Volume One, Chapter 60: The Ex-Husband Stands Up for His White Moonlight

Staring at the court summons in his hand, Huo Mingting’s expression was so cold it was almost ashen. Qin Minshu, for once, was truly flustered.

She had never seen such an expression on Huo Mingting’s face before—not even when she had insisted on breaking up with him to study abroad. Back then, it had been her alone, crying and accusing, while he gently soothed her, bidding her a calm farewell and wishing her a bright future.

But now, over the matter of Ye Sheng, he was actually showing her this coldness... Did that empty marriage really leave such a mark on his heart?

“Mingting...” Qin Minshu, sitting on the sofa, scooted closer to him, reaching out to take his arm.

But Huo Mingting pulled his arm away, letting her grasp at nothing.

He lifted the summons in his hand, his tone devoid of emotion. “Why did you do this?”

This was what Qin Minshu feared most about him—when she could neither feel his warmth nor his affection, when she couldn’t hold on to him...

“I—I just wanted to play a little joke on Ye Sheng.”

Huo Mingting’s gaze sharpened. “A joke? This is cyberbullying!”

He tossed the summons onto the coffee table, his raised voice startling Qin Minshu so much that she nearly forgot to breathe.

She looked up abruptly at the man’s angry face, her heart clenching painfully.

It was the first time she had ever felt such terror. Not fear because Huo Mingting was angry with her, but... because he was angry with her over Ye Sheng.

“Mingting, don’t be upset.” Qin Minshu’s voice quivered, her eyes reddening as she clutched at his sleeve. “I know I was wrong. I already apologized to Ye Sheng.”

“I really didn’t mean any harm. It’s just that she so irresponsibly abandoned you and Cong’er all those years ago and then returned acting so high and mighty. I simply couldn’t stand the sight of her. I just wanted to stand up for you and Cong’er, that’s all. I was wrong. I’m sorry.”

Her apology was meek, as though she truly regretted her actions, her tears streaming uncontrollably.

She sobbed, looking up at him with pitiful eyes.

This tactic had never failed her at home. No matter what she had done, her father and brother always softened at the sight of her tears.

A woman’s tears, especially those of a beautiful woman, were always a man’s greatest weakness—a gentle force that could melt even the hardest resolve.

Huo Mingting was clearly not immune to this. His stern features softened, and he drew her into his arms. “Enough, don’t cry.”

“...You were so harsh, I was scared.” Qin Minshu pressed her tear-streaked face into the crook of his neck, smudging his white shirt with foundation. Meeting Huo Mingting’s helpless gaze, she broke into a smile through her tears, wrapping her arms around his neck, acting coy.

“Mingting, help me, please. Ye Sheng threatened to sue me and have me sent to jail. I was so frightened I couldn’t even go to work—I just rushed home.”

As she spoke, she began to cry again, as if truly terrified. “I don’t want to go to jail, sob sob...”

Huo Mingting’s expression grew cold once more.

But this time, his anger was not for Qin Minshu, but for Ye Sheng.

—

When the unknown call came through, Ye Sheng was in the middle of discussing the schedule for a joint consultation in Z Province with Mia. Without thinking much, she answered.

“Hello, who is this?”

A muffled male voice replied, “It’s me.”

Recognizing Huo Mingting’s voice, Ye Sheng was not surprised. She finished arranging the schedule with Mia, then spoke into the phone, her tone indifferent. “Qin Minshu is beside you, isn’t she?”

There was no reply from the man—only the faint, whimpering noises of a woman.

Ye Sheng could easily picture Qin Minshu clinging to Huo Mingting, twisting and turning. Disgusted, she had no desire to hear any more.

“Tell her that if she shirks her duties again without taking leave, she might as well hand in her resignation next time.”

Unable to hold back, Qin Minshu’s aggrieved voice finally sounded, “Ye Sheng, I’ve already apologized to you. What more do you want?”

“I don’t accept your apology, and I’ve already told you what I want.” Ye Sheng replied, “Did you call to arrange the court date? My attorney will get in touch with yours shortly.”

“Ye Sheng.” Huo Mingting finally spoke, his tone low and conciliatory, “Minshu was in the wrong, I admit that. Can you let this go, for the sake of how well she’s looked after Cong’er?”

Ye Sheng’s hand, still holding the mouse, froze as if an icy arrow had pierced her chest.

The hidden wound on her wrist began to throb violently.

Her temples pulsed with pain.

“What did you say?” she asked, her voice laced with chill.

Sensing her change in tone, Huo Mingting hesitated before continuing to plead for Qin Minshu. “The trending topic really isn’t such a big deal, and she’s already learned her lesson. Can’t you be generous and settle this privately?”