Signing the contract, making the payment, handling the property transaction procedures— before long, Li Yaru became the owner of this garden villa valued at 750 million.
Liang Yongwen, a woman accustomed to the finer things in life with a discerning eye, knew that this villa excelled in every aspect— its location, architectural style, and layout were all top-notch among similar villas.
The white exterior in French manor style paired with sixty percent glass structures allowed for uninterrupted views of the azure sea and sky.
The outdoor garden was vast and seamlessly connected to the interior, forming a cohesive whole.
The entire house was enveloped in dense greenery, resembling a white pearl by the bay — a finely crafted, exquisite piece of art.
With a flick of her hand, Li Yaru invited the renowned domestic interior designer Axel to undertake the renovation and redesign.
There was no budget limit, with only one requirement—to have the very best.
On an ordinary morning, the detached house at Shuiwan No.33 was adorned by workers with a full brass nameplate—【Li Residence】.
The renovation of Li Residence proceeded vigorously, while the Zhuang Family Main Residence was engulfed in a heavy silence.
For nearly a month, neither man nor woman had been home.
Even someone as carefree as Li Shengming sensed something was off.
Li Yaru kept sending people to the estate to move things: jewelry, haute couture, shoes and bags, daily clothing, living essentials, as well as her often-used velvet recliner, tea sets, dining ware, essential oils, incense… and more.
Zhuang Qiting simply stopped returning home and didn’t visit the group office either. For several consecutive days, he stayed at one of the family’s resort hotels.
Li Shengming asked Li Yaru what was going on, why she and Daddy had argued so fiercely this time.
With just half a month until the Spring Festival, Li Yaru didn’t want any unnecessary trouble, so she brushed him off and told him to ask Zhuang Qiting.
Li Shengming felt uneasy and hesitant but finally decided to go ask his second brother first.
Zhuang Qiting had thrown in the towel. Zhuang Shaozhou was swamped every day; all documents requiring board approval were sent to his office.
Aside from heavy social engagements, he also had to attend events personally inviting Zhuang Qiting. He barely had time to glance at his private phone.
Li Shengming’s messages went unanswered, only receiving a reply on the third day.
Zhuang Shaozhou: [They’re arguing, and I’m the one suffering. Go ask yourself, I really have no time lately.]
Li Shengming pitied his second brother and dared not bother him further.
He reluctantly messaged Zhuang Qiting: [Daddy, why hasn’t Mommy come home? Did you upset her again?]
In the luxurious President Suite, Zhuang Qiting had just finished his workout; warm breath escaped his mouth and nose.
He sat hunched on the sofa, legs wide apart, elbows resting on knees, head bowed, staring at the dull pattern on the carpet. Sweat trickled down his sharp jawline, dropping in droplets.
Secretary Shen Mi stood nearby, reporting Li Yaru’s recent movements in an even tone—
“The home design team has moved into Li Residence. Madam currently resides in the Victoria Harbour Suite at Xingding Hotel.”
“Today, Madam sent people to take away five sets of tea ware, seven sets of dining ware, one hundred and sixty-eight bottles of perfume…”
“Madam has commissioned the Royal Butler Academy to form a private domestic staff team… um…”
He hesitated.
Zhuang Qiting slowly lifted his eyes, his dark pupils heavy. “Is it difficult to say?”
Secretary Shen Mi quickly averted his gaze, unwilling to meet his employer’s eyes. “Madam requested one senior male butler and ten male servants, all under twenty-eight years old, height not less than 1.85 meters. Um… um… good-looking, gentle personality, and preference for those with attractive physique…”
“That’s enough. Silence.” Zhuang Qiting cut him off coldly.
Secretary Shen Mi shivered.
“Leave.” Zhuang Qiting’s eyes narrowed slightly as he struggled to control his emotions.
Bowing slightly, Secretary Shen Mi said, “Sir, I’ll get back to work then.” He grabbed his laptop and briefcase, stepping briskly away from this den of troubles.
Once alone in the vast room, Zhuang Qiting tore off his sweat-soaked workout vest, feeling as if trapped in an impermeable heat haze, struggling to breathe.
Bare-chested, his muscles were engorged and taut, the smooth latissimus dorsi marked with several fierce bruises yet to fade.
All of it was the doing of Grand Master Zhuang that day, hitting with brutal force without restraint. The swelling that appeared that very night looked frightening.
Even the family doctor was alarmed when prescribing medicine.
At forty-nine years old, still taking the rod from his father— unheard of.
Rubbing his forehead, Zhuang Qiting forcefully calmed the storm of emotions inside him. He didn’t want to return to the estate, knowing Li Yaru wouldn’t come back either.
What meaning did that home hold now?
The torn divorce decree kept flashing before his eyes, reminding him repeatedly: he was no longer Li Yaru’s legal husband. How absurd.
His wife wanted to move out, taking her belongings. He had no right to stop her. Any attempt would only earn the retort— “We’re divorced.”
Divorced. Divorced. He and Li Yaru were divorced! This was the worst defeat in his life, the only one.
“Zhuang Qiting, I’m telling you, if you keep playing your tricks, all you’ll do is push her further away! Ask yourself honestly, who can endure twenty-four-hour surveillance? She’s your wife, a person, not your subordinate or grandson! You have to know your limits!”
“I’ve already arranged to get Fang Zizhuo bailed out. You can’t have any dirty thoughts about the house, the cars, or the money. You don’t give, but my mother here, your heart is too cruel—I can’t watch it anymore.”
“If I don’t intervene, I’ll just watch you fall into prison. You’re divorced now. There’s still a chance. She told me herself— if you keep trapping her by your side, you two will become nothing but a Crimson Oath, with no other way out.”
“I’m old now, Qiting. Just think of me as a father who doesn’t want to see his son weave his own cage.”
Crimson Oath.
The word stabbed Zhuang Qiting’s heart. Was that really what she said? He only wanted to be loving spouses with her, one life, one pair, to cherish, pamper, love, teach, and protect her.
He never thought their relationship would be pushed toward becoming a Crimson Oath.
He thought Li Yaru was just acting impulsively, sulking a few times, throwing tantrums, but would settle down soon.
Her resolve, stubbornness, rebelliousness, ruthlessness — all these actions left him bewildered. Was she really leaving? After sharing a bed for twenty-four years, was she now walking away?
Was she leaving? Did she no longer want him?
His heart roared like an enraged bear, tearing at his chest.
He realized he might be out of cards.
The divorce decree was final. The dream house secured, money abundant. Grand Master Zhuang and Madam both stood on her side.
The ‘compensation goods’ had grown up, forming their own thoughts and power— no longer effective leverage. Even that sly vixen Fang Zizhuo had been bailed out by Grand Master Zhuang.
He couldn’t hold her anymore.
.
With the Spring Festival approaching, Hong Kong Island was filled with festive atmosphere.
The Shenghui Group headquarters also held its annual Spring Celebration, Thanksgiving Banquet, Annual Meeting, Charity Ball, and various other events before the holidays.
In previous years, these events required Zhuang Qiting to attend with his wife. This year, however, the man’s side was conspicuously empty.
The dazzling red dress that always drew attention was nowhere to be seen.
Zhuang Qikai and Zhuang Qize took turns asking Zhuang Qiting where their sister-in-law was, why she hadn’t appeared. His face was veiled in shadow, silent, the wine on his lips bitter.
The festival was near, yet that little troublemaker was restless, having just gone on a trip to Seychelles.
Photos sent by subordinates showed her looking extremely comfortable, wearing revealing swimsuits that exposed cleavage, hips, legs, and back, flaunting her figure on the beach and attracting many foolish suitors. Each photo made him grind his teeth.
In past years at this time, she would have obediently held his arm attending various social functions, bearing the responsibilities of a Zhuang Family woman—always as a couple.
Now she seemed to disregard all that, completely forgetting the painstaking teachings he had given her over decades.
Zhuang Qiting even felt Li Yaru was doing it on purpose— to spite him, to get revenge. Revenge for the years he had controlled and suppressed her?
But he loved her, spoiled her, indulged her, didn’t he? What did she want that he didn’t give? He’d even bought the stars in the sky, naming a whole row of them Eleanro!
At the elegantly scented banquet, fresh floral fragrances drifted in the air. Dressed sharply in a sleek black suit, Zhuang Qiting wore a somber expression that made even the flowers seem to shudder.
Zhuang Qize recalled a funny incident, smiling wryly. “Have you heard? A 700-million villa was recently sold in Shallow Water Bay, and a nameplate has been hung: Li Residence. Besides Sister-in-law’s family name Li, who else is named Li in our circle?”
Zhuang Qikai smacked his forehead, realizing. “That’s easy. It must be Sister-in-law’s family moving in. I’ll ask Lanlan to prepare a housewarming gift! We can say she’s been busy setting up her family’s new home. Hey, Brother, why didn’t you mention this happy news?”