"Huh? Give up? What give up?"

"Look, they’ve already been sent to the hospital," Chen Yuzhe said, scratching his head awkwardly with a hint of shyness. "Everyone knows President Jiang’s story by now. If it’s revenge you want, Senior should be satisfied already."

"With so many freshmen here, pushing further would just make us a laughingstock to the juniors."

Huang Yanchen nodded thoughtfully, then snapped back. "Huh? Why are you defending Jiang Xiaoyao?"

"I’m not defending her," Chen Yuzhe replied, feigning innocence.

Huang Yanchen frowned, stroking his chin as if recalling something. "Come to think of it... I’ve heard rumors lately."

Chen Yuzhe kept smiling silently.

"Have you been getting too close to Jiang Xiaoyao recently?"

"No. We just discussed details for the weekend welcome party once. Nothing else."

"Really?" Huang Yanchen eyed him skeptically. "Well, as classmates, I’ll give you advice."

"Stay away from Jiang Xiaoyao. That bitch devours people whole. A naive guy like you becoming her simp? She’d wreck you."

Chen Yuzhe sighed finally.

"Sigh."

"Why, Senior?"

"Must things really come to this?"

Huang Yanchen turned, confused. "What are you saying?"

"I said—"

Chen Yuzhe’s smile slowly faded.

Xinyu, standing behind him, suddenly felt a chill run down her spine, shivering involuntarily.

—

—

Whispers in the room had grown louder when a sharp, clear voice cut through everything, echoing loudly.

"I said—"

"Hey asshole, are you done talking?"

Silence crashed over the room again.

This time, not just the freshmen froze—even the anime club’s veterans, Huang Yanchen and Li Wanmei included, stood stunned.

That ever-polite, harmless Chen Yuzhe...

...had just cursed for Jiang Xiaoyao’s sake?

"I don’t know your definition of ‘bitch,’ but you perfectly fit ‘beast.’"

"Spitting ‘bitch’ nonstop—those who know get it; others might think you’re flattering her."

"Such a foul mouth. Did you crawl out of toxic chat? Running for ‘model citizen’ here?"

"I meant to stay neutral, but now I’ll be your damn guide to hell."

"Little bro, keep busy. I’ll just eat lemons, okay?"

"Is this the face of a dumped simp raging helplessly? Hilarious, huh? ^^"

"Your sour, twisted mouth screams jealousy. Did you crawl out of Fuzhou to whine like a dragon?"

"Online? Her bitch’s loyal son? Disgusting."

A machine-gun barrage of absurd insults poured out like piano keys. Some familiar with the memes burst into laughter; most just stared, utterly lost.

Huang Yanchen didn’t grasp the words but knew they were vile. His face darkened.

Xinyu stood frozen. This senior was nothing like the gentle, courteous image she remembered. The sudden shift left her reeling.

What’s going on... Is this really Senior?

"Chen Yuzhe!" Huang Yanchen’s voice turned icy, his eyes cold. "So you’ve been Jiang Xiaoyao’s ally all along? I treated you as a friend, giving honest advice."

"Sorry. I’m scum; you’re a beast. We’re fundamentally different. Can’t walk the same path," Chen Yuzhe said, spreading his hands with mock regret.

"Hmph. What do you gain siding with that bitch?" Huang Yanchen sneered. "Do you really think Jiang Xiaoyao would look twice at you—with your height and looks?"

Even Xinyu felt a spark of anger.

What? Personal attacks? Just because Senior isn’t tall or handsome, he doesn’t deserve love? Who are you to judge?

Before she could speak up, a calm voice sounded beside her.

"You’re right. What do I gain?"

Chen Yuzhe’s face stayed utterly calm, untouched by the insults. He spoke softly, like to himself:

"Actually. I forgot to tell you something."

"Right now, Jiang Xiaoyao and I are dating."

"In other words, I’m her boyfriend."

Huh? Xinyu turned her head blankly.