UM CH 17

Chapter 17

“Yan Shuang, wake up. This isn’t your fault! It’s Yu Jin—he’s nothing but scum!”

Tang Li’s words fell into my ears. I forced out an excuse that was barely convincing even to myself.
“So what if that’s the case? From now on, I, Meng Yan Shuang, am nothing but unwanted secondhand goods. I’ll be laughed at just walking down the street.”

Tang Li’s gaze was gentle, and his decisive words stunned my mind for a moment.
“How could that be? If no one wants you, I do. I want you.”

“Tang Li, we’re already over.” My voice was low. Because of him, I had been cold toward Yu Jin, trying every possible way to avoid him. Now, Tang Li had said something I had never even dared to imagine—but my body was already dirty. What right did I have to face Tang Li again?

“Tang Li, I’m tired. I’m going home.”

My thoughts were in utter chaos. Yu Jin had completely lost all meaning to me now, and as for Tang Li—I no longer had the资格 to be with him either.

I was already dirty. I had no right to be involved with any man again—let alone someone as outstanding as Tang Li.

Thinking of this, I looked at him: clean-cut short hair, a tall, upright figure, a suit that carried the steady composure unique to a mature man. What woman wouldn’t dream of a man like this?

I found it ridiculous. Dragging my numb body, I walked toward the door.

“Yan Shuang, don’t you believe me? As long as you nod your head, once you divorce that man, we’ll go get our marriage certificate immediately!”

“That’s enough!” I didn’t dare look at him. His words were like sharp needles, stabbing into my heart. Tears welled up uncontrollably in my eyes. I bit my lip, forcing my emotions down.
“Tang Li, it’s impossible between us. I’m already dirty. With conditions as good as yours, there’s no need to pity a jinx like me.”

There was no more sound behind me. The silence around me made the ache in my chest even worse—I wanted nothing more than to leave immediately.

I had just taken a step forward when a pair of arms wrapped around me from behind. Strong arms and a broad chest held me firmly in place, leaving me unable to move.

“I’m telling the truth. All these years, I’ve never had another woman. I never forgot you. No matter what you’ve been through, I don’t care.”

The warmth spreading across my back was like a gentle spring, soaking into my parched heart. Tang Li—he truly was a flawless man. My vision blurred further, yet my feet refused to move.

“As long as you agree, I swear I’ll treat you well. I won’t do things like that man did to hurt you. You can rest easy and be my wife.”

The word wife was like a fuse, instantly igniting the emotions I had barely managed to calm.

Wife?
How laughable.

Meng Yan Shuang—do you still think you’re worthy of those two words?

“Tang Li.”

I pushed his hands away. The arms that had pinned me in place moments ago were now easily shaken off.

I turned my head. There was confusion in his eyes.

“We… are no longer possible.”

After saying that, I no longer had any desire to stay. I walked straight toward the door.

I knew the man behind me must look down on me now. I thought that no woman would ever refuse such an outstanding man under these circumstances—but I was already dirty.

“Meng Yan Shuang! I’ll wait for you!”

At the moment I stepped out the door, Tang Li’s voice rang in my ears—soft, yet unmistakably clear. I smiled faintly. Hearing those words now felt truly ironic.