1200 Do You Still Love Me
They did not have a house in the city now and it was not a good idea for Xia Wen to bring Tan Jing to Xu Lan’s place. If Xu Lan saw Tan Jing, they would definitely get into a fight. If they returned to the house in the suburbs, Tan Jing would probably be reminded of how Cheng Gu had lied to her, so it was not a good option either. Fortunately, Xia Fang had another house which they could use for a while.

This way, it would not affect Xia Wen’s work, nor would it be too difficult for him to take care of Tan Jing.

Of course, he was not staying there for free. Xiang Chen was about to graduate from university soon. Xia Fang did not want Xiang Chen to follow the same career path as Xiang Jin. She knew how dangerous it was, having so many family members working in the military.

Initially, Xia Fang wanted Xiang Chen to study medicine in university. However, Xiang Chen was not cut out for it at all. He only excelled in mathematics and even said that he wanted to work in the laboratory in the future, as well as to further his studies. Xia Fang supported Xiang Chen, but Xiang Jin wanted their son to enter the army to protect the country. Xia Fang and Xiang Jin had quarreled many times over this matter and they parted on bad terms every time.

As a mother, her only wish was for her son to be safe. At the very least, working in government services meant that his life would not be in danger. Therefore, she wanted Xia Wen to think of a way to find a job for Xiang Chen.

As for whether Xiang Chen could continue to study under his teacher work in the university laboratory, that would depend on his own capability. In any case, Xia Fang wanted to make sure that there was a backup plan for Xiang Chen.

Tan Jing did not speak to Xia Wen along the way. She just looked out of the window in a daze and did not move at all. It was as if her soul had been sucked dry and she was like a zombie.

It was not until she reached Xia Fang’s house and rested for a while on the sofa that she said to Xia Wen, “Do you… not love me anymore…”

Xia Wen was a little stunned. He had thought that Tan Jing would say that she was hungry, but he did not expect her to raise such an intense topic. He did not know whether he should answer her question, nor did he know what he was actually feeling inside.

Could there still be love between them?

In the beginning, Xia Wen cherished Tan Jing very much. However, when Xia Wen started to feel reluctant to go home and did not even want to hear anything about the Tan family, the passionate love in the beginning faded to leave only a sense of responsibility in the end.

It was Xia Wen’s sense of responsibility that made him unable to abandon Tan Jing. He simply wanted to do his best to be a good husband, but it was no longer out of love for Tan Jing.

“I don’t know either. Why do you suddenly ask this question?” Xia Wen sat opposite Tan Jing and asked gently. It had been a long time since they had a proper conversation.

“I just feel apologetic. If I hadn’t tricked you into being with me back then, you might be having a blissful life now,” Tan Jing said apologetically.

“I don’t think you’ve done anything. I also loved you deeply back then, so I like everything you do,” Xia Wen said.

“Nothing happened between Cheng Gu and me. Absolutely nothing. Do you believe me?” Tan Jing asked anxiously.
Xia Wen did not hesitate at all and nodded forcefully. “I know. Of course I believe you.”

Tan Jing smiled happily and asked expectantly, “Then you… won’t leave me, right? You won’t leave me, right?”

This time round, Xia Wen did not answer Tan Jing. Her initial anticipation turned to anxiety before she broke down. She could not accept his silence. She could accept that he did not love her anymore, but she could not bear to lose him. After so many years, she had long gotten used to relying on him. Without him, she did not know how she would be able to survive.

Furthermore, how could a divorced woman survive in this society! She did not have courage and capability like Xia He, nor the powerful family backing Xia He up. She would be drowned by all the gossip!

Tan Jing knew very well how much she had gone overboard this time, but how could there not be room for redemption no matter what she did? How could they not give her a way out? After all, she had been married to Xia Wen for so many years. Even if she had no achievements, she should still be rewarded for her efforts!

“Xia Wen, you can’t leave me! Just put me in that house in the suburbs! As long as you don’t leave me, I’m fine with anything!” Tan Jing said.

“I’m afraid you can’t have your way with this matter. You’ve really gone too far this time. The Xia family… can’t accommodate you anymore,” Xia Wen said sternly.