The grand gates of the Azure Sky Martial Academy creaked open as a sleek, fashionable car rolled in, its polished body gleaming under the morning sun. The academy students, who had been training or chatting among themselves, turned their heads in unison.
Lu Chen stepped out of the car, his robe embroidered with golden dragons fluttering slightly in the breeze. Behind him, two elegant maids followed, their heads lowered in silent deference. The sight of such extravagance made many students envious, while others sneered.
Among them, Chu Ming's lips curled in disdain. "Hmph, arriving in such a flashy manner… As expected of a bootlicker."
Whispers spread through the crowd. Everyone knew Lu Chen's reputation—someone who clung to powerful figures, lacking any real strength of his own. They smirked, anticipating a spectacle.
Lu Chen walked forward calmly until he stood in front of Chu Ming. Before he could say a word, she crossed her arms and spoke coldly, "Lu Chen, I want our engagement canceled."
Gasps echoed through the gathered students. An engagement annulment in public? The scene had turned far more interesting than anyone had expected.
Lu Chen, however, remained indifferent. Without hesitation, he nodded. "Alright."
Chu Ming blinked, momentarily taken aback by his lack of reaction. "Lu Chen, did you even hear me? I said, I don't like you. So what?" She raised her voice, expecting him to beg or at least show a hint of reluctance.
But Lu Chen remained composed, his gaze steady. "I heard you," he said simply. "I agreed. The engagement is canceled."
A flicker of doubt crossed Chu Ming's face. "Are you telling the truth?" she asked, her voice carrying an unintended trace of uncertainty.
Lu Chen's lips curled into a faint, unreadable smile. "Why would I lie?"
Seeing Lu Chen's cold expression, Chu Ming's initial satisfaction wavered. She scoffed, turning sharply on her heel. "Hmph! Good. Then I'll return to the academy."
She had barely taken two steps when Lu Chen's voice rang out.
"Chu Ming!"
She halted but didn't turn around. "Lu Chen, if you're about to apologize, save your breath. That's not happening. Our engagement is canceled."
Lu Chen let out a chuckle, his voice calm yet piercing. "Who said I was going to apologize?"
Chu Ming finally turned, her brows furrowing. "Then what do you want?"
Lu Chen's eyes gleamed coldly. "Since our engagement is canceled, it's time for you to return the bride price my family gave yours."
The crowd erupted in whispers, shock rippling through the students.
Chu Ming's face stiffened. "You…!"