Chapter 32: For Him

Pei Qizhou turned and strode off, walking resolutely toward the hospital, determined to uncover the mystery and find the truth of the matter.

Xu Miao followed closely behind, her heart filled with curiosity and a lingering sense of resentment. She wanted to understand what was really going on, and at the same time, she felt dissatisfied with Yao Shan’s behavior.

The two arrived once more before Yao Shan’s hospital room. Pei Qizhou took a deep breath to steady his emotions before knocking lightly on the door.

When the door slowly opened, Chu Xun was still keeping watch by Yao Shan’s bedside. Seeing Pei Qizhou and Xu Miao appear at the threshold again, he frowned slightly, his expression clearly displeased.

"Didn't I already say that Yao Shan needs to rest?" Chu Xun’s voice carried a hint of reproach; he was evidently unhappy with their return.

Pei Qizhou ignored the rebuke and walked straight to the bedside, fixing a steady gaze on Yao Shan. "Yao Shan, what is really going on?"

Yao Shan opened her eyes. Faced with Pei Qizhou’s interrogation, a flash of struggle crossed her gaze, but she ultimately chose silence. She shook her head slightly, her voice faint: "There are some things I don't want to talk about."

A surge of anger rose within Pei Qizhou, but he fought to suppress it, pressing further: "Is there any point in faking this illness?"

His tone was harsh, even aggressive. At the accusation, a flicker of pain crossed Yao Shan’s eyes, yet she endured it without speaking. Her fingers gripped the bedsheets so tightly that her knuckles turned white, a clear sign of the intense struggle raging within her.

Seeing this, Chu Xun could not help but interject: "Pei Qizhou, what are you saying?" He had not expected Pei Qizhou to accuse Yao Shan of feigning illness. She looked so visibly wretched, yet he still dared to speak to her this way.

"Whether she is faking it or not, she knows the truth in her heart," Pei Qizhou said, his eyes locked on Yao Shan.

Yao Shan’s lips trembled, and tears welled up in her eyes but refused to fall. She took a deep breath, trying to steady her emotions.

"Pei Qizhou, can you please calm down first?" Chu Xun’s voice sounded equally strained.

"I hate being lied to more than anything," Pei Qizhou frowned deeply.

"You think I'm lying to you?" Yao Shan let out a cold laugh. "Pei Qizhou, what possible reason would I have to lie to you?" She looked at him with deadened eyes, never imagining he would think such things of her.

Stunned by her retort, Pei Qizhou felt his resolve waver. Looking into those eyes filled with pain and disappointment, he suddenly realized his suspicions might have been too rash.

After a brief silence, he slowly relaxed his furrowed brow, his tone softening as if trying to diffuse the tension: "If you truly don't want to talk about it, I won't force you anymore."

A complex emotion flickered in Yao Shan's eyes. She closed them gently, as if trying to soothe the turbulence in her heart.

The atmosphere in the room grew heavy and oppressive. Everyone silently digested the sudden conflict, and an indescribable tension permeated the air.

"Pei Qizhou, I beg you, just agree to the divorce, will you?" Yao Shan stared at him with unwavering intensity, her eyes filled with supplication. Now, she only hoped he would grant her this one request.

"Is this really how you want it?" The anger Pei Qizhou had managed to quiet was ignited once more, his voice laced with unconcealable fury. "If you want to be with him, then I’ll let you have your way." He pointed at Chu Xun, his tone cold and disdainful.

Chu Xun’s expression shifted slightly, but he did not retort immediately. He stood silently to the side, his eyes revealing a complex emotion as if deep in thought.

Yao Shan’s request made the atmosphere even more stifling. Pei Qizhou felt a sense of agony and bitterness. He felt as though he had been betrayed, his heart heavy with anger and disappointment.

"It’s not for him," Yao Shan said, her voice weak but exceptionally firm. "I just feel that there is no longer any point in us continuing together."

"Yao Shan, let me say this again: I hate being lied to," he said coldly, his eyes filled with doubt and distrust. "Whether you are doing this for him or not, you should know better than I do." His voice was accusatory, as if forcing her to confess her true intentions. In his eyes, she was only asking for a divorce because of Chu Xun. He could not accept this reality, and his heart was consumed with rage and resentment.

"Fine! Yes, it is for him!" Yao Shan could take no more; her emotions finally erupted. Since Pei Qizhou insisted on believing this, then she would simply admit it. Even if that was not the truth deep down, she no longer wished to explain. She only wanted to end this painful marriage and start her life anew.

The moment Pei Qizhou heard her confession, it felt as though a sharp blade had pierced his heart. The sudden, searing pain left him unable to breathe. His expression turned complex, a mix of fury and disappointment, but underlying it all was a profound sense of helplessness.

He took a deep breath, trying to compose himself, but the turmoil within him remained as restless as a raging storm.

"If that is the case, then there is nothing left for me to say." Pei Qizhou’s voice was low and hoarse, clearly suppressing his emotions to the limit. He turned slowly and walked toward the door with heavy steps. His retreating figure looked exceptionally lonely, as if burdened with endless sorrow.

He paused, turned his head, and said in a low, firm voice: "I will have someone prepare the divorce papers." With that, he turned and left, his silhouette gradually disappearing beyond the door.

Chu Xun walked to Yao Shan’s side, comforting her softly: "Don't be too sad; everything will be fine." His voice was gentle and filled with concern. Yao Shan nodded slightly, and the tears she had held back finally spilled over, falling silently to the floor like broken pearls.

Chu Xun looked toward the door, a flicker of complexity in his eyes—a mix of helplessness and sympathy. He let out a long sigh, his heart filled with pity for her.

Xu Miao followed them out. Standing beside Pei Qizhou, her heart was full of triumph. She looked at him, a smile curling at the corners of her lips, and asked softly: "Qizhou, are you truly certain?"

Her tone was probing, as if confirming his decision. Pei Qizhou remained silent for a moment before nodding slowly, his gaze firm and resolute.

"She already admitted it herself that she likes that fellow named Chu, didn't she? Do you expect me to continue clinging to her like a spineless dog with no shred of dignity left?"