I Am Not a Saint

As soon as the school bell rang, students began gathering around the announcement board where the provincial competition results were posted.

At the very top of the list was Zhou Yi’s name.

Perfect score.

“This guy is insane… Who even gets a perfect score in a math modeling competition? That’s just unreal.”

“At least he’s bringing glory to Huai University, beating all those elite students from 985 and 211 schools. The principal must be over the moon.”

“And it’s not just the principal—look at Old Liu, his wrinkles are practically blooming from how hard he’s smiling.”

“I’m posting this on Weibo’s fan community. Another day, another shock from God Yi.”

“Careful, or people will call you a paid shill again.”

“No one can claim foul play when he’s ranked first in the provincial competition. Time to shut those haters up!”

...

Chu Han tilted her head up, spotting Zhou Yi’s name at the top of the list.

She was genuinely happy for him, but the distance between them felt as vast as the leaderboard itself—she could only look up at him from afar.

“Han-jie, Zhou Yi’s coming over.”

Lost in her thoughts, Chu Han was nudged by her roommate.

She turned to see the crowd parting automatically as Zhou Yi approached.

A few people congratulated him, but he only responded with a faint smile and a nod.

He had just come to check the results, never expecting to run into Chu Han here.

Pushed to the edge of the crowd, she could only watch him silently.

After a brief glance at the board, Zhou Yi turned to leave.

His advisor, Liu Wei, was waiting in the office to hand him the competition prize money.

Chu Han squeezed her way through the crowd to catch up with him.

“Yi-gege, wait.”

Zhou Yi stopped and looked at her.

Chu Han nervously gripped her sleeves, staring down at her shoes.

“I broke up with Gao Wenhao.”

“Mm. I know.”

“My mom had her surgery. It went well, and she’s recovering.”

“Good.”

“I sold all the luxury items I bought before. I can pay you back 10,000 first.”

“Just transfer it to me on WeChat.”

No matter what Chu Han said, Zhou Yi listened quietly.

His emotions were muted—neither cold nor warm.

This indifference terrified her more than anything.

When someone cares, they show emotion—fear, anger, nervousness.

Even if Zhou Yi had mocked or scolded her, it would’ve hurt less than this.

“Yi-gege, I’m trying to change. I’ve been studying hard lately, and my grades improved in the last quiz…”

“You don’t need to report these things to me.”

Chu Han’s eyes reddened.

“No, I just… I want you to know I’ve really changed. The biggest regret of my life was breaking up with you.”

“So you just can’t forget me?”

“No matter how much I tell myself we’re in different worlds now, I still can’t stop thinking about you.”

“Then do you like me now?”

“Yes. I know it’s too late, but I mean it. Really.”

“Not because of money, not because I’m famous—just because of me?”

His words stabbed straight into Chu Han’s heart.

Her past actions had ruined her image in his eyes, making even her confession seem calculated.

She took a step back, tears streaming uncontrollably.

But who could she blame?

She had brought this on herself.

Whether Zhou Yi meant to wound her or not, she knew forgiveness was unlikely.

“So no matter what I do, I can’t fix how you see me?”

Finally, Zhou Yi met her tearful gaze with a serious expression.

“You think I didn’t know who you were back then?”

“I knew you were vain. I knew you were materialistic. I knew you were just using me.”

“But I was stupid. When I loved you, even your temper tantrums seemed cute.”

“I worked hard to earn money, to feed your desires and vanity. I never asked for anything in return—I just wanted you to be happy.”

“And how did you repay me? Do you really think there’s any going back?”

The moment he spoke, Chu Han broke down completely.

Yes, Zhou Yi had known.

He’d always known who she was, so she never hid her worst self from him.

All her ugliness, all her tantrums—she’d unleashed them on him.

She had trampled on his love and sincerity.

How could she dare ask for another chance?

Yet the thought of a future without him made her world seem bleak and colorless.

“I’m sorry… I’m so sorry. But I just… I can’t accept that you don’t love me anymore.”

Her heart ached as if suffocating, the pain so sharp she could barely breathe.

Zhou Yi watched her coldly, feeling only pity.

The best revenge wasn’t crushing her hope entirely—it was giving her a glimmer before snuffing it out.

He handed her a tissue. “Wipe your face.”

Chu Han caught the slight softening in his tone.

Did he still care?

Zhou Yi had always been tenderhearted. Even if he didn’t love her anymore, maybe he couldn’t bear to see her cry like this.

If she tried harder, maybe he’d change his mind?

“Yi-gege, when are you free? My mom wants to invite you to dinner to thank you for helping us. Would that be okay?”

“We’ll see. I’m busy now.”

He didn’t outright refuse, leaving her dangling.

With a sigh, Chu Han watched his retreating figure until it disappeared.

In the office, Liu Wei held out the 30,000-yuan prize money, but Zhou Yi didn’t take it.

“Professor, use this to support the financially struggling students in our class. No need to announce the source—just give it to them privately.”

No one wanted their hardships made public, and Zhou Yi respected their dignity.

The other teachers in the office overheard and couldn’t help admiring his kindness.

Liu Wei felt conflicted.

He’d seen how Zhou Yi was treated by his classmates before.

Yet here he was, wanting to help them. This was true magnanimity.

“Some of these students might’ve bullied you. Does that not bother you?”

Zhou Yi smiled faintly. “No. It’s all in the past. I never held onto it.”

Liu Wei was genuinely moved by his character and gave his shoulder an approving pat.

But was Zhou Yi truly selfless?

No. He had his motives.

He knew exactly which classmates struggled financially—Zhang Wu among them.

And given Liu Wei’s personality, he’d definitely reveal the money’s origin.

How would Zhang Wu react?

Either he’d crumble under the gap between himself and Zhou Yi, his pride shattered at accepting charity from someone he despised.

Or, if he had any conscience left, he’d come crawling with an apology.

If Zhang Wu remains unrepentant and continues to scheme behind the scenes, Zhou Yi won’t hesitate to play dirty. He’ll expose Zhang Wu’s status as a poverty-stricken student—something Zhang Wu desperately wants to keep hidden.

After all, Zhou Yi isn’t some saint. How could he not feel the urge to strike back?

It’ll be up to Zhang Wu to decide how to handle the fallout.

Realistically, the money allocated to Zhang Wu would probably amount to just a couple thousand yuan.

Zhou Yi hasn’t forgotten who was responsible for the original host’s humiliation. Spending a few thousand to get even with Zhang Wu seems like a fair trade.

After leaving the office, Zhou Yi received a message from Jiang Ruolan on WeChat.

Ruolan: President Zhou, the interviews for this week are fully scheduled. I’ve completed the preliminary screening, and the final candidate list is awaiting your approval.

Zhou Yi: Has the interview time been finalized?

Ruolan: They’re set for Saturday and Sunday. I’m afraid it’ll take up both of your days.

Zhou Yi: That many people?

Ruolan: Yes.

On the other end of the chat, Jiang Ruolan smiled wryly.

Clearly, President Zhou had no idea just how attractive his job posting was. If she hadn’t closed the application channel, they wouldn’t have even finished the initial screening by the weekend.

Zhou Yi: If it’s convenient, let’s have dinner Friday night to discuss. My treat—you’ve been working hard these past few days.

Jiang Ruolan felt a warmth in her chest. As the president’s assistant, she was expected to report at any time.

But Zhou Yi had made it clear: if something could be handled during the day, it shouldn’t be left for nighttime updates.

He always replied to her messages the next morning, never disturbing her at night unless it was urgent.

The reason he suggested Friday night was because he had another competition to attend during the day—an exam too important to miss.

With that settled, the two agreed to meet for dinner on Friday.

Meanwhile, Zhou Yi waited calmly for the upcoming competition.

The outcome would determine whether he could silence his critics in one fell swoop—and just how much "heartbeat value" he could earn in the process.