She would soon be showing visibly. She had not sat this year’s entrance exam after discovering she was pregnant last month so next year would be the perfect time.
“I can do that,” Lu Qingshen agreed.
“There is something I would like to ask you,” Qin Jian said hesitantly.
“Go ahead,” Lu Qingshen replied with a nod waiting patiently.
Encouraged by his patience she took a deep breath and spoke. “Lu Qingshen if we get divorced will you still send money to my mother and Qin Yun?”
Lu Qingshen was filing for divorce because her mother had exploited his position and caused trouble but he might still be generous enough to support them. After all he had said he had proposed only out of duty to his elders which suggested the Lu family had some long standing connection to her mother.
“Send money? No I will not,” Lu Qingshen looked confused. “Why do you ask?”
She could not very well explain that in her past life he had given in every time her mother asked. “My relationship with my mother has always been difficult. She has favored my sister since we were small. And the betrothal money you gave was spent on Qin Yun long ago.”
“I have done my duty by her but I will no longer be blindly obedient. I cannot tell you what to do but if you continue sending them money I am afraid we cannot even remain friends,” she said clearly.
Lu Qingshen saw the determination in her eyes and sensed that if he did not make his position clear now she would shut him out completely.
“I will not send them another cent,” he said firmly. “I sought this divorce precisely because your mother is so greedy. In barely three months she found every excuse to take five thousand yuan from me and used my family name to pull strings and accept gifts from others.”
“Five thousand yuan and accepting gifts!” Qin Jian was stunned.
She no longer doubted his resolve. It sounded as though he despised her mother as much as she did.
“Since we are getting divorced you must ask for that money back. Go to the authorities if she refuses,” she said urgently. She wanted nothing more than to see her mother and Qin Yun face consequences.
Lu Qingshen hesitated. “Is that proper? Once money has been given it is unlikely she will return it.”
Her mother would certainly refuse but letting it go would only make her think she could take advantage of them forever.
“If you are uncomfortable doing it I will speak to her. I will tell her that unless she returns the money you will not reconcile with me.”
She paused thoughtfully. “Though I cannot promise whether she will pay it back or cause a scene instead.”
“Do not worry. I will arrange to meet her at the house in Baixiang Street. I will make sure she does not cause trouble at the military compound.”
Lu Qingshen smiled calmly. “She will not dare cause trouble there.”
“Why not?” Qin Jian asked curiously.
“She has already been blacklisted at the base for her behavior. She would be detained immediately if she approaches the compound. She has also been formally reprimanded. One more incident and the textile factory will dismiss her.”
“That was quick work!” Qin Jian beamed at him her eyes bright with genuine delight.
“You are free to do whatever you think best. You need not worry about affecting me. I would appreciate it if you would let me know what happens though,” Lu Qingshen said meeting her gaze steadily.
She felt slightly flustered but agreed without hesitation.
“Very well. From now on we are allies against my mother and Qin Yun,” she said extending her hand.
Lu Qingshen saw no affection in her expression only satisfaction at having found a partner. He clasped her hand gently but she pulled away quickly leaving only a lingering warmth.
He cleared his throat. “I should get back to the hospital now. You can reach me at the base or write to me if you need anything.”
“I will.”
Lu Qingshen saw her onto the bus before returning to the hospital. Qin Jian rode back to Baixiang Street. It was the school holidays and children were playing everywhere. The lane was filled with the sounds of daily life. Most families here were intellectuals officials or otherwise well off and the neighborhood remained quiet and orderly.
Neighbors nodded politely as she passed. She walked quickly to her house and found Granny Wang washing clothes. Qin Jian paid two yuan a month to have Granny Wang help so she could rest and study without overexerting herself.
“Xiao Qin you are back. How did it go at the hospital? Is everything all right?” Granny Wang asked kindly.
“Everything is fine. I just need to rest and study so I must not tire myself out,” Qin Jian replied keeping her pregnancy private. Granny Wang did not press her. “You young people must take care of yourselves. Life is better these days. There is no need to work yourself to the bone.”
Her kindness reminded Qin Jian of her grandparents back in the village. They had always treated her well. In her past life she had taken them in to care for them in their old age. They had been reluctant at first feeling it was not her responsibility but eventually agreed when their health declined.
She walked to the supply and marketing cooperative nearby and telephoned them then sent five yuan home. Anything more would likely be taken by her uncle and his wife before they could spend it. After hanging up she called her mother.
“Mother I am getting divorced,” she said straight away.
Her mother erupted into a torrent of angry words. The more she raged the more satisfied Qin Jian felt. Her mother’s pain was exactly what she wanted. After a minute of shouting her mother spoke sharply. “You will go back to him and reconcile. Do not even think of coming home otherwise.”
“Lu Qingshen says it is because you were too greedy. He says you took five thousand yuan in three months and that is why he will not stay married to me,” Qin Jian said calmly. “The papers have already been filed. You can ask around if you do not believe me.”
There was silence on the other end of the line. Then her mother’s voice rose shrilly. “So what if I did? The Lu family gave it freely. I got it by my own wits.”
“That is exactly why he will not stay married to me. Are you satisfied now?” Qin Jian asked with a smile.
Her mother’s tone dropped. “Is it really over?”
“It is. But he would reconsider if the five thousand yuan was returned,” Qin Jian said knowing exactly what would sway her. “You must choose between the money and a wealthy son in law who can support Qin Yun until she marries Gu Yanming. How long will five thousand yuan last? Barely three months I imagine.”