"Liangchen, are you okay?"
Xue Shaohua couldn't help but ask as he watched Ye Liangchen standing motionless.
Ye Liangchen slowly shook his head. "I truly never expected Li Qingxue would raise a hand against because of Long Aotian."
"Ten years... Do you know how many ten-year spans a person gets in their lifeti?"
His voice grew heavy as he continued, "A decade of friendship—shattered today by that slap."
"When her hand struck my face, my heart shattered along with it."
Though Xue Shaohua couldn't fully empathize, he could clearly sense the weight of Ye Liangchen's emotions.
No one would feel good after being betrayed by a friend they'd known for ten years.
The fact that Ye Liangchen held back his tears was proof enough of his strength.
"Twelve more days," Xue Shaohua murmured reassuringly. "In twelve days, I’m sure you’ll have countless ways to make Long Aotian kneel and beg for rcy."
After all, in twelve days, Long Aotian’s school would hold its sports festival.
"You were already a real man today. You used words like an artist—left Long Aotian humiliated, hiding behind a woman while he roared helplessly. In my eyes, you’ve already won."
Ye Liangchen turned to him. "You really think so?"
Xue Shaohua nodded firmly. "Absolutely. To , you’re a hundred tis better than Long Aotian."
Ye Liangchen nearly laughed. "Hah, you’re right. I am a hundred tis better than that spineless fool."
"I don’t put on an act like Long Aotian. I’m genuine. If sothing’s right, I do it. If it’s wrong, I stand with justice."
"Before, no one understood . They saw as so reckless wanderer. But those who truly know see who I really am."
"Thank you, Xue Shaohua. You saw through the surface—you recognized the real ."
Xue Shaohua smiled sheepishly, flicking his hair lightly. "I’m not as great as you say. I just spoke my mind."
"If they couldn’t appreciate you, couldn’t see your worth—that’s their loss."
Hearing this, Ye Liangchen felt his eyes sting. He’d sacrificed so much for them, given everything to save them... yet they never acknowledged it. Content originally cos from NoveI★Fire
Even an outsider like Xue Shaohua could see his efforts. Wasn’t that laughable?
"In twelve days, I’ll show Long Aotian what cruelty really ans."
"Count in," Xue Shaohua added. "I’ll make sure he regrets crossing too."
Their eyes t, a silent understanding passing between them.
Ye Liangchen flicked his hair again. "That thing you promised earlier... does it still stand?"
At the ntion, Xue Shaohua glanced around—they were still in the mall! Talking about this here was downright embarrassing.
"I won’t go back on my word. But I have one condition—I hope you’ll agree."
"What is it? As long as it doesn’t go against my morals, I’m in."
"Let go first when we deal with Long Aotian." Xue Shaohua’s skin prickled at the mory of Long Aotian’s... assets in the public restroom earlier.
Ye Liangchen hesitated. He also wanted to be the first to claim Long Aotian.
Only then could he carve an indelible mark in Long Aotian’s mind.
Every ti Long Aotian saw him in the future, he’d relive the terror of being under his control.
But faced with Xue Shaohua’s pleading gaze, Ye Liangchen took a deep breath.
"You know I have principles. What you’re asking... it tests them."
"But—you’re the first who truly saw for who I am. So fine. We’ll do it together."
Xue Shaohua frowned, confused.
Ye Liangchen tapped his forehead lightly. "Dummy, still don’t get it?"
"Ever had an Oreo?"
"I’ll be the front, Long Aotian’s the filling, and you’re the back. Clear enough now?"
Xue Shaohua’s eyes widened in realization. "Ye Liangchen... has anyone ever told you you’re a genius?"
Ye Liangchen shrugged. "You know I don’t care about titles. Maybe soone did..."
Just then, his phone rang.
Glancing at the caller ID, his lips curled. He signaled Xue Shaohua to stay quiet before answering.
"Quan! What’s up? It’s been ages. How about coming to the capital for New Year’s? I’ll show you around—let you experience the city’s glory."
Gao Quan’s voice buzzed through the receiver. "Of course! If you’re inviting, I’m there. Never been to the capital before."
Ye Liangchen chuckled. "Good. When you arrive, we’ll paint the town red."
"Liangchen, it’s been too long. Rember in senior year? You promised we’d rise together. Now just eting takes hours of travel."
"When break cos, let’s share a drink. I’ve learned to hold my liquor now."
Listening, Ye Liangchen drifted into mories.
Looking back at his younger self... he’d been so naive.
If not for Long Aotian’s interference, he and Gao Quan would’ve soared long ago.
For a fleeting mont, regret gnawed at him.
Should I have invited him?
If Long Aotian woke up the next day, broken and defiled... would he co for revenge?
In their past life, Gao Quan had died saving him—because of Long Aotian.
His gaze lifted to the mall’s ceiling as Gao Quan’s voice continued in his ear.
Is this fate?
"What fate, Liangchen?"
"Nothing. Drinks are on when you get here."
He quickly made an excuse to hang up, afraid he’d retract the invitation if he spoke longer.
If this was fate, even his best efforts might not change it.
A pang of sorrow struck him.
Did my rebirth change nothing?
He inhaled deeply, turning back to Xue Shaohua.
"My heart’s heavy right now. Let forget for a while... let just feel sothing good."
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