We can't go back to the way things were.

Huang Junkai, this superficial guy, becomes more disgusting the longer you look at him. Not only does he live off others, but he's also a complete loser.

It's bad enough that he's shameless, but he can't even win a fight? If that's not pathetic, what is?

"Boss, put everything that was damaged in the store today and any losses to your business on my tab," Zhao Yuqi said with a smile as she approached the front desk.

The store owner had been considering calling the police, but with someone willing to cover the damages, there was no need to take further action.

Zhao Yuqi's gaze toward Chen Yuan seemed to grow more appreciative. Here was a low-key yet wealthy man, not only handsome but also skilled and brimming with a sense of justice.

Despite everything Lin Shutong had done to wrong him, he didn't hold a grudge and instead stepped in to punish the scumbag. What grace! What style!

**Zhao Yuqi: Favorability +10**

**Zhao Yuqi: Favorability +10**

**Zhao Yuqi: Favorability +10**

Unbeknownst to him, Zhao Yuqi's favorability towards Chen Yuan had reached 40 points. At 40 points, a flirtatious relationship could start to develop!

Chen Yuan hadn't expected that by beating up Huang Junkai, Zhao Yuqi's favorability towards him would increase so rapidly.

It made sense for Lin Shutong's favorability to soar since he came to her rescue, but Zhao Yuqi was just a bystander.

The fact that she was so impressed was an unexpected surprise! It seems that women are naturally drawn to strong men.

Almost every woman wants her man to be capable, dignified, and responsible.

"I'm sorry about today's meal..." Chen Yuan approached Zhao Yuqi, rubbing the back of his head apologetically.

"No need to apologize. I feel like I've gotten to know a different side of you today. It seems like every time we meet, I discover something new about you," Zhao Yuqi said, batting her eyes and taking a closer look at the young man in front of her. He really seemed like a treasure!

"What different side? I'm just being myself," Chen Yuan shrugged.

"Actually, I didn't have much of an impression of you before. It wasn't until last time when you asked for my WeChat and spoke so directly that I thought you were a straightforward person, someone genuine, with no hidden agendas. But then, when you later spent so much on gifts in my livestream, and I realized how famous you are online, I knew you weren't just any rich guy. And now, seeing you fight so well, it's really surprising!"

Zhao Yuqi's big eyes sparkled with admiration. Chen Yuan had originally not been on her radar, but now he was a top contender.

Among all the outstanding guys she knew, Chen Yuan was easily in the top three.

"Is that so? I've been paying attention to you for a long time. I always thought our campus goddess was an untouchable fairy.

Who knew you had such heavy tastes? Extra spicy everything, eating shrimp without gloves, and even licking your fingers afterward?"

"Are you some kind of steel-hearted straight man? How could you say that to a girl? You're so annoying!" Zhao Yuqi stomped her foot in mock anger, looking rather cute.

Watching Zhao Yuqi flirt with Chen Yuan, Lin Shutong felt a pang of discomfort. Although Chen Yuan had just helped her out, he didn't comfort her like he used to. Instead, he was getting more and more into his conversation with Zhao Yuqi, as if he had completely forgotten about her!

At this moment, Lin Shutong felt an unprecedented sense of crisis. Zhao Yuqi, with her superior looks, figure, and poise, was undeniably a goddess.

Yet here she was, showing extraordinary interest in Chen Yuan. Now that Chen Yuan had a better prospect, could he still be devoted to her and treat her with care?

No way!

"Why is it that just when I've finally realized Chen Yuan's worth, just when I sincerely want to understand, like, and love him, he's being stolen away by another girl?"

"No, I can't let this happen!"

"Chen Yuan is mine, he has to be mine, and no one else can take him away!"

People often don't cherish what they have until they lose it, and then they are filled with regret. This was precisely what Lin Shutong was feeling.

"Chen Yuan, can we talk?" Lin Shutong walked over, interrupting Chen Yuan and Zhao Yuqi's conversation.

"I don't think there's any need," Chen Yuan replied.

"But I really need to talk to you. You wouldn't have been this cold to me before. No matter how wrong I was, you would always forgive me.

This time, I truly know I was wrong. Can't we go back to how we were? You still love me, right?" Lin Shutong asked, her eyes brimming with tears.

"Go back to how we were? You mean like a dog constantly at your side? You'd reply to my messages when you felt like it, and ignore me when you didn't.

We dated for a month, and you wouldn't let me post a picture of us on social media, wouldn't let me hold your hand in public, claiming it might cause problems if your family found out? 

"I don't believe that for a second. You were just afraid your other guys would find out and ditch you, right?

"Three years! Do you know what I went through in those three years? I put everything into making you happy. But to you, all my efforts were just a joke. You only enjoyed being pursued; you never really cared about me, did you? Lin Shutong, I'm telling you now: we can't go back. I don't love you anymore!"

Chen Yuan practically shouted the last sentence, and without another word to Lin Shutong, he turned and took Zhao Yuqi's hand, leading her out of the restaurant.

······

As they walked, Zhao Yuqi found herself being led by Chen Yuan.

She didn't know what to say and couldn't tell if Chen Yuan was doing it on purpose or not. Regardless, when they were back at the restaurant and in front of Lin Shutong, she hadn't resisted when Chen Yuan took her hand. She wasn't sure if it was to save face for him or if it was due to some other, more complicated feelings.

She just obediently let him hold her hand as they walked a long distance.

"Actually, I don't know what to say. You must be feeling pretty bad, right? I've heard about your story with Lin Shutong. But what I can't figure out is, if you liked her so much, why didn't you just tell her about your true identity? If she knew who you really were, she would've agreed to be with you a long time ago, right?"

"My true identity?" Chen Yuan was a bit confused.

He was just a regular guy from an ordinary family.

What big secret could he possibly have?

But then it hit him: Zhao Yuqi must have thought he was someone important after seeing him spend millions on gifts in her livestream.