C5 Scumbag

Back at the apartment, Xia Shirann made a cup of cold medicine and handed some fever reducers to Ruoye. Seeing Ruoye's swollen eyes from crying, Shirann felt both heartache and anger.

Last night, Ruoye had said she'd be back, but by ten o'clock, she still hadn't returned. Worried, Shirann called her, only to hear Ruoye hesitantly say she wouldn't be coming home. At that moment, Shirann wished she could force her to return, knowing Ruoye's innocent nature and fearing she'd get hurt in a relationship. But Ruoye happily shared that Liu Shaoyu had confessed his feelings to her, and they were enjoying a romantic view from a distant bridge, making it impossible to come back soon.

After Ruoye repeatedly assured her of Shaoyu's sincerity and how their relationship had finally blossomed, Shirann could only remind her to stay safe and went to bed without waiting for her.

Half an hour ago, Ruoye called, and a groggy Shirann answered, only to hear Ruoye's helpless sobs. Through her broken narration, Shirann learned that after watching a movie, Shaoyu had indeed confessed, and they officially became a couple. Later, Shaoyu took Ruoye for a late-night snack, and after both had a few drinks, they ended up getting a room at a nearby hotel.

Eventually, they did everything they should and shouldn't have done. They fell asleep in each other's arms, seemingly happy. But in the middle of the night, Shaoyu went to the bathroom. When he returned, he noticed there was no blood on the sheets. Angry, he shook Ruoye awake and demanded to know why she had deceived him.

Ruoye was stunned and, once she realized what was happening, felt deeply ashamed and upset.

Upon hearing about Ruoye's ordeal, Shirann wanted to rush out on her bike to pick her up, but Ruoye was already in a cab and almost home.

What happened next was what Chiyang witnessed.

Now, Shirann watched with concern as Ruoye obediently took her medicine. She helped her lie down and tucked her in carefully.

"Do you have any classes today?" Shirann asked gently.

Ruoye bit her lip, her eyes flickering as she shook her head.

Shirann sighed softly, understanding that Ruoye and Shaoyu were classmates. Even if there were classes, Ruoye wouldn't want to face him at school right now.

"Alright, if there are no classes, then don't go," Shirann agreed, glancing out the window at the brightening sky. "It's already morning. I'll go downstairs and get us some breakfast. You just rest here."

"Okay," Ruoye nodded, her voice still thick with emotion.

Shirann noticed Ruoye clutching her phone tightly and sighed, taking it away without hesitation. "Stop overthinking it, and don't even think about contacting him again. A guy like that isn't worth your time."

"Please give it back to me..." Ruoye's eyes welled up with tears as she softly pleaded, reaching out for her phone. But when she saw the determined look on Shirann's face, she withdrew her hand and couldn't help but start crying.

Shirann saw right through her.

Even though Liu Shaoyu had hurt her deeply, Ruoye, for reasons she couldn't quite understand, still held onto a sliver of hope, waiting for his call. She had even thought about how to apologize to him, to be honest about her past relationships, and to ask for his forgiveness. As long as... as long as he would still be with her...

Shirann couldn't allow Ruoye to love so humbly, knowing that the more humble the love, the more devastating the outcome.