Chapter 17: I Want to Enjoy a Private World with My Man

Liu Qingqing arrived quickly, dressed in a bright and gorgeous outfit, with her own fragrance, she was a sight to behold.

She wanted to give Chen Yang a close hug, but he dodged it. "Senior, are you angry?"

"No." Chen Yang struggled to find his words, trying not to hurt Liu Qingqing. "I just think we'd be more relaxed as friends."

"Why?" Liu Qingqing's face turned pale instantly; she hadn't expected this outcome.

These past few days, Chen Yang had actually been constantly thinking about his and Liu Qingqing's future. From their personalities to worldviews to family relations, everything made him feel pessimistic. "Qingqing, if we're just friends, would you look down on me for driving a Jetta?"

"If we're just friends, would you get angry about me getting married to Lin Wei and ignore me for a few days?"

"No." Liu Qingqing shook her head and continued, "I've figured it out now. You and Senior Lin Wei are just acting; sooner or later you'll break up."

Chen Yang thought this girl was still too naive. He asked her, "Did Lin Wei give you any promise?"

Liu Qingqing nodded quickly and said, "Senior Lin said that as long as you settle her friend's housing matter, she'll break up with you."

"So let her come to me for the house?"

"No. I originally wanted my brother to give her an apartment. She refused, saying we're not related and she can't accept such a big gift."

"Then I brought up your situation."

"I didn't expect her to agree right away to come see you, and she even said demanding a house from you was completely justified." Liu Qingqing still couldn't grasp the meaning behind Lin Wei's words; she could only ask Chen Yang for an answer.

"Senior, is there any other secret between you two?"

"No." Chen Yang rejected her guess and explained, "We got the certificate, so we're legally married. In principle, after marriage she's entitled to half the property, and it's protected by the Marriage Law."

"Ah, you're not just pretending, are you?" Liu Qingqing puzzled.

"We didn't sign a prenuptial agreement. As long as she doesn't admit it's an act, the law will protect her rights."

"Then why didn't you sign an agreement?"

"When I got the certificate with her, I was dirt poor—was there any need to guard against it?"

"So Senior Lin wants ten million yuan to agree to a divorce?" Liu Qingqing fumed, her mood worsening. "How can she be so nasty!"

"Exactly, she's a bad woman." Chen Yang fully agreed with Liu Qingqing's view. Although Lin Wei didn't ask for money and isn't greedy, the whole sequence of events unfolded exactly as she wanted.

"I'm going to settle the score with her!" Liu Qingqing turned and walked off, wishing she could fly straight to Xingcheng University and give Lin Wei a hard slap.

Chen Yang quickly grabbed her hand. "Qingqing, don't be impulsive—you're no match for her; going there would only put you at a disadvantage."

Liu Qingqing said resentfully, "Even if I can't beat her, I'll confront her face‑to‑face and expose her ugly visage."

"She has a marriage certificate!" Chen Yang worried that Liu Qingqing would cause a scene at school and make things impossible to fix, so he warned, "If you go cause trouble, you'll lack legitimacy and everyone will think you're a third wheel fighting over a man. Is that what you want?"

Liu Qingqing immediately stopped in her tracks. Chen Yang was right—if she went to confront Lin Wei, the other side might bite back, calling her a "third woman." With the marriage certificate as evidence, she couldn't clear her name even if she tried.

I'm so angry!

I'm so angry!

Liu Qing had nowhere to vent his anger, so he started pounding Chen Yang's chest. He kept hitting and then began to cry.

"Why is my life so miserable!"

Chen Yang rubbed Liu Qingqing's soft hair, feeling guilty himself. He shouldn't have, he really shouldn't have. Before he settles things with Lin Wei, he can't promise to be with Liu Qingqing.

Now it's awkward for everyone.

Of course, even without Lin Wei, Chen Yang would find it hard to have a long‑term development with Liu Qingqing.

Their upbringings are ultimately different. Chen Yang grew up enduring hardship, seeking a practical life. Liu Qingqing was pampered from childhood and accepted the cultural notions of the upper class. As for the lives of the lower classes, she might be curious but wouldn't truly understand.

Together they are destined to have countless conflicts. Moreover, she has a very influential family behind her, which likewise would not readily accept Chen Yang.

Of course, on Lin Wei's side, Chen Yang also lacks confidence. She alternates between icy aloofness and elusive quirkiness, really hard to fathom. From analysis of his past‑life memories, her desire for control is also strong, and her scheming tactics are unfathomable.

A woman like her can only be subdued by a man stronger than her. Chen Yang, for now, can only match her in bed.

Of course, if forced to choose one, Chen Yang would still pick Lin Wei.

To let Zhang Jun live as he did in his previous life, Chen Yang needs a strong backing in Qingshui.

Lin Wei has background and means; she's a very good helper.

Liu Qingqing is kind‑hearted and simple‑minded. She can't be of help, and might even be used by the opposition.

And her Liu family behind her also cares more about interests. They wouldn't go against the richest person of Qingshui City for Chen Yang. Chen Yang remembers that in his past life, the Liu family and the Zhang family were close economic partners.

Chen Yang already has a wife who's easy to exploit. He doesn't want Liu Qingqing to become another Zhang Meili.

For a man, the most intolerable thing is being betrayed by someone close. Even if that wasn't the other party's intention.

"Senior, really no chance left?" Liu Qingqing looked at Chen Yang unwillingly; her love hadn't even started before it ended. How cruel!

Chen Yang didn't want to give her any unrealistic promises, and consoled, "You'll surely find a partner better than me."

"I don't want that! I hate you!" Liu Qingqing pushed Chen Yang away and ran back to her room, heartbroken.

Chen Yang watched her retreating figure and sighed. In his previous life, he most despised people who were unfaithful in love. He never expected that after rebirth he'd become exactly the type he loathed.

At Xingcheng University, Lin Wei had finished handling the student council's final handover.

She was a bit tired. Last night's impulse brought pleasure as well as discomfort, especially the various reactions after taking contraceptive pills. It made her wish she could grab Chen Yang and give him a fierce beating.

But she couldn't deny that she'd become addicted to that man.

No matter what the outcome of Liu Qingqing's meeting with Chen Yang, she won't let them get back together.

"Lin Wei, want to grab a meal? My treat!" Zhang Jun, as usual, waited outside Lin Wei's office. As long as Lin Wei isn't married, he still has a chance.

"Next time, I have an appointment today." Lin Wei politely turned down Zhang Jun again. Over four years of college, to avoid his pestering she's fabricated excuses that could fill a book. Honestly, she does admire his persistence in her heart. Too bad she's a looks‑obsessed person.

"Is it an appointment with Su Su for a spa? Then I'll go too, and pick up the tab for you two."

Su Su is Lin Wei's university roommate, full name Su Mingyue, whom Zhang Jun had bought off early on. So Zhang Jun always knows Lin Wei's whereabouts at Xingcheng University.

Lin Wei used to not bother with such things, but today she inexplicably felt a bit angry. "No, I want to go enjoy a private world with my man."

"Your man? When did you get a boyfriend?" Zhang Jun felt as if struck by lightning, as if the blue sky above his head had suddenly collapsed.