“Unless… you can offer me some compensation—something to stand in for what Yu Zhe owes me.”

Qin Cheng fixed Cheng Yu An with an utterly serious expression.

“Why should *I* compensate *you*? Frankly, the fact that I didn’t even call you out for trying that sort of thing is already generous enough, don’t you think?”

Cheng Yu An shot him a glance laced with confusion and disdain. Her hand rested lightly on the doorknob, ready to slip away at any second.

Qin Cheng chuckled, walked to the window, and drew the curtains open. Golden light flooded the room. With a casual wave, he began his act.

A flicker of cunning glinted in his dark, wolf-like eyes. He turned back, flashing Cheng Yu An a helpless yet sunny smile. “Alright, alright—I’m not joking anymore. Yu Zhe should be out in about two days, right?”

Pale sunlight bathed him, lending warmth to his resigned smile and sharpening the handsomeness of his features.

Even Cheng Yu An froze for a heartbeat.

She shook her head quickly. “What joke? What are you even talking about?”

[*Is this guy… mentally off…?*]

She genuinely couldn’t follow him. He was so weird—icy one moment, shameless the next, now suddenly… radiant?

“I’ve dropped the act. Why are *you* still playing along? Cut it out already, Campus Beauty Cheng.”

Qin Cheng gave a wry smile, slowly pushed the window open, and closed his eyes slightly, savoring the breeze.

“What. Are. You. *Saying*???”

Cheng Yu An’s voice rose. She narrowed her eyes, shook her head—a picture of pure bewilderment.

*Why do I feel like I’m the only one in the dark???*

Qin Cheng stiffened. Astonishment flickered across his face. “You’re… not joking? Wait… you *really* don’t know??”

“So what *are* you talking about???” Cheng Yu An pressed, utterly lost.

She noticed his expression was just as stunned.

Qin Cheng suddenly covered his forehead with one hand, turning away under her confused stare.

After a beat, he faced her again. The sunny charm was gone. A faintly dangerous glint smoldered in his wolf-dark eyes.

He spread his hands, voice cold and serious: “Campus Beauty Cheng, let’s discuss what compensation you owe me.”

Yet his gaze deliberately skittered away from hers.

Cheng Yu An: “…?”

She narrowed her eyes again, wearing a clear *Do you think I’m an idiot?* look. His aura no longer fazed her.

One second passed.

Two.

Three.

Her suspicious stare burned hotter.

Qin Cheng finally crumpled under it. With a defeated sigh, he rubbed his temples.

“Ugh… I’ve wronged Brother Yu Zhe…”

He slumped into the chair, palms pressed over his eyes, murmuring in quiet despair.

The raw dejection radiating from him startled Cheng Yu An. Her hand twitched toward him—then froze midair and snapped back. *He’s still *that* guy.*

Clearing her throat, she broke the silence: “Hey. Stop muttering to yourself. If you don’t explain, I’m leaving.”

“This is too hard…”

Qin Cheng sighed, shoulders slumping. “Campus Beauty Cheng… don’t you think something felt… off… about how I acted toward you back then? Er—you know. Think carefully. Wasn’t anything… *convenient*?”

“Off?”

Cheng Yu An hesitated, shooting him a doubtful look. Still, memories surfaced.

*That day…*

She vaguely recalled: Qin Cheng’s public confession, his pushy demand to be her boyfriend. His whole demeanor made liking him impossible. She’d rejected him—immediately.

Later… on her way home…

Surrounded by Qin Cheng and his lackeys. Vulgar taunts. Despair closing in—

Then Yu Zhe arrived.

He drove them all off. Saved her.

And for the first time… her heart fluttered.

“Don’t you think…” Qin Cheng’s voice softened, almost hesitant. “The spot where we ambushed you… felt a little too empty? And didn’t certain people show up… *awfully* on cue?”