“Why should divorce be shameful? Women hold up half the sky—haven’t you heard that saying? If a man is reliable, even a sow can climb a tree. So relying on yourself is the safest. Working hard to earn money is the real way.”
Tang Jin didn’t agree with Wu Xiulan’s words; that was old feudal thinking.
Although she wasn’t against marriage, she wasn’t blinded by romance either. She wanted to stay clear-headed in the world.
She wanted both a man and money—but money came first.
Her words were shocking.
This was the same Tang Jin who used to be willing to die for Mu Heng? How could her mindset have changed so fast?
“Old Mu, you’re done for,” Fang Xiangdong said, thinking Tang Jin really wasn’t the Tang Jin he used to know.
Even Mu Heng no longer interested her? And she still wanted a divorce? That wish could probably come true any minute.
“Sister, if even a sow can climb a tree, then I want to climb a tree too. There’s a bird nest in that big tree in the yard. I want to see the eggs,” said little Lele in his babyish voice, making everyone laugh and instantly easing the awkwardness.
The next day, Tang Jin got up at six as usual and went for a run along the river.
By seven, she was home making breakfast. Today she planned to prepare milk, a fried egg pancake with scallions and carrots, and some sliced cucumber.
Protein, carbs, vitamins—everything covered. Perfect!
She thought about last night. That guy had stayed at home and brought up the divorce, but she hadn’t answered either way. What was he thinking?
Tang Jin didn’t actually need this man. It was just that he fit her aesthetic perfectly, wore the uniform she liked, had strong self-control, and was unlikely to cheat.
Plus, his genes were excellent—any child would be smart and good-looking.
By all measures, he was an ideal partner.
Lost in thought, Tang Jin finished breakfast and brought it out.
The man returned just then. Their eyes met.
It looked like he had just finished exercising.
Sweat beads ran down his chiseled face, each drop radiating raw energy and strength.
His army green T-shirt, soaked with sweat, clung to his muscular torso, hinting at eight-pack abs.
Damn! That kind of attraction—so lethal, so tempting.
Realizing she was almost drooling, Tang Jin hurriedly composed herself and calmly said, “Wash your hands; let’s eat.”
“Okay,” he replied and went to the bathroom.
At the table, he remained silent, eating slowly and deliberately.
Tang Jin thought this man spoke so little and always looked cold—as if someone owed him millions.
She didn’t mind quiet men, but this was extreme. Couldn’t he at least seem a little warm in midsummer?
Trying to make conversation, Tang Jin said, “I’m going to the city later to buy a fan. What do you want for lunch? I can grab some groceries on the way back.”
“I’ll go. It’s easier with my car,” Mu Heng said. It was hot today, and though the dorm had a fan, he thought it was time the house got one.
“Fine, I’ll give you the money,” Tang Jin said, about to get up and fetch it.
“No need. I have money,” Mu Heng said, slightly annoyed. Since when had he needed a woman’s money? He wasn’t lacking.
But this woman had earned quite a bit in the past two weeks. A fan costing just over a hundred yuan was no problem. Making clothes was really profitable—she was not to be underestimated.
Tang Jin wasn’t one to be polite. “Okay, then I’ll go with Sister-in-law Xiulan in your car. I’ll buy some groceries. Or we could go to my godfather’s house for hotpot at noon?”
She hadn’t visited her godmother in days, and her qipaos and suits were ready to deliver. She hadn’t eaten hotpot in a long time and knew her godparents liked spicy food just like her.
“Godfather? Who’s that?” Mu Heng was momentarily confused. Tang Jia Village was over a hundred li away. Could they get there in time?
“Director Lu! He’s my godfather.”
Tang Jin spoke dramatically, and even Mu Heng’s strong nerves were rattled.
“Director Lu? Your godfather?”
Mu Heng realized this woman wasn’t causing mischief anymore—she was going to extremes. Her sudden energy was overwhelming; he couldn’t think straight.
Was this amnesia some magical force? Or was her past behavior forced by his coldness? He realized he had never truly understood her.
Seeing his doubtful expression, Tang Jin explained, “I saved Director Lu’s partner, so he took me in as his goddaughter. Maybe it’s just his way of repaying me—simple as that.”
Mu Heng knew it wasn’t that simple. Director Lu wasn’t someone to casually adopt a goddaughter. But he couldn’t guess the full reason yet.
“Oh, stop overthinking. You’ll see. Hurry and change clothes—we need to get to the city before the vegetables lose freshness,” Tang Jin urged, not wanting to waste time.
When both finished dressing and went downstairs, they met Wu Xiulan. Hearing that Mu Heng would drive them, she made an excuse not to go.
She wasn’t foolish—she wouldn’t go just to be a third wheel and let the couple bond. That was better than anything.
Tang Jin got in the passenger seat, watching Mu Heng start the car, shift gears, and press the accelerator. Soon, they drove out of the military residential compound.
Tang Jin could drive herself; she even owned a BMW. This army jeep wasn’t her car, but with a handsome driver, it was still pleasing to the eye. Her mood was excellent.
“Husband, can you teach me to drive later? I think it looks simple,” Tang Jin said, thinking ahead. Once she had money, she’d need a car. Saying she could drive now would make it seem normal later.
Mu Heng was surprised at her sudden desire to learn. She wanted to attend university and learn to drive? In this era, few men drove, let alone women.
“Driving is dangerous. Better not learn.”
“What danger? I’ve already watched and learned. You’ll be my instructor.”
She pretended she wanted to learn, but she already could—eight years of experience. In her previous life, she had obtained a license before graduating college.
Mu Heng ignored her, thinking she was growing bolder by the day. Perhaps she had always been brave—he just hadn’t realized it.