Xie Shu's unusual behavior aroused Shen Jianxi's suspicion. If he had merely seen the photo, his reaction wouldn't have been like this. He would have argued with her instead of breaking up directly.
This meant that Fu Yi had shown him something more than just a photo. What could it be?
Shen Jianxi pondered, twirling a pen with nimble fingers.
Suddenly, a possibility struck her, and she paused, the pen slipping from her grasp and falling to the floor.
Could Fu Yi's mission be what she suspected?
If so, things were truly dire, and Xie Shu's reaction was disturbingly calm.
"77, begin 24-hour monitoring of these four individuals from now on."
She needed to be mentally prepared to react promptly if anything happened.
Thinking this, she felt annoyed with herself. This world had been too peaceful, causing her to let her guard down. This incident served as a wake-up call. After all, how could someone designated as a target for conquest be simple?
"Okay, Host, don't worry too much. I'm here, and I'll help you."
Listening to 77's confident words, Shen Jianxi felt touched, but why did she suddenly feel even more worried?
Recalling 77's past performance, she couldn't quite agree with its capabilities.
However, she dared not voice this aloud, lest the sensitive little 77 give her the cold shoulder for a day.
The monitoring had begun, providing an added layer of security, which somewhat eased Shen Jianxi's mind. As she tidied up her belongings and prepared to leave, Xie Shu intercepted her. The next second, 77's voice chimed in: "Host, Xie Shu is here."
Shen Jianxi: ... Could she say she saw him?
"Actually, you can tell me a bit earlier next time, my dear."
"Okay, my dear understands."
After briefing 77, she looked up at Xie Shu. "What is it? Is something wrong?"
"Would you like to go out for a meal together?" Xie Shu invited her.
"I'm sorry, I..."
"She already has plans with me," Fu Yi interrupted, walking directly to Shen Jianxi's side.
He knew Xie Shu wouldn't let Shen Jianxi go. Using her to provoke Xie Shu was the best method.
Although the two had no further intimate contact, merely standing side-by-side was enough to make Xie Shu seethe with jealousy.
He was unaware of the math competition. Recalling the widely discussed conjecture on the school forum, he let out a cold laugh in his heart. His lowered eyes grew dark and unfathomable, but he showed no outward reaction, simply laughing heartily and unaffectedly, "What a pity. In that case, I wish you both a good time."
Saying that, he stepped aside to let them pass.
His reaction was too calm. Fu Yi paused for a moment, then chuckled twice. This was right.
Long time no see, Xie Shu.
***
Sitting in the coffee shop, Shen Jianxi felt a persistent unease. Even her favorite math problems couldn't hold her attention. She held her pen, lost in thought.
Noticing her absentmindedness, Fu Yi capped his pen and remained silent, resting his chin on his left hand as he watched her.
Sensing his gaze, Shen Jianxi looked up, meeting his smiling eyes.
"What's wrong?"
"Thinking about Xie Shu?"
"No..."
"You must be very curious, aren't you? Would you like to hear about what happened between us?"
Her denial caught in her throat. Shen Jianxi admitted that her curiosity had been piqued.
She unconsciously straightened up, her expression earnest. "If you want to talk, I can listen."
Her feigned indifference made Fu Yi want to laugh. She was clearly curious but unwilling to show it.
Without further ado, he cleared his throat and began, "When you came to my house last time, you should have noticed that there are no men's clothes in our house. That's because my father passed away when I was very young."
Shen Jianxi was taken aback. She had assumed they might just be divorced, not that he had passed away.
As she stared at him in surprise, Fu Yi continued, "He was killed by Xie Shu."
"Xie Shu probably didn't tell you, but he was kidnapped when he was young. That's when we met."
"Later, my father came to rescue us, but he was killed by Xie Shu."
"That's why he was so scared when he saw me."
He recounted everything calmly.
However, Shen Jianxi knew his words couldn't be entirely trusted.
Of his story, perhaps only that Xie Shu was kidnapped, they met then, and Xie Shu killed his father were believable.
The rest was likely fabricated by Fu Yi.
The fear Xie Shu displayed when seeing Fu Yi didn't seem like fear of Fu Yi himself, but rather like he was seeing someone else through him. According to Fu Yi's story, that person could only be his father.
Therefore, it was highly probable that Fu Yi's father was the one who kidnapped Xie Shu back then.
Now, only one question remained: what role did Fu Yi play in this kidnapping?
Despite her thoughts racing, Shen Jianxi merely put on a distressed expression, as if struggling with how to comfort him.
"It's okay," Fu Yi smiled at her. "Xie Shu... perhaps he feels guilty towards me, which is why he's so unwilling to see me."
Shen Jianxi let out a couple of "heh" laughs, unsure of what to say. His ability to twist the truth was rather impressive.
Her gaze shifted to the open workbook on the table, and she changed the subject. "Let's study. There are still many things I don't understand."
"Wait a moment, you have something on your hair." As he spoke, he reached out to remove it for her.
Shen Jianxi flinched back, avoiding his hand. Realizing her reaction was too strong, she awkwardly laughed. "I can do it myself."
She fumbled through her hair, her wild movements messing up her once smooth strands.
"How is it? Did you get it off?"
Seeing the piece of paper still stuck in her hair, Fu Yi smiled helplessly. "Let me help you. You can't get it off yourself."
This time, Shen Jianxi didn't refuse because she had asked 77, and there was indeed something in her hair.
To cooperate with Fu Yi's action, she leaned forward as he reached out. At the same time, 77's voice announced, "Host, Xie Shu is here. He's opposite you."
When she heard this, a sliver of hope flickered within her. The next second—
"Oh, right. He saw."
Damn it!
Heaven was against her.
Question: How to survive in the hands of a black-hearted ex-boyfriend?
Answer: Just commit suicide. At least your body would remain intact.
Glancing at the oblivious Fu Yi opposite her, he also noticed Xie Shu. A smile played on his lips. The hand that was about to move away gently stroked her hair again as he provocatively locked eyes with the person outside.