Women are really scary!

At this moment, Yu Min wasn't feeling all that great. Because for the first time after a very long time, she was experiencing what it was like to be floored without any words for a comeback; all because of what was said by 'her best friend', and the reaction of her 'most loyal champion'.

[What to do? What should I do now?]

Ears ringing, she tried to collect her thoughts enough to formulate a reasonable-sounding excuse to the accusation thrown at her face, feeling angrier with each passing second seeing the down-trodden and depressed air oozing off the other girl in waves.

[This idiot! How dare she put me through this shit?]

"Jiao'er… Is-is that what you really think about me?" The tears that slowly pooled inside her large, dark eyes fell down her pale cheeks like a gentle rain, painting the image of a melancholic beauty, which successfully managed to throw Yang Jian's mind into total disarray.

"Min'er… Don't cry! Please I-"

Xu Jiao watched on coldly as this touching act played out in front of her while feeling like she needed to applaud Yu Min for how fast she managed to turn things around. This girl really has some talent in acting. No wonder she later managed to become a somewhat well-known actress in the entertainment circle!

"Xu Jiao! Look at what you did! Now sh-" Suddenly meeting the large, guileless eyes of the receiver of his lashing, Yang Jian stopped mid-tirade as if electrocuted, an awkward expression flashing past his face.

"I-I…I mean... You can't…I mean you shouldn't talk to her like that without knowing the real reason! Sh-she could've also been having some trouble ne?" he trailed off after stammering out awkwardly, totally unaware of the disbelieving look that appeared on Yu Min's face.

Xu Jiao bowed her head to hide the surprise on her face, her eyes contemplative. This was the first time she had ever seen this guy treat his 'precious' Yu Min in this manner; be it in the present life or the past. But come to think of it, there really isn't much to be surprised about this, to be honest. After all, this man had always been this sort of person; always putting himself first, calculating all of his losses and gains when associating with each and every individual.

This had been how he treated her in the last life; actually, it had been that way for everyone else, Yu Min being the rare exception. Now seeing her being ladled the same sour soup, with the same spoon used on everybody else, Xu Jiao felt a hard-to-describe odd feeling overtaking her heart instead of the expected glee. Heaving a long sigh that disrupted the awkward silence premating the table, she looked up as her eyes filled with an expression of weary disappointment, which suddenly made Yang Jian feel even more nervous.

"I-it's fine… I'm not angry anymore.." A heavy pause and then, "I was just…" Pausing again, she stopped speaking, biting her lips lightly.

After all, she needed to play her cards well, and make sure to let this encounter be an unforgettable one for both of these people. It was just that… the disappointment she felt, it wasn't fully faked, right? Yu Min was well… Yu Min. But, how this man acted earlier toward the other girl had left her feeling even more drained.

Because, even up until her death, she had kind of believed that Yang Jian wouldn't forsake this woman, no matter what! But apparently….

[Aai..] She heaved another long sigh, feeling slightly stupid.

[Xu Jiao you really are such a dummy! Can a man be trusted about the supposed depths of his feelings and his unwavering heart in love? Especially if it's a man like this?]

She suddenly lifted her head and looked directly at yang Jian, which somehow made him more anxious than he originally was; it had to be said that he always prided himself on being able to handle any type of situation, no matter how tricky things turn out to be.

"About Caihong… There's really nothing much to say anyway. I left there because for quite some time I have found that I can't-can't write that well…" She took a sip of the now-lukewarm coffee, trying to find the best way to phrase the subsequent few sentences. "Sorry, ah'Jian… I won't be writing there anymore…"

"I- Xu Jiao… Is it because of those fan gatherings? Is that why?"

Pressing her lips together she shook her head, her eyes weary.

"I told you I would go there instead of you, right? Why are you still so scared of it? No one would know!" Realizing that he had raised his voice, Yang Jian took a deep calming breath and continued persuading in a more gentle tone.

"You know I promised to help right?"

"Right, Jiao'er… why not do this with Jian'er? You should take this chance! Don't sto-"

"I CAN'T…. and I won't! I-I want to change… " Xu Jiao's voice melted down to a whisper at the end, but inwardly, [Yu Min…She's really tenacious, like a cockroach. But, it's fine… I like it this way.]

"You are going to give up just like this? But why? You can write really well ne."

She kept her expression blank listening to all sorts of arguments and facts the two people put forth together, working in tandem like a team as they worked tirelessly to convince her of the fallacies of her choice; she had to admit that she was almost convinced... almost! And, could she really blame her past self for getting caught up with these two crooks?

But, is everything as peaceful between the two of them as it appeared to be? After all, both these people are selfish to their core and easily suspicious and such a relationship, no matter how strong it looks from the outside, can only be termed as fragile and nothing else.

She also wanted to see just how successful and for how long the two of them can keep intact the images they had of each other in their minds; Yang Jian's "gentle, sweet and untouchable goddess-in-his-heart" and Yu Min's "ever-so-loyal champion".

Today, she had this seed of doubt and disbelief planted in their hearts; but she's sure that no further nurturing on her part would be needed because these two people have enough potential to grow it into towering heights, all by themselves.

And when the right time comes, this will rip apart their so-called 'relationship', exposing the smelly, pestering insides for all the world to see. And hopefully, they'll choke to death on this rot of their own making.

Standing up from her chair, Xu Jiao assessed them furtively, pleased to notice the two look at her with surprised hesitation.

"Ah'Jian, little Min… I'm leaving. I still have other things to do."

Slinging her bag over her shoulder she left nonchalantly, ignoring the surprised exclamations of the two people left behind.

[It's so troublesome, associating with these two… Anyway, I achieved my goal. So no big deal!] Pausing to glance at the nervous-looking waiter standing near the counter, she suddenly smiled at him, making the young man freeze up on the spot.

[Wh-why's she smiling like that!?] He's scared! This woman is weird! What kind of homicidal maniac did he meet today?

"This shop's coffee tastes good."

"Huh? Ah-Yes… Th-thank you very much, miss!"

After the enigmatic young girl left breezily, the waiter shot a surreptitious glance at the young man who was paying the bill in a hurry, seemingly eager to follow after the one who just left. The beauty stood by his side, a slight frown marring her perfect features which smoothed into an expression of quiet gentleness by the time her companion turned to look her way.

Shaking his head, the waiter turned to take the order of a new customer. This beauty might look gentle, kind, and virtuous, but she seemed to have a lot of calculations in her mind. Even so, she didn't seem as frightening as that other girl. And, what is wrong with young girls these days? Why are they acting in this manner with a head full of a bunch of schemes and calculations? Could it be the result of watching all those dramas on the television?

[No matter what, women are really scary!] He thought with not just a little bit of fear and reverence in his heart, thinking about buying his girlfriend's favorite cake on his way back home. As a man, it's still better to know when to bend and stretch, and it's most important to be loyal to his partner and let them know you care. Otherwise, he might end up just like that young man, who doesn't even know that he's being surrounded by two calculating and scary women. As a man, who wouldn't like the idea of being admired by a bunch of beauties? But, isn't your little life still more important?

[Tch… Hope that this brother can come out unscathed after taking a beating from those two ladies!]