Marriage and Divorce Tale: Only a fool would see love as a competition.
Zisu always believed she could win against Zuo Fang. It was like a tug-of-war: Zisu consistently held the upper hand while Zuo Fang kept pulling back, but Zisu remained steadfast. Eventually, Zuo Fang had no choice but to give up, and all Zisu won was a grand exit with nothing to show for it.
If we didn’t understand love in our youth, why do we get lost in it as we grow older?
Zisu and Zuo Fang secretly dated in high school, hiding their relationship from their families and school. They were so cautious that they never even held hands, only sneaking glances at each other in the school corridors.
In their senior year, they studied hard to get into the same university. When the acceptance letters arrived, they ran to the riverbank, holding their respective letters. Zuo Fang extended his hand, and Zisu gently placed hers in his palm, blushing and lowering her head.
They married shortly after graduating from university. Despite their hopes for a bright future, they constantly argued. They had been together for so long and knew each other well, so there shouldn’t have been a period of adjustment. Yet, Zuo Fang often said things that deeply hurt Zisu. She tolerated it once or twice, but the third time, Zuo Fang said: “Those new shoes look like they’re on pig’s trotters; no matter what you wear, it won’t look good.”
This comment infuriated Zisu: “You don’t like me anymore. I know it. You’ve found some other vixen outside, don’t think I don’t know,” she said, standing in the kitchen with her back to Zuo Fang.
This one remark escalated their conflict, leading to a six-month cold war and eventually a peaceful divorce. As Zisu put it, “Three-legged toads are hard to find, but two-legged men are everywhere. Zuo Fang is poor and insensitive, better off without him.”
It’s ironic how, once the romantic relationship ended, they could interact more like friends. Zuo Fang frequently called Zisu to check on her, still caring for her in his heart.
“If you had cared for me like this before, we wouldn’t have divorced. Stop pretending,” Zisu scolded Zuo Fang during one of his calls.
“She’s hoping you’ll ask to get back together,” Zuo Fang’s sister said when she overheard him muttering about his recent interactions with Zisu while tidying his room.
Her words surprised Zuo Fang. He slapped his forehead, realizing, “Why didn’t I think of that?” He began reminiscing about Zisu’s good qualities: her occasional temper, childlike behavior, lack of domestic skills, but still caring for him.
“Reconcile? Impossible. I don’t want to wait on you, deal with your shady friends, or your endless relatives. Once was enough. Besides, Zuo Fang, I have a boyfriend now. He’s older, not as dashing as you, but very considerate and wealthy,” Zisu said when Zuo Fang came to seek reconciliation, rejecting him flatly.
Zuo Fang felt anger but had no words, turning and leaving.
Both families hoped for their reconciliation, given their long history together. Entering each other’s homes had become second nature; no one knew them better. Zisu’s father’s upcoming birthday seemed like the perfect opportunity. Her mother secretly called Zuo Fang, asking him to attend the celebration, keeping the plan discreet. Yet, things didn’t go as planned.
On the birthday, both families arrived early. Zuo Fang brought a bouquet of roses and an engagement ring, intending to propose in front of their parents. However, Zisu showed up at 6 PM, leisurely, with her new boyfriend. The new boyfriend immediately started presenting gifts to Zisu’s father. Zisu noticed Zuo Fang’s roses but pretended not to see them, not speaking a word to him.
The atmosphere turned awkward. After a moment, Zuo Fang left in a huff, followed by his parents.
In the days that followed, Zuo Fang’s calls dwindled, making Zisu feel somewhat lost. She hadn’t intended to push him so hard, just wanted him to care more, but things had gone too far.
Zuo Fang disappeared from Zisu’s life without a trace until one autumn afternoon when Zisu received Zuo Fang’s wedding invitation. Opening it, she saw a beautiful girl beside Zuo Fang, with eyes as captivating as hers. Tears slowly rolled down Zisu’s cheeks.
Zisu lost Zuo Fang. She had truly lost him.
Thank you for reading! ” Sitestorys “
