"Just an annoyance? Miss Ning, think about your older brother; he's about to be tossed aside after she's used him up. Who knows what trickery this slut learned to ensnare so many men." Gu Yingnuo cursed bitterly a few times, then treated the pastry before her like Gu Yingxi’s face, stabbing it repeatedly with her fork. "Why don't we show these things to Ning Yuncheng and Ouyang Zhentian, let them see just how shameless Gu Yingxi is..."

"It's useless," Ning Yunhuan smiled at her fit of pique. "Ning Yuncheng was willing to coexist with those several men before; what difference does it make if he sees two more now? Forget two men, didn't he tolerate so many others before? Ouyang Zhentian being with Gu Yingxi while she already has a girlfriend naturally proves his tolerance level is much higher than other men's. Furthermore, in her past life, Ning Yunhuan personally witnessed those men living in harmony. Song Qingyun and his son are Gu Yingxi's destined partners, so any trick Gu Yingnuo tries on these men will naturally be futile."

"Not only useless, it might even make them turn from open opposition to covert action." If this father and son duo were given a chance to legitimize their position, Song Qingyun would probably welcome it. Most people would think Gu Yingnuo's scheme would make Gu Yingxi burn with shame and never show her face again, but Gu Yingxi wasn't ordinary; she was the protagonist. Such tricks wouldn't work on her.

Upon hearing this, Gu Yingnuo recalled the peculiar nature of Ouyang Zhentian and Ning Yuncheng, and with a gnash of her teeth, she spat out, "She really got away with it!"

Ning Yunhuan smiled and said no more. She wouldn't let anyone off easy, especially not Gu Yingxi, who had caused her death in the previous life and could threaten her again in this one. Gu Yingnuo thinking she would let Gu Yingxi off easily only proved how little she understood her.

The next day, a delivery van stopped in front of a residential complex. After making several calls, residents came out one by one to collect their packages, and Duan Ling followed them out, looking perplexed.

Though she had some friends, none of them would send her packages by courier, and she never enjoyed online shopping; she preferred going to the mall herself to pick out whatever she needed. Yet here was a courier claiming to have a package for her.

It was Saturday. Duan Ling, like her husband Song Qingyun, was a teacher. However, lately, both Song Qingyun and Song Minran seemed utterly bewitched by that little thing, Gu Yingnuo. Even after her leg was broken, the father and son insisted on sticking with her. Duan Ling felt uneasy. When Song Qingyun went to see Gu Yingnuo, she claimed to feel unwell and stayed away.

It was a very small parcel, a hard box about the size of a palm. When Duan Ling opened it, she found an ordinary USB drive. At that moment, she didn't think much of it, assuming some student was playing a prank. She taught middle school, and Chinese law prohibited corporal punishment. Children this age were mostly in puberty, and rebellious acts happened often, so pranks were not uncommon. Duan Ling plugged the USB into an old, unused computer, and finding no viruses, discovered only two explicit films.

She was about to sneer, thinking some hormone-overloaded student had sent her such a thing, but when she clearly saw the male and female leads on the screen, Duan Ling’s face instantly turned ashen.

Duan Ling recognized Gu Yingxi, her future in-law. Although she didn't want her son to marry Gu Yingnuo, who was now crippled, she couldn't go against her son and husband's affection for her and could only suppress her dissatisfaction, occasionally visiting the Gu family to see Gu Yingnuo. After several visits, she naturally recognized the people in the Gu household, and she certainly recognized the flushed woman on the screen.

What struck her like a bolt from the blue were the two male leads: not only was one her own son, but the other was Song Qingyun, her childhood sweetheart whom she had known for nearly her entire life!

Duan Ling had never seen such satisfaction on Song Qingyun's face. They had been married for decades, and their son was already in his twenties. This was the first time she had seen her husband smile with that look of youthful bliss that now felt utterly repulsive! Stifling the resentment and anger in her heart, Duan Ling watched both clips, which totaled nearly five hours. Duan Ling was nearly stunned into silence. She hadn't eaten lunch, and though hours had passed, she felt no hunger; her face was ice-cold.

"Ms. Duan Ling, what are your thoughts after watching the films? Your husband is currently plotting how to transfer your joint assets before divorcing you, and your dear son has already sided with him. As a righteous person, I truly cannot stand your husband's shameless behavior, so I came specifically to warn you. Thank you." After the 'yee-yee-yaa' moans ended, several lines of stark black text appeared on the screen. Duan Ling wiped the tears that had already drenched her face, and upon reading the words, the betrayal she felt from Song Qingyun was compounded by a fresh wound.

She and Song Qingyun had practically grown up together and had been married for so many years; she never suspected her husband would betray her, so she had no defenses up. Seeing now that Song Qingyun might transfer their assets, leaving her with nothing, Duan Ling felt a surge of panic.

Since Song Qingyun was treating her unjustly, regardless of the motives of this self-proclaimed righteous person, if what he said was true, Duan Ling certainly wouldn't stand idly by.

At this moment, Duan Ling still held out hope that the video and the subsequent message were fake. But while one should not harm others, one must guard against them. She decided to prepare herself first, planning to transfer the assets before Song Qingyun could make a move. If Song Qingyun hadn't done those things or intended to harm her, she would admit she had been petty and apologize to him. But if Song Qingyun truly had...

Duan Ling dared not think about the rest. If her husband and son were capable of such betrayal, and moreover, father and son shared the same woman, Duan Ling couldn't bear to face such shamelessness.

Duan Ling knew her son’s personality best. Although he appeared gentle and refined on the surface, he was fiercely competitive inside. She didn't fully believe the video's contents yet, but a seed of doubt had been planted regarding her husband. However, Song Minran was her only son, and Duan Ling couldn't bear to see him ruined. But she couldn't confront Song Minran directly about this matter either. After some thought, she remembered Song Minran's supervisor, Professor Fang.

That Professor Fang greatly admired her son and had vaguely mentioned having a daughter who was just twenty-four this year, graduating with her Master's degree and potentially returning to the country around May or June. The thought refreshed Duan Ling’s spirits.

If the video's claims were false, arranging a suitable girl for her son would not only allow him to discard Gu Yingnuo, whom she now disliked and who was crippled, but could also lead

Now that Duan Ling knew the methods her husband might employ against her, she was naturally unwilling to concede and began plotting in earnest. First, she started subtly moving their joint assets, ostensibly through purchases or stock trading, funneling the bulk of their savings from decades together into her own family’s accounts. Song Qingyun, though harboring thoughts of betrayal, had not yet suspected her, so Duan Ling's maneuvers proceeded smoothly. Furthermore, one of Song Qingyun's credit cards had a supplementary card registered under her name. Having been a teacher for decades, Song Qingyun’s credit limit was substantial; coupled with the era’s widespread credit card use, decades of accumulated spending had pushed his limit high enough to purchase a small apartment in the capital city.

The couple rarely utilized such high limits, mostly just making incidental purchases at department stores, easily covered by their salaries. The thought that Song Qingyun might seek to eliminate her, this bothersome presence, made a fire instantly flare up within Duan Ling. A woman who, in love, would give everything, could be equally ruthless when hatred took hold.

Duan Ling first maxed out Song Qingyun’s credit cards. The text message alerts from her recent high-volume spending were still linked to Song Qingyun’s phone. However, seeing the unopened messages on the first day, Duan Ling merely let out a cold sneer.

Song Qingyun was likely too consumed by his passionate affair with Gu Yingxi to even notice her actions; even if he did suspect her, he probably wouldn't have the energy to confront her, perhaps too busy enjoying himself with Gu Yingxi at that very moment. The realization only soured Duan Ling’s mood further, prompting her to go all the way—she resolved to leave Song Qingyun nothing, not even the house they currently occupied.

Through the subtle encouragement of Ning Yunhuan during this period, she finally mustered the nerve to visit Lan Lingyan’s casino. Upon seeing the deficit amount—over three million—Duan Ling finally allowed herself a smile. Her and Song Qingyun’s savings over the years amounted to about two million. She had recently indulged in a spree of luxury purchases using Song Qingyun's credit cards, and she was determined to structure the lost money as joint debt, meaning they would each be responsible for half. Then, they would sell the house, and her remaining funds would be enough for a down payment on a new property. She still had her job; her living situation would hardly be a concern.

Song Qingyun was entirely unaware that the wife who had loved him for decades was capable of such rebellion. He was completely stunned only when the casino collectors showed up demanding payment. But the bad news didn't stop there. The end of the month brought bank statements, which Song Qingyun initially ignored, preoccupied as he was with finding ways to make his idealized "White Lotus" accept him; he had no time to check notifications.

It wasn't until the bank called, stating he was already half a month behind and threatening to contact his school if the payment remained overdue, that Song Qingyun was truly shocked. Soon after, collectors from both the bank and the casino were descending upon him, causing him immense frustration. He checked his credit card statements and discovered he owed over a million!

Seeing that figure, Song Qingyun desperately wished he could pass out with his eyes open, but he couldn't. He no longer had the luxury of spending the evening with the goddess of his dreams. He began investigating who had drained his cards and eventually traced the activity back to Duan Ling. When he saw Duan Ling weeping hysterically, Song Qingyun nearly vomited blood. The deed was done; beating her to death now wouldn't reverse anything. He already disliked the woman intensely; she was old and foolish, taking up gambling at her age—hardly comparable to the young woman in his heart, who, despite terrible family upheaval, remained unbroken, even working in a bar. By comparison, he found Duan Ling infinitely less appealing.

Song Qingyun couldn't be bothered to argue with Duan Ling, nor could he recall their decades of shared history. The mere thought that he had spent decades with such a foolish woman filled him with disgust. Harassed constantly by creditors and bankers, and with his heart entirely elsewhere, Song Qingyun didn't hesitate: he slapped a divorce agreement toward Duan Ling.

"Qingyun, are you truly going to be this cruel to me? We've known each other for decades. At a time like this, are you really going to abandon me?" Duan Ling had anticipated this day since learning of Song Qingyun’s involvement with Gu Yingxi, but after so many years of marriage, seeing Song Qingyun's utter heartlessness still caused her to stiffen her expression. "Won't you regret this later? We still have a son..."

"Don't involve the boy in this. I'm sure he’d be glad to know he had such a shameless mother, and he’ll be grateful for my decision." Song Qingyun’s irritation with Duan Ling grew with every plea; waves of revulsion washed over him as she begged. He snatched the divorce agreement, rapidly signing it a few times before tossing it back to her. "Sign it quickly. Don't cling to me stubbornly. Out of respect for our decades together, I’d prefer we avoid an ugly scene..."

Hearing this, Duan Ling nearly lost control and slapped him. Who was the one who had acted shamelessly? Fortunately, she had prepared for this. Seeing Song Qingyun’s cold demeanor, she realized that if she hadn't acted, she might have ended up desolate today. In any case, she wanted no part of such a man now. Moreover, she wondered what his reaction would be if he knew this was all her manipulation. He was now penniless, left only with a mediocre job. Duan Ling doubted that the young woman, old enough to be his daughter, would stick around once his money was gone!

With that thought, Duan Ling picked up the divorce papers and signed her name swiftly, clutching the document tightly as if afraid Song Qingyun might change his mind.

Since the couple owed a significant amount, Song Qingyun had no choice but to sell the house—their jointly owned marital property—to cover the debts. Though the loss stung, he was somewhat comforted by the thought that he still possessed over two million in savings. Thus, despite the pain, he wasn't completely despairing until he checked his bank account and found it completely empty, not a single cent remaining. Song Qingyun felt like spitting blood.

He desperately sought out Duan Ling. When he heard her claim she had used the money for stock trading, he nearly went insane. Unwilling to accept the loss, he tried to force Duan Ling to repay him and even brought the matter to court. However, the funds were jointly acquired marital property. Given their many years of seemingly good relationship, lack of separation exceeding six months, and no prior documented disputes, Duan Ling had the right to manage joint assets. If she lost money or borrowed funds, it could easily be classified as joint spousal debt, not the conspiracy Song Qingyun alleged.

After all, they had been married for so long, their relationship appeared sound, and they had grown up together as childhood sweethearts. The judge naturally dismissed Song Qingyun's claims, viewing him instead as deliberately causing trouble. Song Qingyun considered an appeal but consulted several lawyers, all of whom assured him he had virtually no chance of winning. Now penniless, without a house or savings, Song Qingyun had no option but to swallow his pride and move in with the Gu family.

Song Qingyun had always idealized Gu Yingxi, believing he could never let her suffer any hardship, wanting to give her the world. Now, however, he had lost his world, even his home, and had to rely temporarily on the Gu family’s support.

The Gu family had already harbored reservations about Ning Yuncheng, a young man who had contributed so much to them—even donating a kidney to Gu Xian—when he couldn't pay his fees and became a freeloader. They certainly wouldn't welcome Song Qingyun, Gu Yingxi’s prospective father-in-law, who had offered them nothing and now expected them to support a useless man. After only ten days, Gu Xian was visibly displeased and directly confronted Song Qingyun:

"In-law, while Yingnuo and Minran get along well, and Minran never abandoned her after the car accident, I am ill, without work, and every household expense requires money. I won't lie; both my daughters are in school. Right now, only my unfortunate eldest daughter is earning. I need medicine, and Yingyu still needs to study; school fees are due for September..."

Though Gu Xian didn't state it plainly, her every word revolved around money. Song Qingyun was not dense; he understood her meaning instantly and was seized by an awkward, burning flush.

Unfortunately, he had no recourse. His house was gone, and he had no savings. Furthermore, on the very day their divorce papers were signed but before they were finalized, that wretched Duan Ling had charged over fifty thousand more on his credit card. He had used his recent salary to pay the bank, assuming he could stay with the Gus in the interim while managing his debts. He had not expected Gu Xian to signal that he needed to leave.

If he were forced out, Song Qingyun would not only be homeless but it would also signal the definitive end of any chance of a future with his goddess. How would Gu Yingxi view him, being thrown out in such a pathetic state? Would she look down on him forever?

Song Qingyun didn't want to leave, but facing Gu Youren's cold expression, he held on for a few days. However, when Gu Yingyu, a mere teenager, started giving him the cold shoulder at every turn, and the family stopped saving him any dinner when he returned late from work, Song Qingyun felt a pang of desolation despite his age. A month and a half later, when he insisted on returning to the Gu residence—to have a place to stay and to remain close to his goddess—the security guard at the complex entrance barred him. He slipped past the guard, only to find the lock on the Gu family’s door had been changed.

Middle-aged, destitute, and buried under debt, even Song Qingyun, whose heart was wholly consumed by love, felt a familiar, painful ache.

He saw clearly that the Gu family did not want him. He had tried to fool himself before, but now it was obvious they genuinely disliked him. In contrast to the Gu family’s heartless attitude, Song Qingyun nearly wept while sitting in his car. He no longer dared to drive carelessly; he hadn't noticed how costly fuel was before, but now he feared he might reach a point where he couldn't even afford gas money.