This was something Cao Shuang had never encountered before, which aroused his doubts.

He thought of the man and woman who had walked down the stairs with An Qin.

His expression immediately darkened.

Could it be that An Qin has hooked up with a rich man and climbed the social ladder, and now looks down on him?

As soon as Cao Shuang thought in this direction, a dark glint flashed in his eyes.

He had just been humiliated by Qin Ning and was feeling incredibly embarrassed, so he really wanted to find someone to vent his anger on.

Anqin was undoubtedly the best punching bag.

But now she actually—

Cao Shuang took several deep breaths to suppress the anger that was rising within him.

Bai Weiran watched Cao Shuang's every change in expression from the second floor, his knuckles unconsciously tapping the handrail.

He was getting a little impatient.

There are always people who like to seek a sense of existence from those who are weaker than themselves.

Cao Shuang is that kind of person.

Cao Shuang's voice finally rang out first.

"Anqin, it's been so long, don't you recognize me?" he said with a forced smile.

He usually calls Anqin "Junior Sister Anqin," but today he deliberately omitted the word "Junior Sister."

Calling someone by their name only sounds more intimate and ambiguous, leaving room for imagination.

Upon hearing this, everyone's expressions became subtle, and their gazes shifted between the two.

Cao Shuang thought that An Qin would definitely notice the difference.

He had shown her his affections.

That's giving her a lot of face.

If she continues to be so tactless—

"Senior Cao Shuang, it's been a long time."

The girl with tea-colored hair responded politely with a soft, sweet voice.

Cao Shuang's smile froze instantly.

He saw no surprise on An Qin's face, no elation like a concubine who had been chosen for a new title.

An Qin greeted him as if he were just an ordinary senior student, and the two had no connection whatsoever.

Upon hearing An Qin's response, everyone's already subtle expressions became even more subtle.

Oh dear, you were being so ambiguous just now, and then they immediately distanced themselves from you.

Some people looked at Cao Shuang, then at An Qin.

An Qin's outfit was carefully chosen by Qin Ning. In addition, she had been spending a lot of time with Qin Ning recently. As the saying goes, one is influenced by one's company, and she had learned some of Qin Ning's demeanor and elegance. She wouldn't dare to call herself a lady from a prominent family, but she was far from the timid and weak woman she used to be.

On the contrary, Cao Shuang, who had been severely beaten by Bai Weiran and spent time in jail, had lost much of his former smugness.

Standing together, the difference in their abilities is immediately apparent.

Everyone: Oh wow, so this guy is trying to build a relationship!

I didn't recognize you when you were introduced before, why are you suddenly showing up and acting like we're old friends?

Among the crowd, some gossipy people couldn't help but click their tongues twice.

An Qin's response made Bai Weiran relax.

Perhaps Anqin isn't so weak after all?

I'm worrying too much.

See, by distancing yourself from her and ignoring her, she can become strong on her own.

Children don't cry when no one is around.

Standing next to him, Qin Ning kept clenching her small fists.

Holy crap, this feels like the thrill of raising a character!

Anqin was constantly scolded by herself and didn't dare to talk back.

She was surprisingly able to stand tall and proud in front of Cao Shuang, even though she seemed weak and frail.

Her expectant eyes sparkled.

Bai Weiran and Qin Ning were very happy, but Cao Shuang was not happy at all, and was even more furious.

However, he also realized that the overall atmosphere was currently overwhelmingly in favor of Anqin.

Cao Shuang's expression immediately changed, from initial smugness to a look of sadness and melancholy.

They can change their attitude as easily as turning the pages of a book, and their persona can change swiftly.

"It's so great to see you here."

"I was so worried because I couldn't get in touch with you."

He brushed his hair aside, revealing a face full of melancholy and deep affection.

"I'm looking for you every day, I'm worried about you."

"I'm worried that you might be being taken advantage of... because you're so weak-willed and easily deceived."

At this point, Cao Shuang gave a wry smile, his melancholy perfectly timed, like something out of a movie.

"It turns out I was overthinking it all; I didn't expect you to be doing so well."

These words gave everyone plenty of room for imagination, and the scattered chatter stopped as everyone was drawn to Cao Shuang.

Upon hearing these words, Qin Ning, who was on the second floor, was furious and brandished her fists, shouting.

"What nonsense are you spouting? Aren't you the one lying to her?!"

But apart from Bai Weiran, no one else could hear her angry rebuke.

Cao Shuang's performance continues.

"That's right, you don't need me."

"Back then, when I saw you reduced to that state... I couldn't bear it..."

At this point, Cao Shuang paused subtly.

Qin Ning frowned, assuming that Cao Shuang was referring to An Qin's impoverished and unfortunate upbringing.

After all, in the imagination of a young lady like Qin Ning, the worst that could happen is just that.

Wasn't Anqin's situation tragic enough?

That's terrible!

Bai Weiran, however, frowned.

How far have they fallen?

He didn't recall any problems with An Qin's personal information.

Did he forget something?

He decided to listen—

An Qin was touched by these words, her eyes filled with deep emotion.

"At that time, I thanked my senior."

Back in school, the senior student did help her.

She was very grateful.

She has found someone who wants to give back more, and has been accepted by them.

Anqin's gaze involuntarily drifted towards the second floor again.

Still seeing no one, she lowered her eyelashes once more.

Cao Shuang's performance continued; he gave a wry smile and looked around.

"I never imagined that you were holding your own art exhibition during the time you disappeared."

"In such a great place, so many people come to see you, your advertisements are everywhere in the city, and I'm still looking for you everywhere."

"I gave up many good job opportunities for you. I believe in your talent and I'm working hard for you."

"I wore my feet out and talked myself hoarse, only to be ruthlessly rejected by many galleries."

"...Even if it's raining, I'd rather get soaked myself than let your painting get wet. I cherish your talent more than my own life!"

These few lines reflect years of acting experience; the tone rises steadily towards the end, becoming emotionally moving and truly touching.

Everyone fell silent, and their eyes filled with sympathy as they looked at Cao Shuang.

What a pitiful person—

Bai Weiran sneered.

They talk a good game but sing a bad game.

When has An Qin's painting ever been rejected?

Even at a low price, Cao Shuang sold it.

For money, Cao Shuang not only made An Qin paint frantically, but he also only saw An Qin's paintings as a way to make quick money. He didn't care about the cost. He was in a hurry for money, and when the other party refused to raise the price, he sold them directly, thinking he could have An Qin paint them again later.

If you can't draw someone to death, then draw them to death.

As for why I gave up good job opportunities?

Cao Shuang was dashing and debonair during his school years. While others were busy with internship competition, he was preoccupied with various romantic relationships under the guise of revenge against bad women, and by graduation, he had few good job opportunities.

Anqin's paintings earned him far more than his other jobs.

Bai Weiran thought to himself that his blood pressure was slowly rising.

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