Chapter 8: Public Humiliation

The moment the words left her lips, Shi Yi quickly covered her mouth, knowing she had to adapt swiftly to the language of this era. Otherwise, she feared these people would see her as a monster.

Then, with a shocking declaration, she said, "Oh, it’s my husband who found a mistress to bear his child. I want a divorce from that scoundrel, Chu Yifan."

Everyone was stunned.

Was this woman crazy? She had begged and wept to marry Chu Yifan before, and now she wanted a divorce?

Chu Yifan’s forehead veins bulged with anger. Was Shi Yi insane, openly accusing him of having a mistress in front of so many people? How could the Chu family maintain its dignity? How would they survive in society after this?

Song Yashi’s face darkened as if stained with soot.

Madam Ling was momentarily taken aback, then fixed her gaze on Shi Yi and said, "Girl, is there some kind of misunderstanding here?"

"How could there be a misunderstanding? Chu Yifan brought that mistress to confront me early this morning and even admitted she’s carrying his child," Shi Yi said with a faint smile, her eyes bright with unyielding resolve.

Madam Ling was stunned again.

How deeply wronged must this girl be, to force a smile before her despite such pain? It was truly heartbreaking.

"Shi Yi, don’t forget how you begged me to marry you back then," Chu Yifan said through gritted teeth, clenching his fists tightly.

"I was blind then; now I see clearly," Shi Yi replied. Her eyes were clear and bright, lips curving slightly like a rare, untouchable flower blossoming in desolation.

Beneath her delicate exterior, there emanated a pure, resolute aura that made a man wearing sunglasses nearby lose himself in thought.

Ling Siyue smiled faintly. He was falling more in love with this woman. He longed to rush over and hold her close, to protect her.

Song Yashi wanted to slap Shi Yi across the face, furious that she had embarrassed her son in front of everyone.

She swallowed her anger and said, "Yi Yi, listen to your mother — couples fight but make up. Let’s talk about this at home."

Shi Yi smiled kindly. "There’s nothing to discuss. He brought his mistress and bullied me right before my eyes. This marriage must end."

"Fine, I’ll divorce you," Chu Yifan said angrily, his face dark as iron. "You’re so ruthless, beating your husband and having a terrible temper. Who would want you once you leave the Chu family?"

Everyone exchanged glances, as if watching a drama unfold.

Shi Yi clicked her tongue, looking wronged as she said, "Who has the terrible temper here? You got a mistress pregnant and still won’t let me divorce?"

A sly light flickered in her eyes as she thought to herself: Chu Yifan is too inexperienced to handle me—impatient and reckless.

She deliberately provoked him by declaring the divorce publicly, preventing him from going back on his word.

Seeing Shi Yi’s triumphant expression, Chu Yifan’s anger flared. He gritted his teeth and lunged forward, ready to kick her.

But the next second, a strong hand grabbed his arm and tightened with such force it felt like it might crush his bones.

Ling Siyue’s voice was cold as he warned, "Try laying a hand on her in the Ling family, see what happens."

Though his voice was low, it carried an icy menace that made Chu Yifan shudder.

Shi Yi looked at Ling Siyue, thinking he must be the Ling family’s guard—in this era, called a bodyguard.

Though Chu Yifan hadn’t kicked her, Shi Yi seemed frightened and trembled as she said, "Grandmother, look at me—a weak woman. How could I possibly stand against him? He was rough with me in front of everyone, and at home, he humiliates me in every way..."

She cunningly wiped away tears that weren’t really there.

Life is a play, depending entirely on one’s acting skills.

In this world where she had no family, she had to act. People only sympathize with the weak.

In her previous life, her father’s concubines often pretended to be fragile to gain favor, and eventually, one usurped the family’s authority from her mother.

Sure enough, the crowd began whispering and pointing fingers at Chu Yifan.

"A modern-day Chen Shimei—what a disgrace to our circle."

"Exactly. The Chu family’s values are corrupt; their downfall is inevitable. I hear the Chu Corporation is in chaos and short on funds. They won’t last long."

"I think it’s karma catching up to them..."

The gossip grew louder and more vicious.

Song Yashi and Chu Yifan’s faces darkened further. Song Yashi’s face flushed red with anger, vowing to deal with Shi Yi once they returned home.

Unable to bear the humiliation, Chu Yifan gave up entirely, saying, "Shi Yi, if you want a divorce, fine. But I refuse. Let’s see what you can do about it."

Shi Yi was dumbfounded.

This scoundrel was still a shameless rogue?

She hadn’t anticipated this at all.

Sniffling, her voice trembling with emotion, she said, "Look at this—there’s no way out for a weak woman like me. Do you want to push me to death before you relent?"

Chu Yifan’s face darkened like raw liver. Damn woman, she had learned to act now?

Ling Siyue saw Shi Yi’s reddened eyes, her gaze misted with tears, fragile and pitiful. He wanted nothing more than to hold her in his arms and comfort her.

Madam Ling patted Shi Yi’s shoulder gently, whispering reassurance, "You’re not at fault, child. I will stand up for you."

She lifted her head, face cold as frost, and said icily, "Someone, escort the Chu family out. The Ling family will never do business with such a family lacking proper values."

Though Elder Ling had remained silent, his expression was grave.

Ling Siyue looked toward the bodyguard, He Wen.

He Wen stepped forward and gestured politely, "Please, these two."

Chu Yifan put on a stubborn face and said coldly, "Mother, let’s go. The Chu Corporation won’t do business with the Lings either."

"Ungrateful brat, shut your mouth!"

Smack—

Song Yashi swung her hand, slapping Chu Yifan hard across the ear. "What nonsense are you talking? Apologize to Madam Ling right now!"

Chu Yifan’s face turned red from the slap. In his youthful pride, he had never endured such humiliation.

"I won’t apologize. If you want to be a sycophant, go ahead. I’m done with this."

He turned to leave, but Song Yashi grabbed him, "Ungrateful son, stand still."

Chu Yifan growled, "Shi Yi, you shameless woman, stop embarrassing me here and come home."

"Grandmother, I’m so scared..."

Shi Yi bit her lip and instinctively hid behind Madam Ling, looking utterly terrified.

Madam Ling shielded her and said coldly, "Who are you calling a shameless woman? I despise men who are incompetent and bully women more than anything."

Song Yashi’s hand trembled in fear, dropping her phone.

She bowed deeply and said, "This ungrateful son has been spoiled by me. I apologize to Madam Ling on his behalf."

Madam Ling snorted, "Not me—apologize to Shi Yi. This child has suffered greatly in your Chu family."

"Yes, yes, Madam Ling is right," Song Yashi smiled nervously, unable to lift her head in shame.

The Ling family was the dominant force in their circle. Offending them meant the Chu family’s ruin in society.

"Leave," Madam Ling waved her hand impatiently, issuing a dismissal.

Song Yashi glared at Shi Yi, clearly wanting to say more.

Ling Siyue raised his hand, and two black-clad bodyguards immediately stepped forward, dragging Song Yashi and her son toward the exit.

Shi Yi was startled—this man was the head of the guards, or rather, the chief bodyguard.