Love and Desire in the Sea [Complete] - 19

Love and Desire (132)

Chapter 130

Zhang Lei's mind went blank upon hearing this. He sprang up from his chair, sitting upright, staring blankly at Liu Yan. His lips trembled as he asked, "What...what did you say? The child...the child isn't mine? Then who did you have this child with?" Liu Yan said, "I don't know whose child it is." Zhang Lei's eyes widened, and he frowned as he looked at her, asking,

"What did you say? The child...you don't know whose child it is?"

Liu Yan felt a little flustered. She didn't know if the lies she had prepared the night before would convince Zhang Lei. But she had to say it.

Liu Yan tried her best to calm herself down and said, "I didn't know. Let me explain. As you know, our country has already implemented artificial insemination using frozen semen and sperm washing. It's because I was afraid my child would end up like you that I had artificial insemination done. This child was conceived through artificial insemination. As for where I did it, the reason for it, and who did it, I think you don't need to ask. You should trust that I have the ability. Ruhan's father is a scientist, but I don't know exactly who he is. The donor of sperm is confidential. Do you know why I named my child Ruhan? It means refined and cultured. It's also because I know this child is the descendant of a scientist that I chose this name. I don't want my child to be as promiscuous and uncultured as you. Do you understand now?"

After Liu Yan finished speaking, her heart was pounding wildly. She didn't know what Zhang Lei was thinking at this moment. But she had heard Zhang Lei mention it before, and she had also seen in the newspaper that the country had made breakthroughs in artificial insemination. What makes Liu Yan feel guilty now is that she doesn't know whether artificial insemination has actually begun clinical application, and she believes Zhang Lei wouldn't know the details either. Liu Yan's current thought is that it's best to say it out loud, to make Zhang Lei understand and believe that Ru Han is not his son, so that he will no longer harbor any illusions about Ru Han after the divorce.

These past two days, she's been uneasy thinking about Zhang Lei wanting to talk about the child. She's afraid to reveal the lie she's prepared, but now she has to. If she doesn't, she's afraid Zhang Lei will insist on having the child, and if that happens, she might have to give up the divorce for the sake of the child, which would be even more painful. She doesn't know how Zhang Lei will react after hearing her lies; she's even very afraid something bad might happen. She doesn't know if Zhang Lei will still insist on having the child after hearing her fabricated story. But she thinks that if she clearly tells him that Ru Han is not his child, he probably won't insist.

Zhang Lei stared at Liu Yan blankly for a long time, then suddenly laughed and said, "Liu Yan, even if you don't want to give me the child, there's no need to make up such a story! It's unnecessary! I can give up the child, but you can't deny that the child is mine. Your story is too far-fetched."

Liu Yan pretended to be calm and said, "I have no reason to lie to you. Because I never loved you, and I had to marry you, I won't have your child. You should know that I went back to my old unit before we got married, right? Do you know what I went there for? I made arrangements to do this. But I didn't do it there, and they hadn't started doing this business there yet. As for where I did it, don't ask anymore, and I won't tell you. Just understand that it's not your child. I spent all the money you gave me on this." "I'll pay you back this money after our divorce. Do you understand now? If you still don't believe me, you can get a paternity test done with Ru Han. If it proves the child is yours, I won't take it even if you give it to me. Before I got pregnant with this child, I was always taking birth control pills when we were together. I lied to you when I told you I wasn't, because I didn't want your child. You can't blame me for this; you forced me to marry you, you forced me to do this. I decided I wouldn't have your child when we married. I remember telling you before we got married that you could have my body, but you could never have my heart, and I wouldn't give my heart to a man I didn't love."

Zhang Lei's body began to tremble, his face pale, staring blankly at Liu Yan, his lips trembling as he couldn't speak for a while. After a long while, he said, "Liu Yan, I can also assume that you had this child with another man."

Liu Yan's heart pounded, but her face remained calm. She said, "You can think that way too, but the child is definitely not yours. You understand that the child isn't yours."

Zhang Lei's facial muscles twitched violently. He pulled a cigarette from his pocket, lit it with trembling hands, and puffed on it deeply. The cigarette burned out in a few quick drags, and he pulled out another and lit it. At that moment, Zhang Lei felt a sense of being mocked and insulted, a surge of uncontrollable anger rising within him. He glared at Liu Yan several times, opening his mouth but unable to utter a word. After lighting a third cigarette with trembling hands and taking two deep drags, Zhang Lei looked up and said, "Liu Yan, I don't believe in any of that damn artificial insemination. Just tell me who this child is with!"

In the silence of Zhang Lei's smoking, Liu Yan felt a growing sense of dread. She didn't know what Zhang Lei would do next. For a moment, she regretted telling the lie. If Zhang Lei hadn't insisted on having the child, she wouldn't have planned to tell him this lie so soon, but his insistence had thrown her into a panic. What's done is done; now she had no choice but to face it. After a while, she thought to herself, "It's better to say it sooner rather than later. It's inevitable, and there's no other way. Otherwise, no matter how old Ruhan gets, Zhang Lei will still think Ruhan is his own flesh and blood."

She didn't want Zhang Lei to continue believing Ruhan was a member of the Zhang family. Now that they were divorced, Ruhan, who had no further connection with Zhang Lei, couldn't be allowed to be thought about or worried about by him.

Only by making him give up on that idea could Ruhan and she live in peace. Even if Zhang Lei was willing to do a paternity test, she would take Ruhan with him. She had to prove to Zhang Lei that Ruhan wasn't his child.

She had considered what kind of abnormal emotions Zhang Lei would have after hearing that Ruhan wasn't his child, and even what he might do that was out of control. She had panicked, but she thought that it was something she would have to face sooner or later. Even if she didn't say it now, one day after the divorce, if Zhang Lei still believed Ruhan was his child, there would be a day when it would be revealed. Wouldn't she have to face that then too? If that were the case, it was better to come out with it all at once, so she wouldn't have to live in fear after the divorce. Let it come! As long as I can be with Ruhan, I have nothing to fear!

Hearing Zhang Lei's question, she said, "Zhang Lei, you may not believe me when I say Ruhan is an artificially conceived child, but it is true. You can also think I had this child with someone else, and I can't stop you from thinking that way. However, I won't tell you where the artificial insemination was done. Even if, as you think, I had this child with someone else, I can't tell you who it was with. I made up my mind when I did this; everything is my business, Liu Yan's business, and has nothing to do with anyone else. If you want to do anything, come at me; I'm ready. Don't try to pressure me with anything; I'm not Wu Min, and I'm not afraid of you. You can tell others that Ruhan was born from a relationship with another man, but I think if you say that, not only will I lose face, but you won't look good either. If people say that Liu Yan married you but didn't want to have your child, I'm afraid..." "You'll be laughed at too. With your status as the son of a high-ranking official and your family background, being gossiped about in private isn't something to be proud of. Besides, at that point, I'll have to tell you how you got me and what you did with Wu Min. I don't care about anything; since I'm planning to divorce you, I won't care about anything else. But if you insist on doing something, I can't stop you, and then it'll just be a lose-lose situation. I don't want that; it won't benefit anyone. Of course, you can do whatever you want, and I'll play along."

After Liu Yan finished speaking, Zhang Lei glared at her with angry eyes, threw his cigarette butt on the ground, and said to her, "Liu Yan, you're so vicious; Liu Yan, now I finally know what 'the most poisonous heart is a woman's' means; Liu Yan, now I realize how stupid I was to marry you. You're ruthless, Liu Yan!" With that, he stood up abruptly, laughed loudly a few times, and strode away.

After Zhang Lei spoke these words only after a short pause, Liu Yan laughed a few times, and left without offering any further explanation. Her mind went blank, filled with confusion. She stood there stunned for a while, then felt a surge of panic, her body beginning to tremble. An ominous feeling instantly enveloped her.

"What did he mean? What did he want? Why did he laugh and leave? What will he do next? Why didn't he say anything after I said so much? Will he lose his mind? He…" In an instant, many questions flashed through Liu Yan's mind. Each question filled her with unease and fear.

A sudden thought almost made her faint. At that moment, she was terrified to the extreme; her heart seemed to stop beating, her face turned pale, her body went cold, and her hands and feet trembled. "My child, my child! Will Zhang Lei go home and take my child away? Will he hurt my child!" Maternal love overwhelmed Liu Yan at that moment; Ru Han was her life!

Liu Yan jumped to her feet, rushed to the projector, grabbed the phone, and called the nanny's address. During the brief wait, Liu Yan felt as if she couldn't stand, her legs trembling, and time seemed to drag on endlessly. The nanny finally answered, and Liu Yan, her voice trembling, told her, "From now on, don't open the door for anyone who rings our doorbell." The nanny panicked and hurriedly asked what was wrong. Liu Yan said, "Nothing's wrong. Just do as I say, wait for me at home, I'll be right home." The nanny agreed.

Liu Yan hung up and hurried downstairs and out of the auditorium.

Zhang Lei quickly walked out of the auditorium, hesitated for a moment in front of the club building, thought for a moment, and then went upstairs. He no longer had any concerns about seeing Wu Min; he wanted to tell Wu Min what Liu Yan had told him. But as he went upstairs, he changed his mind, thinking to himself that it was best not to let anyone know that Liu Yan had mentioned Ru Han wasn't his child.

Zhang Lei told Wu Min that Liu Yan was adamant about not handing the child over to the Zhang family.

Zhang Lei entered Wu Min's office, startling her. She quickly stood up, staring blankly at Zhang Lei, speechless. Zhang Lei and Wu Min exchanged a glance, then Zhang Lei turned to Wang Jingjing and said, "I need to talk to Wu Min about something. Could you please excuse me?" Wang Jingjing agreed, glanced at Wu Min, and left.

Zhang Lei sat down at Wang Jingjing's desk, took out a cigarette, and lit it. Wu Min, regaining her composure, sat down and asked in a panic, "Why did you come here?" Zhang Lei said, "What's there to be afraid of? Who does Liu Yan think she is!" Hearing this, Wu Min knew their conversation had broken down, and she panicked instantly.

When Liu Yan called earlier to ask for the hall door to be opened, Wu Min had already suspected Zhang Lei was there, and that Liu Yan wanted to discuss the divorce with him. After Wang Jingjing opened the hall door and returned to her office, Wu Min asked her again. Wang Jingjing said Zhang Lei was in Liu Yan's office.

During Zhang Lei and Liu Yan's conversation, Wu Min was in a state of turmoil. She didn't know the atmosphere of their conversation, whether it would break down, and what she feared most was that it would. Liu Yan might, in a moment of irrationality, reveal her affair with Zhang Lei to everyone, ultimately harming Wu Min.

For a moment, she regretted suggesting to Zhang Lei yesterday that he have the child. She knew he was considering divorce, and now, if he asked Liu Yan for the child, that would be best. But if Liu Yan didn't accept it, it could backfire, and things might escalate. Thinking about this terrified her.

She desperately wanted to know the outcome of Zhang Lei and Liu Yan's conversation, but she didn't know if Zhang Lei would even call her afterward. To her utter surprise, Zhang Lei came to her office at that moment.

Wu Min asked hurriedly, "What did Liu Yan say?" Zhang Lei took a deep drag on his cigarette, exhaling two puffs of smoke from his nostrils, and said, "She insists on a divorce. Talking about the child is useless." Wu Min asked, "What did she say?" Zhang Lei said impatiently, "Anyway, she just won't agree and is determined to divorce." Wu Min thought for a moment and said, "I think you should just leave it at that. I underestimated Liu Yan yesterday. She's not an ordinary person; she won't fall for this, she won't give in so easily." At this moment, Zhang Lei thought of what Liu Yan had said about the child, and a surge of anger rose in his heart. He said, "She won't fall for this, and neither will I. I won't let her have it easy."

Wu Min's heart trembled. She thought to herself, "I can't let Zhang Lei act impulsively like this. If he does, they might not suffer much, but my misfortune will come quickly." Regardless of whether she and Zhang Lei would continue this relationship after they went to Guangzhou, it was most important to put out the fire in front of her. She hurriedly said, "Zhang Lei, you must calm down. Since Liu Yan is determined, if you can't scare her with the child, then nothing can. I think you should just let it go and get a divorce. There's no point in maintaining this marriage. How long can you wait before you remarry? There are plenty of women prettier and more virtuous than her; you can choose whatever you want. You say you don't want her to be happy, but if you make a scene, nothing will be good. Neither your family nor hers are ordinary families. If you do something impulsive, both your parents will suffer. You must handle this calmly."

After listening to Wu Min's words, Zhang Lei gradually calmed down. He thought to himself, "Yes, if I really do something, Liu Yan will retaliate accordingly. That might escalate the situation, and it might cause a long period of unrest for me, Liu Yan, and both families. It might even lead to bigger problems." He thought, "Forget it, let her do what she wants, let whoever has the child, I won't cause any more trouble." Just as Wu Min said, after divorcing Liu Yan, he would soon have another woman of his own, and they would have a child. Thinking of this, he stood up and said, "Damn it, divorce her! I'll go divorce her this afternoon." He turned and left.

Downstairs, he saw Liu Yan hurrying towards him, stopped, and stared blankly at her. Liu Yan looked up sharply, saw Zhang Lei, paused for a moment, then walked towards him. She stopped close, her eyes fixed on Zhang Lei. Zhang Lei looked at her coldly and said, "Go to the Civil Affairs Bureau this afternoon to process the divorce." He started to walk away, then added, "Don't think you're so high and mighty. You don't care about me, and I won't care about you either. Even if you gave me that bastard child, I wouldn't want him. You can keep him and raise him to be a scientist. I don't need to do a paternity test with that bastard. I believe you can do anything you want. You can give birth to a child like this, what else can't you do? Fine, see you at the Civil Affairs Bureau this afternoon." With that, he turned and strode away.

After Zhang Lei left, Liu Yan suddenly felt a sense of relief she had never experienced before. From Zhang Lei's words, Liu Yan knew that nothing bad would happen. A wave of relief washed over her. She watched Zhang Lei's departing figure, then went upstairs.

Entering her office, she stood for a moment, let out a long sigh, hurried to her desk, picked up the phone, and called home. She told the housekeeper that she wouldn't be coming home for the time being, and that her earlier instruction not to open the door to anyone was no longer necessary. She also instructed the housekeeper not to tell anyone about what had happened on the phone.

Putting down the phone, she sat in her chair, feeling utterly exhausted. After a while, she calmed down and thought, "She finally said what I was most worried about, and what I feared most won't happen. Zhang Lei is finally willing to go through with the divorce proceedings this afternoon. Now it seems Zhang Lei believed the lies she had told him."

At this moment, she was also very worried. She was afraid that Zhang Lei would reveal that Ruhan was conceived through artificial insemination. She didn't care about herself, but she was worried about the impact on the child.

After thinking for a while, she said to herself, "There's nothing to worry about. Even if Zhang Lei says it, having a child through artificial insemination isn't shameful, after all, it's my own flesh and blood." She comforted herself, saying, "Based on what I've known about Zhang Lei over the past year or two, perhaps he won't say it. He has to consider what I said. Although Zhang Lei's womanizing is a flaw, he can still be considerate in some matters. He's not that despicable in his actions. Overall, he can still maintain that kind of magnanimity." But despite these thoughts, she was still flustered.

Shaking her head, she thought to herself, "This is all I can do now. I can't tell Zhang Lei not to reveal that Ruhan was conceived through artificial insemination, and even if I did, he probably wouldn't listen. Let him do what he wants. I'll go to the Civil Affairs Bureau this afternoon and get a divorce first.

" Then she thought of Zhang Lei's words about Ruhan being a bastard, and her heart trembled violently, a tremor that felt like her heart was bleeding. For a moment, she firmly said to herself, "No, Ruhan isn't a bastard. He's not. He's the child of me and the man I love most, and he will be a very good child. Zhang Lei saying that only shows you've broken down. You schemed so hard to get me, but in the end, you got nothing. You're the most pitiful one."

Actually, Liu Yan's earlier thoughts were understandable, but also unfounded. Zhang Lei wouldn't reveal that the child was conceived through artificial insemination or that Liu Yan had an affair. Although he was angry that Liu Yan had done such a thing, he also felt it was something very shameful about him. The prospect of this child not being his own would likely draw even more gossip than his divorce from Liu Yan. The gossip would be varied and numerous, with the most common claims being that Zhang Lei was infertile, forcing Liu Yan to undergo artificial insemination. Others would mock Zhang Lei, saying that after a year or two of marriage, he had nothing to show for it, having a son who wasn't even a member of the Zhang family, and that Zhang Lei had been cuckolded. Regardless of the rumors, it would be incredibly embarrassing for Zhang Lei, a high-ranking official's son who always appeared privileged.

He still suspected that Liu Yan's claim that Ru Han was conceived through artificial insemination seemed far-fetched. But judging from Liu Yan's expression and words just now, it was highly likely that Ru Han wasn't his child; otherwise, Liu Yan wouldn't have so confidently demanded a paternity test. Therefore, Ru Han might have been conceived through artificial insemination or through an affair with another man. In that case, what would be the point of a paternity test? If he truly angered Liu Yan, she might reveal his affair with Wu Min. "Forget it," Zhang Lei thought, "no matter whose child Ru Han is, Liu Yan will insist on a divorce. I never planned to have the child anyway. Since using the child to blackmail Liu Yan won't work, why continue this charade?"

Back home, Zhang Lei went to his room, still deep in thought. If Liu Yan was forced to reveal his affair with Wu Min, his parents would be unable to accept or tolerate it. Just as Liu Yan said, Wu Min's fate would be tragic. He was the reason Liu Yan divorced him, and it would be incredibly shameful to be talked about like this. If he then revealed that Ru Han wasn't Zhang's child, but rather the result of artificial insemination or another man's child, both sets of parents would likely be unable to bear it. As Wu Min said, things would really escalate then. Given their respective family positions, this could become a laughingstock throughout the entire army. For two families like theirs to encounter such a situation, having others know that Ru Han wasn't Zhang's child, but rather the result of artificial insemination or another man's child, would be extremely shameful. Both sets of parents would be ashamed, and he himself would be even more humiliated, unable to live in peace. Wu Min is right, there's no need for that. He won't be unable to find another woman; once he's divorced, someone else will be willing to enter the Zhang family. Even a woman prettier than Liu Yan, Zhang Lei can find someone.

Since Liu Yan has already made up her mind to divorce him, he might as well just go for it. Judging from Liu Yan's attitude, there's no room for negotiation. Liu Yan has said to his face that she has never loved him, and he has felt that over the past year. Why continue such a loveless marriage? He believes that any woman he marries will have feelings for him, so why maintain this pointless marriage with Liu Yan? Marrying a woman who doesn't love him is truly tragic.

Just as Liu Yan said, once he divorces her, he will quickly find a very beautiful young woman, and he is very confident of that. Of course, this person will not be Wu Min. Wu Min's status is absolutely unworthy of him. Fine, let's divorce then. What's meant to end, let's end it. The child wasn't his, and Liu Yan didn't love him. Thinking about his marriage with Liu Yan, he felt it was pathetic, and he secretly blamed himself for using that method to get Liu Yan.

But he still doubted, and couldn't even accept, the fact that Ru Han wasn't his biological child...

Love and Desire (133)

Chapter 131

In the afternoon, when Liu Yan and Zhang Lei met at the entrance of the Civil Affairs Bureau, Zhang Lei asked Liu Yan, "Are you really made up your mind?" Liu Yan said, "I made it very clear to you this morning."

Zhang Lei asked, "Don't you want to reconsider?" Liu Yan said, "I've thought it through very thoroughly. I think you don't want to continue a marriage without love."

Zhang Lei nodded, then shook his head helplessly and said, "Since that's the case, I have nothing more to say. But there's something I want to ask you one last time." Liu Yan was startled and asked, "Is it still about Ru Han?" Zhang Lei stared intently into Liu Yan's eyes and said, "Yes, I still want to ask, about this child Ru Han..." "Is it really not mine?" He paused, then continued, "Don't worry, whether Ruhan is mine or not, I won't fight you for it."

Liu Yan frowned at him, somewhat impatient, and said, "Zhang Lei, I don't need to make up this lie. I'm not that bored. I won't say it's not your Zhang family descendant, even if we divorce, I can't deny the facts." Zhang Lei looked at Liu Yan intently for a moment, sighed, and said, "Forget it, I don't want to delve into whether Ruhan is from artificial insemination or someone else's child, but I don't want you to tell others that this child isn't from my Zhang family."

Liu Yan was somewhat surprised by these words, but also instantly felt overjoyed. Looking at him, she asked, "What...what do you mean?" Zhang Lei said, "I can't bear the shame. I don't want to be married to you for so long and still have people saying I'm incapable of having children or that I've been cheated on. I still have doubts about whether Ruhan was conceived through artificial insemination or was born to you and someone else, and I don't want to find out anymore. But I also don't want people to laugh at me for marrying a wife who has never loved or cared for me, and who isn't even willing to have children with me. Even if we get divorced, I don't want people to say that the child isn't mine. In the future, if anyone asks about our divorce, I hope you and I will both say it's due to irreconcilable differences. I don't want people gossiping about me."

Liu Yan felt a surge of joy. She never expected Zhang Lei to think this way. She thought to herself, how could she not have considered Zhang Lei's vanity? Before Liu Yan could speak, head bowed in thought, Zhang Lei said, "Neither of us wants others to say that Xiao Ruhan isn't my child, right? I understand that you're saying this because you want me to divorce you and not have the child. I'll grant your wish."

Liu Yan suppressed her joy, but still wanted Zhang Lei to completely believe that Ruhan wasn't his child, saying, "Zhang Lei, Ruhan really isn't your child. Otherwise, you should get a paternity test."

Hearing Liu Yan say this again, Zhang Lei felt a sharp pain in his heart, as if stabbed by a knife. At that moment, he was convinced that Ruhan wasn't his child. His face contorted with pain, and he sighed softly, saying: "Forget it, there's no need for that anymore. Whether it is or not, I won't want it. You can believe I'll have my own child soon. Thinking about it now, it's fortunate that you caught me and Wu Min, and fortunate that you filed for divorce. Otherwise, if Ru Han really wasn't my child, I might never have known. If I had known earlier that Ru Han wasn't Zhang Lei's child, even if you, Liu Yan, hadn't filed for divorce, I would have filed for divorce anyway. Liu Yan, you've been very ruthless in this matter, and I don't want to say anything. I can only admire you. It's my fault for being so determined to like you back then; I'm the stupidest person in the world. Don't talk about Ru Han anymore, I just hope you won't tell anyone else." As he spoke, his eyes reddened.

Seeing the sorrowful and painful expression on his face, Liu Yan felt a pang of unease. Composing herself, she said, "I understand what you mean. Originally, I wanted to tell my parents after they found out about our divorce, but now I think what you said makes sense. I won't tell anyone about this." Zhang Lei nodded and said, "Thank you." Liu Yan looked at him without saying anything.

Zhang Lei said, "There's something else I want to say, and that's about Wu Min. No matter what Wu Min has done to wrong you, I don't want you to make things difficult for her. After all, she did it all for me, and everything she did was to please me. I think you understand that. I don't want you to make things too difficult for her. I know you'll definitely hate her, and it would be easy for you to make things difficult for her, but it's not easy for a girl from the countryside like her, is it?"

Liu Yan thought, "I really want to punish Wu Min properly. No matter what, she was involved in my losing my virginity to Zhang Lei. At that time, I admired and cared for her. I never imagined that I would have to break up with the man I loved most, and that I would lose it all because of Wu Min and Zhang Lei's scheme. This was my life's happiness! How could you know the feelings I had for Ouyang Yiming?

How could you know the pain Ouyang Yiming felt after learning I had to marry Zhang Lei? We suffered undeserved pain because of the trap you deliberately dug. How could I not hate you, Zhang Lei? How could I not hate you, Wu Min? I can't do anything to you, Zhang Lei, but getting Wu Min out of the army wouldn't be difficult.

But thinking about Zhang Lei's words, I also feel that Wu Min is truly pathetic. Everything she did was to please Zhang Lei and protect herself. To a certain extent, she is also pitiful."

"Fine, as long as you, Zhang Lei, divorce me quickly, and as long as you stop insisting on having the child, you can take care of Wu Min however you want, and you two can do whatever you want. We can stay far apart from each other, out of sight

, out of mind, and it won't concern me anymore." Liu Yan said, "Zhang Lei, as long as you don't make things difficult for me in the divorce, I won't reveal your affair with Wu Min. It wouldn't be good for your reputation if it got out. I'm only being lenient with Wu Min out of respect for you. But there's no room for negotiation in our divorce. As long as you get a clean break, I don't want to talk about Wu Min anymore. But I want you to transfer Wu Min to another place as soon as possible. We're both uncomfortable being together, and I think her life is even harder." Zhang Lei said, "I understand, I'll take care of it immediately. Don't make things difficult for her until then." Liu Yan said, "I won't. But she doesn't have to come to work. She can take leave." Zhang Lei nodded.

He entered the divorce mediation room and explained his purpose to a woman around forty years old. The woman first asked them to show their personal identification and marriage certificate. After looking at them, she said, "Where's your work unit certificate?"

Liu Yan asked, "Do we need a work unit certificate for this?" The woman said, "There are special regulations for divorces between two military personnel. If you military personnel apply for a divorce, you must obtain the consent and a certificate from the political department at the regimental level or above of your unit before you can go to our local marriage registration office to process the divorce." Zhang Lei asked, "Can't we do it without one?" The woman smiled and said, "No, your unit needs to mediate and issue a certificate."

Zhang Lei turned to look at Liu Yan, who was sitting there with her brows furrowed and head down, and said to the woman, "Okay then, let's go get the certificate." Liu Yan turned to look at him. The woman said, "You two need to think this over very seriously. Divorce is not a game." Zhang Lei said, "We've already thought it through." The woman said, "You also need to think carefully about the division of family property." Zhang Lei said, "That's no problem."

The woman asked, "What's the reason you insist on divorcing?" Zhang Lei said, "Incompatibility." Seeing that Liu Yan remained silent, the woman looked at Zhang Lei and said, "I think it's your problem! Young man, your girlfriend is good; you must think it through."

Zhang Lei looked at Liu Yan, then turned back to the woman and said, "Let's not talk about any of that; we both agree." Seeing that Liu Yan remained silent, the woman asked, "You're willing too?"

Liu Yan said, "I'm willing." The woman looked at Liu Yan and said, "Okay, go back to your workplaces and get the necessary documents." Zhang Lei and Liu Yan thanked the woman and left.

As they walked, Zhang Lei said, "I'll take care of the documents; don't worry about it. I'll let you know when they're ready." Liu Yan nodded. Zhang Lei said, "Even if we get divorced, I don't want us to be enemies, and I certainly don't want to affect the years of friendship between the two old men." Hearing this, Liu Yan felt a surge of gratitude towards Zhang Lei and said, "I hope so too. I think both families are reasonable people. Even if they find out later, we can explain things carefully to them, and it won't sever their decades-long relationship." She thought to herself that Zhang Lei sometimes did things that were very manly. Zhang Lei nodded and said, "I hope so." As

they left the courtyard, Zhang Lei asked, "Did you also come by taxi?" Liu Yan said, "Yes." Zhang Lei said, "Me too. I don't want anyone to know about this right now, and I haven't asked the taxi company for a car." Liu Yan said, "I don't plan to make this public for the time being either." Zhang Lei said, "Let's take a taxi back later." Liu Yan thought for a moment and nodded, "That's fine." After walking a few steps, Zhang Lei said, "Can we walk a bit first and talk?" Liu Yan looked at him and nodded.

The two walked on the sidewalk. Liu Yan asked, "Zhang Lei, do you hate me?" Zhang Lei said, "I've thought it through. Since you don't care about me, and now I know the child isn't mine, there's no point in being together." Liu Yan said, "Our marriage was a mistake from the start." Zhang Lei nodded and said, "Now that I think about it, that's true too." After walking a few steps silently, Liu Yan thought about her separation from Ouyang Yiming, and her heart ached. She composed herself and asked, "I just don't understand why you and Wu Min used such methods to harm me."

Zhang Lei blushed and said, "Liu Yan, I don't want to explain anything now. As for you, I..." "It was true love. I admit I've been with many women, but none of them made me feel the same way about you. During that time, I always felt you weren't interested in me, but I desperately wanted you, so I came up with that idea. It was my idea, and I had Wu Min do it. I can't wrong Wu Min; she did try to dissuade me, but I was blinded by passion then, always wanting you, my mind filled with thoughts of you. So… I hope you don't blame me."

Liu Yan felt a pang of sorrow, thinking to herself, "How could I not blame you? You made me lose the person I loved most, you ruined my life's happiness! How could I not blame you!" But at that moment, she didn't want to say any of this. What good would it do? Suddenly, she wanted to clarify something, so she asked, "Zhang Lei, before we got married, I asked you if you would really tell me I lost my virginity to you if I married someone else. Do you remember what you said back then?" Zhang Lei thought for a moment and said, "I remember." Liu Yan asked, "If I really didn't marry you back then and married someone else, would you interfere in my life? Would you really tell anyone?" Zhang Lei asked, "Back then, I said I might tell, right?" Liu Yan said, "Yes, you said back then that if I got together with someone else, who knows what you would do. You even said you could do anything. Zhang Lei, did you really think that way back then?"

Zhang Lei smiled bitterly, shook his head, and said, "Liu Yan, I care about you very much, I love you. But, if you really fell in love with someone else and married them, I wouldn't do that. I still remember you calling me despicable back then. To be honest, I wouldn't do something like that, something only a petty person would do. After all, I'm from a military family!"

Liu Yan froze, stopping in her tracks. "Then why did you say that back then?" she asked. Zhang Lei replied, "I knew you didn't want to accept me then. But you also know that your mother and my mother were determined to make us a couple. The elders' wishes are naturally for our own good. I only said those words because I heard what your mother said."

Liu Yan's heart pounded. "My mother?" she asked. Zhang Lei looked at her and said, "I'll tell you the situation then. I know what your mother was thinking. She felt that since we had a relationship, both our families knew about it, and it would be difficult for us to be together. Our families were also quite similar, so she thought it was the most suitable and perfect ending for us to be together. I think your mother was doing it for your own good. I won't hide it from you; your mother told me beforehand that I said those words in your office."

After hearing this, Liu Yan felt dizzy and her vision blurred. Large tears streamed down her face instantly. She asked in disbelief, "This...this was all planned by my mother and you all?"

Zhang Lei looked at her and said, "You don't need to blame your mother now. Her feelings are understandable."

At that moment, Liu Yan felt a deep sorrow and grief. She wanted to cry out loud. She never imagined her mother would treat her like this, never imagined her mother would instruct Zhang Lei to say such things. Although she knew her mother wanted her to marry Zhang Lei, she never expected her mother to do something like this.

Seeing her pale face, Zhang Lei asked, "Are you alright?" Liu Yan shook her head and said, "I'm fine." Zhang Lei said, "Don't blame your mother and my mother. As elders, they always want the best for their children. Although your mother did it intentionally, it was for your sake." Liu Yan felt sad. This was what elders meant by "good" for their children!

The two walked in silence for a while. Zhang Lei said, "In a few days, after we complete the formalities, we'll go back to Guangzhou and transfer Wu Min there too. Think about how you want to divide the family property these days. These things will probably need to be written in the divorce agreement." Liu Yan said, "I don't want anything. I only want to take Ru Han." Zhang Lei said, "Take whatever you want from the house." Liu Yan said, "We don't want the elders to know right now. I can't take the things my parents gave me when I got married, so forget it."

Zhang Lei lowered his head and thought for a moment, then said, "The three-bedroom apartment that my workplace allocated has never been lived in. Everything is there. If you don't want to go back to your mother's house, or if you think it's too far to work, you and Ru Han can live there together. My mother's..." "I won't tell her about our divorce right now. I'll persuade her to move to Guangzhou after a while; Dad thinks so too. I'll talk to the elders about the divorce slowly when I have the chance. After our family moves to Guangzhou, we might not see each other anymore. I just hope we don't become enemies, and I hope you find a husband you love soon."

Liu Yan said, "Thank you. My biggest hope right now is to raise Ruhan well; I won't think about personal matters right now. I do hope you find a woman who loves you very much soon. I wish you happiness." Zhang Lei said, "You still need to think about your own affairs." Liu Yan said, "I will! I'll consider this later." After

walking silently for a while, Zhang Lei said, "Liu Yan, I want to ask you for a favor." Liu Yan looked up at him. Zhang Lei said, "I'm thinking of going to Guangzhou in a couple of days. Could you visit my mother if you have time?" Liu Yan didn't say anything. Zhang Lei said, "I'll go to Guangzhou and talk to Dad again, and ask Mom to transfer there as soon as possible. Otherwise, she won't be able to bear being alone at home and knowing about our divorce. I don't ask you to visit her often, just take the kids there when you have time. I'll take care of these things quickly. Please." Large tears streamed down his face as he spoke. Liu Yan felt a pang of sadness and nodded, saying, "Okay then." She turned and saw a taxi approaching, so she flagged it down and said to Zhang Lei, "Go home." Zhang Lei nodded.

Back home, Liu Yan thought about how her mother had schemed so hard to get her to marry Zhang Lei. She realized that all her mother's words were simply a ploy to get her to marry Zhang Lei; she hadn't truly liked Ouyang Yiming's family background. She silently blamed her mother repeatedly in her heart. After thinking for a long time, he said to himself, "It's all in the past. Whatever Mom's motives were, she would never have wanted to harm me. Forget it, let's not bring it up again." He said this in his heart, but deep down he couldn't help blaming his mother; this dark cloud might never be erased.

A week later, Zhang Lei and Liu Yan went to the Civil Affairs Bureau to complete their divorce procedures. That day, when she returned home, went upstairs to her room, sat on the edge of the bed, and took the green divorce certificate from her pocket, holding it in her hands as she looked at it. Large tears streamed down her face as she thought, "Yiming, I'm free now. I'm no longer anyone's wife, but I can never have you again. No one will take our son, Ruhan, from me anymore. His guardian is now me, Liu Yan. I will raise him well, I will nurture him into a successful person like you."

"Yiming, do you still think of me sometimes? Do you still remember the time we spent together? Do you still remember the last time I saw you, the time I made you remember my body? Now my body and my heart no longer belong to that man. My heart is yours, and will always be yours. My body is mine now too."

"Yiming, your child and I will definitely let you see us in this lifetime, I will definitely let you know. Yiming, losing you is the greatest pain of my life. But I have no way to change this now. I only wish you and Xu Hui happiness, and I only hope that Xu Hui can love you as much as I do..."

As she thought this, Ouyang Yiming's image became exceptionally clear before her eyes. She felt she could no longer control her emotions. Finally, she cried out, "Yiming, I miss you, I miss you so much!" and turned to throw herself onto the bed, sobbing uncontrollably... Ten days later, Wu Min received orders to go to Guangzhou. The day before she left, the club's soldiers saw her off. Wu Min cried at the dinner table, crying bitterly. Everyone thought Wu Min was crying because she couldn't bear to leave them, and everyone shed tears along with her. Only Wu Min knew why she was crying.

The following afternoon, Wu Min was to board the train to Guangzhou. Before leaving, after much deliberation, she went to Liu Yan's office. She entered, closed the door, and went to Liu Yan's desk. Tears streamed down her face as she looked at Liu Yan, who was sitting there with her head bowed, pretending not to see her. She said, "Director Liu, I'm so sorry. Just treat me like a dog. I don't even consider myself human anymore. Director Liu, no matter what, you will always be my benefactor in my heart. I will be grateful for your care for the rest of my life. I only wish you happiness, and I wish you and Ru Han all the best. I don't ask for your forgiveness; I know it's impossible for you to forgive me. Take care!" After saying this, she bowed deeply to Liu Yan and turned to leave.

After Wu Min left, Liu Yan stared blankly at the closed door, a wave of sorrow washing over her. She thought to herself, "Wu Min, I hope you can live like a human being from now on.

Don't be so pathetic anymore..." A month later, Zhang Lei's mother was also transferred to Guangzhou. On the day she left, Liu Yan and Director Qin went to see her off.

After that, Liu Yan sometimes went back to her mother's place to stay, and sometimes she lived with her child and nanny in the house she had been allocated when she married Zhang Lei. The

time between Liu Yan and Zhang Lei's divorce was also the time when Ouyang Yiming's sugar syrup experiment was reaching its final stage. In late May, after a whole night of waiting and repeatedly adjusting the evaporation temperature of the secondary vacuum concentration, as well as the temperature and time of crystallization cooling, Ouyang Yiming finally got the white sugar paste when he opened the crystallizer at dawn. At that moment, the young men who hadn't slept all night were overjoyed, hugging each other tightly and cheering, tears streaming down their faces. Success! Finally, success! Ouyang Yiming's hands were covered in the damp, white sugar paste, and he would occasionally pick up some and taste it. Tears streamed down his face. In his mind, he thought, "Professor Cheng, I succeeded! I've cracked the problem you entrusted to me. I haven't let you down. Xu Hui, do you know? Do you know I've succeeded in the experiment? Aren't you happy?" After calming down, he instructed his assistants, "Quickly centrifuge and dry it, then test the purity. Judging from this crystallized sugar paste, its purity should be higher than the imported samples we bought." The two assistants agreed. Ouyang Yiming glanced at his watch and said, "It's already past 3 a.m., shouldn't you two take a rest?" The two assistants said, "Who can sleep now!" Ouyang Yiming smiled and said, "Yes, even in bed, I'll be thinking about this treasure. Let's hurry up and do it; we'll have the results by dawn." At 6 a.m., the dried sugar sample was ready. Ouyang Yiming personally tested the components, and to his surprise, the finished product had a purity 5% higher than the imported sugar sample. At that moment, Ouyang Yiming and his two assistants were overjoyed again. Ouyang Yiming held the finished product, packaged in a plastic experimental bag, in trembling hands as if it were a precious treasure, gazing at it for a long time. His joy and excitement were indescribable. After a while, Ouyang Yiming said to his two assistants standing beside him, their faces beaming with sweet happiness and success, "Alright, you two go to my room and rest for a while. We'll report the good news to Mayor Tang and Dean Wang after we get to work." The two assistants looked at each other, then at Ouyang Yiming, and said, "Engineer Ou, how can you possibly sleep now?" Ouyang Yiming asked, "Really can't sleep?" The two assistants nodded. Ouyang Yiming said, "Okay, lock the door, let's go for a run in the back yard." The two assistants smiled and agreed.

The three ran downstairs to the backyard. The machinery workshop was almost complete, and the framework of the biological feed workshop had been erected. The eastern sky was beginning to lighten, a rosy glow illuminating the promising research institute. Although the land was still largely empty, Ouyang Yiming believed that in just a year or two, factories would be built on this land, and his research project would become the institute's pillar industry.

The three ran across the open space, the fresh morning air filling their lungs. The joy of their successful experiment made the three young men exceptionally excited; they hadn't slept all night and felt no fatigue. Ouyang Yiming shouted "Awoo!" to release his pent-up excitement. Caught up in Ouyang Yiming's enthusiasm, his two assistants joined in, startling birds in the grass, scattering rabbits, and even calling in the rising sun… For a while, the three thoroughly enjoyed the freshness of nature, the tension from days spent in the laboratory finally released. At that moment, Ouyang Yiming thought of Xu Hui, facing the sky and silently calling out in his heart, "Xu Hui, my experiment was a success! Cheer for me!" A moment later, he thought of his mentor, Professor Cheng, and thought, "Professor Cheng, I didn't let you down. I did it! I think you'll know. I didn't disappoint you."

Thinking of the professor brought a pang of sadness, but it was quickly overshadowed by the joy of success. He thought to himself, "Professor Cheng, once I've perfected this project and mass-produced the products, I'll definitely bring some to your grave, and we, teacher and student, will celebrate properly." Then, he suddenly thought of Liu Yan, remembering how eagerly the professor had wanted to tell her when he first discussed this project with him. He thought to himself, "Liu Yan, I didn't complete this project at the university. I didn't stay on. I returned to my hometown and completed it. I only wish you all the best and happiness." Little did Ouyang Yiming know that just a few days earlier, Liu Yan had ended her ill-fated marriage and would now live a lonely life with their son.

Around 7 o'clock, the three of them went back chatting and laughing. After washing up, they returned to the laboratory and were excited to see the pristine white experimental results. Ouyang Yiming said, "It's been more than half a year since we started this experiment. I didn't expect it to be completed so quickly. I really want to thank you both for your cooperation." One assistant said, "That's what we should do. We've both learned a lot from you. We should be the ones thanking you." Another assistant said, "Yes, Engineer Ou, your dedication to the experiment is something we greatly admire and learn from.

We hope you can include us in your next project." Ouyang Yiming smiled and said, "I was also anxious to overcome this as soon as possible. I couldn't have completed it alone without your cooperation. Let's continue to work hard. Since we've come to this unit, we should all think about doing more for this unit, which is also for ourselves. The more research results we produce, the more the unit will develop, and the more secure we will be.

Producing more results is also an honor for us scientific and technological personnel." At this moment, Ouyang Yiming heard a loud voice: "Well said." The three of them turned to look at the door and saw Vice Dean Wang smilingly appear at the door of the laboratory. Vice Dean Wang asked, "I heard from the gatekeeper that you three got up very early as soon as you entered the gate. Didn't you sleep all night?" Ouyang Yiming stood up and said, "Dean Wang, I have a gift for you." Vice Dean Wang seemed unusually excited, staring wide-eyed at Ouyang Yiming, his lips trembling as he asked, "Was it...was it successful?" Ouyang Yiming excitedly replied, "Yes, it was successful." He then handed over the experimental product.

Vice Dean Wang took it with trembling hands, examined it carefully, and after a while, looked up and asked Ouyang Yiming, "Is this really our own achievement?" Ouyang Yiming smiled and said, "How could it be fake?

Our experimental results are even five percentage points higher in purity than the imported ones." Vice Dean Wang stared at him wide-eyed and asked, "Really?" Ouyang Yiming nodded. Vice Dean Wang, still intently watching the bag of experimental samples, looked up and patted Ouyang Yiming on the shoulder, saying, "Engineer Ou, well done! Truly well done!" He then looked at Ouyang Yiming's two assistants and said, "

You're all doing a great job. Thank you for your hard work." Looking back at Ouyang Yiming, he said, "I'll report the good news to Mayor Tang immediately." He turned and took a few steps, then turned back and said, "Listen, you three, I'm giving you two days off. Get some rest. No, go back to your dorms and sleep now." He turned to leave but then turned back again and said, "Haven't eaten yet? Here, go to the cafeteria right now. I'll tell them to make you each a bowl of poached eggs to help you recover. After you eat, go to sleep immediately, understand?" The three men smiled and nodded. Vice Dean Wang left with a smile.

After breakfast, Ouyang Yiming and his two assistants went back to their rooms to rest. Vice Dean Wang had already reported the good news to Vice Mayor Tang. Around nine o'clock, Vice Mayor Tang arrived at the research institute. He first carefully examined the experimental samples in Vice Dean Wang's office, and then inquired about Ouyang Yiming's situation. Vice Dean Wang said, "They've been working too hard on public relations lately; they didn't get any rest last night. I've let them get some sleep."

Vice Mayor Tang said, "Yes, they need to get some rest. Ouyang Yiming is similar to you; he works like a madman. I admire him very much. This young man will be a pillar of our research institute; I won't be wrong about him." He paused and said, "Dean Wang, I've had this idea for a while but haven't told you yet. I'm thinking of promoting him to vice dean, in charge of research affairs. What do you think..."

Vice Dean Wang said, "Great! I completely agree. Ouyang Yiming is indeed a very outstanding young man." Vice Mayor Tang said, "Ouyang Yiming has been at the research institute for almost a year now. We should say we've gotten to know this comrade well. No wonder the university wanted to keep him as a professor. They were reluctant to let him go. Your current job is to manage the affairs of the entire institute; I'm just a figurehead, good at contacting people for some matters, but I can't help much with research." "It's been quite busy. I'm only working part-time at this research institute; I'll have to step down from this responsibility sooner or later. Ouyang Yiming was a Party member in college; his political affiliation and professional skills are both excellent. Our principle is to promote those with ability,"

said Vice Dean Wang. "This will also motivate him. This year, our institute will be recruiting some more college graduates, and we need a dedicated person in charge of research. I think Ouyang Yiming is very suitable for this role." Vice Mayor Tang said, "Yes, I recruited Ouyang Yiming myself, and we've gotten to know him well over this period. This comrade should be given an important position. If you agree, I'll go back and report to the Party Secretary and Mayor immediately to hear their opinions. If they agree, we'll process his administrative paperwork and issue the document as soon as possible." Vice Dean Wang nodded and said, "Please process it as soon as possible." Vice Mayor Tang said, "Don't mention it to Ouyang Yiming yet. Notify him after approval." Vice Dean Wang nodded.

Vice Mayor Tang smiled and said, "I've had the idea of promoting Ouyang Yiming to vice dean for a while, and I was planning to discuss it with you sometime. Today their experiment was successful, and I was so excited that I thought of bringing it up." Vice Dean Wang said, "I also admire this young man. Of course, I'm very happy about their successful experiment today. I believe he's capable. This morning, I overheard a few words from Ouyang Yiming in their lab, and that made me admire him even more."

Vice Mayor Tang was intrigued and asked, "Really? What did you hear?" Vice Dean Wang said, "I overheard those words by chance. Those kids were probably very excited too.

When I came to work this morning, the gatekeeper, Old Zhang, told me that those kids got up very early, saying they went running in the backyard before dawn. I was a little puzzled. I thought maybe they hadn't slept all night. When they got to the lab..." At the entrance, I overheard Ouyang Yiming saying, "Since we've come to this unit, we should all think about doing more for it. The more research results we produce, the more secure our unit will be; producing more results is also an honor for us scientific and technological personnel." Ouyang Yiming had never uttered any grand pronouncements in front of us before. The fact that he said these things without our knowledge shows that he has deep feelings for our research institute and considers it his own home. I was very moved after hearing this. Coupled with their successful experiment today, I think this will have a significant impact on the national chemical industry. Promoting him to vice president now is very appropriate and will also have a great influence. His ability, his dedication, and his professionalism are all admirable. With comrades like him, our research institute will have a rare team spirit, a strong sense of cohesion, and we won't be afraid of not doing well.”

Vice Mayor Tang nodded and said, "I didn't misjudge this comrade, and neither did you. Alright, let him take on some more responsibilities; I believe he'll do a good job." Vice Dean Wang nodded and said, "I think we should have Ouyang Yiming organize the results as soon as possible after he's rested, and then we can apply for the patent quickly. This is a project that will have a significant impact, and we should be the first to publish it in relevant journals. Creating momentum now will be very beneficial for our future technology transfer." Vice Mayor Tang considered for a moment and said, "Have Ouyang Yiming organize the materials for the patent as soon as possible; I'll handle the details. Regarding creating momentum now, we need to consult Ouyang Yiming's opinion; are the conditions ripe?" After a moment's thought, he said, "How about this: after they wake up, you inform them to celebrate with them tonight, and then we'll get Ouyang Yiming's specific suggestions." Vice Dean Wang agreed.

That evening, Vice Mayor Tang and Vice Dean Wang celebrated Ouyang Yiming's research group at a restaurant, raising their glasses in celebration after some conversation. Ouyang Yiming and his two assistants were also very excited. After a few rounds of drinks, Vice Dean Wang said, "Engineer Ou, do you think we can build a workshop for production right now?"

Ouyang Yiming smiled and said, "Dean Wang, you should know this better than I do. Our current research results are only in the lab. Building a factory without a pilot plant would be risky. I've estimated it; a small workshop with a planned annual output of 500 tons would require an investment of about three million yuan. That's not a small amount, and we must be cautious."

Vice Dean Wang said, "I've considered that too. But if we build a pilot plant for testing, firstly, that investment is also considerable, and secondly, it will waste time. We've also done research on this product; both export and domestic sales..." "The demand is very high, and the small amount produced in the pilot plant is definitely not enough. My idea is that we should build a workshop with an annual output of 800 tons directly, conduct large-scale trials, and start production directly. This way, it will be very beneficial for us to transfer the technology abroad and for both exporting and selling the products domestically."

Ouyang Yiming frowned and said, "Isn't that a bit hasty and risky? There's probably no precedent for doing this." Vice Mayor Tang asked, "Yiming, how confident are we if we build a factory directly?" Ouyang Yiming said, "I really can't say for sure. Some experiments may succeed in the laboratory, but without pilot and large-scale trials, we can't draw conclusions."

Vice Dean Wang said, "But once the laboratory results are out, the basic design can be finalized. My opinion is that we..." "Don't be afraid of this or that. The production process is already set. The so-called pilot test means we can expect to produce finished products. We can't follow these rules and regulations now; we need to take bigger steps." Ouyang Yiming said, "That's a bit risky. Investing in a project with an annual output of 800 tons requires a lot of money."

Vice Mayor Tang said, "Yiming, how confident are you in directly building the factory for production? Speak frankly, don't have any concerns." Ouyang Yiming thought for a while and said, "I think I'm 70% or 80% confident. But that's not conventional." Vice Mayor Tang said, "Your concerns and worries are understandable. But I agree with Dean Wang's opinion; we need to take bigger steps now, we need to break with convention. With your 70% or 80% confidence..." "Ten, I think there won't be any problems. So, whatever responsibility arises, Dean Wang and I will take it; your task is to continue refining it. I don't think there will be any issues. I think we can settle on this."

Ouyang Yiming looked at Vice Mayor Tang and said, "Since you two leaders are so determined, we will definitely go all out." Vice Dean Wang said, "I believe there will be absolutely no problems. Even if there are some specific difficulties after the workshop is built, I don't think they will be major issues. It will be much faster than starting from scratch after a pilot test. Ouyang, be bolder. If Vice Mayor Tang and I hadn't been bold, we wouldn't have been able to build this research institute. I believe there won't be any problems." Ouyang Yiming nodded, feeling the burden on his shoulders even heavier. But he believed they would succeed.

Vice Mayor Tang said, "Then let's settle on this for now. Tomorrow I'll ask the Municipal Party Committee for permission to apply for funding. Dean Wang is right; we need to take bigger steps. Time is money, and you all need to bravely shoulder this responsibility. I believe we will succeed."

Although Ouyang Yiming still had lingering fears, he was full of confidence and determination. Vice Mayor Tang raised his glass and said, "Let's toast to our success!"

After drinking and eating, Vice Mayor Tang asked, "Yiming, this morning I discussed the announcement of this project with Vice Dean Wang. What do you think is the most appropriate time to announce it?" Ouyang Yiming said,

"My opinion is to wait until our large-scale trial is successful before announcing it. Laboratory results shouldn't be the time to release achievements." Vice Dean Wang said, "My point is that we should create momentum now, which will be very beneficial for our future technology transfer." Ouyang Yiming thought for a moment and said, "My opinion is still to wait until after the large-scale trial. By then, we will have a very mature production process and our own product. I think it won't be a problem to make a splash. If we announce it now, even if some units are interested, our laboratory results won't be convincing. Our specific production process is not mature enough, so it won't be very persuasive. I think we should wait."

Vice Mayor Tang said, "Yiming makes a good point." Looking at Vice Dean Wang, he said, "Old Wang, I think we should do as Yiming says." Vice Dean Wang... Nodding, he said, "Alright. But we must build this production workshop as soon as possible and put it into operation as soon as possible; time waits for no one." Vice Mayor Tang said, "That's no problem. Funding is not an issue. Now, as long as we have a project, the municipal government will fully support it." Vice Dean Wang said, "These things depend on you, Mayor." Vice Mayor Tang said, "You don't need to worry about what I'm responsible for; I will handle it quickly. Now, our institute can be said to be taking shape. The sales of kitchen equipment are good, and we have already seen benefits. Once the machinery plant is completed, we can start mass production. Biological feed also has a promising future. Once the sugar project is launched, our research institute will be even more lively." Vice Dean Wang smiled and said, "Yes, the future is bright." Everyone laughed.

After another round of drinks, Vice Mayor Tang said, "This year, our institute plans to recruit more than twenty college students. Soon, our research institute will have a new vitality, and some projects may even be developed from this batch of students. I firmly believe that our research institute will be quite large-scale in a few years. Let's work together."

A few days later, Ouyang Yiming continued to organize experimental materials and prepare for the patent application. The project to produce 500 tons of sugar has been approved by the municipal government, and the construction of a production workshop with an annual output of 500 tons has been finalized. Funding will be available soon. Everything is proceeding in an orderly manner. ( Chapter 133 of

"Love and Desire" - Part 135) Since her divorce from Zhang Lei, Liu Yan often took her child to visit Zhang Lei's mother while Zhang Lei was in Guangzhou. Although she didn't want to step into the Zhang family again, she thought that the elderly shouldn't be implicated because of their children. The elderly wouldn't be staying here for long anyway, so she wanted to make them feel better. While Zhang Lei's father was processing Zhang Lei's mother's job transfer, Zhang Lei's mother persuaded Liu Yan to go to Guangzhou with her. Looking at the elderly couple, Liu Yan felt a pang of sadness, remembering that she and Zhang Lei had kept their divorce a secret from both families. She told them, "My parents are getting old, and I can't just leave them like this." Minister Jiang didn't press further, only saying, "Then let Zhang Lei come back often, and you should go to Guangzhou more often. I didn't want to go to Guangzhou either, but I'm really worried about your father's health. I'm worried about him being alone there. Your father is worried about me too. Let's go first, and in a couple of years we'll see if Zhang Lei is transferred back or you are transferred there. It's not good for you two to always be separated." Liu Yan just mumbled "Mmm" without saying anything more. During the days Zhang Lei was home, Liu Yan stayed at her parents' house, and Zhang Lei never stayed with her even once. Liu Yan's mother became suspicious and asked if she and Zhang Lei had a fight. Liu Yan shook her head, saying no. On the day Zhang Lei's mother left for Guangzhou, Liu Yan saw her off, but Zhang Lei didn't even hug the child before leaving, which made Director Qin even more suspicious.

A few days later, Director Qin went to Liu Yan's room after dinner and asked her, "Yanzi, did nothing really happen between you and Zhang Lei?" When her mother asked, Liu Yan remembered what Zhang Lei had told her: that her mother had been involved in separating her from Ouyang Yiming and had tried her best to make her marry Zhang Lei. A surge of resentment welled up inside her, but she forced herself to say, "No."

Director Qin said, "You can't hide anything from your mother. Something must have happened between you and Zhang Lei. Even though you didn't want to go to Guangzhou with Zhang Lei because of me and your father, if nothing had happened between you and Zhang Lei, you shouldn't have missed his visit even once during his stay, and he hasn't stayed with us either."

Liu Yan stared at her mother for a moment, then asked, "Mom, do you really want to hear it?" Director Qin's heart skipped a beat. She asked, "Did something really happen between you two?" Liu Yan asked, "Mom, you went to so much trouble to get me to marry Zhang Lei. Did you really only think about my happiness?"

Director Qin blushed instantly, her heart pounding. She wondered why Liu Yan would say such things today. She had desperately wanted Liu Yan to marry Zhang Lei, but she had never said it directly to Liu Yan, and she doubted Zhang Lei would say anything like that to her. Composing himself, he asked, "Liu Yan, what do you mean by that?"

Liu Yan felt a pang of sadness, tears welling in her eyes. Looking at her mother, she said, "Mom, you should know the answer." Director Qin felt guilty at that moment and couldn't meet Liu Yan's gaze. He lowered his head and thought to himself, "Wasn't everything I did back then for your own good?" Looking up at Liu Yan, Director Qin asked, "Did you hear something or think about something?"

Liu Yan said, "You know in your heart, and I know in my heart too. Mom, I don't want to talk about the past anymore. But this matter will never be erased from my heart. You are my mother, and I believe everything you say, but I never imagined you would do that. No matter what your purpose was at the time, this matter will hurt me for the rest of my life. Mom, I don't want to say anything now. But since you asked today, I think I still have to tell you. Zhang Lei and I are divorced?"

Director Qin froze, staring at Liu Yan, his mind blank for a moment. After a long while, he understood and asked with trembling lips, "What... what did you say?" Liu Yan said, "Zhang Lei and I are divorced, it's been almost two months." Director Qin was silent again, his eyes meeting Liu Yan's gaze. After a long pause, she finally asked, "Why?" Meeting her mother's gaze, Liu Yan asked, "Do you think we can spend our whole lives together? Can a marriage without love last a lifetime?" Before her mother could answer, she added, "I was so stupid back then. I actually believed you. I believed Zhang Lei would do something."

Director Qin was momentarily speechless, staring at Liu Yan. After a long silence, she asked, "Did you propose the divorce to Zhang Lei?" Liu Yan said, "Yes, I couldn't live with him anymore." Director Qin asked, "And Zhang Lei agreed?" Liu Yan said, "What reason would he have not to agree?" Director Qin was puzzled again. Zhang Lei had always loved Liu Yan very much before and after their marriage; how could he agree to a divorce so easily? There must be something else going on.

Before she could speak, Liu Yan said, "Back then, you went to such lengths to get me to marry Zhang Lei. Was it for my own good? Can you deny that you never even considered Ouyang Yiming's family? Did you think Ouyang Yiming wasn't worthy of marrying the daughter of a high-ranking cadre like yours?"

Director Qin blushed suddenly, feeling a surge of grievance. Looking at Liu Yan, she said, "Liu Yan, I was doing it for your own good." Liu Yan said, "That's what you elders do for your children's good. Mom, I don't doubt that you meant well, so I don't blame you. But do you know that what you did ruined my life?" Director Qin said, "If you and Zhang Lei hadn't already had a relationship, I wouldn't have..." Liu Yan She said, "I've thought about this countless times. Even if Zhang Lei and I hadn't had that kind of relationship, you would still have tried your best to stop me from getting together with Ouyang Yiming. I know this better than anyone else."

Director Qin blushed and lowered her head, then looked up again after thinking for a moment and said, "What I also want to say is that I have no ill intentions towards my children. As an elder, I always want my children to live well and be happy in the future." Liu Yan said, "But your wish has backfired. Your daughter hasn't found happiness; all she's received is a lifetime of pain."

Director Qin lowered her head, thinking to herself, "Was I really wrong? I genuinely wanted you to live well. What malice could I possibly have towards you?" Instantly, she thought to herself,

"Now it seems I was wrong. Liu Yan and Zhang Lei's divorce is good proof of that." At this moment, a wave of guilt washed over her. Looking up at Liu Yan, Director Qin asked, "But shouldn't you have told us about your divorce from Zhang Lei? Are you and Zhang Lei really unable to stay together?"

Liu Yan replied, "I won't consult anyone about my personal matters. I don't need to tell anyone! No one should try to control my thoughts. I've thought it through! You should think about it yourself, if Zhang Lei and I could still be together, would we have come to this point of divorce?"

Director Qin blushed again and said, "But you should at least tell your parents about the divorce, right? We will eventually tell your parents. Even if you're angry with me, you still need to let your parents know. You can't hide it from us forever." Liu Yan said, "I don't want to hide it from you forever, I just don't want to talk about it, not for now." Director Qin asked, "Is your divorce from Zhang Lei just due to relationship problems? Nothing else happened?"

Liu Yan didn't want to... When talking to her mother about Zhang Lei and Wu Min, Liu Yan said, "A marriage without love shouldn't continue; continuing it will only cause pain for both parties." Director Qin asked, "Haven't you considered the consequences?" Liu Yan stared at her mother and asked, "Consequences? What consequences? I feel incredibly relieved right now, a kind of liberation I've never felt before. Ending this marriage that shouldn't have happened just makes me feel relieved; I don't feel any bad consequences." Director Qin said, "You and Zhang Lei divorced, and according to you, you've found relief. But have you considered Ru Han's future life? How will he grow up in a single-parent family? What will he think when he grows up?"

Hearing her mother's words, Liu Yan's heart sank. She didn't want her child to suffer any hardship, but now, the fact remained that her child was from a single-parent family—an undeniable and unchangeable reality. But for now, this was the only way; she would pour all her love into this child.

Liu Yan said, "I believe I can give my child a good education and a lot of love. I have a lot of confidence in my child." Director Qin said, "You can't live alone like this for the rest of your life. A child with a stepfather is never as good as one with their biological father. Even if you could marry Ouyang Yiming now, he can't possibly treat Ruhan as his own child."

Liu Yan said, "You're underestimating Ouyang Yiming. If Ouyang Yiming still wanted me, he would definitely treat this child as his own. But Ouyang Yiming won't want me anymore, he can't possibly want me, and I'm no longer good enough for him. Don't think of me as some kind of noble person; I don't feel any nobility about myself. And don't think of Ouyang Yiming as so contemptible; he might not even look down on a family like ours. In fact, he..." "He never had any interest in our family. You underestimate Ouyang Yiming. He has his own ideals and ambitions, his own talents. He never thought of relying on our family for anything. On the contrary, I hoped you could do something for him back then, but now I realize I was terribly wrong. I shouldn't have transferred back, I shouldn't have succumbed to the pressure and married Zhang Lei, and I shouldn't have been afraid of your analysis. Even if Ouyang Yiming knew about my relationship with Zhang Lei, he might not have been able to accept it at first, but he would definitely have forgiven me. I shouldn't have believed what you said about Zhang Lei doing to me; I regret it so much now." As she said this, tears streamed down Liu Yan's face, but she didn't cry out loud.

Director Qin felt waves of fear, guilt, and pain coursing through her heart. She truly regretted insisting that Liu Yan marry Zhang Lei. Liu Yan and Zhang Lei's separation proved her mistake. But deep down, she didn't want to admit it. After all, she wanted Liu Yan to have a better life after marriage, and marrying her into a high-ranking official's family was for her own good. Of course, there was the idea of matching social status, but deep down, she wanted her daughter to enjoy a life that Ouyang Yiming could never provide.

She thought any mother would do the same. What she couldn't understand now was why Liu Yan harbored such resentment towards her. At the time, Liu Yan had been understanding and believed that she was doing it for her own good. So he asked, "What did Zhang Lei say to you?"

Liu Yan said, "You should know what Zhang Lei said. If you and Zhang Lei's family hadn't conspired to deceive me and pressure me, things wouldn't have turned out this way."

Director Qin understood, of course, but still said, "I didn't pressure you with anything!" Liu Yan said, "Weren't you implying to Zhang Lei that if I told him I would marry someone else, you would threaten to harass me? Didn't you tell Zhang Lei that he would do anything for love? I think you haven't forgotten those things. It was under that kind of pressure that I didn't want Ouyang Yiming to suffer..." "It was the necessary torment, the suffering he shouldn't have endured, that made me decide to marry Zhang Lei. If you hadn't explained things to Zhang Lei like that, I don't think Ouyang Yiming and I would have separated. Although I would feel sorry for him, I would have made amends with my love, and Ouyang Yiming would never have known about what happened between me and Zhang Lei, nor would I have told him and hurt him. In this life, no matter who Ouyang Yiming marries, my heart will only belong to him. I will never remarry after divorcing Zhang Lei. I will be content just being with Ru Han."

Director Qin blushed deeply at Liu Yan's words, as if her daughter's words were whipping her body and tearing at her heart. She was also terrified by Liu Yan's last few words. Was Liu Yan really determined never to remarry? This was even more terrifying than Liu Yan divorcing Zhang Lei. So she asked, "Liu Yan, do you really have such thoughts?" Director Qin still didn't believe that Liu Yan would really think that way; she thought Liu Yan was just saying it in anger. But she was still worried.

Liu Yan said, "You don't need to doubt what I'm saying. At least until Ruhan is an adult, I won't consider personal matters. I won't marry any man I don't love.

Right now, my only thought is to raise Ruhan well; I have no other thoughts."

Director Qin said, "Your thinking is too extreme. This child isn't just yours. Zhang Lei will definitely get married soon. Why are you clinging to the child? The child is his too; he should be responsible! Why are you sacrificing your entire youth for this child? Can Zhang Lei just ignore it?"

Liu Yan said, "He won't ask, and I won't let him ask." Director Qin said, "That's not fair. He has a share in the child too. Why are you clinging to him?" "How can you be so foolish?" Liu Yan said, "I don't think I'm foolish. The child is mine, and it has nothing to do with Zhang Lei." Director Qin said, "Yes, you are Ru Han's legal guardian. You don't want Zhang Lei to take care of him, but the child belongs to both of you. Ru Han is a descendant of the Zhang family, and Zhang Lei should bear some responsibility. You can't think like this. I still need to discuss this matter with Zhang Lei and his family."

Liu Yan looked at her mother, thought for a moment, and said, "Mom, I didn't want to tell you this, but since you've said it, I'll tell you. Ru Han is not a descendant of the Zhang family, and Ru Han has no relation to the Zhang family. I don't want you to go and argue with them, and I don't want Ru Han to have any connection with the Zhang family."

Director Qin was momentarily confused. Then she thought that Liu Yan said this intentionally because she didn't want the child to have any connection with the Zhang family.

But, the blood relationship cannot be denied. Even if Liu Yan doesn't let the child acknowledge the Zhang family, the child will always belong to the Zhang family. It's inevitable that the child will acknowledge him when he grows up. So he said,

"Liu Yan, no matter what your purpose is, you can't say this child isn't Zhang Lei's. There's no need to humiliate yourself like this."

Liu Yan said, "I have no reason to lie. This child really isn't Zhang Lei's. I'll tell you the truth today: Ru Han is Ouyang Yiming's child. He has absolutely no relation to Zhang Lei!"

Upon hearing this, Director Qin exclaimed "Ah!" in shock, speechless for a moment, feeling a chill run down his spine. After a while, he recalled Liu Yan's visit to Ouyang Yiming before the wedding, and he sighed inwardly, "Could all of this be true? Did Liu Yan already have such a terrible idea before marrying Zhang Lei? Didn't you, Liu Yan, consider the consequences of giving birth to this child?"

Liu Yan said, "Don't doubt that Ru Han is Ouyang Yiming's child. I know it in my heart." Director Qin asked, "You insisted on going to Jinling that time just to do this?"

Liu Yan said, "Yes, just to do this." Director Qin asked, "Does Ouyang Yiming know too?" Liu Yan said, "If Ouyang Yiming knew, would he agree? If I don't tell him, he'll never know. But when Ru Han grows up, I will definitely let Ouyang Yiming know that Ru Han is his child."

Director Qin asked, "Does Zhang Lei also know that the child is Ouyang Yiming's?" Liu Yan said, "I haven't mentioned Ouyang Yiming to Zhang Lei. I told Zhang Lei that Ru Han was conceived through artificial insemination. I don't think you need to tell Zhang Lei about Ru Han's background, and there's really no need for Zhang Lei to know. My child and I have no relationship with Zhang Lei now."

Director Qin felt weak all over and her mood was heavy. She never expected that her daughter would do something so bold and unimaginable. Since Liu Yan loves Ouyang Yiming so deeply, and is willing to sacrifice everything for him, how could she possibly spend her life with Zhang Lei? Looking back now, I realize I underestimated Liu Yan. What girl would have the courage to have a child for a man she knows she can't marry? What a risk that is!

And yet, this happened to my own daughter. What kind of man is Ouyang Yiming? How could Liu Yan be willing to take such a huge risk to have his child? How could she love him so unconditionally?

Suddenly, a question occurred to her: "Liu Yan, since this child is Ouyang Yiming's, why don't you contact him and clarify things about the child? You're already divorced from Zhang Lei." Liu Yan understood what her mother meant and felt a surge of disgust. She asked, "You mean you want me to marry Ouyang Yiming now?" Director Qin said, "What's wrong with that?"

Liu Yan felt both disgust and sorrow for her mother. She said, "Mom, I can't believe you think so little of Ouyang Yiming. Let me tell you, Ouyang Yiming is far superior to Zhang Lei in every way. Zhang Lei can't compare to him at all, and he's not even worthy of being compared to him. Do you think Ouyang Yiming would still accept me? Even if Ouyang Yiming..." Ming can accept me. Zhang Lei and I have been married for more than a year. I already feel in my heart that I am not worthy of him, absolutely not worthy of him. Besides, he is now with Xu Hui, and I will not destroy his happiness by going to be with him. I will love Ouyang Yiming all my life, but it will only be in my heart. Ouyang Yiming also said when I broke up with him that he would be happy with Xu Hui. I ask you to stay out of my business. I don’t want to mention it again. You also know now that you should never talk to me about such topics again. Mom, no matter what you did to me, I blame you in my heart but I don’t hate you. After all, you are my mother. Maybe you were doing it for my own good at that time. No more, I don’t want to say it anymore.

Director Qin sat there silently for a while, but his tears fell down. After a long time, he said, "Yanzi, maybe I did something wrong." I don’t want to say anything now. Don't talk about this in front of your father. If your father asks, just say that you and Zhang Lei got divorced because of their emotional discord. Don't mention anything else, otherwise, your dad will be angry. "Liu Yan said "Yeah". Director Qin stood up weakly and slowly walked out the door.

After her mother left, Liu Yan stood there blankly for a while, thinking about her and Ouyang Yiming's helplessness. Overwhelmed with grief, she pulled a pillow over her head and burst into tears.

Love and Desire (136)

Chapter 134

One morning in early June, Ouyang Yiming received a call from Jiang Yuqi. The two exchanged pleasantries. Ouyang Yiming asked, "How's it going with that policewoman?" Ouyang Yiming asked this because Jiang Yuqi had called him some time ago and told him about liking a policewoman at a local police station. According to Jiang Yuqi, the policewoman was also very interested in him. At that time, Ouyang Yiming had said that he must seize the opportunity this time. Jiang Yuqi replied that he would definitely go all out this time.

Jiang Yuqi said excitedly, "It's going very well. We've been on many dates, and there are no problems." Ouyang Yiming said, "After you win her over, remember to bring her to meet your brother. He'll give you some advice." Jiang Yuqi laughed and said, "I wonder who'll call the other 'brother'." Ouyang Yiming laughed. Jiang Yuqi said, "I'll definitely take her to your place when I have time. Actually, she's quite familiar with you already." Ouyang Yiming asked in confusion, "How come she's so familiar with me?" Jiang Yuqi said, "Of course, it's because I brought it up. I often talk to her about our school days."

Ouyang Yiming laughed and said, "Then she won't be a stranger when we meet again." Jiang Yuqi said, "I want her to be familiar with all of us good classmates. I'll bring it up often now to cultivate her feelings for you all." Ouyang Yiming said, "Your teaching method is worth promoting. You should also teach Li Xuan and Wu Yingying a lesson. You should do the same when they have friends." He paused and then asked, "Have they been seeing any friends lately?" "Did you contact them?" Jiang Yuqi said, "I didn't call, but I received a letter." Ouyang Yiming said, "Li Xuan did call me, and Wu Yingying wrote a letter. They're both doing well. By the way, has Ge Guangcheng told you when he's getting married? He didn't mention it in his last letter."

Jiang Yuqi said, "I don't know the exact date, but he'll definitely tell you when the time comes." Ouyang Yiming said, "I don't usually have time, so we must get together properly when he gets married. Hey, bring your little policewoman along; she'll be toasting me."

Jiang Yuqi laughed and said, "That's for sure. Ouyang, I really miss you. We really need to get together. It's a pity I can't see Xu Hui. How's Xu Hui doing?" Ouyang Yiming said:

“I rarely contact her by phone, it’s too far, we mostly write letters. She’s doing well now, and asked me to contact you so she can give you her regards,” Jiang Yuqi said. “She’s very lucky; she’s only been working for a short time and already got this opportunity, it’s quite rare.” Ouyang Yiming said, “Yes, I really envy her.” Jiang Yuqi said, “You two are a couple, isn’t her business your business too?”

Ouyang Yiming laughed. After chatting for a while, they hung up.

Xu Hui called several times after going to Germany, mainly to tell him to take care of himself, about his studies in Germany, and to ask about Ouyang Yiming’s experiment. Ouyang Yiming later said, “International long-distance calls like this are too expensive. From now on, just write letters, and don’t call unless it’s urgent.” Xu Hui agreed. After Ouyang Yiming’s experiment was successful, he wrote to her the next day to tell her, of course, telling her to take good care of herself.

A few days later, Ouyang Yiming handed over the detailed list of required equipment and workshop structure to Vice Dean Wang. Vice Mayor Tang had already instructed the municipal design institute to begin designing the workshop blueprints, and procurement personnel had been dispatched nationwide to order the necessary equipment. Construction could begin as soon as the blueprints were completed.

That morning, Vice Mayor Tang visited the research institute and discussed his decision to promote Ouyang Yiming to vice president with Vice Director Wang and Ouyang Yiming. Ouyang Yiming was quite surprised by the decision, saying,

"I can manage a research group, but I definitely can't be a vice president." Vice Mayor Tang smiled and said, "There's nothing you can't do. Your abilities are evident to everyone at the research institute; we believe you can do a good job." Ouyang Yiming said, "My leadership skills are definitely lacking, and I have no experience in this area." Vice Director Wang said, "No one can become a good leader overnight; you'll adapt gradually." As he spoke, Vice Director Wang picked up a red-headed document from the table and handed it to Ouyang Yiming.

Ouyang Yiming took it and read it. It stated the decision to appoint Ouyang Yiming as the head of the Panzhou High-tech Research Institute, and the red seals of the Panzhou Science and Technology Commission and the Panzhou High-tech Research Institute were clearly visible below. After reading it, Ouyang Yiming said, "The document has already been issued?" Vice Mayor Tang nodded and said, "Yes, the organization has made the decision." Vice Dean Wang said:

"This also reflects the trust the municipal party committee and the municipal science and technology commission leaders have in you,"

said Vice Mayor Tang. "Regarding your promotion to vice president, we have conducted a long period of evaluation, and we believe you are capable of handling the role. It's not a matter of you declining; it's a decision now, and as a party member, you must obey. Don't keep asking whether you can or can't do it. Your responsibilities will be heavier from now on. It's not a question of whether you can or can't do it; it's about doing a good job.

Your current role is in scientific research and development. Our research institute will develop rapidly, and this year we will recruit a group of university graduates and some workers. We will need many more workshop operators alone. The mechanical workshop is basically completed, and we will need to recruit some workers. The bio-feed workshop will also be completed soon, and we will need to recruit some workers as well. Your project will be launched soon, and we will also need to recruit some workers and technicians. The research institute is developing rapidly, and the workload will naturally be very large. President Wang alone certainly cannot handle it all. I am only here in name only; I cannot do much actual work. Therefore, we must promote you to vice president, and you must take on this responsibility. We have confidence in you."

Ouyang Yiming was clearly still somewhat hesitant, and he looked at Vice Mayor Tang without saying anything. Vice President Wang said, "Mayor Tang is right. We understand how you feel right now. You're probably afraid of not doing a good job. It's okay, experience is accumulated gradually." Ouyang Yiming blushed and said, "I really am afraid of not doing a good job."

Vice Mayor Tang smiled and said, "I have great confidence in you. Okay, that's settled then. The approval has been issued, and now we're officially informing you. The entire institute will hold a meeting this afternoon to announce it."

Vice President Wang said, "From the moment the approval was issued, you were already a leader of our institute. Let's join hands and wholeheartedly build and develop the research institute."

Ouyang Yiming blushed and said, "Since you two leaders value me so much, I will definitely do my best."

Vice Mayor Tang said, "Let's work together." As he spoke, he smiled and reached out to shake Ouyang Yiming's hand, saying, "Congratulations, Dean Ouyang." Ouyang Yiming suddenly blushed and chuckled a few times. The three of them laughed.

In the afternoon, a staff meeting was held, at which Vice Mayor Tang announced the appointment of Ouyang Yiming as the Vice President of the Research Institute. Ouyang Yiming had prepared his speech at noon, expressing his determination and using necessary official language. Thus, Ouyang Yiming officially became a leader of the research institute. The

500-ton-per-year sugar-producing workshop soon broke ground. That day, leaders from the municipal party committee and government came to cut the ribbon at the groundbreaking ceremony. Ouyang Yiming spoke at the ceremony, and the television station and newspapers gave special reports. This was Ouyang Yiming's first appearance on television. The television broadcast that evening, and since Ouyang Mei was on holiday, the whole family saw Ouyang Yiming on TV.

That evening, Ouyang Yiming and Vice President Wang dined with the heads of the construction unit, emphasizing the importance of project quality. The construction unit assured them that they would build a first-class project.

After returning home from dinner, Ouyang Mei, who was on summer vacation, greeted Ouyang Yiming with a beaming smile, "Dean Ou is back? Ouyang Dongdong, quickly make tea for the leader." Everyone in the room laughed. Ouyang Yiming laughed and said, "You always have so many clever ideas." After sitting down, he said to Mao Yuqin, "I don't know how many more of these social engagements there will be in the future. I really can't stand it." Ouyang Mei smiled and said, "What? You're not happy being a leader?" Mao Yuqin said, "You'll get used to these occasions eventually."

Ouyang Yiming said, "I really don't want to do this, but Mayor Tang is forcing me into it." Ouyang Mei said, "On TV, you seem more elegant than those city leaders." Ouyang Yiming asked, "Did you see that on TV?" Ouyang Dongdong said, "We all saw it, so dashing." After the family laughed, Ouyang Yiming said with a smile, "Your brother is always dashing!" Ouyang Mei scoffed

and pouted, and the whole family laughed again. Mao Yuqin said, "You still seem very mature on TV. Anyway, since you've taken on the role of vice president, you must do it well." Ouyang Yiming nodded.

Ouyang Anping said, "Our family has never wanted to be officials, but you've become one so early." Mao Yuqin said, "He's not a government official; he's just a business staff member at the research institute. He doesn't get involved in politics, which is fine. Consider it training." Ouyang Anping said, "Even if you don't participate in politics, you must still be careful. Don't take what you shouldn't take, and don't eat what you shouldn't eat." Ouyang Yiming nodded and said, "I know." The

newly recruited university students gradually entered the institute. Ouyang Yiming, on behalf of the research institute, welcomed these students and gave a detailed introduction to the institute's current situation, development process, and future direction.

The various departments of the research institute were also basically completed. Considering that most of the sugar project would be exported, the research institute established a special import and export department.

The sugar workshop was completed and the equipment was installed six months later. It officially started trial operation in November of that year. During those days, Ouyang Yiming and his assistant basically lived and worked in the workshop. The large-scale test went smoothly, except for some problems during crystallization. Due to some deviations in cooling temperature and time compared to the small-scale test, crystallization failed. After two days of repeated trials yielding no results, and with all the data carefully checked and finding no discrepancies, Ouyang Yiming couldn't help but feel anxious.

That afternoon, Ouyang Yiming received a call from Jiang Yuqi, asking when he would be leaving to attend Ge Guangcheng's wedding. Only then did Ouyang Yiming suddenly remember that Ge Guangcheng had called him a while ago to tell him about his wedding on New Year's Day. If Jiang Yuqi hadn't called, he would have truly forgotten. He secretly marveled at the coincidence. How could he possibly leave now? So he explained the situation to Jiang Yuqi and said that he would send the wedding gifts he and Xu Hui had given to Ge Guangcheng.

Jiang Yuqi said, "I'll explain the situation to Ge Guangcheng when I get there, and he won't blame you. Don't send the wedding gift money; I'll give it to you." Ouyang Yiming hurriedly said, "How can that be?"

Jiang Yuqi said, "We brothers don't need to say such things. As long as they don't blame us, that's fine. I just feel it's such a pity I can't see you at such a rare time to get together. I hope you won't be there for my wedding." Ouyang Yiming said, "It's impossible for things to be so coincidental every time. Here's what you'll do: when you get there, explain the situation to them in detail, and talk to Ge Guangcheng..." "I'm really sorry. Please pay for the wedding gift first, and I'll wire it to you when I have time." Jiang Yuqi said, "I can pass on the message. But I'll definitely be angry if you wire me the gift money." Ouyang Yiming thought for a moment and said, "That's fine then, we'll talk about it when you get married."

Early on the third day, an old mechanic from the workshop quietly walked into Ouyang Yiming and said, "Dean Ou, should we set off some firecrackers? Sometimes they work." Ouyang Yiming looked at him without saying anything, thinking to himself, how could scientific things be solved with such superstitious behavior? But he was still doubtful. So he sent someone to the store to buy 10,000 firecrackers to set off. He and his assistant made some minor changes, but these changes had been tested before. Unexpectedly, crystallization was successful that afternoon. Even Ouyang Yiming was a little suspicious that it might be the firecrackers that had the effect. Thus, the glutinous sugar project was declared a success.

The successful experiment and production of glutinous sugar caused a sensation at home and abroad, and some science and technology magazines and newspapers reported on it. The research institute's project promotion department carried out effective promotion nationwide. Soon after, organizations from all over the country came to inquire and visit. The finished products produced in the workshop were in high demand both domestically and internationally. The research institute's import and export department signed production and sales contracts with several countries. Based on this advantage, the research institute timely formulated a two-year agreement for technology transfer and exclusive product sales. Of course, the research institute would charge a certain fee during the exclusive sales process.

In the following year, the institute transferred its sugarcane technology to more than 20 companies nationwide. At a technology transfer fee of 500,000 yuan per company, this project alone brought in over 10 million yuan in revenue for the research institute. Furthermore, many other organizations continued to visit and inquire about the institute.

The research institute's machinery products also sold very well, with some products already entering the international market. Biological feed also sold very well. The research institute had become a star unit in Panzhou City. With frequent newspaper and radio advertising, the research institute had gained a small reputation nationwide, becoming a research institute integrating science, industry, and trade.

The main building of the research institute and the offices of the main department leaders were also decorated quite impressively. The institute purchased several cars and began construction of staff dormitories.

On this day before the Lunar New Year, Ouyang Yiming discussed the PVC profile project that Xu Hui had mentioned before with Vice Mayor Tang. Ouyang Yiming first explained to Vice Mayor Tang the future prospects of PVC doors and windows,

and gave examples of the product's advantages and its widespread use abroad. Ouyang Yiming said, "Based on my analysis, PVC windows and doors will eventually be replaced by PVC products. Given our city's geographical location and rapid development, I believe this product will become a pillar industry for our institute for many years to come."

Vice Mayor Tang said, "This is still a relatively new product in our country. I've seen it mentioned in some publications. To be specific, it's not very mature yet, and domestic awareness isn't high. Currently, aluminum alloy windows and doors still dominate. My thinking is to wait a while before launching this project. The investment is huge, and all the equipment needs to be imported. We can't afford to waste our funds on projects where the market is clearly not good. However, I believe PVC windows and doors will become dominant in the future, but it's not advisable to launch it now. We can discuss your suggestion in a meeting. If most agree, we can proceed." Ouyang Yiming agreed.

A meeting of the institute's main department leaders was held that afternoon. However, Ouyang Yiming was slightly disappointed that the project was not approved. But it can be considered as an important project for the future, and can be launched when the time is right.

Love and Desire (137)

Chapter 135

After the meeting that day, Vice Mayor Tang invited Vice President Wang and Ouyang Yiming into his office. After sitting down, Vice Mayor Tang said, "According to the profit-sharing plan previously established by our research institute, you should consider whether we should now pay out this portion of the profits." Vice Dean Wang said, "Yes, this portion needs to be paid out. We've been so busy that we've neglected it."

He chuckled twice and said, "Right now, Dean Ou and I will probably receive the largest share. However, Dean Ou and I are both leaders of this research institute, so there are some..."

Vice Mayor Tang said, "Since we have such a regulation, and it has been announced at all levels within the institute, it must be paid out. Of course, I know that you two will receive the largest share, and you bring the most benefits to the research institute. There's no need to worry about you two being leaders and afraid of gossip. It's only if you two don't take it that other colleagues will gossip behind your backs. If you two don't take it, who dares to take it! If we don't pay out, our colleagues will gossip; we don't even know if there will be any gossip now. If we don't pay out, we'll be breaking our promise." Vice Dean Wang nodded.

Ouyang Yiming thought for a moment and said, "My personal idea is that I won't take my share of the commission for now, since I don't actually need it right now. My thinking is that whatever amount is currently held in the research institute for its development, I'll collect it when I need it." He looked at Vice Dean Wang and smiled, saying, "Dean Wang, this is just my opinion on my own share of the commission."

Vice Dean Wang smiled and said, "Dean Ou, your idea is excellent. We can do that. This way, other colleagues won't have any concerns, but we can't expect them to do the same."

Vice Mayor Tang said, "I understand what you two mean, of course. As leaders, you're doing this entirely for the development of the research institute. I think this is a good idea. Here's the arrangement: the finance department will calculate your commissions on a set date. If you don't want to take them now, they can stay with the finance department, and we'll issue you IOUs with interest. You can withdraw the money from the finance department whenever you need it. As for the other colleagues, let's not mention this. Let them take what they're entitled to. That's my suggestion."

Vice Dean Wang said, "I agree. I think we can skip the interest issue." Ouyang Yiming smiled and nodded.

A few days later, the finance department compiled the specific data, and Ouyang Yiming was shocked when he saw it with Vice Mayor Tang. Ouyang Yiming's accumulated commissions were nearly 600,000 yuan. Vice Dean Wang's commissions had also reached over 300,000 yuan. Although excited, Ouyang Yiming thought to himself, "Holding such a large sum of money in my hands is actually a bit daunting." Vice Mayor Tang said with a smile, "Our country encourages some people to get rich first, and you are a typical example of those who have gotten rich first, through your own knowledge."

Vice Dean Wang was also clearly excited, saying, "I never considered how much commission I would receive; it's quite daunting at first glance. Dean Ouyang, is it the same?" Ouyang Yiming said, "Indeed, I never considered it; I didn't expect it to be so much." Vice Mayor Tang smiled and said, "Have you considered how much profit you've generated for the research institute? This is only five percent of the profit you've generated. Calculate how much value you've created for the research institute?" Ouyang Yiming and Vice Dean Wang exchanged a smile.

Ouyang Yiming thought for a moment and said, "Mayor Tang, I believe you should receive a share of this money." Vice President Wang said, "Vice President Ou is right." Vice Mayor Tang said, "You're mistaken. Our policy is to reward scientific and technological personnel. Since I have no achievements, I certainly can't receive a share. And you won't receive this share either if you don't have research achievements."

Vice President Wang said, "In that case, leaving aside the other colleagues, a portion of our share will be allocated to you."

Vice Mayor Tang said seriously, "I'm very satisfied that this research institute has developed to its current state. As a government official, I can only contribute, not demand anything. Of course, if I were to make a scientific contribution to the research institute..." "I've created value, and I'll take this commission with a clear conscience. Please don't worry about what I'm doing. You're entitled to it according to the rules; you're the same as other researchers in our institute, and you haven't taken a single extra penny—that's fair. If I took your commissions, wouldn't that be like government officials accepting bribes? I appreciate your kindness, but I absolutely won't take it." He paused, then said, "That's settled then. If you don't need the money right now, just keep it in the finance department. The finance department will write you an IOU and stamp it. You can collect it from the finance department whenever you need it. The commissions for the other staff should be distributed within the next two days."

That afternoon, someone from the finance department delivered the IOU stamped by the institute's finance department and the institute to Ouyang Yiming's office. Ouyang Yiming looked calm on the surface when he saw the IOU. Although it wasn't a windfall, the amount of nearly 600,000 yuan made him both excited and uneasy, with a hint of fear amidst the excitement.

After get off work, Ouyang Yiming put the IOU in his briefcase and went downstairs. His newly purchased Santana, bought a few months ago for his personal use, was already waiting. He walked downstairs with the office director, who said to him, "Dean Ou, you'll get your driver's license after the New Year. I've already spoken to the traffic police." Ouyang Yiming smiled and said, "I'll have to take a test, right?" The office director said, "It's just a formality, a simple matter of doing some manual labor. How's it going? Can you drive now?" Ouyang Yiming smiled and nodded, saying, "Basically, yes." The office director said, "Driving isn't difficult. Having a license will make things much easier." Ouyang Yiming smiled.

Back home, Ouyang Yiming went into the kitchen and handed the IOU in the envelope to Mao Yuqin. Mao Yuqin's hands trembled as she held the IOU, saying, "My God, how are we going to spend such a large sum of money?" Ouyang Yiming said, "I don't know how either. You can take care of it. Whenever the family needs it, you can get it from the finance department." Mao Yuqin said, "We don't need any money at home. Just keep this money at your research institute for now. You and Xu Hui can decide how to spend it later." With that, she went out into the main room and carefully locked the IOU in the cupboard.

After dinner, Ouyang Anping and Mao Yuqin discussed the matter with Ouyang Yiming again. Ouyang Anping said, "Holding so much money in our hands is a hot potato. Your handling of this is excellent. Although this money is rightfully ours according to your institute's regulations, I still feel uneasy. It's best if we don't use a single penny right now." Mao Yuqin said, "There's nothing to worry about. The country also encourages rewarding contributing scientific and technological talent. Although Yiming is a leader of the research institute, most importantly, he's a scientific and technological worker. Since their institute has such a policy, and others have received corresponding bonuses like him, we have nothing to worry about. Dean Wang received the same thing. We don't need this money now, so Yiming's handling of it is quite correct."

Ouyang Anping said, "Where can we possibly use such a large sum of money now? And who knows what we might do in the future?" "It will be useful. Yiming's current salary is higher than both of ours combined, and his benefits are quite generous. He even has a car to pick him up from work. I feel it's a bit too early for him to enjoy such treatment." Mao Yuqin said somewhat unhappily, "You, you've always been so cautious. These benefits are what Yiming earned through his hard work and achievements; he deserves them. If you had that kind of ability, you would enjoy them too."

Ouyang Yiming smiled and said, "Look at you two, there's no need to argue about this. I also had reservations when I first learned about this money. Now, this is my thinking: we won't use this money for now. But neither of us should feel uneasy. The research institute already has such regulations for those who have made contributions to scientific research. This isn't something that started after I became the vice president; it was established when the institute was founded." "I feel perfectly justified in taking this money. It's just that we don't need it now. As the leaders of the research institute, Director Wang and I put this money in the unit for development purposes, and I don't think anyone can say anything about it. Many researchers have already pocketed their due bonuses, and nobody dares to say anything about that. Without such policies, the research institute probably wouldn't have developed so quickly. Now, some researchers are going to great lengths to find projects themselves. I think without this motivation, there wouldn't be many projects where researchers actively seek out projects. I really admire Vice Mayor Tang's foresight in this regard. Only in this way can the research institute produce more results and develop."

Mao Yuqin turned to look at Ouyang Anping and smiled, saying, "Listen to what Yiming said, there's a..." "That makes sense. Yiming has gained some experience over the past few years and has developed the air of a leader. Anping, Yiming has his own opinions on matters. We can offer our advice, but the final decision rests with him."

Ouyang Anping smiled and said, "I've experienced too much these past few years, and I'm always worried about these things. Alright, Yiming should make his own decisions, but there are some crucial issues you should discuss with us." Mao Yuqin said, "Your father is right. While we may only offer suggestions, your father and I do need to provide some advice." Ouyang Yiming said, "You have more experience and knowledge, so of course I'll consult you." Mao Yuqin and Ouyang Anping laughed.

Ouyang Anping said, "Don't talk about this outside. The bigger the tree, the more the wind will blow." Mao Yuqin said, "Do you need to tell me that?" Ouyang Yiming said, "The research institute hasn't published everyone's specific commission because we've considered that. We require this to remain confidential. But if you have any questions about your commission, you can check with the finance department." Mao Yuqin said, "That's the most appropriate way to do it." Ouyang Anping nodded.

Mao Yuqin said, "This money will always belong to you, Ouyang Yiming, and we won't use it." Ouyang Yiming said, "Mom, that's not right. What do you mean it belongs to me, Ouyang Yiming? Anyone in the family can use it if they need it. I'm not married yet, am I?" Mao Yuqin said, "It's good that you have this thought, but this money should belong to you and Xu Hui. We, as parents, should keep that in mind. You give me your monthly salary now, and after you get married, I won't be letting you manage your salary anymore."

Ouyang Yiming laughed and said, "You're making it sound like I'm not part of this family." Mao Yuqin said, "You're all my children, none of you are outsiders, but things have to be done this way. If your younger siblings need your help in the future, you'll need their consent. We, as parents, will never interfere." Ouyang Yiming said, "If my younger siblings need help, of course it's my duty. I'll help them as long as I know. Don't worry about that. Being siblings in this life is a blessing from many lifetimes, how could I not cherish it?"

Mao Yuqin nodded and said, "That's the right way to think. This is the kind of mindset you, as the eldest, must have. You all make your parents very confident. Dongdong's grades are also very good; I think he'll get into a prestigious university next year." "It's not a problem. After your father and I are gone, you'll be their pillar of support." Ouyang Yiming said, "Mom, look at you, why are you saying these things now? It makes me uncomfortable." Mao Yuqin smiled and said, "Okay, I won't say anymore."

Ouyang Anping then asked, "Has Xu Hui called recently?" Ouyang Yiming said, "She came a while ago. She'll be back in less than a month, and I think she'll call in the next few days." Mao Yuqin said, "Time flies, it's been two years already." Ouyang Anping said, "Yes, it's gone by so fast. Meizi will graduate next year too."

Mao Yuqin said, "Yiming, you're not young anymore. Although you and Xu Hui have a marriage certificate, we still want you two to get married as soon as possible. " "You should get married when Xu Hui comes back," Ouyang Yiming said. "We'll discuss this with Xu Hui when she gets back. Think about it, she went away to study not long after graduating from university, and she'll probably want to do something when she comes back." Mao Yuqin said, "We can postpone having children after getting married; it won't affect our work much." Ouyang Yiming said, "I think we should see what she thinks. I'll discuss it with her when she gets back."

Mao Yuqin nodded, thought for a moment, and said, "Yiming, you've been so busy during the Spring Festival these past two years. I see you're not too busy this year, so you should visit Xu Hui's parents. You and Xu Hui are married, so to a certain extent, Xu Hui's parents are your in-laws. You should visit them." Ouyang Anping said, "Your mother said..." "That's right, we should go." Ouyang Yiming said, "Okay, then I'll go during the Spring Festival. Take the company car to get me there." He paused and said, "How about Meizi comes with me? We can just go, take a look, and come back."

Mao Yuqin said, "Actually, your father and I should both go." Ouyang Yiming said, "You should wait until after our wedding to go." Ouyang Anping nodded and said, "That's fine too, we'll talk about it later." Mao Yuqin smiled and said, "Your father and I definitely need to meet Xu Hui's parents before you get married. Your father won't go unless we pressure him."

Ouyang Yiming smiled and said, "How about this, I think Xu Hui will definitely call in the next couple of days. I'll talk to her when she calls." Ouyang Anping and Mao Yuqin nodded.

Two days later, Xu Hui indeed called Ouyang Yiming's office and told him that she would be back at the end of February or the beginning of March, after the Spring Festival. Originally, we all wanted to be back before the Spring Festival, but things didn't go as we planned. Let Ouyang Yiming send his New Year's greetings to his family. After chatting for a while, Ouyang Yiming mentioned that he wanted to visit his parents and grandmother during the Spring Festival.

Xu Hui said, "You should have gone sooner." Ouyang Yiming said, "I wanted to go last year and the year before, but I was just too busy. I only called to say hello. I'll definitely go see them this year." Xu Hui said, "When you meet them, tell them how busy you've been these past two years. I've also told them on the phone that you're really too busy." She paused and said:

“Oh, right, there’s one more thing I need to tell you,” Ouyang Yiming said. “What is it?” Xu Hui said, “Yiming, don’t blame me for telling you.” Ouyang Yiming asked suspiciously, “Blame you?

Blame you for what?” Xu Hui said, “When we got our marriage certificate, I didn’t tell them. My family doesn’t know either. Don’t tell them when you see them.”

Ouyang Yiming was startled and asked, “Didn’t you say they agreed?” Xu Hui said, “I lied to you then, afraid you would tell your family about me. Don’t tell your family about this either, otherwise they’ll say I’m lying.” Ouyang Yiming was a little angry and said, “You too, how could you not tell your family about something so important?”

Xu Hui said, “I wanted to tell them then, but I was afraid they would ask all sorts of questions. Back then, I was just thinking about you and Liu Yan, afraid you would change your mind, that’s why I was so anxious. Could I tell my parents about you and Liu Yan?”

Ouyang Yiming was silent for a while. Xu Hui asked, "What's wrong? Are you angry?" Ouyang Yiming said, "A little." Xu Hui laughed on the other end and said, "Don't be angry, I'll apologize to you in person when I see you." Ouyang Yiming said, "You always do things that people don't expect. Do you think your parents wouldn't be angry if I accidentally said it in front of them?" Xu Hui said, "That's why I'm telling you now. Okay, that's all. I miss you!" Ouyang Yiming said, "Hang up, we'll be racking up a lot of phone bills lately." Xu Hui said, "Say you love me." Ouyang Yiming laughed and said, "I love you, I miss you." Xu Hui giggled, and they hung up.

A few days later, Ouyang Yiming, along with Ouyang Mei and Ouyang Dongdong, went to Suzhou. The old man brought six bottles of his treasured aged wine for Xu Hui's father. Mao Yuqin and Ouyang Yiming brought many local specialties for Xu Hui's family.

Ouyang Yiming and his sister stayed at Xu Hui's house for one night, and the next day they told Xu Zhenming and Yang Ping that they were going back. Xu Zhenming, Yang Ping, and Xu Hui's grandmother tried their best to persuade him to stay, but Ouyang Yiming said, "My unit hasn't given us a holiday yet, and I'm still very busy before the New Year. Today, we'll drive Dongdong to a few scenic spots and then go straight back." Xu Zhenming and Yang Ping then told Ouyang Yiming to go back and ask his family elders how they were doing.

They also gave Ouyang Yiming some snacks they had hastily bought.

Love and Desire (138)

Chapter 136

Just after the Spring Festival, Liu Yan received a call from Jin Ling from Hangzhou at her mother's house. Jin Ling told Liu Yan that she had married Liang Chao on the 26th of the lunar calendar before the New Year.

After hearing this, Liu Yan scolded her on the phone: "Why didn't you tell me about such a big thing? Do you still consider me a good friend?" Jin Ling laughed and said, "I felt the same way when I got married to you. It's too far away, and it's inconvenient to come all the way."

Liu Yan also didn't tell Jin Ling when she got married to Zhang Lei. When she went to Jinling that time, she didn't tell her comrades about her upcoming marriage. She felt it was a helpless marriage, a loveless marriage she didn't want from the bottom of her heart, so naturally she had no desire to tell anyone.

Liu Yan secretly thought to herself, "Jinling, can you be like me? Your love with Liang Chao was true love, while what was mine and Zhang Lei's back then?"

Liu Yan said, "Alright, now you've got me caught red-handed. Well, congratulations to you both. I'll send you some gifts in a couple of days." Jinling giggled and said, "No need to send them, I'll get them." Liu Yan was surprised and said, "You're coming to get them?" Jinling smiled and said, "Yes, I'll get them. Liang Chao and I discussed it and plan to visit you in the next couple of days. Liang Chao said you're a great benefactor to us, and we must go to thank you when we get married."

Liu Yan laughed and said, "Isn't that necessary? Why do you always think like that? We two..." "We're good sisters, it's not good for you to think like that. I can't accept it either. Don't say things like 'benefactor' anymore, or I'll get angry." Jin Ling said, "I may not say it, but I'll never forget your kindness to me in my life, and neither will Liang Chao and I. We

haven't seen each other for so many years, and Liang Chao and I wanted to visit you. I really miss you too, so this trip will be like a vacation for us." Liu Yan said, "I really miss you too, so come on over, let's have a good chat, sisters."

Jin Ling often contacted Liu Yan by phone, but Liu Yan had never told Jin Ling about her true feelings for Zhang Lei, nor about her past relationship with Ouyang Yiming. She also never mentioned her divorce from Zhang Lei. She always told Jin Ling that she was doing well, and Jin Ling, of course, believed that Liu Yan, who came from a wealthy and privileged background, would be doing well in everything.

Jinling inquired about Liu Yan's son over the phone. Liu Yan became excited when talking about her son, saying, "Ruhan is very sensible and well-behaved. He can already recite many poems.

He's not even three years old, and he's incredibly intelligent." Jinling laughed and said, "With a mother as smart as you, of course you'd have such a smart son." Liu Yan blurted out without thinking, "He takes after his father." She immediately realized her mistake but couldn't take it back. Jinling chuckled and said, "Yes, yes, you two are both so smart, of course your child is even smarter."

The two chatted for a while on the phone. Jinling told Liu Yan that she and Liang Chao would be visiting her the day after tomorrow. Liu Yan said, "I've made arrangements for you; you can stay at our guesthouse." Jin Ling said, "Don't trouble yourself too much. We'll come visit you for a couple of days, and we'd like to go somewhere else too. It's rare to have time to travel like this, so during this honeymoon, we want to see you and your lovely son, and also visit a few more places."

After hanging up the phone, Liu Yan thought about how Jin Ling and Liang Chao, despite that embarrassing incident, had finally become a couple. Her own marriage, however, had ended so cruelly.

A pang of sadness gripped her heart, and she couldn't help but shed a few tears.

Suddenly, she remembered what she'd heard on the phone about Ru Han being as intelligent as his father, and a sharp pain shot through her heart. She thought to herself, "Ouyang Yiming and Xu Hui are probably married by now, and they might even have children. Is it a boy or a girl?" A tremor ran through her as she thought this, and waves of sorrow washed over her. Tears streamed down her face as she lamented, "The child Xu Hui and Ouyang Yiming have is legitimate, but Ruhan has no claim to the Ouyang family!" But then, in an instant, she thought again, "No, Ruhan should also have a claim to the Ouyang family. He should be acknowledged by Ouyang Yiming. Even though Ouyang Yiming is now with Xu Hui, I still consider him my only husband, so Ruhan should be the son he should acknowledge."

But even this thought felt forced. Even if Ouyang Yiming acknowledged Ruhan as his son, would he dare to make it public? And what would Xu Hui do to Ouyang Yiming if it were made public? It seemed that it wouldn't be easy for Ruhan to truly become a descendant of Ouyang Yiming's family. At this moment, she felt a chill of fear and anxiety.

However, sooner or later she would let Ouyang Yiming know that Ru Han was his biological son. Regardless of whether Ru Han had a status in the Ouyang family, he was still Ouyang Yiming's biological son, and she would definitely let him know.

Two days later, Jin Ling and Liang Chao arrived in Jianghan by train, and Liu Yan picked them up at the train station in her father's car. As soon as they met, Liu Yan and Jin Ling stared at each other, tears welling in their eyes, and then they hugged each other. Jin Ling said through tears, "Liu Yan, I really missed you, I thought about you every day." Liu Yan said, "I missed you too."

The two hugged for a while and then let go. Liu Yan saw Liang Chao smiling foolishly at her. Liang Chao had worked as a sanitation worker in Liu Yan and Jin Ling's ward for two years, so he was quite familiar with them. Liu Yan looked at him and said, "Kid, you've really managed to get our Nurse Jin this time. You're something else! Let me tell you, if I ever hear Jin Ling say that you bullied her, I'll be the first one to not let you off easily." Liang Chao chuckled and said, "I wouldn't dare bully her." The three of them laughed.

Jin Ling looked at Liu Yan and said, "Liu Yan, you're getting more and more beautiful now. Compared to before, you've gained a mature woman's beauty." Liu Yan smiled and said, "Sigh, I'm getting old." Jin Ling said, "You'll never look old." Liu Yan laughed and said, "Then I'll be a fairy. You're so sweet-talking, Liang Chao taught you, right?" Jin Ling said, "How could someone like him teach me?

I'm telling the truth." Liu Yan thought to herself, "Yes, when Liang Chao was a medic in the ward, he rarely spoke, always looking so refined. If it weren't for that incident, who would have thought he would have a romantic relationship with Jin Ling?" Instantly, she thought of herself and Ouyang Yiming, and a pang of sadness welled up inside her.

Jinling asked, "My nephew didn't come?" Liu Yan replied, "He's at home with the nanny. Let's go home."

On the way, Jinling asked, "Are you staying at your mother-in-law's or your mother's house now?" Liu Yan's heart sank, and she said, "I'm staying at my own home in the compound now, I go back and forth between the two."

Jinling said, "I thought you were staying at your in-laws' house. Last time I called, I thought you weren't at your mother's, but it turned out you were the one who answered. That's good. To be honest, I feel very awkward when I'm at your mother's or your mother-in-law's house. It's more comfortable being alone with you. Is he home?"

Liu Yan knew Jinling was referring to Zhang Lei, and her heart sank again. She said, "No." Afraid that Jinling would ask something else, she immediately asked again: " Where else are you planning to go?"

Jinling asked. "We're planning to visit Shaolin Temple, Beijing, and Mount Tai along the way. It's a rare combination of annual leave and wedding leave, so we'll see if we have enough time. If we do, we want to visit as many places as possible. We might not have time again later." Liu Yan said, "Yes, we won't have much time left. Where do you and Liang Chao live now?" Jinling said, "Liang Chao was transferred to Hangzhou a while ago. Housing at our hospital is very tight, so his company allocated him an apartment. He'll make do for now." Liu Yan asked, "Is it far to work?" Jinling said, "Not too far. Hey, I said you'd go to Hangzhou sometime, when are you going?" Liu Yan smiled and said, "I'll definitely go when I have time." The two chatted along the way. After a while, they arrived at Liu Yan's building.

On the second floor, Liu Yan knocked on the door, and the housekeeper opened it. Little Ruhan skipped over, calling out, "Mommy, Mommy!" Liu Yan responded, then knelt down and picked up the child. Little Ruhan looked at her mother and asked, "Mommy, where did you go? I haven't seen you since I woke up." Jin Ling, standing behind her, leaned in and said to Ruhan, "Did your mommy go to pick us up?"

Ruhan looked at her and asked, "Who are you? I've never seen you before." Liu Yan and Jin Ling both laughed. Liu Yan said, "Call her Aunt Jin." Ruhan called out, "Aunt Jin." Jin Ling smiled and agreed. Liu Yan pointed at Liang Chao and asked Ruhan, "What should we call him?" Ruhan called out, "Uncle." Jin Ling smiled and said, "So cute!" The group laughed and went inside.

As soon as they sat down on the sofa, Jin Ling opened a bag, took out a toy car, and shouted at Ruhan, "Look what Auntie bought you!" Ruhan looked at it without saying a word. Jinling waved to him and said, "Come here, Auntie bought you an electric toy car, come here." Ruhan turned to look at Liu Yan, who said, "Go ahead, thank you Auntie."

Ruhan ran over, took the toy from Jinling's hand, and looked at it excitedly. Jinling picked him up and sat him on her lap, looking at him for a while and said, "Liu Yan, this child looks a bit like you, so handsome." Liu Yan smiled. Jinling looked at Ruhan and asked, "What's your name?" Ruhan said, word by word, "My name is Liu Ruhan."

Jinling felt strange and turned to ask Liu Yan, "Liu Yan, does the child have your surname?" Liu Yan blushed and said "Mmm." Jinling said, "Yes, we should break this old custom. It's only right that he takes his mother's surname." After saying that, she glanced at Liang Chao. Ruhan played with the toy, and after a while, he broke free from Jinling's embrace and ran to Liu Yan, saying, "Mommy, play with me." Liu Yan said, "Go play with Auntie, Mommy has something to do." The nanny came over and took Ruhan into her room.

Jinling stood up and looked around, saying, "Liu Yan, your conditions are so much better. Our hospital doesn't even provide housing. The apartment we have now, which Liang Chao's workplace squeezed out for us, is a one-bedroom, one-living-room place. Compared to yours, it's like a tiny birdcage." Liang Chao chimed in, "Let's be content. Some people even share a single room." Jinling said, "You just can't compare people. Liu Yan, your mother-in-law and mother's houses are quite big, aren't they?" Liu Yan casually replied, "Yes, quite big." As Jinling spoke, she went into Liu Yan's bedroom, looked around for a while, and asked, "Hey, why don't I see any photos of you two together? I've never even seen him." Liu Yan felt a little flustered and said, "They're not here." Jinling said, "You don't stay here often, do you?"

Liu Yan said, "No." Jinling looked again and asked, "Where did he go? When is he coming back?" Liu Yan thought for a moment and said, "His whole family moved to Guangzhou."

Jinling stared at her and asked, "You've all gone to Guangzhou? Why didn't you go with him?" Liu Yan said, "My parents are here, I'm worried about them." Jinling thought for a moment and nodded, "That's true, does he come back often?" Liu Yan said, "Not often. Oh, Jinling, you and Liang Chao can stay at our guesthouse, I've arranged everything for you." Jinling said,

"Okay." She paused and then asked, "You mean your husband isn't coming back?" Liu Yan nodded. Jinling said excitedly, "Then I'll sleep with you, and Liang Chao can stay somewhere else."

Liu Yan smiled and asked softly, "Is Liang Chao willing?" Jinling whispered, "We're an old married couple, you know what's going on between us, we don't have much passion anymore." She laughed after saying that.

Liu Yan smiled and didn't say anything.

Jinling moved closer to Liu Yan and said, "Liu Yan, with your husband rarely coming back, don't you miss 'that'?" Liu Yan's heart skipped a beat and she didn't speak. Jinling chuckled twice and said, "Don't let Liang Chao's appearance fool you. We've been together for years, and I still crave 'that.' Liang Chao holds me every night while we sleep. I just can't imagine how you can stand sleeping like that all the time." Liu Yan felt a chill run down her spine, but said, "I'm used to it." Jinling chuckled again and said, "Men and women are so strange. When they sleep together, they want to do 'that.' If Liang Chao were to leave me for such a long time, I really couldn't bear it." She finished speaking with a giggle. Liu Yan smiled awkwardly and remained silent. Jinling didn't say anything more and looked around again.

At that moment, Liu Yan thought about how she had been divorced from Zhang Lei for over two years. Even before the divorce, she hadn't had sex with him very often. Since becoming pregnant with Ru Han, she hadn't let him touch her again. Then Zhang Lei was transferred to Guangzhou. After that, she discovered Zhang Lei's affair with Wu Min, and shortly after, they divorced.

Sometimes, when I'm alone in bed, I think about these things, but my mind always wanders to the scenes of making love with Ouyang Yiming. Sometimes I can't control myself and masturbate. Other times, when I think about making love with Ouyang Yiming, after a moment of excitement, I remember that he might be doing the same thing with Xu Hui, and I feel incredibly sad, and all the passion vanishes. Sometimes, thinking about the child helps to lessen these thoughts. After Jinling and Liu Yan

went out, they sat in the living room, talking about their time at the hospital and their colleagues, their words filled with nostalgia, as if they had endless topics to discuss.

As it was getting dark, Liu Yan called her father and asked him to send a car to pick them up for dinner. After the car arrived, Liu Yan led them to the restaurant. Ruhan played excitedly with his toys for a while and then fell asleep; the nanny stayed home with him.

After dinner, they returned home, and Jinling and Liang Chao, carrying the things they had brought from Hangzhou for Liu Yan's parents, went with Liu Yan to her parents' house. After talking for a while, she returned home, sat at Liu Yan's house for a bit, then took Liang Chao to the guesthouse, and then went home with Liu Yan. She looked at her son, and then watched TV and talked with Jin Ling in the living room for a while before going to Liu Yan's room to rest. Jin Ling was tired from the long car ride and fell asleep soon after.

Liu Yan, however, couldn't sleep. She thought about how Jin Ling and Liang Chao, despite their embarrassing experience, were now happily married, a relationship she envied so much!

Her mind drifted to her relationship with Ouyang Yiming, and she sighed with sadness. What would her life be like in the future? Would she ever meet a man like Ouyang Yiming again? Would she ever develop the same feelings for another man? Perhaps never. If she could live again, she would definitely take control of her life. But now it was all too late.

Thinking it over carefully, she realized she simply couldn't conceive Ouyang Yiming's child. It was impossible for her to spend her whole life with Zhang Lei. Even if she tried hard to cultivate feelings for him and had children with him, how could she tolerate his philandering? Besides, during the year or so she lived with him, she knew it was impossible to develop feelings for him.

To outsiders, she seemed to be living a very happy and joyful life, but who knew the bitterness in her heart? Was being born into such a family something to be proud of?

To a certain extent, wasn't it also a kind of tragedy?

The next day, Liu Yan asked her mother to send a car, and they visited some scenic spots such as the Yellow Crane Tower and the Yangtze River Bridge. When they returned home for dinner that evening, Jinling said to Liu Yan, "I really wish we could stay with you a few more days.

We've kept you so busy since we arrived. Tomorrow we're planning to go to Shaolin Temple, and we want to take advantage of the holiday to visit as many places as possible. You must take the children to Hangzhou when you have time." Liu Yan nodded and agreed, saying, "I'll definitely go when I have time. There aren't many famous historical sites here, so you should visit as many places as possible. To be honest, I've never been to Beijing. I'm thinking of taking the children to different places when they're older." Jinling said, "You should have traveled around when you got married." Liu Yan felt a pang of unease and remained silent. She thought to herself, how could she have gone traveling with Zhang Lei when she got married? At that time, she had just separated from Ouyang Yiming. Although she wore a smile before and after the wedding, her mind was always on Ouyang Yiming. She was always worried about how much pain he would be in after being separated from him, worried about his health, his life, everything about him. Who knew the bitterness in her heart? At this moment, Liu Yan felt sad again.

That night, Jin Ling and Liu Yan slept together and talked. Jin Ling asked, "How is he to you? Does he know how to cherish you?" Liu Yan knew Jin Ling was referring to Zhang Lei, so she didn't answer, but asked, "Liang Chao is definitely good to you. You can tell from his appearance. It seems like he listens to you in everything." Jin Ling smiled and said, "Don't you know what he's like? He can't change his nature. He doesn't talk much, but when he does, he's very articulate, and you have to listen to him. He's also very thoughtful and knows how to care for others. Sometimes he's like a woman. I sometimes wonder how a man can be so thoughtful. There's no doubt he's good to me, and his parents are also very good to me. Although I went through what happened at the hospital, I've always been content to be with Liang Chao and haven't felt too embarrassed about what happened. After being transferred to Hangzhou, probably..." For about six months, the people at that hospital somehow found out about Liang Chao and me. There was gossip, and I knew it. I didn't care. After all, I had that kind of relationship with the man I loved. Even if you cared, what could you do? They'd still talk. Once, a good colleague actually asked me directly, and I didn't avoid the question; I said it was true. After that, Liang Chao was assigned to Hangzhou, and I had him visit the hospital often. Later, no one said anything. "Some things, if people know and you try to hide them, they'll gossip behind your back. Speaking out will shut them up,"

Liu Yan said. "Yes," she thought, her mind filled with thoughts of her divorce from Zhang Lei. For almost two years, although no one had asked her directly, she knew there was gossip. She thought to

herself, "If someone asks, I shouldn't avoid it."

Jinling said, "Liang Chao and I often talk about you. You are my benefactor in this life, and also our benefactor. If it weren't for you that time, I would have taken off this military uniform long ago, and I might have gone back to my hometown after being demobilized. I don't know if Liang Chao and I would still be able to get married then. Liang Chao also often says that you are our benefactor, and we must repay you properly when we have the chance. I said, Liu Yan's life is definitely happier than ours, and how can we repay her? We'll just keep it in our hearts."

Liu Yan trembled as she listened to Jinling's words, thinking to herself, "Jinling, how could you know the bitterness in my heart? Seeing you and Liang Chao married and so loving, I was so envious."

Liu Yan said, "Don't talk about repaying me anymore. We're best friends, and it's fate that we met in this life. As long as you two are loving and affectionate, I'll be happy."

Jin Ling said, "No matter what you say, Liang Chao and I know in our hearts that we will be grateful to you for the rest of our lives." Liu Yan smiled and said, "Then be grateful. I can't stop you from thinking that way."

Jin Ling asked, "Liu Yan, your husband will definitely treat you well. What man wouldn't want a beauty like you?" Liu Yan replied, "It's alright." Her heart was bleeding again. Jin Ling asked, "Liu Yan, I didn't expect you to get married so early, and I certainly didn't expect you to have a child so soon. What were you thinking back then?"

Liu Yan's heart trembled again. She said, "Isn't the point of marriage for women to have children?"

Jin Ling stared at her, surprised, and said, "Liu Yan, how could you have such thoughts? Liang Chao and I told each other that we absolutely wouldn't have children in the first few years of our marriage. We're so young, we haven't even had enough fun yet, having a child would mean we can't have any fun at all." Realizing this was inappropriate, she quickly added, "But having a child by my side is quite nice."

Liu Yan smiled bitterly, thinking to herself, if she hadn't wanted to have Ouyang Yiming's child, she wouldn't have thought about having a child so early.

Jin Ling thought to herself, "Liu Yan wasn't like this before. Back in the hospital, she was much more optimistic than me."

Liu Yan and her husband must have gotten married after only a short time together. Jinling was surprised to hear that Liu Yan had gotten married so young, and her suspicions only grew stronger after hearing that Liu Yan had given birth so early. She had asked Liu Yan about it on the phone, but Liu Yan never gave a direct answer. Liu Yan seemed more depressed now than when she was in the hospital. How could Liu Yan have changed so much in just a few years?

It's only the beginning of the new year, and Liu Yan's husband isn't home. Did he not come back for the holiday? Liu Yan and her child shouldn't be apart from her husband before they officially return to work.

All of this is suspicious. Is something going on between them? Jinling really wanted to know the truth about Liu Yan.

Jinling asked, "Liu Yan, did your husband go back to Guangzhou after the Spring Festival?" Liu Yan hummed in agreement. Jinling pondered for a moment and said, "Liu Yan, I've been wanting to ask you something, but I haven't dared to." Liu Yan was startled and said, "Oh." Jinling said, "Liu Yan, we're like sisters. Can you tell me the truth? What's your relationship with your husband really like?" Liu Yan's heart was bleeding again. She whispered, "It doesn't matter." Jinling stared at her, wide-eyed, and said, "Really? Then you two..." Liu Yan gave a bitter smile. Jinling

thought for a moment and said, "I guess your parents think your families are well-matched, so... so you married him so early, right?" Liu Yan hummed in agreement but didn't say anything.

Jinling felt a heaviness in her heart, but seeing that Liu Yan didn't want to talk about it, she didn't ask the next question: "You had a child so early because of your parents?" After a moment of silence, Jinling thought about Liu Yan's situation and suddenly remembered her suspicions about Liu Yan and Ouyang Yiming when they were both in the hospital. She casually asked, "Liu Yan, let me ask you something. That guy in our department, what's his name... what's his name, Ouyang... did you two have an affair?"

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