Chapter 071

Zhao Miaomiao was also a bit flustered. She wasn’t ready to leave Wu Zhishang yet—she hadn’t secured her next option.

“Wu Zhishang, why don’t you trust me? Lv Jian was just feeling down, and as his closest friend, is it so wrong for me to comfort him?”

Wu Zhishang’s heart turned to ash. “And ‘comforting’ means hugging in a room and doing this?”

“A kiss is just a way to console someone. It doesn’t mean anything. You have to believe me.” Zhao Miaomiao insisted, her tone unshaken.

Lin Ran was utterly dumbfounded by their words. He had to admit, he’d underestimated just how low this pair could go.

Wu Zhishang’s lingering hope died completely.

“Fine. Keep ‘comforting’ him, then. We’re done.”

He turned to leave. Lin Ran was surprised by Wu Zhishang’s calmness until he saw the look in his eyes—he was already numb with grief.

Zhao Miaomiao panicked. “What do you mean? I told you I was just comforting Lv Jian! Can you stop making a scene?”

Wu Zhishang scoffed. “I’m making a scene? Fine. I won’t anymore. I’m leaving.”

Zhao Miaomiao flushed with anger. She hated his attitude right now.

“The fact that you’re here proves you don’t trust me, Wu Zhishang. I never thought you’d be like this. And how did you even know I was here? Have you been spying on me?”

Wu Zhishang gave a bitter smile. “This hotel belongs to Brother Lin. He saw the two of you laughing and checking in together. I trust him—he wouldn’t lie to me. Do you want me to call the hotel staff to confirm?”

Zhao Miaomiao froze, finally releasing Lv Jian. “What did you say?”

“He said this hotel is mine. You two ‘won a prize’ and came here to book a room. Did I get that wrong?”

Both of them were stunned—not by Wu Zhishang’s words, but by Lin Ran’s identity.

“Pfft… yeah right. You’re full of it.” Lv Jian refused to believe it.

Wu Zhishang walked out of the room, step by step. He didn’t want to argue about right or wrong anymore. He just wanted to leave.

As long as he stayed here, his heart would keep burning in agony.

Lin Ran followed. Zhao Miaomiao shoved Lv Jian aside and chased after them, while Lv Jian frowned and trailed behind.

What was supposed to be a romantic moment had turned into… this.

Downstairs, Lin Ran patted Wu Zhishang’s shoulder reassuringly.

“Bro, breaking up is her loss and your gain. Zhao Miaomiao never loved you. Someone who truly loves you wouldn’t hurt you like this.”

Tear tracks still glistened on Wu Zhishang’s face, his desolation painful to see.

“I know, Brother Lin. But… I feel like you’ve changed a lot lately, especially in how you see relationships. Honestly, I still can’t believe how easily you let Liu Ruxue go. How did you do it?”

Lin Ran sighed.

“Because I learned what real love is. With Liu Ruxue, I gave her everything, and all I got in return was her playing dumb—stringing me along, dangling just enough hope to keep me chasing her.”

“That kind of hope makes you feel like you’re one step away from winning her over, but that step might as well be a thousand miles.”

“Listen, I’ll only say this once: let Zhao Miaomiao go. You can’t wake someone who’s pretending to sleep, and you can’t move someone who doesn’t love you.”

“Take me, for example. I gave up someone who didn’t love me, and now I have someone who treasures me with her whole heart.”

Wu Zhishang glanced at him. “And Luo Yao… is she a compromise or love?”

Lin Ran didn’t hesitate. “Love. The kind that carves itself into your bones and tears your heart open. Do I look like someone who settles? I cherish what we have now. I’d die for Luo Yao if I had to.”

Wu Zhishang didn’t fully understand what had happened between Lin Ran and Luo Yao, but he silently wished them happiness.

And he realized now—Zhao Miaomiao’s attitude earlier was proof enough. If someone doesn’t love you, no amount of pleading will make them see the light.

“I get it, Brother Lin. I think… I need some time alone to sort myself out. See you later.”

“Take care.”

Just then, Zhao Miaomiao and Lv Jian rushed downstairs—only to see Lin Ran and Wu Zhishang stepping into their cars: one a Ferrari, the other a luxurious Rolls-Royce.

Both of them gaped like stunned ducks. After a long silence, Lv Jian finally muttered, “Miaomiao, they probably rented those. I’ll get you one tomorrow.”

Zhao Miaomiao shoved him away, screaming, “This is all your fault! If it weren’t for you, Wu Zhishang would never have left me! I hate you!”

Fumbling for her phone, she dialed Wu Zhishang’s number.

“Baby, where are you?”

His voice came through, cold and final: “Don’t call me again. I only answered to tell you—we’re over. You lost me for good.”

He hung up and blocked her.

Later, Wu Zhishang’s car stopped by a bridge. He stepped out, gripping the railing as he stared blankly at the traffic below.

If I jumped from here… would it hurt?

No. I still owe Brother Lin money. Can’t die yet.

Zhao Miaomiao… why did you do this to me? Was I really just your backup plan?

Tears streamed down his face, his sobs raw and broken.

“A man who cries… how sexy.”

A bright, teasing voice cut through his thoughts. Wu Zhishang turned to see a familiar woman beside him.

“Why are you here?”

Chen Qingtian leaned closer, studying him with mock seriousness.

“Heartbroken? Well, I’ll generously treat you to drinks tonight. My treat.”

……

Back in the Rolls-Royce, heading to the estate.

“That kid Wu Zhishang… he’s really going through it.”

Luo Yao narrowed her eyes at Lin Ran. “A-Ran… you’re not actually interested in Wu Zhishang, are you?”

Lin Ran stiffened, then scowled. Is she seriously questioning my sexuality right now?

Before he could retort, Luo Yao added lazily,

“If you get too close to him, I might have to deal with him—even if he’s a man.”

Lin Ran took a deep breath.

“Yao Yao, we’ve been friends since childhood. That’s all. His parents are good people, and I just wanted to help him out. If this is making you uncomfortable, I’ll see him less and spend more time with you, okay?”

Luo Yao nodded. “Good. I believe you.”

“But… can you repeat what you told Wu Zhishang earlier?”

Lin Ran blinked. “Which part?”

“The part about how much you love me.” Her lips curled into a ghostly smirk.

Lin Ran laughed. “Oh, you heard that? Sure, I’ll say it as many times as you want.”

Love isn’t just shown—it should be said, too.

Just as they arrived at the estate and stepped out of the car, Luo Yao’s expression darkened.

An unwelcome guest had arrived.

“Bet you didn’t expect me to escape, did you, niece?”