Qiao Yunlong observed Hua Yueqing, and seeing her lack of reaction, he assumed he was being overly sensitive. He told himself that this was a critical juncture and he couldn't afford to anger her further.
Qiao Yunlong suddenly put down his chopsticks, pulled Hua Yueqing into his embrace, and said softly, "Wife, I'm sorry. When your father entrusted you to me, I was busy expanding the company all these years. I didn't want you to lose face in front of your family, I didn't want them to say that the man you married was useless, so I kept expanding our business empire."
"I know you've had a tough time these past few years. I understand," Hua Yueqing replied softly.
A faint smile played on Qiao Yunlong's lips at her words.
Indeed, a foolish woman. With a few sweet words, she was completely captivated.
A sense of superiority welled up within Qiao Yunlong.
While he comforted Hua Yueqing, he also manipulated her. Although Hua Yueqing wasn't the sole heiress of the Hua family, generations of men in the Hua family had only produced her, a single daughter. Therefore, they doted on her immensely.
Even now, at over fifty, her words still carried weight within the Hua family. She had been pampered like a little princess.
As long as Hua Yueqing asked, the Hua family would certainly not refuse her.
Seeing that his groundwork was laid, Qiao Yunlong looked at Hua Yueqing and said softly, "Wife, the real estate project is about to launch, but it's also close to year-end, and we're facing significant financial difficulties. Could you help me? Go to your family and ask your father for a loan. Once the project starts and we make money, I'll repay it immediately, even with exorbitant interest."
Hua Yueqing's lips curved into a slight smile at Qiao Yunlong's words.
She knew Qiao Yunlong would shamelessly bring up the money. And sure enough, she soon heard him do so.
Hua Yueqing said softly, "Yunlong, actually, I made a table full of your favorite dishes today. I also have something very important I wanted to discuss with you in person."
Qiao Yunlong was indifferent.
Even if a woman was pampered to the heavens by her family, now that she was part of the Qiao family and over fifty, she couldn't expect him to indulge her with romantic thrills.
Despite his impatience, Qiao Yunlong dared not show it in front of Hua Yueqing.
Feigning a deeply affectionate demeanor, he looked at Hua Yueqing and said softly, "Okay, tell me what you want to say. I'm listening."
At his words, Hua Yueqing stood up, went to the bedroom, retrieved a document, and placed it in front of Qiao Yunlong.
When Qiao Yunlong saw the words "Divorce Agreement" clearly written on the document, he was stunned.
He looked at Hua Yueqing with disbelief.
Hua Yueqing smiled and said, "These years, I didn't ask what you did outside, but that doesn't mean I'm an idiot. I know everything." With that, Hua Yueqing threw a stack of photos onto the dining table.
The photos were all of Qiao Yunlong and Li Qin.
For a woman to reach her current situation was indeed a great injustice.
But Hua Yueqing had no right to feel wronged.
Qiao Yunlong had become this way entirely because of her indulgence, bit by bit.
She had always believed that as long as she played dumb, Qiao Yunlong would eventually see the light and return to her.
But now, she realized that wouldn't happen; it would only make Qiao Yunlong hurt her more severely.
Hua Yueqing no longer wanted to pretend.
She said softly, "Isn't Fu Hao, the son Li Qin had with Fu Jingbin, actually your son with Qiao Yunlong? Your diligent efforts all these years were just paving the way for Fu Hao, weren't they?"
Qiao Yunlong was shocked that Hua Yueqing knew all this.
His eyes widened in disbelief, and he pleaded, "Wife, it's not true. Li Qin and I didn't have a child. I love you the most. Li Qin and I were just going through the motions. You know Li Qin is Fu Jingbin's wife, and Fu Jingbin is Fu Yanting's paternal uncle. If I didn't maintain a good relationship with Li Qin, how could I integrate with the Fu family? The Qiao family's current achievements are largely due to the Fu Group's headquarters."
"Alright, Qiao Yunlong. You can find excuses for your infidelity, but I cannot tolerate your continued deception, harm, and using my two daughters to pave the way for the son you had with another woman."
Hua Yueqing's voice remained soft and calm, betraying no emotion.
She wasn't crying hysterically.
She wasn't throwing a tantrum.
She wasn't threatening suicide.
Yet, it was this serene demeanor that left Qiao Yunlong helpless.
"I've already prepared the divorce agreement. Take a look. If you have no other objections, sign it. We can find a day to go to the Civil Affairs Bureau and finalize the paperwork."
Hua Yueqing had given up all hope, which allowed her to remain so calm and composed.
What level of disappointment in a man could turn a woman so composed and unfazed?
Qiao Yunlong also lost patience in coaxing Hua Yueqing. He said coldly, "Can't you be sensible? The Qiao Corporation is in chaos right now, and I don't have the leisure to entertain you at home. I know I've neglected you due to work, and you're unhappy, but this isn't what I wanted either."
"Do I look like I'm being unreasonable right now?"
Hearing Qiao Yunlong's words, Hua Yueqing couldn't help but let out a light chuckle.
However, the laugh was tinged with a hint of desolation, helplessness, and bitterness.
The man she had loved her entire life. She had once thought she would continue to play dumb forever and wouldn't have the courage to take this step.
But now that she had taken this step, she realized nothing was impossible.
A person, when they have continuously collected disappointment, and the jar is full, can then turn and leave.
Hua Yueqing stood up to leave.
Qiao Yunlong narrowed his eyes. He had been negotiating with Hua Yueqing in a conciliatory manner, but he hadn't expected her to be so unappreciative. If that was the case, then he wouldn't be polite.
A fierce glint flashed in Qiao Yunlong's eyes.
At this critical juncture, if he signed for divorce, it would be like giving up his last lifeline.
Qiao Yunlong was not a fool. Even if he divorced, he would wait until the Qiao Corporation weathered this storm.
He couldn't bear all the burden alone.
They were husband and wife; they had to face hardships together.
Qiao Yunlong directly burned the divorce agreement with a lighter, then crushed the ashes underfoot and threw them into the trash can.
Hua Yueqing heard him, but she wasn't angry. She said calmly, "I bought a copier. The original draft is saved in my documents. As long as you don't sign, I'll keep printing until you do."
"Hua Yueqing, are you going to treat me like this? No matter how hard I try, you're determined to divorce?"