Chapter 95: The Collision

After class at noon, we left the classroom. Cheng Na decided not to join us, saying she wouldn't intrude on our plans to enjoy spicy hotpot—or anything we might do after.

Xuanling, shy as always, didn't insist on Cheng Na joining. Instead, she held my hand and led me to the parking lot. Once in the car, I handed her the keys, and she gleefully took the wheel, even promising to reward me with a kiss for my understanding.

I merely smiled at her innocence, grateful for her presence. In the darkest recesses of my heart, Xuanling's pure and childlike nature offers a flicker of light that keeps me from descending into shadow entirely.

As she drove carefully, she mentioned, "Did you know Huang Qin dropped out?"

This surprised me, but it was probably for the best. His departure meant one less disturbance in our lives. Yesterday must have rattled him. As for the bald guy's death, it didn't concern me—he deserved it, and Zhao Kui would handle the cleanup.

"Focus on driving," I told her.

Xuanling nodded, but suddenly, a car shot out from the school gates as if lying in wait for us. If I had been driving, I would have braked. But Xuanling, in her fright, floored the accelerator. I looked over and saw her frozen in terror.

With a deafening crash, the car collided. The impact left me dazed, and it wasn't until we skidded to a halt some distance away that I regained my senses. I looked over at Xuanling, who gripped the steering wheel in shock. Reaching over to touch her hand, she collapsed into my arms, sobbing uncontrollably.

My heart ached—not for the wrecked car but for Xuanling. And there, parked in front of us, was Mr. Zeng's brand-new Bentley SUV, smoke curling from its crumpled hood. A crowd began to gather.

"I'm sorry; I didn't mean to—I was so scared…" Xuanling wept.

Surveying the damage, I knew we were in trouble. My car was uninsured, and the fault was clearly mine.

As I stepped out, onlookers muttered, "Kid, you'd better run. You can't afford this."

I ignored them as Mr. Zeng, furious, inspected his ruined car. "My new car," he barked, "worth over five million!"

I glanced back at Xuanling, who was trembling and apologizing. Her guilt and helplessness broke my heart.

Then I noticed Zeng Hong, still in the car, her expression cold. It struck me—she'd been behind the wheel. She wanted this to happen. It was a calculated trap, a way to ensnare me financially.

Zeng Hong stepped out, looking at Xuanling. "Do you have any idea what this car cost?" she sneered.

Xuanling shook her head, frightened.

"Four hundred thousand," Zeng Hong continued, smirking. "And now it's totaled. That's all on you."

"Four hundred thousand?" Xuanling murmured, her face pale. Even a fraction of that sum was beyond her reach.

Seething, I turned to Zeng Hong. "You did this on purpose!"

She met my glare with a smug smile. "Of course. I like you, Zhao Fei. I want you bound to me, indebted. You'll never repay it, but that's just fine."

Xuanling, devastated, looked at me with tear-filled eyes, fighting back her sorrow.

"Xuanling," Zeng Hong taunted coldly, "if you break up with Zhao Fei, I'll forget the debt. Four hundred thousand is a lifetime for you to repay."

Furious, I reassured Xuanling, "She's insane. Don't listen to her!"

I tried to lead Xuanling away, but we were blocked by Mr. Zeng's men. "You crashed into my car, Zhao Fei," Mr. Zeng said. "Settle this quietly, and the girl won't face detention. Try running, and I'll call the police."

Xuanling clung to me, trembling.

"Xuanling," Zeng Hong sneered, "you have nothing to offer him. Zhao Fei was mine before you stole him. If you truly care for him, give him back."

Seeing Xuanling sobbing, my heart broke. Zeng Hong's despicable plan left me furious and helpless. After a heavy sigh, I threw my bank card at Zeng Hong.

"Here's your money. More than enough to cover it. Take it and leave us alone."

Zeng Hong checked the balance on her phone. The account held all I had—a fortune meant for my future, now handed over in a single payment.

"Take the money," I said, "and leave the car."

Unsatisfied, Zeng Hong cried, "I don't want your money. I want her to pay!"

I clenched my fist. "Get lost!"

Her father erupted in rage. "You insolent brat!"

Calmly, I replied, "Your daughter's been chasing me. I'm not interested. Take a hint, Zeng Hong. Don't push me."

Mr. Zeng turned to his men. "Beat him senseless!"

Zeng Hong shouted, "Enough! Leave him alone!" She shoved everyone back, including her father, who clutched his side in pain. "Why, daughter? Why?"

She screamed, "Just go!"

I took Xuanling's hand, but before we could leave, the police arrived.

"Whose car is this?" they asked.

"It's mine," I said, "and it's wrecked. Take it."

Shocked, the officers arranged for a tow as I called for a cab. We left, and I glimpsed Zeng Hong's despair as she crouched on the ground.

We reached a café, where Xuanling continued crying, her eyes red and swollen. I held her, trying to console her.

"Four hundred thousand…" she sobbed. "Four hundred thousand…"

I reassured her, "Money can be earned again. Don't worry."

She asked quietly, "If Zeng Hong really likes you, would you ever like her back?"

I shook my head. "That's not love—it's control. True love would let me go, wish me happiness. What she feels is possession, not love."

A tear rolled down her cheek. "Maybe I should let you go…"

I pulled her close and whispered, "Do that, and I'll never forgive you."

She hugged me tightly, nodding fiercely. "Then I won't let go. Not for anything."

I caressed her hair, vowing to myself that no matter the cost, I would build a future for us, one free from all of this.