Chapter 17: Early Divorce (1)
Li Chen woke up the following day, feeling refreshed after his meditation and the fresh air. He decided that he would continue this routine, as it seemed to be having a positive effect on his mood and well-being. After a quick shower, he headed to the kitchen to see if there was anything to eat. He had gradually stopped performing the household chores, and the Gu family hadn't objected or reprimanded him for it.
As he contemplated his breakfast options, a sudden knock on the door disrupted his thoughts. Li Chen made his way to the door and opened it, finding the butler waiting on the other side. The butler delivered a brief message, "Master Gu would like to see you in the living room."
Li Chen furrowed his brows, puzzled by this unexpected request. "What do they want from me now?" he muttered to himself. The butler merely shrugged and walked away, leaving Li Chen to wonder about the purpose of this summons. Despite his reservations, Li Chen decided to follow the butler to the living room, preparing himself for whatever the Gu family had in store for him this time.
As Li Chen approached the living room, he could hear the voices of the Gu family members and recognized the distinct voice of Shang Xiang, Old Madam Gu's lawyer. Upon entering, he immediately sensed that something was amiss. Madame Gu fixed her gaze on him and instructed him to take a seat, explaining that Uncle Shang Xiang had something to discuss with him.
Li Chen chose a seat that was at a considerable distance from the Gu family members, maintaining a degree of separation. Master Gu cleared his throat, assuming a more authoritative tone, and inquired, "Li Chen, where did you go yesterday?"
Li Chen replied nonchalantly, "To the park."
Gu Liang, however, accused him of lying, asserting, "You're lying. You went to meet a woman outside, and we have evidence."
Li Chen smirked in response, realizing that it was Gu Liang who had sent that woman to approach him, and he quipped, "Oh, it was you who sent that woman. Now it makes sense."
Gu Liang appeared flustered and insisted that he clarify what woman he was referring to. Gu Hua chimed in, expressing her bewilderment, "I don't understand why any woman would date a broke man like you."
The atmosphere in the room was tense, and Li Chen had a feeling that this meeting was not going to be a pleasant one.
Shang Xiang regarded Li Chen with a stern expression and presented him with evidence in the form of photographs that depicted him hugging the mysterious woman. Li Chen maintained his composure and responded, "Uncle Shang Xiang, I don't know how those photos came to be, but I'm certain that someone in this room can provide a detailed explanation."
Gu Hua, enraged, slammed the coffee table in frustration, accusing Li Chen of going out with another woman and attempting to shift the blame. Li Chen, unshaken by the outburst, simply shrugged and remarked, "I never said it was you, but if the shoe fits, Cinderella should wear it."
Gu Hua seethed with anger and clenched his fists, contemplating whether to physically confront Li Chen. However, the memory of the punch that had dislocated his jaw a few days ago flashed before him, causing him to reconsider. Master Gu, recognizing Shang Xiang's disapproval, intervened and urged Gu Hua to sit down, reminding him to let the adults handle the situation. Gu Hua reluctantly complied, realizing he had allowed his emotions to get the best of him in front of Shang Xiang.
Shang Xiang continued to explain the situation, addressing the questions and concerns of the Gu family. He turned his attention back to Li Chen and said, "Now, Li Chen, you should understand the financial aspects of the divorce settlement. It's a substantial loss, but it's in line with your grandmother's wishes. Is there anything else you'd like to discuss or any questions you have?"
Li Chen, looking calm and composed, responded, "I appreciate your clarification, Uncle Shang Xiang. I may have lost a significant amount, but I believe in honoring grandma Gu's intentions. If there's nothing else, I'm ready to proceed as per the will."
Madame Gu, still visibly displeased but realizing that her husband was accepting the terms, leaned back in her chair and sighed deeply. Shang Xiang nodded in approval and said, "Very well, then. I will proceed with the necessary legal steps to finalize the divorce and the disbursement of funds according to the will. You will be updated on the progress."
The tension in the room seemed to ease as the meeting concluded, and the Gu family reluctantly accepted the terms set forth by old Madam Gu's will.
Li Chen suddenly asked, grabbing everyone's attention, "Is it possible for us to get divorced sooner than the time stated by Grandma Gu?"
Gu Liang said hurriedly, "Yes Grandpa Shang, it is possible?"
Shang Xiang was taken aback by the sudden request for a quicker divorce, but he carefully considered it. He addressed Li Chen's question and the Gu family's agreement. "If all parties involved are in agreement, we can expedite the process. There are no legal obstacles to doing so, provided you are both willing to proceed."
Li Chen nodded, and Gu Liang seconded the motion by saying, "We are both willing. We just want to move on with our lives as soon as possible."
Gu Hua, ever eager, asked, "Can it be done now, Grandpa Shang?"
Madame Gu concurred, "Yes, the sooner, the better."
Shang Xiang took a moment to assess the situation, making sure everyone was genuinely willing to proceed immediately. Seeing their determination, he concluded, "Very well, we can initiate the divorce process now."
The decision was met with an air of anticipation, mixed with tension, as the next chapter in Li Chen's life was set to begin.
Shang Xiang cleared his throat and began explaining the divorce process to everyone. "First, we'll need to draft and sign the divorce agreement, indicating the terms and conditions both parties have agreed upon, such as the division of property and any financial settlements."
Li Chen nodded in agreement, showing his readiness to move forward with the process.
Shang Xiang continued, "Once the agreement is finalized, it will need to be notarized, and both parties will sign it in the presence of a notary public. This will authenticate the document."
Madame Gu chimed in, "Do we need to schedule an appointment with the notary?"
Shang Xiang replied, "Yes, I will make the necessary arrangements. Then, we'll need to wait for the court to review the agreement. This can take some time, but it's a standard procedure."
Li Chen inquired, "How long does the court review typically take?"
Shang Xiang answered, "It can vary, but it usually takes a few weeks to a couple of months, depending on the caseload of the court."
Gu Liang, who was growing impatient, asked, "Is there any way to expedite the court review?"
Shang Xiang replied, "Under normal circumstances, not really. However, we can request expedited processing if there are compelling reasons for it."
Li Chen and the Gu family discussed the details and conditions of the divorce agreement. Shang Xiang provided guidance on how to structure it. As the discussion continued, Li Chen couldn't help but feel a mixture of relief and anxiety, knowing that this was the first step toward his independence and a new chapter in his life.
Shang Xiang conveyed the plan for the divorce proceedings, and Li Chen agreed to meet him the next day to initiate the process. Gu Liang also expressed his gratitude, and Shang Xiang took his leave.
As he reached the door, Shang Xiang suddenly remembered something and turned back to hand Li Chen a key. Li Chen caught it with surprise, and Shang Xiang explained, "It's for the house Old Madame Gu arranged for you, and it already in your name."
Li Chen was taken aback by the unexpected generosity. He couldn't believe that, in addition to the 6 million yuan, he was now the owner of a house. With a mixture of gratitude and disbelief, he said, "Thank you, Grandpa Shang."
As the conversation continued, Li Chen couldn't help but notice the subtle tension in the room. He addressed Shang Xiang, trying to sound as composed as possible.
"Thank you, Uncle Shang Xiang."
Madame Gu couldn't hide her curiosity and irritation, so she probed further.
"Where is this house located?"
Shang Xiang, still maintaining his calm demeanor, revealed the location.
"It's in the 4th district."
Madame Gu, with a hint of sarcasm, expressed her relief.
"Ah, that's good. I thought she gave him an expensive house."
The underlying rivalry and tension in the Gu family became more apparent, but Li Chen chose to graciously accept the gift, even in the face of their less-than-enthusiastic reactions.
Shang Xiang left the Gu mansion, and with his departure, Master Gu turned to Li Chen.
"I think you should move out tomorrow after settling the divorce."
"I can't wait to move out."
"Don't think you've achieved something. You will remain poor. Six million is nothing in our eyes."
Li Chen just brushed off Gu Liang's taunts, saying, "Whatever," and then left the living room.
"Dad, why did Grandma love Li Chen like this? She even bought him a house."
"Don't worry, son. Houses in the 4th district are not that expensive. Maybe it's an old, second-hand house."
"But still, Mum, why would Grandma waste her money on Li Chen?"
"Let it go. Just forget about it and celebrate the early divorce."
"Yes, finally."
"We should go out and celebrate tomorrow. We should celebrate your freedom and finally get rid of this eyesore."
"That's an excellent idea, Mum. I will make the arrangements."
Master Gu smiled and said, "I'll be back early from the office tomorrow so we can leave together."
The Gu family's focus shifted from Old Madame Gu's will to the upcoming celebration of Gu Liang's divorce.
Gifts
-- Gift
received Weekly Power Status
-- Power
Ranking 
-- Power
stone