"Sigh~"

The next noon, Xia Chuan sat in the company canteen, staring blankly out the floor-to-ceiling window.

The food before him lay untouched.

Ever since last night’s dinner, Qian Yu hadn’t spoken to him—not even the meals he’d left outside her door.

This morning, she’d skipped breakfast entirely. Xia Chuan hadn’t woken her before leaving for school. Only his alarm clock’s relentless ringing saved him from being late.

Honestly, Xia Chuan never expected her feelings for that girl ran so deep. Now he recalled Lu Xun’s words: heterosexual love was for mating, but same-sex love was true love. (Anything profound or cool you hear? Just pretend I said it—Lu Xun.)

Not only had he failed to make Qian Yu abandon this misguided affection, he’d accidentally made her hate him. It was like losing both the lady and the soldiers.

At the thought, Xia Chuan sighed heavily again.

"Old Xia, what’s eating you? You look so gloomy," a yellow-haired man at his table asked, pausing his chopsticks.

Recognizing that familiar, slightly sleazy voice, Xia Chuan turned back, his expression flat as he faced the man opposite him.

This young, handsome colleague was, for now, best called Citizen Mr. Xiao—a title absolutely not born from Xia Chuan’s jealousy over his perfect family!

Citizen Xiao had history with Xia Chuan. They’d been buddies since high school, then parted ways after graduation. Xia Chuan thought they’d never meet again—until he joined this company and miraculously reunited with him. He’d been moved… only to learn Xiao had married their high school’s student council president and beauty queen, fathered twins, and now served as the company’s tech director.

Damn it! How could such a fool win at life while he remained a single dog?

Every time Xia Chuan saw Citizen Xiao’s face, this thought flared. Since their reunion, he’d kept his distance. But Xiao, thick-skinned as ever, ignored the cold shoulder.

Facing Xiao’s question, Xia Chuan scowled. "Tch! None of your business."

"What tone is that? I’m just worried. Talking it out might ease your heart," Xiao shot back, unfazed by the harsh words.

Xia Chuan paused, thoughtful.

After a long silence, he dropped the scowl and asked seriously, "Xiao, Qian Yu’s in a relationship."

"Huh? Qian Yu? Your cheap daughter? She looks like a model student—how’s she dating early?" Xiao’s eyes widened.

Xia Chuan snorted inwardly. Model student? She only acted that way for others. With him, she dropped the mask.

"Honestly, I don’t oppose Qian Yu dating…" Xia Chuan began, but Xiao cut him off.

"Ha! You don’t oppose it? I thought you’d grab a kitchen knife to crush that boy’s skull."

"Damn it, do I look like some overbearing dad?" Xia Chuan insisted he wasn’t a hardcore daughter-holic.

"It’s not about being open-minded. Every father reacts that way. When my father-in-law found out about me and my wife, I nearly died by his hands," Xiao shuddered.

"Well, technically, I’m not her dad. My feelings might differ… But that’s not the point. The real issue is Qian Yu likes a girl!" Xia Chuan’s voice cracked. Why would such a pretty, talented girl chase forbidden love?

He waited for Xiao’s reply.

Xiao didn’t flinch. He just went silent, face blank.

Is he stunned by my shocking news? Xia Chuan wondered. He opened his mouth to continue—but Xiao finally spoke.

"Huh? Isn’t that better?"

Xia Chuan froze.

He stared blankly at Xiao, who flashed a self-assured, "handsome" smile back.

They locked eyes for two, three seconds.

Then Xia Chuan snapped back, fists clenched, a "kind" grin spreading. "I was an idiot to tell you… Take my little fists to your chest!!!"

*Thud! Ah~*

Before Xiao processed the words, a searing pain exploded in his chest. He crumpled to the floor.

Minutes later, Xiao stood, rubbing his chest and grumbling, "Old Xia, after all these years, you still hit like a truck…"

"Just correcting someone’s filthy thoughts," Xia Chuan crossed his arms, icy-eyed.

"Alright, enough jokes. Seriously, Old Xia, have you talked to Qian Yu?" Xiao turned earnest.

"We talked last night. I never expected their bond to be so strong. She even argued with me…" Xia Chuan’s tone grew heavy.

"If that’s true, only one solution remains," Xiao mused, chin resting on his palm.

"A solution?" Xia Chuan blinked. He’d thought such emotional ties were unbreakable.

"One exists—if you’re willing to act," Xiao said mysteriously.

"Tell me." Xia Chuan leaned in, tense.

"Qian Yu’s crush on a girl? It’s just youthful confusion. To steer her right, surround her with an outstanding man. Let her rediscover male charm," Xiao explained fully.

Xia Chuan frowned. "Outstanding in every way? Where do I find that? My house isn’t a host club… Wait. You don’t mean—" He trailed off, realization dawning. His gaze flickered to Xiao’s smug, grinning face.

—

The lunch bell rang. Qian Yu slumped over her desk, eyes distant.

Since last night’s dinner, her mood had plummeted. The morning blurred into a haze.

She’d never imagined Xia Chuan knew her feelings—or that he’d demand she abandon them.

But how could she?

Xia Chuan’s face flashed in her mind, tightening her chest.

*Gurgle… gurgle…*

Her stomach growled, ill-timed.

She hadn’t eaten since last night. Normally, she’d channel sadness into appetite—but she’d rushed out this morning, forgetting her money. Now she stayed put, too proud to borrow.

Skipping a meal or two won’t kill me…

Resigned, she closed her eyes, seeking sleep to dull the hunger. Then her desk-mate tapped her shoulder. "Qian Yu, what’s wrong? Why aren’t you eating?"

Qian Yu forced a smile to ease her worry. "I already ate, so—"

*Gurgle… GURGLE…*

Her stomach roared louder.

Her cheeks flushed crimson. She clutched her belly, stammering, "N-no, it’s not—"

"Stop lying. You’re just hungry," her desk-mate sighed, heart skipping at Qian Yu’s flustered cuteness. She pulled a bread roll from her drawer. "Here. My uneaten breakfast. Take it. If it’s not enough…" She turned to the class. "Boys! Your goddess is starving. Show some chivalry!"

Instantly, the boys erupted.

"What?! Qian Yu has no food? I’ve got chocolate—"

"Save it. Lunch isn’t chocolate. I’ll buy her a proper meal!"

"Fast food? Pathetic. Qian Yu, I’ll treat you to a restaurant!"

Before the chaos peaked, girls approached, placing snacks on Qian Yu’s desk.

"Qian Yu, ignore them boys. Eat this if you’re hungry."

"I brought a zongzi…"

"An apple for dessert."

Smiling, they piled food onto her desk.

Qian Yu stared, stunned. Her heavy heart warmed. A soft laugh escaped her. "Thank you, everyone."

Their grins were answer enough.

Unseen, a cold gaze swept from the classroom corner—a plain-faced girl watched.

Seeing Qian Yu’s smile, she sneered, whispering to herself, "Hypocrite…"