Chapter 29: A Stolen Kiss

They were divorced.

Even if she really was pregnant, that would be her business alone.

Cheng Zhanya looked at her and smiled faintly. “I don’t want to come back here anymore. Find an opportunity to tell Grandma and the others.”

Lin Hanbing’s skin was already fair, but now it drained of even its last trace of color. Her mind buzzed.

It felt as though Cheng Zhanya was drawing a clear line between them, stirring panic in her heart.

When had Cheng Zhanya changed?

She had become decisive.

Mature…

Drifting ever farther from her.

Lin Hanbing’s face grew pale as she looked at her and called softly, “Yaya.”

That fair little face remained utterly cold. Cheng Zhanya drew a deep breath, stood up, and said, “Send me back. Sorry to trouble you.”

Lin Hanbing didn’t move, as if she hadn’t heard a word.

Her expression was dazed—a look Lin Hanbing had never seen before.

They were divorced now. She shouldn’t cling like this. What difference would it make from before?

Cheng Zhanya lifted her foot and walked past her side.

No one had eaten their dinner peacefully. Servants were clearing the table while the Old Lady sat alone in the living room, staring straight ahead at the television.

The TV was playing a soap opera, but the Old Lady wasn’t paying attention. Her hands gripped her cane, her expression glum and subdued, as if she were still mulling over the matter of a great-grandchild.

Cheng Zhanya sighed and shifted her expression. “Grandma, I’m heading back first.”

The Old Lady turned her head slowly, reluctance in her eyes. “Heading back already? Why not stay the night?”

She shook her head. “No, I have to work tomorrow.”

“Stay the night,” Yu Shujing said as she emerged from the kitchen carrying a plate of fruit. “Just get up early tomorrow and have Lele drive you back.”

“Too rushed,” Cheng Zhanya replied.

She had no intention of humoring the Old Lady and said bluntly, “Hanbing’s tired. And so am I.”

The Old Lady and Yu Shujing both froze for a moment. They hadn’t expected Cheng Zhanya to refuse outright, and an awkward silence fell.

The living room grew perfectly still.

The heated argument blaring from the television stood out sharply.

No one paid it any mind.

Yu Shujing looked at her and let out a faint smile. “Did we make you uncomfortable talking about the baby?”

Cheng Zhanya’s expression faltered. After a moment, she said flatly, “Yes.”

At that, Yu Shujing’s and Zhuang Wen’s faces both changed.

The two women exchanged glances.

The Cheng Zhanya in their memories had always been so respectful toward them. In all these years, she’d never once raised her voice.

How had she suddenly become a different person?

She must be angry.

They’d brought it up again and again.

“Xiaoya, I’m sorry about this,” Yu Shujing said first, stepping forward to take her hand. “That reaction of yours earlier—it really reminded me of when I was pregnant with Lele. I couldn’t help bringing it up.”

“Our intention was only for your happiness. Your parents got ahead of themselves.”

“We won’t mention it again, all right?”

The Old Lady seemed displeased. She turned away and no longer invited her to sit with any warmth.

Perfect, Cheng Zhanya thought.

Once Lin Hanbing announced their divorce, the Old Lady would accept it more readily.

“I’m going,” she said. Her lips curved in a barely-there smile that looked strained. “It’s getting late.”

“All right.” By now, Yu Shujing said nothing more and simply nodded. “Where’s Lele?”

Cheng Zhanya shook her head. “Probably staying at the Main Residence.”

“I’ll just call a cab,” Cheng Zhanya said, picking up her bag from the sofa. She gave Yu Shujing a slight bow, then glanced toward the Old Lady. “Grandma, I’m off.”

She wouldn’t be coming back again.

Cheng Zhanya left those last words unspoken.

At her age, the Old Lady could be stubborn. She merely gave a faint hum, without turning to look.

Yu Shujing patted her hand. “You won’t get a cab around here. Go back with Lele.”

This was an affluent area, far from the city’s bustle. Taxis were scarce; she’d probably have to walk a few kilometers to call one.

Cheng Zhanya considered it and found the logic sound. She didn’t refuse.

Lin Hanbing had finished brooding in the backyard. When she returned and saw Cheng Zhanya’s posture, she knew her wife was leaving.

The time had passed so fleetingly.

She hadn’t even managed a few words with Cheng Zhanya, and now she was going.

It hit her suddenly: things had been like this before too.

Their marriage had lacked real communication. Cheng Zhanya had done most of the talking, preparing breakfast and dinner for her.

And what had she done?

Skipped dinner, skipped breakfast, left before dawn, even rested at the office.

She couldn’t remember the last time she’d said good morning to Cheng Zhanya.

Something seemed to clog her chest. Lin Hanbing found it harder to breathe, a suffocating sensation closing in.

Was this how Cheng Zhanya felt every time she left early and came home late?

“What are you spacing out for?”

Seeing Lin Hanbing rooted to the spot, Yu Shujing chided her softly. “Xiaoya’s heading back. You should go too.”

Cheng Zhanya kept her eyes lowered, saying nothing.

Her phone rang suddenly. She took it out and glanced at the caller ID.

It was Fan Yaobai.

She must have worried when Cheng Zhanya hadn’t shown up after work and called to check.

Cheng Zhanya nodded to Yu Shujing and walked slowly toward the door while answering. “Baibai.”

“You’re not home?”

“Mm, came to the Main Residence for dinner.”

A brief silence on the other end.

“With Hanbing?”

“Mm.”

Fan Yaobai smacked her forehead, realizing what a foolish question that was. Who else would she come back to the Lin Family Main Residence with if not Lin Hanbing?

She cleared her throat delicately. “So, are you coming back tonight?”

Cheng Zhanya couldn’t help laughing. “If not, where would I stay?”

Fan Yaobai chuckled. “Just worried you and Hanbing might rekindle old flames.”

Their old feelings hadn’t fully died out; the chance of reigniting was high.

Lin Hanbing’s personality might not be to everyone’s taste, but she was strikingly beautiful. How else could Cheng Zhanya have loved her for a decade without tiring of it?

Even divorced, the reason wasn’t lack of love.

It was loving too much that made her let go.

Cheng Zhanya merely smiled at Fan Yaobai’s concern without responding. Softly, she said, “I’m heading back now. Should be home in about an hour.”

“All right. Jiujiu and I will wait for you.”

Fan Yaobai added proudly, “I bought some crayfish. We’ll eat when you get back.”

“Good.”

Cheng Zhanya ended the call and turned around.

Lin Hanbing stood right behind her, her eyes dark and fathomless.

The night was still.

They stood close, and Lin Hanbing had heard every word of the conversation clearly.

In the past, coming home always meant an enthusiastic embrace from her wife.

Now, even holding hands was refused.

Cheng Zhanya had taken nearly all her things; only emptiness remained. Every day, she returned to bare walls. The succulents on the balcony had wilted, shedding leaves, on the verge of death.

Just like her.

She was dying too.

Such days were gone forever. Lin Hanbing realized it deeply now, terror wrapping around her tightly.

She had pushed Cheng Zhanya away with her own hands.

“Let’s go.”

Cheng Zhanya opened the back door and said softly.

Lin Hanbing hesitated, words on the tip of her tongue dissolving into a sigh. She got into the car, started the engine, and said quietly, “If you’re still not feeling well tomorrow, go to the hospital.”

“Mm.”

Cheng Zhanya called softly, “Hanbing.”

Lin Hanbing’s heart trembled. “Hm?”

“Let’s see less of each other from now on.”

Her voice was so gentle, yet the words sliced like blades into Lin Hanbing’s heart.

She gripped the steering wheel tightly, her expression tinged with sorrow.

Since the divorce, Cheng Zhanya hadn’t had a proper conversation with her.

How are you here?

Why did you come?

Let’s see less of each other.

How could Cheng Zhanya be so ruthless?

No music played in the car. The silence was suffocating.

Lin Hanbing glanced in the rearview mirror and saw that Cheng Zhanya had fallen asleep, her head tilted slightly, sleeping deeply.

She sighed softly.

Just moments ago, she’d said such cutting words, and now she was out like a light.

Cheng Zhanya’s heart was so vast. Would she get bullied out in the world?

There was no blanket in the car. Lin Hanbing pulled over, shrugged off her jacket, and draped it gently over her.

“…Mm…” Cheng Zhanya shifted uncomfortably in her sleep, but the familiar scent filled her nose, drawing a sense of reluctant attachment.

Lin Hanbing gazed deeply at that small face, her eyes brimming with tenderness. She leaned down and pressed a kiss to Cheng Zhanya’s lips.

It was light, a mere taste.

Cheng Zhanya’s lips were as soft as ever. Lin Hanbing hadn’t kissed this mouth in so long.

And there might never be another chance.

She knew it.

So she lowered her head and kissed her again.

Unsatisfied with a mere brush, she greedily parted her teeth, claiming her with intimate, fervent passion.

Cheng Zhanya felt her breath grow labored. Confused, she opened her eyes.

Lin Hanbing’s enlarged face filled her vision. She let out a startled cry, which only gave her more access.

What were they doing?

Kissing?

How had it come to this?

Cheng Zhanya’s mind went blank for an instant before she shoved her away, still reeling, panting as she demanded, “What are you doing?”

Pushed back, Lin Hanbing’s senses returned fully. Seeing the anger on Cheng Zhanya’s face, she felt as if she’d plunged into an ice cellar, shivering all over.

“I’m sorry.”

“I couldn’t hold back.” Lin Hanbing lowered her eyes, the dim light and her hair completely shadowing her expression.

Cheng Zhanya couldn’t see it clearly and shifted back a little farther.

The jacket slipped from her shoulders. That guarded look in her eyes wounded Lin Hanbing deeply.

“Do you really hate me that much now?”

She’d loved her so much before. How could she turn to hate so suddenly?

Cheng Zhanya turned her face away. “I want to go home.”

“That’s Fan Yaobai’s home,” Lin Hanbing corrected stubbornly. “You’re just staying there.”

“It’s none of your business.” Fresh from the stolen kiss and now this reminder, Cheng Zhanya was thoroughly annoyed.

“Drive.”

Lin Hanbing stared at her fixedly, her heart aching terribly.

When Cheng Zhanya made to open the door and get out, Lin Hanbing grabbed her hand.

“I’ll drive. Don’t move.”

“…You’ll get hurt,” Lin Hanbing said with difficulty.

A gust of night wind blew in from outside.

Both of them sobered up considerably.

Lin Hanbing returned to the driver’s seat, and they didn’t exchange another word the rest of the way.

When they arrived at Fan Yaobai’s place, Cheng Zhanya got out without a word—no pleasantries, just turned and walked away.

Watching her retreating figure, Lin Hanbing’s eyes darkened.

She hadn’t realized it before.

When Cheng Zhanya turned ruthless, she was merciless.

The night deepened, bringing a chill.

Lin Hanbing’s hands still rested on the steering wheel, her fingers stiff, her whole body frozen in place.

She covered her face, consumed by agony.

When Cheng Zhanya got home, Fan Jiujiu pounced on her first, meowing as if to welcome her back.

Fan Yaobai was on the verge of dozing off, the TV still droning in the background.

A plate of crayfish sat on the table, bright red and uncovered, but Fan Yaobai hadn’t touched a single one. She’d been waiting all this time.

Cheng Zhanya felt a touch moved. “I’m back.”

Fan Yaobai sat up, grumbling, “It’s all gone cold.”

“I’ll go heat it up.” Cheng Zhanya offered.

She set down her bag, lifted the plate of crayfish, and headed into the kitchen.

Fan Yaobai didn’t try to stop her. Instead, she trailed after her, looking hesitant, her eyes flicking back and forth.

“Um, so… how are things going with you and Hanbing?”

Cheng Zhanya dumped the crayfish into a pot, clapped the lid on to let it simmer, then turned around with an easy smile. “Nothing much.”

“Why’d you go to the Lin Family for dinner today?” Fan Yaobai ventured. “Did her parents invite you?”

Cheng Zhanya nodded but didn’t elaborate.

“When are you two planning to tell your families?”

“I just think keeping this tangled up forever isn’t sustainable. They’re bound to find out sooner or later.”

“I know. I won’t go there again.”

“Yeah, I’m only sharing my opinion. Don’t let it weigh on you.” Fan Yaobai retreated from the kitchen and gathered Fan Jiujiu into her arms, stroking its fur with gusto.

The crayfish heated up in no time.

The mouthwatering aroma of spicy seasoning wafted through the entire apartment, and even Fan Jiujiu chirped happily, as if begging to be fed.

Cheng Zhanya carried the pot and crayfish out to the living room. She and Fan Yaobai ate while watching TV.

The bold, spicy flavors danced across her tongue. She hadn’t eaten much at the Lin Family’s, so she unwittingly polished off more than her fill.

Once they finished, she headed straight for the shower.

After such a hectic day, she was bone-tired and longed only to crawl into bed and sleep. Work awaited her tomorrow.

Deep into the night, Cheng Zhanya jolted awake from the gnawing discomfort in her belly.

A heavy, dragging pain throbbed in her abdomen.