After Divorce: Why My Aloof Ex Starts Chasing Me?
Chapter 236: Not a Fool

Chapter 236: Chapter 236: Not a Fool

At the start of the school year, Shen Qingqing had endless meetings, busy as a bee, with no time to visit home.

She could only occasionally make a call to check on the elders at home.

The old man was getting on in years and had some heart issues.

Back when Shen Qingqing and Jiang Zhixun were going through a divorce, the old man supported their decision verbally, but he worried quite a bit in reality.

As time passed, he was no longer as energetic as before; his spirits were much lower.

No matter how busy Shen Qingqing was, she never forgot to care about the old man’s health.

The old man was stubborn and wouldn’t admit to getting old.

Every time Shen Qingqing called home, he was obviously happy but still had to grumble.

"I’m in great health, going for a swim in the river is no problem. You work hard, don’t worry about home, just come back on your day off."

Shen Qingqing was amused, "Don’t actually go for a swim."

Old man: "I’m not senile, no need for reminders about this and that."

Having an elder at home is worrisome.

Shen Qingqing said, "Once I get through this busy period, I’ll take you for a walk in the countryside."

The old man liked this plan.

"When Zhixun’s on break, we’ll all go."

That was exactly what Shen Qingqing had in mind.

With Jiang Zhixun around, there’s no fear of unexpected situations.

He might have a sharp tongue, but he’s quite reliable most of the time.

"We’ll wait for his break then."

After chatting a bit, she hung up the phone.

The office wasn’t just Shen Qingqing alone.

Her colleague Li Xue, about the same age, always got along well with her.

Li Xue asked, "When’s Mr. Jiang on break? If he’s busy with work, we can go hiking together. I’m planning to take the elders and kids out, we could look after each other."

Shen Qingqing politely declined, "The old man isn’t well, someone has to drive, otherwise with more people, it would be lively, and a picnic would be even more fun."

Li Xue didn’t insist, "That makes sense."

Previously, when going to Shanghai for an exchange, Jiang Zhixun had said he would treat Shen Qingqing’s colleagues to a meal.

He was busy with work, and Shen Qingqing didn’t want him to get too tired.

So, she said, "Let’s all go to a restaurant after work today, my treat."

Li Xue: "Not waiting for Mr. Jiang?"

"He’s just a quiet one, doesn’t matter if he’s there or not," Shen Qingqing teased.

The main purpose of treating the colleagues was as an apology; due to her, they got bothered by Shu Xian more than once.

If she kept putting it off, Shen Qingqing would feel a bit embarrassed.

After all, they had agreed on the train that they would find time to have a gathering after school started.

Shen Qingqing blinked, "All his money’s with me, whether he’s here or not doesn’t matter, it’s his money anyway."

The office burst into laughter.

"Teacher Shen knows how to manage a husband!"

"What’s that saying, ’where the money is, the love is,’ Mr. Jiang handed over everything, he’s sincere!"

"I used to be intimidated by Mr. Jiang, felt he was icy cold like a block of ice, didn’t expect him to be so romantic in love, way more than my partner."

"My partner just has a glib tongue, unlike Mr. Jiang, who can take a train for over ten hours to pick up Teacher Shen from Shanghai."

"Comparing with him, it’s frustrating!"

It wasn’t a secret that Shen Qingqing and Jiang Zhixun had been divorced.

She said, "He wasn’t like this originally, used to be a block of ice and quite annoying."

One thing never changed, though.

Which was giving her the money...

Then, the colleagues started praising Jiang Zhixun again.

"Mr. Jiang is pretty good now; someone who admits mistakes and changes is a good man."

"It’s normal to stray when young, but I see Mr. Jiang has learned his lesson and will surely cherish you more in the future."

Shen Qingqing said, "Good thing he isn’t here, otherwise hearing you praising him like this, he’d be so proud!"

The office atmosphere was harmonious.

After chatting for a while, they hurried to finish work.

Once it hit the end of the workday, the group headed to a restaurant near the school.

Shen Qingqing wasn’t stingy; after confirming no dietary restrictions, she treated the colleagues to lamb hotpot.

Money should be saved when needed, and spent when warranted.

If conditions allow, it’s alright to treat oneself well.

She even considered ordering more dishes but was stopped by Li Xue, "Let’s order some noodles to go with the lamb, it’s tasty and filling."

Shen Qingqing knew, they didn’t want her to spend too much.

"Jiang Zhixun isn’t here, but we should order his share, we’ll help him eat it."

With that, she quickly ordered several dishes.

Li Xue was amused, "Teacher Shen, you’re too generous."

Shen Qingqing shook her head, "Ever since I joined, you’ve all taken care of me, I’ve long wanted to thank you, today’s a chance."

In addition to the food, she also ordered soda.

Over the past few years, life had gradually improved, but many people were still hesitant to spend money.

Shen Qingqing’s treat was full of sincerity.

It’s said that receiving favors comes with obligations; over the meal, a colleague started a conversation about housing allocation with Shen Qingqing.

"If you have time, you can apply for research projects. If you make significant achievements, queue time might shorten, which would also help your future promotions."

Shen Qingqing nodded, "I’ll find some time to look into it."

The colleague spoke in moderation.

This was after work, saying too much might annoy people; Shen Qingqing wasn’t clueless, given direction, she knows what to do.

Li Xue joked, "Once you get housing, let Mr. Jiang move in with you, you’ll be the head of the household then!"

Shen Qingqing pretended to nod seriously, "If he makes me mad, I’ll kick him out."

"Kick who out?"

A tall man walked into the restaurant.

He had neat short hair, handsome features, and was dressed in casual attire, yet his aura was undiminished.

One look and you could tell he wasn’t an ordinary person.

Caught in the act, Shen Qingqing nearly bit her tongue.

"Why are you here?"

Jiang Zhixun looked utterly wronged; turns out his wife didn’t care about when his break was.

Unlike him, counting the days until he could see her.

He lamented, "I’m off for a day."

Shen Qingqing caught his sulking tone, diverted her gaze, and quickly asked the waiter to set another place.

Clearing her throat, she said, "Hungry? What do you want to eat? Let me order a couple more dishes."

Speaking gently, she instantly pacified Jiang Zhixun.

He sat down next to Shen Qingqing, glanced at the table.

It was nearing the end.

His unexpected arrival couldn’t delay others.

He said, "I ate at the cafeteria, you all continue, don’t mind me."

Shen Qingqing sensed he was bluffing, and had a bowl of lamb soup noodles added.

"Stay and eat with us for a while."

Jiang Zhixun almost couldn’t suppress a smile, thinking his wife indeed cared for him.

His muscular thigh touched Shen Qingqing’s.

With a straight face, he said, "As you say."

A colleague of Shen Qingqing remarked, "We’re eating meat while Mr. Jiang eats noodles, isn’t that unfair?"

Shen Qingqing: "Add two more servings of meat for him."

The laugh in Jiang Zhixun’s eyes deepened, their wife really knew how to show care.

He secretly decided not to dwell on her comment about kicking him out.