In 1980, My Husband Applied for a New House, So I Divorced Him

The organization called to say my application for a new apartment had been approved and asked what size I wanted.

I was completely baffled.

I lived at the research institute every day, and my husband and daughter were the only ones at home. Even if my mother-in-law's whole family came to mooch off us, there'd still be room. Why would we need a new place?

When I confronted my husband, he said the operator had recorded it wrong.

“How could I ask you to deal with that when you're so busy? Our daughter has grown up and keeps insisting she wants a bigger room.”

“Talk to the people upstairs and ask them to give us the biggest, best-located apartment they have. Love you, honey.”

After hanging up, I took leave and reported home for the first time. On the way, I called my father, the division commander.

“Dad, Song Liye is cheating on me. Get me a divorce application, and make it as fast as possible!”