Too much time had passed, and Yan Xi had forgotten some of the details.
But her senior year of high school was indeed the hardest year of her twenty-year life.
When Lin Ranran returned to the Lin family, Yan Xi's identity as a fake heiress was exposed. Whether at home or at school, she no longer belonged.
Using ten million to sever ties with the Lin family was a risky move. When Yan Xi borrowed the money from Zhou Qingyu, she had only done so tentatively—back then, the two weren’t close, merely classmates. But Zhou Qingyu was the only person Yan Xi knew who could lend her such a sum.
The young miss, who had always been arrogant and aloof, didn’t refuse when she heard Yan Xi’s request. Instead, she asked with interest, "What do you need so much money for?"
"To cut all ties with the Lin family."
Zhou Qingyu’s eyes instantly brightened. "Wow! Now that’s interesting!"
At the time, Zhou Qingyu was still a few months shy of adulthood, and her allowance had run out. So, she went to Zhou’s Father for the money. After reviewing Yan Xi’s academic records, he surprisingly agreed.
The day the agreement was signed took place at Zhou Corporation.
Outside, rain poured relentlessly, as if the sky had been torn open. The world was drenched in a murky gray haze, suffocating like the depths of a submerged pool.
Yan Xi was late to the meeting.
She had been crying in the stairwell of Zhou Corporation for a long time.
Fifteen years—it wasn’t as if she had no feelings for the Lin family. But when Father Lin and Lin’s mother learned that Yan Xi wanted to sever ties with them for ten million, they were actually delighted, eager to sign the contract as soon as possible. Fifteen years of familial bonds meant nothing.
After wiping her tears, Yan Xi finally entered the meeting room.
Strangely, though Father Lin was clearly pleased with the deal, in front of Zhou Corporation, he put on an act of outrage—
"After all these years of raising you, you want to abandon the Lin family?"
"Do you think our love for you can be bought with ten million?"
"Lin Xi, you’ve disappointed me. You’re nothing but an ungrateful wretch!"
Father Lin raised his hand to strike her.
Yan Xi knew this was something she had to endure.
Even if the Lin family was happy with the transaction, appearances had to be maintained. Abandoning an adopted daughter would leave a stain on their reputation in high society. By shifting all blame onto Yan Xi—painting her as the ungrateful one who turned her back on them—no one would criticize the Lin family.
So, Yan Xi braced herself for the blow.
But Zhou Yanci caught Father Lin’s wrist.
Yan Xi opened her eyes and saw a broad back shielding her. Zhou Yanci was tall—back then, Yan Xi wasn’t even 1.6 meters, and she had to tilt her head far back just to see the sharp contours of his profile.
Over the years, Father Lin and Lin’s mother had hit her more than once.
But this was the first time someone had stood in front of her, protecting her.
At the time, Zhou Yanci wasn’t yet well-known, but the young man was strong and imposing. He effortlessly held Father Lin’s wrist as the older man struggled. "Who the hell are you?"
A respectful voice chimed in from the side, "Young Master, you’ve arrived."
Yan Xi suspected it was deliberate—Zhou Yanci was Zhou’s Father’s assistant at the time, usually addressed as "Assistant Zhou." But the title "Young Master" served to intimidate Father Lin.
And it worked. Father Lin immediately faltered.
Zhou Yanci released his grip, his expression indifferent. "Lin Xi has borrowed ten million from Zhou Corporation to sever ties with the Lin family. As of now, she is a student sponsored by Zhou Corporation. All her affairs fall under our responsibility—in short, she is ours."
"So, Mr. Lin, I suggest you keep your distance from Lin Xi."
With Zhou Yanci present, Father Lin didn’t dare lay a hand on Yan Xi. Lawyers stepped in, presenting the documents to dissolve the adoption agreement. Yan Xi and Father Lin signed the papers, officially cutting all ties.
Once the formalities were completed and Father Lin received the ten million from Zhou Corporation, Zhou Yanci didn’t keep him any longer, politely having security escort him out.
Then, Zhou Yanci turned to Yan Xi.
Her mind was still in a daze. Severing ties with her adoptive parents should have been complicated, but with Zhou Corporation’s involvement, everything had become startlingly simple.
Zhou Yanci bent slightly, meeting her at eye level.
"Let me introduce myself. I’m Zhou Yanci, also a graduate of Bowen High. You can call me ‘senior’ or, like the others, ‘Assistant Zhou.’"
He pulled out his phone from his suit’s inner pocket. "Let’s exchange contacts. You’re still a minor—there are many things you can’t handle alone. If you ever need help, you can come to me."
Yan Xi looked up at him, stunned.
Perhaps the gap between them was too vast—whether in status or the divide between adulthood and youth—so Yan Xi didn’t dwell on it. Besides, Zhou Qingyu disliked Zhou Yanci, and as Yan Xi grew closer to her, any thoughts about him faded.
But that moment when fifteen-year-old Zhou Yanci shielded her—
That was her first heartbeat of love.
.
In the living room, Zhou Yanci’s expression darkened at Yan Xi’s answer.
"Even after five years since graduation, you’re still in touch?"
Zhou Qingyu’s eyes sparkled. "You haven’t been secretly in love with her all this time, have you?"
Yan Xi blurted out, "No way!"
Feelings of infatuation fade once they pass. Dwelling on them only turns them into an obsession. Back then, Yan Xi was entirely focused on the college entrance exams, her mind filled with tests and practice problems—how could she have had time to think about men?
Hearing this, Zhou Yanci let out a relieved sigh.
But Zhou Qingyu wasn’t ready to drop the subject. "Was he handsome?"
Yan Xi paused. "...Pretty handsome."
"Is he married?"
"No."
"How’s his career? Is he doing well now?"
Yan Xi glanced subtly at Zhou Yanci. "He’s doing great..." After all, as the CEO of Zhou Corporation, could he possibly be doing poorly?
Zhou Qingyu was overjoyed.
Why hadn’t she mentioned this sooner? Such a high-quality prospect—and her first crush, no less! Of course, she had to find a way to set them up. That way, Zhou Yanci would be out of the picture!
How could an old schemer compare to the sweetheart of her youth?
Zhou Qingyu’s eyes sparkled with excitement. "One last question—do I know him?"
Yan Xi instantly grew wary. "Why are you asking me so many questions?"
Zhou Qingyu waved her off, leaning in closer. "Oh, come on, you’ve answered this much already—what’s one more? Do I know him? Do I?"
Yan Xi pressed her lips together. "I refuse to answer!"
"Refuse to answer?" Zhou Qingyu’s eyes lit up. "That means I do know him! Who is it? I’m so curious~"
It wasn’t just Zhou Qingyu—Su Lingling and Lu Beiyu were also staring at Yan Xi with keen interest.
After all, gossip was human nature.
This time, Yan Xi sealed her lips shut, refusing to say another word.
But the young miss wasn’t one to give up easily. Even if Yan Xi wouldn’t answer, every time the bottle spun to her, Zhou Qingyu would egg the questioner into asking again.
Yan Xi’s cheeks burned crimson, and she chose to drink instead.
Three glasses of beer later, she was already tipsy. But when the bottle landed on her again, she had no choice but to down a fourth.
Zhou Yanci stepped in, snatching the glass from her hand and draining it in one go.
"She won’t answer. No matter how much you ask, it’s pointless."
Zhou Qingyu pouted, pinching Yan Xi’s cheeks. "Why are you so stubborn?"
By now, Yan Xi was thoroughly drunk. Giggling, she wrapped her arms around Zhou Qingyu’s neck. "Guess~ If you get it right, there’s a reward~"
Pei Hanli remarked, "She seems drunk."
Zhou Qingyu picked up the beer bottle and checked the label. "Thirty percent alcohol? That’s strong!"
Time was nearly up—the game had gone on for an hour, and the livestream was set to end. Zhou Qingyu exchanged a few words with Director Yu, and both the broadcast and the game concluded.
Yan Xi, thoroughly intoxicated, clung to Zhou Qingyu, playing with her hair. "You’re not guessing? You know him too!"
Zhou Qingyu’s hair was now a tangled mess, but she steadied Yan Xi. "You’re such a lightweight! Can you even walk?"
Zhou Yanci shot her a glare. "This is all your fault."
Zhou Qingyu rolled her eyes. "I’ll take her upstairs to rest!"
But the pampered young miss had never done manual labor. After just a few steps, she was already out of breath—let alone carrying Yan Xi up to the second floor.
Zhou Yanci strode forward and scooped Yan Xi up in his arms.
"Go get some hangover medicine from the hotel front desk. Otherwise, she’ll have a headache tomorrow."
Knowing how brutal hangovers could be, Zhou Qingyu hurried off to comply.
Zhou Yanci carried Yan Xi all the way to her shared room with Zhou Qingyu.
But the moment he set her down, Yan Xi wrapped her arms tightly around him. Blinking groggily, she gazed at his face, inches from hers, and smiled sweetly. "It’s my senior~"
A layer of frost settled in Zhou Yanci’s eyes. "So, the person you like is your senior?"
"Yep!" Yan Xi giggled foolishly. "Senior, hug me!"
A fire raged in Zhou Yanci’s chest, threatening to erupt. He took a deep breath. "Open your eyes and look closely. Who am I?"
Yan Xi tilted her head, her fingers tracing his face—from the sharp arch of his brows, down the bridge of his nose, to his cool, thin lips.
"Senior?"
Zhou Yanci exhaled in frustration. "Do you like him that much? Even drunk, you’re still thinking about him?"
Yan Xi hesitated, then laughed. "Of course!" But her expression dimmed. "But... maybe he doesn’t like me as much."
Zhou Yanci was furious, but hearing those words, his heart softened with an ache he couldn’t ignore.
"Senior," Yan Xi murmured, staring at him with innocent confusion, "don’t be mad at me... I didn’t mean to lie..."
Suddenly, Zhou Yanci gripped her chin and crushed his lips against hers.
"Stop calling me that," he growled.
He didn’t want to hear it—didn’t want her whispering another man’s name.
But those two words kept spilling from Yan Xi’s lips, so Zhou Yanci silenced her with his kiss, stealing her breath, leaving her gasping.
Their lips clashed, heat building between them, breaths mingling, hearts pounding wildly.
Zhou Yanci felt like he was losing his mind.
Hearing his girlfriend call out another man's name, his rationality shattered into pieces. All he wanted was to possess her, to devour her—even if he couldn't have her heart, at least he could have her physically, couldn’t he?
The ice in his eyes cracked, and desire surged like a tidal wave. He pulled Yan Xi closer, deepening the kiss.
Yan Xi’s hands instinctively wrapped around Zhou Yanci’s neck, as if responding, or perhaps seeking refuge.
The air in the room grew thick and scorching, their silhouettes entwined under the dim light. Zhou Yanci traced his fingers down Yan Xi’s back, every movement brimming with longing and possessiveness.
Yan Xi trembled, wanting to retreat but finding no escape.
Only at the last moment did Zhou Yanci finally release her.
He gripped Yan Xi’s small hand, kneading it repeatedly, as if waiting for the fire inside him to die down—though it seemed impossible.
By the time Zhou Qingyu returned with the hangover medicine, Zhou Yanci had already left.
Yan Xi lay fast asleep on the bed. Zhou Qingyu coaxed her awake, made her take the medicine, changed her into pajamas, and tucked her in.
Late at night, moonlight spilled over the snow-covered landscape of New Zealand, casting a cold, silvery glow.
The villa stood silent, bathed in the pale light, the surroundings blanketed in white. Occasionally, snowflakes drifted down, turning the scene into something straight out of a fairy tale.
Ye Luoyi and Su Lingling had also returned to the villa but couldn’t sleep.
Less than twelve hours had passed since Pei Yubai jumped into the canyon, and the Chinese internet was already buzzing with discussions.
Opinions about Ye Luoyi were sharply divided. One side claimed she had knowingly flirted with Pei Yubai despite his relationship with Zhou Qingyu, accusing her of using one man to manipulate another and deserving no sympathy.
The other side consisted of Ye Luoyi’s fans, who insisted she was a victim in this mess—that her reputation had been ruined by Pei Yubai, and only by cutting ties with him could she recover.
Fan clubs had drafted countless petitions, demanding Ye Luoyi terminate her contract with Tianhui.
"Yiyi, my dad knows some entertainment company executives. If you’re willing to leave Tianhui, they’d sign you!" Su Lingling still hadn’t given up trying to convince Ye Luoyi to quit.
"You contacted them?" Ye Luoyi was stunned.
Su Lingling nodded eagerly. "Your popularity isn’t what it used to be, but you still have loyal fans! A new company could cover part of the penalty fee, and you still have that villa, right? Sell it, and you’d have enough!"
"Yiyi, just leave Tianhui!"
Ye Luoyi hesitated. "If I switch companies… would I still get leading roles?"
Before coming to X Country, Pei Yubai had invested thirty million in Infinite Pictures to secure her the female lead in the fantasy drama Xianxia Quest. It was a major IP with a top-tier production team—guaranteed to be a hit if released, possibly even a blockbuster. If it succeeded, Ye Luoyi would solidify her status as a top actress.
Su Lingli faltered. Given Ye Luoyi’s current reputation and popularity, landing a lead role at a new company would be nearly impossible.
"Yiyi, you’re still young! You might not get the lead right away, but it won’t take long!"
Ye Luoyi smiled bitterly. She should’ve known—without Tianhui, she wouldn’t get the same privileges.
She sighed. "Lingling, if I stay at Tianhui, I’ll just endure some online hate. But as long as I have new projects, I can make a comeback… If I leave, I’ll have to struggle for years!"
"Tianhui’s stock plummeted today—it’s not what it used to be!"
"But Tianhui is backed by the Pei family. Old Master Pei won’t just abandon it!"
Ye Luoyi knew that even if the old man didn’t favor her, Pei Yubai was still the second heir of the Pei family. Things couldn’t be that bad.
Su Lingling sighed in defeat. "You still don’t want to leave."
Ye Luoyi lowered her head. "Just… give me more time to think."
The next day, the weather was clear. Sunlight streamed through the gaps in the curtains, casting bright patterns on the floor.
Yan Xi opened her eyes and stretched lazily.
Despite last night’s drinking, the hangover medicine had worked—no headache, just a deep, refreshing sleep.
She reached for her phone on the nightstand, planning to laze around and scroll through videos.
But when she turned, she found Zhou Qingyu’s large, bright eyes staring straight at her.
Yan Xi shrieked, nearly tumbling off the bed.
"Zhou Qingyu?! You scared me to death! Why are you up so early?"
Zhou Qingyu rested her chin on the edge of the bed, grinning. "Do you remember what happened last night?"
"Last night?"
Yan Xi rubbed her temples, trying to recall.
Drunken memories were always fragmented, but certain intense flashes quickly resurfaced—Zhou Yanci pinning her down, Zhou Yanci gripping her chin and demanding kiss after kiss…
Her cheeks burned.
"Nothing happened last night! I was drunk—I don’t remember anything!"
"It's fine," Zhou Qingyu said without hesitation, swiftly sitting on Yan Xi's bed. "If you don't remember, it’s no big deal. But who’s this crush of yours? You won’t tell anyone else, but you won’t even tell me? That’s just too much!"
With the cameras off, Zhou Qingyu saw no reason for Yan Xi to refuse. After all, she’d even shared details about her college relationships—like when she’d first kissed her boyfriends—so why keep something as trivial as a crush a secret?
"Come on, who is it?" Zhou Qingyu pressed, eyes gleaming with curiosity. "Tell me, and I’ll help you two get together!"
Yan Xi hesitated. "You sure?"
"Of course! If you’re too scared to even say his name, you must still have feelings for him. Don’t worry, I’ve got plenty of dating experience—there’s no man I can’t handle. Just name him, and I’ll help you win him over!"
The only man Zhou Qingyu had never been able to handle was Pei Yubai.
But in her eyes, Pei Yubai didn’t even count as a man.
Chasing guys? Easy. As long as Yan Xi spilled the name, she’d have them together in no time!
Yan Xi blinked. "I don’t think you’d actually help me if I told you."
Zhou Qingyu frowned. "How could that be? You said he’s single, handsome, and has a good job. Plus, you like him. With such a great prospect, why would I object?"
Yan Xi wavered for two seconds.
Zhou Qingyu urged, "Just say it!"
Yan Xi sighed in resignation. "Zhou Yanci."
Zhou Qingyu froze, her brain short-circuiting, her gaze turning vacant.
Yan Xi waved a hand in front of her face. "Hey! Still with me? Did I break you?"
Zhou Qingyu grabbed Yan Xi’s wrist, gritting her teeth. "So your crush is Zhou Yanci?"
"Not a crush—just someone I had feelings for once!" Yan Xi corrected. "That’s why I didn’t dare say it last night when you and Su Lingling kept pressing me!"
With Zhou Yanci right there, saying his name in front of everyone would’ve been mortifying. She had her pride, after all!
Zhou Qingyu took a deep breath. A teenage infatuation, plus him saving her life at the snow resort a few days ago—oh no, Yan Xi was definitely falling hard. And now that scheming old fox Zhou Yanci was about to get his way!
"So… what are your feelings for Zhou Yanci now?" Zhou Qingyu asked.
Yan Xi peeked at her cautiously. They’d just ended their cold war—she hadn’t dared bring it up before, but keeping it secret any longer felt wrong.
"Well… it’s just… um…"
"When did you two get together?" Zhou Qingyu cut in abruptly.
Yan Xi startled. "How did you know?!"
Zhou Qingyu rolled her eyes. "You think I’m stupid?" She pinched Yan Xi’s lips. "Last time I helped you with lipstick, there was none left on your mouth! And last night, your lips were so red—did you think I’m a three-year-old?"
Yan Xi pressed her lips together sheepishly.
Zhou Qingyu sighed. Her best friend was such a lovesick fool.
Calmly, she said, "Objectively speaking, I admit Zhou Yanci’s a good catch. But the Meng family is a nightmare. I’m worried they’ll bully you later."
Yan Xi hesitated. "You’re not against it?"
"You like him, don’t you?" Zhou Qingyu shrugged. "What can I do?"
One crush was bad enough, but Yan Xi’s first love had also been Zhou Yanci.
Zhou Qingyu didn’t need to ask to guess—back in high school, when Lin Ranran returned to the Lin family and Yan Xi cut ties with them, Zhou Yanci had helped her resolve the mess. Of course she’d fallen for him then.
If not for Zhou Qingyu’s feud with Zhou Yanci—and Yan Xi being her best friend—Yan Xi probably would’ve fallen for him ages ago.
Now that her best friend was head over heels, what else could she do?
She’d just have to find a way to deal with the Meng family!
"You used to be the Lin family’s daughter, letting Lin's mother walk all over you without fighting back. Now you’re so lovesick—what if you let the Meng family bully you for Zhou Yanci’s sake?" Zhou Qingyu spoke earnestly. "So don’t give Zhou Yanci a clear answer. Make him settle things with the Meng family first, got it?"
Yan Xi laughed, her eyes glistening. "You’re helping me scheme against your own brother?"
"Haven’t I schemed against him enough?" Zhou Qingyu dismissed it. "If Zhou Yanci handles the Meng family, you two would be a good match. He earns a ton! And his assets are no joke!"
"For example, when he proposes, ask for Hongrui Mall as your betrothal gift! Even though physical retail’s declining lately, Hongrui Mall sells luxury brands. Every year at the board meetings when they report sales, I get so jealous!"
"Before the wedding, Zhou‘s Father and the Mengs will probably pressure you into signing a prenup. Don’t! If they dare bring it up, throw a fit with Zhou Yanci! Rich families have all kinds of tricks—if you refuse now, even if you divorce later, you’ll still walk away with billions!"
"Oh! And don’t tell Zhou Yanci about your crush. You have to make him realize you’re not hung up on him. If you ever feel like quitting work, keep your Star Glory V account active. Drop by Shen Xinghe’s filming sets, watch Si Ye during his training sessions, or accompany Qiao Yan while she scouts new eye candy… Make Zhou Yanci feel the competition. That’s the only way he’ll keep loving you…"
Zhou Qingyu rambled on, dishing out all sorts of high-society tricks for keeping men on their toes.
She showed zero awareness that Zhou Yanci was her own brother—or that she was helping Yan Xi scheme against their family’s company.
As Yan Xi listened, her eyes grew misty. Before Zhou Qingyu could finish, she pulled her into a tight hug.
Zhou Qingyu froze. "Are you getting soft on me? Don’t you dare feel sorry for Zhou Yanci. Men are shameless—where their money goes, their love follows. If he won’t even spare you that much, what’s the point of talking about love…"
Yan Xi let out a teary laugh. "No, it’s not that. I just… really wanted to hug you."
