005

I am a sculpture designer, somewhat well-known in the industry, likely because of my personality. Since childhood, I've loved studying sculpture, so I have a bit of talent in it.

After graduating from university, I directly chose the career of a sculptor. After years of hard work, I've met many influential people.

One of them is Ms. Su.

She is one of my collaborators and greatly admires my creativity in sculpture. Last month, she helped me enter a competition, and unexpectedly, I won the gold prize.

She then offered me a high-paying position, saying that with my abilities, staying in a small city would be a waste. At her company, I could receive better training and learn from many true masters of sculpture.

I was indeed tempted, but for Yang Xue's sake, I chose to decline.

But Yang Xue, in order to go see the sea with her first love, drugged me with sleeping pills, nearly killing me.

During those three days in the hospital, three days of darkness, I finally realized something. Instead of groveling for a woman who doesn't care about me, it's better to let go completely. Three years of marriage didn't heal the wounds in my heart; instead, they made them worse.

Apart from Yang Xue's face, sculpture is the only thing that truly heals me.

If I had to choose between the two, I would now choose sculpture without hestitate.

Ms. Su paused for a few seconds.

I thought she might be upset about my previous refusal, and I started to feel anxious.

Ms. Su said she would fly to City A tomorrow to discuss things in person.

After hanging up the phone, having resolved a major issue, exhaustion washed over me. The laughter outside no longer affected my mood, and I fell into a deep sleep.

I suddenly sat up, instinctively wanting to leave the study.

It was probably a habit formed over the past three years. Yang Xue was terrified of thunder, and every time it stormed, she would curl up in my arms like a frightened deer, shedding her fake pride and revealing a pure, vulnerable side.

Looking at the face in my arms, I felt as if I had returned to the past. This was the fundamental reason I had stayed by Yang Xue's side, enduring humiliation and hardship.

Even though I had decided to divorce, I couldn't help but want to comfort Yang Xue, and most importantly, I wanted to see that face a little longer.

After sleeping, I felt much better. I opened the study door, about to step out, but what I saw outside left me frozen.

The living room was brightly lit.

Outside, lightning flashed and thunder roared, but inside, it was warm and cozy.

In the kitchen, Mu Chen was wearing an apron, carrying a bowl of soup to the coffee table. Wisps of steam rose, casting a hazy and charming atmosphere over the scene.

He looked like the master of the house, taking off the apron and gently ruffling the head of the figure curled up on the sofa. His voice was soft and love: [You're still the same, so afraid of thunder. But it's okay, I'm here. Don't be afraid.]

Yang Xue closed her eyes, a look of contentment on her face, as if being touched by her first love stirred something indescribable within her.

[I always get scared when I'm woken up by thunder. I need someone to stay with me to feel safe.]

Yang Xue smiled, nuzzling her head against Mu Chen's broad palm, letting out soft, kitten-like murmurs.

Watching this scene, I felt an overwhelming sense of irony.

Mu Chen seemed more like Yang Xue's husband than I did.

Their affectionate display made the warm lighting in the living room feel even more ambiguous.

The light spilled over them, unintentionally revealing a layer of warmth.

At that moment, my body and heart grew cold, but I didn't explode in anger. Instead, I calmly observed the scene before me.

We weren't even divorced yet, and here was Yang Xue, in our home, being vague with her first love.

Was she really that eager?

If it weren't for my presence, who knows what might have happened between them.

Just as the thought crossed my mind,

Mu Chen suddenly pulled Yang Xue into his arms and whispered, [A-Xue, I've missed you so much!]

I clearly saw Yang Xue's body tremble. After a slight struggle, she gave in.

Mu Chen lowered his head, slowly bringing his lips closer to Yang Xue's. My nails dug into my palms, but the pain was nothing compared to the ache in my heart. Even though I had decided to let go, Yang Xue was still, nominally, my wife.

Her first love was living in our home, occupying the master bedroom.

And now, he was holding my wife, about to kiss her.

Yet Yang Xue had told me that their relationship was purely platonic, that they had never crossed any boundaries.

Was this scene before me supposed to be "pure"?

Just as their lips were about to meet, Yang Xue seemed to remember her identity and quickly pushed Mu Chen away.

She looked toward the study in panic, her eyes meeting mine.

In that instant,

I saw the fear and panic in Yang Xue's eyes.

And the smile on Mu Chen's lips.

[Shen Qing, why aren't you asleep yet?]

Yang Xue walked toward me, trying to appear calm. She explained, [I had something in my eye just now, and Mu Chen was helping me. Don't misunderstand.]

I remained expressionless, replying indifferently, [No misunderstanding. You can continue.]

Yang Xue treated me like a fool, and perhaps she was right. For three years, I had been the biggest fool, thinking that marriage and my unwavering care could warm this cold stone. But it turned out I was just self sentimentality.

[If there's nothing else, I'm going to sleep.]

[Shen Qing, if there's something to explain, let's clear it up. There's no need to be stubborn. I've already given you a chance, and my patience has limits.]

Yang Xue seemed furious, feeling that I was disrespecting her.

This kind of situation had happened before, and her attitude had always been even more capricious. She would say that a dirty heart sees dirt everywhere.

I lay in bed, covering myself with the blanket, and as Yang Xue's anger filled the room, my thoughts drifted back to the day we first met.

Back then, I was already dead inside, with no attachment to the world.

I stood by the river, watching the rushing water, lacking the courage to live, ready to jump and end it all.

That's when a girl appeared, sitting beside me without saying a word.

Her eyes, like mine, were devoid of light.

We sat shoulder to shoulder, silent, until dawn.