu Panâs voice choked.
Gu Shaoting stood on the side like an unnecessary presence, unable to join in the conversation, watching the tender interactions between the two generations.
He really couldnât let Grandpa know that they had divorced. Otherwise, he might not even let him inside the house. Besides, Grandpaâs health wasnât that great. If he could put it off for a day, he would.
âShaoting, have you been busy at work lately? Spend more time with Panpan. Money canât buy everything, family is the most important,â Grandpa Gu faced him directly.
âThe company is fine, I know. Donât worry. Iâll go see if thereâs anything to eat,â Gu Shaoting changed the topic and headed toward the kitchen.
âThis naughty kid,â Grandpa Gu chuckled and scolded.
âIf he bullies you, you must tell me,â Grandpa Gu reminded.
âDonât worry, Grandpa,â Shu Pan was deeply moved inside, but even more filled with guilt..