As soon as the bell rang for the end of class, people began to gather under the school's announcement board.
The list of winners from the provincial competition was posted there.
At the top of the list, in first place, was none other than Zhou Yi.
Full marks.
"This guy is unreal... acing the math modeling competition? That's absolutely mind-blowing."
"At least he's made us proud at Huaihai University, beating those elite students from top universities. The principal must be grinning ear to ear this year."
"It's not just the principal who's thrilled. Look at Liu Wei—his face is practically splitting into flowers."
"I'm posting about it on Douyin. Another day stunned by God Yi."
"Careful, or they'll accuse you of being a troll again."
"First place in the provincial competition—no one can claim foul play now. This shuts the haters up good!"
...
Chu Han looked up and saw Zhou Yi's name at the very top.
She was genuinely happy for him, but the distance between them felt as vast as the rankings on that board.
She could only look up to him now.
"Chu Han, Zhou Yi is coming over."
Lost in thought, Chu Han didn't notice until her roommate nudged her.
Turning around, she saw her classmates already parting to make way for Zhou Yi.
Some congratulated him, but Zhou Yi merely gave a faint smile and nodded in acknowledgment.
He had only come to check the results briefly, not expecting to run into Chu Han here.
Pushed to the edge of the crowd, all she could do was watch him silently.
After glancing at the list, Zhou Yi turned to leave.
His advisor, Liu Wei, was waiting in the office to hand him the prize money for the competition.
Chu Han struggled through the crowd to catch up with him.
"Yi-Gege, wait."
Zhou Yi stopped and looked at her.
Chu Han nervously gripped her sleeves, her eyes fixed on her shoes.
"I broke up with Gao Wenhao."
"Mm, I know."
"My mom had surgery. It went well, and she's recovering."
"Good."
"I sold all the luxury items I bought before. I can pay you back ten thousand first."
"Just transfer it to me on WeChat."
No matter what Chu Han said, Zhou Yi listened quietly.
His emotions were muted—neither cold nor warm.
This calmness frightened Chu Han.
When someone cares about you, they show emotions—fear, anger, nervousness.
Even if Zhou Yi had mocked or scolded her, it wouldn't have hurt as much.
"Yi-Gege, I'm trying to change. I've been studying hard recently, and I improved in the last quiz..."
"You don't need to report these things to me."
Chu Han's eyes welled up with tears.
"No, I just want you to know I really regret what I did. The biggest regret of my life is breaking up with you."
"So you still can't forget me?"
"No matter how much I tell myself we're not in the same world anymore, I can't stop thinking about you."
"So you still like me now?"
"Yes, I know it's too late to say this, but I mean it from the bottom of my heart."
"Not because of money or fame, just because of me?"
Zhou Yi's words pierced Chu Han's heart.Her past actions had made her seem despicable in his eyes, so even her confession felt tainted.
She took a step back, tears streaming down her face.
But who could she blame?It was all her own doing.
Whether Zhou Yi meant it or not, she knew he would find it hard to forgive her.
"So no matter what I do, I can't fix my image in your heart, is that it?"
Zhou Yi finally looked at her with a serious expression, his gaze steady on her tear-streaked face.
"Do you think I didn't know who you were before?"
"I knew you were vain, materialistic, and that you were just using me."
"But back then, I was foolish. When I liked you, even your temper tantrums seemed cute."
"I worked hard to earn money to satisfy your desires, your vanity. I didn't need anything in return—I just wanted you to be happy."
"But how did you treat me? Do you think there's any room for reconciliation between us?"
By the time Zhou Yi finished his first sentence, Chu Han was already sobbing.