Xueyao's Game

Xueyao stood at the window of Ming's apartment, her eyes cold and calculating as she watched him leave for Hua's house. Her lips curled into a knowing smirk—she wasn't foolish. She could see the conflict in Ming's eyes whenever they were together, the way his thoughts seemed to wander whenever Hua's name was mentioned. But Xueyao wasn't going to give up. Not yet. Not when she was so close.

She had spent years away from Ming, but now that she was back, she wasn't going to let some girl like Hua take what she believed was hers. Xueyao was used to winning, and this would be no different. Hua didn't belong in Ming's life—she was too soft, too naïve to keep up with someone like him. And Xueyao knew exactly how to exploit that.

As soon as Ming left the building, Xueyao pulled out her phone. She scrolled through their text messages, seeing how much closer they had gotten since her return. Sure, there was history between them—years of shared memories, laughter, and even love—but that wasn't enough to sway Ming completely. She needed more. She needed to play her cards right, make sure Hua never stood a chance.

Later that day, Xueyao decided to visit Ming's office, knowing Hua wouldn't be around. She walked in confidently, her heels clicking against the marble floors. The employees greeted her with polite nods, recognizing her from her earlier visits. Xueyao's presence had become familiar, which was part of her plan. She wanted to make sure she was always there, a constant reminder in Ming's life, a shadow over his thoughts.

When she reached his office, Ming looked up, surprised but not entirely displeased. He stood up from his desk and greeted her.

"Xueyao, what are you doing here?" Ming asked, his voice calm but curious.

"I just wanted to see how you're doing," she replied smoothly, stepping closer. "I've missed our talks. It feels like old times again, doesn't it?"

Ming gave a small, noncommittal nod, his mind clearly elsewhere. Xueyao noticed and decided to push a little further. She placed a hand on his arm, her touch lingering just a moment too long.

"Ming," she said softly, her voice dripping with concern, "I know things have been... complicated between us since I came back. But I want you to know that I'm always here for you, just like before."

Ming glanced at her hand on his arm, but didn't move away. He sighed, rubbing the back of his neck. "It's not the same, Xueyao. Things are different now."

"Different doesn't mean worse," Xueyao said, leaning in just enough to close the gap between them. "We still have something, Ming. You know that."

Ming frowned but didn't reply immediately. He wasn't blind to what Xueyao was doing, but he was also conflicted. There was a history between them, and while he knew where his heart was leaning, Xueyao's persistence was hard to ignore.

Before he could respond, Xueyao stepped even closer, her voice barely a whisper. "You don't have to choose, you know. We could always... keep things the way they were. No one would have to know."

Ming's eyes widened slightly, and he took a small step back. "Xueyao, that's not what I want. I'm trying to be honest with Hua."

Xueyao's smile faltered for just a moment, but she quickly regained her composure. She wasn't going to push too hard, not yet. "Of course, Ming. I understand. I'm just saying, if you ever need to talk... I'm here."

With that, she stepped away, giving him a coy smile before turning to leave. As she walked out of the office, she glanced over her shoulder, locking eyes with Ming one last time. She wasn't worried. This was just the beginning.

Xueyao wasn't the type to give up easily. Hua might have Ming's attention now, but Xueyao knew how to play the long game. She'd been patient, waiting for her moment, and now that she was back, she was going to make sure Hua was nothing more than a distant memory.

In the days that followed, Xueyao ramped up her efforts. She began texting Ming more frequently, showing up at his office unannounced, and even trying to spend more time with his family. She made sure she was always around, always in the background, reminding him of their past.

Meanwhile, Hua could sense something was wrong. She noticed the way Ming's messages grew shorter, the way he seemed distracted whenever they talked. She knew Xueyao had been visiting him more often, and every time Hua brought it up, Ming would brush it off, saying they were just catching up as old friends.

But Hua wasn't convinced. Deep down, she knew Xueyao was trying to come between them, and it made her anxious, even though she tried to push the feelings aside. She didn't want to seem paranoid or clingy, but the growing distance between her and Ming was undeniable.

One evening, as Hua sat in her apartment, her phone buzzed with a message from Zihan.

**Zihan:** "You okay? You seem off lately. Wanna talk?"

Hua hesitated before typing a reply.

**Hua:** "I'm fine. Just... dealing with some stuff."

She didn't want to worry her best friend, but the truth was, she wasn't fine. Xueyao's presence was like a dark cloud looming over her relationship, and no matter how hard she tried to ignore it, the weight was becoming unbearable.

Hua knew she had to confront Ming about Xueyao, but part of her was afraid of what she might hear. If Ming still had feelings for Xueyao, what would that mean for them?

The thought of losing him made her stomach twist with anxiety. But if she didn't face it head-on, the uncertainty would only grow. She needed to know the truth, even if it hurt.