After Divorce: Why My Aloof Ex Starts Chasing Me?
Chapter 158: The Divorced Woman

Chapter 158: Chapter 158: The Divorced Woman

Shen Qingqing wasn’t swayed by Mrs. Zhou’s moral coercion.

"If all you want is to criticize me, fine, I’ve received your message."

This attitude seemed insincere to Mrs. Zhou.

Like a dead pig that feels no fear of scalding water!

Her expression showed vague signs of losing control. "Do you think Hansheng will stay abroad forever, and that’s why you rushed back to China?"

Shen Qingqing shook her head. "He didn’t say that, and as for whether he has that idea, I’m not sure."

Zhou Hansheng wanted to continue his studies and planned to return later to make an impact.

As for how many years this process might take, even he couldn’t say for certain.

Shen Qingqing had thoroughly thought things through before returning to China.

She didn’t judge whether Zhou Hansheng’s choice was right or wrong, but their life directions were no longer aligned. How could they walk together to the end?

Breaking up was the best choice.

Mrs. Zhou: "He went abroad for you, then came back suddenly for you, disrupting many things in the process. I hope you know when to stop and don’t interfere with his determination during this crucial time!"

Shen Qingqing clenched the teacup tightly in her hand, then loosened her grip.

Her fluctuating emotions quickly calmed down.

"Mr. Zhou and I have already broken up. Whether he continues his education or pursues his ambitions domestically, that’s entirely his choice. As an adult, taking responsibility for one’s own life is the most basic skill."

Mrs. Zhou had never encountered a girl immune to both soft coercion and hard threats like this before.

If it had been someone else, they’d have already compromised for the sake of their lover’s career!

"Do you truly care about Hansheng? Why do I feel none of it?"

Shen Qingqing countered: "What standard are you basing that judgment on? Is it whether I’ve unconditionally compromised for him? Whether I’ve cared for his meals and daily life? Or something else?"

Mrs. Zhou: "When you truly love someone, you undoubtedly wish for their well-being."

Shen Qingqing: "By your logic, since I’ve chosen a path that’s good for me, shouldn’t someone who loves me also feel happy for me?"

Mrs. Zhou’s face darkened entirely. "Do I truly need to spell it out more bluntly?"

Shen Qingqing: "Do I have the right to choose not to listen?"

Of course she did.

But since things had escalated to this point, Mrs. Zhou wasn’t going to stop.

"You’ve been divorced. Being in a relationship with Hansheng... Forgive me for being blunt; it’s you overreaching! If you can’t unconditionally compromise for him, I’m sorry, but I don’t see what advantage you have that qualifies you to be the daughter-in-law of the Zhou Family."

"Hansheng has always excelled academically and socially; many women admire him, including highly educated girls who’ve never been married."

"I agreed to your relationship and even consented to your marriage because I valued your ability to accompany Hansheng abroad."

"If you can’t even do that, then as a divorced woman, I categorically refuse to allow Hansheng to marry you."

Shen Qingqing had long understood that divorced women are easily misunderstood.

Even subjected to gossip.

But she hadn’t expected that Zhou Hansheng’s mother thought the same way.

She met the woman’s eyes directly. "Had you made this clear earlier, I wouldn’t have entered a relationship with him, nor would I have brought up marriage."

"What do you mean?"

Shen Qingqing: "Exactly what the words say."

Mrs. Zhou laughed in exasperation. "What, now you think you’re the one entitled, and that Hansheng isn’t good enough for you?"

"Whether he is or isn’t, let’s set that aside for now. All I know is that marriage isn’t just a matter between two people. If elders disapprove, then there’s really no need to force it."

In the past, Zhou Hansheng’s father had been Shen Qingqing’s boss.

Back then, they’d even visited the Zhou Family for dinner.

At the time, she felt Mrs. Zhou was difficult to approach but thought everything would be fine as long as reason was respected.

Now it seemed identity shifts could alter attitudes too.

And the mother-in-law-daughter-in-law relationship had always been a thorny issue.

As the target of criticism, Shen Qingqing wasn’t without her temper.

She reiterated firmly, "Mr. Zhou and I have broken up and will not be getting married. You don’t need to be upset because I will never be a daughter-in-law of the Zhou Family."

Mrs. Zhou didn’t respond but stared fixedly at Shen Qingqing.

She knew Shen Qingqing wasn’t easy to deal with. If she were marrying an ordinary man, even as a divorcee, Shen Qingqing would still hold her head high.

But given Hansheng’s circumstances, exceptional women were easily within his reach.

The simple fact that Shen Qingqing was divorced already put her at a disadvantage compared to others!

Shen Qingqing wasn’t the ideal daughter-in-law Mrs. Zhou wanted, but Shen Qingqing’s firm disassociation left Mrs. Zhou feeling unsettled.

Even if they were breaking up, it should’ve been Hansheng rejecting her!

"My husband and I agreed to your marriage. If Hansheng stays in the country, you could continue teaching, but if he continues his studies abroad, you must accompany him. Don’t worry about living expenses; all you need to do is take good care of Hansheng and give birth to his children."

The Jiang Family raised Shen Qingqing—a woman who never unconditionally compromised before.

She certainly wasn’t compromising now!

"Auntie, thank you for your generosity, but this responsibility is beyond me. I’ve let you down, so I ask for your understanding."

Out of consideration for Zhou Hansheng, this was the last shred of decorum Shen Qingqing offered.

Mrs. Zhou: "Are you sure about this path?"

Shen Qingqing: "I’m sure."

Mrs. Zhou’s gaze swept outside, landing on a man standing in the corner by the roadside.

Jiang Zhixun had said he’d go buy soda, yet he remained outside, never leaving.

He was waiting there—surely to keep her from bullying Shen Qingqing?

She sneered. "The Jiang Family has conditions few can rival. We can’t afford to climb up to them. Clinging to them isn’t surprising."

Shen Qingqing frowned. "This has nothing to do with the Jiang Family. I ask that you not involve others."

"It truly has nothing to do with them?"

Mrs. Zhou didn’t believe her.

Her gaze was full of mockery. "I’ve lived for decades and never seen divorced couples entwined the way you and Jiang Zhixun are. Frankly, if you married Hansheng, I’d wonder whether you’d hurt him for Jiang Family’s sake."

Shen Qingqing: "Your assumptions are pointless. We won’t be getting married."

Mrs. Zhou gritted her teeth. "Fine, I’ll tell Hansheng to stop bothering you. From here on out, the skies are vast and the seas wide—your future is yours to pursue freely, Teacher Shen."

With that, Mrs. Zhou grabbed her handbag and left.

Her chin lifted slightly, hands folded neatly at her belly—her proud demeanor subtly revealing itself.

Passing by Jiang Zhixun, Mrs. Zhou remarked, "Your family’s bonds are strong. Please ensure Shen Qingqing restrains herself and doesn’t continue interfering with Hansheng."

Jiang Zhixun chuckled. "Likewise, please have your family’s children refrain from pestering Qingqing."

Mrs. Zhou’s expression flickered. "No matter how good she is, she’s still a divorced woman. Rest assured, no one will cling to her."

Jiang Zhixun’s expression cooled.

His gaze turned sharp. "Belittling her serves no purpose for you. I ask you to stop."

Mrs. Zhou lightly scoffed. "It’s harsh but true."

Finished, she walked away without hesitation.

Since Shen Qingqing didn’t know her place, there was no need to afford her further opportunities!

Jiang Zhixun exhaled heavily, barely suppressing the indignation swelling inside him.

Glancing at his watch, exactly ten minutes had passed.

Once Mrs. Zhou left, he didn’t rush back to the restaurant.

Only when his mother returned with the soda did he re-enter with her.

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