"Liangchen, are you okay?"
Xue Shaohua couldn't help but ask as he watched Ye Liangchen standing motionless.
Ye Liangchen slowly shook his head. "I truly never expected Li Qingxue would raise a hand against me because of Long Aotian."
"Ten years... Do you know how many ten-year spans a person gets in their lifetime?"
His voice grew heavy as he continued, "A decade of friendship—shattered today by that slap."
"When her hand struck my face, my heart shattered along with it."
Though Xue Shaohua couldn't fully empathize, he could clearly sense the weight of Ye Liangchen's emotions.
No one would feel good after being betrayed by a friend they'd known for ten years.
The fact that Ye Liangchen held back his tears was proof enough of his strength.
After all, in twelve days, Long Aotian’s school would hold its sports festival.
"You were already a real man today. You used words like an artist—left Long Aotian humiliated, hiding behind a woman while he roared helplessly. In my eyes, you’ve already won."
Ye Liangchen turned to him. "You really think so?"
Xue Shaohua nodded firmly. "Absolutely. To me, you’re a hundred times better than Long Aotian."
Ye Liangchen nearly laughed. "Hah, you’re right. I am a hundred times better than that spineless fool."
"I don’t put on an act like Long Aotian. I’m genuine. If something’s right, I do it. If it’s wrong, I stand with justice."
"Before, no one understood me. They saw me as some reckless wanderer. But those who truly know me see who I really am."
"Thank you, Xue Shaohua. You saw through the surface—you recognized the real me."
Xue Shaohua smiled sheepishly, flicking his hair lightly. "I’m not as great as you say. I just spoke my mind."
"If they couldn’t appreciate you, couldn’t see your worth—that’s their loss."
Hearing this, Ye Liangchen felt his eyes sting. He’d sacrificed so much for them, given everything to save them... yet they never acknowledged it.
Even an outsider like Xue Shaohua could see his efforts. Wasn’t that laughable? Follow current novᴇls on 𝘯𝘰𝘷𝘦𝘭·𝔣𝔦𝔯𝔢·𝗇𝗲𝘵
"In twelve days, I’ll show Long Aotian what cruelty really means."
"Count me in," Xue Shaohua added. "I’ll make sure he regrets crossing me too."
Their eyes met, a silent understanding passing between them.
Ye Liangchen flicked his hair again. "That thing you promised me earlier... does it still stand?"
At the mention, Xue Shaohua glanced around—they were still in the mall! Talking about this here was downright embarrassing.
"I won’t go back on my word. But I have one condition—I hope you’ll agree."
"What is it? As long as it doesn’t go against my morals, I’m in."
"Let me go first when we deal with Long Aotian." Xue Shaohua’s skin prickled at the memory of Long Aotian’s... assets in the public restroom earlier.
Ye Liangchen hesitated. He also wanted to be the first to claim Long Aotian.
Only then could he carve an indelible mark in Long Aotian’s mind.
Every time Long Aotian saw him in the future, he’d relive the terror of being under his control.
But faced with Xue Shaohua’s pleading gaze, Ye Liangchen took a deep breath.
"You know I have principles. What you’re asking... it tests them."
"But—you’re the first who truly saw me for who I am. So fine. We’ll do it together."
Xue Shaohua frowned, confused.
Ye Liangchen tapped his forehead lightly. "Dummy, still don’t get it?"
"I’ll be the front, Long Aotian’s the filling, and you’re the back. Clear enough now?"
Xue Shaohua’s eyes widened in realization. "Ye Liangchen... has anyone ever told you you’re a genius?"
Ye Liangchen shrugged. "You know I don’t care about titles. Maybe someone did..."
Just then, his phone rang.
Glancing at the caller ID, his lips curled. He signaled Xue Shaohua to stay quiet before answering.
"Quan! What’s up? It’s been ages. How about coming to the capital for New Year’s? I’ll show you around—let you experience the city’s glory."
Gao Quan’s voice buzzed through the receiver. "Of course! If you’re inviting, I’m there. Never been to the capital before."
Ye Liangchen chuckled. "Good. When you arrive, we’ll paint the town red."
"Liangchen, it’s been too long. Remember in senior year? You promised we’d rise together. Now just meeting takes hours of travel."
"When break comes, let’s share a drink. I’ve learned to hold my liquor now."
Listening, Ye Liangchen drifted into memories.
Looking back at his younger self... he’d been so naive.
If not for Long Aotian’s interference, he and Gao Quan would’ve soared long ago.
For a fleeting moment, regret gnawed at him.
Should I have invited him?
If Long Aotian woke up the next day, broken and defiled... would he come for revenge?
In their past life, Gao Quan had died saving him—because of Long Aotian.
His gaze lifted to the mall’s ceiling as Gao Quan’s voice continued in his ear.
"What fate, Liangchen?"
"Nothing. Drinks are on me when you get here."
He quickly made an excuse to hang up, afraid he’d retract the invitation if he spoke longer.
If this was fate, even his best efforts might not change it.
A pang of sorrow struck him.
Did my rebirth change nothing?
He inhaled deeply, turning back to Xue Shaohua.
"My heart’s heavy right now. Let me forget for a while... let me just feel something good."