The 99th Divorce

The town was more than a fifteen minute drive away from the village. It wasn’t far, but it wasn’t exactly close, either.

Shen Manting paid her fare, and upon getting on the bus, someone immediately gave up a seat for her. She said her thanks and settled in the seat happily for the rest of the journey. The scenery that passed her was lovely. The morning air in the countryside never failed to be refreshing and invigorating.

When the bus reached the town, Shen Manting alighted and carried her pile of test papers with her to the summer school. Unexpectedly, before she could enter, she spotted a familiar figure by the entrance. A tall man was leaning against the stone pillar at the entrance of the school with a cigarette between his fingers. The smoke lingered, and under the bright rays of the sun, the man’s face couldn’t be seen clearly.

But when he saw Shen Manting approaching, he straightened up, snuffed out his cigarette, and sauntered over. Shen Manting felt her heart plummet to her stomach, and she began to find it hard to breathe. She took a step backward in retreat, intending to escape.

Shen Luo’an’s eyes darkened, and he growled, “Shen Manting!”

The instant Shen Manting heard the voice, her steps quickened. Shen Luo’an sprinted over, and in three steps was in front of Shen Manting. He caught her by her arm.

“Ah!” Shen Manting screamed, and began to struggle violently.

Shen Luo’an held her in place with both hands and demanded, “Enough now! Calm down!”

But Shen Manting couldn’t hold it in. She could feel her heart hammering against her chest. She opened her mouth and yelled as loudly as she could, “Let go of me! Who are you?”

The summer school was located in a bustling area of town, and there were many people coming and going. When they heard Shen Manting yell, a number of them turned their heads to look.

Someone in the crowd recognized Shen Manting and stepped forward immediately. “What on earth are you doing?” he demanded of Shen Luo’an.

“Let go of me! Somebody catch him!”

Shen Luo’an’s face darkened when he heard that, and he quickly responded, “I’m her husband! I’m here to take her home!”

“I’m not his wife! He’s not my husband!” Shen Manting shouted, “I don’t know him at all! Let go of me!”

Shen Manting’s words raised everyone’s alarm, and, one by one, they came running over. “What are you doing?” they asked. “Trying to kidnap a pregnant woman?”

“I’ve seen plenty of such cons! You’re not deceiving me!” A burly man stalked over threateningly.

Shen Luo’an was a gentle and frail doctor who spent most of his time either in the operating room or in the laboratory. He was no match for the man.

When Shen Manting saw the number of people surrounding her increase, she was reassured. She looked at Shen Luo’an and said angrily, “Let go of me, or you won’t be able to get away with this.”

“Let’s talk, Manting.”

Compared to Shen Manting, Shen Luo’an was a lot calmer. “The child can’t do without a father. Let’s have a talk. I’ll let you decide on your own whether or not to come back with me. Make them leave.”

The current scenario was a little daunting. Shen Manting looked at the crowd of brawny men surrounding her and knew that this wasn’t a laughing matter. She bit her bottom lip and nodded her head, saying, “I’m sorry, gentlemen. He… He’s the father of my child.”

But he wasn’t her husband, much less her lover. When the bystanders heard that, they were still suspicious and said, “Miss, don’t be afraid of him. All of us here are trained in combat. Just say the word, and we’ll handle him for you!”

“That’s not necessary. I really mean it. Thank you, sir.”

Only upon hearing Shen Manting say that did the men finally leave. Shen Luo’an gazed at Shen Manting, and the look in his eyes deepened. He moved his gaze to her belly. “Well done, you,” he said sarcastically. “You’re pregnant with my child, but instead of living a comfortable life, you’re living in this godforsaken place?”

…