Meng Xi had been watching from the side for a long time. She liked Cao Yufan first, developing feelings for him just as she entered her freshman year. But Bai Shasha, relying on the fact that her family had known Cao Yufan’s since childhood, effortlessly took him away.
Even engagement couldn’t change anything. Everyone on the basketball team knew she liked him.
During chats and jokes, people often teased about the two of them. Initially, Cao Yufan would refute the jokes, claiming he had a girlfriend, but over time, he allowed it to slide.
Later on, she carefully seized chances to grow closer to Cao Yufan, and there were even things he said to her on QQ that he didn’t say to Bai Shasha.
Little bits of ambiguity slowly accumulated into budding affection; his gaze began to follow her more and more.
Until one day, he couldn’t help himself and kissed her, and suddenly everything was so perfect.
But this happiness was stolen. She knew Bai Shasha wasn’t the type to tolerate grievances, so eventually, she pushed Bai Shasha aside and replaced her.
However, when Bai Shasha was no longer an obstacle and they were officially together, she realized the love they had before seemed to have vanished.
She understood it and endured it, believing that as long as she waited patiently, things would improve.
But then, Cao Yufan resolutely decided to intern in Beijing, shattering her dreams.
Who didn’t know Bai Shasha was in Beijing? He still couldn’t forget her, could he?
If love were a sickness, she’d already reached the terminal stage, beyond cure.
And that was why, shortly afterward, she followed him to Beijing.
"Yufan! Let go of it! Please!"
Cao Yufan turned back to look at Meng Xi under the moonlight. His heart was heavy, but there were things he needed to say: "Meng Xi, you deserve better! Let’s end this, okay?"
Meng Xi shouted in agitation: "No! You’re the best for me! Bai Shasha doesn’t actually love you—you saw it just now, didn’t you? She only associates with rich people. Li Si married into wealth, so she won’t look back!
Even if it weren’t me, she would make the same choice. Why are you so foolish? It’s her fickleness, her betrayal—how is any of this related to us?
And yet you torture yourself with guilt! Cao Yufan, if you’re a man, then make something of yourself and show them!"
Cao Yufan furiously clenched his fist, his heart igniting with a raging fire. What she said was entirely false.
"Shasha isn’t like that! I know that for sure! I made mistakes back then, and I won’t deny it! Leave! It’s my fault, but I don’t want to hear other people insult her!"
Meng Xi cried bitterly, pounding his chest: "Why? Why? You’ve already broken up, and you’re still protecting her ?
Was I not good enough? You were the one who kissed me first, the one who initiated everything! You took advantage of me and now you say you don’t want me? You’re a bad man!"
Cao Yufan endured it all, feeling it was his burden to bear. When Meng Xi had finally worn herself out, he remained expressionless as he spoke: "We both know who truly instigated this between us."
After saying this, silence lingered between them for a long while. Just as Meng Xi, her eyes red, was about to speak again, Cao Yufan couldn’t help but interrupt her: "It’s late, let me take you home." For original chapters go to novᴇlfire.net
Meng Xi bit her lip and remained silent, following behind Cao Yufan as he walked to the roadside to flag down a taxi.
She knew in her heart that as long as he worked with her brother at the same company and lived together, she’d still have chances to get close to him.
Over on Li Si’s side, they had no idea there had been such an intense scene after they left.
Long Wu was impressive—he had found a genuinely authentic Korean restaurant, owned by a Korean chef.
Li Si happened to be craving cold noodles, so she grabbed the menu and ordered almost everything, betting on their group’s size not to worry about leftovers.
Bai Shasha remained visibly despondent. After all the love she had once given, seeing things come to this—there was no way her heart wouldn’t feel something unless she had been playing the entire time without sincerity.
Li Si comforted her with a few words, knowing ultimately it was up to Bai Shasha to come to terms and adjust herself.
However, Li Si couldn’t help but wonder—how did Cao Yufan even find Bai Shasha’s place?
It was only then she learned that Bai Shasha had been fast-tracked to a full position due to her stellar performance in reporting on Leng Mohao’s blockbuster news. During a celebratory group dinner, they unexpectedly ran into Cao Yufan and his colleagues.
Fortunately, Jia Yuejing hadn’t been there, or things could have gotten much more interesting.
As Bai Shasha explained this and glanced at Li Si, she suddenly recalled having also spotted Meng Zijun at the time. But knowing Li Si disliked the man, she chose not to mention it.