When Rong Dai got off the car, her whole body felt sticky. Looking at the distance, she had to walk nearly a kilometer to get to the villa area.
There were not many cars here because this was a newly developed area, so there were not many residents and it was exceptionally quiet.
Rong Dai sighed. In her previous life, she was always surrounded by people catering to her every need, and her legs were practically decorative.
But now, after just one try, she already felt like she was suffocating.
Biting her lips, luckily she had chosen to wear flat shoes. Under the scorching sun, by the time she arrived at Jiang Ling's villa, she felt like her lungs were smoking.
"Did you walk here?"
Seeing her drenched in sweat with flushed red cheeks, Jiang Ling couldn't help but ask. He also asked the housekeeper to bring her some cold water.
Rong Dai was breathing heavily. She didn't realize it was this hot in her previous life. The sun was practically melting her.
"I only walked a few steps. I didn't expect the sun to be so scorching."
She drank a few sips of water and explained in a soft voice.
Jiang Ling nodded and let her rest for a bit before starting the lesson.
By dusk after the lesson was over, Rong Dai personally cooked dinner for Jiang Ling. She slowly walked a kilometer enveloped in the evening glow and hot waves before getting on the bus at the nearest stop.
She had to transfer buses twice midway. Looking at the busy and crowded people, Rong Dai felt like she was being pushed along by the crowds.
By the time she got back to the Huo residence, it was almost eight o'clock. It had taken a full three hours.
"Madam, why are you drenched in sweat?"
Seeing her look exhausted and sweaty, Mrs. Wang couldn't help but ask.
Rong Dai raised her hand to touch her forehead. Her cheeks were flushed red from the heat and she was slightly panting as she explained, "I only walked a few steps. I didn't expect it to be so hot today."
She changed her shoes and put her bag on the sofa, "Mrs. Wang, is there anything to eat at home?"
"Madam hasn't eaten yet? Let me go heat up some food for you."
"No need, I'll do it myself. You go on with what you were doing."
Rong Dai smiled lightly and shook her head. Other than after divorcing Huo Shaoting, what the Huo family could provide for her now, she still had to rely on herself and get used to things as soon as possible.
With that said, she went into the kitchen. Thanks to the appliances, she boiled some porridge for herself and stir-fried some vegetables. She didn't like oily food for dinner.
After a simple dinner, she went upstairs to wash up and then sat at the desk to complete the homework assigned by Teacher Jiang.
Looking at the time, it was already ten o'clock, but Huo Shaoting still hadn't returned. She sighed softly, feeling somewhat disappointed and sour in her heart.
Over the past two days, Huo Shaoting hadn't come back either.
As usual, Rong Dai got up to wash up. Today was the court date for Zuo Ran and Wen Shi Lan. As the plaintiff, she naturally had to go. Huo Shaoting had already told her about this beforehand.
After getting dressed and coming out, she saw Huo Shaoting push the door and enter the bedroom.
Their eyes met. With no news or sign of him returning these past two days, Rong Dai still felt a little uncomfortable inside.
Seeing that he looked a little tired, it was probably because of work again.
"You're back. Is there anything you want to eat this morning?"
She asked softly. Seeing his indifferent expression, her heart ached as if being pricked by needles.
As Huo Shaoting walked towards the bathroom to undo his suit buttons, he said, "I've had breakfast. Give me twenty minutes. I'll go to court with you later."
Rong Dai watched his retreating figure. The soreness in her heart grew stronger. Was he getting impatient with her?
With the mess caused by Zuo Ran and Wen Shi Lan this time because of her, it must have been extremely troublesome for him.
Before she could respond, Huo Shaoting had closed the bathroom door.
Rong Dai felt her heart slam shut with the door. Her face turned slightly pale as the stabbing soreness enveloped her heart like needles.
Hearing the sound of water from the bathroom, she took a deep breath silently without saying another word.
Perhaps this was for the best. She and him were never meant to intersect in the first place.
Wasn't this what she had wanted from the very beginning?
When she went downstairs, she saw little brother and sister-in-law were also there, dressed formally.
"Mei Shu, do you have something going on today too?"
Huo Mei Shu immediately came up and held her hand sincerely, "Sister-in-law, don't worry. Those two will surely get the punishment they deserve today."
Only then did Rong Dai react that they were accompanying her to court today.
"Thank you."
She gave a faint smile, very appreciative that the Huo family was embracing her like this.
After breakfast, Huo Shaoting had freshened up and changed into a clean suit before coming downstairs.
Seeing him come down reignited the hidden soreness in Rong Dai's heart that ceaselessly corroded her.
Huo Shao Jie and Huo Mei Shu took one car while she naturally had to ride with Huo Shaoting.
Sensing his refreshing scent as he sat beside her, Rong Dai unconsciously slowed her breathing.
They had ridden in this same car in the same seats just days ago, but the atmosphere was vastly different now.
Despite being so close, it was as if there was an invisible wall between them.
Her fingers unconsciously tightened as she pursed her lips and looked out the window. The two rode in silence the whole way.
Perhaps the trouble she had caused Huo Shaoting this time was too great. Their relationship was superficial to begin with and he was already suspicious of her.
For someone of Huo Shaoting's status and power, they knew when to cut their losses, even if it was marriage.
Perhaps after this, her relationship with Huo Shaoting would truly end, unable to even last a year.
Things that came too easily were also lost the fastest.
Rong Dai's mind was tangled with complex emotions as they rode to the court in silence.
Since they were the plaintiffs, Rong Dai's group sat in the galleries.
The judge and lawyers gradually entered. The courtroom was solemn and tranquil. Zuo Ran was tried first.
Although Rong Dai had seen Zuo Ran just two days ago, this time upon seeing her again, she noticed Zuo Ran's aura had completely weakened. She didn't even have that extremely resentful gaze towards Rong Dai anymore, only thick regret.
