Chapter 5: Conflicting Struggles

When Lin Xiaoxian mentioned that Zhang Qidong didn’t come home, Xu Shujian and Song Yue were relatively calm, but the other two couples reacted more strongly.

The phrase “not coming home” truly struck at the deepest nerve of ordinary married couples.

Many followed Lin Xiaoxian’s words, expressing disbelief yet hesitant to openly criticize Zhang Qidong’s behavior.

In the brief interaction, Zhang Qidong elevated himself, boasting titles like entrepreneur, film company owner, MCN company boss, and even a collector, as he described himself.

Zhang Qidong smiled at Xu Shujian, who quietly met his gaze, acknowledging the shift of the conversation back to himself.

“You kid,” Zhang Qidong began toward Xu Shujian before joining the group’s discussion. “No, no, no, maybe our lifestyles differ. It’s a matter of choice. Not coming home is indeed wrong, but it’s just a temporary measure. At present, I’m not eager to change; everything I do is so I can fully devote myself to my family in the future.”

Huang Lili whispered, “I feel those two things don’t necessarily conflict.”

“Alright, what about Lin Ye and Pan Yun?” Zhang Qidong clapped his hands, ending the topic about his own household.

Lin Xiaoxian opened her mouth several times but held back.

Her gaze shifted to the far right. From appearances alone, it was clear Pan Yun resembled a housewife—somewhat plump—while the other three women, by Xu Shujian’s aesthetic standards, were all quite attractive.

Huang Lili indeed had a model-like face, with distinct contours.

Chen Linye had been quiet all along; he looked toward his wife.

Pan Yun spoke first: “You say it—he always thinks I’m too controlling, too dominant.”

Chen Linye replied, “Our conflicts are probably about trivial daily matters, like spending habits. There are some expenses I think are reasonable, but she just disagrees. She won’t buy clothes for herself no matter what I say.”

Yu Hui interrupted, “That’s a good thing, right? Your wife’s helping you save money.”

Chen Linye said, “It’s not about saving money. The problem is she doesn’t want to buy, though she admits she has few clothes. She’s said this more than once, but still won’t buy for herself.”

Pan Yun instinctively retorted, “Then you buy for me.”

Chen Linye responded, “But you return them.”

“What does me returning them mean? It means you didn’t give me something that touched my heart.”

Chen Linye fell silent.

Huang Lili smiled, “I feel like you two have no real problems. Are you here just to show off your love?”

Once Huang Lili spoke, many nodded. If these were their biggest issues, what problems could really matter?

Xu Shujian said nothing. Having lived twice, his senses were sharper than most. Pan Yun was clearly strong-willed, and if Chen Linye didn’t keep quiet, this back-and-forth could turn into a quarrel.

Strictly speaking, none of the other couples were ordinary couples. Xu Shujian, born into a common family in his previous life, had climbed step by step to relative financial freedom and had witnessed countless such marital disputes.

Zhang Qidong was also watching the scene like a spectator, brewing tea as he went and had already served a cup each to Song Yue and Xu Shujian.

It seemed to say, “Let’s keep things light. If I don’t provoke you, don’t provoke us.” Like just now, when he shifted the topic, he led it away gently.

Everyone was lively in discussion and didn’t think Chen Linye had said anything wrong.

Pan Yun, noticing the siding, casually said, “See, when Lili and Xiaoxian spoke, everyone agreed those problems existed. But when it’s us, no one thinks it’s a problem.”

Chen Linye spoke again: “Here’s another thing. She has a laptop I handed down—it’s over ten years old, and some keys don’t work. She refuses to replace it. It’s just a laptop, not a big purchase like a house or car. I think we can buy a new one, but she insists on waiting until it’s completely broken. When it finally did, we wanted to buy a certain model right away, but missed it that day. The next day, the price had risen by over two hundred. She thought that was a loss, so she took the old one to be repaired, which cost over a thousand. During the repair, we couldn’t access many files and data, causing quite a few delays. Then the laptop broke down again later. Would you accept that?”

Zhang Qidong put down his tea set: “This is indeed something Pan Yun didn’t handle well. Everything has its priorities—what should be spent on must not be saved.”

Yu Hui said, “Brother Ye, I’m on your side here, but she was trying to save money for you. The overall intention was right, just the balance was off. What about you, President Song? When I first arrived and saw you and Mr. Zhang, I was stunned.”

Huang Lili quickly added, “I was even more surprised. I really didn’t expect to see Shujian here. Back then, I truly chased after your duo. Even now, when my best friend and I watch idols, we sigh that no one can match your heights anymore.”

Xu Shujian seemed to find another reason for Yu Hui’s slight disdain. His wife appeared to genuinely like him, and her responses to his words had been enthusiastic.

For example, now Huang Lili was lively, while Yu Hui wore a somewhat dismissive expression.

Song Yue nudged Xu Shujian: “I’m asking you.”

Xu Shujian thought for a moment before answering, “My problem? At first, it was fine. But after marriage, our goals became completely opposite. Our systems for realizing self-worth are entirely different.”

To others, this might sound like a polite phrase, but Song Yue felt a complex mix of emotions.

She had expected Xu Shujian to list a string of his own faults, like the other couples who all blamed each other.

Before anyone else could ask, Song Yue smiled: “I’ll take the chance since you won’t speak. Our family is similar to Xiaoxian’s. I haven’t gone home much these years—only during long holidays.”

Zhang Qidong glanced at Lin Xiaoxian: “See, every family has roles like these, right?”

Song Yue replied, “No, we’re a bit different. It’s exactly as he said—the values diverged. He chose family at his career peak, and I supported him then. But after some changes at my family home, I shifted focus to my career. Gradually, I saw love as just a small part of life. Looking back, I think I held him back.”

Xu Shujian didn’t argue, just listened quietly.

These marital conflicts no longer mattered to him. Taking responsibility for the problems fulfilled the private contract he had signed with Song Yue. Even if they divorced, it would be a graceful parting—no need to dwell on the past.

Besides, Song Yue hadn’t appeared on any shows. If he argued about right and wrong with her, it wouldn’t look good.

Besides, knowing Song Yue as he did, she would also compromise.

Huang Lili watched the two with folded arms. She had truly been a fan of Xu Shujian’s group back then. They were the most popular duo of that era, unmatched. Anyone who liked idols couldn’t avoid hearing Xu Shujian’s name.

“I feel you two are just showing off your love again,” Huang Lili laughed.

Yu Hui said, “Still vague. I think it’s fine—one manages the home, the other the outside world. Each plays their part. Isn’t that how life goes?”

Huang Lili sneered, “Here we go again. Marriage isn’t just about making do.”

Yu Hui replied, “How is it not? What I admire most is the older generation’s love—they tolerate each other a little, and that’s life. People can’t have it all, or it becomes pretentious.”