He had clearly liked having her trail behind him before—so why had her attitude toward him suddenly changed?
Wen Lin simply refused to believe that Mu Wanwan no longer liked him. So he assumed, just as Song Tingyu had said, that she had switched tactics.
Was she playing hard to get? Or trying some new trick?
Wen Lin let out a cold snort. “Take me to see Grandpa. Now.”
Mu Wanwan had no idea what was going through Wen Lin’s mind. All she felt was that she had the worst luck possible—what rotten timing!
“Grandpa’s over at Gastroenterology for a check-up. Go ahead first. I’ll register him for the next test.”
Wen Lin nodded and headed toward the department. By the time he arrived, the old man had just finished his examination.
“Grandpa.”
Wen Lin had always held deep respect for his grandfather.
The old master had retired from the military, and a large part of Wen Lin’s decision to enlist had been influenced by him. In the Wen family, the only person Wen Lin truly listened to was his grandfather.
“What are you doing at the hospital? Did Wanwan call you here?”
The old master was quite proud of his grandson. At such a young age, he had already earned considerable military merit and become a regimental commander. His future in the army was promising.
But his temperament was too arrogant—especially when it came to relationships. Completely clueless. That alone gave the old man a headache.
“Xiaoru was discharged today. I came to pick her up and happened to run into Mu Wanwan. That’s how I found out you were here for a check-up.”
The moment he heard that, the old master flared up.
“Wen Lin! You’ve helped Lin Huiru and her daughter enough. Since you’re already married to Wanwan, you need to keep your distance from Lin Huiru from now on.
If you let Wanwan suffer even the slightest grievance again, I’ll break your legs!”
At his age, the old master could read people clearly. That girl Lin Huiru was scheming, full of hidden intentions. If Wen Lin didn’t distance himself, who knew what kind of trouble she might stir up in the future?
“I know my limits, Grandpa.”
“What limits? Remember—you’re married now! Don’t do something you’ll regret later.”
The old master’s expression was stern as he issued the warning.
Wen Lin didn’t believe he had done anything wrong, but he held his tongue.
He assumed the old man’s anger must have been because Mu Wanwan had complained again. She had done that plenty of times before.
His expression darkened. He hated the feeling of being manipulated or cornered.
When Mu Wanwan returned, she found the grandfather and grandson standing stiffly in silence. She quickly stepped forward to help the old master to his next examination.
It took more than two hours to complete all the tests. The results wouldn’t be ready for a few days.
After leaving the hospital, they escorted the old master back to the old residence before heading home.
The entire ride back was wordless. The atmosphere was stiff and awkward.
Mu Wanwan, however, didn’t feel uncomfortable at all. Her mind was occupied with thoughts of selling braised foods.
Although street stalls were technically allowed now, regulations were still strict. Setting up a stall would be troublesome.
She preferred supplying restaurants instead. It would save her a lot of hassle, and restaurants required larger quantities. Long-term cooperation would also be possible.
She desperately needed money. Once she saved enough, she could buy a small house. Otherwise, once she divorced Wen Lin, she’d have nowhere to go.
Back home, Mu Wanwan was about to head into the bedroom to move her belongings into the guest room when Wen Lin grabbed her first.
“Is something wrong?”
“There are things I need to make clear. Although I don’t like you, we’re already married. I’ll fulfill the responsibilities of a husband.
But whatever schemes you’re harboring, don’t expect too much from me. And don’t keep bringing our issues to Grandpa.”
He spoke seriously. He had never cared much for romantic matters anyway—women were troublesome.
Marrying Mu Wanwan had already been the biggest concession he could make under his grandfather’s pressure.
If she expected him to fall for her? Impossible.
No matter what tricks she tried, he would never like her. At best, she would only bring him more trouble.
And he hated trouble the most.
Mu Wanwan stared at him, utterly baffled.
Since when had this man’s memory gotten so bad? She had already made herself perfectly clear that morning—she truly wanted a divorce.
She wasn’t trying to cling to a high branch she couldn’t reach.
“I’m serious about divorcing you. You can file the report during this time. I’ll do my best to persuade Grandpa to agree.”
She had to emphasize it again.
Wen Lin narrowed his eyes. She was bringing up divorce again.
Was she really serious?
Impossible.
His first instinct was disbelief. But her expression and attitude seemed genuine. Could someone really change that drastically in such a short time?
Or was she still sulking?
She had gotten angry over Lin Huiru before—but she used to cry and make a scene in front of him. Never like this.
He was skeptical. Still, if they could divorce, that wouldn’t be bad.
He didn’t want to be tied to Mu Wanwan for life. Even if she hadn’t suggested it, he might have brought it up someday.
Since she had now mentioned it, real or not, better to settle it early.
Their marriage had been a mistake from the start.
As for whether she would regret it later—that wasn’t his concern.
“Fine. After my marriage leave ends and I return, I’ll file the divorce report.”
“That’s good. I’ll stay in the guest room for now. Don’t worry—I’ll pay for my share of food and lodging during this time.”
She wasn’t surprised he agreed so readily. His heart had never been with her.
She just wanted freedom as soon as possible—and to stay far away from him. She would never repeat the misery of her previous life.
Wen Lin wanted to say there was no need for payment, but she was already cheerfully packing her things and heading to the guest room.
Watching her light, almost carefree figure, he felt an inexplicable irritation.
With the divorce settled, Mu Wanwan relaxed even more. For dinner, she planned to eat well.
After dying once, she cherished her life deeply now. Nothing mattered more than having a healthy body.
Since Wen Lin was in the house, she might as well cook for him too.
In the kitchen, she kneaded dough, sliced some pork into thin strips, and made shredded pork noodles.
The dough was elastic and springy. The noodles were chewy and firm. The pork was tender and finely cut, and the broth rich and fragrant.
Within minutes, Wen Lin had finished an entire large bowl. He hadn’t expected her cooking to be this good.
After dinner, he took the initiative to wash the dishes while Mu Wanwan went to shower.
She had spent most of the day running around the hospital and cooking in the heat. She was drenched in sweat.
Only after showering did she finally feel clean again.
But just as she was washing her hair, everything suddenly went dark. The water stopped.
Startled, she froze. What was going on?
Wen Lin immediately came out of the bedroom and knocked on the bathroom door.
“Are you done? They’re repairing roads nearby. Maybe that’s why the power and water are out.”
“Not yet. Can you bring me some water? Cold is fine.”
She wiped her eyes. She at least needed to rinse her hair.
“Alright. Wait there.”
Luckily, there was still hot water in a thermos. He poured it into a small wooden bucket and mixed in some cooler water.
“It’s ready. I left it at the door.”
After knocking, he turned and walked back to the living room.
Only when she heard his footsteps fade did she open the door and drag the bucket inside.
But she underestimated its weight. Combined with the soapy floor, her foot slipped.
She fell heavily, letting out an involuntary scream.
Hearing the noise, Wen Lin rushed over.
What he saw made him freeze in place.
Even in the dim light, his sharp vision clearly caught sight of Mu Wanwan lying on the floor.