Chapter 158: Divorce
Translator: EndlessFantasy Translation Editor: EndlessFantasy Translation
Mr. Zhao’s face turned as pale as paper, yet his back remained resolutely straight.
“I offended my superiors and said things that offended Madam. Young Master was infuriated and chased me away,” he confessed.
Huo Sicheng exuded a chilling aura. His voice was icy as he inquired, “Why did you return to Wanmei Villa to resume your duties?”
Mr. Zhao’s body tensed under the weight of Huo Sicheng’s imposing presence. The pressure bore down on him like Mount Tai, causing his previously straight posture to waver slightly.
“Madam invited me to return to Wanmei Villa,” Mr. Zhao admitted.
“Since you’re aware that Qingcheng invited you back, you should be appreciative,” Huo Sicheng remarked sternly. “Don’t continue to create difficulties for her.”
Mr. Zhao struggled with his words. He had indeed returned to Wanmei Villa due to Gu Qingcheng’s request. Otherwise, he would have never been able to re-enter atter bemg driven away by Huo smcneng. However, Gu Qingcnengt s intentions were not entirely selfless. She had brought him back to help her divorce Huo Sicheng.
His resentment toward Gu Qingcheng fueled his efforts to facilitate her divorce from Young Master. In the end, her failure to divorce him only stoked his anger further.
Huo Sicheng’s gaze locked onto Mr. Zhao. He spoke directly, “Qingcheng is straightforward. She avoids unnecessary complications and tackles challenges head-on. In fact, she excels at it.
“In today’s world, the strong are feared and the weak are targeted. If you’re weak, you’ll be taken advantage of; if you’re strong, no one will dare cross you. Qingcheng lost her mother, her father wasn’t affectionate, and her stepmother wished ill upon her. Throughout it all, she stood alone. This was her survival strategy.
“She isn’t the conventional delicate, submissive woman. She’s a fierce yet graceful independent spirit, and that’s what makes her captivating.” Mr. Zhao found Huo Sicheng’s praise of Gu Qingcheng disconcerting. In his view, women should defer to men, as tradition dictated.
Gu Qingcheng shouldn’t have challenged Young Master, nor should she have spoken harshly to him. She should have been gentle and accommodating, ideally without a temper, even better if she played the role of a puppet.
“Young Master, you know Madam brought me back to Wanmei Villa, but you’re unaware that she did so to aid her divorce from you,” Mr. Zhao revealed. Huo Sicheng’s expression remained unchanged as he revealed, “I knew.” Mr. Zhao was taken aback. “How did you know, Young Master?”
He had hoped to keep this information from Young Master, as he wanted him to divorce Gu Qingcheng.
Gu Qingcheng would never tell Young Master either, knowing it would only provoke his anger. She wasn’t foolish enough to divulge it.
“So she asked me to facilitate your return to the villa. Her goal was to have you help her obtain a divorce,” Huo Sicheng explained calmly. “Our marriage was on the brink of divorce back then. She had asked for it multiple times, but I declined. So, she turned to you.”
“She understood your resentment toward her. You’d be eager to help her end our marriage. I saw through her plan.” Mr. Zhao was surprised. “Young Master, you’re not angry?”
Huo Sicheng questioned, “Why would I be?”
“She asked me to assist in divorcing you.”
“Did she succeed?” Huo Sicheng inquired. “Am I divorced from Qingcheng?”
Mr. Zhao was speechless. The divorce hadn’t happened; Young Master and Gu Qingcheng were still married.
“She brought you back with her own motives. But you’re unaware that her main reason was for you to care for Xuan’er and me,” Huo Sicheng disclosed. “You’ve been part of the Huo family for years, treating me as your son. I’ve always regarded you as family. The Wanmei Manor owes much of its survival to you, and I’m grateful.”
“Qingcheng knows she can’t replace you in the manor. With you around, she’s confident you’ll take care of Xuan’er and me. She appears carefree, but she’s truly meticulous.”
Mr. Zhao comprehended Gu Qingcheng’s genuine concern. He couldn’t deny her virtues entirely. Despite her arguments with Young Master, she brought warmth to both him and Little Master.
Nevertheless, he couldn’t fully accept her. Unless Gu Qingcheng transformed her domineering nature into docility, he would persist in his efforts to remove her from Young Master’s life.
“Young Master, I’ve erred in the past. I acknowledge my mistakes,” Mr. Zhao feigned admission, avoiding his true feelings about Gu Qingcheng. “Rest assured, I know what to do.”
Seeing Mr. Zhao genuinely apologize, Huo Sicheng didn’t prolong the issue. He left without a word and returned to the dining area, where he observed Gu Qingcheng and Huo Xuan enjoying their meal.
Gu Qingcheng noticed his return. “Darling, eat before the food gets cold.” “Sure,” Huo Sicheng agreed.
After breakfast, Gu Qingcheng intended to take Huo Xuan to school. Her own tasks in Nice delayed her plans, prompting her to ask Mr. Zhao to escort Huo Xuan to school in her place.
Once she was ready, Gu Qingcheng turned to Huo Sicheng. “I’m heading out. Aren’t you going to the company? Chu Yu must have a stack of documents awaiting your review.”
“Gu Clan?” Huo Sicheng questioned her.
“For now, I won’t return to the Gu family. I have other matters to attend to,” Gu Qingcheng responded, playfully chiding his dedication despite his injury. “You’re injured, but you’re still focused on work. Now you’re suggesting company matters aren’t urgent. You’re quite the workaholic.”
Huo Sicheng, hearing that Gu Qingcheng wouldn’t return to the Gu family, regarded her with a complex expression in his eyes.
“What do you intend to do if you’re not returning to the Gu family?”
Arching an eyebrow, Gu Qingcheng retorted, “Some things are private. You’re not entitled to delve into them.”
Huo Sicheng’s lips twitched slightly. After a pause, he noted, “Stay safe.”
“Of course.” Gu Qingcheng leaned down to give Huo Sicheng a quick kiss on the lips. “I’m off.’
Huo Sicheng nodded, watching her depart with a pang in his heart.
If Gu Qingcheng could maintain her silence about her whereabouts, there was no doubt that Qi Shaoze would be envious if she met him. Nevertheless, he couldn’t prevent her.
Driving away from Wanmei Villa, Gu Qingcheng dialed a number on her phone.
“I apologize for my delayed response. I’ve been occupied. Suggest a meeting place.”
After a brief conversation, she hung up and drove toward her destination.
“Where’s Qingcheng?” Qi Shaoze disregarded Ah Qing’s presence and approached the car.. His expression was cold as he addressed Huo Sicheng, “Where have you hidden Qingcheng?”
