As Li Qingxue's breathing grew heavier, she eventually came to a slow stop.
It was clear that Ye Liangchen's words had struck a nerve with her.
Li Qingxue had always considered Long Aotian to be a friend she could confide in, someone with whom she could share secrets.
She had never once thought of disrupting the relationship between Long Aotian and Hu Yuying.
But now, Ye Liangchen had pointed at her and called her a homewrecker.
Li Qingxue felt deeply uncomfortable. This discomfort wasn’t just because she had been insulted, but more so because Ye Liangchen claimed to have personally witnessed Long Aotian forcing himself on Hu Yuying at her home!
Even though she knew this was likely just Ye Liangchen making things up, a lingering sense of heaviness clung to her heart.
This heaviness inexplicably stirred up a wave of irritation within her.
"It must be the heat," Li Qingxue thought, glancing up at the sky. The bright, scorching sunlight made her squint slightly. "The hot weather is making me irritable. That must be it!"
This seemingly illogical yet perfectly reasonable explanation helped Li Qingxue's mind gradually settle.
The innocence of youth, the slowness of emotions, and the desperate search for excuses all coalesced into a seed, which she buried deep within her heart.
...
Meanwhile, after losing sight of Li Qingxue's figure, Ye Liangchen walked home with a sense of disappointment.
As soon as he arrived, he saw his mother chatting with the neighbors.
When he got closer and overheard her words, his expression instantly darkened.
"Of course! My son is doing exceptionally well in school. Getting into a university in the capital will be a breeze for him."
"Absolutely! Just look at my son—tall, handsome, and with such a great personality. He’s incredibly popular with the girls at school."
"Not to mention he’s already a college student. His future? I can’t even imagine how bright it’s going to be!"
Hearing his mother’s praise, Ye Liangchen let out a slow breath and reluctantly walked over.
"Son, you’re back! Tell your aunties how this year’s college entrance exam questions were."
Ye Liangchen scratched his head awkwardly. "This year’s questions were... manageable."
"Listen to him! My son is so humble. If he says it was manageable, then it was no problem at all. Hahaha!"
Ye Liangchen quickly pulled his mother aside. "Mom, how many times have I told you? Even though I’m amazing, could you please tone it down a little?"
"My precious boy is so outstanding. Can’t a mother brag a little?"
"Fine, do as you please," Ye Liangchen sighed.
But then he thought about it—his mother wasn’t entirely wrong. After all, he was a reincarnator, destined to rise above others in the future. A little bit of showing off wouldn’t hurt.
"The exams are finally over. Take some time to rest at home these days."
Suddenly, his mother remembered something. "Oh, by the way, I’ll take you shopping for some clothes this afternoon."
"I saw Auntie Wang’s kid wearing this cool ice-silk shirt earlier. It looked great and felt so smooth and cool to the touch. It’ll look even better on my handsome son!"
This was just how his mother was—always comparing herself to others, especially when she felt inferior. She would always find a way to assert herself using whatever advantage she had.
And right now, the only thing she could proudly flaunt was her beloved son.
At least when it came to comparing sons, she had the upper hand.
It also helped that her son was so capable.
"Alright," Ye Liangchen agreed, mainly because he was feeling down and thought a change of scenery might help.
As for comparing himself to Auntie Wang’s 14-year-old kid? No thanks. He didn’t want to leave the poor boy with irreparable psychological trauma. After all, he was a high-quality, fashion-forward heartthrob.
After lunch, his mother took him out on her electric scooter to buy clothes.
"Mom, isn’t this the way to the morning market?"
"Auntie Wang said the clothing vendor is set up near the morning market."
"There it is, right across the street."
Following his mother’s voice, Ye Liangchen spotted a stall set up under a square canopy.
"Stop the scooter!!!" Ye Liangchen’s voice was filled with excitement.
His mother stopped and turned to look at her precious son, following his gaze to where Long Aotian and Hu Yuying were.
Her face immediately soured. "Sharp-tongued and destined to be a nobody, stuck selling stuff at a stall for the rest of his life."
She couldn’t forget how Long Aotian had once insulted her at school.
She was always the one dishing out insults, but that time, she had been humiliated by an 18-year-old kid!
A smirk tugged at Ye Liangchen’s lips as he slowly got off the scooter, hands in his pockets, watching the scene with amusement.
"Hmph, Hu Yuying, you have no idea what you’ve lost!"
In his dreams, Hu Yuying was a goddess of finance and business, her worth beyond measure.
But now, it was clear that she had been dragged down by Long Aotian, that scoundrel.
If he didn’t step in to save her, she might end up stuck in menial jobs for the rest of her life.
Thinking this, Ye Liangchen suddenly closed his eyes and took a deep breath. "Mom, let’s head back."
"Go back?"
"Yeah, let’s go. I have a plan. Long Aotian dared to insult you in front of me. I won’t let him off easy. He’ll learn what happens when you cross me!"
Seeing her son’s determined expression, his mother felt a surge of pride. Truly, her precious boy was something else.
Since he had made up his mind, she had no choice but to take him home.
Once they got back, Ye Liangchen thought for a moment and said, "Mom, can you give me some money?"
His mother, who doted on him, naturally didn’t refuse.
With the money in hand, Ye Liangchen went to his room and pulled out a white shirt and black skinny jeans from his wardrobe.
After dressing up, he stood tall and looked at his mature, handsome reflection in the mirror. He combed his hair into a more grown-up style and couldn’t help but chuckle. "From this moment on, the gap between us will only grow wider!"
With that, he turned and left the house.
...
On her way back after buying food, Hu Yuying spotted Long Aotian chatting with three women in their twenties, making them laugh.
Even after the three women left, Long Aotian craned his neck to sneak a glance at their long legs.
Watching Long Aotian’s actions, Hu Yuying pursed her lips.
She glanced at the three women—their crop tops and short shorts exposing their midriffs and long legs—and then looked down at her own plain T-shirt and full-length pants. She lowered her gaze without a word.
"Tired? You look worn out. Go rest when we get home," Long Aotian said with concern as he noticed Hu Yuying dragging her feet while carrying the food.
Hu Yuying shot him a resentful look before turning her back to him...