The 99th Divorce

Bang.

The chair next to him toppled over and crashed to the floor.

The infant was startled and began to wail loudly. His cheeks were flushed red.

Mother He was also frightened by the sudden movement. She sneaked a glance at Shen Luo’an’s expression.

The look on his face turned unpleasant. He glanced at the crying infant and stormed back to his room with a grim expression.

–

“What? Sign a contract?” Shen Manting was surprised. “What is this contract for?”

“Isn’t it obvious enough?” Shen Luo’an uttered impatiently as he tapped on the paper nonchalantly. “Don’t you see the large letters here stating that this is a labor contract?”

Shen Manting snatched the labor contract and muttered, “Is this necessary? You’re taking this so seriously.”

Shen Luo’an replied disapprovingly, “You’ve been a little too spoiled around here lately. Your temper is getting worse by the day.”

Shen Manting didn’t respond as she read the terms of the contract. “You’re offering me 20,000 yuan as my salary? Are nannies paid this much?”

“I like you, so I’m willing to give you a higher salary.” Shen Luo’an answered calmly.

Shen Manting’s heart started to beat faster.

She felt a little uneasy. She looked down and continued reading the contract.

“Ten years?” Shen Manting frowned. “No way!”

“Why not?” Shen Luo’an was upset by her reaction. “Aren’t you satisfied with your salary?”

Shen Manting frowned. “If I work here for ten years, how am I supposed to find my future spouse? I’m only twenty-eight and I have yet to find my significant other. Do you expect me to look for my partner in this vicinity?”

“Don’t try to act young,” Shen Luo’an admonished her in an irritated tone. “You’re already twenty-nine. You still have the nerve to find a partner after giving birth to a child?”

Shen Manting threw her head back and laughed. “Who says I don’t deserve to date another man after having a baby? Is there a law governing that? Do you think that’s shameless? There are many women my age who are selling their bodies on the streets!”

“You’re comparing yourself to them?” Shen Luo’an mocked scornfully. “How could you even compare? They have the figure and looks to flaunt. You should take a look at yourself in the mirror. You’re no match for them with your looks!”

Shen Manting was enraged. She tossed the contract aside and snapped, “I’m a normal human being with normal needs. I’m unlike you. You have no qualms being a lifelong bachelor. I’ll never sign this contract!”

Shen Luo’an glanced at the contract that had drifted onto the floor. He scowled, “Your temper is getting worse.”

“Who could stand dealing with you and your moody face all day?”

“Don’t I look good?”

“Hah. Have you ever taken a look at yourself in the mirror?”

Shen Luo’an’s expression turned grimmer. He stood up slowly and reached for her hand. “I’ll satisfy your needs.”

Shen Manting’s heart quivered at his touch. “Let me go!” she screamed.

Shen Luo’an gripped her wrist tightly and grabbed her by the waist. “I’ll satisfy your every need, be it materially, physically, or mentally.”

Shen Luo’an stared into her eyes with his deep gaze.

His lingering gaze seemed to contain an inscrutable intensity of feeling. He stared at her silently for some time.

Shen Manting felt her heart tremble. She squirmed in his arms and struggled to break free from his grip. “Let me go!”

“I’ve been nice to you, Shen Manting. You ought to be grateful.”

Shen Manting sneered at him and cursed. “You’re shameless. Get lost! I’m leaving!”

Shen Luo’an’s expression turned sinister. He refused to let go of her and tightened his grasp on her waist instead. “Shen Manting!”