C13 I Stole the Electric Scooter to Raise You

The history of our world is relatively short, with the annals of civilization spanning merely ten thousand years. Despite Fiuqoa's modest size, and humans' belief that they have a grasp on most of it, there remain vast areas shrouded in mystery, ripe for exploration. Moreover, numerous locales are steeped in tales of immortals, suggesting that the spiritual energy here might not be as sparse everywhere as it seems. Ye Rong shared his musings, only to feel a gentle tug at his shirt on his shoulder, which left him quite baffled.

Greeting customs in this world were indeed peculiar. While a tug on the arm or a pat on the back made sense, the significance of tugging on someone's clothing eluded him. Ye Rong searched his memories but found no explanation.

Turning around, he saw that it was Zhang Yumeng who had pulled at his shirt. Upon meeting his gaze, she quickly stepped back and took a seat next to him.

"Uh, Yuyu, is something wrong?" Ye Rong asked spontaneously.

Yuyu? Zhang Yumeng paused, then looked down, her cheeks flushing with color.

Ye Rong sensed his error; it was uncommon in this world to address someone in such a manner.

"Yuyu..." He began awkwardly, then stopped himself. Lin Baobao had explained that she referred to herself as Baobao, but that was her personal preference, not a general custom.

"Yu... Yuyu?" he tried again.

When Zhang Yumeng's expression remained unchanged, Ye Rong felt reassured that he had finally gotten it right. "I apologize, I was engrossed in my reading and my mind wandered. I didn't switch back to speaking normally."

Zhang Yumeng gave a slight nod. Had anyone else spoken in such a way, she might have suspected their intentions. But Ye Rong had always been straightforward and seldom addressed her directly; it must have been a genuine slip.

Still, a trace of disappointment lingered within her.

"In Diaton University, only Shangguan Xian is worthy of being called a fairy..." she murmured softly.

Yet, Ye Rong's keen senses easily picked up her faint voice.

"Shangguan Xian? Hmm, she does exude a sort of spiritual energy," Ye Rong acknowledged, his head nodding in agreement. It wasn't just her name; her aura, appearance, and even her presence bore a resemblance to the true fairies of his own world.

Zhang Yumeng was taken aback, not only because Ye Rong had overheard her, but also by his assessment.

He hadn't spoken like this in public. From the way he spoke, it was as if Shangguan Xian barely merited a mention.

"Then why did you say that Shangguan Xian isn't the most beautiful?"

"Huh?" Ye Rong was perplexed. Were these things even connected?

"Being a fairy doesn't necessarily mean being the most beautiful. You know, from a man's perspective, I think both you and Lin Baobao are more attractive than she is. What's the word I'm looking for?"

"Attraction, right, I feel that both you and Lin Baobao have a stronger attraction than she does!"

This statement was somewhat sly. Shangguan Xian's spiritual energy was so intense that Ye Rong, who had often guarded against such allure, found Zhang Yumeng and Lin Baobao more appealing. However, if we're talking sheer beauty, Shangguan Xian was indeed more breathtaking.

"Me?" Zhang Yumeng's eyes widened in surprise. She hadn't expected to be included in the comparison.

"How can I compare with them? They have legions of fans and are the campus belles of Diaton University. I'm nowhere near their league."

"Is that so?" Ye Rong appeared even more astonished than she was. Was his perception off? Was she truly not in the same league as Shangguan Xian and Lin Baobao?

He scrutinized Zhang Yumeng more closely. She had a clear and lovely visage, exuding freshness and natural beauty, reminiscent of the first dewdrop of the morning. Her posture was upright without being rigid, her legs neatly together with hands resting atop them, her gaze often cast downwards, her clothing dancing lightly in the breeze.

Ye Rong touched his left chest.

"No mistake, you definitely belong in their ranks. My heartbeat is the evidence."

Ye Rong reaffirmed his judgment. It was a similar sensation to when he had been close to Lin Baobao.

Zhang Yumeng's cheeks flushed deeply, and she fell silent for quite some time.

Ye Rong realized he might have gone too far. Was he not voluntarily absorbing a woman's toxins? What if he ended up like Zhao Qi?

After a lengthy pause, Zhang Yumeng seemed to recall why she had come in the first place. "It's almost two o'clock. Aren't you going to grab something to eat?"

"Eat? I don't plan on eating anything." Ye Rong had retained the nutrients from the previous night's meal, enough to sustain him for two days.

"Not going to eat?"

Zhang Yumeng's expression froze. She had assumed Ye Rong was so engrossed in his reading that he had simply forgotten to eat, but it turned out he had no intention of eating at all!

"He'll have to go home eventually. If he doesn't, he'll starve to death in Ineron!" The venomous words of Jiang Shi rang in her ears. Zhang Yumeng hadn't expected Ye Rong to be in such dire straits.

He had no money for food!

In this day and age, to be driven to the point of not being able to afford food...

Just moments ago, he was casually chatting and laughing with her, feigning nonchalance, yet in reality, he was at a dead end in life.

Even beggars who stop cars at red lights to clean windshields for money had something to eat, but Ye Rong had nothing. It wasn't due to laziness or unwillingness to work; he had been left with no options.

Zhang Yumeng's eyes welled up with tears as she took Ye Rong's hand, "Come on, I'll buy you lunch."

"Huh? Why?" Now was hardly the ideal time for a meal. If he waited two days, he could conserve energy for another two days. Right now, he'd only be replenishing the energy from the morning!

Besides, Ye Rong was reluctant to be indebted to a woman. Saving Lin Baobao and then being treated to a meal by her was an even exchange, but what did this situation count as?

"Your health is your most valuable asset in any struggle! How can you fight if you don't eat? Aren't you going to have a confrontation with Zhao Qi in a couple of days?"

As the conversation progressed, Zhang Yumeng abruptly paused. It dawned on her that the reason she had agreed to a duel with Zhao Qi was precisely this: she had warned Zhao Qi to be ready to face the consequences. If she emerged victorious, she could demand that Zhao Qi provide her with the necessary items for work or daily life. But she was so slender... Was she really willing to gamble with her life?

"Uh... well, that's true..." But that was a challenge set for two days from now, which had no bearing on the present moment!

Ye Rong felt a pang of distress. The allure of a woman was truly formidable! He found himself unable to raise his voice in protest. Gazing into Zhang Yumeng's sparkling eyes and holding her delicate hand, he inhaled a subtle fragrance that seemed to make his entire being want to surrender. Despite not currently needing spiritual energy, he was tempted to go along with her.

Just then...

"What are you two doing? Be mindful of the impression you're making!"

A towering figure approached, berating them. Jiang Shi had taken a disliking to Zhang Yumeng seeking out Ye Rong, and their earnest conversation only added to his displeasure. Now, Zhang Yumeng was even inviting Ye Rong to dine with her!

Tugging on clothes, acting shy, holding hands—when had Zhang Yumeng ever behaved that way with him?

Ye Rong scowled, remembering that one should not speak loudly in the library. Clearly, it was this man who was failing to consider his surroundings.

Onlookers cast disapproving glances at Jiang Shi.

"Carrying on like this in public, what does that say about you? And to make matters worse, you're manhandling my wife!"

Most of the onlookers looked on with pity. Jiang Shi congratulated himself on his cleverness. Diaton University was a place of many hidden talents, and he had no intention of inadvertently stirring up trouble.

Zhang Yumeng's cheeks flushed with anger, a stark contrast to her earlier embarrassment. "Jiang Shi, stop spreading lies! We're just classmates and nothing more!"

"Oh? Is that how it is? You turn your back on me after sleeping together? Wasn't it just recently that I was showering you with flowers, bags, and gifts? Now that I'm short on cash for presents, you're done with me, moving on to someone else?"

Jiang Shi spoke with the tone of someone who had been wronged.

"Girls these days, they're so demanding in a relationship. But once they're done with you, they toss you aside like garbage."

"Yeah, that poor guy had to watch his own girl with another man."

"How can they be so heartless? What goes around comes around."

Whispers filled the air as the audience murmured among themselves, recognizing the scenario as one often reported in the news.

"Jiang Shi, stop spouting nonsense! When have you ever..."

"Right, so you've moved on to someone new. Does that mean you've forgotten everything we had? I thought you were ignoring my texts because I didn't buy you the latest LV bag. But it seems you're ready to erase our past and start afresh?"

"I truly care about you. Please, come back. Can we not return to how things were?"

Jiang Shi outstretched his arms, his face a mask of feigned affection.

"This guy, his girlfriend treats him like that and he still wants her back. If it were me, I'd forget the past and look for someone new."

"He's in too deep. And her, how could she? Does she even have a conscience? Might she have a change of heart?"

"Jiang Shi!"

Zhang Yumeng's eyes brimmed with tears, her frustration nearly bringing her to tears.

"You've crossed the line!"

Ye Rong glanced at Zhang Yumeng, who was on the verge of crying, and then at Jiang Shi, who was smirking nonchalantly. He narrowed his eyes.

"Don't worry, no tears. I've got you today."

With a gentle tug, he pulled Zhang Yumeng to a seat beside him, comforting her with a reassuring pat on the shoulder.

He then turned his gaze to Jiang Shi with a hint of amusement.

"So, this is the guy who's planning to steal an electric scooter to support you?"

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