After the Online Romance with the Campus Beauty Roommate Went Wrong - Chapter 47

On the way home, Sang Shi’an felt as if she were sitting on pins and needles.

While waiting at a red light, Jian Chenyu received a call from Jian Zhihuan urging her to come over sooner. She responded with a couple of acknowledgements and hung up, noticing Sang Shi’an’s gaze. “An’an, do I have something on my face?”

Caught red-handed, Sang Shi’an’s cheeks flushed. “I wasn’t even looking at you.”

Jian Chenyu asked, “You haven’t eaten anything since waking up at noon. Are you hungry?”

Sang Shi’an replied, “My stomach isn’t hungry.”

Jian Chenyu turned her head, and their eyes met. In that instant, Sang Shi’an felt her stomach protest, and she subtly pursed her lips.

At the next intersection, Jian Chenyu signaled a turn and pulled into a nearby private bakery to buy a small cake.

But the car didn’t start immediately. Jian Chenyu placed the cake box under the windshield and leaned closer. Sang Shi’an immediately glanced nervously out the window. “Don’t get handsy in public.”

Jian Chenyu chuckled, a hint of amusement in her voice. “So it’s okay as long as we’re not in public?”

“Don’t twist my words,” Sang Shi’an retorted.

“I meant what I said at home,” Jian Chenyu said earnestly. “I wasn’t lying.”

I’ve always wanted to tell you, you looked especially beautiful in those clothes back then. That’s why I fell for you at first sight.

Sang Shi’an never expected Jian Chenyu to bring up that topic again. She glared at Jian Chenyu for three seconds before coldly retorting, “Anyone would look good in those outfits. Have you never been to an Anime Convention?”

Jian Chenyu shook her head. “Actually, no, but I…”

Sang Shi’an immediately unbuckled her seatbelt, pushed open the car door, and stepped out.

A subway entrance was nearby. Yan City’s weekends were notorious for traffic jams from morning till night, but the subway security checkpoint wasn’t crowded. Hearing footsteps catching up behind her, Sang Shi’an slowed her pace before the checkpoint, letting others pass ahead until Jian Chenyu grabbed her hand.

“Slow down! I almost couldn’t keep up.”

Without turning her head, Sang Shi’an strode toward the entrance gate, leaving Jian Chenyu’s footsteps to halt behind her. Jian Chenyu watched her go, simultaneously trying to figure out how to use Alipay’s QR code payment system based on the instructions on the sticker.

The thought that Jian Chenyu had spent four years abroad and might be taking the subway for the first time since returning home, still unfamiliar with China’s rapidly evolving technological landscape, made Sang Shi’an burst out laughing. “Pfft!”

Jian Chenyu gave her a helpless look.

“I used to buy tickets.”

Sang Shi’an pointed to the ticket machines tucked away in a corner. “You can still do that.”

As soon as Jian Chenyu left, Sang Shi’an might have actually run off. Jian Chenyu tapped “Authorize” repeatedly on Alipay until the station entry QR code finally appeared. She scanned it and walked through the gate, letting out a sigh of relief. She approached Sang Shi’an and took her hand. “Sorry, I haven’t been to the subway station in ages.”

They were at a junction station where several subway lines converged. Afraid Jian Chenyu would get lost, Sang Shi’an glanced around once before letting Jian Chenyu lead her.

“Behave yourself,” she said coldly.

Jian Chenyu nodded earnestly, tightening her grip. “I won’t cause you any trouble.”

This was clearly meant to provoke her. Sang Shi’an sneered, “The Jian Family’s young mistress is truly something else. What an eye-opener.”

Jian Chenyu chuckled softly. “That’s right, An’an has grown up and can even take care of me now. Remember when Line 12 first opened? Your family was invited for a trial ride, and I had to carry you onto the train.”

Sang Shi’an: ……

How long ago was that?

When they were children, a three-year age gap meant a significant height difference. Back then, Sang Shi’an had complained that the subway seats were too cold and demanded Jian Chenyu carry her. She never imagined this embarrassing memory would resurface after so many years.

Sang Shi’an was rendered speechless by Jian Chenyu’s words, retreating into her own thoughts as she stared out at the dimly lit subway tunnel.

As the train rattled through the convention center station, Jian Chenyu looped an arm around Sang Shi’an’s shoulder and asked, “Were those clothes you bought at the Anime Convention last time?”

Sang Shi’an didn’t deny it. “Yes.”

“The girl selling them was dressed as Cat Cat. I noticed you kept glancing at her and thought you liked her.” Jian Chenyu rubbed Sang Shi’an’s shoulder. “You’re spreading rumors.”

Sang Shi’an knew it was nonsense, but hearing it from Jian Chenyu still made her lips twitch upward.

Jian Chenyu leaned closer and whispered in her ear, “I only looked at her because you seemed so happy. Besides, you were so distant back then.”

New passengers quickly filled the subway car, and the train lurched back into motion. After confirming no one needed her seat, Sang Shi’an settled back comfortably. “Well, we were living under the same roof and had spent four years abroad together. Who knew if you’d turn out to be one of those crazy female roommates? I had to be cautious.”

Jian Chenyu chuckled. “…Do you really think my character is that questionable?”

“How would I know? We’ve only been living together for a few months,” Sang Shi’an hummed lightly, then deliberately added, “After all, Sister Chenyu fell for someone just because of a random cat video.”

Jian Chenyu turned to look at her in disbelief, nudging Sang Shi’an’s head. “I wasn’t joking about that.”

Sang Shi’an remained unfazed. “Yeah, I know you love cats.”

Jian Chenyu’s gaze drifted from Sang Shi’an’s shifting eyes to her slightly parted lips, then back to her eyes, silently studying her without a word.

Amidst the clamor of conversations on the subway, Sang Shi’an suddenly met that intense gaze, her hand instinctively tightening. “…What? You were the one who refused my offer to make up for it earlier. There are so many people here—I’m warning you, hitting someone is illegal!”

“So you do know I love cats?” Jian Chenyu murmured, lowering her voice.

Sang Shi’an unconsciously swallowed. “Isn’t that all in the past—”

Jian Chenyu seemed to agree. “Forget it. You should save your energy on an empty stomach. You’ll get low bl00d sugar again.”

Sang Shi’an stared at her for a few seconds, finding nothing amiss, then dryly replied, “Oh.”

The subway station was a ten-minute drive from the Sang Family residence, and even taking a shortcut on foot wouldn’t take more than twenty minutes. But Sang Shi’an, ever the pampered one, had called the family driver before even getting off the train.

She arrived home just as Sang Shiyue’s car pulled up. Eager to gauge their parents’ reaction, she sidled up to him, only to be yanked closer by Sang Shiyue. “Why does it feel like you’re the one facing Mom and Dad’s interrogation, not me? Is watching your brother’s drama that entertaining?”

Sang Shi’an, feeling guilty, mumbled, “I was just going to put in a good word for you two later.”

Sang Shiyue chuckled leisurely. “Don’t bother. Just relax and stay out of it.”

Dismissed despite her genuine intentions, Sang Shi’an shoved him away and chased after Jian Chenyu.

Sang Shiyue glanced at Sang Shi’an, a teasing smile playing on his lips. “You’re still clinging to those childhood habits? If Sister Chenyu doesn’t marry me, she’ll find someone else. What will you do then, when you can’t even get past her doorstep?”

Sang Shi’an’s eyes widened, and she snapped, “None of your business!”

Sang Shiyue crossed his arms, turning to Jian Chenyu. “Didn’t you hear everything that night? You should really work on that temper of yours. No wonder the person you like doesn’t like you back—you’re just stuck in unrequited love.”

Sang Shi’an shouted, “Mom—!”

Sang Shiyue immediately covered her mouth, jabbing her forehead with his other hand. “Sang Shi’an, that’s not fair!”

Sang Shi’an’s eyes flashed with defiance as she glanced down at Sang Shiyue’s hand.

Sang Shiyue released her, raising his hands in surrender. “You win. I won’t say another word.”

Watching Sang Shiyue’s retreating figure, Sang Shi’an couldn’t help but burst into laughter.

The cold wind rushed down her throat, causing her to cough uncontrollably until a hand patted her back. Only then did she realize Jian Chenyu had overheard everything.

As expected, Jian Chenyu’s first question was, “Did you mention the brother you like to your own brother too?”

“Yeah,” Sang Shi’an replied, her voice growing sharper. “Didn’t I tell you before? Did you think I was lying?”

“You said you’ve known him for years, that he’s older than you, and that he’s probably getting married soon,” Jian Chenyu recited, listing Sang Shi’an’s previous statements.

Sang Shi’an: “…Yeah.”

As soon as she finished speaking, Jian Chenyu unexpectedly reached out and turned her shoulders to face him directly.

Sang Shi’an suddenly met Jian Chenyu’s gaze at close range. Jian Chenyu said, “Why do I feel like, apart from the gender I initially assumed, all the other criteria fit me perfectly?”

Sang Shi’an instinctively opened her mouth to deny it, but Jian Chenyu pressed a finger to her lips. “Don’t breathe in the cold air again and trigger another coughing fit. You won’t be able to handle it.”

Sang Shi’an’s throat was indeed sore; the outdoor temperature was so low that each word felt like a knife slicing through her.

She held her breath until they were inside and she had removed her coat, then kicked the side of Jian Chenyu’s shoe with a muffled grunt. “Jian Chenyu, stop being so narcissistic.”

In the living room, Sang Shi’an’s mother was chatting with Jian Chenyu’s father. They waved at the two women as they entered.

“Where’s Dad?” Sang Shi’an looked around but couldn’t find him.

Ren Li explained, “He’s attending a conference in the neighboring province. The leadership there just underwent a major reshuffle.”

The rest of the explanation was unnecessary.

“Does he have a grudge against our family?” Sang Shi’an asked tentatively.

“Not at all. Otherwise, I wouldn’t have stayed home.” Ren Li had always been in charge of Sheng Yu’s legal affairs, handling everything from the president’s office contracts to major economic disputes and stock market operations.

Father Sang could easily pass the presidency to Sang Shiyue, but they still hadn’t found a suitable successor for the legal affairs division.

Sang Shi’an, holding Ren Li’s arm, exclaimed with exaggerated praise, “I knew with Mom here, nothing like this would ever happen!”

Ren Li glanced at Jian Zhihuan and Jian Chenyu sitting nearby and smiled, gently scolding her, “We have guests, dear.”

Sang Shi’an immediately straightened up and greeted, “Uncle Jian.”

Then she asked, “Where’s Aunt Luo?”

This time, Jian Chenyu answered, “Mom went to Australia for treatment. They have a specialized medical team there, and the environment is better for her recovery.”

Jian Chenyu’s mother had suffered from chronic kidney disease since giving birth to him, preventing her from having another child. This led the rigid Old Master Sang to entrust the Jian Clan to Jian Zhihuan, yet he still indulged his grandson Jian Zhenyang’s actions over the years.

Like many family businesses, the Jian Clan was in an awkward transition period. If Jian Zhihuan had built the clan from scratch, Jian Chenyu would naturally be the rightful heir.

Ironically, Jian Zhihuan had inherited the company from Old Master Jian, and the company’s shares were dispersed among his brothers. If Old Master Jian were to leave his remaining shares entirely to Jian Zhenyang, it would be difficult to predict who would succeed as the next head of the Jian Clan. Jian Zhihuan’s emphasis on family ties was genuine, but it also served to appease the Old Master.

This led him to readily agree when the Old Master proposed a marriage alliance.

Perhaps he believed such an alliance would benefit both families and strengthen Jian Chenyu’s position within the Jian Clan, giving her greater leverage.

But Sang Shi’an couldn’t shake the thought that the Old Master’s primary motive for proposing the alliance was to favor Jian Zhenyang. All other potential benefits were swallowed up by this realization, leaving her with nothing but simmering resentment.

It was a good thing Aunt Luo had been sent to Australia for medical treatment, sparing her from having to witness these distressing matters.

With both families gathered today, the marriage alliance couldn’t be avoided. Since neither of the younger generation showed any interest, Ren Li, a shrewd woman, deftly skipped the topic and steered the conversation toward collaboration between their companies.

“I heard Chenyu’s research has been accepted by Nature. How’s the clinical trial progressing? Is everything going smoothly?”

Jian Chenyu remained noncommittal. “Theoretically, it’s been successful. But even with the necessary reagents, cancer can’t be cured so quickly in clinical practice. We’ll have to wait and see.”

Ren Li nodded. “Even a fever can keep you bedridden for a week. Recovering fully from a serious illness like this will undoubtedly require time to verify. In China, our large population gives domestic pharmaceutical companies a competitive advantage. Many simply coast along, relying on established formulas. Even if they replicate original drugs developed abroad, the sheer size of the market is enough to sustain them.

Cancer remains a formidable challenge for the medical community worldwide. Any breakthrough in this area would be immeasurable. Your foresight in tackling this research early on demonstrates both remarkable vision and capability.”

Jian Chenyu smiled, lifting the floral tea Ren Li had offered. “You flatter me, Aunt Ren. My involvement in this research stemmed from working on my advisor’s project during my time in the UK.”

Ren Li held Jian Chenyu in high regard, treating her as an equal rather than a junior despite her age. She affectionately patted the back of Jian Chenyu’s hand and said, “If you ever need anything, don’t hesitate to come to me.”

For a seasoned entrepreneur to offer support to a researcher who was constrained by her family’s business and poised to strike out on her own was an unspoken understanding. Jian Chenyu responded with a modest smile. “Thank you, Aunt Ren.”

Jian Zhihuan’s expression grew even more complex as he looked at his daughter.

Sang Shi’an, noticing this, secretly texted Sang Shiyue: What should I do? Mom seems like she wants to adopt Sister Chenyu as her goddaughter, and Uncle Jian’s face is about to turn black!

Sang Shiyue glanced at her helplessly and replied on WeChat: This is all because Uncle Jian can’t let go of his decades-long brotherly bond. Putting some pressure on him is a good thing. Otherwise, who will the Jian Clan ultimately listen to—Jian Chenyu or Jian Zhenyang?

Sang Shi’an: If Grandpa Jian really puts Jian Zhenyang in charge, you’ll lose a lot of money, right? I saw those collaborative projects in the financial reports last time.

Sang Shiyue: That’s none of your concern.

Sang Shi’an: How can it not be my concern? If you lose money, won’t it affect my share of the profits? Will you make up the difference for me?

Sang Shiyue: Sure, I’ll add it to your dowry.

Sang Shi’an: ……

I give up. I don’t need that money anyway.

As the meal began, the dishes were served in small portions, but each plate and bowl was exquisitely presented. During the meal, the conversation turned to Sang Shi’an’s studies. Jian Zhihuan asked if she had any plans to study abroad.

Sang Shi’an had terrible independence skills. She had worked tirelessly to get into Yanjing University precisely because she couldn’t bear the thought of studying abroad. She immediately turned to Sang Shiyue with a pleading look.

Sang Shiyue set down his chopsticks, raised his glass to Jian Zhihuan, and said, “Finance is one of Yanjing University’s strongest programs, and its QS ranking is among the top globally. If she were to study abroad, her only options would be Harvard, Stanford, or Oxford. However, going abroad for graduate school might make it difficult for her to adapt to Western academic backgrounds and teaching styles. And, if you’ll forgive my frankness, our family is also worried she might fall for some foreign devil and never return home.”

Sang Shi’an retorted stubbornly, “I’m not that love-obsessed!”

Sang Shiyue shot her a sidelong glance, nearly revealing her unrequited crush.

Ren Li chuckled, smoothing over the tension. “It’s up to her. If she wants to go abroad for a few years, that would be wonderful. Look at Chen Yu—after studying abroad for a few years, she came back a grown woman. I wonder when our An’an will finally mature.”

Jian Chenyu looked at Sang Shi’an, their eyes meeting. She smiled faintly, offering polite praise: “She’s exceptionally talented at school. If she maintains her current grades and continues her extracurricular activities and competitions, her chances of getting into Harvard are quite high.”

Hearing this, Ren Li’s smile widened with maternal pride. “Is that so? I’ve been rather negligent as a mother. Her father and I were just discussing it before he left on his business trip—An’an doesn’t seem very interested in her major or the family business.”

As Ren Li spoke, Sang Shi’an slowly blinked, offering neither agreement nor rebuttal.

Ren Li turned to Jian Chenyu. “I think she gets along with you best, Chenyu. Would you be willing to take her under your wing during winter break?”

Jian Chenyu glanced at Sang Shi’an, his expression questioning.

Sang Shi’an’s gaze flickered nervously before she lowered her eyes.

Seizing the opportunity, Jian Chenyu said, “I do need to go to the Jian Clan during winter break. If An’an is willing, I can show her around and familiarize her with the company’s operations.”

Sang Shi’an gripped the soup spoon tightly, understanding the deeper meaning behind her mother’s words. “We’ll see when the time comes,” she said flatly.

After dinner, Sang Shi’an went to the refrigerator to choose some fruit. When she emerged, she found everyone had been called into her mother’s study. The door was deliberately left ajar for her.

As she approached the doorway, she overheard Jian Zhenyang’s name mentioned. Just as she was about to listen further, she bumped into Jian Chenyu, who had come out to answer a phone call.

Sang Shi’an stepped aside to let him pass, but Jian Chenyu pulled her upstairs instead.

They didn’t stop until they were inside her room.

The phone stopped ringing at the top of the stairs. As the door closed, Sang Shi’an asked, “Aren’t you going to answer?”

Jian Chenyu unlocked her phone and swiped to the call history.

It was an unfamiliar international number.

“It’s not important,” she said.

Sang Shi’an looked puzzled. “Then why did you come out?”

In the dim glow of the phone screen, Jian Chenyu’s pupils seemed unusually dark. Sang Shi’an understood instantly. “You came out to find me?”

Jian Chenyu’s voice sounded slightly weary. “Yeah. My dad seems to still be pushing for the arranged marriage. Your brother will probably be sneaking out soon too.”

Jian Zhihuan, who had managed the Jian Clan for so many years, wasn’t blindly filial. He wouldn’t keep pushing for the marriage after Jian Chenyu had already refused.

It was a matter of face.

The only explanation was that he must have encountered something even more pressing that made him willing to lose face.

Sang Shi’an’s anger flared. “Did Jian Zhenyang and his cronies do something again to jeopardize the company? No wonder my mom just suggested I intern at your place over winter break as a ‘lucky charm.'”

Jian Chenyu couldn’t help but smile at her description. “It is a bit tricky. Two of the company’s bank credit lines are about to expire and need to be repaid.”

“The finance department must have prepared for this in advance,” Sang Shi’an mused, quickly deducing the key issue. “Was the originally allocated funding diverted?”

“Jian Zhenyang lost a fortune gambling overseas and was detained. My great-uncle, desperate to save his son, used public funds with the Old Master’s permission.”

Sang Shi’an couldn’t help but curse under her breath. “Of course. You couldn’t exactly let the police arrest your grandfather.”

Jian Chenyu nodded. “Exactly.”

“Why is having so many relatives such a pain?” Sang Shi’an frowned deeply. “Why do you always have to clean up Jian Zhenyang’s messes? Can I hire someone to dump him on a deserted island?”

Jian Chenyu chuckled softly again. The phone’s screen timed out, plunging them into darkness.

Sang Shi’an turned to find the light switch, but Jian Chenyu gripped her wrist. “That won’t do. Restricting someone’s freedom is illegal.”

The warmth of Jian Chenyu’s palm seeped through her delicate skin. Sang Shi’an thought, We’re abroad now—the police can’t touch us. She voiced her thoughts aloud.

“So An’an cares about me this much? You fought for me last time, and now you’re willing to hire someone to get rid of Jian Zhenyang. How can I ever repay you? How about offering myself in marriage?”

The words “好不好” (“How about it?”) hung in the air with a teasing lilt, their intimacy inescapable in the close quarters.

Sang Shi’an swallowed hard. “I was just joking,” she said. “Buying an island for that scumbag Jian Zhenyang? That would be a waste of money.”

“You’re right. Jian Zhenyang isn’t worth it.” Jian Chenyu’s other hand circled Sang Shi’an’s waist, drawing her closer. Her voice, now softer against Sang Shi’an’s ear, murmured, “But I appreciate your concern, An’an.”

Sang Shi’an straightened up, reaching for the light switch with her free hand. “Mm-hmm,” she said dismissively. “My mom was just praising you. Since we’ve known each other since childhood, if your research really pays off, remember to give me a chance to throw some money your way.”

“Mm-hmm,” Jian Chenyu replied.

“Aren’t you bothered by the dark? Let me turn on the light.”

“What’s the point of turning on the light? Don’t you think this feels more like a secret tryst?”

“Jian Chenyu, are you mistaking me for Cat Cat again? This is my house. Watch your words.”

“Mm-hmm.” Jian Chenyu’s voice held a hint of amusement, as if she were in high spirits. At Sang Shi’an’s words, her loosely circling hand tightened, pulling Sang Shi’an into her arms.

The room was dark, blocking Sang Shi’an’s vision. She could feel Jian Chenyu’s warmth radiating from her, even the faint fragrance of her perfume now carried an intimate undertone.

Jian Chenyu suddenly called out softly, “An’an.”

If Sang Shi’an still couldn’t understand this tone after being kissed twice, she’d truly be a fool.

She immediately pushed Jian Chenyu away. “This is my house. Don’t get any ideas.”

Before Jian Chenyu could respond, Sang Shi’an had already stumbled into the room in the dark, too flustered to even turn on the light.

After finally acting normal all day, Jian Chenyu’s love-sick syndrome is back, she thought. When will she ever stop treating me like Cat Cat?

Before moving abroad, Jian Chenyu had tutored Sang Shi’an countless times in this very room and stayed over many nights. Familiar with the layout, she quickly caught up to Sang Shi’an and pulled her close.

Caught off guard, Sang Shi’an stumbled forward, dragging Jian Chenyu onto the bed. Before she could react, Jian Chenyu had flipped her over and pressed her lips into a kiss.

Sang Shi’an hadn’t expected Jian Chenyu to actually go this far. “Hey, you—”

Her words were cut off as Jian Chenyu’s lips clamped down again. With practiced ease, she parted Sang Shi’an’s teeth, her tongue tangling with hers, the scorching heat grinding against her own.

Sang Shi’an’s hands were pinned down. Unable to bear it any longer, she kicked out, her foot connecting with Jian Chenyu’s shin. Jian Chenyu let out a muffled groan, and Sang Shi’an immediately froze.

Seizing the opportunity, Jian Chenyu pressed Sang Shi’an down even more firmly.

By the time Sang Shi’an regained her senses, her lips were already slick and sticky from the kisses, constantly being caressed, sucked, and transformed into a tangled, lingering embrace.

A soft, watery sound spread through the room as Sang Shi’an went limp, her pinned legs barely able to muster a second resistance. A single thought flashed through her mind: I hope my family doesn’t come looking for me now.

“Ah… Jian Chenyu—” Sang Shi’an had never experienced a proper first kiss until last night, and she couldn’t handle Jian Chenyu’s excessively intimate kisses.

Furious, Sang Shi’an opened her mouth to bite him. Jian Chenyu allowed her teeth to clamp down, as if betting she wouldn’t dare bite hard. Unhurriedly, he found an opening, hooked his tongue around hers again, and resumed kissing her with suffocating intensity, pulling and tugging with possessive fervor.

Between kisses, Jian Chenyu tilted his head, brushed the strands of hair that had fallen across her lips to the side, and pressed down again in a more comfortable position, drawing their bodies even closer.

“Jian Chenyu… you’re not allowed to… You’re being so unfair…”

“You’re right,” Jian Chenyu murmured, her voice thick with amusement. “Now it really feels like we’re having an affair.”

“You—”

Jian Chenyu didn’t give Sang Shi’an a chance to retort. Her kiss deepened, the intimate sounds growing louder. The hand gripping Sang Shi’an’s wrist loosened, gently massaging her palm in reassurance. The kiss slowed, becoming tender and lingering.

Sang Shi’an found herself overwhelmed by this kind of kiss. Each slow, deliberate movement felt like a lick against her heart, threatening to erode her principles. Their mingled breaths grew hot and heavy, exchanging between them, while the physical pleasure sent waves of numbness through her body.

Sang Shi’an surrendered again, tears welling up as she crumpled the fabric of Jian Chenyu’s shoulder.

The kiss lasted a long time. When it finally ended, Jian Chenyu stroked Sang Shi’an’s cheek, her slender fingertips brushing against the dampness beneath her eyes. “Why are you crying again?”

Sang Shi’an swallowed hard, her humiliation too raw to voice. The faint moonlight streaming through the window illuminated her tightly pressed, glistening lips, as if she were on the verge of bursting into tears.

“I told you not to treat me like Cat Cat! If you keep doing this, I’m really going to get angry.”

Sang Shi’an’s voice was hoarse from their passionate kisses, her fierce tone lacking any real intimidation.

At that moment, Jian Chenyu finally realized the reason for Sang Shi’an’s awkwardness.

Throughout the day, Sang Shi’an had repeatedly insisted on distinguishing herself from Cat Cat. Jian Chenyu had initially assumed this was simply because Sang Shi’an was shy and didn’t want to admit to doing those things, nor did she want Jian Chenyu to bring them up again.

But now, Jian Chenyu realized that wasn’t the case at all.

She tentatively asked, “Do you think I’m treating you like Cat Cat?”

Sang Shi’an sniffed. “What else could it be?”

Jian Chenyu felt she was getting closer to the truth. “So you kept emphasizing you’re not Cat Cat because you thought I was treating you like her, and that’s why you were angry?”

The question sounded strange, considering Sang Shi’an and Cat Cat were ultimately the same person. But when it came to love, even the smallest grain of sand could feel like a mountain. Even if the “replacement” was oneself, it was utterly unacceptable.

Moreover, Sang Shi’an was Sang Shi’an. She couldn’t truly change her preferences, personality, and everything else to become Cat Cat just to win Jian Chenyu over.

“You and Cat Cat have already broken up. This isn’t a divorce; it doesn’t require mutual consent. Don’t try to deceive me,” Sang Shi’an warned, her mind racing, each word deliberate. “Jian Chenyu, don’t even think about using me as a substitute for Cat Cat.”

In that instant, the fog in her heart finally cleared. Jian Chenyu slowed her breathing. “What if I told you that ever since I discovered Cat Cat was you, I’ve never confused you two?”

Sang Shi’an poked Jian Chenyu’s chest. “Didn’t you only find out Cat Cat’s real name on WeChat after we broke up? You confessed to Cat Cat and got together long before that. You can’t possibly expect me to believe you fell in love with someone else overnight, can you? You’re lying through your teeth.”

Jian Chenyu didn’t correct Sang Shi’an’s words, gazing deeply into her eyes as she suppressed her racing heartbeat. “You can interpret my previous affection as admiration. After all, I’d never seen Cat Cat’s face and knew nothing of her real life.”

Sang Shi’an’s eyelashes visibly fluttered rapidly. “Wow, you’re such a jerk.”

Jian Chenyu continued, “Just think of it this way: I had few friends at school, and you always looked down on me at home. When Cat Cat confessed, I simply couldn’t bring myself to reject her.”

Sang Shi’an reluctantly accepted the explanation, but couldn’t resist a jab: “Oh, you poor thing.”

Jian Chenyu smiled without retort.

“But…” Sang Shi’an murmured after a moment, “But didn’t you specifically break off your engagement with my brother for Cat Cat?”

Jian Chenyu: ……

Jian Chenyu felt that once she had concealed the fact that she knew Cat Cat was Sang Shi’an from the beginning, the lies she had to weave grew increasingly complex.

Yet if she revealed the truth—that she had known all along—Sang Shi’an might be so humiliated and furious that she would sever their friendship entirely.

Her silence led Sang Shi’an to believe she had caught Jian Chenyu in a lie. She reached out and shook Jian Chenyu’s shoulder insistently. “The engagement! Explain! Give me an explanation!”

Unable to withstand the shaking, Jian Chenyu suddenly leaned back, lowering her gaze.

Sang Shi’an’s hands trembled as their eyes met. Is Jian Chenyu going to kiss me again? she wondered.

“You—”

But Jian Chenyu merely met her gaze at close range and calmly repeated, “Because someone insisted I give a gift that only I could deliver, pretended to accidentally kiss me, and over the past few days has ‘accidentally’ stumbled into my arms countless times. If I didn’t clarify things with Sang Shiyue, I was worried someone’s ankle might actually get sprained.”

“Someone” shrank back, falling silent.

Jian Chenyu noticed the tips of Sang Shi’an’s ears were flushed red and chuckled. “If I didn’t want it, do you think anyone could get close enough to me to do something like that?”

Sang Shi’an murmured a soft “mm-hmm,” still avoiding Jian Chenyu’s gaze.

“I didn’t plan to reveal my feelings so soon, but I was afraid you’d overthink things. I also realized I’m not as composed and rational as I thought—I simply couldn’t hold back any longer.”

Sang Shi’an’s still-damp lips knew exactly what that “couldn’t hold back” referred to.

“Even though you and Cat Cat are the same person, I’ve never confused you two. I would never treat you as a replacement for her after her loss.”

“Sang Shi’an, I sincerely hope you’ll try to understand me better.”

“I’m currently single, have no vices, and am not bound by any arranged marriage obligations. You know my entire romantic history. My family situation is a bit complicated, but I’m working to resolve it as quickly as possible. Having known you for years, I believe I understand you better than most and can take good care of you.”

With each sentence Jian Chenyu spoke, Sang Shi’an’s heart raced faster.

The pounding grew deafening.

“Since I share so many similarities with the brother you like—”

Jian Chenyu lowered his head, his gaze earnest.

“Stop liking him. Would you try liking me instead?”