C8 Zhou Qianni Begged for a Second Chance.

"Let's head back," Yang Yu said to himself as he studied his reflection in the mirror. Over the past three years, he had scarcely paid any mind to his own appearance, consumed with the desire to provide Zhou Qianni with the best of everything—everything he had and even what he didn't. In doing so, he had been incredibly hard on himself.

During that time, Zhou Qianni hadn't once mentioned buying him clothes or introducing him to Teacher Tony. It seemed this was the lot of a loyal but unappreciated suitor.

"Hold on a second," Liang Xiaoyan interjected, approaching to adjust his collar. "We're heading back to school now."

A wave of emotion washed over Yang Yu as he took in her tender smile and the affectionate look in her eyes.

If he hadn't known that her fondness for him was a mere 65, he might have gotten the wrong idea. This must be the strategy of a savvy player—keeping the devotion of her admirer by making small deposits into the relationship, even though she'd ultimately be the one to reap the benefits.

Three years had changed him; he was no longer the naive young man whose hormones raged at the slightest interaction with Zhou Qianni. Her abrupt and harsh breakup had been a swift education in reality.

With a slight smile, Yang Yu allowed Liang Xiaoyan to lead him away.

...

Before long, they arrived at the base of the apartment building where Liang Xiaoyan's rental was located. Situated near the University of Priphia, Yang Yu felt like a mover, lugging her belongings up to her place.

Liang Xiaoyan's family was clearly well-off, evident by the cozy two-bedroom apartment she rented all to herself, which she had made into a warm and inviting space.

After Yang Yu had finished setting her things in place, he was about to leave when his stomach growled audibly, not once but twice. It was only then that he realized how hungry he was, having been too preoccupied with the system and the thrill of the black card to notice he hadn't eaten all afternoon and evening.

Liang Xiaoyan, who had just finished arranging her room, couldn't help but overhear the rumbling of his stomach. She let out a chuckle and playfully teased, "Sounds like someone's hungry. I'm actually hungry too. How about I treat you to dinner?"

Her demeanor was night and day compared to the afternoon when she had seemed indifferent to Yang Yu's feelings, focused solely on her shopping spree. Now, she was as cordial as a friend.

"Sure." Yang Yu wouldn't dream of saying no! After all, Liang Xiaoyan was a stunning beauty with both the looks and the figure. Dining with such a gorgeous woman would undoubtedly lift his spirits.

"Just a moment, I need to touch up my makeup," Liang Xiaoyan said, pouring him a glass of water as she spoke.

Yang Yu gave a nod of acknowledgment.

Settling into the sofa, he pulled out his phone.

Only then did he notice the message from Zhou Qianni.

"Yang Yu, I was wrong this afternoon. I shouldn't have spoken to you like that... Can we go back to how things were?"

Reading the message, Yang Yu felt a wave of revulsion, his skin crawling with goosebumps—not from the cold, but from sheer disgust.

After everything that had happened, she had the audacity to say such things? Did she really take him for a fool?

Did she have the memory of a goldfish? She had completely forgotten her harsh words from earlier that day, and now she had the nerve to suggest they get back together!