After Divorcing the Beautiful Richest Woman, She Fell in Love (GL) - Chapter 5
Lin Feiruo was quite innocent when it came to romance. Although she had heard and seen a lot, it was fundamentally different from actual practice.
Even knowing it was an act, standing beside a living, breathing, top-tier beauty and being teased still made her feel shy and excited. Her innocence manifested immediately in her ears, which turned a deep shade of crimson.
Yu Shuyi was standing too far away to notice, but Jian Xiyan caught the entire color-changing process.
The first time she had brought this woman home, she hadn’t seen Lin Feiruo’s ears turn red. Why was she getting nervous now?
A hint of playfulness entered Jian Xiyan’s gaze. “Let’s go inside.”
Lin Feiruo’s expression looked normal enough—it would have been perfect if her ears hadn’t betrayed her.
“Okay.”
She tried to steady her nerves, only then realizing her wrist felt a bit itchy. Looking down, she saw someone’s hand hooked around her wrist. The pads of the fingers were soft, radiating a comfortable warmth with a light touch, like a mosquito sneakily biting—yet not at all annoying.
Yu Shuyi watched them walk closer with a look of pure gratification before continuing inside.
“It’s been so lonely with just me lately. I’m glad you’re back today; tomorrow is when it will truly get lively.”
Yu Shuyi ordered someone to brew tea immediately, acting the part of the mistress of the house. Technically, the current head of the Jian family should be Jian Xiyan, but Yu Shuyi had managed these domestic matters for years. She knew everyone’s preferences by heart and was gentle, low-profile, and disliked stirring up trouble. Jian Xiyan relied on her second uncle’s family for this, so she had no intention of taking those duties back.
Her current focus was the group’s business. Many major projects had been delayed, waiting to be launched until after she officially took over. The pressure on Jian Xiyan was greater than ever; she carried expectations and a mission, and she knew many eyes were watching her.
Success was expected; if she failed, there were plenty of people waiting for a chance to pull her down. Having someone to look after the household was a godsend; in fact, Jian Xiyan worried that her second aunt might voluntarily step down to accompany her daughter on a world tour.
Once Jian Xiyan and Lin Feiruo sat down, Jian Xiyan let go of her hand. She gave Lin Feiruo a neutral look, signaling her to act natural.
Yu Shuyi seemed to be in high spirits. “Did you hear? Xiaomin said she changed her flight. She’s coming home tomorrow too.”
Jian Xiyan was surprised. “She changed her mind? I asked her the day before yesterday; she said she was traveling in Country Y with classmates and wanted to stay two more days.”
“Don’t you know her by now? As long as she scrolls past news about Jiang Wanru, she’ll adjust any plan she has.”
Who is Jiang Wanru? Lin Feiruo searched her memory bank. Nothing.
It seemed she couldn’t contribute to this topic at all. Fortunately, Yu Shuyi had no intention of pulling her into the group chat. Lin Feiruo just held her tea and listened to the complaining.
Jian Xiyan smiled knowingly upon hearing the name. “She’s rotated through several sets of favorite stars, but Jiang Wanru’s status has remained unchanged.”
Yu Shuyi showed the typical helplessness of a parent, shifting from an elegant socialite to an ordinary mom venting about her daughter. “Her level of devotion to Jiang Wanru is many times higher than what she shows me, her own mother.” She waved a hand. “I can’t think about it too much; it only brings tears.”
Jian Xiyan seemed to remember something. She tilted her head slightly, casting a seemingly casual glance at Lin Feiruo.
Lin Feiruo was currently stifling a laugh behind her teacup, finding Yu Shuyi much more down-to-earth when she was complaining. When Jian Xiyan’s gaze swept over her, she interpreted it as a command to stop laughing. Even though she felt Jian Xiyan was being overly serious, this was the Jian house, so Lin Feiruo chose to cooperate. She immediately pulled her lips into a straight, expressionless line.
Jian Xiyan’s brow furrowed slightly, seemingly surprised by this reaction.
Yu Shuyi probably didn’t realize that over the years, she had also been influenced by her daughter and paid close attention to Jiang Wanru’s affairs.
“The filming start date for Jiang Wanru’s new movie was moved up. They say she’s preparing to join the set in the next couple of days. This is her first big transition piece; I heard many people are desperately pouring in resources just to get a spot on that set and ride her coattails.”
Jiang Wanru was a famous movie queen. Even while scanning political or financial news, one could often see her name in the entertainment section. Coupled with Jian Xiaomin constantly praising her, Jian Xiyan knew a bit about her.
However, as a business elite constantly traveling and in meetings, Jian Xiyan had no time to track her movements. But hearing her aunt mention it today reminded her of the favor Lin Feiruo had asked her for a while ago.
Back then, Jian Xiyan was busy hosting a new overseas partner and often didn’t get home until late at night. Lin Feiruo had waited quietly for her in the villa, finally catching her on a day she returned slightly early.
“Could you find time to have a word with Mr. Fang Qiyuan? Regarding the new movie invested by Ark Film… see if you can squeeze out a slot…”
Jian Xiyan had been silently drinking the sobering tea brought by Aunt Shu. There was only one reason Lin Feiruo would proactively ask her for a favor.
“I heard Mr. Fang invested in a blockbuster, and it’s Jiang Wanru’s transition piece. The industry is very optimistic about it; it’s already predicted to be a Lunar New Year hit.”
This rhetoric clearly came from someone else coaching Lin Feiruo; she was merely a mouthpiece. The cold light in Jian Xiyan’s eyes was replaced by a touch of disdain, but Lin Feiruo was too busy reciting her lines to notice.
“An opportunity like this is rare. Such a good investor, so many veteran actors… if one could follow and learn…”
Jian Xiyan had calmly interrupted the messenger: “What role do you want?”
Hearing the question, Lin Feiruo felt there was a high chance she would help. Her face lit up with joy as she delivered the prepared answer: “If the second female lead is too difficult, the third billing or a special guest appearance would also work.”
Jian Xiyan didn’t know much about film investments. In the past, if Lin Feiruo used her own money to pull strings, she didn’t bother to ask. Asking for her personal intervention meant money alone wasn’t enough.
“I’ll consider it.”
That “consideration” lasted for a full half-month. It wasn’t that Jian Xiyan intended to stall, but she was simply too busy. She couldn’t exactly tell her secretary to record this and set periodic reminders. It wasn’t until Lin Feiruo asked again right before her business trip that Jian Xiyan realized she had completely forgotten about it.
That was the first time they had a heated argument since their marriage. It was quite a scene—so loud that Aunt Shu thought one of them was having an affair.
“Divorce! Let’s divorce right now!” Lin Feiruo’s eyes were red with anger, and she slammed the table, signaling a break with Jian Xiyan.
Jian Xiyan was exhausted from work, and here was Lin Feiruo making a scene over some nameless starlet. It was a contract marriage—did she really think Jian Xiyan couldn’t afford to walk away?
“Fine, we can divorce. But not now. Don’t forget your original promise.”
Lin Feiruo was at a disadvantage. Changing the agreed-upon end date was indeed wrong. But Yan Shan had cried on the phone today, saying if she missed this chance, she didn’t know how long she’d have to wait for the next one.
“But you can’t just drag your feet and do nothing!” Lin Feiruo’s eyes remained red.
Jian Xiyan used her last shred of reason to endure: “Don’t vent the pressure she gives you onto me.”
“I…” Lin Feiruo stammered. “She…” She found herself at a loss for words.
Neither of them had ever explicitly named Yan Shan to each other’s faces, even though Lin Feiruo knew that Jian Xiyan knew. The relationship was like soaked parchment—drenched through but not yet torn.
Being called out like that felt like a blow to the head for Lin Feiruo; a ball of fire was trapped in her chest with no way out.
Seeing her simmer down, Jian Xiyan took a deep breath. The atmosphere in the study softened slightly. Jian Xiyan’s calm voice rose again: “When I return from my trip, I will grant your request for a divorce.”
Lin Feiruo was also calculating the days; the agreed-upon date was indeed around that time.
“However, you need to cooperate for three more days, and we have to stay at the Main Residence.”
The Main Residence was a troublesome place. After marriage, they had consciously reduced their visits, let alone staying overnight. Jian Xiyan was always more cautious in this regard; Lin Feiruo hadn’t expected her to make this request.
“Why an extra three days out of nowhere?”
“Second Uncle wants to see you.” Jian Xiyan lowered her gaze. “He might want to observe our relationship. During this period, his opinion carries a lot of weight.”
It sounded like both an explanation and an emphasis, as if Lin Feiruo had no choice but to agree. But she wasn’t happy—if Jian Xiyan wouldn’t help her, why should she stay for an extra three days?
“I’m not—”
Before she could finish her refusal, Jian Xiyan intercepted: “One role.”
“Huh?”
“The role you want. I can handle it for you.”
Lin Feiruo’s lips curled up in gratitude and embarrassment. “Then… sorry to trouble you.”
Aunt Shu didn’t dare eavesdrop, but when people get emotional, their volume becomes uncontrolled. Thus, words like “divorce” and “her” had occasionally drifted her way.
Jian Xiyan’s status was such that even a “casual inquiry” made over the phone on her way to the airport was immediately understood by Fang Qiyuan. Before Jian Xiyan’s international flight had even landed, Yan Shan’s manager received a call from the assistant director.
Comparing one role to three days, strictly speaking, Lin Feiruo still owed Jian Xiyan a bit of a favor. But Jian Xiyan didn’t care, and Lin Feiruo seemed to have no intention of mentioning it. Since she returned from her trip, neither had brought up Yan Shan.
After dinner, Jian Xiyan said she was tired and wanted to retire early. Yu Shuyi didn’t keep them, thinking they could have a proper chat tomorrow when everyone was home.
Lin Feiruo followed Jian Xiyan to the third floor. Only she and Jian Xiaomin lived on this floor. It had been mostly empty since she moved out after the wedding; Jian Xiaomin studied abroad and usually traveled during holidays, only coming home for very short stays.
Lin Feiruo was preoccupied with seeing the “three-color-limit” room. Actually, she was curious if the iceberg’s room contained any warm colors at all.
In the Main Residence, Jian Xiyan’s bedroom and study were connected, separated by a sliding door. Usually, when they were forced to stay over, Lin Feiruo slept in the study.
Today, Lin Feiruo was very quiet. Her expression was singular: a polite smile as she listened, followed by reserved nods of agreement. One couldn’t say she performed poorly, but she seemed a bit distracted.
Jian Xiyan planned to remind her tonight, as Second Uncle would be back tomorrow. He wasn’t as easy to fool as Second Aunt. If she remained this distracted, he would surely see through them.
Jian Xiyan pushed open the bedroom door and flipped the wall switch. The room instantly transformed from dim yellow to bright. Lin Feiruo followed her inside and looked around. It was indeed understated and luxurious. There were truly no more than three colors; whether it was furniture or decor, the quality was exceptionally high across the board.
The “quality” didn’t just refer to the aesthetic; there was an indefinable sense of class. The lamp by the door was unique—the lampshade was hand-blown glass with an abstract artistic feel, and the stand was treated with a sophisticated bronze-paint process. The color was a masterfully blended “aged” style with a heavy, grounded presence.
Jian Xiyan stood with her arms crossed. When Lin Feiruo didn’t speak for a while, she was forced to turn around. She found the woman staring intently at… the lamp?
Jian Xiyan was puzzled, but seeing the lingering look in her eyes, she understood in an instant.
She was saying goodbye. Goodbye to everything she had touched, everything related to the Jian family.
She slowly looked away and waited patiently for a few more moments. Jian Xiyan thought to herself: With a one-track mind like that, Lin Feiruo is going to be played to death by Yan Shan sooner or later.