Chapter 147: In Truth, That Was a Stranger
Until Xiaoxiao left, she could still see the head of the Hua family returning in triumph. To have reached the point where marriage was settled with money was truly a disgrace to the family’s honor.
Xiaoxiao then went to the new home of Hua Mei and Zeng Ziyu. Since the household always had live-in servants, she wasn’t worried about being unable to get in when the owners were away. Yet this time, Xiaoxiao was greatly surprised—opening the door was Zeng Ziyu himself.
Zeng Ziyu probably didn’t expect it to be Xiaoxiao either. Raising his voice in surprise, he said, “Xiaoxiao, what are you doing here?” Then, realizing it might be unnecessary, he added, “Hua Mei has gone home. She’s not here.”
“I know,” Xiaoxiao said casually, brushing her shoe on the exquisite doormat. “I came to see you.”
“To see me?” Zeng Ziyu seemed at a loss for words, unsure what they could talk about. Though they had known each other for years, Xiaoxiao had always been closer to Hua Mei, sharing conversations more intimate than with him. Sometimes, she barely acknowledged Zeng Ziyu. For a moment, he couldn’t find a topic and simply invited her inside, teasing lightly, “Since you and Lin Shuo got back together, that guy’s been even more reluctant to go out.”
Xiaoxiao cut straight to the point, offering no pleasantries. “I’m curious—why didn’t you show up to discuss the breakup settlement? Afraid your former father-in-law would give you a headache?”
As expected, Zeng Ziyu’s mischievous grin vanished instantly. Xiaoxiao felt satisfaction at this, knowing Hua Mei bore some responsibility, but still unable to forgive a cheating man on principle.
Yet after a few seconds, Zeng Ziyu smiled again, a smile heavy with meaning.
“What are you laughing at?” Xiaoxiao asked, puzzled. At this point, how thick-skinned must one be to simply laugh it off?
Zeng Ziyu sighed and said with a wry smile, “I’m laughing at you. You’ve been playing matchmaker for years, thinking you knew it all. But really, only those who’ve been through it can truly understand the bitterness.”
“What do you mean? If you’re trying to excuse your irresponsibility, spare me. Not everyone buys your nonsense,” Xiaoxiao said firmly. Her opinion of Zeng Ziyu had plummeted during this time. She had once believed they would grow old together, trusted he was a good man, even thought that Hua Mei was incredibly fortunate to share a life with him.
Zeng Ziyu lit a cigarette and spoke slowly, “I heard you’re living with Lin Shuo now?”
Xiaoxiao said nothing. Zeng Ziyu continued, “That’s good. Just think of it as a trial. Hua Mei and I missed that step—maybe that’s why it escalated to divorce. Because maybe we never should have married in the first place.”
“Enough. I’m not interested in what you think,” Xiaoxiao cut him off.
“No, you need to hear this,” Zeng Ziyu interrupted. “Sometimes, no matter how long you date, it’s nothing compared to spending every day and night under the same roof. We think we know the other’s needs and personality—that we’re made for each other. But when you really become a family, the last face you see before sleep and the first face you see upon waking... is hers. Everything she does is right before your eyes. And suddenly, you realize she’s a stranger.”