Chapter 1 — After Divorce, She Made The Whole River City Bow Its Heads

“Lam Van, sign it.”

When the black fountain pen was pushed in front of her, Lam Van was sitting quietly in the small living room on the second floor of the Co family's old house. Outside the window it is raining. Raindrops hit the carved glass, creating an annoying rattling sound. In the air there was a faint scent of incense, just like this house: luxurious, cold and remote from others thousands of miles away. On the other side of the long table, Co Tram Chu wore a sharply tailored black suit. His expression was indifferent, his eyes sharp, like a sword that had been drawn from its sheath and never looked back. He pushed the divorce agreement over, his tone calm as if he were discussing the most normal business cooperation deal.

“You can give conditions.”

Lam Van bent down and glanced over. In the division of assets, the number is very large, large enough for a normal person to live carefree for the rest of his life. Co Tram Chu has never mistreated anyone, even when divorced. From downstairs came a clear, cheerful female voice: "Mr. Tram Chu, my aunt told me to come up and ask if you've finished signing. If you don't start tonight's charity party quickly, you'll be late." This voice, Lam Van could not be more familiar. To Thanh Nhan. The girl that Co Tram Chu has placed in his heart for many years, just returned from abroad three months ago. As soon as she returned, the whole Co family seemed to come back to life. Co's mother no longer had a cold face, the Co family's relatives with eyes on top of their heads also smiled and welcomed her. Even the servants know who really needs flattery. As for her, the person named Mrs. Co, she was just a screen that Co Tram Chu arbitrarily married to block her grandfather's forced marriage during his most difficult years. Three years of marriage, no reputation. Co Tram Chu never touched her. And never loved her. Lam Van raised her eyes and looked at the man she had secretly liked for many years. The corner of her lips slowly curved into a smile: "Co Tram Chu, are you in a hurry?" Co Tram Chu paused slightly. Perhaps he did not expect that Lam Van, who was always obedient, quiet, and even spoke softly, would ask like that.

"Thanh Nhan is back." he said.

One sentence is enough. Lam Van nodded, as if she finally understood, but as if she had understood for a long time.

“I know.”

She picked up a fountain pen and signed her name on the last page. The nib of the pen glides across the paper, making a small rustling sound. *Lam Van.* Two words, written clearly, without any hesitation. After signing, she pushed the agreement back. When she looked up, her eyes were clear and quiet: "Mr. Gu, from today onwards, the two of us will go our separate ways, no one owes anyone else." Co Tram Chu looked at her, his eyes darkened a bit. For some reason, he thought Lam Van would cry, make a fuss, and ask him what the past three years were all about. But she didn't ask anything. Didn't even bother to look at that huge compensation amount. This calmness made his chest suddenly feel uncomfortable. The sound of high heels echoed from the stairs. To Thanh Nhan walked in wearing nude high heels, wearing a long white dress, sophisticated makeup, and gentle eyes. She looked like the most perfect daughter-in-law in the eyes of her wealthy elders. Seeing Lam Van, she deliberately stopped walking, then smiled gently and skillfully: “Miss Lam, I'm so embarrassed, I'm bothering you two.” Lam Van looked at her quietly: "No need to be shy, after all, you have probably been looking forward to this day for a long time." To Thanh Nhan's smile stiffened. Co Tram Chu frowned: "Lin Van." But Lam Van didn't pay attention anymore, just slowly stood up. Today she dressed very simply: thin beige sweater, black skirt, hair loose in the back, not wearing any jewelry. She looked gentle and harmless, like a gardenia flower drenched in rain. But the moment she stood up, her whole aura suddenly changed. She was no longer the submissive young lady of the Co family. It's like someone who has finally taken off his disguise.

“When will I get divorce papers?” she asked.

Co Tram Chu looked at her for a few seconds: "Now to the civil affairs department."

“Okay.”

To Thanh Nhan stood to the side, the corners of his lips trying to suppress a smile, but his eyes could hardly hide his satisfaction. The position of the young lady of the Co family finally had to be given up. She has waited so many years, how could she not be happy? Lam Van picked up her bag. When passing by To Thanh Nhan, her steps stopped, her voice was very light: "Miss To, congratulations." Just as To Thanh Nhan was about to open her mouth to say something, Lam Van passed her and went straight downstairs. The back is slim and straight, without even the slightest bit of unkempt. On the contrary, it also made To Thanh Nhan feel an indescribable discomfort. Like there's something wrong. *In front of the Civil Affairs Department* It's still raining. The black Maybach was parked at the door, the driver had already covered his umbrella. The check-in process went surprisingly fast. On the wedding day, when Lam Van walked out of the civil affairs department alone, Co Tram Chu was standing outside answering a work phone call, not even bothering to turn around. On the day of divorce, the two of them walked in together, then walked out together. It's just that what you hold in your hand has changed from the red book (marriage book) to the green book (divorce book). Lam Van bowed her head and looked at the divorce book in her hand, smiling slightly. So fast. After three years of marriage, it turned out that it only took a dozen minutes to put an end to it. Co Tram Chu stood on the steps, wearing a neat suit and black umbrella, still looking cold: "I told someone to take you home."

“No need.” Lam Van put the divorce book in her pocket, "I'll go on my own."

“Lam Van.” Co Tram Chu called her back.

She turned her head. Under the rain, his features seemed even colder than usual, but his voice softened a bit: "The compensation money and the river view apartment have been transferred to your name. If you have trouble in the future, you can come find me." Lam Van looked at him and suddenly felt a bit funny. Having reached this step, he still maintains the attitude of a superior person, rational, restrained, considerate, and even giving is polite. But the thing she doesn't need the most is his politeness.

“Co Tram Chu.” She stood in the dust and rain, her eyes bland, "Did you always think I married you because of the Co family's money?"

Co Tram Chu said nothing. But silence, in itself, is the answer. Lam Van nodded: "That's right. After all, in the past three years, my acting has been really similar." Co Tram Chu frowned, seemingly not understanding what she said. But Lam Van did not intend to explain further. She withdrew her gaze, turned and walked down the steps. The driver quickly wanted to chase, but Co Tram Chu raised his hand to stop him. Water The rain wet the hem of her dress. She didn't look back, step by step walking into the rain, her back skinny but extremely determined. Co Tram Chu stood in place, the inexplicable frustration in his heart suddenly became heavier. The phone rang, it was Co's mother calling.

"Tram Chu, have you finished the procedures? Please bring Thanh Nhan here tonight, everyone from the Tham and Chu families are there. This charity party just officially introduced her to everyone."

Co Tram Chu looked at Lam Van's back gradually disappearing in the rain and coldly said "Yes".