Deng Zhi sprawled out on his bed after returning to the dorm, smugly humming a tune, reliving the events of last night and this morning.

When Zhang Han entered the room and saw Deng Zhi’s overtly satisfied expression—the look of someone who had just scored a major victory—a sour knot formed in his stomach. In terms of relationships, Zhang Han felt he had started things with Han Meina plenty early, and he had been genuinely invested in her from the beginning, putting considerable effort into winning her over. Conversely, Deng Zhi first chased Wang Qiqi (apparently for her money), then somehow entangled himself with Gong Yiying. In less than a month, he seemed to have accomplished everything.

“Had a good time yesterday, didn’t you?” Zhang Han drawled, his voice dripping with sarcasm. He couldn’t help but recall Gong Yiying’s scandalous behavior at dinner the night before, mentally cursing her as a slut for first leading him on, only to immediately check into a room with Deng Zhi.

Before Deng Zhi could reply, Ren Zhixuan jumped in, “Of course he was happy! He even skipped the Demon Teacher’s class, still managing to be cheerful about it.” If only Ren Zhixuan knew that his own girlfriend had nearly thrown herself into someone else’s arms yesterday—specifically Zhang Han’s—he might not be in such high spirits.

“That’s what I call happiness,” Jin Canrong scoffed dismissively. “But tell me, Deng Zhi, did you happen to look at the bedsheets this morning?”

The bedsheets? Deng Zhi opened his eyes, looking at Jin Canrong with utter confusion. Why would he bother looking at that? But then, the reason behind Jin Canrong’s comment dawned on him. He mentally reviewed the morning’s foggy memories. Yes, someone had been incredibly passionate last night, burning like a flame. Deng Zhi, having had a bit too much to drink, had gone along with the impulse without overthinking. Then he remembered carrying Gong Yiying out of the covers today, and all he’d seen was white, white, white... This, this, this...

Seeing the rapid shift in Deng Zhi’s complexion—the increasingly unpleasant expression—Jin Canrong knew the answer was likely negative. “Brother, even though we all thought poorly of what you did before, Gong Yiying choosing you was probably inevitable, given that Ren Zhixuan was a step too slow. Still, as brothers, there are a couple of things we have to point out.”

Jin Canrong wrestled with whether to bring up the gossip from the previous night’s banquet, fearing he might upset Zhang Han. But now, it seemed whether he spoke or not, the outcome would be the same.

Zhang Han smirked internally. So, that girl wasn't some chaste maiden after all. However, regarding what happened yesterday, he decided it was better to come clean. Firstly, with so many people present, someone would eventually talk, and he didn’t want the tale reaching Deng Zhi’s ears twisted into something unrecognizable. Secondly, given Gong Yiying’s character, who knew what outrageous things she might do in the future? “Deng Zhi, there’s something I need to tell you.”

Deng Zhi found Zhang Han’s sudden seriousness strange. “What is it, Zhang Han? You look so solemn, it makes me feel like I’m facing a professor.” Of course, Deng Zhi privately thought Zhang Han being this serious meant it couldn't possibly be about academics.

Jin Canrong and Ren Zhixuan exchanged a glance. Was Zhang Han actually planning to reveal what happened yesterday? Zhang Han was quite cunning to seize an opportunity to bring up that topic so quickly.

Zhang Han fixed his gaze on Deng Zhi and spoke deliberately, word by word, “Don’t get angry at what I’m about to say, but I’m telling you the plain truth.”

Zhang Han’s delivery immediately put Deng Zhi on edge, a sudden nervousness gripping him. He desperately wanted to tell Zhang Han to stop, to bite his tongue before revealing what he was about to say, yet a stronger instinct told him that silencing Zhang Han now would lead to future regret. He steadied his nerves. “Go ahead.”

Zhang Han slowly recounted the previous night’s events. While he avoided embellishment, he heavily emphasized his own innocence, focusing on how Gong Yiying had persistently plied him with drinks and acted as if she were about to throw herself into his arms.

Deng Zhi, already confused by Jin Canrong’s words, would have to be a complete fool not to understand the implication now that Zhang Han had spoken. He stared at Zhang Han, his hand shooting out to grip the collar of Zhang Han’s shirt. “Is this how you treat a brother? You know she’s my woman!” Although furious, Zhang Han kept his voice low. He knew the dorm walls offered terrible soundproofing, and he didn't want a potential cuckold situation, yet unverified, to become common knowledge, jeopardizing his standing in the class.

Zhang Han had braced himself for a confrontation, but he hadn't expected Deng Zhi to strike with such ferocity. Jin Canrong and Ren Zhixuan were stunned by Deng Zhi’s extreme reaction, secretly relieved they hadn't spoken first, lest they too become the target of his wrath. Once they recovered their wits, the others in the room rushed forward to pull Deng Zhi and Zhang Han apart.

Zhang Han retreated behind Jin Canrong, clearing his throat a few times while taking deep breaths, and then his own temper flared. “Why are you taking it out on me? You were the one drinking non-stop yesterday, and she kept toasting me. What was I supposed to do, refuse her?” Zhang Han snapped back, “You were so engrossed in your own drinking yesterday, we tried to warn you not to be so self-absorbed!”

Deng Zhi had forgotten most of the conversation at the dinner table. Hearing Zhang Han say this now, he looked suspiciously at Jin Canrong and the others. Seeing them all nod, he understood. “So that’s how it was. No wonder she was so forward last night. It turns out she wasn’t a virgin after all. No wonder her reaction this morning was nothing like what’s written in the books...” Deng Zhi was filled with regret. He’d expected something from Wang Qiqi, but to find that the seemingly virtuous Gong Yiying was the same kind of person—it was unbearable.

Zhang Han wanted to put a hand on Deng Zhi’s shoulder and offer a few words of comfort, but he dared not make the gesture after witnessing the earlier outburst. “Look, Deng Zhi, you were just messing around with her; it wasn't serious. Who cares if she was a chaste maiden or not? All that matters is that she hasn’t cheated on you while you two were together.”

Zhang Han felt a surge of disdain seeing Deng Zhi look upon Gong Yiying with such contempt. The nerve of him to scorn her for not being a virgin when Deng Zhi himself had slept with so many girls, turning them into that state. Why hadn't he felt obligated to take responsibility for them then? Now, putting on the air of the wronged party—what kind of performance was that?

In truth, Deng Zhi’s outburst was mostly talk. Even if Gong Yiying had been a virgin, he wouldn't have seen a future with her. Although she dressed well and diligently showcased her presumed wealth, subtle details she let slip had betrayed her. Deng Zhi knew Gong Yiying’s family was only average; she had come to C University purely to snag a rich husband. Deng Zhi came from a good family, but his ambitions were wilder; he planned to go abroad, a path that required vast sums of money his family might not fully finance. That’s why he had initially targeted Wang Qiqi, hoping to extort money from her. Thinking about it now, Deng Zhi was consumed by regret. How could he have been so foolish as to get caught up talking so happily with Gong Yiying? Ugh.

Jin Canrong and Ren Zhixuan watched as the previously beaming Deng Zhi, radiating such romantic euphoria, had his entire outlook shift after just two sentences from Zhang Han. Ren Zhixuan sighed. Regardless of what happened between the couple, he knew Gong Yiying’s life wouldn't be easy. “Don’t go soft on her. She’s not right for you. Look at how she acted yesterday and today.” Seeing his friend merely sigh, Jin Canrong whispered, “You need to remember her true nature; be careful your own hat doesn’t turn green soon.”

Ren Zhixuan knew his friend meant well. “I’m just making an observation. Don’t worry; I completely let go of that idea this morning.” Sometimes, what you see with your own eyes is the undeniable truth.

Jin Canrong scrutinized Ren Zhixuan for a long moment, noting the absence of the eager, sparkling light in his eyes whenever Gong Yiying was mentioned. Assured that he had moved on, Jin Canrong asked, “Want to go study at the library?”

Ren Zhixuan nodded, picking up the books he needed to return from his shelf. “Let’s head to the library.”

The remaining occupants gradually found excuses to leave. Zhang Han gave a final reminder not to spread the story around, then dragged Deng Zhi out for a drink to drown his sorrows.

Deng Zhi was miserable, but Gong Yiying lay in bed humming contentedly. She was already contemplating whether she should move out next semester to live with Deng Zhi or just spend occasional nights at his place. If they moved in together, she reasoned, Deng Zhi would cover all expenses, allowing her to save her own money. “No, if I move out with him, he won't cherish me enough,” she suddenly realized, remembering a piece of advice from her aunt: if a man obtains you too easily, your standing in his heart will never be high, and you’ll eventually fall from grace. With that thought, Gong Yiying resolved that she couldn't let Deng Zhi have her so easily next time; she had to make him understand that yesterday was a mistake and that she wasn’t a girl who gave herself away lightly—cohabitation wouldn't be easy to secure. “Right, that’s the plan.” Gong Yiying formulated her new strategy for dealing with Deng Zhi.

When Bai Ge and the others returned to their dorm, they found Gong Yiying resting in bed, so they lowered their voices and casually grabbed a few books, agreeing to go to the library. Although the library forbade talking and lacked the freedom of the dorm, it was certainly preferable to being stuck there facing that hateful face.

Gong Yiying was annoyed by how quickly Bai Ge and the others departed. She had expected them to exchange a few words, but instead, they completely ignored her. “Hmph, you’re just jealous,” Gong Yiying muttered bitterly twice before the drowsiness overwhelmed her again. She turned over and resumed sleeping. (To be continued)