第十九章 (Chapter 19)

Old Li had been troubled these past few days. The thought of divorce haunted him like a phantom.

His colleagues at the office remained unchanged. Little Zhao invariably seized opportunities to mock him, while Elder Brother Zhang counseled him to find peace with his lot.

Old Li thought of Young Mrs. Ma, who occupied the west wing. Her husband had abandoned her, leaving her to raise the child alone, yet she remained composed, a quiet and pleasing presence.

Sometimes, when Old Li encountered her in the courtyard, they would exchange silent nods. Yet in her eyes, he sensed a tacit understanding, even a touch of sympathy.

Returning home, there was his wife, Mrs. Li, just as ever-preoccupied with her chores, offering little conversation. The children were boisterous enough, yet within Old Li, there was only a hollow ache.

He attempted conversation with his wife, but their words invariably fell flat. Mrs. Li’s concerns lay solely with household duties and the neighborhood gossip.

That evening, Old Li sat alone in his study, smoking. He wished to write something, but the words refused to come.

He picked up a book, only to set it down again. Divorce. The word circled incessantly in his mind.

But what would come after divorce? What of the children? And how could he face the wagging tongues of society?

Old Li sighed. With a weary resolve, he put the matter from his mind and turned in for the night.