Chen Yutong knew Zhan Yangyi's temper well, but she hadn't expected him to be so determined to divorce her this time.
"Yangyi, have you forgotten everything we've been through? Do you truly have no lingering feelings for our past life together?"
Zhan Yangyi bit his lower lip. How could he not have lingering feelings? It was precisely because their past life had been so beautiful that the current ordeal felt so cruel.
"Yangyi, you promised you'd be with me forever. How can you go back on your word now?" Chen Yutong pleaded again.
Though it was a small gesture, Chen Yutong still noticed a flicker of hesitation in Zhan Yangyi, and that was her opening. Perhaps with a little more effort, she could still salvage something.
But just as she was about to continue, Zhan Yangyi interrupted her. "I've already made up my mind. There's no need for you to say anything more. Whether you sign today or not, this divorce is happening. If you refuse to sign, I will have to pursue legal means to end this marriage."
Chen Yutong could hardly believe that Zhan Yangyi would take her to court!
"Brother, it's not that serious. You two should talk it over properly," Wei Yumeng interjected urgently.
Chen Yutong wasn't in a state to deal with a lawsuit, and Wei Yumeng genuinely believed the situation hadn't reached such a deadlock.
But Zhan Yangyi said, "What the situation becomes now is entirely up to her."
Chen Yutong glared at Zhan Yangyi resentfully. Even though he had stated his intentions so clearly, she still refused to give up, just as Wei Yumeng and Zhan Mohan had said earlier – the ultimate outcome truly rested with her.
If she backed down now, there would be no turning back.
"Yangyi, no matter what you say today, I will not sign. I will not let go, never!" Chen Yutong's eyes held only determination.
"Brother..." Wei Yumeng looked at Zhan Yangyi pleadingly, hoping he would give Chen Yutong a chance out of consideration for their past.
Zhan Yangyi took a deep breath. He wasn't entirely unmoved. He had spoken to Chen Yutong before about her reluctance to divorce, but he hadn't anticipated her attitude being so much firmer than he'd imagined.
So firm that he could barely maintain his pretense...
Even now, he still loved her.
The lawyer beside them, observing the scene, suddenly spoke, "Then, Mr. Zhan, do you wish to proceed with the divorce lawsuit? I believe, given Ms. Chen's status, you are bound to win."
Zhan Yangyi feigned a sudden recollection. "Oh, right, I almost forgot. Given your status as a public figure, if I initiate a lawsuit, it will undoubtedly become public knowledge. By then, your acting career will be utterly ruined."
"What?" Chen Yutong was stunned. Zhan Yangyi was using this to threaten her.
Indeed, she had only taken a break previously due to her pregnancy. She had always planned to return to her career.
But if the divorce ruined her career, how would she survive?
"Zhan Yangyi! You're pushing me too far!" a hint of hatred flickered in Chen Yutong's eyes.
Yet, a sliver of hope remained that Zhan Yangyi wouldn't be so utterly ruthless.
Wei Yumeng was about to speak again but was held back by Zhan Mohan, who shook his head, signaling her not to interfere further.
"I'm giving you only two options now: one is to sign, the other... you understand." Zhan Yangyi's tone was icy, piercing Chen Yutong's heart like a frozen shard.
She didn't want to sign; she still didn't want to leave this man. But she had no other recourse.
She had to protect her future.
Finally, she took the pen from the lawyer's hand and, with trembling fingers, signed.
"Ms. Wei, from this moment on, the terms of the agreement take immediate effect. Mr. Zhan's share of the property will be transferred to your account within seven working days."
Chen Yutong burst into tears. She could no longer hear what the lawyer was saying, nor did she know how Zhan Yangyi left.
She sobbed uncontrollably, but Zhan Yangyi wouldn't be there to comfort her anymore.
Wei Yumeng walked to her side and could only gently stroke her back in comfort.
"I'm sorry, I thought I could help." Wei Yumeng felt terrible.
But Chen Yutong couldn't hear her apology now, only continuing to cry.
Zhan Yangyi walked out of the hospital, his legs feeling as heavy as lead.
He even felt a sense of self-loathing for his actions, for threatening the woman he loved most in such a manner.
But if he hadn't, this matter wouldn't have been resolved today.
Soon, Zhan Yangyi would no longer be entangled by Chen Yutong, nor would he have to clean up her messes.
So why did he feel no relief?
Instead, after making this decision, all the beautiful memories of the past flooded his mind.
Each one seemed to accuse him of abandoning their love and betraying his past vows.
The lawyer by his side could only shake his head at Zhan Yangyi's demeanor.
When Zhan Yangyi had approached him, he had already understood their situation. It was Zhan Yangyi who had asked him to step in if he couldn't stick to his decision, which led to the scene of threatening Chen Yutong with her future.
"Mr. Zhan, since you still have feelings for her, perhaps you shouldn't have been so resolute."
Yet, despite the heartache, Zhan Yangyi didn't believe his actions were wrong. This decision was for Chen Yutong's good, as well as for the Zhan family and himself.
Although the divorce was settled, Chen Yutong's attitude remained unaffected by the proceedings.
She had cried for a long time that day, finally understanding that Zhan Yangyi held a more important place in her heart than she had ever imagined.
That day, she had almost, in a moment of despair, jumped from the hospital window, but Wei Yumeng had arrived just in time to save her.
Fearing Chen Yutong might attempt something reckless again, Wei Yumeng ended up spending more time at the hospital, keeping watch over her.
About a week passed like this.
"Sister-in-law, how are you feeling today?"
Hearing the address, Chen Yutong could only manage a wry smile. "I'm not your sister-in-law anymore. Please just call me by my name."
Wei Yumeng realized she had become accustomed to the address and hadn't noticed Chen Yutong's mood.
"I'm sorry."
"It's alright. Truthfully, by now, I have to accept the reality." Chen Yutong smiled. "But I've also been thinking. Even though I'm divorced from Yangyi now, it doesn't mean we'll never have a chance in the future. So, I've decided to keep striving, to work on changing myself, and to win him back."