Chapter 118: Two Requirements: Agree, and I Won't Divorce

Watching Zhang Xiaoli dodge Zhou Xiaojun as if he were a plague, the hearts of everyone in the Zhou Family sank in unison!

The thing they were most worried about had happened after all!

"Xiaoli, don't be afraid. This illness really isn't as serious as you think," Zhou Yue persuaded in a soft voice.

"Sister, you don't need to say anything more. No matter what, I cannot accept this! I am still young, and I have a long life ahead of me. You want me to live every day in such fear? I can't take it!" Zhang Xiaoli said with a determined look on her face.

"I've already told you, if you take precautions, it won't be transmitted. Why won't you listen?" Seeing Zhang Xiaoli refusing to let him touch her, Zhou Xiaojun grew somewhat irritable, and as he spoke, he stepped forward, intending to pull her.

"Zhou Xiaojun, don't come over here!" Zhang Xiaoli shrieked and retreated a few more steps.

Seeing this scene, Zhou Dakui stood out and said in a deep voice, "Xiaoli, the matter has already occurred. To be honest, none of us wanted to see this result, but Dad still has to remind you of one thing: you and Xiaojun have already received your marriage certificate. Legally speaking, you are already a lawful couple. I know it's hard for you to accept that this happened, but you also have to think about Xiaojun. He is sincere toward you; otherwise, he wouldn't have preferred to go to that kind of place rather than touch you. Come to think of it, you also bear some responsibility for this."

"Uncle Zhou, what do you mean? Are you saying that because Zhou Xiaojun went to a 'floating window' and caught that disease, it's my fault?" Hearing Zhou Dakui's words, Zhang Xiaoli wore an expression of disbelief.

Immediately, as if she had remembered something, she looked fiercely at Zhou Xiaojun.

"Zhou Xiaojun, you even bring this kind of thing up? Are you still a man?"

Zhang Xiaoli was trembling with rage, while Zhou Xiaojun lowered his head, not daring to meet her eyes.

"Alright, Xiaoli, I didn't mean to blame you when I said that. It's just that, well, things have reached this point now. Instead of talking about who to blame, we should think about what to do in the future," Zhou Dakui persuaded patiently.

"What to do? Divorce, that's what. I can't live this life for even one more day," Zhang Xiaoli said without the slightest hesitation.

"Divorce? Zhang Xiaoli, you make it sound so easy! Don't forget, our Zhou Family put up a house and put it in your name! You think you can just get a divorce whenever you want? And if you get a divorce, you'll be a divorcee. Who would dare to want you in the future?" Xie Fenglan said in a shrill voice upon hearing Zhang Xiaoli's words.

"Isn't it just a house? As if anyone cares. That piece-of-trash house isn't even worth a million. If you want it, take it back!" Zhang Xiaoli said with a huff.

"Hmph, take it back? You make it sound so easy. Is it just about the house? You and Xiaojun are married now, so your assets are joint marital property. If you divorce, you'll have to split half of Xiaojun's assets!" Xie Fenglan raised her voice.

"Ha? So that's what you were waiting for, huh? Auntie, I suggest you go study the law and research what 'pre-marital assets' means!" Zhang Xiaoli mocked.

"Alright, alright, Xiaoli. You and Xiaojun have known each other for so long, and you've already gotten your certificate. Saying things like this hurts our feelings. We can understand you proposing a divorce, but don't get agitated yet. Let's discuss it properly and see if there's a better solution." Zhou Yue held Zhang Xiaoli's hand and persuaded her with kind words.

"Exactly, Xiaoli. Our Zhou Family is sincere toward you. Otherwise, what family would put a house in their daughter-in-law's name before marriage? None of us wanted Xiaojun to have this happen, but you can't be so heartless. You've been together for so long; you must have feelings for each other," Zhou Dakui also chimed in with repeated persuasion.

Hearing these words, the expression on Zhang Xiaoli's face softened somewhat. She looked to the side and said in a low voice, "Then what are your plans?"

Hearing Zhang Xiaoli's words, the Zhou Family members' faces lit up with joy simultaneously—there was a chance!

"Lili, we know this matter has wronged you. Don't worry, as long as you are willing to enter the Zhou Family, our family will definitely not treat you poorly! How about this: tell us your conditions. As long as you say it, we will definitely make it happen!" Zhou Yue struck while the iron was hot and urged her quickly.

"I don't know either. Just find a way to ensure Zhou Xiaojun doesn't transmit this disease to me! I didn't do anything wrong; why should I have to bear something like this?" Zhang Xiaoli said, crying.

"You can rest assured about that! Sister can guarantee you that we will absolutely take measures to ensure Xiaojun doesn't transmit it to you. We'll find the best doctors, ask everything clearly, and do exactly what the doctor says!" Zhou Yue said hurriedly.

"Then I have two requirements. If you agree to both, I will agree not to divorce," Zhang Xiaoli said, crying.

"Tell us, tell us!" Hearing Zhang Xiaoli's words, Zhou Yue and the elderly couple of the Zhou Family nodded repeatedly, their faces full of surprise and delight.

Zhou Xiaojun also looked expectant. As long as Zhang Xiaoli didn't bring up divorce, everything else was manageable!

"The first requirement: I cannot live with Zhou Xiaojun! He has this disease, and even if he is careful, there will be times when he isn't. I can't live in fear every day!" Zhang Xiaoli said.

"Ah? Not live together? Then where will you live? Besides, if you don't live together, how can you be a married couple?" Hearing this requirement from Zhang Xiaoli, the Zhou Family members were all dumbfounded, especially Zhou Xiaojun, who immediately grew anxious.

"Zhang Xiaoli, what do you mean? We are already married. If you don't live with me, who do you want to live with?" Zhou Xiaojun said angrily.

"I live with you, and what happens if you transmit the disease to me?" Zhang Xiaoli retorted, shutting Zhou Xiaojun down with a single sentence.

Seeing that the Zhou Family members were all silent, Zhang Xiaoli continued, "It's not like I'm saying I'll never live with him. You said it yourselves: this disease can be controlled now. When it's completely cured and safe, I'll live with him again. The most important point: without my consent, Zhou Xiaojun is absolutely not allowed to touch me. If you agree to this condition, I agree not to divorce!"

"This..." Hearing Zhang Xiaoli's words, the Zhou Family members all wore troubled expressions.

"Xiaoli, then where do you plan to live?" Zhou Yue asked tentatively.

"My brother-in-law's company was just established, and I have to worry about and handle everything, big and small. There's been so much to do lately, so I've already decided: I'm moving into the company to live!" Zhang Xiaoli said.

"Living at the company? Will that work?"

"How can the company be as comfortable as home?"

"If you ask me, you should still live at home. You two just don't have to be in the same room, that's all."

Seeing the Zhou Family starting to persuade her again, Zhang Xiaoli said firmly, "No, this point cannot be changed. Otherwise, we divorce!"

Watching Zhang Xiaoli be so firm, everyone in the Zhou Family sighed.

"You don't need to be in a difficult position. If you don't agree, we can still divorce. Rest assured, I won't take a single cent of advantage from your Lao Zhou Family," Zhang Xiaoli said, wiping away her tears.

"No, we can't divorce. Well, Xiaoli, Mom agrees to this condition on Xiaojun's behalf!" Xie Fenglan said, winking at her son on the side.

"Fine. There's one more thing: I don't want any bride price. Anyway, I don't have a natal family, but you must give me 500,000. This money isn't for me; it's for Zhou Xiaojun's medical treatment. I've sacrificed so much to marry into your Lao Zhou Family; you can't expect me to pay for Zhou Xiaojun's treatment out of my own pocket, can you?" Zhang Xiaoli said.

"No problem, Lili, don't worry. I'll pay this money for you!" Hearing this, Xie Fenglan said without a moment's hesitation.