Time ticked by, second by second.

Chen Yuzhe and Jiang Xiaoyao sat face to face, not exchanging a single word.

The only difference was Chen Yuzhe’s coffee cup, refilled to the brim, while Jiang Xiaoyao’s milk tea remained empty.

Chen Yuzhe had no intention of breaking the ice. After all, it was Jiang Xiaoyao across from him—he didn’t need to pretend.

Honestly, he felt little sympathy for her situation.

Nonsense. Ever since she started being a gold digger, she should’ve expected this.

People like that sacrifice same-sex friendships for opposite-sex attention. No need to pity them—it was their chosen path.

If you choose your road, you walk it on your knees if you must.

Chen Yuzhe didn’t hate gold diggers; it was just one survival tactic among many.

Once you commit to a path, who are others to judge? It wasn’t illegal, after all.

Besides, he merely tolerated them—he certainly didn’t like them.

If someone like Jiang Xiaoyao ever got exposed, Chen Yuzhe wouldn’t mourn; he’d likely join others in schadenfreude.

Staying here was purely as a partner—no extra thoughts at all.

The tension hung thick. Chen Yuzhe wasn’t rushed; plenty of coffee to sip slowly.

Jiang Xiaoyao kept her head down, lips pressed tight, silent.

After a while, she couldn’t hold back anymore. She spoke hesitantly:

“Just now… how you figured out those things…”

“…is that the ‘superpower’ everyone’s been gossiping about?” She glanced at Chen Yuzhe timidly.

Superpower? Had he really become that legendary? Chen Yuzhe chuckled:

“If I had superpowers, I’d swap girlfriends every three days—lolis, mature women, housewives, office ladies—one per day, a full rotation weekly.”

Jiang Xiaoyao burst out laughing, covering her mouth.

“I can’t even picture you with a girlfriend,” she said, eyes crinkling with mirth.

“Exactly!” Chen Yuzhe shrugged. “If I had superpowers, would I look this pathetic? I’d have used them to wreak havoc ages ago.”

Well… in a way, what he did now wasn’t much different.

“Just basic psychology, observation, and logic. Nothing special—plenty can do it,” he said casually.

Jiang Xiaoyao blinked, curiosity sparking. “If you’ve got such a handy skill, why not find a girlfriend?”

“With your tricks, sweet-talking a couple of girls shouldn’t be hard, right?”

Tch. Did she think he hadn’t considered that? Chen Yuzhe smirked dismissively.

His smile made Jiang Xiaoyao feel belittled. She frowned. “What’s wrong? Did I say something stupid?”

“Fine.” Chen Yuzhe set down his coffee, locking eyes with an intensity that made her flinch.

“Since we’re being honest, I’ll share my view.”

“First, Jiang Xiaoyao—let me be clear.” His expression hardened.

“I absolutely don’t believe true love exists.”

Huh? Jiang Xiaoyao froze.

“Love stems from physiology—hormones and chemicals working together. Artificially tweak them, and you could ‘fall’ for anyone.”

“Second, psychology. Many factors spark attraction. To me, all can be manipulated.”

“Which means—” Chen Yuzhe paused deliberately.

“If you control both body and mind, you can engineer love at will.”

“And once love is controllable—”

“—it loses its sacred meaning,” he murmured.

“You said if I tried, I might find a partner, right?”

“I know. I just see no point.”

“In dating, looks always come first. Even if I compensated with tricks, the effort outweighs the reward.”

“Wasting time, money, and life on fake, fleeting love? That’s a total loss.”

“Or do you think sweet words alone can secure a lifetime marriage?”

“Heh. That’s novel fantasy. Impossible in reality.”

Chen Yuzhe smiled as he concluded.

“So love is a lie—an excuse to maintain order. Those who believe it are truly pitiful!”

Jiang Xiaoyao stayed silent for a long moment before whispering:

“…That’s so chuunibyou.”

“You didn’t listen at all, did you!”

Clearing his throat, Chen Yuzhe continued. “Example time.”

“You’ve met many guys chasing you because of your influence, right?”

Jiang Xiaoyao nodded.

“Do you think they truly loved you—or just lusted after your curves and legs?”

She hesitated. “Probably… the latter?”

“Exactly.” Chen Yuzhe shrugged. “Ask them, and they’ll swear, ‘I like you for you, not your body.’”

“But if you had flat chest and stubby legs, would they say the same?”

“Even if they did, it’d be empty words.” He sneered. “They’d think: you’ll never actually look plain, so pledging loyalty costs nothing. Like promising your heart—you’d never cut it out.”

“As for someone who truly likes you beyond looks—”

“Do they exist?” He stared straight into her eyes.

Jiang Xiaoyao felt dizzy. She’d never questioned this.

Truly… has anyone ever liked me?

Maybe… but I must’ve ignored them for being ordinary.

No… could it be true? Everyone wanted only my body and face?

A deep fear surged within her.

Then what’s the point of my whole life?

Watching her silent struggle, Chen Yuzhe sipped coffee calmly. He knew she couldn’t refute him.

Because they were the same.

“…No.”

Huh?

Chen Yuzhe turned, surprised.

Jiang Xiaoyao trembled slightly, wrestling with herself.

“…Your view’s too extreme. I disagree.”

She lifted her chin, glaring back defiantly.

Oh? Not what he expected. Chen Yuzhe felt a flicker of interest.

“Then explain.”

“Love exists,” she declared firmly. “I just haven’t found it yet.”

“Guys surround me, but none is my soulmate.”

“Maybe I approach them with motives sometimes—but I’ve never treated love as a joke!” Her eyes burned with conviction.

Pfft. Is she trying to kill me laughing to inherit my royalties?

As a seasoned gold digger, she had zero right to say this.

Soulmate? I’m cracking up—she’s read too many Mary Sue novels.

“Heh.” Chen Yuzhe replied flatly.

“Just wait!” She shook a tiny fist. “I’ll find my soulmate someday!”

“Talking about Gu Chengjin?” Chen Yuzhe smirked.

Jiang Xiaoyao stiffened, then wilted. “I… I don’t know…” she mumbled.

“He just feels special… different.”

Obviously. If all guys were handsome returnees, you wouldn’t get to pick.

“But I’m unsure… something inside urges me to know him better.”

Know him better? How? Don’t tell me you’re being painfully obvious.

“And… ah, he just feels different.” Unconsciously, a shy, girlish blush spread on her face.

Chen Yuzhe got goosebumps.

As expected—he still hated that expression.

Too creepy.

Moreover, her words had ignited his anger.

He didn’t expect universal agreement. Normal people should reject his view.

But only Jiang Xiaoyao. Only her.

Only you lack the right to challenge me.

We’re the same—doing equally rotten things. Can a few words wash away your sins?

Too good to be true!

“Heh, heh heh heh.” Chen Yuzhe burst into laughter.

His laugh sent chills down Jiang Xiaoyao’s spine. “W-what’s so funny?”

“Jiang Xiaoyao.” He stopped abruptly.

“Let’s bet.”

“A bet? On what?”

Chen Yuzhe narrowed his eyes. “I bet you’ll agree with me before graduation.”

Though his gaze scared her, Jiang Xiaoyao glared back.

“Bet accepted! Loser buys dinner!”

“Deal.” A faint smile curled his lips.

Come on, naive girl.

I’ll show you how cruel love’s truth really is.

This love war—

—has begun.