When Lin Xiaoxiao heard that Luo Anran had been beaten and hospitalized by Geng Aiguo, she was utterly shocked. What kind of man would do such a thing?

Li Yunlan also thought it was outrageous. "If the marriage isn't working, just get a divorce. Why resort to violence? And beating someone so badly they end up in the hospital? Why isn't the Luo family stepping in now?"

She then turned to Zhou Xiaocheng, who was rarely home and resting that day. "Xiaocheng, listen to me. You are not to go see her. No matter what history you share, you are not to visit her."

After a moment of silence, Xiaocheng smiled faintly. "Mom, I know where to draw the line."

Reassured—since her second son always kept his word—Li Yunlan finally sighed. "Xiao Ran really has had a hard life. Back then, her family forced her to marry Geng Aiguo. Who would've thought he had such a terrible temper? He seemed like such a quiet boy when he was young. How did he turn into someone who hits people?"

Zhou Liyun, however, saw it differently. "When it comes to fights between a married couple, it's hard to say who's right or wrong. You know what they say—not even a honest judge can settle a family dispute. Sis, don't be too quick to sympathize."

Lin Xiaoxiao felt the same. She didn't know about other families, but in the case of Geng Aiguo and Luo Anran, it was definitely like that.

In the hospital, Luo Anran lay with bandages around her head, a split lip, and countless bruises all over her body—all marks left by Geng Aiguo's fists and kicks.

She had been the one to ask for a divorce. Although medical tests showed both of them were fine, Wang Suyun was convinced the problem lay with her. If there was nothing wrong, why wasn't she getting pregnant? Maybe she was secretly taking birth control pills, Wang Suyun suspected.

So every day, Wang Suyun treated her with contempt, never missing a chance for a sarcastic remark.

Especially recently, when word spread through the compound that Zhou Xiaocheng had brought a girlfriend home, Wang Suyun's comments grew even more venomous:

"Don't kid yourself. Zhou Xiaocheng would never want you now. Why would he choose a divorced woman when he can have a young, unmarried one?"

"Some people think they're so irresistible, that men should orbit around them. But look at you—he moved on in the blink of an eye."

"Zhou Xiaocheng is handsome, has a good job, a bright future, and comes from an excellent family. Why would he ever want damaged goods?"

Zhou Xiaocheng's name always came up in these taunts. Unable to bear it any longer, Luo Anran asked for a divorce.

Geng Aiguo refused. At first, he tried to coax her, suggesting they move out and promising never to mention Zhou Xiaocheng again. They could live happily together, even without children.

But this time, Luo Anran was determined. She insisted on divorce, no matter what anyone said.

Geng Aiguo pleaded with her, practically groveling. When she still wouldn't budge, he lost his temper. Did she still have feelings for Zhou Xiaocheng?

Luo Anran didn't deny it. "Yes, I still think about Zhou Xiaocheng. I don't want to spend another day with you. The sight of you disgusts me."

Geng Aiguo thought about how Luo Anran had been cold and distant in bed, lying there like a dead fish. What man could stand hearing that? He punched her.

He hadn't expected to beat her so badly she'd need hospitalization. Now filled with regret, he stood by her bed and said guiltily, "Xiao Ran, I was wrong. I lost my mind that day. I'll never hit you again. Please come back with me. Let's not divorce—let's just live peacefully, okay?"

Luo Anran shook her head, her eyes cold. "Geng Aiguo, I can't take it anymore. If I don't divorce you, I'll die in the Geng household someday. The only way I'll survive is by leaving you."

Geng Aiguo clenched his fists. "I'm an animal. I shouldn't have hit you. I've talked to my mother—we'll move out, far away from the compound. We won't hear any gossip, and I won't lay a hand on you again."

"Even if you still have feelings for Zhou Xiaocheng, I don't care. As long as you don't divorce me."

Luo Anran wouldn't listen. "Save your breath. I am going to divorce you. I don't care who I have to appeal to—even if you call the Women's Federation, I'll still divorce you."

Geng Aiguo looked at her stubbornness and felt utterly helpless.

He would never agree to a divorce. deep down, he truly loved Luo Anran. It was because he loved her so much that he was terrified of losing her.

Whenever Zhou Xiaocheng came up, he couldn't help comparing himself, and knowing he fell short in every way filled him with insecurity. That insecurity made him lash out at Luo Anran with bitter words.

But divorce? He would rather die than agree to that. Seeing that Luo Anran hadn't softened at all, Geng Aiguo stood there a moment longer. "No matter how much you fuss, I won't divorce you. If you don't want to see me now, I'll go. When you've calmed down, I'll come back to take you home."

He turned and left, filled with pent-up anger and looking for an outlet.

Not far from the compound, there was an alley with several courtyard homes that looked respectable but were actually former brothels.

They went by a refined name: the Reading Mutual Aid Society. Geng Aiguo had been there once before. This time, he headed straight there, familiar with the route.

Luo Anran sat in the hospital for a long time. When the doctors confirmed she was fine and could be discharged, she gathered her things and went to complete the paperwork.

Unexpectedly, she ran into Zhang Wanqing, who was alone, holding documents and waiting to pay. Seeing Zhang Wanqing—tall, young, and beautiful—Luo Anran felt a deep bitterness.

And she couldn't accept it. She and Zhou Xiaocheng had known each other since childhood; she'd practically grown up with him. They'd developed feelings for each other in their teens, and only after he joined the military did they officially become a couple.

They kept in touch through letters. When Zhou Xiaocheng came home on leave, they even got engaged. Back then, he looked at her with so much tenderness.

Who could have predicted he'd suddenly have an accident? She waited for him for three long years, yet somehow they still ended up missing each other.

Luo Anran thought about the past—how Zhou Xiaocheng would take her and Zhou Xiaoling to watch open-air movies in other compounds, with Xiaoling sitting on the bike's front bar and her on the back.

The sky would be painted with sunset, and the wind felt so gentle.

Now, another young and beautiful woman stood by his side. Would he be just as gentle with her?

The more she thought about it, the more resentful she became. Almost as if guided by a ghost, she walked toward Zhang Wanqing.

Zhang Wanqing had come to the hospital to have the splint removed from her arm. It had only been a minor fracture; now she just needed to wear a sling. After paying, she hadn't taken two steps when a woman blocked her path.

She gave the other woman a puzzled glance. She looked haggard, with visible injuries on her face. Cautiously, Wanqing asked, "Why are you stopping me?"