After Divorce: Why My Aloof Ex Starts Chasing Me?-Chapter 80 Leaving the Compound

The divorce was finalized, followed swiftly by an unpleasant argument. For the next few days, Shen Qingqing and Jiang Zhixun didn’t speak to each other.

Even during New Year’s Eve dinner, they ate separately.

Their relationship had hit rock bottom compared to before.

Shen Qingqing simply didn’t want to talk to Jiang Zhixun.

Meanwhile, Jiang Zhixun was angry.

Angry that Shen Qingqing suddenly changed her tone, even refusing to call his parents by their titles.

Divorce didn’t mean cutting ties completely. It was one thing for her to become distant from him, but using that kind of behavior to hurt the elders’ feelings? That was unacceptable.

What’s next? Was she planning to never return to the family compound ever again?

The more Jiang Zhixun thought about it, the angrier he became. Seeing Shen Qingqing’s detached attitude further provoked him.

Thus, Shen Qingqing didn’t speak to him, and he didn’t take the initiative to speak to her either.

Every day felt frostily cold, like it could freeze someone to death.

Except for Shen Qingqing, nobody else in the household felt any sense of comfort or ease.

But this kind of matter wasn’t something the elders could easily intervene in—they could only let the situation run its course.

Shen Qingqing didn’t plan to stay at the Jiang Family for long. After the third day of the Lunar New Year, she started calculating her departure plans.

This time it was different.

When she left this time, it wouldn’t be during a time of celebration or due to pressing matters. She wouldn’t come back to the compound again.

Perhaps when Jiang Zhixun remarried, or if her illness became too grave, she might not even return for the holidays.

Shen Qingqing didn’t like dragging things out unnecessarily, but this time, she truly didn’t know how to bring it up.

She prepared countless different ways to phrase it in her mind.

Yet when faced with elders who had raised her, she felt it hard to speak her mind.

So, she procrastinated until Chen Shaojie came to Beijing to see Shi Yu, presenting Shen Qingqing with an opportunity to leave.

When Madam Jiang saw Shen Qingqing descending the stairs with her suitcase, her heart sank.

"The New Year isn’t even over yet, why are you leaving already to go back to work?"

To Madam Jiang, the New Year wasn’t over until the fifteenth day of the Lunar New Year.

She had already mentally prepared herself—Qingqing would eventually leave the compound to return to her rented apartment.

But this was far too early!

While wiping her hands, Madam Jiang reached out to take Shen Qingqing’s suitcase.

"If you still regard us as family, then wait until the fifteenth day is over before leaving. I promise I won’t stop you then, and I’ll personally take you to your rental."

"About your illness, your father found an expert for you. In a few days, they’ll arrive in Beijing. By then, I, along with Zhixun, will take you to see the doctor and hear what the specialist has to say."

Shen Qingqing wasn’t surprised.

The elders of the Jiang Family had always treated her well, and she wouldn’t deny that.

This was what had made her hesitant all along.

She was afraid of hurting their feelings.

But some things weren’t solved by delaying them. Since she was bound to take this step eventually, it would be better to proceed decisively.

Wavering endlessly would only bring more troubles.

During the wait, unanticipated issues might even crop up.

Shen Qingqing had made her decision—there would be no turning back.

The matter of seeing the specialist would have to be postponed, at least until Jiang Zhixun finished his leave and returned to the Northwest.

He had already been difficult enough to deal with recently. If he found out the truth, he would likely become even more unreasonable.

"I’ll hand over my work first, then go see the doctor. That way, I can rest and recover for a while without being distracted by work obligations."

Her illness wasn’t the type that required urgent care.

Madam Jiang also thought it would be better for her to put work aside for now and recuperate at home.

"Your hand is still injured, it must be inconvenient to do things. Stay at home until your recovery is further along, and then we can discuss what comes next."

During this time, Shen Qingqing had gotten accustomed to managing with just one hand. She could already take care of herself.

Judging by her current rate of recovery, she expected she could return to normal life after another two or three months.

For tasks she couldn’t manage, she would simply spend some money hiring help.

Shen Qingqing felt fortunate.

Over the past three years, she hadn’t allowed herself to be consumed by her failed marriage but instead focused her energy on work, accumulating substantial savings.

The amount even exceeded the stipend Jiang Zhixun had provided her.

If she spent frugally and prices didn’t rise drastically, that money could cover her living expenses for at least ten years.

Maybe even longer.

Thinking of this, Shen Qingqing took out Jiang Zhixun’s bankbook.

She had already returned it to him when she was in the Northwest.

But he hadn’t taken it, leaving it behind at the guesthouse.

Over the past three years, she hadn’t spent a single penny of Jiang Zhixun’s money. Now that they were divorced, it was even more inappropriate to do so.

Shen Qingqing had her own pride. Even if in the future she fell into poverty, she would never accept his charity.

Placing the bankbook in front of Madam Jiang, she said, "This contains his three years of stipends. Please return it to him for me."

Jiang Zhixun had sent the stipends to Shen Qingqing without telling anyone.

Shen Qingqing didn’t actively bring it up either.

As a result, Madam Jiang had no idea about their private interactions over the past three years.

Holding the bankbook now, Madam Jiang felt like it was burning hot to the touch.

Zhixun giving the money to Qingqing was proof in itself that he saw her as his wife.

Even divorced, he would certainly be unwilling to take the money back.

Having lived a mostly comfortable life under her husband’s protection, money matters hadn’t been too concerning for Madam Jiang.

Without second thoughts, she stuffed the bankbook back into Shen Qingqing’s hands. "If he gave it to you, it belongs to you. You might not be able to earn money while recovering, but holding onto this makes us feel at ease, and Zhixun, too, will be more reassured."

Shen Qingqing declined, saying, "I have my own savings. Please, don’t worry about me."

This time, instead of returning the bankbook to Madam Jiang’s hands, she decisively placed it on the table.

Feeling lighter, Shen Qingqing said, "If it’s too awkward, you can give it to my sister-in-law when Brother Zhixun gets married."

Madam Jiang looked directly into Shen Qingqing’s eyes.

Within them was only calm and relief—none of the pain or struggle that came with unrequited love.

Women understand women best, and it was clear Qingqing had truly given up.

Realizing this, Madam Jiang felt an overwhelming panic.

She had been holding onto the hope that the two of them might remarry!

"What sister-in-law are you talking about? Don’t overthink it. This will always be your home."

Though Madam Jiang had pressured her before, Shen Qingqing bore no resentment toward her.

The human heart is naturally biased; Jiang Zhixun was her own son, and of course, he would receive more understanding and affection. That was perfectly normal.

In these years, Madam Jiang had treated her better than many treat their biological daughters.

Shen Qingqing couldn’t help but feel grateful.

Taking a deep breath, she broke into a lighthearted smile. "I still have to accompany my friend to a matchmaking date, so I’ll head out now. Once I’ve wrapped up work, I’ll come back to visit you. I’ll still need trouble Uncle Jiang to arrange that doctor appointment for me."

Her body belonged to her, and Shen Qingqing was pragmatic enough not to stubbornly ignore her own well-being.

Since Father Jiang had found an expert, it would be beneficial to go and consult them.

Perhaps the specialist would offer more effective treatment options.

After all, health outweighed everything else.

Madam Jiang still didn’t want Shen Qingqing to leave, but Qingqing explained she had already made an appointment with her friend.

"Then you’ll come back after the matchmaking."

Shen Qingqing smiled faintly and responded, "My friend works at a publisher too, and the matchmaking is happening near my rental apartment. It’s more convenient for me to go back there afterward."

Not wanting Madam Jiang to keep persuading her, Shen Qingqing added, "The man is Brother Zhixun’s comrade. He’s a good person and helped me a lot when I was in the Northwest. So today, I want to return the favor and help him as much as I can. If things work out, it’ll be a happy occasion."

Madam Jiang thought to herself: No wonder Zhixun had left early in the morning.

It turned out he was going to meet his comrade.

Perhaps when everything was settled, he would bring Qingqing back.

Thinking along those lines, Madam Jiang didn’t stop Shen Qingqing and decided to personally escort her to catch her ride.

"Once everything’s done, you come back."

Shen Qingqing nodded with a smile, providing Madam Jiang with a clear answer: "I will come back."

As long as Jiang Zhixun wasn’t there, she would occasionally return to the compound.

If he was there, however, she wouldn’t return anymore.