Chapter 48: What Goes Around Comes Around

The greatest harm caused by divorce is not to the adults, but to the children.

However, if the heart can no longer be held, the state of the family will only worsen.

Although Lu Xiaoning had moved out long ago, as long as she returned, the household would be anything but peaceful.

Lu Xiaoning had already torn things apart with Gu Fengrui in her pursuit of divorce; she longed for freedom and had no desire to remain in this home.

Therefore, whenever she came back unable to finalize the divorce, she would make a loud scene in front of the children, showing no concern for their fear and distress.

“Divorce it is. I agree on behalf of Xiaorui,” declared the old master Gu, fully aware that his eldest granddaughter-in-law had long since made up her mind. Yet, he was unwilling to see the children hurt and saddened, or to have them grow up motherless.

Otherwise, with Lu Xiaoning’s current behavior, he held her in utter contempt—she wasn’t even as good as a girl from the countryside.

Lu Xiaoning never expected that this visit would finally bring her wish to fruition, and she couldn’t hide the look of surprise on her face.

“Grandfather, divorce is fine, but the conditions must be agreed upon first.”

How could one just say “divorce” without first negotiating the terms?

Lu Jiaor, listening beside them, was utterly speechless. The old master was experienced, so how could he be so unshrewd here?

“You’re an outsider. This doesn’t concern you! You have no say here,” Lu Xiaoning snapped at Lu Jiaor, who had just dampened her mood. Anger and anxiety flashed in her eyes as she glared fiercely.

She believed that this woman, who was said to be from the countryside, was no good—surely full of schemes and tricks; otherwise, how could she cling to the promising and well-off younger brother-in-law?

Because of Lu Jiaor’s words, Lu Xiaoning grew especially wary and loathed her, casting her a venomous glare.

“This household may be one where you have no say, but Lu Jiaor does. She is now a member of the Gu family, and the old man is willing to listen to her.”

Unexpectedly, the old master spoke up suddenly, fully supporting Lu Jiaor and standing firmly on her side.

“Thanks for your support, Grandfather. Sister-in-law—no, former sister-in-law—divorce can proceed. But you must also provide child support, right? Children don’t grow up just by breathing; they need education, food, and clothing. Both you and my brother should each bear half the cost—that’s only fair, isn’t it?”

Divorce is never so simple! Decades later, divorce cases drag on endlessly.

Child support and custody even affect the future obligations when children grow and need to care for their parents.

From Lu Jiaor’s understanding of the times, in the Gu family’s situation, Gu Fengrui would certainly be the one financially supporting the family and the children. Lu Xiaoning was unlikely to contribute a penny.

Of course, Lu Jiaor had no real intention of forcing Lu Xiaoning to pay child support. She only wanted to disgust her, to anger her, to let her taste some sorrow.

The feeling of going from the aggressor to being counterattacked must be unpleasant.

“You—You’ve always had men supporting the family—ridiculous! I’ve never heard of women having to pay. As expected from someone from the countryside, all you care about is money.”

Lu Xiaoning was furious, unable to believe that this country woman was demanding money from her!

It was unheard of, completely new to her—country women really were mercenary and money-hungry.

“That’s not the way to look at it. A family is built by both spouses; each has responsibilities and obligations. Otherwise, what’s the point of a marriage certificate? You received a bride price, didn’t you? Over the years, my brother has supported the family and you. Not to mention the money he spent on you, the children belong to both husband and wife. Isn’t it only right that you contribute to raising them? Go ask around—what couple isn’t like that?”

“You... our affairs have nothing to do with you. Gu Fengrui is willing. What use is a man who doesn’t support his family?”

“Fine then, since you say so, my brother supports the family, but what use are you if you’re just a woman who doesn’t work or bear children?”

“You...!”

Lu Xiaoning was beside herself with anger. This country woman twisted words, just trying to make things difficult for her, just wanting money.

The old master Gu listened dumbfounded, never expecting his eldest granddaughter-in-law to be so bold. He could tell she had more to say beneath the surface.

It was infuriating beyond measure.

“What exactly do you want?!”

For the first time at the Gu household, Lu Xiaoning was the one being infuriated; usually, she was the one provoking others.

Lu Jiaor said nothing, only scrutinizing her from head to toe with a critical gaze.

She wondered why the man cared so much about appearance—if he can’t stay faithful, what’s the point? Of course, Gu Fengrui was quite handsome, but that didn’t help.

Lu Xiaoning felt uncomfortable under that gaze and burned with anger inside. But since the Gu family had finally relented, she didn’t want to lose such a good opportunity. Her beloved was about to leave the country, and she was determined to follow him.

“I’ll agree to anything I’m capable of.”

After a long moment, Lu Xiaoning finally broke down and said weakly.

Fortunes turn in cycles.

At that moment, the old master Gu only thought this one phrase.

“You don’t need to do anything. We’re not heartless or unscrupulous.”

Lu Jiaor smiled sweetly but spoke with a sarcastic tone, clearly in a good mood.

Lu Xiaoning knew the hidden meaning behind her words but couldn’t counter it.

“My proposal is to sever all ties, to never see each other again. If you don’t support my child, I won’t support you in your old age. How about that? Will you agree to this condition?”

This was the point Lu Jiaor cared about most. How many people don’t support their children but expect them to care for them in old age? To pay support and bear hardships as well? Why should that be?

“I agree. I agree to everything.”

Lu Xiaoning didn’t even hesitate over this condition; she agreed eagerly without a second thought.

She was going abroad and would certainly never return. She would have her own children, and she wouldn’t rely on those two to support her.

“That must be put in writing, and witnesses of good standing must be found.”

Lu Jiaor suggested having it formally documented since spoken words are easily forgotten—better black on white.

The old master Gu agreed wholeheartedly; he was no longer afraid of shame. What family doesn’t have troubles? His just happened to have more than most.

Lu Xiaoning had no objections either.

“Anything else?”

“Besides you never being allowed to visit, your family must also not be allowed to see the children. This is to prevent any shameless gossip or manipulation in front of the kids.”

This was a necessary precaution—who knew if they might try to brainwash the children?

The old master nodded, thinking it was wise to guard against the unknown.

Lu Xiaoning agreed.

“Anything else?”

“One last condition: before the divorce is finalized, you must spend quality time with the children three times. I don’t want Xiaodongdong to learn at such a young age that his mother has abandoned him. I don’t want him to have to spend his whole life healing from an unhappy childhood.”

“You don’t need to stay overnight, just have a meal with them, play a bit, and then tell them you are being sent abroad for work and will be gone for several years. Your attitude must be kind, your tone gentle. No scolding or showing any resentment toward the children. If you can do this, I guarantee you can leave the country smoothly.”

Lu Jiaor didn’t want Xiaodongdong to become someone burdened by the irresponsibility of adults. No child should carry the shadow of a troubled childhood caused by negligent parents; that weight belongs to the adults.

Though the Gu family was materially affluent, their spiritual wealth was uncertain.

The old master Gu was deeply shaken by Lu Jiaor’s words, his hand trembling slightly.

“Fine, but you must also guarantee I can get the divorce and leave smoothly.”

Lu Xiaoning hesitated briefly but nodded in agreement. Though she finally had the chance to divorce, she didn’t feel as happy as she thought she would.

“No need. I personally guarantee it,” the old master said firmly.