Becoming the Villain's Discarded Wife
Chapter 161: Divorce? Dismiss the Wife? Split the Family!_1

Chapter 161: Chapter 161: Divorce? Dismiss the Wife? Split the Family!_1

The pot bubbled and steamed, but the Lin Family remained silent for a long time until Lin Father was nudged by his wife and awkwardly broke the silence.

"Son-in-law."

"Here."

Wenchen sat up straight as Zhiyu, feeling uncomfortable in his own father’s arms, struggled and went over to Nanzhi.

Leaving Wenchen alone, surrounded by his wife’s family.

After another period of silence, Lin Father cleared his throat and hesitantly spoke up, "How, how have you been feeling?"

Wenchen hadn’t expected his father-in-law to suddenly show concern for him and was taken aback for a moment before smiling and responding, "I’ve been in good health, thank you for asking, Father-in-law."

"That’s good, that’s good," Lin Father laughed awkwardly, nodding, and the atmosphere froze again.

Lin Mother rolled her eyes and then looked at Wenchen, "Wenchen, let’s be frank, you’ve been gone for three years, and our Nanzhi has suffered a lot taking care of Zhiyu during this time."

As Lin Mother spoke, Wenchen’s smile faded somewhat, "Mother-in-law is right; previously, I didn’t do enough, but I will make amends, and I won’t let my wife and son suffer anymore."

"Of course, anyone can say that, but out of the five and a half years you’ve been married, you were absent for more than three.

Our Nanzhi is straightforward, and ever since it was unclear whether you were alive or dead, she has been raising Zhiyu alone. Even when the Shen Family parents were injured and Zhiyu was only a few months old, the neighbors advised her to remarry, but she insisted on waiting for your return."

As she spoke, Lin Mother wiped the corners of her eyes and, seeing the guilt on Wenchen’s face, felt somewhat satisfied. She continued the conversation from before.

"After hearing that you had returned, your father-in-law and I think it’s best for you two to divorce."

With that, Lin Mother paused, her eyes fixed on Wenchen.

Her hand, however, was gently patting Nanzhi’s hand.

Upon hearing the word "divorce," Wenchen couldn’t sit still any longer. He knew well the absurd things he had done in his past life, and now that he had a second chance, he didn’t want to fail his wife and child again.

Though his wife’s identity and background were somewhat strange and he had uncovered some serious issues, the fact that Nannan was his wife remained unchanged.

"Mother-in-law, the reason for my long absence was truly beyond my control. As soon as I recapitulated the situation, I rushed back home. I’m aware of the hardships I’ve caused Nannan and Zhiyu over the last three years—I won’t let such a thing happen again..."

Wenchen was understandably flustered and found himself looking to Nanzhi, who was beside Lin Mother, for help.

Nanzhi felt a burning gaze on her and couldn’t help but look up; seeing the urgency on Wenchen’s face, she found it unexpectedly amusing.

Thinking to herself, she accidentally burst into laughter.

Her laughter caused the hurriedly explaining Wenchen to falter and stare at her dumbfounded.

The rest of the Lin Family turned away their faces as well.

"Mom, why are you laughing?"

Little Zhiyu, sitting beside Nanzhi, curiously inquired why his mother was laughing to herself.

He saw his father looking like he was about to break into a sweat; what could be so entertaining?

"I..." Nanzhi felt a bit awkward as she looked at her stepson.

This unfortunate child.

"Mom just thought of something funny."

Noticing that the little one was likely to ask more questions, Nanzhi felt embarrassed—she couldn’t very well admit she found Wenchen’s scruffy appearance amusing.

"Daughter, what do you think?"

Before Zhiyu could continue to press the matter, Lin Mother spoke up.

Looking at her little grandson, Lin Mother also felt a bittersweet amusement.

"I..."

Nanzhi hesitated without finishing her sentence.

There was also some hesitation in her heart.

She had wanted a divorce previously to live her own joyful life without being caught between the original host and Wenchen.

But now she knew that she and the original host were one and the same.

Glancing at Shen Wenchen’s face, weathered with hardship, Nanzhi no longer knew what to think.

She was fond of Shen Wenchen, but not nearly enough to consider being with him.

Everyone’s eyes were fixed on Nanzhi, awaiting her next words.

"If you can’t figure it out, then stop thinking about it for now, let’s eat, let’s eat." Lin Father waved his hand to break the impasse.

Seeing that Nanzhi no longer looked his way, Shen Wenchen felt a tinge of disappointment.

He had thought Nannan would speak up for him.

But considering her situation, Shen Wenchen only allowed himself a brief moment of sadness before he spirited up.

He would slowly make Nannan accept him.

Aren’t there plenty of novels in that world preaching the concept of ’marry first, love later’?

Looking at Shen Zhiyu’s dirt-covered face, Shen Wenchen felt a bit more confident.

With the help of adorable Zhiyu, he believed he could definitely succeed.

While the Lin family had already started their meal, the faces at the Shen household seemed far less pleased.

"Eat, mother, father, why aren’t you moving your chopsticks?" Ms. Li held her bowl and looked at them puzzled, their chopsticks unmoving.

Not eating even when there’s meat?

Has the whole family gone mad?

"Is this chicken something you asked Nanzhi for?"

Aunt Guihua asked with a cold face and an angry tone.

Just now, she had truly believed her son had caught the wild chicken and was elated until she calmed down.

What was her son really like? As his mother, how could she not know?

There weren’t many wild creatures around in the deep of winter, and if he had actually managed to catch one, that would mean he had encountered a ghost.

She had initially thought he might have caught several and they got a portion, considering the Lin family’s kindheartedness—they had been quite supportive of their household. It was only when she went out and saw the discarded innards in the woods that she realized the truth.

They had only caught two chickens at most, and judging by her son’s capabilities, he probably could only help carry them back.

Getting half a chicken was already generous on their part, yet in their pot was an entire bird.

"They gave it to us themselves," Ms. Li said as she took the initiative to grab a chicken leg for her bowl.

Shen Zhong sat there, wanting to speak, but in the end, his cowardice only allowed him to say, "Yes, it was I who asked for it."

"Then just continue as you are!"

Hearing her son’s words, Aunt Guihua, visibly disappointed, scolded him and got up to leave.

Seeing his mother’s anger, Shen Miaomiao quickly followed her. Shen Three only exchanged a look of ’you’re on your own’ with his son before he followed them.

"Why are you staring at me?" Ms. Li said, rolling her eyes at Shen Zhong’s gaze, continuing to eat.

Aunt Guihua, back in the cart, was still fuming.

"Mother, don’t get so angry it affects your health...

"Indeed, don’t harm yourself with anger."

"We’ll separate households once we get to Yan City."

Hearing her declaration, Shen Miaomiao and Shen Three exchanged worried glances, both seeing concern in each other’s eyes.

"Isn’t separating over this a bit too extreme?" Shen Three asked, frowning.

"Do you think your son would ever divorce her?"

Shen Three was taken aback, his wife’s words ringing true.

Given the eldest’s nature, he would certainly not want to divorce his wife.

"I may not be a scholar, but I understand the principle that an unworthy wife ruins three generations. If she still harbors such cunning thoughts at a time like this, do you think she can be a good wife and mother?"