In the midst of a tumultuous argument, Huang Jianhui picked up his phone. “Ding Yawen, do you have any idea how much I hate this side of you? You’re always so self-righteous, doing everything according to your own whims without ever considering how others feel.”
“And have you ever considered how I feel? Do you know how hard it was for me to get that promotion, Huang Jianhui? Is this how you show you care—by forcing me to get married? Did you hear what your mother said? That I can’t have children?”
Huang Jianhui sighed helplessly. “My mom is old. She’s a traditional woman, and she said…”
Ding Yawen grew even angrier. “Right, your mom is old, so I should just give in, is that it, Huang Jianhui? Why should I give in? Because you’re a man? What makes me any less than you?”
“Did I ever ask you to give in?” Huang Jianhui’s face flushed red, his voice rising sharply. “Are you even the type to give in, Ding Yawen? And was what my mom said really wrong? She’s getting old—is it wrong for her to want us to get married?”
Ding Yawen’s anger boiled over. “Get married? On what? Your salary of just over ten thousand a month? The rent for this apartment is nine thousand a month. If I get transferred to a less demanding position, who’s going to support the family?”
Huang Jianhui’s mouth hung half-open, and for a long time, he said nothing.
Still fuming, Ding Yawen continued, “You want to get married? Perfect timing. Your mom has already lined up several young girls for you, all waiting to marry you. Go ahead, go to them right now.”
Huang Jianhui’s expression darkened, his voice growing hoarse. “Are you… serious?”
“Dead serious. We’re breaking up! Huang Jianhui, I’m saying it loud and clear—we’re done!”
Huang Jianhui slumped onto the sofa, ran a hand through his hair, and nodded. “Fine.”
He went to the study and pulled out his suitcase. He had returned that morning, too busy playing games and cooking to unpack. He had swapped shifts with a colleague for five days, so he didn’t have to leave now.
But…
Without another word, Huang Jianhui picked up his shattered phone from the floor, pushed the door open, and left.
Ding Yawen took a deep breath, unsure of how she felt. She walked to the kitchen and threw out all the dishes she had prepared, even the soup she had simmered. Returning to her room, she buried herself under the covers and fell asleep, as if by sleeping, she could make everything disappear.
Surprisingly, she slept soundly until six the next morning. For a long time, her irregular sleep schedule had forced her to rely on an alarm to wake up. This was the first time she had slept naturally, but when she woke, her head ached even more.
The apartment felt empty, though it wasn’t much different from when Huang Jianhui had left for work before. Apart from the clothes and things he needed for work, he hadn’t taken much else with him. Yet, it felt hollow.
After taking a shower, Ding Yawen felt hungry. She went to the kitchen and saw the groceries her mother-in-law had brought last time still frozen in the fridge. She threw them all out, took out a piece of meat and some noodles, and decided to make herself a bowl of noodles.
But her hands, accustomed to typing and holding a camera, seemed ill-suited for a knife. She cut her finger while slicing the meat, the noodles stuck to the pot while cooking, and she forgot to add salt. Staring at the unappetizing bowl of noodles in front of her, Ding Yawen forced herself to eat it.
She ate and cried at the same time.
When she finished crying, she wiped away her tears. She had to pull herself together. Love had never been the most important thing in her life—work was. A woman must have her own career to live a fulfilling life.
She put on exquisite makeup and wore high heels to sit down at the station. Today was Saturday, and there was no need to come to the station if nothing was going on, but several colleagues were there anyway.
When Huahua saw Ding Yawen, she exclaimed in surprise, “Sister Ding, you look so beautiful today. Is there something worth celebrating?”
Afeng also came over, “Yawen, why didn’t you follow up on that big news last night? It’s the first time in years that our station has been beaten to the punch. Brother Qi and the others only caught up afterward.”
Ding Yawen forced a smile and said, “I had a headache yesterday…”
“A headache? Do you have a cold?” Director Liu walked in and asked with concern. Ding Yawen was an iron lady. In twelve years, she had almost never been seen falling ill, and even when she occasionally did, she would never let it affect the news.
Hearing Director Liu’s voice, Ding Yawen immediately stood up, “Director Liu, why are you here today?”
Seeing that she was in good spirits, Director Liu knew she was fine and simply nodded, “Hmm… come with me for a moment.”
It must be about the job transfer. Ding Yawen had submitted all her materials yesterday. Her achievements were outstanding, and the station would surely recognize her abilities once they saw them.
Director Liu didn’t beat around the bush and straightforwardly pushed Ding Yawen’s materials back to her.
Ding Yawen was somewhat surprised, “These… I sent them to the program team yesterday. How did they get to you so quickly…”
Director Liu’s mouth drooped, and it drooped even more upon hearing this, “You’ve really outdone yourself, submitting materials without going through me and sending them directly to the higher-ups.”
Ding Yawen sat in her chair without saying a word.
Director Liu sighed, “Yawen, I know you weren’t too happy when I advised you to take the assistant director position a few days ago. But no matter what, I am your superior. The materials you submitted without going through me—will they even look at them?”
Ding Yawen looked up, “Since they’ve already reached you, Director Liu, didn’t you speak up for me?”
“You’re always like this, Yawen. There’s no doubt about your abilities, but sometimes things work out better when you take your time. You’re too impulsive.”
Ding Yawen stared at him stubbornly.
“I forwarded them to the station director’s secretariat, but they were directly rejected.”
Ding Yawen couldn’t believe it, “Rejected? What do you mean, Old Liu? Did you not speak up for me properly?”
Director Liu said helplessly, “You’re under my command, of course I want what’s best for you. But this program is highly valued by the station. To make it a success, it needs to hit the ground running.”
“If that’s the case, then it needs capable people even more.” Ding Yawen leaned on the table, “You said yourself that I’m capable. If you were willing to recommend me, how could the station not see my achievements?”
“What do you mean? Are you saying I didn’t help?” Director Liu was somewhat surprised. Although Ding Yawen was bold and decisive, she wasn’t unreasonable.
Ding Yawen quickly lowered her head, composed herself, and stood up, “I’m sorry, Director Liu. I… I’m not in a good state today. That’s not what I meant… I’ll leave now.”
She turned to leave.
“Yawen.” Director Liu explained, “I really tried my best to push for it, but the station’s intention…”
Ding Yawen turned around and looked at Director Liu, “I understand. Thank you, Director. If there’s nothing else, I’ll leave now.”
Her face was filled with disbelief. Director Liu felt somewhat awkward and also a bit upset—this was the most satisfying child he had ever mentored, yet the child was truly too stubborn.