12 The Campus Rival

As Chu Xiang had anticipated, the feeling of betrayal was a significant obstacle in Yang Yunan’s heart. Different circumstances led people to focus on different things. In his previous life, Yang Yunan was busy competing with Chu Xiang for affection; in this life, he only saw that his girlfriend liked his brother, and his mindset had deteriorated so much that the results diverged completely.

What Chu Xiang did not expect was that, influenced by him, Yang Yunan also tried to step into the adult world and began to consider the future.

He had once envisioned many plans for their shared future, but after being betrayed, the blow he suffered was even greater.

Up until now, Yang Yunan’s life had rarely known defeat.

With his determination diminished by a third and the impact intensified, Yang Yunan’s scales naturally tipped entirely toward giving up.

Cheng Jin had anticipated this but still came with hope, yet she failed to soften Yang Yunan’s resolve and could only watch with reddened eyes as he left decisively, suddenly overwhelmed with infinite regret.

Yang Yunan got into the car, stared at the figure crouched down crying in the rearview mirror, and curled up in the passenger seat, motionless.

Chu Xiang looked at him, surprised by his resoluteness this time.

Unexpected, yet understandable. Their friends all understood his choice and no one mentioned Cheng Jin again.

The summer after graduation was their most relaxing one yet.

Wu Qiyun’s parents had finalized their divorce; Wu Hongda quickly found a new love and was seen attending parties with her, a fact known to all.

Wu Qiyun did not understand why her father, after eighteen years of indulgence, insisted on divorce, nor did she care. Despite her mother’s lack of tenderness, she chose her mother.

In her words, her father was the one at fault in this family, and she chose the side that was right and innocent.

But in truth, she was now an adult, having graduated from high school, independent and no longer needing her parents.

After the divorce settled, she and Chu Xiang planned a trip abroad, finally beginning to truly enjoy their youth and holiday.

Wu Qiyun’s family lacked love, but she herself remained full of plans and hopes for life. Like the former Chu Xiang, she was taciturn, but while Chu Xiang’s heart was empty, hers brimmed with hope.

Together, they pinpointed destinations, checked into famous landmarks, and witnessed the diverse customs of the world. They saw the vastness of the world, human differences, and the boundless earth—each experience broadening their horizons.

They received their university offers almost simultaneously, as expected, from nearby schools—one in biology, the other in economics.

Yang Yunan also went abroad; the three were in the same country, but Yang Yunan’s university was far to the south while the others were more northern, a significant distance apart.

They met once or twice a semester but spent most of their time scattered across the world, embarking on new life journeys.

Wu Qiyun was academically focused and continued to devote herself to her studies in university just as she had in high school. Chu Xiang combined his studies with practice, beginning the path to inherit the family business.

Though both appeared career-driven and somewhat aloof, their actual relationship was quite different.

Having experienced familial coldness from a young age, Wu Qiyun cherished her partner deeply, using reason to regulate her emotions, avoiding the failures of her parents, and carefully cultivating her own love.

She seemed aloof but never hesitated to say “I miss you” or “I love you.” Every time Chu Xiang confessed, she responded in kind.

Chu Xiang was a man starved for affection; early on, he needed to draw energy from others, but as he matured, he gradually returned that energy.

Wu Qiyun’s directness, seriousness, loyalty, and devotion gave him endless energy. After two or three years of dating, he became the most gentle and perfect boyfriend, sharing boundless love with Wu Qiyun in perfect harmony.

While high school couples around them repeatedly broke up and Chen Qian had changed girlfriends several times, Chu Xiang and Wu Qiyun’s relationship remained as strong as ever after graduation.

Upon graduating, Wu Qiyun wished to pursue further studies. Chu Xiang stayed to accompany her, joining a local investment bank.

Yang Yunan returned home to obey his family’s wishes, biting the bullet to prepare for exams, studying diligently for the first time in his life, and entered the public system to begin grassroots work.

Many friends returned home one after another, some to work, others to idle away their days, but Chu Xiang stayed abroad for Wu Qiyun, not returning. Even their cousin Zhuyun had gone abroad for further study and was about to graduate.

Every time they came home for vacation, relatives would ask, “When will you come back?”

Chu Xiang was unhurried, slowly replying, “Soon.”

Wu Qiyun knew he stayed for her studies and future, so she worked even harder, completing her doctorate at a remarkable speed and achieving some success.

By then, Chu Xiang had worked several years at the investment bank, having gained all the knowledge and experience he needed.

On the eve of returning home, Chu Xiang successfully proposed to Wu Qiyun.

In three months, he carved out a “home” for her, vivid in every detail. Each room was carefully designed, inviting her to become the lady of the house.

Wu Qiyun agreed without hesitation, holding this ideal home, her eyes shining brightly.

After returning to their homeland and preparing for the wedding, Chu Xiang took her to a residence identical to his model, with lawns, garden flowers, and interior layout all as they had imagined together.

“When did you design and decorate this?” she asked.

His eyes soft and warm, Chu Xiang replied, “Where there’s a will, there’s always time.”

Wu Qiyun’s eyes softened as well. She wrapped her arms around his neck, burying her face in his nape, inhaling his familiar scent, overwhelmed with indescribable emotion and peace.

Chu Xiang formally joined the family business and began taking over the company, while Wu Qiyun entered a prestigious research university to become a young biology professor.

Once their work stabilized, they held a grand wedding, inviting all friends and family to witness their sweetness.

More than a decade passed, and unexpectedly, their reunion was at this magnificent wedding.

Yang Yunan was a groomsman, and Cheng Jin was the girlfriend of one of their classmates.

When Chu Xiang and Wu Qiyun toasted the table of their high school friends, they initially did not recognize Cheng Jin until the class monitor reintroduced her: “This is my girlfriend Cheng Jin, also our junior from high school.”

The four—Chu Xiang, Yang Yunan, Wu Qiyun, and Cheng Jin—locked eyes.

Chu Xiang never thought that, after all the twists and turns, Cheng Jin would appear at his wedding this way. Smiling, he raised his glass: “Congratulations. When will you invite us to your wedding banquet?”

The class monitor laughed, “Soon. We’ll definitely invite you then.”

Yang Yunan joked loudly, “Hey, you’re about to get married! Don’t make things hard for us today, or next time you get married—hmph—”

The class monitor smiled helplessly. Back then, Yang Yunan and his gang were the most troublesome students, so he dared not let him cause a scene and quickly begged for mercy.

Everyone laughed, recalling Yang Yunan’s once overbearing and wild nature, and praised him for fiercely protecting Chu Xiang all day.

Yang Yunan patted his chest, “That’s right! When I get married, Chu Xiang must return the favor!”

Just then, cousin Zhuyun took the stage holding a pipa, ready to perform a congratulatory piece for her brother and sister-in-law.

Yang Yunan looked at the elegant young woman on stage, slowly quieting down, sighing, “Zhuyun’s all grown up now.”

Chu Xiang glanced at his friend. “How do you feel?”

They both knew what the question meant.

Yang Yunan shrugged, “Time flies. I’m starting to want to settle down too.”

Chu Xiang smiled, patting his shoulder, “Good. First, work on finding someone.”

Yang Yunan rolled his eyes, annoyed by Chu Xiang’s happiness.

Seeing this, Chu Xiang smiled even more contentedly. Good brother, fortune turns—this life and the last balance out.

The wedding banquet lasted until eight or nine in the evening before guests gradually left.

Yang Yunan had drunk a little too much. After vomiting once in the restroom, he wiped his hands and returned to the hall. As he entered, he looked up and saw Cheng Jin standing by the door.

She happened to look up at the same moment.

They met each other’s gaze from two or three steps apart.

The banquet hall played a lingering love song, its lyrics piercing the heart and weaving bittersweet emotions.

Yang Yunan recalled the moment after breaking the sprint record when he vomited in the restroom and Cheng Jin rushed in...

Cheng Jin stared blankly at him, her mind flowing through memories of those years...

More than a decade later, their reunion stirred complex emotions in their hearts. Memories flowed between them until suddenly—a blaring suona drowned out the romantic lament, ringing throughout the hall.

Yang Yunan’s spirit jolted. Scanning the room, he saw among the young noble families nearby, Zhuyun was holding a suona, blowing enthusiastically.

A vein twitched on his temple. With this festive and ear-piercing “Hundred Birds Paying Homage to the Phoenix,” he strode over and firmly pressed down on the instrument.

“Miss, if you keep playing like this, you’ll nearly send the whole audience away.”

Zhuyun put down the suona, giggling with flushed cheeks, clearly quite tipsy. “Such a festive tune—you don’t know how to appreciate it?”

Seeing that none of these people were familiar to him and worried about Chu Xiang’s cousin, Yang Yunan pulled her upstairs.

“All right, the wedding’s over. Let me take you to your room.”

Zhuyun was obedient, packing up her instruments and slinging them on her back.

Yang Yunan looked at her, thinking she seemed quite sober, and not wanting to overthink it, he took the heavy instrument from her, carried it himself, and led the young girl outside.

At the door, Cheng Jin was already with the class monitor.

“Yang Yunan, we’re leaving. Please tell Chu Xiang for us.”

Yang Yunan nodded, “Remember to call a designated driver. Don’t drink and drive.”

The class monitor laughed, “I know. Never thought the biggest rule-breaker now plays by the rules.”

Yang Yunan raised an eyebrow, “That’s different. This is law and life safety.”

Without further chat, he waved, “Let’s go.”

Outside, Zhuyun kept watching his expression.

Yang Yunan asked, “What are you staring at? Drunk and dazed?”

Zhuyun snorted, “You’re the one who’s dazed. If it weren’t for my brother, I wouldn’t bother rescuing you.”

“Rescuing me?” Yang Yunan tapped her head. “What are you kids thinking? All right, hurry back to sleep.” Saying so, he swiped the door card, opened the door, pushed her inside, and locked it all in one smooth motion.

Zhuyun was speechless.

Chu Xiang and Wu Qiyun worked late into the night preparing. Wu Qiyun, wearing heels for once, was in pain all evening. Chu Xiang sat on the bed massaging her feet, chatting about the day.

“The Wu family sent a gift. Do you want to see it?”

Wu Qiyun lay on the pillow, looking back at her husband without moving a muscle, “No. I didn’t invite him.”

Chu Xiang smiled and dropped the topic, moving on to other things.

Wu Qiyun watched the man gently talking and massaging her, moved her feet, deliberately tugged on his pajama collar, poked his waist with her toes, and stepped on his chest.

Chu Xiang shrank back, annoyed, scratching her foot, “Who’s massaging whom? Stop messing around.”

Wu Qiyun laughed, jerking her leg away but trapped by his grip, kicking wildly, “Hahaha... let go...”

Chu Xiang grabbed her ankle and leaned closer, “Feeling better? Looks like you’re not very tired—”

Wu Qiyun’s eyes glistened with laughter as her fingers hooked onto his sleepwear collar...

Married life was even sweeter than their days abroad. Though busy with careers, they were always there for each other in times of need.

Chu Xiang’s life was easy. Born into wealth, no family troubles, after inheriting the business, he only needed to focus on running the company and had no other worries.

With abundant wealth, a loving wife, and later, a very adorable daughter, he devoted half his energy to raising their little girl, endlessly doting on her.

Whenever Wu Qiyun saw her husband melt when their daughter called out “Daddy,” it seemed as if the childhood wounds in his heart were slowly healing.

Chu Xiang had worked hard early on to learn how to steer a company. Once the business was stable, he began to enjoy financial freedom, supporting his wife’s academic pursuits and further studies abroad, raising their lovely daughter, and taking the whole family on regular trips.

Supported by her family, Wu Qiyun’s career soared. She became a key national researcher at a young age and gained international renown by middle age.

At this point, not only the Wu family she had distanced herself from, but even the Chu family and Chu Xiang himself were collectively known as “Wu Qiyun’s husband.”

Chu Xiang felt no shame in this; on the contrary, he was immensely proud.

“With half a lifetime of support, I helped raise a female scientist. It was absolutely worth it.”

When Chu Xiang passed away, Wu Qiyun and their daughter each held one of his hands.

His mind was filled with countless last words. He struggled to say them all, wishing he could pour out every worry in a single breath, but the grim reaper allowed no more time.

Wu Qiyun and their daughter listened to his every admonition, tears streaming down their faces. Even when his voice faded, they would not rise, wanting to believe he was still there—husband, father—still caring for them endlessly.