He had no shortage of women around him, so letting go should be easier.
As it turned out, she had underestimated the pride of such a man.
"Alright, since you insist on asking, I'll tell you the truth. It's been over half a year."
"I knew him before I returned to Jincheng. As soon as I got back, we started dating."
"How did you two meet?"
"Lu Mingzhe, what does that have to do with you?"
Lu Mingzhe suddenly flew into a rage, gnashing his teeth and slamming his hand hard on the table.
"I asked, how did you two meet!"
The cups on the table jumped with a clatter, and some coffee spilled out.
In the quiet coffee shop, other patrons looked over in unison.
Chen Jiaojiao felt somewhat embarrassed but couldn't lash out.
After all, what she had done was morally questionable.
"By chance. This is my private matter, there's no need to report every detail to you, is there?"
"Your private matter? If I recall correctly, the reason you came to Nancheng was to find me."
"When you were in trouble, you knew I was your fiancé. Once the trouble was over, it became a private matter? You're quite something."
Chen Jiaojiao blushed at his words.
But what could she do? Love couldn't be forced.
"At the time, I did intend to get to know you better, to interact, and if it worked out, get married."
"Who knew that after dating for so long... I'm sorry, I just couldn't force myself."
"Is it that you couldn't force yourself, or do you feel my abilities and family background are inferior to others? That there's always a higher mountain to climb. Do you want to go to a higher mountain?"
Speaking like this was pointless.
Chen Jiaojiao shot him a cold glance.
"Lu Mingzhe, we only had a verbal engagement. I never officially married you. Is it necessary to speak like this and make things so awkward?"
Lu Mingzhe leaned back in his chair, his expressionless face a mask.
"A verbal engagement is still an engagement. Until it's officially dissolved, you are my fiancée."
"Chen Jiaojiao, I will not give up on marrying you. Go tell your father to prepare. I'll visit in a couple of days."
"It's time to put our wedding on the agenda."
Chen Jiaojiao's eyes widened in disbelief.
"Are you psychologically unstable? I already told you I don't like you, and I'm already with someone else. You still want to marry me?!"
Lu Mingzhe shrugged.
"I know what you mean. You two have slept together, and not just once."
"It's fine, I don't mind. You're right, I am psychologically unstable."
"My possessiveness is extreme. No one can betray me. What Lu Mingzhe cannot have, no one else will get."
"You want me to be a gentleman and bless your union? I have no such obligation."
Seeing that he was prepared to resort to force, she realized her attitude earlier had been wrong and had angered him.
Chen Jiaojiao could only soften her stance and apologize.
"I'm sorry, my attitude was poor just now. I shouldn't have spoken to you like that."
"This is indeed my fault. Tell me, how do you want me to compensate you?"
"As long as you don't mention marriage, I can consider any request."
Lu Mingzhe found it increasingly ironic.
"Is that so? To be with him, you'll agree to anything I ask? Your love is truly profound."
"..."
"I have no requests, other than that you two break up."
"Lu Mingzhe, you..."
"Thank me. I'm adding a little setback to your smooth sailing love path. It will make your love more interesting."
"Perhaps if you two team up to challenge me, and you win, your bond will become even stronger."
"Alright, I'm done. You can go now."
Before, she thought he was just a doctor who liked to joke around, a bit silly, and not quite like a doctor.
Now, looking at him, she saw a psychologist who couldn't save himself and was psychologically disturbed.
He couldn't be happy himself, and he couldn't stand to see others happy.
What era was this? Practicing arranged marriages?
Let's see if I can agree to your terms!
Chen Jiaojiao grabbed her bag, slipped on her high heels, and walked away without looking back.
The two parted on bad terms.
However, after saying all the harsh truths, she felt surprisingly better.
Lu Mingzhe paid the bill, left the coffee shop, and got into his car.
He didn't really have a destination in mind.
He just drove instinctively.
As he drove, he found himself back at the apartment complex he had just left.
He looked up. The lights were on in a window.
Checking the time, it was only a little past ten.
The long night ahead, sleeping alone, would be unbearable.
Since she was also alone, he decided to pass the time together.
He first went to the complex entrance to buy some snacks and beer, then went upstairs.
He rang the doorbell, and a cold voice came from inside.
"Who is it?"
"Me."
Soon, the door opened.
She was still in the same clothes as before, but her hands were wet, and there was noise coming from the kitchen.
The woman's face was grim.
"Why are you here again? Are you relentless? Do you really want me to block you?"
"I was afraid you'd be hungry, so I brought you something to eat."
Lu Mingzhe handed her the items.
The woman glanced at the food, showing no signs of gratitude. Instead, her eyes were filled with disdain and mockery.
"You're sick. After all this time, this is the first time I've accepted anything from you. You startled me."
"If you're sick, go to a hospital. Don't come here to cause trouble."
"I don't want your things. Take them and get out."
Lu Mingzhe didn't leave. Instead, he sniffed the air.
"There's someone here, and you're afraid he'll see me?"
The woman pushed him. "Yes. Take your things and get out!"
"Meeting is fate. We're all your friends. Maybe I and he can become good brothers. Let's go in and chat."
Lu Mingzhe shamelessly squeezed his way in.
The aroma of cooking wafted from the kitchen.
He threw his things on the floor and headed straight for the kitchen.
A young boy, wearing a white t-shirt and black casual pants, with a slender back, was cooking.
Hearing the noise, he turned and looked at him.
His features were bright, and a smile played on his lips.
"We have a guest at home?"
Lu Mingzhe turned back to tease the woman.
"You've got some skills. You've managed to lure a pure college student home. No wonder you looked down on me."
He said sourly, then walked over, pinched the boy's shoulder, and then his arm.
"How old are you this year, little brother?"
The woman followed, kicking him from behind in a displeased tone.
"Stop messing around with me. What's gotten into you today?"
"Don't worry. I won't ruin your fun. I just think this young man looks quite handsome, and I wanted to say a few words to him."
The boy, expertly tossing the wok, replied.
"I'm 19 this year."
"Where do you study?"
"Nanda University."
"Oh, a smart student. What's your major?"
"Journalism and Communication."
"How long have you known the sister?"
"Huh?"
The woman kicked Lu Mingzhe again from behind.
"Get out, get out! Don't disturb him from cooking!"
"The food is burning. This is my own brother! You're really quite ill."
"Your own brother? When did you get a brother?"