Chapter 39: Peacocks Fly Southeast

Song Yue’s gaze remained fixed on Xu Shujian; there were certain things she had sensed for a long time.

Currently, Xu’s demeanor showed that he had realized the shift in her attitude toward him, which was why he was acting contrary to everything she did. They had originally come here with the intent of divorce, and in that light, Song Yue found his current state normal. She was the one who had "broken the agreement" first; if she put herself in his shoes, wouldn't she be wary too?

What else could they do besides divorce? Go back to living the same life as before?

From yesterday to today, especially today, Song Yue had contemplated many things. If they divorced, what would become of her? If they didn't, what then?

If Xu were still the man she had known before, a divorce would have been a relief. But Xu had changed, and being around this version of him was comfortable—unless she truly chose to abandon all feelings. If she couldn't completely cut ties with emotions, was she supposed to go out and meet someone new? Could she really go through all that trouble again like a young girl?

The Song Yue of today was no longer as simple as she once was. She had run through various scenarios, and it seemed that only when facing the current Xu could she truly let her guard down from the depths of her heart. She had tested the waters yesterday, and she knew that if she were too obvious, the effect would be counterproductive. When she went out this morning, it was both to work and to find some time alone to carefully consider her next steps.

Hearing Zhuo Hui’s question, Song Yue smiled immediately, trying to appear as natural as possible. "I think my answer is the same as his."

Zhuo Hui froze again. What was going on with this couple? Why were they refusing to play by the rules? She had brought Zhang Qidong into the conversation specifically to make things look better for Song Yue, to help Xu Shujian see her merits. Hadn't the card she filled out said she didn't want a divorce? Even if they were using a two-stage scoring system, she could understand them agreeing on the first stage, but the second stage too?

"Wait, do you mean that even if you two really do get a divorce, you can accept it?"

Song Yue nodded. "Yes, Sister Hui. I am just being honest with my inner thoughts. If he insists on a divorce, I will certainly respect his wishes."

As she spoke, Song Yue glanced at Xu Shujian from the corner of her eye and noticed a slight look of relief on his face. She felt that her answer wasn't dishonest; there was still time, and she could take it slow. Even if he chose to separate by the end of the show’s recording, they would still have time privately. Taking a step back, even if Xu wanted a divorce in private, so be it—what could happen?

Amidst a busy work life, having someone to be tethered to was something to look forward to.

Zhuo Hui looked at Song Yue, then at Xu Shujian, and decided it was best to steer the conversation elsewhere. This pair clearly didn't need her to guide any storylines. It seemed... she might have underestimated this show. When she saw the guest list, she thought she had given it enough importance, but she hadn't expected to encounter such "surprises."

Zhuo Hui turned her attention to Yu Hui and Huang Miomiao. Xu Shujian leaned back into his chair, his posture more relaxed than before, and Song Yue followed suit.

An hour later, Zhuo Hui left. Once she was gone, the atmosphere among the group didn't become any lighter. Some remained silent, while others retreated indoors. Even the dynamic between Zhang Qidong and Lin Xiaoxian felt off. Earlier, Zhuo Hui had asked a few sharp questions about everyone’s financial situation, displaying the prowess she had during her days as a talk show host.

When she asked Xu Shujian and Song Yue how they would divide their assets in the event of a divorce, Song Yue’s answer was that all of her personal assets could go to Xu Shujian—a private agreement they had already signed. Song Yue possessed significant personal assets, and as long as they parted on good terms, she was willing to give them to him. Xu Shujian had signed off on that at the time; he knew that trying to split the Song family’s business wasn't realistic. While it might be legally viable, there was no need to cause a scene.

The current Xu Shujian’s answer was that they should simply split their personal assets in half; he wasn't going to get hung up on money. For him, there was no need—it wasn't as if he couldn't earn his own. However, these questions had been quite delicate when posed to Zhang Qidong and Lin Xiaoxian.

Soon, only Song Yue and Xu Shujian remained in the backyard. Xu Shujian was busy tapping away on his phone, gaining new insights into everyone; he was organizing works he felt were worth putting out. This show was full of odd characters, so the buzz shouldn't be bad. If he could produce more works and use them all as background props for his music videos, he should be able to make a decent profit.

Song Yue leaned against her chair, watching Xu Shujian with a beautiful curve to her lips. She felt she had found some methods; just as Zhuo Hui said, there was an art to relationships. Clearly, if she took a step back, Xu would immediately take a step back, too. If she pushed forward, he would act in opposition.

Take the property division issue, for instance. Song Yue felt that only someone like Xu could be so calm about it. The liquidation of personal assets was a murky area; if one were to be pedantic, there was endless room for dispute. Given Song Yue’s current scale of wealth, it would be enough to stun an average person. Yet, facing their private contract, Xu had still been willing to concede. That was a matter of character.

"Old Xu."

Xu Shujian looked up and scanned the area, realizing only Song Yue was left in the backyard. He started to stand up to go inside, but Song Yue spoke again: "Don't worry, we were husband and wife once. Even if we divorce, if you have trouble in your later years, I can still provide for you."

Xu Shujian paused, not moving. As long as she wasn't obsessed with avoiding a divorce, that was fine.

"Rest assured, I definitely won't need you to provide for me in my old age."

"It seems you hold a deep grudge against me in your heart."

Xu Shujian hadn't intended to reply, but after a moment of thought, he said, "What do you think? For anyone else, that kind of life would have been impossible to endure."

Song Yue pulled her chair closer. "How about we play a game?"

"I'm not playing."

"It's a very simple game. It will let you vent a little and reduce my sense of guilt. How about it?"

Xu Shujian looked up. "What game?"

Song Yue began to roll up her sleeves and held her hand out in front of Xu Shujian’s face. "It's simple. I'll say 'The Peacocks Fly Southeast,' and then I'll point in a direction. You have to turn your head. If you turn in the same direction I’m pointing, you lose, and you get to slap me."

"Slap where?"

"My face!"

"The stakes are that high?"

"Just tell me if you dare!"

Xu Shujian began to roll up his sleeves, too. "Bring it on!"

"You go first."

Xu Shujian instinctively wanted to let her go first, but after a moment of thought, he decided not to be coy. Did she really think he wouldn't dare? Xu Shujian held his hand out, palm facing forward, directly in front of Song Yue’s face. "Here I go—Peacocks... fly... Southeast!"

The next second, Xu Shujian’s eyes widened. He had pointed to the left, and Song Yue had turned her head to the left as well!

"Slap!"

Xu Shujian really did slap her, though it wasn't with much force, it still made a distinct sound.

Song Yue glared at him. "I don't accept this! Again!"

"Peacocks fly... Southeast!"

"Slap!"

"Again!"

"Peacocks fly... Black! Foul, I didn't say fly!"

"Childish!"

Xu Shujian rubbed his hands, beaming with a smile. Damn, Song Yue was worth at least a hundred million, and she was a great beauty—slapping her like this really felt satisfying!