Hong Tao and Xiao Feng had merely been classmates at the same high school—back then, they hadn’t even known each other.

They only recognized each other’s names and faces now because of Xia Xue.

Though they’d never exchanged a word or formally met, the two glared at each other with burning hatred—all because they’d once liked the same woman.

And just moments ago, they’d collided at the restroom door and argued. Adding fuel to the fire. Making peace impossible.

“Hey, Xiao Feng! Still got time to surf the web? Still flying solo?”

Xiao Feng’s chest tightened at Hong Tao’s smug smirk and dripping sarcasm.

“Move. Don’t block the restroom.”

He was angry, yes—but he refused to tangle further. Xia Xue had chosen Hong Tao. That chapter was closed.

He didn’t want to speak her name. Didn’t want to think of her at all.

Hong Tao mistook Xiao Feng’s clipped tone for fear and pressed on.

“Master Xiao gracing the restroom himself? Rare! Look at that cheap, tacky fit—no wonder Xia Xue dumped you!”

Xiao Feng froze mid-step, turned slowly, and locked eyes with Hong Tao. Ice in his voice.

“Don’t push it. She’s *your* girlfriend now. Why keep provoking me? Are you asking for trouble?”

Hong Tao burst into laughter. “Honestly, Xiao Feng—you really are the fool Xia Xue said you were! Hahahaha!”

He flipped Xiao Feng the middle finger.

“Two years with her? I won her in two months. Ever wonder how cozy a hotel couple’s suite feels? Hahahaha! What. A. Fool.”

Xiao Feng’s fists clenched instinctively. Teeth grinding audibly. One breath from punching that smug face.

Then—slowly—he uncurled his fingers.

*She’s not mine anymore. Why rage for her? That’d make me the real fool.*

Let those memories fade like smoke. No ties left. Anger only hurts me. Why bother?

*Huuuuh…*

He exhaled long and steady. “Done ranting? Crawl off. Stop playing guard dog. Someone’ll need the stall later—wait your turn.”

Clarity cooled his blood. Hong Tao’s gloating felt beneath him now. Just a clown.

But Hong Tao wasn’t done.

Smirking, he pulled out his phone, tapped Xia Xue’s WeChat voice note.

“Xue, come quick. Got a surprise for you. Hurry!”

As Xiao Feng tried slipping past to enter the restroom, Hong Tao blocked him with an arm.

Xiao Feng’s face went cold. “Get. Out. Of. My. Way.”

Hong Tao waved sharply. Four guys watching nearby nodded and jogged over, grinning.

A red-haired, thick-armed thug pointed at Xiao Feng and fawned toward Hong Tao.

“Bro Hong—problem? Did this kid disrespect you?”

Xiao Feng stopped pushing. Smoothed the wrinkles on his shirt. Voice flat.

“So you brought backup to throw hands?”

Before Hong Tao could speak, the red-haired guy yanked Xiao Feng’s collar, snarling.

“Kid, itching for a beatdown? Wanna settle it *inside* the restroom?!”

*Slap!*

Xiao Feng swatted the hand away—didn’t care how “street” the guy looked. Straightened his collar calmly.

“I don’t start fights. But don’t mistake calm for weakness.”

Hong Tao sneered. “You’ll beg soon. Xia Xue’s coming. She’ll see exactly what a coward you are.”

The thug chimed in, “Yeah! Brother Hong messes with you? Easy. Just don’t piss yourself later!”

Xiao Feng met their smirks with chilling calm. “So you want me humiliated in front of Xia Xue? Fine. Hurry up. I still need to pee.”

The words barely left his lips—

Then he heard it.

A voice once haunting his dreams. Now utterly foreign.

“Xiao Feng…? What are you doing here?”