"Divorce is fine, I've had enough of you. Look at all the wives in the village, which one is like you? If you're still not satisfied, I won't serve you anymore!"
As Zhang Wenfeng spoke, his usual resentments spilled out. As a grown man, being constantly belittled by his wife took a toll on his pride.
Yang Yumei, who had always been meek and obedient, was shocked that her husband dared to divorce her. This only fueled her anger, and she started packing to go back to her parents' home.
Zhang's father and mother rushed to intervene: "Just talk it out, why are you arguing!"
Yang Yumei said, "It's your son who wants to divorce me. I'm not shameless enough to stay when he doesn't want me."
She pushed past Zhang's mother and left. Yang Yumei's family was only seven or eight li away, about an hour's walk.
"Oh dear, Wenfeng, hurry and stop her! Say some nice words to coax her. No matter what, you can't talk about divorce!"
"Let her go. If she has the guts, don't come back."
Yang Yumei's departure became even more resolute: "Whoever comes back is a dog!"
"Fine, that's what you said!"
Zhang's father was furious and slapped him on the head: "You're still being difficult? Do you want me to throw away half my life's savings? Is it easy to find a wife? And you're chasing her away, you unfilial brat, I'll beat you to death."
Zhang Wenfeng said stubbornly, "Is it for that little bit of money that you want me to endure a lifetime? If I work hard with Brother Xie, I'll definitely save money.
I see it clearly now, with her spending habits, even mountains of gold and silver wouldn't be enough. I don't want you two elders to suffer in silence for me. This family doesn't need her as a queen."
Zhang's mother was actually pleased: "This time I support Wenfeng. Didn't you see Lin Wanwan? She raises two children by herself, managing everything in the house and outside. That's a virtuous wife!
Look at her, the scene she caused last time she went back to her parents', demanding a hundred yuan before she'd return. With that money, we could have married a new bride."
Zhang's father was worried: "But divorce is embarrassing, isn't it?"
In the 1980s, divorce was a very shameful thing. Many couples endured their entire lives without even mentioning divorce.
"Life is for ourselves, not for others to watch. We don't have children yet, so divorce will mean less trouble. Once we have children, there will be more concerns.
Wenfeng is right, if he works hard with Xie Sui, and Yang Yumei really doesn't come back, we can save money by the end of the year and find a new wife."
Zhang's mother supported her son because Yang Yumei's spending at home pained her deeply. But for the sake of family harmony, she had endured it without complaint.
Lazy, wasteful, and bad-tempered, the more she thought about it, the more she found her daughter-in-law to be full of flaws.
Zhang Wenfeng went to Xie Sui's house as usual to continue working.
"Brother Xie, I'm sorry. I never imagined she'd have the intention of poaching you. I never thought that way."
Xie Sui said, "I know. It's okay."
Seeing his slightly distant expression, Zhang Wenfeng continued sadly, "She argued with me and went back to her parents'. I want a divorce."
"Divorce?!"
Xie Sui's eyes lit up. This fellow actually had such resolve. Not bad.
However, he still had to feign concern: "No, couples are best with their original partners. Why divorce? I don't support this. You want to divorce."
"I know. It has nothing to do with you, Brother Xie."
Xie Sui smiled broadly, "Wenfeng, you've really come into your own. Let's go, it's time to work. A wife may leave you, but work won't. Work hard, money is a man's backbone. With money, you have everything!"
Xie Sui's smile was sly. Good riddance. Good riddance, indeed. Yang Yumei, that plump woman, where did she get the confidence to think she was so sought after?
Except for her ample bosom, she could barely be identified as a woman. If Xie Sui had such a wife, he'd have nightmares every night, let alone... he'd definitely be unable to perform.
Zhang Wenfeng saw him smiling continuously and couldn't help himself, "Brother Xie, you're so happy that I'm divorcing?"
"No, I'm very sad. I don't want to laugh, but I can't help it."
Zhang Wenfeng: "..."
Lin Wanwan and the children arrived. Xie Sui said, "Wanwan, good news, Wenfeng is getting a divorce."
Zhang Wenfeng: Brother Xie, you're such a good brother. Divorce is good news?
Lin Wanwan rolled her eyes at him: "Can you speak? You're rubbing salt in his wounds. Wenfeng, don't mind him. He just talks like that, he's so annoying. I'll scold him later."
"It's okay, Sister Wanwan. I'm the one who wants to divorce. I'm afraid if I don't divorce, she'll force me to do something I regret towards you.
I'm not smart, but I know who treats me well. I can't betray Brother Xie."
Xie Sui sighed, "Good. For those words alone, Brother Xie guarantees you a life of wealth."
Zhang Wenfeng lowered his head in shame. He had already missed out once, he couldn't keep making the same mistake.
Those matters would be buried in his heart, never to be spoken of.
Soon, they arrived at the county town. As they entered, they saw Yan Xiaoliang standing in the courtyard, examining his factory.
Xie Sui smiled brightly, "Well, well, isn't this Young Master Yan? What wind blew you here?"
Yan Xiaoliang looked at him. Xie Sui said enthusiastically, "Come inside and talk, it's hot outside."
"Xie Sui, are you really willing to sell your formula to me?"
Yan Xiaoliang got straight to the point. Gu Lei had told him everything, and Yan Xiaoliang understood that Xie Sui knew. So, he came to talk to Xie Sui.
"Willing. We all earn money together. I, Xie Sui, am very generous. However, ten thousand yuan, not a penny less. You should know how well my products sell."
Yan Xiaoliang was suspicious: "Don't play any tricks. If you're trying to fool me, do you believe I'll shut down your factory?"
"I believe you, of course I believe you. I do business with integrity. I'll teach you hands-on, I won't deceive you."
"Good, I trust you wouldn't dare to trick me!"
"We can sign a contract. Black and white, absolutely binding." Su Dan Novel Network
Yan Xiaoliang was finally free of all concerns. Xie Sui drafted the contract, and Yan Xiaoliang handed over ten thousand yuan.
Afterward, he watched Lin Wanwan boil cream and condensed milk, without any hidden secrets. Everything was taught to him unreservedly.
Xie Min was worried. What if he competed with her for business in the future?
Yan Xiaoliang's people learned the skill, and it was time for them to leave. Yan Xiaoliang was finally relieved and shook hands with Xie Sui: "Xie Sui, you've surprised me. We'll still be friends in the future. I admire you."
Xie Sui replied perfunctorily, "I admire Young Master Yan too. No problem, the cake is big enough, no one person can eat it all. I understand that. I wish Brother Yan prosperity."
"Prosperity to us both."
Yan Xiaoliang left satisfied. Xie Min complained, "What if our ice cream doesn't sell?"
"Then we'll sell something else. Starting tomorrow, ice cream will be discounted!"
"Discounted?"
Lin Wanwan was also surprised: "Will we still make a profit if we discount it? Xie Sui, think carefully. We're counting on ice cream to make money!"