Chapter 279: Finding Out About the Divorce Agreement
Translator: Atlas Studios Editor: Atlas Studios
Shao Qihai was extremely vigilant.
The five kids looked at each other. Shao Dong smiled and said, “No, we didn’t mean that. We also know that after you get a divorce, Mommy will have to move out of the Shao Family’s house. We don’t want her to leave either.”
Only then did Shao Qihai’s expression improve a little. Shao Dong continued. “So, I think we can reach a compromise regarding your situation.”
“A compromise?”
Shao Nan added, “That’s right. Let’s compromise. We’ve already discussed you and Mommy raising us together, so you and Mommy can sign a divorce agreement first.”
Shao Qihai’s heart skipped a beat when he heard him mention a divorce agreement. “Wouldn’t signing it mean that the marriage is over?”
“No.” Shao Nan explained. “Dad, this is just signing a divorce agreement. It’s not really getting a divorce. You don’t have to be nervous. Based on your situation, this is the most suitable compromise. I’ve read a lot of legal books. I’ve even seen a written divorce agreement before. I think this method is quite preferable.”
Shao Qihai heaved a sigh of relief. Then, he suddenly realized something. Wait, since when had he confirmed that they were going to raise the children together? Had he agreed to it just now?
Shao Qihai recalled it and realized that he seemed to have agreed, but he also seemed to have not. However, the children seemed certain that he had agreed.
Shao Qihai wanted to revisit that topic when he heard Shao Xi say, “Dad, you really don’t have to worry. Mommy will keep her word. Since the two of you have already agreed not to get a divorce for the time being, she will hold up her end of the deal. Maybe you two won’t have to get a divorce in the future and will just tear up the divorce agreement.”
“In that case, wouldn’t this be an unnecessary move?” Shao Qihai retorted.
“It’s not unnecessary, Dad. The nature of this divorce agreement is clear… Overall, it’s meant to give Mommy a sense of security.” Shao Nan explained. “Dad, after signing this agreement, it will feel different for you and Mommy. It’s also evidence that you’ve let go and taken this big step.”
Shao Xi nodded. “That’s right. Previously, you guys were in a deadlock. It’s useless to drag this out. But after signing the agreement, things will be different. Your relationship can be considered temporarily over, but this is not the end. This can be the start of a new phase.”
“A new phase means a new beginning. When the time comes, whether you want to pursue Mommy or not will depend on your own ability. That’ll truly be a fresh start.”
Shao Qihai’s expression was uncertain. What the children were saying was reasonable. Most importantly, like Shao Nan had said, signing the divorce agreement would actually give Mu Jingzhe a sense of security.
Now that he thought about it, Mu Jingzhe had seemed hostile to him after his return. At the time, he hadn’t understood because Mu Jingzhe had never stopped him from interacting with the children. Previously, there had been a knot in their hearts, and Mu Jingzhe had even helped them think of a solution.
However, this didn’t mean that Mu Jingzhe didn’t harbor any hostility toward him. In her opinion, he was the person who was snatching the children from her.
The reason they hadn’t gotten a divorce until now was indeed because of the children. Therefore, perhaps signing this agreement might really give her a sense of security.
Without hostility, perhaps there could really be a new beginning.
Seeing that Shao Qihai was really wavering at that moment, Shao Dong said warmly, “Dad, Little Nan and Little Xi are right. This end is also a beginning. Everything will be better than it is now, right? Don’t worry, we’ll help you when the time comes.”
“Really?” Shao Qihai’s eyes lit up when he heard that they would help him.
“Of course. Actually, no one wants you to stay together more than us.” Shao Dong nodded. “You also know that if we help, you’ll get twice the results with half the effort, right?”
Who didn’t know that?
“You really mustn’t lie to me.” Shao Qihai wanted to confirm it.
“I’m not lying to you. However, if you don’t listen and insist on what you want, you’ll make things too ugly and you’ll realize how powerful we are.” After Shao Dong and the others said those nice things, Shao Xi stabbed him again with a hint of a threat.
Overall, they cooperated quite well, like an angel and a devil.
However, Shao Qihai felt a headache coming on. He was really afraid. “Little Xi, you…”
“This is what Little Xi is like. He always likes to discuss the worst outcome and say the most vicious words. Don’t mind him. We won’t go that far, Daddy.” Shao Dong patted Shao Xi’s shoulder to shut him up.
Shao Qihai nodded, but a voice in his heart told him that if he really insisted, it would be hard to say.
He sighed and confirmed it again. “You really aren’t lying to me. You’ll really help me, right?”
“We’re not lying. Dad, did you grow up being lied to? You’re our daddy, so why would we lie to you? We haven’t lied to you more than a few times in the past. Besides, you should agree with us. This end isn’t actually an end. It’s a new beginning. Dad, have faith in yourself. You’re actually quite outstanding. You just have to slip into Mommy’s heart.”
Shao Qihai was indeed convinced. “Alright, I’ll believe you this once. You must keep your word.” They couldn’t lie to their old man.
“Don’t worry, Daddy. We’re your biological children after all. Even if our bones break, our tendons will still be attached.” Shao Xi took this upon himself.
Shao Nan got up. “Then I’ll go draft the divorce agreement first.”
Mu Jingzhe hadn’t expected Shao Dong and the others to be so fierce. She had some theories while cooking, but she hadn’t expected a conversation to solve the problem that had been weighing on her heart for so long. They were actually going to raise the children together!
What kind of concept was this? It meant that after the divorce, she, as a stepmother, would still be able to raise them like their biological mother. She’d no longer have to worry that after the divorce, she would have absolutely nothing to do with the children.
“Ah, Little Dong, how did you do it? How did you convince your father?” When Shao Dong asked Mu Jingzhe to follow him to discuss the divorce agreement, Mu Jingzhe was stunned.
“By just appealing to his logic and emotions. Daddy is a sensible person, so he agreed.” Shao Dong spoke up for Shao Qihai. He held Mu Jingzhe’s hand and said seriously, “Mom, actually, you’re not the only one who can’t bear to part with us. We can’t bear to part with you even more.”
Therefore, they wanted to work hard with Mu Jingzhe. They really didn’t want to be separated from her.
“Little Dong, you guys are awesome.” Mu Jingzhe’s heart was filled with warmth. She felt that everything had been worth it.
The divorce agreement was drafted very smoothly and basically didn’t require any revisions. This was because there was no conflict over the assets and property and Mu Jingzhe hadn’t thought of asking Shao Qihai for anything. Since their money was earned and spent personally by them and the house was Shao Qihai’s, there was not much to say. It was clear and simple.
The only controversy was the issue of child support, but they had already come to an agreement about this problem—joint custody. This was also the significance of the divorce agreement.
After confirming that there was no mistake, Mu Jingzhe and Shao Qihai signed and pressed their thumbprints on the paper.
When they exchanged papers with each other, Mu Jingzhe looked at her copy and only then felt that it was real.
She felt like she was in a dream. Shao Qihai felt the same way.. However, it wasn’t because he was in a splendid mood but rather because he felt a little helpless.