“What the hell is wrong with you? I treated her right, worked my ass off to win May over—and what are *you* doing? All day fantasizing about people fawning over you? Did May even confess to you? Don’t tell me you’re trying to steal my girl?”

Chen Yaoyi shoved Zhao Xiaoluo away forcefully, putting clear space between him and May.

“You’re nobody! May likes *me*—not a scumbag like you! You sanctimonious trash! Stay away from May right now, or I’ll call the cops and have you arrested!”

Zhao Xiaoluo only had two moves: talk when he couldn’t fight, throw hands when he was wrong. Chen Yaoyi? He had both—and used them.

“Arrest *me*? On what grounds? And hey—if you’ve got guts, stop trembling!”

Chen Yaoyi smirked at Zhao’s shaking legs, then glanced at May’s tense face. Yeah. Zhao had already lost her.

“You’re a rapist! A scumbag! You did those shameful things to May! *I* beat you! *I* saved her! Once is enough—I can save her again!”

Zhao Xiaoluo screamed wildly, ignoring the crowd gathering around. He even hammed it up dramatically. Even Chu Chu, the plain-looking girl beside him, quietly closed her eyes and covered her ears.

May glared at his disgraceful display, teeth clenched. *He wouldn’t dare bring up those things here…*

“It was *you*, Chen Yaoyi! You lured May to the sports storage room, pinned her down, tore her clothes—tried to assault her! She couldn’t fight back! *I* was the hero! *I* saved her! You’re the one who—"

Chen Yaoyi raised a fist—but someone beat him to it. Her petite frame suddenly seemed towering as she slapped Zhao Xiaoluo hard across the face.

*Slap—*

A tear of frustration welled in her eye. Her arm trembled midair. She never imagined Zhao Xiaoluo could be *this* kind of person.

This was her private shame. No matter what, it should never have been described so crudely in public. His words weren’t exposing Chen Yaoyi—they were humiliating *her*.

That’s why May snapped. She slapped him. Hard. But the blow lacked force—nowhere near enough to make him see reason.

“Y-you! You *hit* me? Everything I did was for you—"

“Is *this* how you ‘help’ me? Do you even hear yourself, Zhao Xiaoluo? *You’re* the disgusting one!”

Zhao Xiaoluo clutched his flushed cheek, face twisted in shock, staring dumbfounded at the furious girl.

More than anger, May felt deep humiliation—and confusion. *Why did I ever like him?*

All he had were delusions. Oblivious to her feelings. Boasting about his “heroic rescue,” utterly indifferent to how others saw *her*. No wonder he clung to May—afraid that once the spotlight faded, he’d vanish back into nothing.

“M-me? *Disgusting*? Y-you! You’re sick! I was helping you! I like you—you like me! Don’t you need me? This is all—"

“Enough. Stop yapping. *Our* May doesn’t want anything to do with scum like you. Get lost.”

Chen Yaoyi cut in, blocking Zhao’s advance.

“Last warning. Push further, and it gets ugly.”

He jabbed a finger at Zhao’s nose. Zhao’s words died. He stumbled back.

“You—! Just wait! I’ll get Zi Qing! She’ll arrest you both! You’ll see!”

He turned to flee—but Chen Yaoyi’s grip locked onto his shoulder like iron.

*No. Not this time.* Not after what he’d done.

Chen Yaoyi yanked Zhao around. Before Zhao could react, he saw Chen step back half a pace, settle into a solid stance, torso coiling, right fist rising—then *unleashing*.

Crimson blood arced through the air. Zhao’s body flew backward like a ragdoll, crashing down. Nose crooked. Eyes vacant. Twitching. Foam at the lips.

“You think you can hurt May and walk away?”

Chen Yaoyi rubbed his untouched knuckles, flicking his wrist dismissively.

“Oh—and one more thing.”

He turned, smiling softly at May behind him.

“Wh-what…?" she whispered, heart pounding. *Did I do something wrong? Should I have sided with him?* Impossible. Never. She only wanted to stay by Chen Yaoyi’s side.

“Next time you want to hit someone? Call me. Don’t dirty your hands. Got it?”

“…Mm.”