The 99th Divorce

Hearing Ou Ming’s outcry, Yu Lili harrumphed and looked away with her arms folded.

With Yu Lili looking away, a grin appeared on Ou Ming’s face and widened. He reached out and tugged his wife. “We just got out of bed. What are you angry about?”

“Don’t touch me!” Yu Lili smacked his hand off. “Drive!”

“Don’t be angry. I was at fault. I’ll listen to you in future, OK?” Ou Ming tugged her sleeve as he cajoled.

Yu Lili turned to face him, “For real?”

“Yeah… I’ll listen to you at home from now on,” Ou Ming said.

When they were out, it’d be a totally different story. Furthermore, even at home, he had his ways of rendering her helpless.

Ou Ming was very satisfied with his scheme and wordplay. His smile grew in intensity and sincerity.

Yu Lili looked at him but didn’t detect the loophole in his words. Her anger abated somewhat. She said, “I’m hungry.”

“What would you like to eat?” he asked

“Anything. I’m hungry and tired.” Yu Lili was still a little unhappy. She leaned against the car seat and glared at him.

Ou Ming knew that she was exhausted. He felt a little guilty about it. He turned on the ignition and started driving. “I’m tired too. I was hard at work all of last night until sunrise. I’m dead beat!” he said.

“You asked for it!” Yu Lili retorted.

Ou Ming eyebrows rose as he replied, “That’s only because you seduced me!”

“I did not,” she said.

“Didn’t you?” he asked. “You’re so pretty that whenever you’re around me, I can’t control myself. How is that not seduction?”

Yu Lili snorted when she heard that and refused to continue in that exchange. She turned to look out of the window and commented, “Complimenting me is useless!”

“I’m not complimenting you. I’m complimenting my wife,” Ou Ming said. “How on earth does my wife manage to be so pretty, with such a good personality, such an ideal temper, and such a voluptuous figure. She’s good in every aspect! It must be three lifetimes of good luck on my part for me to be able to marry her.”

Ou Ming spoke matter-of-factly as he drove on steadily, occasionally looking over. His eyes were brimming with love and warmth.

Yu Lili ignored him. But, she couldn’t keep her lips from lifting in a smile. She watched as the scenery outside the window passed her by and felt that it was all so beautiful.

Although she didn’t say a word, Ou Ming could tell from the reflection on the car window that she was no longer as angry as she was before. He turned his attention back to the road and kept quiet. They soon arrived at their favorite breakfast joint.

After breakfast, Ou Ming drove toward F Town. The distance from Kingstown to F Town wasn’t that far, but it wasn’t exactly near either.

The activities from the night before had been arduous. Yu Lili couldn’t keep her eyelids open and fell asleep leaning on the car seat. After a period of time, she opened her eyes groggily. The car was still in motion.

Covering her upper body was a thin blanket. Yu Lili stretched her back and sat up. She yawned and asked, “Are we there yet? How long have we been driving for?”

“We’re almost there.” Ou Ming looked at the time. “A little over an hour. It’ll probably be another 20 minutes of less. She’s coming out to meet us.”

“OK,” Yu Lili mumbled her assent. She uncapped a bottle of spring water and took a sip. “Are you thirsty?”

“Yeah. Feed it to me.” Ou Ming opened his mouth and waited for her to bring the water over.

Yu Lili rolled her eyes at him, but she still brought the bottle that she had just drank from to his lips.

Her actions were very careful. Ou Ming soon finished half the bottle. “Look ahead,” he said.

In front of them was a middle-aged woman waving at them. By her side was a young person.

“Is that them?” Yu Lili asked

“Yeah.” Ou Ming stopped the car not far from where they stood. “Let’s get out.”