6
His tone was self–righteous. As if I’d cheated
on him.
But who did he think he was?
I was initially angry, ready to retort.
But noticing something unusual, I paused.
Looking up, I ignored Shawn and took Ling
Xiao’s hand.
“Let’s go, ignore him, we’ll be late for class.”
Both men looked at me.
Ling Xiao was flattered and smiled.
He’d be ecstatic if I were just a little nice to
him.
He hugged my shoulder and nuzzled my hair,
“Okay, I’ll listen to you.”
Shawn’s face darkened.
He tried to grab me, but Ling Xiao blocked
him, pushing his hand away forcefully.
Ling Xiao shielded me, coldly saying, “What
do you want with my wife?”
“Your wife?!”
That sharp, distorted cry wasn’t from Shawn.
I turned to see Xavier and Zane.
Today’s classes were out of the question.
Xavier stepped closer, scrutinizing Ling Xiao
and me.
His usual sweet demeanor was gone,
replaced by bitterness.
“How long have you guys been together that
you’re calling each other husband and wife?
Shameless!”
“Sister, listen to me, you can’t have this guy!”
“If you really need a boyfriend… I can
reluctantly be your boyfriend.”
Ling Xiao almost laughed.
He retorted, “Stealing someone’s boyfriend to
their face? Who’s shameless?!”
They started arguing, childish anu
embarrassing.
I saw students discreetly recording.
I didn’t want to see this on the school
confession wall.
I tugged Ling Xiao’s sleeve to leave.
Zane spoke, his voice calm yet like a knife,
piercing my heart.
“Xie Yan, as long as they’re good to you,
anyone will do, right?”
I wasn’t surprised Zane knew about Ling Xiao.
It was easy to find out, as Ling Xiao’s pursuit
had been very public.
He’d transferred this semester.
While he was attractive, I hadn’t paid him
much attention.
I was friendly with my classmates, and we
quickly bonded.
We’d have lunch and study together
occasionally.
Until Zane and I broke up.
He found me in the hospital three days after
my leave of absence.
Like Zane, he provided me with attentive
care, cheering me up.
Unlike Zane, he didn’t hide his feelings.
He repeatedly confessed his love and
infatuation.
I observed him for a long time.
After receiving confirmation from a private
investigator, I became his girlfriend.
The sunlight was blinding.
I looked at Zane, waiting for my answer.
I smiled, “Yes, what about it?”
“I’ll like whoever’s useful to me, except my
exes, of course.”
7
I hadn’t expected my relationship with Ling
Xiao to affect them so much.
They hadn’t believed me when I said I had a
boyfriend.
Ling Xiao and I made it to the second class.
We sat in the front row.
Xavier quickly sat next to me.
Zane and Shawn sat behind us.
Ling Xiao was gritting his teeth.
Amidst the tense atmosphere, we sat through
class.
Xavier couldn’t contain himself, asking, “Sis,
are you serious about him?”
After receiving no response, he hung his
head.
The others remained calm.
After school, Ling Xiao talked to me while I
nodded, not really listening.
He’d ordered my favorite takeout, bought
flowers or desserts.
I leaned in and kissed his cheek.
A clatter of pens and books.
Chairs scraping.
I remained indifferent.
Ling Xiao blushed. He stared at my lips,
swallowing, wanting to kiss me again–but he
kissed a man’s hand.
Ling Xiao’s face changed, he stepped back
and glared.
Sparks flew between him and Shawn.
They stood up, ready to fight.
I called out, “Shawn.”
Not Ling Xiao.
Both froze. Shawn looked at me, a hint of
anticipation in his eyes.
I smiled slowly, “Even if you drive him away, I
wouldn’t choose you.”
Shawn froze. Then, like he’d been stung, he
laughed, incredulous and sarcastic.
He became enraged, “Who do you think you
are? What are you? You think I’d be your
boyfriend? Don’t be delusional! Look at your
family…”
L
He rambled on, attacking wildly, clearly losing
- it.
Zane elbowed him, “Shut up, you’ll regret this
later.”
Zane looked at me, his face heavy and
confused.
“I have one question.”
I thought he’d say something cruel, frowning.
Zane asked, “Why haven’t you kissed me?”
