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Chapter 115: Victory

 

I glanced at Xuan Ling's shoes—a pair of simple white sneakers...

Zeng Hong stepped in front of me. Compared to Xuan Ling, she was like a noble princess. She stared at me coldly without a word. After a moment, she finally spoke: "Zhao Fei, whenever you came here before, you always pulled out a chair for me. That's what a gentleman does…"

I smiled helplessly and got up, walking behind Zeng Hong to pull out her chair. Only then did she sit down. She tugged at me, motioning for me to sit beside her.

Xuan Ling glanced at me with a trace of grievance in her eyes, but she remained silent. I restrained myself, knowing that being harsh with Zeng Hong wouldn't work—unless I completely severed ties with her. She was utterly unyielding, immune to threats. That day, I should have been more resolute...

Looking at Zeng Hong's composed expression, I asked, "Where are you hurt?"

She glared at me, her voice tinged with indignation. "My face. It's still swollen. She slapped me several times and chased me around the track, humiliating me. That's why I called the police—it's her own fault."

I took a deep breath and said, "Fine, it's her fault. But could you drop the charges? It was just one slap—it doesn't have to go that far. A record would ruin her, and the school will punish her too…"

Feeling relieved when Zeng Hong didn't immediately refuse, I stood to leave, but she grabbed my arm. "I haven't had my coffee yet."

Exasperated, I pushed my cup toward her. "Untouched…"

She didn't reject it but demanded, "Get me some sugar, milk, and chocolate too."

I pressed my lips together, unwilling to move, so Zeng Hong turned to Xuan Ling. "We used to come here often. Zhao Fei always sat next to me. I like coffee with milk and chocolate—sweet things. He used to bring them to me every time. Why aren't you getting it for me?"

Zeng Hong pouted, almost playfully, as if forgetting the icy confrontations and sharp exchanges of the past. Xuan Ling lowered her head, and guilt weighed on my heart.

From my first to second year in college, I had tirelessly pursued Zeng Hong, ignoring Xuan Ling entirely. I thought I could win Zeng Hong over—even as just friends—and so I had lavished her with attention and kindness. But now, those efforts had become a tool for her to flaunt in front of Xuan Ling.

I knew Xuan Ling must be hurting. No woman can endure seeing the man she loves treating another woman with such devotion, especially one so beautiful and wealthy.

I took Xuan Ling's hand and said to Zeng Hong, "Are we still friends? You once told me to introduce my girlfriend to you if I ever had one. Today, I'd like to formally introduce you: this is my girlfriend, Xuan Ling."

I turned to Xuan Ling and added, "This is my childhood friend, Zeng Hong. Her father is wealthy, and my father worked as their family's driver."

I spoke calmly, as though recounting a mundane story, hoping to erase the past's intensity and bring peace to our interactions. I longed for tranquility in Kunming, for things to settle down. For that, I endured Zeng Hong's antics.

"No, I won't allow it. You're mine!" Zeng Hong declared emphatically.

Her words made my fists clench tightly, the crisp sound of knuckles cracking in the tension. I could no longer tolerate her, an overwhelming disgust rising within me. I wanted to hit her—desperately, viscerally.

But Xuan Ling placed her hand over mine, shaking her head gently. Reluctantly, I released my clenched fist, understanding she didn't want me to resort to violence.

Xuan Ling stood, smiling as she addressed Zeng Hong. "Zhao Fei treated you well in the past. Every morning, he brought you breakfast, but you refused to eat it because it was handmade by an auntie. He bought you coffee, but you wouldn't drink it because it was cheap. He drove you home daily, but you never thanked him because it was your family's car. For two years, Zhao Fei's eyes were always on you, never on me. But you didn't cherish him. Today, two years later, I've waited patiently and won his heart. No matter what you do, you can't drive me away. And for that, I thank you. Thank you for smoothing his rough edges and giving me a perfect Zhao Fei."

Her words warmed my heart and filled me with guilt. Truly, Xuan Ling loved me with all her heart.

I stood, pulling Xuan Ling close. She rested against my chest, smiling knowingly. We turned to Zeng Hong, whose face contorted with frustration, her lips trembling. She had discarded me, and I was no longer her plaything. I had my own choices to make.

Though beautiful and wealthy, Zeng Hong didn't truly care for me. She only wanted me now to avoid seeing me with someone else or to satisfy her entitled whims. I wouldn't love her.

Xuan Ling wasn't glamorous, nor did she have an impressive background. But she was gentle, kind, and loved me sincerely. I couldn't let go of someone like her—not for all of Zeng Hong's wealth. Xuan Ling's quiet wisdom had triumphed over Zeng Hong.

As I prepared to leave, Zeng Hong blocked my path, tears streaming down her face. "Zhao Fei, I'm not a bad person. We grew up together. Don't you know my temperament? Don't you understand my personality? Why could you tolerate me before but not now? I made a mistake, but does that mean I deserve a death sentence? Didn't you once promise to forgive me no matter what I did wrong?"

I laughed coldly. "I lied."

Pulling Xuan Ling's hand, I walked past Zeng Hong. As we reached the door, a group of men armed with sticks stood outside, and Zeng Hong's father was among them.

My steps faltered momentarily, but I tightened my grip on Xuan Ling and walked out. At the entrance, Zeng Hong's father glared at me furiously. "You little nobody. Do you think you're someone important? Your father drives for me. Who the hell do you think you are? My daughter likes you—it's a blessing you don't deserve! Yet you have the gall to disrespect her? Break his legs! Let's see how cocky he is after that!"

The men approached with menacing intent. In the past, I might have been terrified, but after everything I'd endured, fear no longer had a hold on me. I held Xuan Ling tightly as she trembled. My other hand moved instinctively to the gun at my back. Perhaps tonight, I'd cause a scene, be expelled, or even arrested. But I had to prove a point—Zeng Hong had lost her chance forever.

Just as I drew the gun, a warm hand covered mine. Startled, I turned to see Zeng Hong, her expression unreadable.

"Stop! Everyone, stop!" Zeng Hong shouted at the men.

Her father's fury erupted. "Foolish girl! He doesn't care about you. Why are you defending him? He's just a nobody. Zhao Fei, you're nothing but a scoundrel. How dare you treat my daughter this way?!"

The men hesitated, glancing between Zeng Hong and her father.

"Leave! All of you!" Zeng Hong screamed. "If anyone touches him, I'll fire you all. Father, if you don't leave, I'll end it all right here!"

Her defiance shocked me. Stubborn as she was, I believed she meant it. Her father did too. After a tense moment, he spat, "Fine! But if anything happens to her, you'll pay, Zhao Fei."

With a glare that could pierce stone, he retreated with his men.

As the situation diffused, Zeng Hong turned to me, her voice trembling. "Zhao Fei, thank you. Thank you for still considering my feelings. I know I've hurt you. I'll return the house to you…"

I interrupted sharply, "No need. I've bought a new one. Old things lose their value once discarded. What matters is building a new life."

My words made her shudder. Tears streamed down her face as she pleaded, "Zhao Fei, please… give me one more chance. Just as friends—don't sentence me to death."

I chuckled softly. "You don't truly love me. You just can't stand the thought of losing face. True friendship requires sincerity, and I've seen through your facade. My heart left you long ago. So, no, there's no need for that chance."

Without waiting for her response, I led Xuan Ling to the car. As we drove away, Zeng Hong's voice echoed behind us. "Zhao Fei! That night in the car… I meant every word. You're the only one I truly love!"

But her cries were swallowed by the hum of the engine and the promise of a new beginning.

A/N

Heyy, you reading, thanks for reading this far please don't stop, support me in any way that youcan. Your reviews, your comments, your criticism, all of it, l would appreciate them. l love you.

I do, l don't know you but you are reading, so l love you.

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