Feeling utterly dejected, Fang Shuya called her cousin-in-law late at night to vent her frustrations. Her cousin-in-law hadn't returned home yet. Hearing her cry so pitifully, she gave Fang Shuya an address to come over.
It was a high-end club. Fang Shuya drove there and found four women in a room playing mahjong, each accompanied by a handsome man.
Without even standing, one could estimate the average height and age of these men just by looking.
Although she already knew that in their circle, when marital affection faded in middle age, couples would each pursue their own interests, she hadn't expected them to be so bold.
Especially her cousin-in-law… Fang Shuya was internally astonished but maintained a calm facade.
Seeing her arrive, a considerate young man stood up to pour her tea and offer her a seat. For some reason, her cousin-in-law asked them all to go inside first.
"We'll play one more round and then rest. You all go wash up and relax."
The men complied and left.
It was then that Fang Shuya realized they had a regular room here.
Someone seeing her for the first time asked her cousin-in-law, "Is this your sister?"
"Old Fang's, isn't she beautiful?"
"Indeed, young and lovely. She just doesn't seem very happy. Who did she marry?"
Her cousin-in-law briefly introduced the Lu family's background to them.
"That's nice. I've met the two Lu brothers before. Their looks and build are impeccable…"
Naturally, men from good families with good looks were less likely to be faithful. No wonder she wasn't happy.
"Mrs. Fang, is this your first time meeting your boyfriend? Surely not..."
Her cousin-in-law casually glanced at her and said, "Probably not. She's not that foolish. You're not that foolish, are you, Ya Ya?"
Fang Shuya: "..."
It was already past midnight. Everyone was gradually losing interest. Moreover, the two sisters-in-law had things to discuss. The round ended quickly.
Once the guests had left, Fang Shuya asked her cousin-in-law, "Is this something everyone knows about?"
"Yes, it is. Your brother plays around much more than I do, and you all know it. You thought you could hide it from me, but did you really think I was that stupid?"
"The dignity of middle-aged people is in seeing through things without saying them aloud. For the sake of family reputation, for the sake of the children, we all pretend to be oblivious."
"Like these women, aren't they all unfortunate souls? No one here is in a position to judge another."
"Mrs. Zhang's husband keeps two mistresses. She didn't want to lose out, so she also keeps two. One lives in this world, one must make oneself happy."
"Think about it, how can you have everything good happen to you? To be doted on by your parents from birth, have excellent conditions, be beautiful, marry a talented young man who is devoted to you for life."
"Only TV dramas dare to portray such things. Reality? That's a pipe dream."
"Men are much smarter than women. Don't they know their own advantages, how charming they are in the eyes of other women? Hmph."
Although her cousin-in-law hadn't directly told her to find someone else, nor to accept her current life with equanimity, the implication was clear.
Fang Shuya felt as if a new world had suddenly opened up to her.
"I feel much better. Thank you, cousin-in-law."
Her cousin-in-law smiled and then leaned closer to her ear, lowering her voice.
"I have many male model friends. Their looks, physique, and age are no worse than Ah Zhe's. If he really doesn't settle down..."
Fang Shuya quickly shook her head. "No, no, I don't need that."
Weren't they all like this at the beginning?
It seemed she hadn't accumulated enough disappointment and bitterness yet.
Her cousin-in-law smiled again. "Don't refuse so quickly. I'll give you a contact. Think of it as making a friend. Use it if you need it, or don't. It's fine either way."
"I understand that late at night makes people sentimental. You feel you can handle it now with people around, but it might be different when you're back alone."
"Having someone to talk to, to distract you, at least you won't seem like a nagging wife to Ah Zhe. If he feels you're more worthy of marriage than other women because you're happy and emotionally stable, he'll feel that way. Understand?"