Chapter 2

This time, I would listen to my father and make sure he went for regular checkups. I wanted him to live a long, long life.

On my way to class, Lục Bỉnh Kiệt blocked my path and demanded, “Lâm Tiểu Ngôn! What gives you the right to freeze my bank cards?”

I frowned. “Get lost.”

He went on as if I hadn't spoken.

“And those people at the EI villas had the nerve to stop me at the gate. I couldn't even take Tiểu Tiểu inside! Teach your staff how to do their jobs.”

I laughed inwardly. I'd met shameless people before, but never anyone quite like him.

“We've broken up. Of course I'm taking back what I gave you. Why wouldn't I?”

Students nearby noticed us and stopped to watch.

“She's finally come to her senses. She used to treat him so well it made everyone jealous. Seeing her cut him off is honestly satisfying.”

“Yeah. Not so impressive now, is he? They break up, and he still demands her money?”

“Ugh. He's been living off her. This is embarrassing.”

“Yesterday I thought he'd given up a rich girlfriend for true love. I even said he had guts. Well, I take that back.”

“Looks like she's finally done supporting that freeloader.”

His face turned red at the whispers. He stalked toward me and caught my hand, his voice softening.

“Come on. You're just angry because I broke up with you, aren't you?

“Fine. I'll take you back. But you have to restore the cards and all my privileges—and publicly confess your love for me.”

He sounded certain I would agree, as though I'd do anything he told me to.

That was why he had dared to choose Bùi Tiểu Tiểu after coming back. He believed that, whatever happened, I'd still be hopelessly in love with him. I'd never question his decisions, and I'd keep paying his way without a second thought.

I gave him the look he deserved.

“We're not getting back together. And I have a class to get to. You're in my way.”

Bùi Tiểu Tiểu stared at me, apparently unable to believe I'd refused.

“Tiểu Ngôn, are you still angry with Bỉnh Kiệt? Don't worry. I haven't accepted his confession. You can still be together.”

She had appeared beside him without my noticing and now reached gently for my hand.

It didn't take a genius to work out what she was doing.

Yesterday, he had tried to let her sample the luxury he'd enjoyed through me. Instead, they'd been refused entry and humiliated.

Now that she knew what wealth tasted like, she wanted him to win me back so I could keep bankrolling them both.

I had no patience for her innocent act. Knowing exactly what lay beneath it, I shook her hand off.

She promptly tumbled to the ground, her eyes filling with tears.

3

Lục Bỉnh Kiệt hurried to help her up, then turned on me furiously.

“Lâm Tiểu Ngôn! Take it out on me if you're angry. What do you get out of picking on another girl?”

He held her close, as though protecting something priceless.

I'd been such a fool. His love for her was right there in front of me. How had I failed to see it?

He pointed at me, grinding his teeth.

“What do you have besides money? Aren't you just some rich girl who can barely pass her classes? What other decent man would even look at you?

“I gave you a chance to get back together, and you won't take it. Don't blame me if I forget we ever meant anything to each other!”

I raised an eyebrow at his fury.

“I'd love to see what you think you can do.”

Ever since we started dating, he'd been bleeding me dry. As a boyfriend, he'd given me nothing in return.

Seeing him grow more agitated, Bùi Tiểu Tiểu leaned into his arms and coaxed him.

“Bỉnh Kiệt, I know you're only saying that because you're angry. You and Tiểu Ngôn have been together for so long. You must still care about her. You can't just stop loving someone overnight.

“You only confessed to me yesterday because you'd had a fight with her, didn't you?

“Listen to me. Be a little more patient with Tiểu Ngôn. I'm sure she'll forgive you, and then you can get back together.”

As she spoke, she gave him a pointed look. When he didn't respond, she pinched his arm to hurry him along.

At last, he put his hands in his pockets, lifted his chin, and said grudgingly, “Lâm Tiểu Ngôn, you don't measure up to Tiểu Tiểu in any way. But since you're so in love with me, I suppose I can forgive you. I'll give you another chance to be my girlfriend.”