Outside the Girls' Dorm
Yuxin walked ahead confidently, her every step calculated. Her gaze was fixed on Chen Yu—like a predator seeing its prey again after a long time.
So this is what he's become? Luxury car… expensive clothes… buying villas? Tch, he must be some hidden heir after all. And to think I dumped him thinking he was just some orphan loser. Now that he has money—he has to be mine.
It doesn't matter if he's with Bai Ruxue now. I'll apologize, charm him a little… and he'll come running back. He always loved me.
She put on a soft, pitiful expression as she stepped closer.
"Chen Yu…" she said sweetly, as if nothing had happened. "It's been a while, hasn't it?"
Chen Yu didn't reply. His expression remained unreadable.
Yuxin smiled and tilted her head, her voice honeyed. "I've been thinking a lot about you. About us. I… I realize I made a mistake back then. I shouldn't have said those things. I didn't mean them."
Still silence.
"I know you still care about me," she said with more confidence now. "I mean, two years together—it wasn't all fake, right? You loved me… and maybe… you still do."
That's when Chen Yu chuckled—low and cold.
"You're right," he said, his voice calm. "It wasn't fake. I really did love you once."
Yuxin's face lit up, but then—
"But now?" he leaned in just slightly, his gaze sharp like a knife. "Now, I look at you and feel nothing but disgust."
Her smile faltered.
"You dumped me like I was nothing… just because I couldn't afford to buy you branded shoes. You humiliated me in front of everyone, remember?"
Yuxin bit her lip, trying to regain control. "T-That was… just a moment of frustration. I didn't mean it."
Chen Yu scoffed. "No. You meant every word. And I'm glad you did. Because that day, you showed me who you really are."
Yuxin's eyes burned with desperation. "You still love me! You're just angry! I know once you forgive me, we can go back to how it used to be."
Chen Yu stared at her like she was a stranger.
"You think I'd go back to a woman who only remembers me once I'm rich?"
She stepped forward. "That Ruxue girl—she's nothing! You'll get bored of her. But me? I know you. I understand you!"
"You understood the old me," Chen Yu said, his tone deadly calm. "The one who begged for love."
He turned toward Ruxue, who was standing with her suitcase, silently watching.
"This version of me?" He looked back at Yuxin with a smirk. "You don't deserve even a second of my time."
Yuxin's face twisted in rage and disbelief.
"You'll regret this!" she shouted. "She's just using you! She'll leave when your money runs out! I'm the one who's always been there!"
Chen Yu opened the car door for Ruxue and glanced back one last time.
"No. You were there… until you thought I had no value."
He looked her dead in the eyes.
"Now I have value—and you? You're nothing."
He got into the car, shutting the door with finality.
Ruxue gave Yuxin a sideways glance, then smiled faintly, full of satisfaction.
As the engine roared to life, Yuxin stood there frozen, fists clenched, eyes wet and wild.
"He'll come back… he has to… he was mine first…"
But deep inside, she knew.
He never would.
It's going well now. She will be filled with guilt, and after some time, I will accept her back. Then, I will abandon her when she is at her peak. It will be fun. Now it's time to build a business empire too. I will need some people I can trust. I'll think about it later, thought Chen Lu..
IN FRONT OF THE VILLA
As the car came to a halt in front of a luxurious villa, its grand design stood tall like a silent declaration of wealth and power. The sleek black gates opened slowly, revealing a private paradise. The villa itself was an architectural marvel—modern with a hint of classical elegance. Smooth ivory walls framed by tall glass windows reflected the golden evening sun. A wide driveway paved with marble-like tiles led up to the entrance, where two perfectly trimmed trees stood like royal sentries.
To the side, a sprawling garden stretched out like a private park. Lush green grass blanketed the ground, bordered by vibrant flower beds in full bloom—roses, lilies, even some rare orchids. A small stone path led through the garden, passing a tranquil koi pond and a wooden gazebo with silk curtains swaying gently in the breeze.
Ruxue's eyes sparkled. "Chen Yu… is this the villa?"
"Yes," I replied casually, stepping out. "Let's go."
The gate swung open as the security guard recognized me. A sharply dressed manager from SilverGate Estates was already waiting by the door.
He gave a polite bow. "Sir, I've come to personally welcome you. This villa is brand new, equipped with the most advanced security features. The system uses facial recognition—for both you and Miss Bai. Also, we've arranged a personal chef and a full team of maids—"
I raised a hand, cutting him off.
"That's unnecessary. I don't need a chef. Just one maid is enough. Her job will be basic cleaning, and she'll only come when I call her. Make sure she's well-paid, though."
"Yes, sir," he said, nodding respectfully. Soon after, the other staff left quietly, leaving the villa in our care.
Ruxue walked inside, her heels echoing softly on the polished floor. Her eyes widened with every step.
"I can't believe this place… Look at the paintings! Even the furniture—Chen Yu, this is like a dream!"
I walked over, gently tucking a strand of hair behind her ear. "Didn't I tell you not to get too excited?" I said softly, my fingers brushing her cheek. "There'll be much more to come."
Her cheeks flushed. "I… I'll go wash up," she whispered, her voice barely above a breath.
"I'll make dinner in the meantime," I said, walking toward the kitchen.
"You can cook too?" she blinked, stunned. "You never stop surprising me…"
I smirked as she disappeared upstairs. Then, in my mind, I spoke to the system.
"Give me 20 years of experience as a five-star chef."
A surge of knowledge flooded my brain—techniques, instincts, the finesse of a master chef. The way to hold a knife, balance spices, plate like an artist—it all came naturally.
By the time Ruxue returned, dressed in a silky nightgown, the aroma of fine cuisine filled the entire villa. Her jaw dropped.
"Wait… Chen Yu, did you make this?"
I served her with a calm smile. "Try it and see."
We sat down together. With her first bite, her eyes lit up.
"This is… unreal. You could open a luxury restaurant with food like this!"
Even I was shocked at the taste. "Not bad," I muttered, chewing thoughtfully.
Throughout the meal, she kept praising the food—and me. Her voice was gentle, her eyes softer than ever.
After dinner, I went upstairs and took a quick shower. But when I returned to my room, I stopped in my tracks.
Ruxue was already on my bed, lounging in her nightgown, scrolling her phone like she belonged there.
"I thought you'd sleep in the guest room," I said, eyebrow raised.
She slowly got up and walked over, stopping just inches from me.
"I could have…" she said, her voice low. "But I didn't want to be alone tonight. Not after everything you've done for me. I haven't even properly thanked you."
Then, without waiting, she leaned in and kissed me—soft at first, then deeper.
I didn't resist. I lifted her into my arms and carried her to the bed.
"You're getting bold," I whispered, smirking. "I guess I'll have to make sure you really don't sleep tonight."
She giggled, and just like that, a long night began.