Wu Fan tilted his chin up, flicked his hair back, and flashed what he believed was his most charming smile. Seeing the worry etched on Ji Yueyi’s face before him, he knew his plan had worked.

It hadn’t been easy—getting his uncle at the Education Bureau to pressure Ji Yueyi’s school over "safety concerns" about high schoolers working part-time. A few fabricated horror stories and threats of inspections had effortlessly cut off her income.

She must feel utterly helpless now. Surely, she was desperate for someone to save her.

*Perfect timing for my grand entrance.*

Wu Fan firmly believed opportunities were made, not found. Already, he pictured Ji Yueyi groveling at his feet.

What a hassle. Back home, girls never made him work this hard. Just some country bumpkin—but that stubborn streak made her a challenge! He couldn’t wait to see this prim, proper girl throw herself at him. The contrast would be delicious.

A shiver of revulsion shot through Ji Yueyi as she caught Wu Fan’s smug smirk. She stepped back sharply, face icy. "Sir, please refrain from acting unhinged here."

Wu Fan mistook her disgust for coyness. He deliberately extended his arm, showcasing his luxury wristwatch, then adjusted his collar to reveal a designer logo. Every inch of him oozed extravagance. *My charm must be overwhelming her.* "Miss Ji," he pressed, "I’m serious about pursuing you. Be my girlfriend."

Ji Yueyi glanced around. Patrons were already staring. To avoid a scene, she swallowed her nausea and said coldly, "Mr. Wu, I’m just a student. I’m not worthy of someone of your... stature."

"Nonsense! Love conquers all—age, status, none of it matters."

Wu Fan crossed his arms over his knee, legs sprawled, radiating smug control. That arrogance grated on Ji Yueyi like a mosquito’s buzz when she was trying to sleep.

"I mean," she stated flatly, "you’re simply not my type. My apologies."

She bowed deeply, then turned to leave. Wu Fan’s face twisted. His patience snapped. "Ji Yueyi!" he snarled, teeth bared. "Do you think this is your choice? Every girl I want, I get!"

Seeing her pause, a cruel glint flashed in his eyes. His true, ugly nature surfaced, plain on his face. He straightened his clothes, voice booming as if announcing a royal decree.

"Walk away now if you dare. But I guarantee—you’ll never earn another cent. No scholarships. No financial aid from your school."

He chuckled darkly. "Hell, you might not even graduate."

Spotting the shopkeeper charging over with a knife, Wu Fan waved dismissively. His burly bodyguards surged forward, restraining the man and sealing off the space around Ji Yueyi.

The few remaining customers fled, sensing trouble.

Trapped, Ji Yueyi turned. Head bowed, voice trembling, she asked, "You... ruined everything. Was it you?"

Wu Fan shrugged, examining his pinky nail with feigned innocence. "Don’t blame me. Be smart, and you could’ve had my money."

"Honestly, you’re the most stubborn girl I’ve ever met. But..." He licked his lips, savoring her shaking frame. Her despair filled his hollow heart with satisfaction. *Just a country girl—yet someone went to such lengths for her. She should be thrilled.*

Suddenly, Ji Yueyi moved. She lunged at Wu Fan. A mocking grin spread across his face as he opened his arms. *No such thing as a virtuous girl—just a price not met.*

*A rich, handsome heir like me—why wouldn’t she want this?*

*See? She’s finally—!*

***THUD!***

Ji Yueyi’s flying kick slammed straight into Wu Fan’s groin. Agony exploded through his body. Eyes bulging, he crumpled forward. But the kick wasn’t enough. A storm of emotions—resentment, fury, helplessness—flooded Ji Yueyi’s mind. She didn’t care about tomorrow anymore. All she wanted was to shatter the suffocating pressure in her chest.

She’d tiptoed through this vast, alien city, working and studying relentlessly, just to carve out a future with her own hands.

Grabbing Wu Fan’s hair, she yanked up his sleeve and smashed his upper body onto the table. Weakened by wine and women, he couldn’t escape. After three brutal impacts, dizziness swallowed him.

"Why?!" Ji Yueyi screamed, tears streaming. "Why won’t you leave me alone?!"

"I just... I just wanted to live quietly!"

She’d wanted romance. She’d wanted a bright, carefree high school life! But every time she went home, she saw the calluses on her parents’ hands. Saw their exhausted smiles as they asked, "Kid, is life in the big city treating you well?"

And she’d always answered, "Yes. I’m happy."

Tears soaked her collar. Her arms gave way. She released Wu Fan and collapsed into a chair.

Gasping, Wu Fan slid off the table and collapsed to his knees. Dizziness faded, replaced by scalding humiliation. He jabbed a finger at Ji Yueyi. "Get her! Beat her to death!"

Silence.

Wu Fan whirled around—only to see his bodyguards sprawled on the floor, bruised and unconscious. His gaze crawled upward, landing on the girl sitting casually atop the groaning shopkeeper, wiping her hands with a damp cloth.

She pulled off her baseball cap. Lavender hair tumbled free, framing a face both sharp and playful.

"Well, well," Mu Yue Ran grinned, tossing the cap aside. "Look who it is. Mr. Scumbag."