The world of film and television begins in the ideal city

Chapter 47 Transformation 3

The bell rang on time to signal the end of the workday. Wu Hongmei packed her things and left the company calmly, without delaying overtime or passively taking on extra work as she used to. She strolled back to Jing'an No. 1, and upon entering, she pressed the call button on the wall to inform the housekeeper that she needed to purchase fresh ingredients. She prepared a clear menu, and within half an hour, fresh vegetables, meat, and seafood were delivered to her door by a dedicated person, all fresh, clean, and neatly packaged.

She walked into the spacious and bright kitchen. The cabinets were clean, the kitchen utensils were complete, and the built-in kitchen appliances were all available. The countertop was spacious and clean, and there was plenty of room to work. It was completely different from the cramped and dilapidated stove in her previous rented room, where the room would be filled with grease and smoke as soon as the stove was turned on.

She tied on a simple apron, rolled up her sleeves, and quietly got busy in the kitchen.

She washed, chopped, marinated, and stewed the vegetables with practiced ease and composure, without a trace of haste or impatience. She specially selected several of her best hometown home-style dishes, which were fresh, fragrant, and delicious, perfect with rice. She also carefully stewed a pot of nourishing soup. From preparing the ingredients to serving the dish, she was meticulous and attentive throughout the entire process.

As dusk settles outside the window and neon lights illuminate the room, a table of dishes is neatly arranged on the solid wood dining table. The food is delicious and fragrant, steaming hot, and its aroma fills the entire living room, creating a warm and comforting atmosphere.

She had just finished tidying up the kitchen when she heard a soft sound coming from the front door.

Lin Chen pushed open the door and entered, carrying with him the faint, refreshing scent of the evening breeze. Seeing the table full of steaming food, a hint of warmth and a smile flashed in his eyes.

"You're back." Wu Hongmei greeted her, her tone natural and affectionate, the initial awkwardness and distance long gone. "Hurry up and wash your hands and eat, it's just finished."

Lin Chen smiled and nodded, changed his shoes and walked to the dining table. His eyes swept over the dishes on the table, and he said with sincere praise, "They look very appetizing. Thank you for your hard work."

"It's no trouble at all. I was the one who invited you over for dinner." Wu Hongmei smiled and served him rice, handed him a bowl and chopsticks, her demeanor calm and gentle, completely exuding a relaxed and comfortable homely air.

The two sat facing each other, eating quietly. They didn't try to find topics to talk about, but they didn't feel awkward or uncomfortable at all. The atmosphere was natural and warm.

Lin Chen picked up his chopsticks and tasted each dish on the table. Every dish was cooked to perfection, with a fresh and delicious flavor. They were home-style dishes, yet exceptionally flavorful, making him feel particularly comfortable while eating.

"It tastes great, even better than the dishes in high-end restaurants." Lin Chen's tone was sincere, and he didn't hold back his praise. "Your cooking skills are truly outstanding."

When he praised her sincerely, Wu Hongmei's cheeks flushed slightly, her smile deepened, and her heart was filled with a sweet sense of peace.

This dinner was eaten slowly and comfortably. There was only the warm food in front of me, the gentle and composed person beside me, and the warm light in the room, filling my heart with peace.

After finishing her meal, Wu Hongmei got up to clear the dishes. As soon as she entered the kitchen, Lin Chen followed her in, naturally taking the dishes from her hands and speaking casually, "I'll take care of it. You've been busy all day, sit down and rest for a while."

Before she could refuse, he skillfully washed the dishes and wiped the table.

"Let me tell you, I'm a pro at washing dishes!"

Wu Hongmei stood to the side, watching his back, a warm feeling welling up in her heart, her feelings deepening little by little, and she cherished this peaceful time together even more.

She knew very well that her feelings for Lin Chen had long since changed from gratitude and dependence during their initial desperate situation to genuine attraction and deep love.

This man gave her respect, dignity, protection, and tenderness she had never had before. He understood her grievances, protected her, and supported all her decisions, allowing her to live as her true self.

Life flowed by slowly in this peaceful and warm atmosphere.

Whenever Lin Chen had free time, he would come over to have meals with her, chat, and talk about trivial matters at work. He was always gentle and considerate towards her, never overstepping his boundaries, yet always showing meticulous care. Wu Hongmei gradually opened up completely, able to laugh and talk freely in front of him, confide her feelings, and reveal her truest emotions, without any restraint or timidity.

The two became increasingly natural and tacit in their interactions, like lovers who had been together for many years. Every smile, every gesture, and every movement revealed an unspoken harmony.

Before you know it, a week has passed.

Wu Hongmei's mindset became increasingly firm and clear. She was calm and composed in the workplace, upholding her bottom line and no longer allowing herself to be manipulated. In her life, she was peaceful and comfortable, enveloped in gentleness, and completely freed herself from the gloom and embarrassment of the past.

She knew perfectly well that her relationship with Zhang Xiaobei had long since ended. Any further delay would only lead to mutual wastage and wasted time.

It's time to completely sever ties with the past, to give myself and Zhang Xiaobei a final explanation.

That weekend, Wu Hongmei packed up and calmly returned to the rented apartment she used to share with Zhang Xiaobei.

Pushing open the door, the room remained the same as always—cluttered, cramped, and oppressive. Zhang Xiaobei sat on the sofa, his face haggard, his eyes bloodshot, his hair disheveled, and he had lost a lot of weight. Since Wu Hongmei left, he had been absent-minded, unable to concentrate on work, searching for her everywhere, filled with regret and panic.

Upon seeing Wu Hongmei push open the door and enter, Zhang Xiaobei suddenly stood up, both surprised and delighted. He rushed to her, his voice hoarse and trembling, filled with endless regret and pleading.

"Hongmei! You're finally back! I knew you wouldn't really leave me! I was wrong before. I shouldn't have argued with you, shouldn't have blamed you. Please forgive me, okay? Let's go back to how we were before, and live a good life together. I'll listen to you in everything from now on, and I'll never argue with you again, never complain about you again!"

As he spoke, his eyes reddened, his tone filled with humble pleading, and he reached out to take her hand.

Wu Hongmei calmly took a step back, avoiding his touch, her expression calm and resolute, without the slightest ripple or hesitation.

"Zhang Xiaobei, I'm not back today to make up with you."

Her voice was calm, yet each word was clear, carrying an undeniable resolve.

"I'm here to talk to you about a divorce."

One sentence froze Zhang Xiaobei's joy instantly, his face turned pale, and he stared at her in disbelief, his whole body trembling slightly.

"Divorce? Hongmei, what nonsense are you talking about? Our four-year relationship, just because of one argument, you want to divorce me? I know I was wrong, I really know I was wrong. Can't you give me another chance and let's live a good life together?"

"It wasn't because of one argument." Wu Hongmei looked up at him, her eyes calm and clear. "We were just incompatible from the very beginning. I'm tired of these years, really too tired. I don't want to be trapped in this kind of life anymore, arguing over every little thing, constantly compromising for my family, and draining each other for a future that seems endless."

"The lives we want have always been different. Forcing ourselves to stay together will only lead to a lifetime of unhappiness. Rather than torturing each other, it's better to part amicably and let each other go."

"I disagree! I absolutely disagree with the divorce!" Zhang Xiaobei became emotional, his voice trembling. "Hongmei, we've suffered together, endured four years together, I love you so much, I can't live without you! Are you seeing someone else? Has someone bewitched you? Tell me, I can change, I can change anything!"

"No one tried to sweet-talk me; I figured it out myself." Wu Hongmei's tone remained firm and unwavering. "I haven't wronged you. The breakup and divorce are between the two of us, and have nothing to do with anyone else. My mind is made up, and I won't change it."

Looking at the haggard and flustered Zhang Xiaobei in front of her, she felt no hatred or resentment, only a sense of relief and peace.

She once truly loved this man, once regarded him as her only support in this city, and once thought that she could make do with him for the rest of her life. But now she finally understands that a good relationship makes people feel relaxed, confident, and self-reliant, not makes them feel inferior, wronged, tense, and hopeless for the rest of their lives.

Looking at the unprecedented determination and resolve in her eyes, and at the calm and composed Wu Hongmei before him, no longer the docile, timid, and easily manipulated woman of the past, Zhang Xiaobei finally understood that he had completely lost her.

Wu Hongmei, who was willing to squeeze into a rented room with him, to save money with him, and to endure hardship with him, is truly gone forever.

All his pleas, apologies, and attempts to persuade her to stay were no longer enough to hold onto her resolute heart.

The standoff lasted for an entire afternoon, during which Zhang Xiaobei went from pleading excitedly to breaking down in tears, and finally to feeling utterly helpless.

Looking at Wu Hongmei's calm and resolute expression, he finally understood that there was nothing he could do to change the situation.

He slowly lowered his head, his voice hoarse and dry, filled with endless exhaustion and despair, and finally let go.

"Okay... I agree to the divorce."

Wu Hongmei looked at him and sighed softly in her heart. There was no joy of victory, only the relief of completely severing ties with the world.

As agreed upon by both parties, the division of property was clear and straightforward, and the parting was amicable, without any disputes or entanglements.

A month later, the two calmly completed the divorce procedures and received their divorce certificates.

The red marriage certificate is replaced by a green one. Four years of relationship, four years of companionship and devotion are now wiped clean, with no debts owed to each other, and each going their own way in life.

As she stepped out of the Civil Affairs Bureau, sunlight streamed in. Wu Hongmei looked up at the sky and let out a long sigh of relief.

All the past embarrassments, grievances, compromises, and exhaustion came to a complete end at this moment.

She finally severed all ties with the past, broke free from the cage that had imprisoned her for many years, and felt clean, relaxed, and free.