Chapter 101: Never Divorce

Jiang Yunzhu was not angry; she could even smile as she said, “I know Uncle Shen doesn’t think highly of me, but I’m living my life with Shen Ruizhang. No matter how much you disapprove, you can’t meddle in other people’s affairs. Those who meddle are usually idle gossips, but I didn’t expect Uncle Shen to be just like them, so concerned about other people’s business.”

The middle-aged man’s face darkened. “Hmph, I’m saying this for your own good. You’re quick-witted, but you talk back to your elders. I wonder what kind of upbringing you’ve had—so vulgar. The family’s anniversary banquet is not for just anyone to attend!”

Jiang Yunzhu responded indifferently, raising her wine glass toward the man. “You’re right. Since both you and I are here, doesn’t that mean we’re cut from the same cloth?”

The man’s face flushed with anger, and he stepped forward, raising his hand.

Jiang Yunzhu squinted, her gaze falling on the raised hand. She’d already decided how to react after being struck, determined to make sure the hosts would deal with him.

A gust of wind swept by, and Jiang Yunzhu closed her eyes.

Yet there was no pain on her face. She opened her eyes in confusion and surprise.

Shen Tingxiao had grabbed the man’s hand and flung it aside. “I never knew that in full view of everyone, bullying a junior was how you acted as an elder, Third Uncle. Is this how you carry yourself?”

After being shaken off by Shen Tingxiao, Third Uncle Shen’s pride was wounded. He spoke with a gloomy expression, “She’s a junior and dared to confront me in public, even insult me with her sharp tongue. I never imagined our family’s anniversary would invite someone so lacking in manners!”

Shen Tingxiao sneered coldly. “Lacking manners? At least Third Uncle knows how to describe himself.”

“Shen Tingxiao!”

Shen Tingxiao looked down upon Third Uncle Shen, his attitude only deepening the elder’s dislike. “I never knew you had such a good relationship with Shen Ruizhang’s wife.”

Third Uncle’s shrewd eyes darted between the two before he chuckled and said, “Shen Tingxiao, everyone knows you shouldn’t covet your brother’s wife. No matter what, she’s Shen Ruizhang’s wife, and Ruizhang is your elder.”

Shen Tingxiao laughed coldly. “This has nothing to do with you, Third Uncle. Clearly, you’re quite idle, or you wouldn’t be such a gossip, just like a woman.”

Having been called a gossip twice, Third Uncle’s eyes reddened with rage.

“Fine, fine! Shen Tingxiao, for the sake of an outsider, you dare speak to me like this. Aren’t you afraid I’ll report you?”

“Suit yourself. If you think it’ll help, go ahead and try.”

Shen Tingxiao showed no concern for Third Uncle, his gaze turning to Jiang Yunzhu.

“Zhouzhou, you weren’t hurt, were you?”

Before Jiang Yunzhu could answer, Shen Ruizhang’s voice rang out.

“Shen Tingxiao! Stay away from my wife!”

Just as Shen Ruizhang entered the hall, he saw Jiang Yunzhu and Shen Tingxiao standing very close together, his eyes reddening at the sight.

He rushed forward, pulling Jiang Yunzhu to his side, his face dark as he stared at Shen Tingxiao.

Shen Tingxiao’s expression stiffened for a moment, but then he quickly grabbed Jiang Yunzhu’s other hand.

“Shen Ruizhang, let go!”

Shen Ruizhang glared at Shen Tingxiao’s hand. “I am Zhouzhou’s husband, her man. Why should I let go? Shouldn’t you keep your distance?”

Shen Tingxiao cared nothing for Shen Ruizhang’s feelings. Seeing his hand gripping Jiang Yunzhu’s, his face darkened further.

“A husband in name only? Ha, Shen Ruizhang, you know exactly how you schemed for this!”

Shen Ruizhang’s eyes flickered. “So what? At least Zhouzhou and I have a marriage certificate. I am the husband in her official documents. And you? You’re nothing! Are you really trying to interfere, knowing Zhouzhou is married?”

The crowd gathering around grew larger, and Jiang Yunzhu, caught between the two men, couldn’t help but twitch her lip, thoroughly unwilling to be the center of attention like a zoo animal.

“Enough! Let go of me, both of you!”

She struggled, but both men only tightened their grip, as if afraid she might escape.

“If anyone lets go, it should be Shen Tingxiao first!”

Shen Tingxiao laughed mockingly. “Why should I be first? Shen Ruizhang, you’re not the one Zhouzhou truly likes. Why bother? Besides, you’ve already made your choice, haven’t you? Since you’ve chosen, why force Zhouzhou? Don’t you find your behavior disgraceful?”

Shen Ruizhang’s eyes flickered again. “I’m not forcing her. Zhouzhou loves me. If she didn’t, why would she marry me? In fact, you probably don’t know—she’s liked me since childhood. Her feelings for me are something you can never hope to match!”

Shen Tingxiao’s face turned even darker, so dark it was almost black.

He looked at Jiang Yunzhu, caught between them. “Zhouzhou, who do you choose?”

Jiang Yunzhu pressed her lips together, her expression sour. “Let me go first!”

Shen Ruizhang refused, demanding an answer. “Zhouzhou, say it, so Shen Tingxiao can give up and stop bothering you!”

Shen Tingxiao burst out, his tone mocking, “Shen Ruizhang, it’s hard to say who’s bothering whom. First you got Miss Zhou pregnant, now you claim to love Zhouzhou. Your so-called love is truly pitiful!”

Shen Ruizhang narrowed his eyes, glaring at Shen Tingxiao with clenched teeth.

Suddenly, Jiang Yunzhu cried out in pain.

Shen Tingxiao immediately let go, and Jiang Yunzhu was pulled over to Shen Ruizhang. She then shook off Shen Ruizhang’s grip.

“I said, let go of me.”

Her expression grew cold as she shot a frosty glance at Shen Ruizhang.

Noticing Jiang Yunzhu’s displeasure, Shen Ruizhang hurried to apologize. “Sorry, I hurt you. Are you alright?”

Jiang Yunzhu shook her hand; the red marks on her wrist stood out sharply.

Shen Tingxiao stepped forward, shielding Jiang Yunzhu, sneering, “Don’t pretend. Your marriage is a sham. Zhouzhou would never fall for someone like you. She told me herself she’ll divorce you.”

Hearing this, Shen Ruizhang’s face froze, a hint of loss in his eyes.

The next second, he retorted without hesitation, “You must have misunderstood! Zhouzhou and I will never divorce. Shen Tingxiao, I hope you won’t stoop to being the infamous homewrecker everyone despises.”

Shen Tingxiao suddenly felt an itch in his hand. Looking at Shen Ruizhang, he sneered, “That’s not for you to decide. Zhouzhou doesn’t love you. If she wants a divorce, can you really refuse?”