Chapter 15: Separation or Divorce

Xiao Ziyu said nothing and stepped forward directly, gently pulling her into his embrace.

[Congratulations, host! Villain affection increased by five points. Current affection: two. Keep it up!]

Chen Xingmiao’s eyes immediately brightened.

“Husband, you’re amazing!” she exclaimed, her voice tinged with excitement and joy.

Xiao Ziyu paused briefly, then loosened his hold, a faint smile curling at the corners of his mouth. His eyes shone with tenderness and affection as he asked, “Really?”

“Of course! You’re my god!” She nodded eagerly, her face radiant with a brilliant smile, like the warm spring sun—so dazzling it was impossible to look away.

Such generosity this time—a five-point boost at once—how could she not be pleased? He was practically a savior.

Xiao Ziyu bent slightly, reaching up to gently stroke her hair, his voice soft as a spring breeze. “Hungry, aren’t you? I’ll go cook for my lady, alright?”

Chen Xingmiao was slightly stunned but then nodded firmly. Her eyes reflected Xiao Ziyu’s suddenly close face, and the gentle tone he had used these past days lingered in her ears.

Such a dramatic change felt like a heaven-sent blessing.

Xiao Ziyu turned toward the kitchen, while she sat by the window, idly fidgeting with her jewelry.

Although she now had enough to eat and wear, she couldn’t keep relying on money from her family forever; she had to find a way to earn on her own.

Chen Xingmiao pondered deeply, her head suddenly feeling heavy.

Besides acting, she knew nothing. Yet in this era, actors were merely performers, the lowest social status people despised most.

And starting a business required capital. She couldn’t just ask for large sums from the Chen family again, even though Chen Jinzhou doted on his precious daughter...

Resting her chin on her hands, she stared blankly at the table. Out of the corner of her eye, she caught sight of the stack of books Xiao Ziyu usually read.

“I’ve got it!” Chen Xingmiao suddenly exclaimed in realization.

Xiao Ziyu was a villain, but if he set his mind to it, he could succeed. If he took the imperial exams, he would surely pass. Then they’d have money, he could become an official loved by the people, and in time, he might no longer want to kill.

A win-win situation—she was a genius!

With a sharp slap on the table, she stood up and strode toward the kitchen.

Xiao Ziyu was chopping vegetables. Seeing her wipe her hands on a cloth and then take off her outer garment to drape over her, he asked, “Why are you wearing so little and coming out?”

“Husband, how about you take the imperial exams next year?” Chen Xingmiao looked at him expectantly.

***

A complex emotion flickered in Xiao Ziyu’s eyes. After a moment’s hesitation, he slowly asked, “Why this sudden idea?”

“When you pass, the Xiao family won’t dare bully you anymore, and the people won’t look down on you. Our little life will get better and better!”

Xiao Ziyu gazed at Chen Xingmiao, whose eyes seemed to sparkle with hope for the future.

“Do you really want me to take the exam?”

Chen Xingmiao nodded firmly. “Of course! Passing means money, and I believe my husband can do it!”

“You little money-grubber.” Xiao Ziyu reached out and gently teased her nose. “Alright, if my lady wants me to take the exam, then I shall.”

So gentle—and so handsome. Damn the author; to give such a good-looking man the role of a villain was truly heart-wrenching!

Chen Xingmiao stood frozen, still adjusting to his change.

He gently pushed her outside, urging her to come back quickly because it was cold.

Back inside, she called for Chuntao.

“Miss, do you need something?” Chuntao approached quickly with a plate of pastries, smiling. “Please eat quickly; Master specially sent these for you.”

“They smell wonderful. Chuntao, you always bring me delicious food.” She grabbed a piece and eagerly devoured it.

Ancient cuisine was indeed plentiful; she vowed to try everything given the chance.

Chuntao handed her a handkerchief to wipe her mouth and chattered on, “Miss, now that you’re married, you must take care of your image.”

“You’re so old-fashioned, still stuck in feudal ideas. Do you think I care about such intangible things?”

Chen Xingmiao no longer cared about those things at all.

Before crossing over, she had been focused on appearance and status, but now, who cared? She would live as happily as possible.

Chuntao scratched her head, puzzled. “Miss, after you fell into the water, you said strange things. I’ve followed you since childhood—how could I be narrow-minded?”

Chen Xingmiao didn’t bother explaining and quickly wiped her mouth.

If she said she came from another world, they’d think she was crazy.

“Let’s get serious. Is there anyone in the capital who’s an exceptional teacher?”

Chuntao’s expression stiffened, her brow furrowing. “Miss, why the sudden desire to study? ‘A woman’s talent is a virtue’—you…”

***

Chen Xingmiao sighed helplessly, cutting her off quickly.

“See? I told you your thinking is too feudal. Men and women are equal. Besides, it’s not even for me to study.”

She wasn’t the scholarly type in the modern world; why would she seek trouble here in the past?

“Then it’s for my husband,” Chuntao immediately understood and smiled.

“Enough joking. Tell me, it must be someone special, a teacher ordinary people can’t get.”

Chuntao became serious and thought for a long time.

“Miss, good teachers are easy to find, but the one you want is hard to hire.”

Chuntao’s words puzzled Chen Xingmiao even more.

“There’s a clever and brilliant teacher at Zhuyu Academy named Lin Yu, but he never takes disciples lightly.”

Lin Yu? Shower? Chen Xingmiao muttered to herself, frowning slightly at the odd name.

But she shrugged it off quickly, her face filled with fearless determination.

“Is he really that amazing? I don’t believe it. Even Liu Bei visited three times. I can go as many times as necessary!”

Chuntao couldn’t help but complain, “Miss, you say such strange things again…”

Chen Xingmiao laughed lightly and waved her hand dismissively.

“You don’t understand. This is wisdom. Rules are rigid, but people are flexible. With perseverance, even an iron rod can be ground into a needle.”

“However, Miss, Master Lin Yu is known for his eccentric temper, and his academy has many strict rules and a high threshold.”

Chuntao’s face filled with worry as she continued, “Even if you go, he might not see you, let alone accept my master as a disciple.”

Chen Xingmiao shook her head gently, a confident smile curling her lips as she said calmly, “That’s where you’re wrong. Rules are dead things; people are alive. With enough determination, anything is possible.”