Begging

Cai Leng Han’s face turned pale as he heard his father-in-law present this hypothetical scenario. If Zhao Wan Rou met someone she truly loved in the future, what would she do, and what would he do? However, letting go of Zhao Wan Rou right now was completely impossible for Cai Leng Han. Taking a deep breath, Cai Leng Han tried to salvage a sliver of hope:

"Please give me three years, alright? If, after three years, Zhao Wan Rou meets the person she... loves, I will... I will set her free. But during these three years, please... I mean, please let me remain her husband. Please don't let anyone come between us, alright?"

Zhao Zhi Hai was stunned when Cai Leng Han uttered this plea. Zhao Wan Rou, who was eavesdropping behind the door, was equally shocked. The CEO of Shengli Corporation, who was usually so proud and cold, capable of freezing and crushing many competitors with his sheer aura, was now pleading with her father in a trembling voice, just to be her husband for three years. Why three years? Why not less or more?

Zhao Wan Rou remembered that in her past life, Cai Leng Han had also handed her the divorce papers right after their third wedding anniversary ended. Could it be that the divorce papers weren't a sudden decision by Cai Leng Han, but a promise made to her father beforehand? If so, throughout their three-year marriage in her past life, did Cai Leng Han act as her husband while always preparing himself to divorce her?

In the hospital corridor, Zhao Zhi Hai was just as puzzled. Although he was quite touched that Cai Leng Han had lowered himself to beg to be Wan Rou's husband, the time limit attached to it made him unhappy. He said in a stern voice:

"Why must we wait three years? If tomorrow, or in the next few months, Zhao Wan Rou chooses a man who is better than you in every way, or if she falls in love with some young man, do you expect us to force them to just watch and wait while you claim her for three whole years?"

Once again, Cai Leng Han felt dizzy as his father-in-law brought up this hypothetical scenario. His entire body went stiff as he forced himself to speak:

"If... if... you two have already chosen a worthy candidate to be your... son-in-law, then... then please tell him, tell... them, to give me three years so that I won't have to live with resentment or regret. Give me three years, and I will return Zhao Wan Rou to you completely unharmed. Don't take her away from me, don't steal her from me. Otherwise, if I lose my mind, even I don't know what I might do."

Zhao Zhi Hai barked:

"Are you threatening me?"

Cai Leng Han gave a desolate smile:

"No, it's not a threat! I am begging! I am already so wretched, so despicable, and so detestable in your eyes. Please don't make me reveal my worst side to Zhao Wan Rou. Give me three years. Just three years, alright?"

"But why must it be three years? Why not more, or less? If you don't explain clearly, I cannot accept this."

Zhao Zhi Hai was truly in sync with his beloved daughter. He asked the exact question that Zhao Wan Rou was currently wondering and worrying about. Then, both father and daughter held their breath in unison, waiting to hear Cai Leng Han's answer.

Cai Leng Han had to weigh his thoughts once more. But this time, he decided to speak clearly. This was not some monumental secret. Moreover, speaking out now would not only build trust with Zhao Zhi Hai, but Cai Leng Han also wanted to have a witness to prevent himself from regretting and breaking his word in the future, which would only ruin Zhao Wan Rou's life, causing her sorrow, or worse, making her hate and resent him.

Thus, Cai Leng Han cleared his throat and spoke slowly, as if telling an old story, yet also as if making a solemn vow:

"My biological mother suffered from love her entire life. Before she died, she was terrified that I would suffer the same fate. So, on her deathbed, I promised her that until I turn thirty, if I still haven't found a mutual, voluntary love, I will... live alone until I grow old. I won't let myself suffer because of love, and I certainly won't drag anyone else down to suffer with me."

Hearing Cai Leng Han's confession, both father and daughter of the Zhao family were stunned. Lin Qing Lian, who had just crept over to sit next to her beloved daughter to eavesdrop, was equally shocked. Zhao Wan Rou leaned against the door, tears welling up in her eyes. This foolish block of ice had actually hidden such a major matter from her. And if that was the case, in their three years in her past life, what kind of state of mind did Cai Leng Han have while facing their cold, tasteless marriage?

And after three years, with what kind of feelings did Cai Leng Han have to hand her the divorce papers?

Later, when he went through the procedures to transfer all his assets to her, was that also when he had prepared himself to live in solitude for the rest of his life?