When Ye Qiu mentioned letting him return to Song Qing, Fang Bingwen’s first reaction wasn’t happiness or relief, but panic. How could she not love him anymore?

"Don’t talk nonsense." His voice had a slight tremble, "I know that no matter how I explain, it’s my fault, but can you give me another chance, just this once?"

"I’ve given you plenty of chances." Ye Qiu shook her head in disappointment, "Not to mention how cold you and Xiao Xu have been to me in the past, but since Xiao Xu wronged me, have you ever given a real explanation and apology? You know clearly that Xiao Xu began lying after Song Qing returned to the country, and even though Xiao Xu confessed, you would still believe anything Song Qing said without principles."

"I...this I..."

"Then after the rumors spread, instead of looking for the cause within yourself, you questioned and blamed me for starting a livestream. This shows that you never considered me from the start, never considered my feelings."

Not waiting for his retort, Ye Qiu continued, "Then during the time I was injured, you had multiple late-night meetings with Song Qing. How can I believe you? How can I give you another chance? Fang Bingwen, don’t deny it—in your heart, you resent me, resent me for occupying your marriage, resent me for delaying your reconciliation with Song Qing, don’t you?"

"I didn’t." Fang Bingwen kept denying, but couldn’t give an explanation.

"Your rebuttal is useless, the evidence is right in front of us. I’m tired, truly exhausted," Ye Qiu said dejectedly, "I’m letting you go, allowing you to pursue your true love. From now on, I will no longer be your obstacle."

"Ye Qiu, don’t be impulsive. I never intended to divorce you." Fang Bingwen desperately tried to grab her hand, but once again missed.

"This isn’t impulsive of me. I’ve been calm during my stay in the hospital for a long time. I originally wanted to give you one last chance when I returned home, but your vasectomy is unbearable for me. How can you be so cruel, to deprive me of the right to be a mother? You knew I blamed myself for not being able to conceive for such a long time, but did you ever console or explain to me?"

Ye Qiu shook her head, "No, when I was blaming myself, you never even hesitated, did you? Am I just a fool to you?"

Fang Bingwen had never seen Ye Qiu like this, self-mocking, dejected, and heartbroken. She had felt lost before, but would quickly pick herself up, always wearing a loving and sunny smile in front of him.

The difference was stark. When he realized all this stemmed from his own actions, Fang Bingwen felt increasingly heartbroken and unable to forgive himself.

What had he done to hurt her this badly?

Reflecting on the past year of married life, it was all her giving in, enduring grievances, while he mostly met her with impatience and indifference. When Xiao Xu lost his temper at her, he allowed it too much.

Was he truly a bastard?

He painfully promised, "I was wrong before. I promise to be wholeheartedly good to you in the future, and promise to discipline Xiao Xu. Ye Qiu, please don’t divorce me."

"What about your beloved Song Qing?" Ye Qiu countered.

"Xiaoqing... I’ll explain everything to her. In the future, without your permission or without you accompanying me, I won’t meet her alone." Fang Bingwen took a deep breath and said.

Ye Qiu looked at him mockingly, "See, even now you call me by my full name, but you refer to her as Xiaoqing, Xiaoqing. Stop hiding your feelings, why deceive yourself and make yourself miserable?"

Fang Bingwen was stunned. Was he unconsciously still biased towards Xiaoqing?

"I won’t believe any of your promises anymore. You’ve always been straightforward in my heart, and now I’m finally setting you free. Why are you hesitating? Are you afraid of my elder sister and second brother causing trouble for you? Don’t worry, I’ll convince them. Let’s get the divorce certificate tomorrow, I assure you the Ye Family will have nothing more to do with you, nor will we seek revenge on you and Song Qing. After all, I’ve loved you, I won’t be as unfeeling as you."

Hearing her resolute words, Fang Bingwen shouted, "No, I won’t agree to divorce."

Ye Qiu sneered, "Do you still want my property?"

Fang Bingwen frowned, "That’s not what I mean. From the beginning of our marriage, I’ve said I wouldn’t spend a penny of yours."

"Is that so?" Ye Qiu gave a meaningful smile, saying nothing more, but Fang Bingwen felt anxious all the same.

"I won’t pursue anything from the past anymore. I’m tired, I don’t want to love or hurt anymore. Whether you agree or not, I’m determined to divorce. Bingwen, even if you disagree, I’ll get a lawyer. Is that what you want? Why not end things amicably? Let go of yourself, and let go of me."

...Let go of yourself, and let go of me...

In the dark, Fang Bingwen’s mind kept echoing these words. She said to let him let go of her. Had they really reached such a point where these words were warranted?

How long has it been? Just two months ago, they were still fine. She waited for him to come home after work as always, cooked his favorite dishes, tied his ties...

Why did things change so quickly in such a short period? Was it really his inadequate way of handling things? Was he truly too terrible to her?

He had even considered using her money to buy equipment to build a lab, planning to compensate her and remarry Song Qing after his career succeeded.

If she knew he harbored such thoughts, she would probably be even angrier. Thinking this, indeed, he was quite awful.

But he had become accustomed, accustomed to not loving her, accustomed to her sacrifices, until he forgot to reciprocate, and that’s why she was so heartbroken!

But what could he do? Once a habit is formed, it’s difficult to break, just like he was used to loving Song Qing. Once he saw her sad, aggrieved, and helpless expression, he couldn’t help but care.

The online comments weren’t wrong, he was indeed a scumbag, first betraying Xiaoqing, now hurting Ye Qiu.

But he’d never thought Ye Qiu would bring up divorce. Hadn’t she always loved him deeply? She knew he had feelings for Xiaoqing, she didn’t care before, why start caring now?

After loving him for so long, could she really let go as she said?

Fang Bingwen didn’t believe it. He decided to try to win her back; perhaps Ye Qiu was just impulsive. Yes, just impulsive, aren’t women like that? They always say things in anger.

As long as he coaxed her properly, she would surely come around.

He wouldn’t divorce her, even if it were to happen, it wouldn’t be now.