Zhou Yi raised an eyebrow and smirked. "It seems Miss Su has no interest in adding me. After all, didn't you once say that even if every man on Earth died, you'd still refuse someone like me?"
Su Ning opened her mouth to respond but quickly shut it, frowning instead. She knew her words had been cruel and hurtful. But apologizing publicly? That was something her pride wouldn't allow.
Wang Yixin jumped in dramatically. "Oh my goodness, Ningning! How could you say such a thing? Isn't that a bit harsh?"
Su Ning's face flushed red, leaving her unsure how to explain herself.
Just then, Zhou Yi spoke up calmly. "But I don't hold grudges. The past is water under the bridge. I'm not the type to force anything. Miss Su, rest assured—I won't bother you further. Besides, I never intended to pursue anything serious in the first place."
Su Ning's complexion paled as she gripped the hem of her shirt tightly. A strange ache settled in her chest—a mix of regret and confusion.
[Su Ning's regret value +10, affection value +10.]
She had never liked anyone before, nor experienced romance. Why, then, were her emotions swirling uncontrollably?
Before she could process her feelings, Zhou Yi dropped another bombshell. "If I'd known you'd treat me this way, perhaps I wouldn't have saved you that day."
Su Ning's eyes widened in disbelief. The person who saved her life... was Zhou Yi?!
"The one who took me to the hospital that time—it was you?"
Her memories blurred; she could barely recall the stranger's face. Yet, deep down, she felt indebted to whoever had rescued her. Expressing gratitude had always lingered on her mind, but now realizing it was Zhou Yi, guilt overwhelmed her. What had she done to him?
Zhou Yi lowered his gaze, remaining silent. He stood up and announced, "Lunch break is approaching. I'll take my leave. You all can continue chatting."
As he walked past Su Ning, she impulsively stood up and grabbed his wrist. "Wait!"
For the first time in her life, Su Ning actively reached out to a boy. Her voice trembled slightly as she pleaded, "Can we talk alone, Zhou Yi?"
The surrounding crowd erupted in whispers.
"What the hell? Isn't that Su Ning, the campus queen? Why is she grabbing a guy like that?"
"Is she trying to stop him? Unbelievable!"
"She's always so aloof. Since when does she chase after anyone?"
"That's Zhou Yi, alright. Even the campus queen has fallen for him. Sigh."
"I've liked her for ages, and she's never given me the time of day."
"Life's unfair. Why does he get her attention?"
Ever since entering school, Su Ning had reigned supreme as the undisputed campus queen. Polls ranking the most beautiful students consistently crowned her number one. New batches of students arrived each year, but her throne remained unshaken.
The line of admirers stretched from classrooms to the school gates. If not for her perpetually icy demeanor and influential family background, she'd have been swarmed long ago.
Now, witnessing her vulnerability stirred envy among the male population. Another wave of jealousy washed over those who envied Zhou Yi.
[Chu Han's regret value +10, affection value +10.]
One of Chu Han's friends nearly dropped her chopsticks in shock. "Wow, the sun really rises from the west today. Su Ning, chasing after your former lapdog, eh?" She hurriedly pulled out her phone to capture the scene.
Chu Han felt a pang of irritation. Zhou Yi used to be her lapdog. Sure, Su Ning was stunning, but her personality? How many guys could handle that? Didn't this indirectly prove that Zhou Yi was someone extraordinary? Otherwise, why would a proud woman like Su Ning publicly lower herself like this?
Chu Han's mind raced. Without thinking, she stood up and rushed to Zhou Yi. "Zhou Yi, I need to talk to you."