RYEY -Chapter 274 Still Divorced

“You’re still defending him? Look at what he’s become! It’s just… it’s just…”

Chen Weidang didn’t know how to curse properly at the moment. How long had he even been at university? And now he wants a divorce? Right, why exactly does Da Mao want a divorce? There must be a proper reason.

“Now tell me, why do you want a divorce?”

Da Mao’s heart skipped a beat. Could he admit that he and Xiao Hui were already emotionally and… physically involved? Of course not. But what excuse could he use?

Seeing Da Mao’s awkward hesitation, Chen Weidang coldly snapped, “Don’t tell me you’ve got a woman on the side.”

Cuihua and Er Mao were shocked. If that were true, Zhang Yuefang would surely know. Otherwise, why would she have already prepared for a divorce?

“This marriage cannot be ended.”

Cuihua suddenly became anxious. She finally understood what Zhang Yuefang intended next. Once she obtained the divorce certificate, she would report Chen Da Mao to the Workers-Peasants-Soldiers University, claiming he was immoral.

At these words, Da Mao’s eyes nearly popped out. But Chen Weidang shook his head—Zhang Yuefang definitely had no intention of doing that. Otherwise, she could have just reported him directly; why bother divorcing?

“Da Mao, the only recommendation letter Li Huan gave you was because you caught human traffickers and saved the village children. If your moral character is called into question, it won’t just embarrass Xiangyang Village, it’ll embarrass Huan as well.”

“Dad, Li Huan and Xiangyang already beat me up.”

Da Mao fully realized how outrageous his mistakes were. But now, he was stuck; there was no way to escape. Zhang Yuefang could report him, and so could Xiao Hui.

“Dad, Xiao Hui is a college student too. When we graduate next year, the school will assign us positions. Then both of us will not only have registered residency in Chuncheng but can also be recommended to good positions there.”

Cuihua looked troubled. If it were only about her son’s future, Da Mao’s actions were correct. But it was unfair to Zhang Yuefang.

“Then… maybe we can offer some extra money or ration coupons… we can’t let Yuefang be disappointed.”

Chen Weidang also knew this was tricky. He could only follow Cuihua’s suggestion, but in his heart, he had already decided to push Da Mao out. After the divorce, Da Mao would no longer have a place in this family.

“Yuefang, Yuefang, are you there?”

Cuihua stood at the women’s dormitory door at the educated youth camp, holding nutritional supplements. The door was half-open, and Zhang Yuefang quickly put down her book, got off the bed, put on her shoes, and went out.

“Mom, why are you here?”

“Yuefang, is this a good place to talk?”

“Let’s go outside.”

Zhang Yuefang went back to get a padded coat, put her books in the pocket, donned a hat and scarf, and stepped out. Han Chunmei was worried but said nothing—this was not something outsiders could interfere with.

“Yuefang, last night your father beat Da Mao half to death. He said Da Mao must have caused the problem. If you no longer want to continue with Da Mao, these are compensation for you.”

Zhang Yuefang saw the envelope in Cuihua’s hand. She opened it and found ten large bills and some ration coupons. Seeing the messy assortment, her heart warmed—this must be all the Chen family’s assets.

“Mom, thank you. I know Da Mao has feelings for someone else, and I can’t have children, so I won’t hold him back. As for this money and these coupons, I won’t refuse them—they really are useful to me.”

Zhang Yuefang genuinely needed the money and coupons. Although all the books and scrolls were provided by Cheng Qiao, neither she nor Han Chunmei were the type to take anything for free—they had to give something in return.

So, the two of them tried their best to get fabric coupons.

After all, Cheng Qiao’s household had five children and two elderly parents, plus Lele and Cheng Qiao herself—they truly had no spare resources.

Cheng Qiao understood human nature. Usually, she accepted what people sent, otherwise even friendships would be impossible. So, the plan was to knit each of the twins a set of sweaters this winter.

Knitting was easy, but buying yarn was not—it required both money and ration coupons. Zhang Yuefang had seen yarn coupons in the envelope, so she accepted them, albeit awkwardly.

Seeing Zhang Yuefang take the envelope, Cuihua’s anxious heart relaxed. She knew Yuefang had put this matter behind her, and Da Mao could finally focus on school.

The next day, Da Mao and Zhang Yuefang officially divorced. Da Mao looked at the certificate with a heavy heart. He glanced at the nearby state-run restaurant and invited Zhang Yuefang to eat.

Zhang Yuefang smiled coldly. She had long suspected Da Mao was unclean, and even talking to him felt disgusting. She had no intention of eating with him.

Da Mao stared blankly at her back as she turned decisively and walked away. Suddenly, he felt a pang in his heart, as if he had missed something—but he didn’t know what.

Shaking his head, Da Mao went straight home. The school was on break, Xiao Hui had gone home, and when classes resumed, they would meet again—this time openly.

Zhang Yuefang went to the supply and marketing cooperative to buy yarn. Da Niu didn’t know she and Da Mao had divorced yet. Seeing her sister-in-law, she enthusiastically greeted her.

“Da Niu, I’m no longer your brother’s wife.”

“What? What do you mean?”

“I divorced Da Mao today, so…”

“You…”

Da Niu could hardly believe her ears. Her eyes shifted quickly, catching the truth immediately, and she stared at Zhang Yuefang: “Da Mao has someone else.”

Zhang Yuefang was surprised by Da Niu’s perceptiveness. No wonder she had worked at the cooperative for so many years—she had been well trained.

“I’m going to confront him, that bastard!”

“Big sister, don’t be angry. Honestly, Da Mao is already dirty. Even if he were given to me, I wouldn’t want him. Don’t go—otherwise, it will affect his future.”

Da Niu paused, incredulous, then grabbed Zhang Yuefang’s hand: “Divorcing Da Mao is a huge gain for you. Come on, I’ll treat you to a meal. You’re my sister now, and Da Mao is nothing.”

Zhang Yuefang smiled, quickly took the yarn, and followed Da Niu out of the cooperative. They headed straight for the state-run restaurant, ready to have a proper meal.

“Who’s this yarn for? The color is so soft.”

“For whom else? Cheng Qiao had twins, I need to give her something.”

Da Niu nodded. Cheng Qiao was indeed kind—she had arranged for Qiu Min to transfer work to her. Now, her position at home was rising, and her mother-in-law dared not bully her family anymore.

That meal deepened the two women’s friendship. All of Zhang Yuefang’s bitterness and frustration dissipated. Cheng Qiao was right—she was still young and could start over.