Fang Shuya, feeling utterly dejected, called her cousin-in-law late at night to vent her frustrations. Her cousin-in-law wasn't home yet, but hearing her cry so pitifully, she gave Fang Shuya an address and told her to come over.
It was a high-end club. Fang Shuya drove there and found four women playing mahjong in a room, each accompanied by a handsome man.
Without them standing up, Fang Shuya could guess their average height and age just by looking.
Although she already knew that couples in their circle, whose marital feelings had faded in middle age, would each play their own games, she hadn't expected them to be so bold.
Especially her cousin-in-law… Fang Shuya was inwardly astonished, but she maintained a composed expression.
Seeing her arrive, a considerate handsome man stood up to pour her tea and offer her a seat. For some reason, her cousin-in-law asked them all to go inside first.
"Just one more round and then we'll rest. You guys go wash up and relax."
The men left obediently upon hearing this.
Only then did Fang Shuya realize they had a regular room here.
Someone seeing her for the first time asked her cousin-in-law, "Is this your sister?"
"Old Fang's, isn't she beautiful?"
"Indeed, young and beautiful, but she doesn't look very happy. Which family did she marry into?"
Her cousin-in-law introduced the Lu family's background to them.
"Not bad, I've met the two Lu brothers before. Their looks and physique are impeccable…"
Naturally, men with good family backgrounds and good looks wouldn't be faithful. No wonder she wasn't happy.
"Mrs. Fang, is this her first time meeting your boyfriend? Surely not…"
Her cousin-in-law glanced at her indifferently and said, "Probably not, she's not that foolish. You're not that foolish, are you, Ya Ya?"
Fang Shuya: "..."
It was already past midnight, and everyone was gradually losing interest. Moreover, the two sisters-in-law had things to discuss. The round quickly concluded.
After everyone left, Fang Shuya asked her cousin-in-law, "Is this common knowledge?"
"Yes, your brother plays around more than I do. You all know it, thinking you could hide it from me, but did you think I was that stupid?"
"The dignity of middle-aged people is to see through things but not say them. For the sake of family reputation, for the children, we all pretend to be oblivious."
"Like these women, aren't they all unfortunate? No one is in a position to mock anyone else."
"Mr. Zhang's wife has two men on the side, and since she doesn't want to lose, she also has two. One lives for a lifetime, one must make oneself happy."
"Think about it, how can all the good things fall on you? To be doted on by parents from birth, have excellent conditions, be beautiful, marry a talented young man, and have him be devoted to you for a lifetime."
"Only television dramas dare to portray it like that. In reality, it's a dream."
"Men are much smarter than women. They know their own advantages and how charming they are in the eyes of other women. Heh."
Although her cousin-in-law didn't directly tell her to find someone else, or to accept her current life with equanimity, the implication was clear.
Fang Shuya felt as if a new world had suddenly opened up.
"I feel much better, thank you, cousin-in-law."
Her cousin-in-law smiled, then suddenly lowered her voice and leaned close to her ear.
"I have many male model friends, their looks, physique, and age are no less than A Zhe's. If he really doesn't settle down…"
Fang Shuya quickly shook her head, "No, no, I don't need it."
Weren't they all like this at the beginning?
It seemed she hadn't accumulated enough disappointment and bitterness yet.
Her cousin-in-law smiled again, "Don't be so quick to refuse. Here's a contact number, just consider it making a friend. Use it if you need it, or don't if you don't."
"I understand that late at night can easily lead to sentimentality. With people around now, you feel you can handle it, but it might be different when you go back."
"Having someone to talk to, to distract you, at least in front of A Zhe, you won't appear as a nagging wife. Only if you are happy and emotionally stable will he think you are worth marrying over other women, understand?"