2
It started to rain. I hadn’t brought an
umbrella, so I stood at the bar, trying to hail a
ride–sharing app.
A black car pulled up. I checked the license
plate, catching a glimpse of two matching
numbers before the rain forced me inside.
“Thank you, sir. I…..”
I looked up and saw a familiar face. Cheng
Yingnan, my childhood neighbor.
He handed me a towel, observing me calmly.
“I was coming to your engagement party.
What happened?”
I sighed, slowly drying my hair. “Got
dumped… But aren’t you supposed to be in
く
some exotic place dealing with crocodiles?
Why are you driving a ride–sharing car?”
Cheng Yingnan paused, then chuckled.
“I bet your mom didn’t phrase it that way.
Maybe I studied finance abroad?”
He changed the subject. “Come on, I’ll take
you home. One guy is not worth it. You
deserve better.”
I forced myself to chat. “Yeah, like who?”
Cheng Yingnan dropped me off at my little
apartment. He looked pleased with my
surprised expression.
“Like, a crocodile trader.”
The next day, Alex deposited $50,000 into my
account. It was nothing to him, but I accepted
it as a breakup fee.
It still stung, but I have a strong ability to
heal. I stopped clinging to the unattainable.
I’m an illustrator, and I had neglected my work.
to prepare for the wedding. Now, it was time
く
to get back on my feet.
At the office, discussing a commission, I ran
into an unexpected visitor.
The girl who was clinging to Alex at the bar.
She clearly knew who I was. We were alone in
the elevator. She suddenly laughed.
“So pathetic, chasing after him here.
Hilarious.”
I glared at her, only to see her mocking smile.
“Even if you know Alex works here, it doesn’t
matter. Let me tell you, he’s already put me
here to support my career. Give it up.”
I rolled my eyes, staring straight ahead. “I
work here. Don’t bother yourself. Don’t you
think you’re drawing a lot of attention to
yourself? Hilarious.”
“Seems like being Alex Zhao’s mistress
doesn’t have many perks, huh? I thought
you’d be my boss, so powerful. Don’t
embarrass yourself.”
L
I had always been quick–witted, but I held
back because Alex didn’t like assertive
women.
But this stranger had no right to belittle me.
The girl, furious, stormed out of the elevator.
But she was right. When I got to the editor-
in–chief’s office, Alex was sitting there,
watching me with amusement.
“Lily, this job isn’t for you. It’s too hard.”
“If you really want to work, you can be my
personal assistant. You’ll earn more.”
Alex decided my fate, casually handing my
opportunity to the girl who walked in right
after me.
I heard my own voice, trembling with
suppressed anger: “Alex, what’s wrong with
you? Why are you deciding my life?”
Alex frowned slightly. “I’m your fiancé. What’s
the problem? Still angry about the other day?”
He reached for my hand. “Why bother with all
<
the formalities? You’re marrying me anyway,
right?”
I stepped back, glaring fiercely. “We’re broken
- up. The engagement is void. Don’t touch me.
I’m disgusted.”
