Zhou You had just processed the bombshell that Chen Tangtang was Chen Youzi’s older sister when a second shock hit him—leaving him stunned all over again.

Truth be told, he hadn’t been blind to the possibility that Youzi might like him. After all, his past actions packed quite a punch for a love-struck girl.

But back then, after asking multiple times and hearing Youzi firmly insist she saw him only as an older brother, he’d let it go.

This…

He frowned slightly, mentally piecing everything together, then glanced at the two girls and the older sister in the room.

Chen Tangtang, seemingly oblivious to the tension, kept trying to maneuver around Youzi.

Youzi, meanwhile, blocked her sister while sneaking anxious glances at Zhou You.

Ning Mengmeng—the one who’d stirred the pot—kept her head down, deep in thought.

Zhou You confirmed one thing: Youzi almost certainly liked him. He didn’t dislike her…

But an older woman held far more allure. If he were to fall in love again, he’d want someone mature enough to care for him.

“Brother.”

Ning Mengmeng suddenly stepped forward, chin up, chest out, hands clenched tight. Voice trembling with nerves, she shouted, “Actually… I like you too, Brother!”

The others: “???”

Without waiting, she grabbed the stunned Youzi and bolted.

They ran a good distance before stopping.

Youzi shook off Mengmeng’s hand, heart aching until she could barely breathe. Betrayed by her own sister and best friend in one day—she felt herself teetering on the edge.

“Ning Mengmeng! You lied to me too?!”

“Youzi, listen!” Mengmeng pinned her gently despite her struggles. “If you’d stayed longer, your brother was about to reject you. Running now gives us a chance.”

Youzi stilled. Mengmeng’s logic held water… but one doubt remained. “Then why confess to Brother?”

“To help you!” A blush—real or feigned—rose on Mengmeng’s cheeks. “If he asks later, say I confessed and cried my eyes out. He’ll feel too awkward to press further.”

“Hmm…” Youzi knew her brother’s nature well. The plan *did* make sense.

But how did Mengmeng know him so well? She tucked the question away silently.

“Won’t this be unfair to you, Mengmeng? Letting others think you’re Zhou You’s simp…”

“No! Well… maybe a tiny bit,” Mengmeng quickly amended, catching Youzi’s doubtful look. “But it’s fine! You’re my very best friend, Youzi!”

“I, Ning Mengmeng, would *never* hurt you!” She slapped Youzi’s shoulder firmly, face earnest. (She truly wouldn’t harm Youzi… she just had a thing for Zhou You.)

“Mm.” Youzi gave a slight nod. For now, this was the only way.

…

After three emotional whiplashes today, Zhou You had zero desire to linger outside.

He declined Chen Tangtang’s invitation, went home, and stood silently outside Youzi’s tightly shut door for over an hour—saying nothing.

The next morning, he made breakfast as usual, left early, and arrived at the office ahead of schedule.

Waiting by the elevator on the first floor, he zoned out watching the floor numbers change. Footsteps approached.

“Z-Zhou You?” A voice thick with disbelief.

Recognizing that familiar tone, he turned slowly. “Yun Daidai.”

“It’s me.”

Daidai straightened her back, joy bubbling up inside. *He came to my workplace… for me?*

*Does he want to reconcile?*

“Since you apologized first, I’ll let the past go.”

“What are you talking about?” Zhou You blinked, baffled. *Apologize to Yun Daidai? Ridiculous.*

“I work here. Shouldn’t *I* ask if *you’re* stalking *me*?”

“You… work here too?”

“…”

*So that’s it,* Zhou You realized, eyes narrowing. Karma? They’d both landed internships at the same company.

“So you didn’t come for me,” Daidai murmured, lips pressed thin. Joy receded like a tide. Clutching her bag tightly, emotions tangled. She didn’t know how to face him.

Zhou You offered a perfectly polite smile. Oddly, he never grew harsh around her—only gentler.

“Would you seek out a stranger?”

His meaning was crystal clear.

Daidai’s heart plummeted. A faint tremor ran through her. The sharp ache vanished, replaced by hollow emptiness.

“If you have nothing else, let’s end here.” He watched the elevator doors slide open. “I waited ages for this ride. Don’t want to miss it chatting.”

Head bowed, Daidai followed him inside. She inched closer; he subtly shifted away. Again. And again.

His expression cooled.

“Yun Daidai, please don’t get close. It bothers me.”

“I… I can apologize. Over and over…” Shoulders hunched, voice trembling with vulnerability.

She shivered like a fledgling in a storm—fragile, pitiable.

“You’ve done nothing wrong. Why apologize?” He stepped out as the elevator dinged. “Besides, I’m not worthy of an apology from *Miss Yun*.”

“C-can’t you just talk to me? What must I do to earn your forgiveness?”

Before he could react, she wrapped her arms around him from behind. (Thankfully, the office was empty.)

Zhou You firmly grasped her wrists, pried her hands from his waist despite her resistance.

He met her tear-reddened eyes. His smile softened.

*Does it hurt?*

*I hurt too. So deeply.*

*But now… the pain is gone.*

*Because your pain… brings me joy.*

He pulled out the handkerchief he always carried, gently wiped her tears, then pressed the damp cloth into her palm.

“Keep it. I don’t want anything touched by you.”

Once, he’d been gentle only to her.

Now, he was cruel only to her.

He turned. Walked away. Without a single glance back.

Daidai clutched her chest. Tears flooded like a broken dam.