Chapter 9 — When Love Runs Dry

Therefore, the very next day after he hung up the phone, I contacted the hospital and scheduled the surgery. I turned around and walked back into the bedroom. Feng Yin was still sitting out on the balcony, motionless.

Sam Ninh.

I turned to look at him. Feng Yin’s entire figure was submerged in shadow, making it impossible for me to read his expression.

When the divorce agreement is ready, send it over for me to review.

I froze for a moment.

Alright.

Two days later, I sent him the divorce agreement. After reviewing it, his lawyer confirmed there were no issues. Once signed, we scheduled a time to visit the Civil Affairs Bureau. Feng Yin was a man of his word, decisive and prompt in his actions. Yet on the morning we were supposed to go to the Bureau, I received a call from him.

I am sorry, something came up on the way here this morning. Can we reschedule for the afternoon?

He spoke in a light, casual tone. Believing he had encountered some sudden, pressing matter, I agreed.

16

It was not until his assistant called that I learned he had crashed his car into a guardrail. I was utterly shocked. Feng Yin had always been exceptionally careful and prudent; he had never once driven while distracted. After visiting Grandmother, I went to the hospital to see him. Feng Yin said nothing. Knowing his injuries were not severe and that he would still be able to sign the papers after the one-month cooling-off period for divorce, I immediately turned and left. During that time, I moved all my belongings from the villa to an apartment registered in my own name. I had no intention of maintaining any further contact with Feng Yin. Meanwhile, Feng Yin continued to appear in the media just as before, radiating the oppressive authority of a man accustomed to standing at the pinnacle of power. The only difference was the prominent, dark circles etched beneath the man's eyes. When three weeks of the waiting period had elapsed, I sent him a message:

Only one week left. Remember to clear your schedule and do not forget.

The chat interface repeatedly displayed the notification that he was typing. Yet, I received no response. A long time later, he finally replied with a single word:

Understood.

17

On the day I planned to bring Grandmother home, Feng Yin was also present at the nursing home. His tall, straight figure was seated beside her, engaged in conversation. The warm sunlight fell across his sharply defined, flawless features, stripping away his usual cold aloofness and adding a gentleness that easily gave rise to false illusions.

Grandmother, please tell me more about Ning Ning's childhood.

Ning Ning has always been such a pitiable child. She had no mother, and her father abandoned her as well.

Yet she worked so hard, always ranking first in her studies since she was little.

Her certificates of merit covered an entire wall back in our hometown.

This child may appear strong on the outside, but she is desperately starved for affection. She keeps everything bottled up inside and never confides in anyone.

You must be much more patient and forgiving with her in the future.

Feng Yin nodded thoughtfully.

Do not worry, Grandmother, I certainly will...

Before he could finish, I stepped forward in time to interrupt him.

Grandmother, how has your appetite been these past few days?

She nodded, saying it was quite good, and then mentioned she was feeling sleepy. I knew she wanted to leave some privacy for Feng Yin and me to talk. After watching her being helped back to her room, we walked over to a quiet corner of the nursing home. Feng Yin lowered his voice:

Grandmother’s health is very good.

I nodded:

Thank you, Director Feng. But in the future, you really should not come here anymore.

We were about to divorce; it was inappropriate for him to keep visiting. The man lowered his gaze, his dark eyes veiled in a frosty mist as he looked at me.

Sam Ninh, I will come to visit Grandmother every single week from now on.

As for all those other issues, I will resolve them one by one.

That assistant director who bullied you, and the wedding—I will settle all of it.

Surrounding us, the autumn air was completely silent. I pulled my hand away from his grip.

This is not the time to be discussing these matters.

Yet these are the only things I wish to talk about.

After a brief struggle, Feng Yin finally let go of my hand.