Chapter 4

Mingming used to love chasing after him, so why had her attitude toward him suddenly changed?

Wen Lin would never believe that Mu Wanwan no longer liked him. So he thought, just as Song Tingyu had said, that Mu Wanwan must have simply changed tactics.

Was this playing hard to get? Or was she trying to pull some other trick?

Wen Lin gave a cold snort. “Hurry up and take me to see Grandpa.”

Mu Wanwan had no idea what Wen Lin was thinking. She only felt terribly unlucky—utterly wretched!

“Grandpa is having an exam in the gastroenterology department. You go over first, I’ll stay here to register for the next test.”

Wen Lin nodded and went to gastroenterology. By the time he arrived, Elder Wen had just finished an exam and come out.

“Grandpa.”

Wen Lin had always held deep respect for his grandfather.

The old man had retired from the army, and Wen Lin’s own decision to enlist had largely been influenced by him.

In the Wen family, the person Wen Lin listened to most was his grandfather.

“What brings you to the hospital too? Did Wanwan call you over?”

Elder Wen was very proud of his grandson. After all, he had earned many military merits at a young age and was already a regiment commander. His future in the army could only rise higher.

But this grandson’s temperament was far too proud. Especially in matters of love, he was completely clueless. That gave the old man a constant headache.

“Xiaoru is being discharged today. I came to pick her up. I only found out you were here for a check-up when I ran into Mu Wanwan.”

Wen Lin explained briefly.

Who knew that at these words, Elder Wen’s temper flared.

“Wen Lin, you’ve already helped Lin Huiru and her daughter enough. Now that you’re married to Wanwan, you must keep your distance from Lin Huiru.

If you ever let Wanwan suffer any grievance again, I’ll break your legs!”

The old man had lived long enough to judge people clearly. Lin Huiru’s intentions were crooked, her little schemes too many.

If Wen Lin did not distance himself, who knew what trouble she would stir up in the future!

“Grandpa, I know my limits.”

“What limits? Remember—you are married now! Do not do anything you will regret later!”

Elder Wen’s expression was stern as he gave Wen Lin a warning.

Although Wen Lin didn’t feel he had done anything wrong, he didn’t argue further.

But he suspected that Grandpa’s anger must have been stirred by Mu Wanwan complaining again, as she had often done before.

Wen Lin’s face darkened. He hated the feeling of being controlled and manipulated.

When Mu Wanwan returned, she found the grandfather and grandson standing face to face in silence.

She hurried forward to help Elder Wen to the next exam.

It took more than two hours to complete all the tests, and the results would only come out in a few days.

After leaving the hospital, they sent Elder Wen back to the old family estate before returning home.

On the way, neither of them spoke, the atmosphere stiff and awkward.

Mu Wanwan didn’t feel uncomfortable though—her mind was entirely preoccupied with the matter of selling marinated foods.

Although street vending was now permitted, the controls were still very strict. Setting up a stall would be troublesome.

She preferred supplying restaurants. That way, she could avoid a lot of hassle, meet large demand, and establish long-term cooperation.

She badly needed money. Once she saved enough, she could buy a small place of her own. Otherwise, after divorcing Wen Lin, she would have nowhere to live.

Back home, just as Mu Wanwan was about to pack up her things and move her clothes into the guest room, Wen Lin stopped her.

“What is it?”

“Mu Wanwan, I need to make this clear. Though I don’t like you, we are already married, and I will shoulder the responsibilities a husband should.

I don’t care what you’re scheming, but don’t expect too much. And regarding Grandpa, don’t always go running to him about our affairs.”

Wen Lin spoke with grave seriousness. He had never cared much about romance—women were always troublesome.

Even marrying Mu Wanwan had been forced by his grandfather. That was already the greatest concession he could make.

If she still expected him to love her, he could never do it.

No matter what she did, no matter what tricks she tried, he would not fall for her. It would only create endless trouble.

And he hated trouble most of all.

Mu Wanwan looked at him, bewildered.

Since when had this dog of a man become so forgetful? She had already told him clearly that morning—she wasn’t expecting anything. She truly wanted a divorce!

That tall branch, she could never cling to it.

“I was serious when I said I want a divorce. You can submit the divorce report during your leave. I’ll do my best to persuade Grandpa to agree.”

Mu Wanwan had no choice but to stress it again.

Wen Lin fixed his eyes on her. She had raised divorce again.

Could she really mean it?

Impossible.

His first instinct was disbelief.

But her expression and attitude looked genuine. Could a person really change so much in such a short time?

Or was she still sulking?

In the past, Mu Wanwan would get upset over Lin Huiru, but she always came running to him, crying and making a scene. She had never behaved like this before.

Her change puzzled him. Still, divorce could be a good thing.

He had no desire to be tied to her for life. Even if she hadn’t mentioned it, he might have brought it up himself later.

Since she was the one to propose it now, whether serious or not, this was the perfect chance to end it early.

Their marriage had been a mistake from the start.

If she regretted it later, that would not be his concern.

Once he sorted his thoughts, Wen Lin said, “Fine. When my leave ends, I’ll file the divorce report.”

“Good. In the meantime, I’ll stay in the guest room. Don’t worry, I’ll pay for my food and lodging.”

Mu Wanwan wasn’t surprised at how easily he agreed. His heart had never been with her.

She only wanted freedom as soon as possible, to get far away from him, and never repeat the misfortune of her past life.

Wen Lin wanted to say she didn’t need to pay, but Mu Wanwan was already happily packing to move into the guest room.

Watching her cheerful back, he felt an inexplicable irritation.

With divorce settled, Mu Wanwan relaxed completely and planned to have a good dinner.

Having died once already, she cherished life. Nothing was more important than health.

Since they lived in his house, she reluctantly made enough for Wen Lin too.

In the kitchen, she kneaded dough, cut pork into fine shreds, and prepared pork noodle soup.

The noodles came out chewy and springy, the pork tender, and the broth rich and flavorful.

Wen Lin finished a large bowl in minutes, surprised at how good her cooking was.

Afterward, he took the initiative to wash the dishes, while Mu Wanwan went to shower.

She had spent most of the day in the hospital and then in the hot kitchen. She was drenched in sweat.

Only after bathing did she feel refreshed.

But while rinsing, the lights suddenly went out, and the water stopped.

Startled, she had just lathered her hair. What was going on?

In the bedroom, Wen Lin immediately came out and knocked on the bathroom door.

“Are you done? When I came back this morning, I saw roadwork nearby. Probably a power and water outage.”

“Not done. Can you fetch me some water? Cold is fine.”

Mu Wanwan wiped her eyes. She had to rinse her hair somehow.

“All right, wait.”

Wen Lin went to the kitchen. Luckily, there was a thermos with hot water. He poured it into a small wooden bucket and added some cool water.

“It’s ready. I left it by the door. Take it in.”

He knocked again, then turned back to the living room.

Hearing his footsteps fade, Mu Wanwan opened the bathroom door and tried to lift the bucket inside.

But she had underestimated its weight. Combined with the soapy floor, she slipped and fell heavily, crying out in alarm.

Wen Lin rushed over at once.

What he saw stunned him—his sharp eyes, even in the dim light, clearly took in the sight of Mu Wanwan sprawled on the floor.