Make Use of the Subject to Put Forth One's Own Ideas

Bojing Garden was where Fu Nanzhi's parents lived.

Today, Shen Yi had picked her up from there, so it was only natural for him to ask if she wanted to return to her own place.

After a brief pause, Fu Nanzhi shook her head and replied,

"No, let's go back to Peaceful Lake Residence."

Shen Yi nodded.

"Alright, but don’t forget to let your parents know."

"Mm."

To Shu Yunyi, sitting in the back seat, their casual, familiar tone sent a chill down her spine.

‘Has he already met her parents?’

But then she relaxed. What did it matter if he had?

She had already met Shen Yi’s parents and extended family—she was miles ahead in that regard.

Her mind raced during the drive, but it all boiled down to one word: fight.

Having spent years by Shen Yi’s side, Shu Yunyi was certain he was the love of her life. Giving up was out of the question.

Besides, backing down now would mean letting someone else win. She hadn’t come this far just to throw it all away.

Shu Yunyi knew she wasn’t young anymore, but that only made her more determined.

Once she cleared away the distractions around Shen Yi, she was confident her persistence would eventually sway him.

The empty night roads allowed Shen Yi to drive fast without slowing down.

He didn’t stop in Shangyang District, continuing instead toward Jianyuan District.

Both Jingyuan University and Songping Garden were in the same area, close to each other.

Shen Yi took the road near Peaceful Lake Residence, deciding to drop Fu Nanzhi off first.

But as soon as he turned onto the side road, Fu Nanzhi spoke up.

"Take her home first..."

On the surface, it was politeness, but in truth, she had things to say to Shen Yi alone—and that meant getting rid of Shu Yunyi first.

Shu Yunyi, however, wasn’t stupid. She didn’t know what Fu Nanzhi was planning, but she knew her best move was to disrupt it.

From the back seat, she immediately cut in.

"No need."

"I’m in no hurry. Take her home first."

"You two..."

The ball was back in their court. Shen Yi, gripping the steering wheel, had no idea which way to turn, so he just kept driving straight.

Fu Nanzhi tilted her head slightly, glancing back.

"I insist. You should go first."

"Teaching is important—we can’t let you be late for class tomorrow."

Shu Yunyi took a sip from her cup and chuckled.

"Sorry, but I’m off tomorrow."

"What a coincidence, my company’s closed too..."

"Take her."

"No, take her."

The two went back and forth, their polite exchanges almost convincing enough to make them seem like the closest of friends.

By now, Shen Yi’s car was back on the main road, approaching Peaceful Lake Residence. He suggested,

"We’re already here. Let’s just drop you off first, Nanzhi."

"It’s fine, you can turn. I’m not in a rush."

Fu Nanzhi dismissed him without a second thought.

What had started as a calm debate was quickly escalating into an argument.

Fu Nanzhi usually seemed gentle—but that gentleness was reserved for Shen Yi alone. When she needed to be firm, she didn’t hold back.

Shu Yunyi was no pushover either. As a teacher, she was articulate and sharp-tongued, never one to shy away from a verbal spar.

Fortunately, both women had enough restraint to keep things civil. No screaming, no foul language.

But women knew exactly where to strike to hurt the most. Though not a single curse was uttered, Shen Yi, listening from the driver’s seat, broke out in a cold sweat.

Thankfully, the car soon pulled up at Peaceful Lake Residence. Shen Yi parked and announced,

"Nanzhi, we’re here."

He wanted to separate them before things got worse.

But even as he unbuckled his seatbelt, ready to walk her to the door, Fu Nanzhi didn’t budge.

Seeing Shen Yi’s attempt to intervene, Shu Yunyi sensed an advantage. Leaning back, she added mockingly,

"Time to go home. Can’t believe someone would linger when they’re already at their doorstep."

Her taunt was like pouring oil on fire. Fu Nanzhi swatted Shen Yi’s hand away and snapped at Shu Yunyi.

"It’s my home. I’ll leave when I want—no need for your concern!"

Shen Yi had anticipated this day would come, but he wasn’t some domineering alpha male who could command obedience.

Both women were strong-willed, and all he could do was try to mediate fairly.

After a moment’s thought, he tried again.

"Nanzhi, let’s go."

"It’s almost eleven. Any later and your mom will start calling."

Fu Nanzhi was prepared. She had already texted her mother from the boat.

"Don’t worry. She’s staying at Bojing Garden tonight. It doesn’t matter if I’m late."

Shen Yi had no choice. He couldn’t force her, so he started the car again and headed for Jingyuan University.

The drive was short—less than ten minutes—and soon they were at the gates.

Just as Shen Yi expected, Shu Yunyi refused to get out.

The two women were locked in a battle of wills, each refusing to back down, as if leaving first meant admitting defeat.

As their bickering started up again, Shen Yi felt a headache coming on.

He slammed his palm against the steering wheel, and the car horn blared—beep!

Silence fell instantly.

His voice was icy as he snapped,

"Enough. Just stop."

Fu Nanzhi, seeing the usually mild-mannered Shen Yi lose his temper, immediately quieted down, fiddling with her phone instead.

Shu Yunyi had always been wary of this side of him and didn’t dare provoke him further.

But apologizing before Fu Nanzhi? Not a chance. She just huffed and turned to stare out the window, staying silent.

With the two finally subdued, Shen Yi, still irritated, muttered,

"Fine. If neither of you wants to go home, then neither of you will."

"We’ll just sleep in the car."

Without waiting for a response, he hit the gas and drove off.

He wasn’t taking them home anymore—he was heading straight to his own rented apartment.

The fragile balance between the three of them couldn’t be maintained by endless compromise or brute force.

Finding the right middle ground was tough. Shen Yi wasn’t just throwing a tantrum—he was trying to redirect their anger toward him, forcing them to unite against a common "enemy."

Letting them keep arguing was pointless. It was just cowardice, a refusal to take responsibility.

The car’s headlights illuminated the shabby entrance of the old apartment complex as Shen Yi turned in.

Parking and killing the engine, he got out without a word, ignoring the two behind him.

Seeing him leave, Fu Nanzhi and Shu Yunyi scrambled out after him.

He locked the car and strode into the stairwell without looking back.

At the foot of the car, the two women exchanged a glance before silently following.

They climbed to the third floor, where Shen Yi unlocked the door.

Though his attitude was rough, he wasn’t truly angry—just frustrated.

He left the door open for the two trailing behind him. He couldn’t actually make them sleep in the car.

At the table, he poured himself a glass of water and drank it. Behind him, the door creaked—they had caught up.

His tiny rented apartment had never been so crowded.

With him included, there were now three people inside.