Dating Again After Divorce

The first time he asked for a divorce.

Gu Yan pinned him to the bed until dawn. Zhong Jia couldn't get out of bed for three whole days, his inner thighs covered in bite marks.

The man sat beside his bed, a cigarette between his teeth but unlit. The room was dim, and his expression was impossible to make out. Only his low voice could be heard.

"Jiajia, don't make a scene."

The second time he asked for a divorce.

Gu Yan took him to have their assets legally notarized.

He transferred all the stocks, properties, and cash in his name to Zhong Jia.

The man had always been quiet and reserved. He never said a single tender word to Zhong Jia, only kept shoving things at him.

But Zhong Jia didn't sign.

He said, "Brother, this isn't what I want."

The third time he asked for a divorce.

Gu Yan agreed.

That day, as they signed the papers at the civil affairs bureau, the man's hands were shaking. He had quit smoking many years ago, but before going inside, he smoked an entire pack at the entrance.

After they signed, the red marriage certificate turned into a green divorce certificate.

Before, Gu Yan had locked the red certificate in a safe. Now, he just wanted to burn the green one.

After they left the bureau, his secretary was still calling. His schedule was packed for the day, and he had a business trip to a neighboring city that afternoon.

Zhong Jia smiled faintly. "Brother, you're busy even on the day we divorce. Sorry for taking up your time."

Gu Yan's throat tightened. He said softly, "You didn't."

He ended the call and didn't answer a single one.

But Zhong Jia seemed tired and didn't want to say another word to him. He waved and turned to leave.

Gu Yan's body reacted first. He grabbed Zhong Jia by the wrist.

His lips pressed together, his heart pounding wildly. His throat was dry. After a long moment, he finally managed to say,

"Jiajia, can I pursue you one more time?"

*A short story

Premise: Keep striving upward.