Chapter 17: Wish You a Speedy Divorce

Xia Yangyang had a light class schedule this semester. After collecting her textbooks, she planned to go home, as classes hadn't started yet. At the school gate, she ran into Wen Xiaochu. After exchanging greetings, they decided to have grilled fish together.

During the meal, Xia Yangyang confessed, "Xiao Chu, I haven't told you about my marriage; there are reasons." Wen Xiaochu, her roommate and best friend (besides Gong Xue'er), deserved an explanation.

However, Wen Xiaochu replied, "I understand; such things are difficult to share."

Xia Yangyang sighed in relief. "I kept this important secret from you, and I was worried you'd be angry."

Wen Xiaochu hesitated, then said, "Actually, I've been keeping a secret from you as well"

Xia Yangyang was startled. "What happened?"

Wen Xiaochu gritted her teeth. "Yangyang, I've been married for a while, but I haven't told anyone."

Xia Yangyang was shocked. Wen Xiaochu, with her sweet disposition, friendly nature, excellent grades, and position as a medical student at A University's prestigious Neurology Hospital (the same major as Gu Zhaohan), seemed an unlikely candidate for marriage. She seemed dedicated to her studies, experiments, papers, and clinical work, with minimal interaction with boys outside her major.

Xia Yangyang asked, "When did this happen?"

Wen Xiaochu confessed, "Two years ago, in Las Vegas, when I was eighteen."

This raised concerns for Xia Yangyang. Eighteen is underage for marriage in their home country, and the fact that Wen Xiaochu married overseas hinted at a hidden story.

Before Xia Yangyang could inquire further, Wen Xiaochu explained, "It sounds unbelievable, but a real-life melodrama happened to me. I was an orphan, living in an orphanage for twelve years before being adopted. My adoptive family supported my education and meticulously planned my life. From the day I was adopted, I knew I had no freedom. They were my benefactors, so I had no choice but to accept their arrangements."

Xia Yangyang saw deep-seated helplessness in Wen Xiaochu's eyes. Out of compassion, she refrained from further questioning. She sensed Wen Xiaochu's unhappiness. How could a girl forced into marriage at eighteen experience love? Xia Yangyang had heard stories of wealthy families adopting girls to become brides for their disabled sons, stories that highlighted controlled lives devoid of autonomy. She never imagined this could happen to Wen Xiaochu.

Seeing Xia Yangyang's worried expression, Wen Xiaochu said, "Don't worry about me. Fortunately, he doesn't like me either and constantly thinks about divorce. I'm just waiting for him to initiate it. Then I can finally live my own life."

Wen Xiaochu didn't reveal her in-laws' identities, and Xia Yangyang didn't press. If the marriage was doomed, there was no need to pry. Xia Yangyang had held a similar mindset herself. Confiding in her must have been a significant decision for Wen Xiaochu.

Xia Yangyang said, "Then I wish you a speedy divorce."

Wen Xiaochu raised her glass of lemon tea. "Thank you."