MORNING AFTER THE LONG NIGHT
I woke up the next morning, the soft sunlight streaming through the curtains. My body ached slightly, a reminder of the passionate night we shared. Ruxue… she really gave herself to me completely. I glanced to my side—her spot on the bed was empty.
I could hear the sound of water running from the bathroom. She must be taking a shower. My eyes caught the faint stain of blood on the sheets. My expression turned solemn.
It was her first time… I thought, a flicker of guilt rising in my chest as last night's memories replayed vividly in my mind. I didn't expect that. Maybe I should've been gentler…
As I stood there deep in thought, the bathroom door creaked open. Ruxue stepped out, wrapped in only a towel. Drops of water clung to her smooth skin, her damp hair cascading over her shoulders. She looked both shy and alluring, unaware of how captivating she appeared.
She smiled sweetly and walked toward me. "Oh? You're already awake, Chen Yu?" Her voice had a teasing lilt. "Are you feeling okay? You were… a little tired last night."
I chuckled and stood up, pulling her into my arms. "So now Ruxue knows how to tease too, huh?" I brushed my hand against her damp hair and kissed her forehead softly. "You're getting comfortable… That's good. But remember what I told you yesterday—don't make me upset. Even I don't know what I'll do if that happens."
She nodded, her cheeks flushing slightly.
I smiled and let the tension drop. "Anyway, wanna go to university together?"
"Of course! If not you, then who else would I go with?" she giggled. "Let me change and make something for you. You go freshen up, then we'll leave."
"Alright, I'm going."
I headed into the bathroom, turning on the water. As I washed my face, my mind drifted to future plans.
Who should I target next…?
One name surfaced immediately—Ning Ruilan. The top beauty of Tianxu University. Cold. Composed. Untouchable. She didn't talk to anyone, but her background was beyond powerful—an heiress of the most influential family in Tianxu City.
A perfect piece for my empire.
But before that, there was Lei Meiyun. Her family was on the verge of bankruptcy. If I stepped in and helped her, I could easily acquire their business. That would be the first step—then I'd build a legacy no one could shake.
This… is just the beginning.
After showering, I changed into fresh clothes from the boutique. Downstairs, Ruxue had already prepared breakfast. The table was set with care, and she beamed when she saw me.
"You're looking extra handsome today," she teased.
I sat down and tasted the food. "Not bad. You're improving."
She pouted playfully. "Hey! At least say it's delicious!"
I smirked. "Alright, alright—it's delicious."
We shared a few laughs over breakfast, and once we were done, we stepped outside.
AT THE GATE OF TIANXU UNIVERSITY
As our LMW luxury sedan pulled up at the university gate, all heads turned toward us. Students whispered among themselves, eyes wide with surprise and confusion.
"Who's that…?"
"Isn't that Chen Yu?"
"No way… That car—he can't possibly afford that, right?"
"Wait, and he's with Bai Ruxue? Clinging to his arm like that?"
We stepped out of the car, and just as expected, Ruxue didn't hesitate to hold my arm tightly, her head held high. She didn't say a word—but her posture screamed that she was claiming me in front of everyone.
Whispers turned into full-blown chatter.
"Wasn't he the guy who followed Yuxin around like a puppy?"
"What's going on? Is he dating Ruxue now?"
"I thought he was just some average guy!"
I leaned toward Ruxue and whispered, "Avoid Yuxin. Don't let her get close to me. I've got something to do at the male dorm."
She smiled and surprised everyone by kissing me on the cheek. "Okay, Chen Yu. See you later."
With that, I turned and walked away as she headed inside. Her confidence had grown. That was good.
IN THE MALE DORM GYM
I pushed the door open to the dorm's gym, and within seconds, my three roommates came rushing over.
"Bro! Where have you been all week?"
"Damn, look at your clothes! Don't tell me… you became some rich woman's boy toy?"
"Hey, man, if you need money that bad, just tell us—we got your back!"
I raised my hand to stop their rants. "Calm down, idiots. Let me explain."
They shut up and listened.
"First of all, I'm not anyone's toy. Second, I broke up with Yuxin. She cheated on me."
Their jaws dropped.
"What?! That b*tch?!"
"Dude… you serious?"
I nodded. "Yeah. And one more thing. I'm with Bai Ruxue now."
"What?!"
"Ruxue? The quiet girl from our high school?"
"Wait—she was kind of into you back then, right?"
I smiled faintly. "Long story. But just know this—I'm not the same guy I used to be."
I left out the part about the system. About the money. About what I was really building.
Half lies. Half truth. That's enough for now.
They stared at me like they were seeing someone completely new.
And they were right.
I was someone new.
The old Chen Yu was gone.
Now… I was the one writing the story.