The 99th Divorce

She had chosen to walk down this path.

Now it seemed too late to turn back.

Shen Zhilie saw through her instantly. He drew a deep breath and said, “Grandmother is concerned that you’re facing too much pressure at work. I’ve observed you at work; sometimes you work overtime for several weeks and even on weekends. It’s exhausting.”

“But I’ve been doing this for so many years,” Ye Qianqian said in a low voice. “I’m used to it by now. I feel uncomfortable quitting my job so abruptly.”

“Oh, honey,” Shen Zhilie said as he hugged her, “you need to take care of yourself. The stress from work must have taken a toll on your health. Otherwise, why haven’t you conceived a baby after so long?”

“What if it could be your problem?” Ye Qianqian pushed him away. “Aren’t you overwhelmed by work too? You have to work overtime every day and attend to your patients. “Don’t you overload too? You have to work overtime every day to serve patients. How could you pick on me? Who knows your health might have suffered from all that overtime work?”

Ye Qianqian was defensive. Shen Zhilie smiled. He held her in his arms and whispered in her ear, “Don’t think I never noticed your menstrual cycle is messed up. It has been irregular for as long as I’ve known you. Don’t you think it’s highly likely due to work stress?”

“My periods never came on time anyway…”

“Then all the more reason to boost your health.” Shen Zhilie held her down. “Listen, let’s take a break and go on a nice honeymoon, shall we?”

“Our honeymoon…” Ye Qianqian’s eyes began to sparkle. “Where are we going?” she asked.

“Where do you want to go?”

“Somewhere romantic, of course!” Ye Qianqian thought for a moment. Then she lowered her head and picked up her mobile phone. “I’ll do a quick search.”

“Don’t bother.” Shen Zhilie took the phone from her. “How about Phuket?”

“Phuket in Thailand?”

“Yes.”

“Sounds nice.” Ye Qianqian was easily satisfied. “I haven’t seen the ocean in a long time. The weather there seems pleasant.”

“It’s quite pleasant indeed.” Shen Zhilie couldn’t resist kissing her on the lips.”I’ll wait until you’re ready then. I’ve already discussed with the hospital management. I’m allowed to take leave anytime.”

“Do you own the hospital?” Ye Qianqian shook her head in mock disapproval. “You take time off work whenever you please. Isn’t that too much?”

“My father is a close friend of the hospital director.” Shen Zhilie cleared his throat and sounded mildly embarrassed. “My older brother works in medical research and has been collaborating with the hospital director for a long time.”

“I see.” Ye Qianqian finally understood. “So you’ve been relying on family connections.”

Shen Zhilie scoffed at this. “I’ve proved my capabilities, all right? Why else do you think the hospital director would summon me back after I’ve settled in Kingstown?”

“Wait, the hospital director summoned you back?” Ye Qianqian seemed surprised.

“Stop feigning surprise. I’m going to tackle you!”

“Stop! It tickles!” She burst into laughter.

…

It was the fifth day of the third month of the lunar calendar – an auspicious day.

The sun was shining brightly and the weather was fine.

After experiencing a chilly climate for nearly half a year, the weather in the capital was at its most comfortable today.

The Shen family was kept busy welcoming guests and coordinating the wedding ceremony.

The matriarch, Mrs. Shen, favored a traditional ceremony, so Ye Qianqian was spared the trouble of choosing her wedding gown. She wore the ornamental headgear and wedding robe Mrs. Shen ordered for her in advance and sat waiting in the room.

Ye Qianqian used to think that a traditional Chinese wedding ceremony would be a memorable occasion. But she almost toppled over after donning the full set of wedding attire, worn down by its crushing weight.

The phoenix-inspired headgear perched on her head felt too heavy!