The Five-Year Pursuit: A Villain’s Redemption

In the elite circles of the city, there was one name everyone knew: Jiang Mu Lian. Born into wealth, the pampered young lady was supposed to be the jewel of her family. Yet, for the past five years, her existence had been defined by a single, all-consuming obsession: Su Jing He. Her life was a blur of service, her bank account a private ATM for the supposed “young master” of the Su family.

“What?” the voice in Mu Lian’s head shrieked, a mix of disbelief and horror. “You’re saying I’ve been chasing the wrong person for five years? That the person I actually need to pursue is behind me?”

A heavy, foreboding musical note echoed the revelation. That person was Lu Chuan, a man destined to become the most feared villain, a figure everyone in the future would desperately avoid.

“You want me to pursue him? Do you know how I’ve lived for the past five years?” Mu Lian thought, the memory flashing vividly. Five years of financial sponsorship, five years of being summoned and dismissed like a servant, even forced onto the scorching sports field on a blazing hot day just to deliver water to her self-important target.

“Have you seen the new models, guys? How are they?” Su Jing He preened, surrounded by admirers.

“Jing He, I made you lunch,” Mu Lian said, breathless.

“This is what you call food? Why are you so slow? Didn’t you eat breakfast? I’m starving!” he snapped.

In a twist of cruel irony, even the schoolmates believed Su Jing He, the son of a maid, was the real wealthy heir, while Mu Lian, the legitimate heiress, was reduced to his pathetic, lovesick devotee. The stakes were now terrifyingly real.

“Tell me this is a joke! If I fail to pursue Lu Chuan this year, my family will go bankrupt? Is that true?”

Before the chilling prophecy could sink in, Su Jing He’s voice cut through the air, dripping with arrogance.

“Jiang Mu Lian, are you blind? Can’t you see I’ve finished playing? Get over here and bring me water!”

“Water, you say?” Mu Lian’s eyes narrowed. “Fine. I’ll make sure you get enough!”

In a swift, decisive move, she uncapped the water bottle and poured it straight over his head.

“Jiang Mu Lian, have you gone mad?!”

“I’ve been mad enough for the past five years, being your little supplicant! I’m not an idiot anymore. I won’t serve you!”

“Jiang Mu Lian, look at your own low-class status! Do you believe I won’t kick you out of my house? Kneel and apologize right now, or don’t expect my forgiveness!” he thundered.

“The truly despicable are often the most thick-skinned. You should be clearer on your status,” Mu Lian shot back, her voice ringing with newfound authority. “What do you think will happen if I throw you and your mother out of my Jiang family’s house? Will you be sleeping on the streets again, just like a few years ago? Do you dare test me?”

“You think I don’t dare?” Mu Lian challenged, her eyes blazing.

“Are you okay?” A quiet, unfamiliar voice spoke.

“Get lost!” Mu Lian snapped, still reeling, before her vision blurred. “I’m fine. Just came back from the field. That jerk probably gave me heatstroke. I’ll be fine after a rest.”

Mu Lian woke up in the infirmary.

“What happened to me?”

“The doctor said you fainted from heatstroke. Is someone like Jing He really worth hurting yourself for?”

Mu Lian turned, surprised. “Lu Chuan? Why are you here?”

“Pity it’s not your Su Jing He,” he replied, a hint of wryness in his tone. “Disappointed?”

No! This is perfect! Mu Lian thought, suppressing a triumphant grin. I was just worrying about how to meet and capture Lu Chuan, and now he’s delivered right to me!

“No, not at all! Thank you for helping me,” she quickly said. “You should rest well first. I’ve taken care of your leave.”

Mu Lian watched him. This was the feared, future villain Lu Chuan. Yet, she felt… a strange gentleness from him.

“Lu Chuan, where are you going?”

“To call the doctor to check on you.”

“I’m fine. No need for a doctor. Lu Chuan, can you stay with me? It’s too quiet here, and I’m scared.”

“Did you see clearly? I’m not your Su Jing He.”

“I know. I just want you to stay with me, please? Lu Chuan, I suddenly realized you’re incredibly handsome. A thousand, a million times more handsome than Su Jing He. Don’t joke.”

Mu Lian pushed her luck. “Lu Chuan, I don’t like Su Jing He anymore. Can I like you instead?”

Oh no! I went straight for the villain! He won’t get angry, will he? It’s so isolated here. What if he gets mad and kills me?

Lu Chuan hesitated, then sighed. “Even so, I still need to call the doctor to check you for more severe heatstroke, to make sure you don’t turn into a complete idiot.”

Is he concerned about me? I like this target! He’s a million times better than that scoundrel Jing He. I shouldn’t have doubted him earlier.

---

The next day, Su Jing He arrived at school, expecting his usual service.

“Where is Jiang Mu Lian? How dare she make me go alone today?” he grumbled to the driver as he reached the school gate. “Take me to the party first, I have things to do.”

“Young Master Su, the young lady hasn’t come out yet. I need to ensure her safety getting to school.”

“Who are you? Young Master Su? You don’t know Lu Chuan, do you? He’s not just Mu Lian’s admirer. Didn’t Young Master Su say she’s the daughter of his maid?”

“Are you tired of working? Do you want me to fire you?” Su Jing He threatened.

“Fire who?”

Mu Lian’s voice, cold and authoritative, cut through the noise. She stood beside the driver. “Young Master Su, I don’t know who gave you the authority to casually fire my Jiang family’s driver. What’s with the sudden change in attitude? You found a replacement, didn’t you? Jiang Mu Lian, are you trying to use him to provoke me? Don’t play games with me. I’m telling you, unless you kneel and beg for my forgiveness today, you can forget it.”

Lu Chuan stepped forward, his presence instantly commanding. “So, you came to find me just to provoke him?”

“No! Don’t listen to his nonsense! I have no relationship with him whatsoever!” Mu Lian vehemently denied.

“Jiang Mu Lian, if you can, say that again,” Su Jing He challenged, jumping up like a pathetic clown.

“What’s the matter, Su Jing He? You’re starting to get hysterical. Jiang Mu Lian, are you tired of life? Is it because I refused your invitation to dance at the Jiang family party tonight that you deliberately brought this person here to provoke me? Why not find someone else? Why bring this God of Calamity that the whole school avoids? You can’t even pretend convincingly!”

“Let’s go. Did you forget the price of angering me, you lunatic?” Su Jing He warned.

The lunatic is him! Mu Lian thought. Oh no, he won’t be angry and think I’m playing with him, will he? A villain’s rage must be terrifying.

“That’s right, Lu Chuan, are you interested in the Jiang family party tonight? I want to invite you as my special guest.”

Jiang Mu Lian, is this your way of getting revenge on Jing He? Is she really starting to like me? Lu Chuan wondered.

“From what I know, the main purpose of the Jiang family’s party tonight is to introduce him, isn’t it?”

“I’ve changed my mind. The current purpose is to thank you for taking me to the infirmary. Let’s go.”

“Mu Lian, stop messing around. Otherwise, you can forget about me ever liking you!” Su Jing He pleaded.

“Who asked you to like me? A good dog doesn’t block the way. Let’s go,” Mu Lian said, pulling Lu Chuan away.

“Is she crazy? The party is clearly to transfer part of the Jiang family shares! She dares to take Lu Chuan?” Su Jing He was left fuming.

---

At the entrance to the party, the security guard stopped Su Jing He. “Excuse me, sir, please show your invitation. Otherwise, you cannot enter.”

“Bastard, are you blind? Don’t you recognize me? This party is hosted for me! How dare you block my way? Do you believe that once I get the Jiang family’s shares, I’ll send you to Africa?”

“Ah, it turns out to be Young Master Jing He. Please leave. Our young lady said that Su Jing He and his nephew are banned from entering.”

“What? Did you make a mistake? Jiang Mu Lian, she dared to do that?”

“Excellent job. I’ll send you a bonus this month,” Mu Lian’s voice was heard, confirming the ban.

“Jiang Mu Lian, don’t be ridiculous!” Su Jing He rushed at Mu Lian, raising his hand.

A swift, powerful hand grabbed Su Jing He’s arm, stopping him mid-swing. “Who gave you the audacity to lay a hand on her?” Lu Chuan’s voice was dangerously low.

It’s all Mi Mi’s fault! If not for her, I wouldn’t have wasted five years to realize this! Lu Chuan, such a handsome, kind guy. Why is he looking at me like that? Did he think I was upset because he hit him? Is he testing whether I was just using him to provoke Su Jing He?

“Of course not! I told you, from now on, I only like you. We don’t need to pay attention to him. Let’s continue the party. Let’s go.”

---

The whispers began immediately as they walked in.

“Is that Lu Chuan accompanying Young Lady Jiang?” “Are you talking about the youngest son of the Xia family from the capital? Don’t joke! How can someone from the Xia family stoop to Jiang Mu Lian? He’s a poor guy. Is she foolish enough to die for this kind of love?” “I heard that the Jiang family is holding this party for that poor boy. I don’t know if it’s true or false. It must be that he angered the lovesick Jiang Mu Lian, so she’s doing this.”

Mu Lian grabbed the mic and strode onto the stage. “Ladies and gentlemen, I, Jiang Mu Lian, hereby formally announce that from this moment forward, all financial support for Su Jing He will cease.”

She paused, looking directly at Lu Chuan. “And, Lu Chuan, I meant it when I said I want to start liking you. Can I pursue you starting now?”

A nervous melody played. “What if I say no?” Lu Chuan asked.

“You won’t pursue me anymore?”

“So, you agree! I’ll see your attitude first. Moreover, I’m not Su Jing He. I don’t need you to humble yourself to pursue me. Just be yourself.”

She should definitely be a dazzling little sun, he thought.

“That’s great! Lu Chuan, thank you! Lu Chuan is not a villain at all! Compared to that scoundrel Su Jing He, he’s a gift from God sent to save his little angel!”

I think I did okay tonight. I wonder if Lu Chuan’s affection for me has increased. I hope he doesn’t turn bad. I hope he likes me soon.

“I’m so hot. Can you hold my jacket for a moment? No other meaning. It’s a nice jacket. Thank you, Lu Chuan. I’ll wash it and return it tomorrow. Can I ask you out tomorrow?”

Yes! He agreed! Did my strategy tonight actually work?

The next morning, Mu Lian’s mother, distraught, confronted her.

“Mu Lian, where are you going so early?” “Mom, what’s wrong? Is there a problem with our family’s finances? If we can’t overcome this difficulty, our Jiang family is very likely to go bankrupt. I shouldn’t tell you this, but I heard you’ve been getting close to Young Master Lu lately.”

Meanwhile, Su Jing He was being consoled by his mother. “Jing He, I just heard the Jiang family is about to go bankrupt! How is that possible? It’s true! Mrs. Jiang herself said it. Fortunately, Jiang Mu Lian didn’t transfer the shares to you last night, or you would be shouldering the Jiang family’s debt now.”

“I knew it! Why else would her attitude towards me change so drastically lately? It turns out her family is out of money and she’s afraid I’ll despise her. She loves me irrevocably, after all.”

Mu Lian, overhearing this, panicked. Didn’t they say bankruptcy would only happen if the strategy failed? Does Lu Chuan hate me now? He was so gentle last night. Am I really that unlikable? Do both Su Jing He and Lu Chuan simultaneously hate me?

Lu Chuan, in his car, received news from his assistant. “Young Master, the Jiang family’s situation is not good. If there is no investment, they will quickly fall into bankruptcy. So, as Mrs. Jiang said, this Young Lady Jiang approaching you probably wants the Lu family to invest and save the Jiang family’s desperate situation.”

She wants it, so let her have it. A small amount of money is nothing. How can I let her suffer? Lu Chuan thought, a cloud of confusion in his eyes. It’s just… Mu Lian, do you genuinely like me?

A dramatic melody played as Mu Lian ran to meet him. “Have you been waiting long? Lu Chuan, you’re here! You don’t know what—”

“That’s great, Lu Chuan! I knew you were the best!” Mu Lian cheered internally. He came! Does this mean he has accepted my feelings and is giving me a chance to complete the strategy to save the Jiang family?

“Mu Lian, we are not compatible. Don’t try to seduce me anymore.”

“What?”

“I will help the Jiang family recover. Whether you like me or not doesn’t matter. I don’t want to be a tool for you to pursue Su Jing He.”

“I’m not! I really like you! Don’t you believe me?”

“I’m sorry, I can’t risk my genuine heart. Let’s not contact each other from now on. As long as you are genuinely happy, even if my existence is not in your world, it’s okay.” A poignant musical interlude began.

Mu Lian, desperate, made a bold move. “Is this enough to prove my sincerity? If it’s not enough, I can—” She leaned in and kissed him.

“What are you doing? Of course, she would! Did she treat Su Jing He this way to prove her sincerity too?” Lu Chuan was stunned.

What? Is he angry because of a kiss? This villain’s mind is too hard to guess! Mu Lian worried. Did I scare Lu Chuan away by being too direct? I don’t know how the strategy is progressing! What if Lu Chuan suddenly gets angry and turns evil? Wouldn’t I be ruining my family? Will the Jiang family completely collapse?

But the villain’s lips are really soft. Giving him my first kiss wasn’t a loss, she consoled herself.

“Good. Jing He, why haven’t I seen your admirer come to bring us water lately? I heard she’s been with Lu Chuan, that God of Calamity. Is she out of her mind? I have to say, is Brother He not attractive enough?”

“It’s good that she didn’t come. It stops me from being annoyed. I’m telling you, an admirer like Jiang Mu Lian will come running as soon as I wave my hand.”

Suddenly, Lu Chuan walked past, and a group of Su Jing He’s friends surrounded him. “There’s the God of Calamity! He dared to steal Brother He’s admirer! Let’s teach him a lesson.”

“What do you want? Do you truly believe Jiang Mu Lian likes you, so she’s staying with you? Stop fooling yourself. You’re just a replacement for Jiang Mu Lian, merely a tool to annoy me. The admirer who loved Brother He would suddenly go and like someone else? Don’t dream.”

“You remember? Last month, Brother Jing He wanted to eat a cake from Ju Xiang Ge. Jiang Mu Lian went to buy it in the heavy rain. She was drenched like a drowned chicken and didn’t utter a word of complaint. She’s approaching you only because she needs money.”

Su Jing He grabbed his phone. “I’m at the sports field. Come and bring me a towel immediately!”

“I just need one phone call, and she’ll come running back to be my admirer again!”

Lu Chuan, towering over them, spoke with a chilling authority. “Have you said enough? Your hands are too dirty. How dare you touch my belongings? Before she comes, I can cripple you first.”

“Do you like Mu Lian? Aren’t you afraid she’ll come to settle the score with you?” “That’s right! She loves Brother Jing He the most! She’ll get mad at you, just wait!”

“That’s right, I came to settle the score with you!” Mu Lian’s voice rang out.

“Did you hear that? She came to settle the score with you! Why did you only bring one towel? How are we supposed to share it? Fine, I’ll forgive you this time. Give me the towel, and tell your men to go clean up this Xia guy.”

“The love you talked about, it was all a lie to me, wasn’t it?” Lu Chuan asked, his eyes filled with hurt.

“No, no, don’t misunderstand. I came to settle the score with him!” Mu Lian pointed at Su Jing He. “Grab him and throw him out for me! Take off all his clothes and shoes and throw them in the trash! All those luxury items are mine, bought at a high price! I won’t let this scoundrel benefit from them!”

“Are you crazy, Jiang Mu Lian? Do you know what you’re doing? All the luxuries on your body were bought by me! Now I’m taking them all back, item by item. Take them off for me!” Su Jing He screamed.

“I was blind before. But rest assured, I’ve turned over a new leaf. I promise from now on, I will only genuinely like you, Lu Chuan. Otherwise, I will be struck by lightning!”

“No need to say more. I don’t need your oath to prove it.” Lu Chuan’s voice was weary.

“Are you still not going?”

“No.”

“Do you hate me?”

“Forget it. It’s up to you. I’m going to the study room.”

“I’m going to the study room too! I’ll go with you! A little physical contact should increase my affection for him, right?”

“Jiang Mu Lian, Young Master Su, what happened? Someone in school dared to offend him? It must have been Jiang Mu Lian who sent people. Maybe she got angry from embarrassment because her seduction failed. This will only make Young Master Su hate her more.”

“Su Jing He always boasts about his family. Is he really that capable? If he were really that powerful, he would definitely retaliate.”

“What are you looking at? Everyone, get lost!”

Lu Chuan has both looks and intelligence, much better than that lunatic Su Jing He. No wonder he can become a villain. I like it!

“Is there something on my face? Why do you keep staring at me?” Lu Chuan asked.

“You’re handsome, and I can’t look?”

“If you don’t want to read, you can go out.”

“No, I want to look. I want to look at both you and the book.”

A gentle melody played. “The day after tomorrow is your birthday. I want to give you your birthday gift tomorrow night. Can you wait for me by the lake?”

“If you want to, it’s up to you.”

Su Jing He appeared, looking menacing. “Wait for me at the club tomorrow night. I have something to tell you. Don’t bother me when I’m busy. Didn’t you always want to be with me? I’ll give you a chance tomorrow night. I advise you to cherish it.”

“Really? Then I really have to thank you.” Mu Lian pulled her arm away. “Let go. I advise you to be sensible.”

“She told you to let go. Didn’t you hear? If you don’t need your hand anymore, I don’t mind cutting it off and feeding it to the dogs.” Lu Chuan’s tone was terrifyingly calm.

“Jiang Mu Lian, whether you come or not, you must see me tomorrow night! Come on, come on, come on!” Su Jing He left in a huff.

Su Jing He’s mother cornered him. “Son, what’s wrong? I heard that little brat Jiang Mu Lian humiliated you at school today? She dared to humiliate you? When the time comes, I definitely won’t let her step into our door.”

“Mom, don’t mess things up anymore. It’s too much trouble. I feel like Jiang Mu Lian has become a different person lately. She’s starting to escape my control.”

---

The next evening, Su Jing He arrived at the club, a smug look on his face.

“Mu Lian, I specially prepared condensed milk for you. Drink it quickly while it’s hot.” That’s strange. She usually dares to raise her voice at me. Why is she being so gentle today? “This is her sentiment. Drink it.” “Fine. Being unusually kind must mean there’s a trick. I want to see what she’s up to.”

Mu Lian was by the lake, waiting for Lu Chuan. What gift will he give me? I told him I’ll like anything he gives me. He’ll like it, right?

“Strange, why is my head dizzy?” Mu Lian collapsed.

Lu Chuan arrived at the lake and found Mu Lian’s scarf. “Lu Chuan…”

Suddenly, Su Jing He’s friends appeared. “Young Master Lu, Miss Jiang actually went to the club with another young man.”

Jiang Mu Lian, you lied to me, you deceiver! So, this broken date is also because of Su Jing He? No matter how many times, you will still choose him, won’t you? Lu Chuan’s face was stone. “You go out first.”

“Jiang Mu Lian is considered a school beauty, after all. Today, she went with that Xia guy. It’s not your turn to speak. I’m telling you, she’s mine sooner or later. I won’t let anything happen to her. You just cooperate with me.”

Lu Chuan turned, his eyes piercing. “Say that again. Where did you take Jiang Mu Lian? She went willingly. What right do you have to interfere in other people’s business? Maybe she chose me and not you, so you’re jealous, right? I have many ways to make people wish they were dead. My patience is limited. Speak quickly. She’s inside. If you don’t go, I’ll go save her.”

Inside the club, Su Jing He leaned over Mu Lian’s unconscious body. “Such a beautiful girl. Young Master Su, you really don’t cherish beauty. Then let me, let me take care of her.”

“I’ll kill you!”

A furious Lu Chuan kicked the door open. “Which student from Class 8 wants a little chat? Miss Jiang, I was wrong. I was really wrong. Please forgive me this time. Forgiving you is impossible. I’ve already called the police. Wait a moment. Think carefully about how to explain this to the police.”

Mu Lian woke up, dazed. “Mi Mi, I’m coming!”

Oh no, I forgot about him! Where is the gift? Did he get angry because I broke our date and came to settle the score with me?

“Um, I didn’t break our date on purpose. I can explain.”

“It’s a good thing you’re okay. Otherwise, I wouldn’t forgive myself. I’m fine.” He cares about me! “I’m just worried that if something happened to you, no one would give me a gift anymore. It’s all your fault. If it weren’t for you, how could I have lost the gift on the way? Lu Chuan, I accidentally lost the gift. I’ll go back and look for it right away. I will definitely find a gift for you before your birthday.”

“Alright, don’t worry about it. The gift is not as important as your safety.”

“Why isn’t it here? I clearly remember leaving it here. Did it fall into the water? It’s almost midnight. The first birthday gift for Lu Chuan can’t be lost so easily.”

“Are you going to dive in to look for it? Why?”

“Because I want to make you happy. Please shine the light for me later. If you receive the birthday gift, you will definitely be happy. Does my happiness matter to you?”

“Of course! You are important to me now. If a villain like you is unhappy, our entire Jiang family will be ruined.”

“I got the gift. I’m very happy. In return, I’ll take you home.”

I didn’t expect Lu Chuan to look thin, but the muscles under his clothes are quite firm. He’s really attractive.

“Lu Chuan, I’m home. I’ll send someone to pick you up for my birthday party tomorrow. Don’t worry, I’ll be there on time.”

He’s so gentle. I really don’t know how he becomes a great villain in the future.

As she was about to enter, Su Jing He was there. “Jiang Mu Lian, why are you back?”

“Stay away from her. Otherwise, I can’t guarantee you’ll be able to walk to school tomorrow.” Lu Chuan’s voice was like ice.

“Tell me, if you dare touch me, will Jiang Mu Lian hate you? She’s genuinely liked me for five years. Before you do anything, you better consider your position clearly.”

“What are you two talking about?” Mu Lian asked, walking toward them.

“You’re home. You should rest. Mu Lian, I’ll take you home. What did you do today? Don’t you know? I didn’t do anything. You came home so late. I was worried and was about to go look for you. Thank you for taking me home. I’ll bring you a new gift to celebrate your birthday tomorrow. No need. Just your presence is enough.”

“Jiang Mu Lian, what do you mean? Why do you always ignore me for him lately?”

“Nothing interesting. I just don’t like you anymore. Go inside. I’ll watch you go in. It’s late. You should go home and rest early too.”

“Jiang Mu Yuan, did you deliberately embarrass me? So what?” Mu Lian’s cousin, who had been taken in by the Jiang family and was Su Jing He’s mother’s son, was furious.

“Who do you think you are? You’re the son of a maid. How are you worthy of living with the master like me? Get lost now!”

“Our plan yesterday, was it discovered? Otherwise, why would they kick us out? Don’t ask. How would I know? The plan almost succeeded, but Lu Chuan ruined it. What more can I do? Jing He, why don’t you follow my suggestion? Come here.”

“Young Master, don’t look anymore. The old lady is urging you to go back.”

“No. This is the first birthday gift she gave me.” “You’ve been looking all morning. I don’t know what Miss Jiang gave you. I’ll have someone help you find it.”

“No need. She gave me a ballpoint pen.”

Lu Chuan found an old memory box. Inside were letters and a drawing.

“Mi Mi, we should go home.” “Little brother, this is my favorite doll. If you’re scared, hold it tight, just like I’m always by your side. Let’s go, Mom, wait a moment.” “Little brother, this is the birthday gift my dad gave me. When you go home, remember to use this pen to write me letters. I’ll miss you very much. Goodbye.”

What an idiot. After so many years, she still likes to give other people ballpoint pens. Let’s go home. Lu Chuan thought, a tender smile touching his lips.

He’s completely crazy. I told him to go to the airport to pick up Xian Xian, but he ran off to help the Jiang family’s girl find a lost gift. Quickly bring him back to me!

“Aunt Xia, what’s wrong? You’re unhappy.” “Isn’t it that boy? He didn’t come to pick you up. When he comes back, I’ll make him apologize to you.” “It’s okay. Lu Chuan must have been delayed by something. Aunt, don’t blame him. You don’t know that I’ve been abroad for so long. Did he forget about me? How could he? You are the daughter-in-law the Xia family recognizes. Wait until you finish the enrollment procedures. You two will have plenty of time to be together.”

At the party, a beautiful girl was waiting. “Young Master Xia is waiting for someone. Has his icy exterior finally melted? Impossible. I heard Madam Xia likes the Lin family’s girl who studied abroad. Hasn’t she returned?”

“Xuan!” A girl called out happily.

“Are you waiting for me? You’re so kind! I was afraid you’d get lost, so I came to pick you up on the way. Let’s go in quickly.”

“Young Master, Madam said Miss Jiang is not allowed in.” “She’s not allowed in? Why? Did I offend your madam?” “Madam feels… you don’t need to say more. I’ll take her in. If there’s any blame, I’ll take it. Sorry, my mother is always very controlling. I don’t know why she’s being so erratic today. Don’t pay attention to it.”

“Today is your stage. Will I attract too much attention by following you like this? Besides, Aunt Xia seems to have a prejudice against me. Otherwise, I’ll wait for you by the side.”

“What’s there to be afraid of? I want you to stand by my side. You are very beautiful today. Are you afraid of others looking at you? If you’re not afraid of trouble, I certainly won’t be. To me, you are never trouble.”

Madam Xia confronted them. “Lu Chuan, this party does not welcome Miss Jiang. You dare to defy me?”

“Why associate with such unworthy people? What did I do to offend Madam Xia? Mi Mi is my friend, not an unworthy person. I brought her in today to tell you that while the party you organized does not welcome her, the Xia family always welcomes her. You have no right to interfere in the Xia family’s affairs. Are you trying to drive me insane?”

“If thinking that makes you happy, then think that way.”

He’s protecting me!

“For the sake of this little brat, you’ve really gone too far. It seems the rumors are true. The Xia family is currently ruled by the young master. I must be more polite to the young master in the future.”

“Aunt Xia, don’t be angry. Brother Lu Chuan was just temporarily deceived. Everything will be fine once I transfer to this school.”

“I’m sorry. I didn’t know it would be like this.” “I should be the one apologizing. As my guest, you were rejected at the door. That was my oversight. I guarantee it won’t happen again. His birthday party was ruined. He must be very sad. Let me make it up to you with a more unique birthday party. I promise you’ll remember it forever.”

“Be careful. Wait for me here.” Mu Lian led him to the rooftop.

“Lu Chuan, open your eyes. Happy birthday!” Mu Lian had decorated the rooftop with fairy lights and a small cake.

“Do you like it? Hurry up and make a wish. Thank you. I like it very much. If wishes come true, I hope Jiang Mu Lian can be happy forever.”

“Can I know what you wished for your birthday? My wish is simple. I hope you’re always by my side.”

“Mi Mi? Let me take you somewhere. Where are we going? This place is so beautiful.”

“It’s good that you like it. I heard that if you stand on the top of the mountain and make a wish on your birthday, the mountain god will grant it. Lu Chuan, do you have a wish? If I can grant this wish, wouldn’t I be one step closer to my goal? One step closer to my goal. My wish is—”

“It’s late and the wind is cold. Let me take you home. Mi Mi, I hope I can step into your heart soon.”

---

The next day, gossip swirled around the school forum. “Jiang Mu Lian is just a vain and ambitious person. I heard she failed to pursue Young Master Su, so she went to work as a hostess for others. Impossible. Didn’t Jiang Mu Lian only like Young Master Su? How could she degrade herself like that? The forum is real! Photos of her working as a hostess are going viral. I think she wants to go from a chicken to a phoenix. An overnight success.”

Lu Chuan’s voice, laced with menace, demanded an answer. “Say that again. From now on, I forbid you from discussing anything about Jiang Mu Lian. I believe she would never degrade herself like that.”

“If she dared to do it, why can’t others talk about it? That’s right. Young Master Su, you don’t need to protect her. Jiang Mu Lian, how much do you get for one service? Do you want to come with us?”

“Keep your mouths clean.” Lu Chuan’s voice was lethal.

“Don’t worry, I truly believe you. Is that necessary? Don’t be so ungrateful. If you beg me like you did before, I’ll help you retrieve and destroy those photos on the forum. I won’t despise you for being dirty and will even stay with you.” Su Jing He taunted.

“The toad wants to eat the swan. Delusional! From today, the Jiang family will cancel the academic support for you and will recover your huge past consumption. Proceed with debt recovery. Instead of worrying about me, think about how to pay off the debt.” Mu Lian’s voice was ice.

“What are you talking about? Young Master Su is receiving support from Jiang Mu Lian? How is that possible? Is she talking nonsense? But judging by their conversation, it seems Jiang Mu Lian isn’t lying.”

“What are you looking at? This is not the place to talk. Come out and clarify this for me! What’s wrong? Afraid of being exposed? The son of a maid, showing off with other people’s money. It’s truly embarrassing. Haven’t I made myself clear? From now on, the Jiang family will have no more connection with you. Look carefully. Wait a moment. The Jiang family will have legal personnel to clarify the debt with you. The Jiang family has supported you for so long. It’s time for you to repay the debt. How can it be? Tens of millions? Are you kidding me? Jiang Mu Lian, do you think I won’t lay a hand on you? Ah—”

“Is it because I’ve been too good to you lately that you treat me like this? It was all you who willingly gave it to me! Now you’re taking it back? Do you think I’m an idiot? Mi Mi, do you want to die?”

Mu Lian watched Lu Chuan intervene, striking Su Jing He with a perfect punch. He’s so handsome. Why does he look good in any position?

“Who are you? Don’t interfere in our business! She’s mine!” Su Jing He spat.

“You’re the one who shouldn’t meddle in other people’s affairs. How can you change your heart so quickly? Do you really not like me at all? Let’s go. Don’t pay attention to this mad dog.”

“Did you just say I’m yours?” Lu Chuan asked, his voice softening.

“Yes, you are mine. I’m your tutor. I’ve wanted you to help me study for a long time. Did you forget? Is that all?”

“What do you think? What are you to me? Mi Mi, you were the one who made my heart beat first.”

“So, have you accepted my feelings now? Do you want to be my boyfriend?”

“That depends on your actions. Say it. It’s not that easy.”

“Then I’ve been pursuing you for so long. Can I get a little interest first? What interest?”

Mu Lian kissed him again, a lingering, confident press of her lips.

“Alright, now I have the motivation to continue pursuing you. I really like this interest. Let’s go. Let’s go for tutoring. Hurry up. If we don’t go, there won’t be any seats left. I like it too.”

The two walked away, hand in hand.

---

The debt was settled, and Su Jing He and his mother were cornered.

“Jing He, how could Jiang Mu Lian make you repay the debt? Isn’t it because of your mother’s bad idea? Making her angry. Those photos didn’t threaten her at all. That damned girl, she must have changed her heart. Over the years, I’ve saved some money. It’s enough for our mother and son to live without worry. Why don’t we take the money and run?”

“Mom, don’t mess with the money anymore. It’s all because of you that she was so decisive and said she doesn’t like me anymore. Don’t interfere with me anymore. She definitely still has feelings for me. She’s just angry now. I’ll find a way to make her change her mind. You should be careful. What’s so good about liking her? It’s not as good as money. Let’s go.”

“Where are you two trying to run off to? Drugging me, spreading false rumors, and still trying to run away. Do you think it’s that easy?”

“Jiang Mu Lian, you just want to use money to force me to like you. As long as you let us go, I’ll agree to be with you. I guarantee I won’t hold your mistakes over the years against you. I’ll let bygones be bygones and try to like you.”

“Don’t disgust me anymore. Don’t think so highly of yourself. I don’t believe you could forget me so quickly. I won’t talk to a narcissist like you. Get the debt agreement for him to sign.”

“I won’t sign. It was all you who willingly gave it to me. You can’t take it back!”

“Willingly gave it to you? It was to provide you with academic support. All those other luxury items were demanded by you. Do you need me to help you remember? Tomorrow, I’ll hold a birthday party here. Have you prepared the commemorative gift from the study table and my birthday gift? Also, the motorcycle I liked the other day, I want it tomorrow—”