PCMWF Chapter 148

The next day, Wang Shilan got up early and arrived at the civil affairs bureau on time. To everyone, she seemed to be handling the divorce decisively, without a trace of sadness. Only Niu Niu knew because she’d seen her mom secretly crying. Du Ze stood on the steps. His belongings had been thrown out, leaving him with half a suitcase of clothes. He’d changed his clothes and cleaned himself up. His eyes were downcast, his hands at his sides. When he saw Wang Shilan approach, he reached out.

Wang Shilan strode past him into the civil affairs bureau. They sat side by side, a clerk processing their papers. Wang Shilan had had her assets notarized before the marriage. Everything belonged to Niu Niu. The clerk only asked a few questions. Wang Shilan had her legal advisor and had already handled everything related to the divorce. Soon, the divorce certificates were ready. Wang Shilan took hers and left.

Du Ze sat there, unable to snap out of it. He had a sinking feeling it was over. As he walked out, he got a call from the production team of his latest project. The man on the other end was tactful. Due to the recent backlash, netizens were very unhappy with the cast. Some even threatened to boycott the show if Du Ze remained the lead. Not just his new project, but two other variety shows and several commercials were also dropped.

Within ten minutes of leaving the civil affairs bureau, he’d lost every project except the children’s show. His agency and Tian had only supported him because of Wang Shilan. Now that they were divorced, they didn’t have to be nice anymore. As Tian said, he despised gold-diggers like Du Ze. Thankfully, Wang Shilan had seen the light, thanks to her love for Niu Niu. She’d managed to escape the trap Du Ze had set. Du Ze walked down the street like a zombie. A delivery van sped past, honking loudly and kicking up dust. The driver yelled obscenities.

Du Ze’s anger flared. “Can’t you drive, you idiot?”

The van’s window rolled down, and a middle finger shot out.

“Shit!” Du Ze cursed.

He kicked a rock in his path, but stumbled and fell. Du Ze had never been this unlucky. He’d always thought his career had been smooth. Especially after meeting Wang Shilan, who was generous and gave him whatever resources he wanted. He punched his temples in frustration, but there was no going back. If he could do it all over again, he’d treat Niu Niu well, even if he didn’t like her.
To win Wang Shilan over, he’d suggested a prenuptial agreement, letting her keep everything for Niu Niu. That was why she’d agreed to marry him. The house and cars were Wang Shilan’s. He had nothing. Even the luxury items she’d bought him had been thrown away. She was terrifying. He couldn’t afford to cross her.

Unable to find a cab, Du Ze grew more agitated. Nothing was going his way. After getting the divorce certificate, Wang Shilan went home. The two nannies greeted her at the door. Wang Shilan smiled as she walked in, proudly showing them her divorce certificate. When she got closer, the two nannies embraced her.

“Good, good. It’s about time.”

“Today calls for a celebration!”

Wang Shilan felt warmth in her heart. “You make the arrangements. I’ll go check on Niu Niu.”

To prevent Du Ze from coming after Niu Niu, Wang Shilan had given his information to the security team. The head nodded, sending Du Ze’s photo to the group. If he was spotted near the complex, he’d be escorted out. Dinner was a feast, with even a cake ordered by Nanny Li. Niu Niu ate happily, swinging her little legs and getting a round belly. That night, after being bathed by Nanny Wang, Niu Niu climbed into her mom’s bed. Wang Shilan put down her phone and stroked her daughter’s soft hair. She still hadn’t figured out how to tell Niu Niu about the divorce.

“Niu Niu, Mommy was too busy with work before and neglected you. How about I spend every day with you from now on?”

Niu Niu beamed: “That’s great!”

Wang Shilan held Niu Niu for a while, then remembered the final leg of the variety show was coming up. She still hadn’t decided who would accompany Niu Niu. It had to be someone in the industry, with some connection to Niu Niu. The show had also announced they were cutting ties with Du Ze. They’d discussed it with Wang Shilan. Niu Niu had just made friends and was gaining confidence. They didn’t want her to quit because of Du Ze. But choosing the right person was tricky.

“Niu Niu, how about we go visit Qiqi and Lele this weekend? Aunt Hua Zhao said she’d make us something special.”

Niu Niu’s eyes lit up. She dropped her storybook. “Really, Mom? Can I go play with Lele and Qiqi?”

She was clearly excited. Wang Shilan hugged her: “Of course. If Youyou weren’t abroad, the whole group would be together.”

Niu Niu was eager, wanting to pick out an outfit right away.

“But I need to tell you something. Listen carefully, okay?”

Niu Niu nodded. Wang Shilan told her that she and Du Ze were divorced, and that he wouldn’t be going with her to film anymore. Niu Niu listened carefully and understood. She knew what divorce meant. Some of her classmates’ parents were divorced too. The little girl twisted in her arms, wrapping her short arms around her mom’s waist.

“Mom, I’ll protect you.” Her childish voice, serious and earnest, gave her promise.

Niu Niu didn’t ask why her parents were divorcing, where her dad had gone, or show any sadness. From now on, she would protect her mom.

“This is a good thing. That man isn’t worth Niu Niu’s feelings. You were just blind before, and Niu Niu was young and easily bribed with candy.”

On the other end of the phone, Hua Zhao chattered on, urging them to come over. Mi Le and Mi Huan had already arrived.

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