She was not short of women like that, so it should be easier to let go.
As a result, she underestimated the pride of such a man.
"Alright, since you insist on asking, I'll tell you the truth. It's been over half a year."
"I met him before I returned to Jincheng. When I got back, we confirmed our relationship."
"How did you meet?"
"Lu Mingzhe, what does that have to do with you?"
Lu Mingzhe suddenly became enraged, gritting his teeth and slamming his palm hard on the table.
"I'm asking, how did you meet!"
The cups on the table jumped with a clatter, and some coffee spilled out.
In the quiet coffee shop, other customers looked over in unison.
Chen Jiaojiao felt somewhat embarrassed, but she couldn't lash out.
After all, this matter was indeed something she had done unethically.
"By chance. This is my private matter, there's no need to report every detail to you, is there?"
"Your private matter? If I recall correctly, the reason you came to Nancheng was to find me."
"When you were in trouble, you knew I was your fiancé. Once the trouble was resolved, it became a private matter? You're quite something."
Chen Jiaojiao blushed at his words.
But what could she do? Feelings couldn't be forced.
"At that time, I did intend to get to know you better, to interact with you, and to get married if possible."
"Who knew that after spending so much time together… I'm sorry, I really couldn't force myself."
"Is it that you really couldn't force yourself, or do you feel that my abilities and family background are inferior to others? That there's always someone better, and you want to aim higher?"
Talking like this was pointless.
Chen Jiaojiao looked at him coldly.
"Lu Mingzhe, we only had a verbal engagement. I never truly married you. Is there any need to speak like this and make things so awkward?"
Lu Mingzhe's expression was blank as he leaned back lazily in his chair.
"A verbal engagement is still an engagement. As long as it's not dissolved, you are my fiancée."
"Chen Jiaojiao, I will not give up on marrying you. Go back and tell your father to prepare. I will visit in a couple of days."
"It's time to put our marriage on the agenda."
Chen Jiaojiao's eyes widened in disbelief.
"Do you have some kind of psychological problem? I already told you I don't like you, and I'm already with someone else. You still want to marry me?!"
Lu Mingzhe shrugged.
"I know what you mean. You two have slept together, and not just once."
"It's okay, I don't mind. You're right, I do have psychological problems."
"My possessiveness is extremely strong. No one can betray me. What I, Lu Mingzhe, cannot have, no one else will have."
"You want me to be a gentleman and fulfill your happy union? I have no such obligation."
Seeing that he was resorting to force, she realized her attitude had been wrong and had angered him.
Chen Jiaojiao could only soften her stance and apologize.
"I'm sorry, my attitude was wrong just now. I shouldn't have spoken to you like that."
"This matter is indeed my fault. Tell me, how do you want me to compensate?"
"As long as you don't mention marriage, I can consider any request."
Lu Mingzhe found it increasingly ironic.
"Is that so? To be with him, you'd agree to any request I make? Your love is truly profound."
"..."
"There are no requests, I just want you two to break up."
"Lu Mingzhe, you..."
"Thank me. I'm adding some setbacks to your smooth road of love. It will make your love more interesting."
"Perhaps if you two team up to challenge me, and you win, your bond will become even stronger."
"Alright, I'm done talking. You can leave now."
Before, she thought he was just a doctor who liked to joke around, a bit silly, and not very doctor-like.
Now, looking at him, he was a psychologist who couldn't save himself and had psychological problems.
If he's unhappy, he can't stand to see others happy.
What era is this? Still practicing arranged marriages?
Let's see if I can agree to you!
Chen Jiaojiao grabbed her bag, put on her high heels, and left without looking back.
The two parted on bad terms.
However, after saying all the harsh words and truths in her heart, her mood unexpectedly improved.
Lu Mingzhe paid the bill, left the coffee shop, and drove off.
He didn't actually have a destination in mind.
He was just driving subconsciously.
As he drove, he ended up back at the apartment complex he had just left.
He looked up, and the lights were on in the window.
Checking the time, it was only a little past ten.
The long night stretched ahead, and a lonely pillow made for sleeplessness.
Since she was alone anyway, he might as well pass the time together.
He first went to the entrance of the complex to buy some food and beer, then went upstairs.
He rang the doorbell, and a cold voice came from inside.
"Who?"
"Me."
Soon, the door opened.
She was still in the same outfit, but her hands were wet, and there was noise from the kitchen.
The woman's face was displeased.
"Why are you here again? Are you never going to stop? Do you really want me to block you?"
"I was afraid you'd be hungry, so I brought you some food."
Lu Mingzhe handed over the items.
The woman looked at the food, showing no sign of gratitude. Instead, her eyes were filled with disdain and mockery.
"You're sick. After all this time, this is the first time I've accepted anything from you, and it startled me."
"If you're sick, go to the hospital and get treated. Don't come here to act crazy."
"I don't want your things. Take them and get lost."
Lu Mingzhe didn't leave. Not only did he not leave, but he sniffed the air.
"Someone's here, are you afraid he'll see me?"
The woman pushed him. "Yes. Take your things and get out!"
"It's fate that we met. You're my friend, maybe I and he can become good brothers. Let me come in for a chat."
Lu Mingzhe shamelessly squeezed his way in.
A scent of cooking vegetables wafted from the kitchen.
He threw his things on the floor and headed straight for the kitchen.
A young boy, wearing a white t-shirt and black casual pants, with a slender back, was stir-frying.
Hearing the noise, he turned to look at him.
His features were bright, and his face held a smile.
"There's a guest at home?"
Lu Mingzhe turned back and teased the woman.
"You've got some skills. You've even managed to lure a pure college student into your home. No wonder you looked down on me."
He said this with a hint of sourness, then walked over and pinched the boy's shoulder, then his arm.
"How old are you this year, little brother?"
The woman followed, kicking him from behind with an unfriendly tone.
"Stop messing around with me. What's gotten into you today?"
"Don't worry. I won't ruin your good deed. I just think this kid looks quite handsome, and I wanted to say a few words to him."
The boy, skillfully tossing the wok, replied.
"I'm 19 this year."
"Where do you study?"
"Nanda University."
"Oh, a top student. What's your major?"
"Journalism and Communication."
"How long have you known my sister?"
"Huh?"
The woman kicked Lu Mingzhe again from behind.
"Get out, get out! Don't disturb him while he's cooking!"
"The food is burning. This is my own brother! You're really quite sick."
"Your own brother? When did you get a brother?"