Chapter 280: Chapter 280

In the dormitory, Zhao Guodong was reading. He heard Wang Ping and Zhang Linong talking, knew Zhang Linong had returned, but didn’t look up, continuing to read his book. Zhang Linong spoke a few words to Wang Ping before sitting down beside Zhao Guodong.

"I know you’ve been studying hard these past six months, but you can’t work yourself so hard." Zhang Linong snatched the book from his hands, "Pack your things, we’re going back home."

"I promised to go to Dalian with Ma Yue and the others this summer, so I won’t be going back with you." Zhao Guodong rubbed his head, leaning back in his chair, his square face showing a steady maturity, "Didn’t I tell you earlier about going to the seaside? You said no, so I figured I’d stay behind."

"Then I’ll stay, and Wang Ping and the others can go back." Zhang Linong wasn’t at ease with the suddenly composed Zhao Guodong, finding his demeanor out of character. Especially when he had involved Ma Yue, it made Zhang Linong uneasy, "Besides Ma Yue, who else?"

"Dong Minghui, I’m not sure who else; I heard there are a few more." Zhao Guodong hadn’t asked much, figuring he’d do what he wanted now, no longer having to think about Ye Ling every day, with all plans centered around her.

"Count me in then." Wang Ping chimed in from the side, "When have we ever been apart? I should ask Liu Zhiyuan and the others if they want to join?"

"No need, you both can go home. Over the years, I’ve acted impulsively in everything, making you two clean up the mess. Now that I’ve learned a lot, I need to train myself and not rely on you forever. Let me take this trip alone." Zhao Guodong looked at Zhang Linong with unwavering determination.

Zhang Linong sighed, "Since you put it that way, I can’t stop you from growing, so let’s settle it. We’ll go back, but remember, no matter what happens, don’t act impulsively."

Zhao Guodong broke into the first genuine smile he’d shown in months, "Don’t worry."

With that settled, Ye Ling, of course, had no idea Zhao Guodong was staying behind, nor did Zhang Linong, who held onto a sliver of hope. Since Ye Ling hadn’t gone back, Zhao Guodong hadn’t either, perhaps giving them a chance to spend some time alone.

After the official start of summer break, Ye Ling returned to her dishwashing job, while Zhao Guodong, having packed a change of clothes, headed to the arranged train station to wait for Ma Yue and the others. The sight of Ma Yue with two others made Zhao Guodong’s face impossible to keep steady.

Besides Ma Yue, there was Dong Minghui, and to his surprise, the third person, supposed to be home already, was Fu Lei. Moreover, Ma Yue was clinging to Fu Lei’s arm, and Fu Lei would occasionally tenderly pat Ma Yue’s hand on his arm.

Ma Yue saw the shocked look on Zhao Guodong’s face and said smugly, "What’s up? Stunned? Don’t recognize us? Well, let me officially introduce you: Fu Lei, my boyfriend, our classmate. Have you snapped out of it now?"

"Boyfriend?" Zhao Guodong curled his lips coldly, "As far as I know, isn’t Fu Lei with Ye Ling? While not publicized at school, quite a number know about it privately." Official source is NoveIꜰire.net

If he hadn’t learned to control his temper over the past few months, Zhao Guodong would have already punched him; there was no way he could have stood there listening otherwise. He wanted to see what was really going on.

Ma Yue had called Zhao Guodong here precisely to show him, so when he questioned, she eagerly revealed her proudest secrets, "Actually, I met Fu Lei on the day of registration. Later, seeing me bullied by Ye Ling, he thought to teach Ye Ling a lesson for me. Who would’ve thought Ye Ling would fall for him, so nothing needed to be done, which alone shamed Ye Ling."

Zhao Guodong picked up where she left off, "And sow discord between us and Ye Ling, so to you guys, she’s always been a clown, right?"

"Smart guy." Ma Yue admired Zhao Guodong, releasing her hold on Fu Lei’s arm and circling him, "You’re a smart person and a rich kid, why focus on Ye Ling? What’s so good about Ye Ling? She’s not liked by her family, like a helpless orphan. Why like her? You should choose someone from a good family to help you."

"Is what Fu Lei told you about Ye Ling?" Zhao Guodong glanced at Fu Lei and then returned Ma Yue’s gaze.

Ma Yue raised her chin proudly and returned to Fu Lei, hooking his arm again, "It was Fu Lei who told me. She fell for my boyfriend, and I didn’t call her shameless. Knowing some of her stuff isn’t wrong. I just think someone as intelligent as you being with Ye Ling is a waste, so I wanted to lay it out for you. The truth is out there: you either side with us or tell Ye Ling the truth. But don’t blame me for not warning you: if you tell her everything, she won’t believe you. She’ll think you’re a jerk, unable to win over Fu Lei, badmouthing behind his back."

"Ye Ling’s palms are covered in calluses, is it true?" Without bothering with Zhao Guodong, Ma Yue turned to ask Fu Lei.

Fu Lei nodded with a smile, "How could she compare to you?"

Dong Minghui walked over to Zhao Guodong with a giggle, "See? They’re a perfect match. Ye Ling doesn’t deserve Fu Lei."

"So the time when Ma Yue scolded Fu Lei was part of your plot too?" Zhao Guodong squeezed out the words through clenched teeth.

Dong Minghui laughed out loud, "Yes, it was to make Ye Ling feel guilty towards Fu Lei. Don’t you think keeping someone feeling guilt-ridden for a lifetime is interesting?"

"You’re truly shameless." Zhao Guodong spoke coldly.

Dong Minghui’s expression froze, while Zhao Guodong turned his gaze to Fu Lei, "After hearing about you and Ye Ling, I have never asked again or even acknowledged you exist because I wanted to let you enjoy your happiness undisturbed. But looking at it now, it seems my goodwill was wasted. However, heaven is fair, and someone like you is not worthy of being with Ye Ling. I’m a simple-minded person; once I decide someone is good, they remain good. I can’t be twisted like you, so thanks for your ’kindness,’ but I won’t stoop to your level."

"Zhao Guodong, you are so naive. With this attitude, you won’t go far even in the military after graduation." Fu Lei comforted Ma Yue, who was annoyed, and looked at Zhao Guodong with a beaming smile.

"You’re right. I’m a person who can’t betray my feelings for anything, and that’s what differentiates a person from a beast." He clearly referred to Fu Lei as the beast.

"Who are you calling a beast?" Ma Yue demanded loudly. (To be continued. If you work, please consider voting for it on Qidian (qidian.com) with recommendation and monthly tickets. Your support is my greatest motivation. Mobile users, please read on m.qidian.com.)