Yu Qiao Qiao had always been a girl lacking security.

Her early life environment shaped her somewhat self-deprecating character.

It was because Chen Yan was with her, he gave her money, gave her a job, allowed her to realize her own dreams, and gave her something to be proud of in front of her classmates that she slowly gained a bit of confidence.

However, that was also why, when facing Chen Yan, she felt the most self-conscious.

Because she knew everything she had was given to her by Chen Yan.

She also knew that her relationship with Chen Yan was unequal.

Especially since both of them were just ordinary people struggling to get by, yet in just three years, Chen Yan had become a top-tier tycoon with a fortune of tens of billions and a daily income in the tens of millions.

And Yu Qiao Qiao herself had just gone from a freshman to a junior in college.

This made her even less confident when facing Chen Yan.

Even though Chen Yan protected her well and nobody around her gossiped about her, she knew that in the eyes of others, she was not worthy of Chen Yan.

Therefore, these past two years, she had actually been a bit scared. Afraid that one day, Chen Yan would suddenly not want her anymore. Afraid that all of a sudden, Chen Yan would leave her.

She didn't care about those material conditions, the money.

After all, she now had hundreds of thousands or even tens of millions in her hand, but she hadn't spent any of it and still lived like an ordinary person.

What she cared about was Chen Yan.

He was the person who had treated her the best, besides the Dean's mother...

So, when she saw the look on He Mengxue's face towards Chen Yan today, she felt a sense of crisis in an instant.

That was He Mengxue.

The He family of Qin Island.

Even as an ordinary student, she had heard of this formidable name.

Good family background, good looks, good figure, good abilities, good personality.

In Yu Qiao Qiao's heart, He Mengxue was almost perfect.

Whether it was Lu Man, Zhao Ying, Yang Nuan, or Yang Rou, they all had more or less some shortcomings.

But He Mengxue alone... was almost a perfect woman.

And she was precisely the one who matched Chen Yan in terms of social status and family background.

Therefore, when she appeared, Yu Qiao Qiao became somewhat frantic.

Even though she didn't like to express her emotions, she didn't want to trouble Chen Yan.

But, after hesitating for a long time, she still couldn't help but ask, "Chen, Chen Yan... Does Sister Xue like you?"

At that moment, Chen Yan had just taken off his gloves from eating seafood, and suddenly hearing Yu Qiao Qiao broach this topic, his hand paused there.

For a moment, he threw the gloves onto the table, then nodded silently and gave a grunt of acknowledgment.

Seeing Chen Yan admit it, Yu Qiao Qiao's hands tightened.

She carefully looked at Chen Yan, then opened her mouth several times. Finally, she said, "Then... you...?"

Chen Yan looked up at Yu Qiao Qiao.

What met his gaze was Yu Qiao Qiao's somewhat nervous expression.

His heart softened, and then he said, "There's nothing between her and me. Don't overthink it."

"She just likes me. But I... still have you, right?"

Hearing Chen Yan's words, Yu Qiao Qiao finally breathed a sigh of relief.

She lowered her head with embarrassment and then said quietly, "I'm not doubting you. I'm just worried, scared..."

Chen Yan looked at her and asked, "Worried, scared of what?"

Yu Qiao Qiao said, "Afraid you'll leave me. Scared of losing you."

Yu Qiao Qiao looked at Chen Yan with a somber tone and said, "I know you're different from before, and I feel I'm not quite your match."

"But I just can't bear to let you go."

She lowered her head, speaking weakly, "Sometimes, I think."

"How great it would have been if you hadn't founded that company."

"That way, you wouldn't make so much money. There wouldn't be so many people who like you."

"Even if you earned less, but by the time I graduated, I would work too."

"Then, we could work together and get by. Even if life were a bit tough, it would still be happy, right?"

Saying this, she paused for a moment and then slightly shook her head, adding, "But I also know my thoughts are a bit selfish."

"Your success and the realization of your dreams are definitely better than before."

Looking at Yu Qiao Qiao, Chen Yan didn't know what to say for a moment.

Seeing Chen Yan's lack of response, Yu Qiao Qiao raised her head slightly and peeked at him like a little quail.

Then she said softly, "Don't be mad. I'm just thinking out loud."

"Besides... it's not like it'll happen just because I think about it."

"No, no. What I mean is... I have no other intentions. Just thinking."

Yu Qiao Qiao felt the more she explained, the more it seemed muddled, so she became even more panicked.

Seeing her flustered and adorable expression, Chen Yan laughed and pinched her face, saying, "I understand what you mean. Be good."

Seeing Chen Yan finally respond, Yu Qiao Qiao breathed a sigh of relief.

She glanced at Chen Yan and then said with some sadness, "Chen Yan. I don't know why. I always feel like maybe one day, we'll part ways."

"Perhaps it's because of the growing gap between us."

"I feel the ones who should stand by your side should be Sister Xue, Sister Man Man, or even Brother Ying. Not me."

"They all have better looks, family background, abilities, and personalities than I do."

She looked at Chen Yan earnestly and said, "But no matter what, meeting you is the greatest fortune of my life."

Looking at Yu Qiao Qiao, Chen Yan still didn't know how to begin.

He really wanted to say: in fact, meeting you is my greatest fortune.

But he just couldn't bring himself to say it.

So, in the end, he took Yu Qiao Qiao's hand and said, "Don't worry. As long as you don't leave me, I'll never part with you."

Hearing Chen Yan's declaration, Yu Qiao Qiao's face revealed a beautiful smile.

"And..." Chen Yan added,

"Although you don't match them in looks, family background, abilities, or personality."

"But..."

"You have a nice figure."

"Ah?" Yu Qiao Qiao didn't expect Chen Yan to bring up this topic and immediately turned red in the face with embarrassment.

The sadness from earlier hadn't been dispelled by his confession but was instead chased away by Chen Yan's flippant teasing…

After the chat, Chen Yan settled the bill. Then he and Yu Qiao Qiao left the restaurant together.

The summer night was somewhat cool. The slightly salty sea breeze blew over, stirring their hearts.

Chen Yan held Yu Qiao Qiao's hand, looking at the dark sea not far away, and suddenly asked, "Qiao Qiao, have you ever done it in the sea?"

"Ah?" Yu Qiao Qiao was a bit confused, almost not understanding what Chen Yan was talking about.

Chen Yan tilted his head to look at her and blinked.

Yu Qiao Qiao's face blushed again, and she stammered, "You, you, you shouldn't always bring up such weird topics."

Chen Yan laughed out loud.

After laughing, Chen Yan gently nuzzled Yu Qiao Qiao's perky nose and said, "I've discovered that just by teasing you like this, you stop overthinking."

Yu Qiao Qiao hadn't expected Chen Yan to take that angle.

She fidgeted with the hem of her clothing and then said, "I, I... I'm just a little scared."

Chen Yan gently hugged her and then said, "Don't be afraid. I'll always be by your side."

Yu Qiao Qiao gave a soft "mm-hmm," and then pressed her face closer to Chen Yan's chest.

Feeling Chen Yan's broad chest, the slow and steady heartbeat, and his strong arms, Yu Qiao Qiao felt the unease in her heart gradually fade away, replaced by a sense of security...

Of course, Chen Yan didn't really take Yu Qiao Qiao to try it out in the sea.

This wasn't his own private sea area—if a tourist or passerby were to arrive and see, that would turn into a live broadcast.

So, he simply held Yu Qiao Qiao's hand, quietly walking on the soft sand.

The sea breeze blew, and laughter drifted off into the distance…

...

At night, sitting in the car on the way home, Yu Qiao Qiao leaned gently on Chen Yan's shoulder and said softly, "Thank you, Chen Yan, for giving me such a romantic evening."

"Romantic?" Chen Yan looked curiously at Yu Qiao Qiao. "Was tonight romantic?"

In Chen Yan's mind, romance meant flowers, fireworks, candlelight dinners.

Though they had dinner tonight, it was just an ordinary seafood feast.

Though they dated, there were no flowers.

Though they walked by the sea, there were no fireworks.

Could this also be considered... romantic?

He couldn't help but look at Yu Qiao Qiao, wanting to hear her explanation.

Yu Qiao Qiao, happily leaning on Chen Yan's shoulder, whispered, "Of course, it's romantic."

"Romance is about eating slowly. Walking leisurely. Aging together slowly."

"Romance is about doing what you love with the person you love."

"Not caring about the time, only the person beside you..."

Chen Yan blinked.

"With the person you love, doing the.... thing you love?"

Yu Qiao Qiao didn't react at first, but when Chen Yan repeated it, she suddenly realized what he meant.

Her face blushed once more.

Then somewhat stutteringly, she said, "I, I didn't mean it like that..."

Chen Yan snickered as he wrapped his arms around her, leaning close to her ear and said, "No worries. Don't rush. Tonight I'll make it truly romantic for you."

"Chen, Chen Yan. Why are you acting so weird tonight..."

"I, I didn't mean that..."

...

At the same time.

Fenghua Building. 16th floor. Chen's Investment Company.

The moon rose above the tips of the willows.

He Mengxue had just finished her work at hand.

She sighed softly after completing her tasks, perhaps because she was in a bad mood.

Then she went to her bookshelf, pulled out a few books, and from them she pulled out a bottle of red wine and walked over to her desk.

She took out a square glass, opened the wine, and poured herself half a glass.

Kicking off her high heels, she sat on the sofa in an unladylike manner and started drinking without any image to uphold.

After a few sips of wine, He Mengxue, who normally had a good tolerance for alcohol, began to feel a little dizzy.

Chen Yan's figure seemed to appear before her eyes.

He wore a sharp suit, standing on stage, confidently explaining something.

He Mengxue gazed at him, slightly lost in thought.

After a moment, Chen Yan's figure disappeared, and a tear slipped from the corner of He Mengxue's eye.

She then finished the wine in her glass in one gulp, took out her mobile phone, and opened WeChat in a drunken haze.

Chen Yan's chat box was pinned at the top of the message bar.

She deftly clicked on it and typed a message:

"The sky is most beautiful when it is about to turn dark."

"Love is most charming when it is about to blossom."

"And I miss you the most when I am on the verge of drunkenness..."

After typing this message, He Mengxue's finger hovered over the send button.

But just as she was about to press it, she suddenly froze.

She remembered that Chen Yan seemed to be with Yu Qiao Qiao tonight.

'If I message him now, wouldn't I be disturbing them?'

As she pondered this, He Mengxue sighed again and tossed her phone aside. Then she hugged her knees and buried her head in them, crying...

...

The night passed without words.

The next day, Chen Yan arrived at the company refreshed and energized.

Yu Qiao Qiao...

Hmm. Even though Chen Yan had secretly given her three Constitution Potions, she was still defeated thoroughly, and now she was still lying in bed, not wanting to get up.

When he got to the company, Chen Yan hummed a tune, tidied up his desk, then sat down to start working.

But before he could process a few documents, a "knock knock knock" sounded at his office door.

"Come in," Chen Yan called out.

The door opened, and in walked He Mengxue.

Today, she was a bit different from usual. Dark circles rimmed her eyes, her face was pale, and even though she was wearing a custom-made outfit worth tens of thousands, it couldn't conceal her haggard appearance.

Chen Yan, startled, asked, "Meng Xue, what happened to you?"

"I... I'm fine..." He Mengxue opened her mouth, her voice a bit hoarse.

Chen Yan grew even more worried.

He stood up, went over to He Mengxue, and looked at her carefully before asking, "Are you... sure you're okay?"

Seeing Chen Yan showing such concern for her, He Mengxue shook her head again, "I really am fine."

With that, she handed over the documents in her hand to Chen Yan, her hoarse voice faint, "President Chen. Here's the strategic plan for the beverage company and the stock structure for the Weibo investment you requested."

After speaking, she slightly bowed to Chen Yan, "If there's nothing else, I'll take my leave now."

Then she turned and left the office, leaving Chen Yan alone, holding the documents and blankly watching her retreating figure.

"What's going on?" Chen Yan was puzzled. He didn't understand why He Mengxue had changed so much after just one night.

'Could it be because she saw me with Qiao Qiao yesterday?'

Chen Yan speculated, but it still didn't seem right to him.

After all, He Mengxue's fondness for Chen Yan was already quite high. She had never faltered despite numerous events.

She suddenly changed after seeing Yu Qiao Qiao yesterday?

That didn't seem quite right to Chen Yan.

If it were any ordinary man who sensed something was amiss, he might just keep guessing or try to find a way to indirectly probe for information.

But Chen Yan was different. He had his "cheats."

With that thought, Chen Yan didn't have the time to look through the materials He Mengxue had worked into the night to prepare for him.

He walked over to his desk, set aside the documents, took out his phone, and started to check on He Mengxue's situation.

Opening the game "Virtual Girlfriend," the first thing he saw was his initial girlfriend, Yu Qiao Qiao's, chibi pixelated character.

She was lying on a pixelated bed, sound asleep.

Above it was the status "Recuperating from heavy damage..."

Chen Yan: ...

"What kind of rubbish status is this!"

As he complained, he clicked on the switch button to change to He Mengxue's page.

Her interface also featured a chibi character.

At the moment, she was sitting in an elevator, and above her head, her current status was shown, "In the elevator..."

It was normally the most mundane. However, next to her status, her mood indicator was a "grey little human face."

Chen Yan gently clicked on it.

It showed "In low spirits..."

Chen Yan's brow furrowed.

Sure enough, she was in a bad mood.

But what exactly was the reason?

Because He Mengxue had left too quickly, Chen Yan didn't have the chance to use the "Heartbeat Headphones," so he had to rely on some auxiliary means to deduce He Mengxue's condition.

He opened He Mengxue's "Fondness" changes to review her fondness level from yesterday.

Then, he found that her fondness changes were particularly drastic yesterday.

At 2:12 pm, her fondness plummeted by 50 points.

Afterward, it decreased again by 20 points.

The fondness prompt was only a simple two words: "hesitant."

Initially, Chen Yan thought this was the reason for He Mengxue's unusual behavior today, but soon he realized he was wrong.

Because at 2:20 pm, He Mengxue's fondness suddenly soared by 70 points.

Returning to her peak original 188 points.

And this time the prompt was also simple, just four words: "Resolved determination."

But then He Mengxue's fondness kept fluctuating.

It fell by 15 points after seeing Chen Yan holding hands with Yu Qiao Qiao, went up by 8 points due to missing Chen Yan.

And in the evening, it increased by 6 points from missing Chen Yan, and fell by 17 points due to emotional collapse, among other changes.

Just by looking at this series of prompts regarding fondness, Chen Yan could understand the tangled and complicated emotions He Mengxue had yesterday.

Holding his phone, he wasn't sure what to do.

After all, He Mengxue's mood swings were undeniably related to him.

And seeing that her fondness was still fluctuating at 3 am, he knew she probably hadn't slept all night.

So, it was understandable for her to be in her current state.

However, he was still undecided about how to address the situation with He Mengxue.

After all, He Mengxue was not like the other women.

Firstly, she was very proactive. Her affection for Chen Yan was also extremely passionate.

This satisfied Chen Yan's vanity, but it also meant unpredictability.

The love from someone like Lu Man, though playful and a little rowdy, was quite rational when it mattered.

Zhao Ying was always oblivious.

Yang Rou was cool-headed and restrained.

But He Mengxue was just too unpredictable. Who's to say that in a hot-headed moment, she wouldn't cause Chen Yan's carefully maintained facade to collapse.

Secondly, her background was too extraordinary. It meant she didn't need to think about the consequences much, and could do whatever she wanted, further exacerbating the unpredictability mentioned in the first point.

Lastly, she always harbored the thought of superseding Yu Qiao Qiao.

And what's more... she had the "capability" to match.

This stood in stark contrast to the ambitionless nature of the other women.

Additionally, with He Ruifeng, that wily old fox, behind her.

Therefore, even though he had been ambiguous with her, Chen Yan had always maintained a certain distance.

However, seeing He Mengxue so troubled because of him now,

He really felt sorry for her.

After all, people have feelings. He had seen all the good she had done for him over the past year and had been touched by it.

The way He Mengxue was suffering made it impossible for Chen Yan to just stand by and watch.

So, with that thought, Chen Yan decided to go and have a talk with He Mengxue.

To see if there was any way to resolve his somewhat complicated situation with her and come to a good outcome...

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