011
City First People’s Hospital
Both hands clasped on the table, Meng Jingdong, who had remained calm, showed a flicker of surprise, his brows slightly furrowed. He asked calmly, “Why do you want a divorce? We’ve only been legally married for less than a month.”
Lu Tian’s mind inexplicably conjured up a scene from the original owner’s memories: the aftermath of a night together with Meng Jingdong—half-undressed bodies, a messy bed. The original owner then proposed marriage, threatening to accuse Meng Jingdong of rape if he refused. Meng Jingdong agreed to marry her after only two days of consideration. The wedding hadn’t been planned, but a few days after obtaining the marriage certificate, Lu Tian crossed over. Besides the certificate itself, they hadn’t had any physical intimacy.
“I’ve changed my mind. I don’t need you to take responsibility,” Lu Tian stated fearlessly, like a capricious child.
Meng Jingdong stared at her for a long time, a faint smile gradually appearing in his dark eyes. “I can agree to this condition, but not a divorce right now.”
“When then?”
Meng Jingdong adjusted his posture and expression, making Lu Tian feel a flicker of goodwill; he was being serious.
“My company and your mother’s company have a crucial collaborative project underway. If we divorce rashly, it will severely impact the project. Also, the news you spread about our upcoming wedding. A divorce will irrevocably damage my reputation and the company. Therefore, we can’t divorce until at least the end of next year.”
What had the original owner been doing?!
Lu Tian remained calm and unapologetic. “Fine, but I need a written agreement; otherwise, I won’t agree.”
Meng Jingdong hesitated for a moment, then nodded. “Okay, I can sign an agreement with you, but we won’t include the bone marrow donation as a precondition. I’ll still agree to your other conditions.”
“Why?”
“I respect my uncle very much and don’t want this to become a mere transaction.”
Lu Tian scoffed unceremoniously. “But this is a transaction. I don’t care who you respect. I only need a written agreement guaranteeing an amicable separation by the end of next year, without affecting anyone else.”
“…Fine. Since you insist, I agree. It doesn’t harm me,” Meng Jingdong said with a hint of helplessness.
His helpless smile was incredibly captivating. Lu Tian quietly admired it for five seconds, then continued, “What happened that night was my fault. I owe you an apology. I’m sorry.”
Meng Jingdong thought for a moment, then extended his hand. “I’ve already agreed. I forgive you, Lu Tian.”
“Thank you.” Lu Tian breathed a sigh of relief. Having this issue hanging between them had made her feel constrained. Now, it was resolved.
The waiter brought their food. The smell of the dishes made Lu Tian realize she was hungry. After receiving her rice, she ate slowly, chewing carefully as she always did for health reasons. Her movements were deliberate, noticeably different from before, almost like a different person.
Meng Jingdong glanced over but didn’t seem to notice these subtle changes; they were not that familiar.
After lunch, Meng Jingdong suggested taking her to his company; he had already arranged for a lawyer to draft the agreement. Lu Tian had no classes that afternoon, so she agreed to go with him.
Huanmeng Group started as an internet company and, in just a few decades, has become a major player in the internet industry, founded by Meng Jingdong’s parents. The company’s name is derived from the initials of their names. Lu Tian searched Meng Jingdong’s father’s biography while in the car. From humble beginnings to creating a top-fifty company in China, he was indeed a formidable figure. His son, Meng Jingdong, was also a genius; he graduated with a master’s degree at twenty, returned to China, and entered Huanmeng Group through standard channels. At twenty-five, he rose through the ranks to become the heir apparent, eventually settling into the position of CEO.
Meng Jingdong took her up in the elevator. They met many Huanmeng employees on the way; everyone greeted them while subtly observing Lu Tian. On the surface, she appeared composed, but she felt a little apprehensive. Coming to the Huanmeng building felt like walking into a pit. The news the original owner had spread, although partially deleted, was undoubtedly seen by someone. The public was still speculating about Meng Jingdong’s wife. Coming to the company was practically asking for rumors.
She had foolishly considered Meng Jingdong a gentleman!
In his office, Meng Jingdong’s assistant brought Lu Tian a drink. Her expression remained inscrutable, leaving Meng Jingdong unsure whether she had noticed anything. He quickly summoned the lawyer.
The lawyer, whose surname was Guo, was tall and serious. His efficiency matched his demeanor. He came in with three agreements, including a belated prenuptial agreement.
“Our prenuptial and divorce agreements are legally binding, but the other one isn’t. Consider it a gentleman’s agreement. Please have a look.”
Lu Tian remained silent, reviewing the prenuptial and divorce agreements first. There was nothing disadvantageous for her, even a significant amount of assets after the divorce. She frowned. “Why are you giving me so much?”
“It wasn’t originally this much, but your cooperation is required for a period. I should compensate you accordingly. Here’s my secondary card and credit card; you can use them. You’ll receive regular compensation to your card each month.”
“Okay.” Lu Tian had no objections, nor any shame at being supported. The original owner also received significant assets after her divorce from Meng Jingdong, although she didn’t have long to enjoy them.
The other agreement was simpler, mainly stipulating that Lu Tian would donate bone marrow to Lu Chengyang, Meng Jingdong would forgive her actions that night, and they would amicably divorce by the end of the next year.
“Feel free to point out anything you’re dissatisfied with.”
Lu Tian read it carefully; her father’s inheritance lawsuit had given her some legal knowledge. There were no issues with the agreement drafted by Meng Jingdong’s lawyer. She readily signed it, and Meng Jingdong signed without hesitation.
“Thank you.”
Meng Jingdong chuckled. “You’re the one who should be thanking me.”
Lu Tian didn’t care, carefully storing her copy of the agreement in her bag. “When will the donation procedure begin? Call me in advance, and I’ll make time to cooperate fully.”
Meng Jingdong looked at her intently. “Okay, thank you.”
“If there’s nothing else, I’ll leave.”
“I’ll have Song Ci drive you.”
Lu Tian didn’t object. Taking a taxi from their complex would be inconvenient. She certainly preferred a hassle-free ride.
**
On the weekend, Lu Tian went home at Zou Fan’s urging. Tian Jing had prepared a delicious meal, and she was still home. Lu Tian was surprised; Tian Jing was usually very busy, sometimes not even home on holidays. Seeing her for several consecutive weeks was unusual.
Zou Fan chattered away, calling her “Sister,” and Lu Tian couldn’t help but indulge him. After their game, Tian Jing ended a video conference. She tried to hide it, but Lu Tian saw it clearly. She pretended not to notice and chatted with her mother.
“Oh, right, Mom, I forgot to tell you. Last time Meng Jingdong and I visited his uncle, the bone marrow test results came back, and I’m a match! Isn’t that amazing?”
Tian Jing was surprised, but also relieved. “What do you plan to do?”
“Meng Jingdong contacted me, and I’ve agreed. Since I’m healthy, I might as well help,” Lu Tian said cheerfully.
“Good. Since you’ve decided to help, don’t give up halfway.”
Lu Tian nodded, casually probing, “Mom, you said you’d visit Professor Lu. Did you? How do you know him?”
“I did. I told you—we knew each other when we were young, before you were born,” Tian Jing evaded, going to the bathroom to wash up.
Lu Tian secretly made a face. It wasn’t that she was still young; she was a mere embryo at that point. Lu Chengyang was undoubtedly the original owner’s biological father. But since neither of them had revealed the truth, she wouldn’t either. She would be a cheerful, helpful girl; after all, she had everything she wanted.
She returned to her room, locked the three agreements in the safe and changed the password. Then she checked her soaring stock prices and hummed a happy tune, supremely content.
The next day, Tian Jing woke Lu Tian early to buy clothes and get styled. It was Grandfather Gu’s birthday, and Tian Jing would be introduced to his family and friends. The entire family would attend. In the original plot, the original owner and Yu Ningxuan argued and caused a commotion at the birthday party, angering Grandfather Gu to the point of hospitalization. But now, it would be different. She wouldn’t upset Grandfather Gu, ensuring a happy birthday celebration.
The birthday party was held at the Gu family mansion. Tian Jing’s family’s arrival naturally caused a stir. Lu Tian wore a light blue dress.
Gu Yi, the Gu family’s eldest grandson, was there as the heir apparent. He personally greeted Tian Jing’s family, showing respect. However, when he saw Lu Tian’s dress, his expression changed slightly.
Lu Tian and the handsome young Zou Fan walked into the Gu family villa hand-in-hand, unfazed by the open and subtle scrutiny.
“Tiantian, you look beautiful today.”
Lu Tian smiled sweetly. “Big cousin, you look handsome too.”
“That girl’s so sweet. My fiancée is here today. Her name is Yu Li; you can play together.”
“Okay,” Lu Tian readily agreed. Cannon fodder should play with cannon fodder. Yu Li had even less of a role in the original story than the original owner. Jealous of the Gu family’s favor toward Yu Ningxuan and the original owner, Yu Li conspired with the original owner to frame Yu Ningxuan, ultimately getting dumped by Gu Yi, leading to a tragic downfall.
“Sister, why is everyone looking at us?” Zou Fan, still young, was uncomfortable with the attention.
Lu Tian glanced at Gu Yi, who pretended not to hear, and said softly, “Because everyone hasn’t seen us for a long time, they’re making up for lost time.”
Gu Yi twitched his mouth. This little cousin was difficult to deal with. She always tried to assert her status; Yu Ningxuan would definitely lose to her.
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