Chapter 58: Regret
"Even if what you're saying is true, so what? She's my woman now. And let's be honest—while the world might learn about you two today, they've already been gossiping about us since last night. If we're talking about who came first, I think I win," Ye Tianlin sneered, his tone laced with contempt.
"Ye Tianlin, I'm not here to pick a fight," Nan Shaojie said, his fists clenched tightly.
"Then use whatever tricks you've got. I've never been afraid of anyone in my life," Ye Tianlin retorted with a smirk. He pulled Liang Xiaoluo closer, tilting her chin up before pressing a heavy kiss to her pale lips. Then, he shot Nan Shaojie a triumphant look and declared, "Besides, I've already been with her. Her first time was with me." He provocatively ran a hand over Liang Xiaoluo's abdomen, adding, "And who knows? She might already be carrying my child—our little love."
Ye Tianlin's cold gaze bore into Nan Shaojie. "So if you're looking to get married, you'd better find someone else. She's off the market."
Nan Shaojie felt his vision blur as rage consumed him.
Ye Tianlin.
Images of Liang Xiaoluo and Ye Tianlin together flashed unbidden in his mind, each one more unbearable than the last. He'd suppressed his jealousy before, telling himself it wasn't real unless he saw it with his own eyes or heard it directly.
But now, with the truth out in the open, it was like a volcano erupting inside him, his fury spilling over uncontrollably.
For the first time in his life, Nan Shaojie was this angry.
Unable to hold back any longer, he charged forward and landed a punch squarely on Ye Tianlin's face.
Ye Tianlin staggered under the blow, blood pooling at the corner of his lips, but he didn't retreat. Instead, he wiped the blood away and sneered, "Not bad. I'd expect nothing less from the future leader of the Dragon Empire."
He pulled Liang Xiaoluo behind him protectively before lunging at Nan Shaojie, aiming a punch at his stomach.
Nan Shaojie doubled over, sweat beading on his forehead from the pain.
But Ye Tianlin wasn't unscathed. The earlier punch throbbed, sharp and unrelenting, in his jaw. He gritted his teeth. If this left a permanent mark, Nan Shaojie would pay dearly.
Breathing heavily, the two men sized each other up before launching at each other again.
Two formidable figures, both equally skilled, fought in the middle of the bustling street. Their moves were calculated yet brutal, each hit aimed to take the other down.
Onlookers gathered, their gasps and murmurs adding to the chaos. Some had already pulled out their phones, ready to call the police—or an ambulance.
The commotion jolted Liang Xiaoluo out of her dazed state. She stared at the two men pummeling each other, her mind unable to process the surreal scene.
Soon, Ye Tianlin's men arrived, having heard the commotion. But even they hesitated to intervene as their boss exchanged blow after blow with Nan Shaojie.
Blood stained Nan Shaojie's once pristine white shirt, the red blotches stark against the fabric. Meanwhile, Ye Tianlin, clad in black, managed to hide most of his injuries, but his face bore visible bruises and cuts.
Liang Xiaoluo gasped, frozen as she watched them fight.
She covered her mouth with trembling hands. Her heart ached as she stared at Nan Shaojie, who seemed to be losing strength. Despite the pain etched on his face, he refused to back down.
"Enough!" Liang Xiaoluo finally shouted, rushing forward to stand between them. Her gaze fell on Nan Shaojie, his bloodied shirt sending a sharp pang through her chest.
"Stop this! Both of you!" she pleaded.
Her eyes lingered on Nan Shaojie's bruised face, her heart clenching with guilt and worry.
Was he alright? Did it hurt?
She wanted to reach out, to touch his face and ask if he was okay. But before she could, Ye Tianlin's voice rang out, sharp and furious.
"Liang Xiaoluo, do you even know what you're doing?" he bellowed, his eyes blazing.
This damned woman. How dare she look at another man with such worry, such tenderness? Wasn't she supposed to be his woman?
Her gaze should be on him, not someone else!
"Get out of the way, Liang Xiaoluo!" Ye Tianlin growled, stepping forward. "I'm going to finish this."
Nan Shaojie straightened, despite his injuries, ready to fight again.
Liang Xiaoluo raised her hand, her voice cold but firm. "Let me speak to him."
Ye Tianlin glared at her. "Liang Xiaoluo!"
"I'll go back with you after this," she said softly, her tone leaving no room for argument.
Ye Tianlin's jaw tightened, frustration rolling off him in waves. After a tense pause, he kicked over a nearby chair and stormed into a nearby store, leaving the two alone.
As the crowd dispersed, Liang Xiaoluo turned back to Nan Shaojie. She pulled a handkerchief from her pocket and carefully dabbed at the blood on his lips. Her touch was gentle, but her heart ached.
"Xiaoluo…" Nan Shaojie reached for her hand, but she pulled away.
"Let's sit down," she said, leading him to a small food stall nearby. This was the same stall they used to visit together—the place where so many of their fondest memories had been made.
"Two of the usual," she told the vendor.
The vendor, recognizing them, hurried to prepare their order, though he couldn't help but wonder about the change in Liang Xiaoluo's company.
Liang Xiaoluo took a sip of the shaved ice, the familiar cold sweetness spreading through her. "It still tastes the same," she murmured, pushing the cup toward Nan Shaojie. "Try it."
He hesitated, staring at the straw she'd already used.
"What? Don't tell me you're disgusted now," she said with a bitter smile. "We used to share the same straw all the time."
Nan Shaojie quickly grabbed the cup and took a sip. "Never. I could never be disgusted by you."
"Really?" Her laugh was hollow. "Do you think we can go back to the way things were?"
"Xiaoluo…" He faltered. "If you're willing, I'll always be your Shaojie. That will never change."
Liang Xiaoluo's smile turned colder. Her gaze met his, and she said, "But I'm not the same Liang Xiaoluo anymore. Didn't you hear what Ye Tianlin said? He's already had me—more than once."