Just as Hong Tao finished speaking and the thugs lunged forward to beat Xiao Feng, a clear, melodious voice cut through the tension.

“Xiao Feng!”

Situ Changxi and Li Wei had been waiting for Xiao Feng to return from the restroom to continue their game. After nearly ten minutes with no sign of him, concern grew.

Li Wei suggested they go check.

Situ Changxi agreed—and was already on her feet, striding swiftly toward the restroom before Li Wei could stand.

Along the way, admiring glances followed her from young men across the internet cafe.

Unavoidable. Situ Changxi was simply that captivating.

As she neared the restroom, Xiao Feng’s voice reached her—no longer warm and easygoing, but thick with anger.

She broke into a light jog, arriving just in time to see Hong Tao snarling orders at the four thugs.

Alarmed, Situ Changxi instinctively cried out.

The shout froze everyone mid-motion. All eyes turned to her: silver hair tied in twin tails, elegant long dress flowing.

Xiao Feng felt a flush of embarrassment—*She shouldn’t see me like this with Xia Xue.*

Hong Tao, however, stared wide-eyed, utterly transfixed. He couldn’t even look away in front of Xia Xue.

Xia Xue, still dabbing his bloody nose, frowned. “Hong Tao! What are you staring at?!”

Startled, he forced a chuckle. “Haha, nothing! Just… surprised by this mixed-race girl’s silver hair!”

Ignoring him completely, Situ Changxi rushed to Xiao Feng. She grabbed his hand, tilted her head up, and searched his face with worry. “Xiao Feng, are you okay? Hurt anywhere? Should I call the uncles downstairs?”

Her small hand felt soft and smooth. Her words warmed his chest.

*So this is what it feels like… being cared for by a girl? Not bad at all.*

Xiao Feng felt comforted. Hong Tao, leaning on Xia Xue, seethed. *Why does he get a girl who looks like she stepped out of a painting?*

Xia Xue’s heart twisted sourly. “Xiao Feng,” she said acidly, “you’re not claiming she’s your girlfriend now, are you?”

Xiao Feng’s lips curled coldly. “Whether she is… what’s it to you?”

Xia Xue sneered. “None of my business. But can you even afford her? Penniless loser.”

She shot a glance at Situ Changxi gently checking Xiao Feng for injuries—a flicker of jealousy in her eyes.

Xia Xue was pretty, yes. But beside Situ Changxi? Merely background. No comparison.

Fed up, Xiao Feng turned and took Situ Changxi’s hand to leave.

Just then, Li Wei arrived.

His face darkened at the sight of Xia Xue supporting a bloodied Hong Tao. He scanned the four menacing thugs—and instantly understood.

Li Wei’s temper flared. Xiao Feng was his brother in all but blood. How could he stand by?

“Fuck you, Hong Tao!” he roared. “Think your family’s money and power let you bully my brother?”

He yanked several crisp red bills from his pocket and tossed them at Hong Tao’s feet. *You’re rich? I’m richer.*

Hong Tao knew Li Wei—the campus heartthrob, wealthier than him. But power? His family held that card.

Seething inwardly, he stayed silent and pulled Xia Xue to leave.

But Xia Xue suddenly turned back, addressing Situ Changxi with a sharp smile. “Honey, Xiao Feng can’t support you. Don’t waste your time on such a stingy guy.”

Situ Changxi, who’d only just pieced together their history, felt her cheeks burn. Clutching Xiao Feng’s hand tighter, voice trembling: “We… we *are* dating. And I’ll… I’ll support Xiao Feng!”

Her pulse skyrocketed. Heart hammering.

She’d used every ounce of courage. For someone this shy—it was a breakthrough.