However, just when Su Chen was feeling elated, he suddenly spotted someone who dampened his spirits: Zhang Li! She had a beaming expression, causing Su Chen's previously joyous mood to plummet instantly.
Damn, why is this woman here? I'm speechless. No worries, today's plot isn't about her anyway. Let her be there, as long as Qu Xiaoqi continues the act with me, he thought. Recalling Qu Xiaoqi's angry demeanor from before, Su Chen felt a wave of relief, clearly everything was going as per his plan.
As he was lost in thought, Su Chen suddenly felt his head come into contact with something soft and warm. It was accompanied by a fragrant scent, truly delightful. But when he turned to look, he found Qu Xiaoqi's beautiful oval face showing utter panic. Her face was pale, seemingly very concerned about Su Chen's condition, while he was entirely embraced against her chest.
To be honest, Su Chen was initially fine, but Qu Xiaoqi's grip was so tight that he found it hard to breathe. He coughed a few times, which alarmed Qu Xiaoqi even more. "Su Chen, are you okay?" she asked.
"You're okay, right?" During her shout, she kept shaking Su Chen's already oxygen-deprived head back and forth. Qu Xiaoqi had also felt the murderous punch from Qin Yu earlier and, in that moment, she had braced herself for death. However, at the last moment, she felt someone push her from behind.
Once everything was over and she regained her composure, she saw Su Chen fallen next to her. Clearly, Su Chen had saved her. Feeling Su Chen's kindness, Qu Xiaoqi was immensely grateful in her heart.
Although inherently kind-hearted, he had to put on a facade. She knew about Su Chen's formidable martial abilities. Yet, she never expected Su Chen to willingly expose his martial strength just to save her.
Qu Xiaoqi had been able to hear Su Chen's inner thoughts for some time but had never seen him reveal his abilities because of anything. Yet now, he had exposed himself because of her. Many thoughts emerged in Qu Xiaoqi's mind.
On the other hand, she had never had a good impression of Qin Yu, and now, she despised him even more. She saw his earlier actions as an attempt to get back at Su Chen through her. At the same time, she blamed herself, thinking if she hadn't pushed Su Chen away earlier, this wouldn't have happened.
[What's going on, Qu Xiaoqi? Let go of me quickly. I'm suffocating!]
[I'm just pretending to be injured. Do you have to be this agitated?]
[I can't figure it out. Are you truly grateful that I saved you or are you trying to suffocate me with this method?]
Hearing Su Chen's inner voice, Qu Xiaoqi's tense heart immediately relaxed.
He was fine originally!
After calming down, Qu Xiaoqi immediately realized their current position was rather intimate. Su Chen's head was entirely embraced by her. Qu Xiaoqi's rosy lips couldn't help but curl slightly upwards, and a hint of enchantment appeared in her beautiful eyes.
Even though Qu Xiaoqi and Su Chen hadn't met many times, Su Chen had a bad reputation. At first, she really thought of Su Chen as a good-for-nothing spoiled young master. Being an artistic girl, she naturally disliked such people. In fact, if she ever heard that Su Chen was attending any of the high-society gatherings, she would definitely not go.
But ever since she heard Su Chen's inner voice, she found out he wasn't like that at all. He was actually quite outstanding in every way. Especially in the arts, he was simply top-tier. Many ancient poems that she had never heard of before were significant enough to be renowned throughout history. Whenever she thought about her past grievances and slander towards Su Chen, she would feel guilty.
Now, Su Chen had saved her life and even went against his own principles. Such a person truly deserves respect. The most frightening thing in the world is making comparisons. And the impression that Qin Yu once left in her mind was simply too bad in comparison.
He couldn't help but show off the moment he knew something.
Moreover, he's ruthless and will use any means to achieve his goals. Just now, Su Chen saved her life.
She, of course, wanted to repay the favor. However, Su Chen himself was now speechless.
Feeling himself lying in the soft embrace of the innocent school beauty, Su Chen was both pleased and very irritated. What the hell is going on?
The joy on Qu Xiaoqi's face was uncontrollable, leaving Su Chen even more speechless. Although you, Qu Xiaoqi, are kind-hearted and wouldn't feel satisfied seeing him get beaten up and seriously injured by Qin Yu, there's no need to get this close and show so much concern, right? What will the protagonist, Qin Yu, think? It's as if he could see the green hat on the male lead, Qin Yu's head.
Luckily, I was smart and kept a backup plan.
[Anyway, my target this time isn't you, Qu Xiaoqi, but the ambitious Yang Yuxin.]
Su Chen thought to himself, no worries, there are many righteous people here who would surely disapprove of his actions just now. As long as Yang Yuxin gets drawn out, it's fine.
Yang Yuxin wasn't nurtured by him like Su Xian'er, so even if she likes him, Su Chen believes Yang Yuxin can still be swayed by emotions. When the time comes, as long as she claims she doesn't like him, everything will be resolved. Hahaha.
Unbeknownst to Su Chen, Qu Xiaoqi had heard all of his inner thoughts.
At that moment, an interesting idea suddenly emerged in her mind.
Why not play along with Su Chen's act? This way, Yang Yuxin would choose to leave Su Chen, providing an opportunity. Tsk, tsk, tsk! I certainly don't have feelings for Su Chen.
Although Qu Xiaoqi doesn't dislike Su Chen now, she certainly doesn't wish to develop a relationship with him like the one with Su Xian'er. Qin Yu has now also snapped out of his rage.
Even though he saw Qu Xiaoqi's current behavior with Su Chen as very intimate, deep down he felt just a hint of discomfort. But more than that, he felt joy, because Su Chen, the scoundrel he's resented for so long, was finally taught a lesson.
Joy surged in his heart. The reason why Qu Xiaoqi came to protect Su Chen wasn't important anymore.
All he wanted now was to see Su Chen's reputation in ruins. "Su Chen, a scoundrel like you deserves to be punished by everyone. How dare you use Miss Qu as a human shield, it's disgraceful!"
"The Su family actually nurtured a waste like you. I don't think they're worthy of being the first family in Kyoto!"
After saying this, Qin Yu cast a somewhat guilty glance at Qu Xiaoqi, as many of his plans had previously been ruined by these women. However, upon hearing Su Chen's words, Qu Xiaoqi had no reaction or any intention of retorting.
This made Qin Yu very happy, thinking to himself, 'Indeed, Qu Xiaoqi still prefers me.' Qin Yu was initially extremely excited, but a sudden pain from an old injury brought his high spirits crashing down.
Thinking about the one who had tormented him so, who was none other than the profligate young master in front of him, Qin Yu's mood improved significantly. And with Qin Yu leading the charge, the anger of the others present flared up.
They glared at Su Chen, voicing their righteous indignation.
To argue that Qu Xiaoqi submitted because of Su Chen's status and wealth is implausible since she too comes from a prominent family.
As everyone found it hard to believe, seeing Qu Xiaoqi's slightly flushed face, they had no choice but to accept it.
Qin Yu, on the other hand, was utterly befuddled, like someone seeing a mirage in the desert—where hope turns to despair.
Being the protagonist, Qin Yu wouldn't succumb to such despondency; what he felt was pure rage.
Qin Yu coldly glared at Su Chen and then said to Qu Xiaoqi, "Miss Qu, you shouldn't be too kind. Such individuals are societal outcasts and deserve a lesson. Otherwise, it's hard to convince others!"
In reality, Su Chen thought Qu Xiaoqi didn't look like she was too kind to behave this way. Regardless, with Qu Xiaoqi playing her role, she targeted everything towards him. The more detestable he appears, the better Qin Yu's reputation becomes.
Su Chen was secretly delighted because this scenario seemed the most plausible out of all their encounters. With this in mind, he shifted all his attention to Qu Xiaoqi. However, before Su Chen could hear Qu Xiaoqi's response, a familiar yet tempting voice sounded.
Zhang Li!
Although Su Chen wasn't sure what would happen next, he had a clear sense that it wouldn't be good news for him.
"Ladies and gentlemen, I believe you all have the wrong idea. The situation is not what you think."
Zhang Li was dressed in her professional OL attire, standing at 1.67 meters with a slender figure, and wearing transparent high heels, looking extremely tempting.
Her every move exuded elegance and allure, embodying the world's most beautiful gestures.
Many were left in awe, expressing their admiration.
Especially Su Chen, even though he had taken advantage of Zhang Li multiple times, he felt an indescribable enchanting sensation. He couldn't help but sigh in admiration.
This woman, as if descended from the heavens, now graces my side.
Seeing Zhang Li appear, Qin Yu slightly furrowed his brows, having a bad premonition. Even though he had fantasized about Zhang Li in the past, once she pledged loyalty to Su Chen, Qin Yu started to see her as an enemy.
"Madam, please refrain from speaking recklessly. We are not familiar with each other and have no grudges. Making such defamatory statements could come at a price."
Qin Yu smirked and confidently stated, "The eyes of the crowd here are clear. We all saw Su Chen trying to force himself on Miss Qu Xiaoqi."
At this remark, many others nodded in agreement. They had all witnessed the earlier events.
However, Su Chen's ominous feeling grew stronger, because he knew that Zhang Li was not the kind of woman who acted without certainty.
Sure enough, upon hearing Qin Yu's words, Zhang Li's eyebrows raised in anger, coldly retorting, "How do you know I don't have evidence? Moreover, didn't Miss Qu Xiaoqi just say that it had nothing to do with Su Chen?"
While speaking, Zhang Li took out her phone and played a video clip, which clearly showed the earlier situation. Everyone could see that it was indeed Su Chen who had saved Qu Xiaoqi. Otherwise, Qu Xiaoqi might have been harmed by this Qin Yu.
Zhang Li continued in a soft voice, "Everyone knows about the conflict between Young Master Su and you, Qin Yu. Not long ago, you suffered quite a bit at Su Chen's hands."
"Could it be that you're trying to seize this opportunity for revenge?"
The crowd was taken aback, wondering what she meant.
A twist in the tale? Was Qin Yu actually trying to use this incident to retaliate against Su Chen? The earlier scene, whether it was Qu Xiaoqi getting hurt or Su Chen, seemed acceptable to Qin Yu either way.
Because, in the end, the only beneficiary would be Qin Yu.
After all, this matter started because of Su Chen. If anything were to happen to Qu Xiaoqi, the Qu family would not easily let Su Chen off the hook. Everyone present now seemed to understand much more clearly.
Qin Yu, filled with rage, glared at Zhang Li. At this moment, he wished he could tear apart this woman with a dignified and beautiful appearance, filled with seductive charm.
However, Qin Yu wouldn't let it go so easily. He turned to Qu Xiaoqi and said, "Madam, your words are far-fetched. Are you implying that Su Chen's actions against Miss Qu Xiaoqi are my fault?"
"Besides, just now, Miss Qu Xiaoqi spoke out of kindness."
Many of Qu Xiaoqi's classmates also sided with Qin Yu, believing that Su Chen's behavior was indeed too excessive.
"Yes, Qu Xiaoqi, speak out, and we will surely stand by you."
"Don't waste your kindness on such people; it's not worth it. Su Chen deserves to be jailed!"
Seeing the expressions on the faces of Qu Xiaoqi's classmates, as if they wished to tear him apart, Su Chen felt relieved. Yes, send me to jail. He was so desperate he hoped that Yang Yuxin would come and take him away.
"I've told you, you all have misunderstood. The interactions between Su Chen and me were all in jest. We've been friends for many years."
Upon hearing this, Su Chen was flabbergasted. Goodness, even if we combined our past 33 lives, we haven't met that many times. What does she mean we've known each other for a long time? And Qin Yu, who was initially smug, was now stunned. What's going on? Why would Qu Xiaoqi say such a thing?
Qin Yu was certain that there was no connection between Su Chen and Qu Xiaoqi. That's precisely why he felt so confident. Then why would she make such a statement?
Qin Yu was puzzled.
But soon, he figured it out. Qu Xiaoqi must have misunderstood and thought that Su Chen was the one who had once saved her. Indeed, that must be the case. Earlier, when the two were so close to each other, something must have happened, leading Qu Xiaoqi to this misunderstanding.
It's all Su Chen's scheme.
Or perhaps the machination of the powerful figure behind Su Chen. Thinking of this, Qin Yu couldn't help but sneer. Su Chen, you never would have guessed that the one who saved Qu Xiaoqi years ago was me.
Qin Yu was also quite excited because he was eager to see how Qu Xiaoqi would react once she found out that he was the one who had saved her in the past!