When Will the Queen Commander of the Capital Fall in Love?

Queenly, mature receiver x gentle, humble pursuer

Younger pursuer

(The main point of view shifts to the older one. If you don't like that, feel free to drop the story.)

1.

On the day autumn arrived in the capital, Xie Jingchao waited at the entrance to the alley until nightfall.

Han Jingrun emerged from the rehearsal room at the National Centre for the Performing Arts. She wore a fitted black suit and red-soled shoes, her hair pinned up so neatly that not a strand was out of place, revealing a stretch of cool, pale skin at the nape of her neck.

"Miss Han." Xie Jingchao smiled at her.

Han Jingrun lowered her eyes to glance at her below the steps, twirling her baton halfway around between her fingers.

It was such a casual little motion, but she made it look beautiful.

It reminded Xie Jingchao of the gesture she often made onstage: raising her wrist to silence the crowd, as thousands in the concert hall waited for her alone to give the cue.

"I made pork rib soup. Let's go home."

"You go ahead. I still have things to do."

This was a marriage with no love between them.

On their wedding night, Han Jingrun drank, turned out the lights, closed her eyes, and went through the motions. When it was over, she rolled over and fell asleep without even a change in her breathing.

Early the next morning, Han Jingrun stood before the full-length mirror, fastening the top button of her shirt. Seeing the kiss mark on her collarbone, she pressed her thin lips together in displeasure.

"I told you not to leave marks. If it happens again, you won't get to touch me."

2.

Another autumn came around. The ginkgo trees outside Diaoyutai had yet to turn yellow, but the maple leaves along Sanlihe Road had already reddened.

Xie Jingchao handed Han Jingrun an agreement.

"Let's get a divorce."

Reader's Guide:

Five-year age gap, happy ending

No groveling arc for the receiver. She stays fabulous from beginning to end.

Theme: Strive to become a better person.