Chapter 47

Chen Yuyang hadn’t expected to suddenly take a punch, stumbling back two steps before barely steadying himself.

“Fuck…” Chen Yuyang cursed under his breath.

The surroundings were dimly lit, so he couldn’t make out what had attacked him. He shook his head and let go of Yu Wan’s hand.

His nasal cavity burned hot. He pursed his lips and tasted blood, then wiped under his nose, only to smear a whole hand of nosebleed.

No one had ever dared to lay a hand on him, let alone land a punch on his face that drew blood, shredding his pride.

Rage ignited instantly, and he lunged forward again.

He shoved hard, and the other party slammed into the car’s rearview mirror with a “bang,” letting out a muffled grunt of pain.

Chen Yuyang had no intention of letting her off. He chased after her, winding up for a kick with all his strength, but she agilely dodged. His foot only struck the car door, creating a massive thud.

The sedan’s alarm blared shrilly right after, echoing through the night sky.

Fang Nianchen staggered to Yu Wan’s side, not yet steady on her feet as she anxiously checked on her.

Distracted for a moment, she couldn’t dodge when Chen Yuyang’s sandbag-sized fist swung over, taking the hit squarely.

The massive force sent her tumbling to the side, rolling half a turn.

The side of her face that got hit burned fiercely. She gritted her teeth, propped herself up, and looked up to meet his gaze.

Clearly at a disadvantage, her ferocious eyes looked ready to swallow Chen Yuyang alive.

Chen Yuyang cracked his neck with a series of clicks and spat.

Everything happened in a flash. Once he caught his breath, he realized his attacker was an acquaintance.

Why was she here?

No, none of that mattered. Tonight, he was taking Yu Wan away.

Chen Yuyang had drunk quite a bit tonight, and after being called a pervert by Yu Wan, his head was clouded. The stinging pain on his face sobered him somewhat. He shot Fang Nianchen a glare and ignored her, continuing toward Yu Wan, who was slumped on the ground.

“Get lost!”

Sensing his intent, Fang Nianchen suddenly barreled into him, using her full body weight to shove him down. She actually managed to topple him, sending him crashing heavily to the ground with a pained howl.

Fang Nianchen lost her balance too and toppled over.

She flipped onto her side beside him, panting heavily. In her daze, she could even see stars in the sky.

Nearby, Chen Yuyang seemed to have hit his head and was rolling on the ground in agony, clutching it.

Fang Nianchen ignored his pained groans, lying there for a few seconds before slowly crawling up. Her lower back ached like it had been cleaved in two.

She lightly pressed it but didn’t dare touch more, dragging her steps toward Yu Wan.

Yu Wan sat on the ground, still not recovered from the earlier panic. The fight had ended in an instant. She slowly looked up, shadows falling from above.

Seeing Yu Wan in just a long skirt in the chilly night air, Fang Nianchen took off her jacket, shook off the dust, squatted down, and gently draped it over her.

A night breeze stirred, tousling Yu Wan’s hair.

Fang Nianchen gently brushed aside the strands blocking her eyes and saw a hint of panic in those usually calm, unruffled eyes.

The strain on her waist made Fang Nianchen grimace in pain, but she didn’t want to show it. She forced a comforting smile instead. “You okay?”

“I’m fine…” Yu Wan blinked, then suddenly her eyes cleared. She grabbed her arm. “You… how did you…”

She wanted to ask why Fang Nianchen was here, but remembered she seemed to have taken a punch from Chen Yuyang and worried about her injuries. For a moment, she didn’t know where to start.

She just frowned at her, her eyes gradually misting over.

“Can you stand?” Fang Nianchen clasped her hand in her own, warming her icy fingers.

Yu Wan nodded and was half-supported to her feet. After that close call, her legs were still shaky. She wobbled forward.

“Whoa…” Fang Nianchen hurriedly steadied her in panic. “What’s wrong? Legs hurt?”

The warmth of the embrace was reassuring. Yu Wan’s heart swelled, unwilling to say anything.

Her dangling hand lifted, slowly wrapping around her waist. She tightened her arms, pressing herself close.

Chen Yuyang had gone mad without warning—she was truly scared. Her mind was a mess, unable to think what might happen next.

Half her face buried in her shoulder, she greedily breathed in her scent.

Fang Nianchen was hugged tightly, the force making it hard to breathe. Her hands hovered awkwardly in midair, unsure what to do.

The piercing alarm drowned out any chance to savor the sweet warmth of the hug.

Security from the complex arrived, followed by Yin Chi, who was panting and out of breath.

She rushed over in a few strides, anger surging. Unable to hold back, she cursed, “Fang Nianchen! Are you fucking insane?!”

Earlier, Fang Nianchen had bolted like she was possessed, jumping into the car and nearly flooring the accelerator.

Yin Chi had endured the nausea churning in her stomach to chase after her, only catching the taillights as the car turned into the complex across the street.

Her instincts screamed something bad was happening. Despite dizziness, she crossed the road, still fretting over her safety, then ran again—nearly colliding intimately with a car exiting the underground garage.

When she reached the complex, she followed the noise and sure enough, found Fang Nianchen here.

After nightfall, the complex lights were in night mode, dimly lit all around. At first, Yin Chi didn’t notice Yu Wan in her arms, nor Chen Yuyang rolling on the ground clutching his head.

Security shone a flashlight over, the blinding light making Yin Chi’s dazed eyes widen.

“You beat him like that?”

Fang Nianchen gave an affirmative look. Yin Chi sucked in a cold breath. “You really went all out.”

Soon, the car owner arrived downstairs in pajamas. Seeing his beloved car vandalized, his face darkened.

Looking at the dent in the door, Fang Nianchen felt a chill down her spine. Chen Yuyang had been out for blood—good thing she’d dodged.

With more people around, the scene grew chaotic. Someone had called the cops, and police arrived quickly.

Chen Yuyang really had hit his head and was bleeding, so an ambulance carted him off to the hospital for bandages.

The rest were taken to the station for statements.

The three were summoned together. Fang Nianchen and Yin Chi were released first, but Yu Wan was still inside.

The station was cold and empty. Fang Nianchen’s jacket was still on Yu Wan, who sat on the bench in thin short sleeves, chilled into goosebumps.

“Are you stupid?” Yin Chi gnashed her teeth, eyeing the darkening bruise at her eye corner, furious and distressed. “Only you would get that lucky today. He was drunk and tripped himself up. Otherwise, you’re just a girl—don’t know if you could match his strength, but his weight alone could’ve crushed you!”

Not just her little face marred, but her exposed palms and the back of her hands had plenty of scrapes.

“Yeah, you wanted to play hero and save the beauty, but what if something happened to you?” Yin Chi reached out to poke her forehead as she spoke.

Fang Nianchen knew she was in the wrong and stayed sulky silent, her head bobbing with each poke.

Just then, Yu Wan came out and caught the scene.

Yin Chi immediately withdrew her hand and asked, “Can we go?”

“Yeah, they’ve got the gist of it. They’ll follow up with Chen Yuyang for his statement later.” Yu Wan looked at Yin Chi, her expression complicated.

Yin Chi thought she was upset at her bullying Fang Nianchen and quickly smiled. “Aiya, this kid’s dumb. I was just worried about her. Look, she’s all banged up… looks pretty painful. Probably won’t heal for ten days or half a month.”

What pain, what pain… Why bring up the injuries in front of Yu Wan? She’d worry again.

Fang Nianchen inwardly grumbled at Yin Chi’s loose tongue and lightly kicked the edge of her shoe.

“Sorry.” Unexpectedly, Yu Wan apologized. “It’s all my fault. I pissed off Chen Yuyang and that’s why…”

“It’s not your problem.” Hearing her say that, Fang Nianchen looked up at once, dead serious. “He’s the disgusting one.”

“I’ve wanted to beat him for a long time.”

Fang Nianchen had never voiced her jealousy to anyone. She was inherently envious, harboring 200% hostility toward anyone approaching Yu Wan.

Every encounter, she kept up a friendly facade, but inside, a beast had taken residence, viciously tearing into Chen Yuyang’s flesh and soul, determined to grind him into mincemeat between its teeth.

No one had ever heard Fang Nianchen speak of anyone with such thick resentment—not even toward Chen Yuyang, her eyes carrying a savage glint.

Gone was her usual meek demeanor; tonight, she seemed like a different person.

“Yeah, of course it’s not your problem. That bastard Chen Yuyang, I’ve been sick of him forever.” Yin Chi crossed her arms and sneered. “If I’d been there today, I’d have wrecked him.”

Yu Wan’s expression remained grave, but she nodded lightly.

“It’s getting late. Everyone, head back and rest?” Fang Nianchen noticed the faint weariness in Yu Wan’s eyes and stood up, propping herself on her knees.

“I thought you didn’t know…” Yin Chi felt heartbroken for Fang Nianchen—more heartbroken than anything—but she couldn’t help complaining, “I’m completely sober now.”

Dragging someone who had vomited and nearly passed out to the police station, lingering until midnight when the alcohol had worn off—Yin Chi was even worried her lifespan might get cut in half because of it.

Fang Nianchen smiled ingratiatingly. “Sorry, thanks for your hard work.”

“Not hard work. My life’s just miserable.” Yin Chi covered her face in distress.

What kind of karma was this? This bratty kid was getting harder and harder to worry about.

Since they lived close by, the three of them took one car back.

They dropped Yu Wan off at her doorstep first. Fang Nianchen got out with her and said goodbye to Yin Chi. “I’ll see her back.”

Well, look at that—the sun was rising from the west.

But it was fine. Tonight’s hero saving the beauty was a big plus for Fang Nianchen. Yu Wan had been scared badly by Chen Yuyang and still didn’t seem to have recovered. If this chance could make Fang Nianchen notice Yu Wan’s reliance on her, it would be like adding some spice to that blockhead’s brain.

Yin Chi waved her hand, said “Good night,” yawned nonstop from exhaustion, and hurried home to sleep.

The two walked side by side, occasionally hearing cicada chirps.

After that thrilling yet brief interlude, what followed was the tranquility of a summer night.

Yu Wan wore Fang Nianchen’s jacket, thinking about that embrace.

The streetlights were just as dim, the road just as long—the only difference was that she was no longer alone. The presence by her side gave her unparalleled security.

“Don’t take tonight too much to heart. Though that’s easier said than done…” Fang Nianchen walked her to the elevator. The brightly lit lobby revealed the wounds on her face in full view. “Are you still scared?”

“Does it hurt?” Yu Wan didn’t answer her question, staring at her in a daze.

There was a frightening bruise under her left eye, a small split at the corner of her mouth, dirt smeared on her face—still grubby even after a rough wipe.

“It’s fine.” Fang Nianchen grinned, getting carried away in her glee, and accidentally tugged at the wound on her lip, wincing in pain.

Yu Wan’s heart felt like it had been smashed hard. “Come upstairs. I’ll put some medicine on it for you.”

Fang Nianchen instinctively held her breath, about to say no need.

But everything that happened tonight made her feel a lingering fear. What if things hadn’t lined up so perfectly? What if she hadn’t happened to be near Yu Wan’s place, hadn’t happened to pick up her call…? The consequences didn’t bear thinking about.

She couldn’t tolerate Chen Yuyang doing anything to hurt Yu Wan. Compared to enduring him hovering around her, there was a moment when she truly felt a murderous intent toward him.

Even if it was just brief company, she wanted to stay with Yu Wan, to confirm she was right by her side—that was the only way she felt at ease.

Fang Nianchen looked up at her. Seeing that familiar expression, thinking she was about to refuse, she grabbed her wrist instead. “Stay with me a little longer.”

Her eyes were full of expectation, an unexpected vulnerability that melted Fang Nianchen’s heart into a puddle.

She was led upstairs. Visiting Yu Wan’s home for the first time, she felt a bit awkward upon entering.

She first marveled at how truly clean and tidy the place was—very much in Yu Wan’s style. Even without prior knowledge, she could tell who the owner was.

Quan Cige had left that afternoon. With the lights on, the room felt empty, the huge floor-to-ceiling window facing North City’s bustling downtown.

Everything screamed the “elite” lifestyle. But were elites destined to be happy? Not necessarily.

Leading Fang Nianchen to the living room, Yu Wan grabbed the small medicine kit from the cabinet and sat on the sofa.

After disinfecting properly, she picked up a cotton ball soaked in alcohol from the small bottle. “It might sting a little. Bear with it.”

Fang Nianchen had a high pain tolerance, so she nodded nonchalantly.

As Yu Wan disinfected for her, gently holding her hand and carefully wiping away the dirt. Fang Nianchen’s gaze flickered, fixed on her serious profile.

Suddenly, the movement on her hand stopped.

Fang Nianchen’s attention shifted too, her lips relaxing. “All done?”

Yu Wan didn’t speak, taking a deep breath to suppress her emotions. “How did you suddenly show up?”

Only after a long time had passed did she realize, belatedly, that Fang Nianchen had rushed over at the exact moment of danger, like she had superpowers.

But the real world had no superpowers, and Fang Nianchen couldn’t have foreseen it.

“I heard you talking to him,” Fang Nianchen said. “The call didn’t hang up. I was dropping Yin Chi-jie off at that time—she lives right across the street.”

Even if the call had hung up, she would have rushed to find Yu Wan immediately. She considered every potential danger.

It had happened so suddenly; she’d just tapped around randomly, and turned out the call hadn’t ended…

Yu Wan nodded. When she spoke again, her voice trembled slightly. “If I hadn’t provoked him, hadn’t called him a pervert… maybe it wouldn’t have turned out like this.”

Chen Yuyang wouldn’t have suddenly lost it, and Fang Nianchen wouldn’t have gotten hurt rushing to save her.

She had wanted to support Fang Nianchen, to be someone she could rely on—yet in the end, not only did she get comforted by her, but she had to be saved by her too.

Never had there been a moment like this, filling her with such profound helplessness, cowardice so deep she couldn’t believe she could really bring Fang Nianchen the happiness she envisioned.

“What Yin Chi said earlier is right. She was so worried about you. You shouldn’t disregard your own safety for me…”

Tears fell without warning onto the back of her hand. Fang Nianchen jolted in surprise.

She froze for a long moment, completely unprepared for Yu Wan to cry.

Though years ago, while watching a movie, she’d seen her tear up and knew she was sentimental, this was different—Yu Wan was crying because of her.

Realizing this, Fang Nianchen panicked instantly.

She stammered, “Don’t… don’t cry. I’m really fine. These scratches will heal in two days. Don’t listen to Yin Chi’s nonsense.”

But the pent-up grievances and guilt burst out at this moment, unstoppable once the floodgates opened.

Yu Wan tried her best to hold back, but when emotions erupted, even her usual facade crumbled.

Her tears fell like fine spring rain—silent, yet already soaking her heart.

With red-rimmed eyes, Yu Wan mumbled thickly, “But… it hurts you…”

Fang Nianchen was at a loss for words.

Saying it didn’t hurt would be lying even to herself.

The visible wounds were manageable; she hadn’t even checked the one on her waist yet. If it was bad, it might affect work. Taking time off would probably make Yu Wan feel even more guilty.

Yu Wan suddenly stood up, her emotions not yet settled. She also felt it was too embarrassing to cry in front of Fang Nianchen. Her voice hoarse, she said, “I’m going to the bathroom.”

Just as she turned to leave, her wrist was grabbed.

Yu Wan paused, turning to see Fang Nianchen looking up at her. “How about you touch me? If you touch it, it won’t hurt anymore.”