You love her.

When Ye Lifeng and Lu Yichen saw the swollen, red marks beneath Xia Yuwei’s scarf, both were taken aback, each lost in their own thoughts.

Lu Yichen, listening to Xia Yuwei scolding him, grew anxious and was about to defend himself when Ye Lifeng stepped forward first. He gently put his arm around Xia Yuwei’s shoulders and patted her lightly, speaking in a low, soothing voice, “Yuwei, don’t be upset. No matter what he’s done to you before, we shouldn’t stoop to his level. People who only know how to solve things with violence and fists—we’d best keep our distance from them in the future.”

Xia Yuwei had never lost her temper like this before. All at once, she raged fiercely, and in the end, it was she who was left trembling and breathless. She looked toward Lu Yichen, as though wanting to say something, but pressed her lips together tightly. Then, seeing Ye Lifeng’s resolute gaze as he spoke to her, she found herself unable to utter a word. Why was he so stubborn? Why couldn’t he just sit quietly? Why couldn’t he simply say, “I’m sorry”…?

“Forget it, senior, you’re right. I’m truly sorry for today. Are you feeling alright? Do you need to go to the hospital for a checkup?” Xia Yuwei took a deep breath, trying to steady herself, deliberately avoiding Lu Yichen’s gaze. She spoke to Ye Lifeng with concern and a sense of guilt.

“Yuwei, do you really think I’m that fragile?” Ye Lifeng teased, trying to comfort her. “I may not be able to beat him in a fight, but when it comes to taking care of you, I’m sure I’m better than he is. I’m a man, I can take a few hits. But you—you truly need to rest. Do you have class tomorrow?”

Xia Yuwei nodded.

“Then I’ll request leave for you. Just stay home and rest well. Forget about these unpleasant things.”

Xia Yuwei nodded again, silently. Right now, she felt utterly exhausted, body and soul.

Sensing her fatigue, Ye Lifeng said gently, “Don’t think too much. Whatever you want to say, we can talk after you’ve rested. Alright, I’ll wait here until I see you upstairs.”

He had his own thoughts about everything that happened today, but now wasn’t the time to talk. Yuwei needed to rest.

Xia Yuwei simply replied and walked toward the third building where she lived. Passing by Lu Yichen, she paused for a moment, but without looking at him, she continued on.

Lu Yichen stood upright and unmoving, his gaze fixed straight ahead, not uttering a single word.

Only after Xia Yuwei had disappeared from sight did Ye Lifeng turn his attention back to Lu Yichen and quietly ask, “You love her very much, don’t you?”

Lu Yichen replied coldly, “I don’t know what love is.” All he knew was to follow his heart.

“But your eyes tell me you want to possess her. You want her to smile only for you, to treat you well and you alone. Isn’t that so?”

Lu Yichen pressed his lips together and said nothing.

Seeing his silence and his unwillingness to communicate, Ye Lifeng still continued, “This kind of love is frightening. It’s not right for a girl like Yuwei. I suggest you let go. Violence solves nothing—it may only drive her further away.”

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I apologize for the late update today. Regarding update times, I’m usually free in the afternoon and have been trying to adjust my schedule to post in the mornings. I’ll do my best to update in the mornings from now on. Thank you for your understanding and patience.