C10 Do You Have to Change Your Name?

No matter how much Su Xue pleaded, Zhu Yuhong was adamant, even going so far as to threaten suicide by preparing to jump from a building.

Driven to her limit, Su Xue had no choice but to relent and agreed to immediately seek a divorce from Chen Qingchuan.

Still not reassured, Zhu Yuhong insisted on bringing Su Jun along to oversee the divorce proceedings. She was determined to end the marriage that very day.

Upon arriving at the Civil Affairs Bureau, Chen Qingchuan and Su Xue submitted the necessary documents and began the divorce process.

Once they each received their divorce certificate and left the Civil Affairs Bureau, a smile of satisfaction spread across Zhu Yuhong's face.

She was overjoyed; her daughter had finally managed to rid herself of that deadbeat.

Zhu Yuhong was particularly pleased because she had expected to have to pay him off to agree to the divorce. Surprisingly, he didn't ask for a dime and left without a fuss, which delighted her immensely.

"Fine, since you didn't manage to disgust me one last time before we parted ways, let's have a farewell dinner tonight," she offered.

"After all, you were once married to my Xiaoxue, and this ending is as good as any—parting on amicable terms."

It was a rare sight for Chen Qingchuan to see Zhu Yuhong smile; ironically, it was because of their divorce.

But no matter how rare the smile, Chen Qingchuan was not about to give her the satisfaction. What was Zhu Yuhong to him now?

Back when the marriage was intact, even if Zhu Yuhong didn't accept him as her son-in-law, he still respected her as his mother-in-law. Now that they were divorced, why should he acknowledge her at all? Why should he afford her any respect?

Hands in his pockets, Chen Qingchuan turned and walked away without uttering a single word.

Furious, Zhu Yuhong exclaimed, "Look at his attitude! I gave him the opportunity to show some grace, and this is how he behaves! What nerve!"

Chen Qingchuan could hear Zhu Yuhong's tirade, but he simply didn't think it was worth responding to.

Just a few steps out the door, Su Xue hurried after him and grabbed his arm. "We used to share a home, and I know my mom and brother have been too much. Consider tonight's dinner as my way of apologizing for them."

Chen Qingchuan had little respect for Zhu Yuhong or Su Jun; they didn't deserve it in his eyes. But Su Xue was different. Honestly, she wasn't a bad person; she was just a bit naive, but her heart was in the right place. So, out of respect for their shared past, he couldn't just dismiss her. As Su Xue put it, "After all, we once lived under the same roof."

That evening, Zhu Yuhong reserved a large private room for twenty guests at a hotel, and the atmosphere was buzzing with excitement. It was supposed to be a farewell dinner, but Zhu Yuhong, unable to contain her glee, turned it into a family affair. She even made a grand announcement: Su Xue and Chen Qingchuan were officially divorced! This was no farewell dinner; it was a celebration, a party thrown to revel in their separation.

Su Xue was mortified. Had she known this was the plan, she wouldn't have insisted on Chen Qingchuan's attendance. But Chen Qingchuan seemed indifferent. He had anticipated such a display the moment Zhu Yuhong proposed the dinner.

A small-minded person in triumph is bound to be overbearing, isn't he?

At the table, the guests were all smiles, genuinely delighted for Su Xue, and they celebrated as if Chen Qingchuan were invisible:

"Xiaoxue, congratulations! You're free from that marriage now. A wonderful future awaits you!"

"Cousin, I have a friend at the Provincial Business Alliance, a place teeming with talented young men. I'll introduce you to them soon!"

"Oh, my niece has been weighed down for three long years, and as her uncle, it's been a worry for me too. But today, she's finally divorced—a truly joyous occasion! Let's raise our glasses to celebrate her liberation from hardship!"

Should Chen Qingchuan drink this glass of wine or not?

Nobody seemed to care about this dilemma. To them, the dignity of someone they considered worthless wasn't worth considering – he simply didn't deserve it!

Just then, the door to the hotel's private room swung open, and Liu Zhen arrived, looking haggard from his journey.

He truly was exhausted, having spent the entire afternoon driving around, unable to locate the old man. The old man had somehow managed to get himself lost.

But upon reflection, Liu Zhen wasn't overly concerned. After all, the old man, Liu Changhe, had a history of disappearing for weeks at a time with his mistress. It was likely he had taken off with another young girl for a new adventure.

Upon Liu Zhen's entrance, Zhu Yuhong quickly introduced him, "This gentleman is the son of the Shengliu Group's chairman, Liu Zhen."

"Weren't you all just trying to find a match for Xiaoxue? Look no further. Liu Zhen is the son-in-law I've been hoping for. And Liu Zhen is completely smitten with our Xiaoxue. At last, the loving couple can be united!"

Zhu Yuhong's revelation of Liu Zhen's identity sent a ripple of surprise through the room. They hadn't expected the son of the Shengliu Group's chairman to be among them. They were familiar with the Shengliu Group, a well-known enterprise in the city, and some even worked there!

Consequently, everyone eagerly rose to their feet, inviting Liu Zhen to sit and offering him cigarettes and drinks with great hospitality.

Zhu Yuhong was extremely pleased with everyone's behavior.

Tonight, she wanted everyone to see that her daughter Su Xue had not only moved on from a deadbeat but had also secured an outstanding son-in-law!

For this occasion, she had even worn the diamond necklace, boasting, "This was a gift from Liu Zhen, worth over three million!"

Undoubtedly, her display of opulence drew envious glances, greatly satisfying Zhu Yuhong's vanity.

As the crowd lavished Zhu Yuhong with compliments on securing the ideal son-in-law, Liu Zhen cast a teasing glance at Chen Qingchuan across the table.

"Chen Qingchuan, twenty-four hours are up. Are you ready to change your name now, hmm?"

As the conversation unfolded, everyone grew increasingly curious about the underlying story, with Su Jun showing the most eagerness as he peppered the group with questions.

Seizing the moment, Liu Zhen explained why he had considered changing his name. "Someone came to me yesterday afternoon, claiming they could force the Shengliu Group to change hands within 24 hours. If they failed, they said they wouldn't call themselves Chen Qingchuan anymore."

"I originally dismissed such idle boasts, but then this person had the audacity to show up in front of me again. Naturally, I had to inquire whether he's picked out a new name yet."

Upon hearing the details, the crowd burst into laughter, looking at Chen Qingchuan as if he were a complete fool.

"You really think you can make such bold claims? Oh man, you're killing me with laughter!"

"Seriously, have you even looked at yourself? Do you really think you're in any position to talk big in front of CEO Liu?"

"You imbecile, I'm starting to seriously question your intelligence. How else could you spout such nonsense..."

The room was alive with mocking laughter, creating an atmosphere of warmth and merriment.

Everyone reveled in ridiculing Chen Qingchuan. After all, if he was going to be a waste, at least he was entertaining everyone—a silver lining in his otherwise useless existence.

Chen Qingchuan, however, wasn't bothered. He simply sneered and surveyed the room.

So, you're all dying to know what kind of person I am and why I have the audacity to make such claims?

Very well, at tomorrow night's celebration dinner for the new president of the Daming Group, I'll be sure to quench your curiosity!