Chapter 1971

"I will earn money!"Zhang Zhiqiang declared solemnly.

"Fine, since you insist on staying at Jianghai University to study, then so be it. I won't force you. By the way, when are you getting divorced?"Zhao Guodong suddenly asked.

Zhang Zhiqiang hesitated for a moment, then said cautiously, "After the Spring Festival."Actually, Zhang Zhiqiang had long been preparing to divorce, he just hadn't found a suitable excuse yet.

"Hmm, better divorce as soon as possible. We can't go on like this much longer!"Zhao Guodong said with a gloomy face, his eyes filled with melancholy.

Hearing this, Zhang Zhiqiang's heart trembled violently, then he pretended to be calm and asked, "What exactly is going on? Weren't you planning to build a new building?"

"Sigh! Don't mention it, it's a long story..."Zhao Guodong helplessly let out a sigh.

"Did you and your sister-in-law have a fight?"Zhang Zhiqiang guessed, sensing from Zhao Guodong's earlier words that the relationship between the two must have developed serious conflicts.

Zhao Guodong drank a glass of wine in silence. He did not answer Zhang Zhiqiang's words.

Seeing Zhao Guodong's appearance, Zhang Zhiqiang could already confirm his judgment. It seemed the couple's relationship really had problems. Zhang Zhiqiang cursed himself silently for bringing up such a sensitive topic. He quickly changed the subject, saying, "Guodong, let's not drink tonight. I need to hurry to the university town in the suburbs. I'll treat you to a meal tomorrow."

Zhao Guodong said, "I'll drive you there."

"No need, I can just take a taxi myself."Zhang Zhiqiang hurriedly waved his hand.

Zhao Guodong, however, said imperiously, "Let's go. I happen to be heading near the university town anyway."

Zhao Guodong insisted, so Zhang Zhiqiang could only agree, and the two left the hotel.

After Zhang Zhiqiang hailed a taxi, the two got in. Zhang Zhiqiang said, "Master, to Fengqi Street in the suburbs!"

The driver acknowledged, started the car, and drove towards the suburbs. Zhang Zhiqiang and Zhao Guodong chatted along the way, and the atmosphere became much more harmonious.

Although Zhang Zhiqiang pretended to be indifferent on the surface, his mind was calculating how to deal with Wang Zhijun, that mad dog.

"Brother Zhiqiang, have you been used to it these years?"Zhao Guodong asked with a concerned expression.

Zhang Zhiqiang nodded and said, "I'm doing my graduate studies at Jianghai University, my daily routine is very regular, I've gotten used to it."

Zhao Guodong nodded, then suddenly said, "Brother Zhiqiang, do you still love Sister Lingling?"

Hearing Zhao Guodong's words, Zhang Zhiqiang almost bit his teeth off. He glared fiercely at Zhao Guodong and said coldly, "I'm already married, how could I still love her?"

"Brother Zhiqiang, don't lie to me. Who doesn't know Sister Lingling's temper? She simply can't stand a husband cheating. And this time when you got into trouble, Sister Lingling cried her eyes out, even tried to jump into the river. Don't worry, I will absolutely not leak this matter."Zhao Guodong said earnestly.

"I said, I didn't cheat, and I certainly didn't sell her out!"Zhang Zhiqiang roared, "Her business has nothing to do with me!"

Seeing Zhang Zhiqiang get angry, Zhao Guodong was startled. He gave an awkward smile and said, "Brother Zhiqiang, I didn't mean anything else. I just hope you won't be deceived by Sister Lingling's appearance; her heart is very hypocritical."

Zhao Guodong's words made Zhang Zhiqiang feel a surge of anger in his heart; he wanted nothing more than to rush over and punch the bastard. But reason told him not to act rashly. So he suppressed his anger and said lightly, "Thank you for your advice! I believe she won't harm me, because she is a kind girl."

Zhang Zhiqiang was right; Yang Lingling was indeed kind. If she hadn't helped him get through this crisis, he would probably still be suffering.

Seeing Zhang Zhiqiang's expression soften considerably, Zhao Guodong breathed a sigh of relief. He quickly changed the subject, saying, "Brother Zhiqiang, your hometown is in Nanling County, right?"

"Hmm."Zhang Zhiqiang replied, not knowing why Zhao Guodong was asking this question.

Zhao Guodong continued to press, "Which village are you from?"

"Nanling Village."Zhang Zhiqiang answered.

"So we are fellow villagers!"Zhao Guodong immediately perked up, saying excitedly to Zhang Zhiqiang, "Zhiqiang, come to my house after you graduate. My parents are already seventy years old; they especially like children, especially smart and sensible children like you. Let them guide you then, guaranteeing you'll become a pillar of society."

"I'm currently studying in Nanling, and I don't plan to move out and live alone for now."Zhang Zhiqiang declined tactfully.

Zhao Guodong was stunned for a moment, but he quickly realized Zhang Zhiqiang definitely wouldn't go to his house.

Zhao Guodong sighed and said, "Yes, Nanling County is a place of poverty and misery. I heard your family's house collapsed and you owe a huge pile of debt. You probably won't be able to move out in this lifetime."Zhang Zhiqiang insisted.

"Staying at the university to study, how will you support yourself?"Zhao Guodong said with a frown.

"I will earn money!"Zhang Zhiqiang declared solemnly.

"Fine, since you insist on staying at Jianghai University to study, then so be it. I won't force you. By the way, when are you getting divorced?"Zhao Guodong suddenly asked.

Zhang Zhiqiang hesitated for a moment, then said cautiously, "After the Spring Festival."Actually, Zhang Zhiqiang had long been preparing to divorce, he just hadn't found a suitable excuse yet.

"Hmm, better divorce as soon as possible. We can't go on like this much longer!"Zhao Guodong said with a gloomy face, his eyes filled with melancholy.

Hearing this, Zhang Zhiqiang's heart trembled violently, then he pretended to be calm and asked, "What exactly is going on? Weren't you planning to build a new building?"

"Sigh! Don't mention it, it's a long story..."Zhao Guodong helplessly let out a sigh.

"Did you and your sister-in-law have a fight?"Zhang Zhiqiang guessed, sensing from Zhao Guodong's earlier words that the relationship between the two must have developed serious conflicts.

Zhao Guodong drank a glass of wine in silence. He did not answer Zhang Zhiqiang's words.

Seeing Zhao Guodong's appearance, Zhang Zhiqiang could already confirm his judgment. It seemed the couple's relationship really had problems. Zhang Zhiqiang cursed himself silently for bringing up such a sensitive topic. He quickly changed the subject, saying, "Guodong, let's not drink tonight. I need to hurry to the university town in the suburbs. I'll treat you to a meal tomorrow."

Zhao Guodong said, "I'll drive you there."

"No need, I can just take a taxi myself."Zhang Zhiqiang hurriedly waved his hand.

Zhao Guodong, however, said imperiously, "Let's go. I happen to be heading near the university town anyway."

Zhao Guodong insisted, so Zhang Zhiqiang could only agree, and the two left the hotel.

After Zhang Zhiqiang hailed a taxi, the two got in. Zhang Zhiqiang said, "Master, to Fengqi Street in the suburbs!"

The driver acknowledged, started the car, and drove towards the suburbs. Zhang Zhiqiang and Zhao Guodong chatted along the way, and the atmosphere became much more harmonious.

Although Zhang Zhiqiang pretended to be indifferent on the surface, his mind was calculating how to deal with Wang Zhijun, that mad dog.

"Brother Zhiqiang, have you been used to it these years?"Zhao Guodong asked with a concerned expression.

Zhang Zhiqiang nodded and said, "I'm doing my graduate studies at Jianghai University, my daily routine is very regular, I've gotten used to it."

Zhao Guodong nodded, then suddenly said, "Brother Zhiqiang, do you still love Sister Lingling?"

Hearing Zhao Guodong's words, Zhang Zhiqiang almost bit his teeth off. He glared fiercely at Zhao Guodong and said coldly, "I'm already married, how could I still love her?"

"Brother Zhiqiang, don't lie to me. Who doesn't know Sister Lingling's temper? She simply can't stand a husband cheating. And this time when you got into trouble, Sister Lingling cried her eyes out, even tried to jump into the river. Don't worry, I will absolutely not leak this matter."Zhao Guodong said earnestly.

"I said, I didn't cheat, and I certainly didn't sell her out!"Zhang Zhiqiang roared, "Her business has nothing to do with me!"

Seeing Zhang Zhiqiang get angry, Zhao Guodong was startled. He gave an awkward smile and said, "Brother Zhiqiang, I didn't mean anything else. I just hope you won't be deceived by Sister Lingling's appearance; her heart is very hypocritical."

Zhao Guodong's words made Zhang Zhiqiang feel a surge of anger in his heart; he wanted nothing more than to rush over and punch the bastard. But reason told him not to act rashly. So he suppressed his anger and said lightly, "Thank you for your advice! I believe she won't harm me, because she is a kind girl."

Zhang Zhiqiang was right; Yang Lingling was indeed kind. If she hadn't helped him get through this crisis, he would probably still be suffering.

Seeing Zhang Zhiqiang's expression soften considerably, Zhao Guodong breathed a sigh of relief. He quickly changed the subject, saying, "Brother Zhiqiang, your hometown is in Nanling County, right?"

"Mm." Zhang Zhiqiang replied, not knowing why Zhao Guodong was asking this question.

Zhao Guodong pressed on: "Which village are you from?"

"Nanling Village," Zhang Zhiqiang answered.

"So we're fellow villagers!" Zhao Guodong instantly perked up, saying excitedly to Zhang Zhiqiang: "Zhiqiang, come to my home after you graduate. My parents are already seventy; they love children, especially smart and sensible ones like you. Let them guide you then; I guarantee you'll become a pillar of society."

"I'm studying in Nanling now and don't plan to move out and live alone for the time being," Zhang Zhiqiang declined tactfully.

Zhao Guodong paused, but quickly realized Zhang Zhiqiang certainly wouldn't go to his home.

Zhao Guodong sighed and said, "Yes, Nanling County is a place of poverty and destitution. I heard your house collapsed and you're buried in debt. You probably won't be able to move out in your lifetime."

Zhang Zhiqiang had no patience for his nonsense, so he closed his eyes and pretended to sleep.

Half an hour later, the vehicle stopped.

"Brother Zhiqiang, we've arrived," the driver said.

Zhang Zhiqiang took out five yuan and handed it to the driver. After the driver put the change in his pocket, he pushed open the door, got off, and walked away.

Zhao Guodong helped Zhang Zhiqiang out of the car, then led him toward the suburban university town.

After walking about half an hour, the two finally reached their destination—a office building covering an area of roughly two hundred square meters.

This three-story building was formerly a farm; later, the farmers were collectively relocated and an office building was constructed. Now most of the office building stood vacant, with only a few offices and dormitory buildings remaining, looking utterly dilapidated.

Zhang Zhiqiang and Zhao Guodong stood before the building. Zhao Guodong said, "Brother Zhiqiang, let's go."

Zhang Zhiqiang looked up, scanning the office building before him, a mocking smile curling his lips. This office building had been abandoned for years; it seemed even a cleaner hadn't been sent to maintain it.

Zhang Zhiqiang followed Zhao Guodong into the building, glancing around as he walked, searching for Chen Guihua's office. When he reached the sixth floor, he suddenly saw a room nearby with the lights on, and the sound of keyboard clacking could be heard. Zhang Zhiqiang immediately quickened his pace and rushed over.

When he ran to Chen Guihua's doorway, he saw a middle-aged man wearing gold-rimmed glasses sitting behind a desk, working intently.

"Sister Guihua! What are you doing!" Zhang Zhiqiang shouted as he rushed in, accusing, "It's illegal to secretly use a computer like this!"

Hearing Zhang Zhiqiang's shout, the middle-aged man quickly removed his gold-rimmed glasses, raised his head, and wore an expression of surprise. "Eh? Zhiqiang, it's you! I remember you've already retired from the army; why have you suddenly come back?"

Seeing his face, Zhang Zhiqiang's heart suddenly convulsed violently, and tears could not help but flow down.

"Guihua, is it really you! Wuuu..." Zhang Zhiqiang choked out. "Where have you been all this time? Do you know how worried we've been about you?"

"I... I'm fine, I just missed you!" Chen Guihua felt very upset seeing Zhang Zhiqiang's pained, tearful appearance.

"You're lying; you wouldn't miss me at all! If you missed me, why didn't you contact me?" Zhang Zhiqiang said, weeping.

"I..." Chen Guihua lowered her head, her eyes turning red, afraid to look Zhang Zhiqiang straight in the eye. She didn't want to make Zhang Zhiqiang sad for her anymore, so she said, "Brother Zhiqiang, I'm truly sorry. I've been too busy these days."

"Hmph!" Zhang Zhiqiang snorted coldly, his tone reproachful: "I knew you were avoiding me. But do you know how worried I was? I called you every few days, but you never answered! I really suspected something had happened to you!"

"I... I was really too busy, so I didn't turn on my phone," Chen Guihua hurriedly explained.

Zhang Zhiqiang stared at Chen Guihua for a while; his eyes gradually grew moist, and his heart felt utterly desolate. Nothing in this world is more painful than a broken heart; Zhang Zhiqiang felt as though he had been abandoned by the whole world. His nostrils burned with a sour ache, and a crystal-clear drop of liquid slid down his cheek.

Seeing Zhang Zhiqiang cry, Chen Guihua felt deeply guilty, so she hurriedly handed a tissue to him. Zhang Zhiqiang did not reach out to take the tissue; he simply pressed his lips tightly together and wiped his tears with his sleeve.

"Zhiqiang, don't be like this," Chen Guihua choked out. "If I had insisted on staying in Jiangzhou back then, perhaps we wouldn't have gone so long without meeting."