Chapter 60: Clear Contrast

Shen Subai saw that she had taken the ointment and rubber gloves, then continued speaking: “Take the incubator with you. Tomorrow, add an extra portion to the lunchbox. Also, pay special attention to safety issues—I need to emphasize this again!”

Safety, safety—she really heard him say it every day; her ears were about to get calluses.

But since he was the client, and she earned money from him, she naturally had to keep a proper attitude. So Xie Yunshu once again emphasized, “Captain Shen, don’t worry, I absolutely have no problem making the meals!”

Several top leaders from Haicheng City would be visiting tomorrow. He was always cautious and strict in his work; the only variable was the food. But he could never allow any deception or cutting corners, which was why he repeatedly reminded Xie Yunshu.

Shen Subai nodded: “I hope so.”

After the people left, Xie Yunshu sighed and stood up, fastening the box onto her back seat. She wondered why Captain Shen distrusted her so much. She might be money-minded, but she wasn’t willing to make money by cutting corners!

Could she possibly skimp on the food?

Back at the tenement building, Xie Mingcheng hadn’t returned from the market yet. Aunt Zhao and Li Fenlan were busy pickling vegetables and making chili oil.

When she came in, Aunt Zhao quickly said, “Yunshu, I found out about a yard around noon. It’s just down the alley and around the corner to the east—a pretty big place with a main hall and a well. Cooking there would be really convenient! The only thing is, the rent is a bit high, fifteen yuan a month!”

That was almost half a month’s wages for a worker—definitely a bit pricey just for cooking.

Xie Yunshu thought for a moment: “Then I’ll go take a look this afternoon before deciding.”

The construction site would be less busy starting tomorrow. She planned to reduce the amount of food she made to avoid losses from unsold meals. Renting the yard just had to be settled before the New Year…

Before she could check out the yard, a young court official came over: “Xie Yunshu? Please come to the People’s Court at 4:30 PM this afternoon. According to procedure, you must first accept an out-of-court mediation.”

If the two sides disagree, only then will a lawsuit proceed. Before that, the court actively encourages the parties to reach consensus. Whether they divorce or not, this step is mandatory.

Li Fenlan quickly wiped her hands and stood up: “Yunshu, I’ll come with you!”

Aunt Zhao also chimed in: “Yunshu, me too! I’m loud and strong. If the Lu family dares to bully you, I’ll yell them down!”

Xie Yunshu laughed and felt touched: “No need. I can handle it myself. The court officials will be there. We’re not going to fight. Mom, you don’t have to come. When Mingcheng gets back, you and Aunt Zhao help wash and cut the vegetables and meat in advance. Also, if you have time, check out that yard. If the location is good, we’ll negotiate the rent. We have to settle it before the New Year.”

She arranged many tasks for Li Fenlan and Xie Mingcheng but planned to handle her own matters personally.

Li Fenlan was timid and weak in character. Although she was strong as a mother, she feared the Lu family’s harsh words—especially Lu Xueting. She didn’t want her mother to get upset.

And Mingcheng? She definitely didn’t want him involved. He usually kept quiet but was still young and hot-headed. What if he really lost control?

Anyway, it was safest if she handled it herself. If she wanted to curse, she would. If there was a fight, she wouldn’t back down.

At the court entrance, Xie Yunshu had just parked her own car when Lu Zhixing arrived.

He was not alone. Not only was Lu Xueting with him, but also Zhou Xinyue was standing behind him. This time Zhou Xinyue was smarter, dressed plainly in a down jacket and cotton boots, her hair neatly tied—looking much more ‘modest.’

Xie Yunshu tilted her head and sneered: “Great! After signing, you guys can go straight to get your marriage certificate—seamless transition!”

Lu Zhixing pressed his lips together: “Yunshu, do we really have to reach this point? Between me and Xinyue, it’s pure. Do you have to smear her to be happy?”

Zhou Xinyue timidly stood aside: “I know I was wrong that day at the tenement. I was just worried you and Zhixing would clash and got emotional… Yunshu, please, I beg you, don’t cause trouble. What about Uncle Lu and the others? I can raise Xiao Wei myself and promise never to trouble you again…”

Lu Xueting sneered coldly: “Sister Xinyue, don’t beg her. She’s just a shrew! What else can she do besides hitting people? You’re our family’s lifesaver—why should you swear to her?”

The three sang in chorus—a good show.

Xie Yunshu crossed her arms, half-smiling, watching them before sarcastically saying, “Done talking? Then go in and sign. If not, once it goes to court, I won’t be so patient. I can say all kinds of nasty things.”

Lu Zhixing took a deep breath. He didn’t want a divorce, which was why he came to mediation, bringing Zhou Xinyue to explain their relationship. But no matter what he did, she seemed unwilling to believe him anymore.

In this marriage, he was usually confident, but now he was anxious day and night. Even at the court door, she refused to soften.

“Yunshu, I’ll ask you one last time—do you really want to take this to court?” Lu Zhixing’s eyes slowly scanned her face. Despite living together for over a year, it felt like he was meeting her for the first time.

If mediation failed, they would face each other in court, verbally attacking one another like enemies. He didn’t want to see that.

“Yunshu, I do have you in my heart.” This was probably the first time he spoke sweetly to her, voice trembling with pleading: “Please don’t cause trouble. How should we end this?”

Zhou Xinyue furrowed her brows tightly, suddenly lowering her voice: “Yunshu, be careful!”

A car came from the opposite side. It wasn’t fast and didn’t swerve, but Zhou Xinyue suddenly rushed at Xie Yunshu: “Get out of the way!”

“Xinyue!” Lu Zhixing’s face changed drastically. Instinctively, he pulled Zhou Xinyue close, anxiously asking, “Are you okay? Are you hurt anywhere?”

Zhou Xinyue shook her head: “I’m fine. Zhixing, don’t worry about me. Go check on Yunshu…”

Yunshu…

He looked at Zhou Xinyue in his arms in disbelief, then at his own hands, a wave of panic rising inside.

Because Zhou Xinyue suddenly collided with Xie Yunshu, Yunshu was completely unprepared, nearly pushed onto the road. She was ready to fall but was pulled back by a strong arm.

However, she didn’t fall into the other’s arms—he just steadied her upright. They barely touched, a sharp contrast to Zhou Xinyue, who was hidden in Lu Zhixing’s arms.

At that moment, Lu Zhixing’s face turned pale as a ghost.