My Boyfriend's 'Best Friend' Kissed Him and Stole My Heart

A transfer student joined my boyfriend Xu Tingyan's class—the only girl in their entire engineering department. The first time I met her was at a dinner with his roommates. She was bold and brash, repeatedly drinking from my boyfriend's cup without hesitation.

When I shot Xu Tingyan a look, she addressed me with a condescending tone: "Why are you so petty? You should be nicer to my brother."

I was speechless. Such low-level "bro-girl" tactics—back when I was mastering the art of subtle manipulation, she was probably still hiding in some obscure corner.

Chapter 1

I could feel Xu Tingyan beside me stiffen. Even the atmosphere at our table grew cold after her comment. The awkwardness made me put down my chopsticks.

Xu Tingyan quickly turned to me and started explaining: "Baby, Mian Mian speaks bluntly. Don't take it to heart."

Mian Mian—how intimate he sounded. I was about to respond when another voice loudly interrupted: "What's with the 'baby' talk? That's disgusting! And we're all right here! Don't be so lovey-dovey in front of everyone!"

I looked up to see Song Mian Mian staring at me challengingly. Being interrupted twice in a row would try even the patience of a saint.

I took Xu Tingyan's hand, my eyes welling with tears: "Sister, you don't like me, do you? Why did you say I'm disgusting?"

"If you don't want to see me, I'll go first. I won't disturb you all anymore."

After saying this, I grabbed my bag to leave. But Xu Tingyan grabbed my wrist. He'd had some drinks with them earlier and, sensing our tension, had sobered up completely.

Xu Tingyan's face darkened, his voice tinged with accusation: "Song Mian Mian, I only let you come because you promised not to say anything inappropriate."

"If you keep targeting my girlfriend, there won't be a next time."

Song Mian Mian froze. She tried to speak again, but Xu Tingyan's roommate stopped her. Not wanting to escalate the situation, they quickly tried to mediate: "Sister-in-law, Mian Mian doesn't know how to speak properly. Don't blame her."

"Yeah, sister-in-law, Mian Mian is like one of the guys with us. We even slept in the same bed during our trip—nothing happened, right?"

I almost laughed in anger. Xu Tingyan, you're really something.

"Are you angry because you saw me drinking from his cup? I'll say this—girls like you are so petty. Getting jealous over such small things when we're all just bros."

Song Mian Mian muttered under her breath, blaming me for not being more generous.

Blood rushed to my head. I resisted the urge to strike her. Then I looked at Xu Tingyan as tears silently fell: "My stomach hurts badly. I'll go first."

My legs felt weak and I was about to faint. Xu Tingyan immediately stood up and scooped me into his arms. "I'm taking you to the hospital!"

Chaos erupted, and even Song Mian Mian's expression changed. "We agreed this was a bro gathering! How can you leave first?"

"Girls are so much trouble. When I'm sick, I can still take a taxi to the hospital myself!"

"That's enough! Stop spouting nonsense!" Xu Tingyan couldn't bear it anymore. Without even glancing at her, he carried me out the door.

Once outside, I told him to put me down. Xu Tingyan paused, surprised, as I took two steps back: "I didn't realize you were so close to another woman now."

He immediately understood and assured me: "I promise you, nothing happened between us before. I didn't even know they invited Song Mian Mian on that trip, and I didn't sleep with her—I was on the sofa."

My expression softened, but I was still upset: "She has no boundaries, and you didn't know either? How long were you planning to hide this from me?"

Xu Tingyan sighed in relief and gently kissed me: "Baby, I'll tell you everything from now on."

"That restaurant was too spicy today. I'll take you to the hospital to get some medicine."

Chapter 2

The next day was an elective class in our department. Xu Tingyan sat beside me, accompanying me as usual. He went to buy water for me and told me to go to the classroom first, but I accidentally took the wrong phone from his pocket—both our phones looked similar.

Within two minutes of sitting down, his phone kept buzzing. The screen unlocked automatically when it recognized my face—it was messages from a girl named Mian Mian.

[Hey, how's your dear girlfriend? Still mad?]

[You left so early yesterday. You should treat us bros to make up for it. I told you we shouldn't bring girls to our gatherings—she can't fit in anyway!]

[I heard you take her to class every day. How about I come find you and apologize to her?]

Every message was about how I couldn't get along with them. Such crude tactics. Undoubtedly a classic "bro-girl" type.

I had never checked Xu Tingyan's phone before. I always believed couples should have some privacy. But this time, my fingers couldn't help scrolling upward.

They messaged each other frequently, and Song Mian Mian always made inappropriate jokes. Xu Tingyan had brushed them all off, but one message caught my eye:

[Why did you secretly kiss me that day? Isn't that disgusting between bros!]

1:30 AM. The date was familiar too—it was the day before the biggest fight Xu Tingyan and I ever had.

Xu Tingyan and I had been together since high school graduation and had never fought until college. Our relationship had always been stable. After all this time together, I knew him well. Xu Tingyan would never cheat on me behind my back.

But my hand trembled as I clicked on a night photo. Xu Tingyan and Song Mian Mian were very close, as if about to kiss. And the jacket she was wearing belonged to Xu Tingyan.

I shouldn't have trusted the photo. I should have asked Xu Tingyan for clarification. But the photo felt like a bucket of cold water poured over my heart.

Before I could compose myself, Xu Tingyan returned with water and sat beside me. "What's wrong, baby? You look pale."

I looked at him calmly, skirting the real issue: "Your good bro wants to find you and apologize to me."

This wasn't the right time for this conversation. Hearing my words, Xu Tingyan panicked: "I already told her yesterday to stay away from you. Besides, that's just her personality—everyone knows it."

As soon as he finished speaking, a familiar figure appeared at the door. It was Song Mian Mian.

Her face lit up the moment she saw Xu Tingyan. She quickly trotted over and sat right beside him, pressing close.

A cup of iced Coke was placed in front of me. "Sorry! I didn't know what you like to drink. Consider this an apology for yesterday!" Song Mian Mian said cheerfully, her hand still resting on Xu Tingyan.

They were all buddy-buddy, putting on quite the show of being "just bros." Anyone who didn't know better would have thought they were the couple.

But Xu Tingyan said nothing.

I gently pushed the Coke away, just as Song Mian Mian was about to speak. I looked at Xu Tingyan with red eyes, glancing at Song Mian Mian as I spoke in a choked voice:

"You don't like me, I get it, but is this necessary? I'm on my period—you knew that yesterday, didn't you?"

Chapter 3

Xu Tingyan knew about this. I had even told him before we went to dinner with his roommates yesterday. I can't eat spicy food during my period, and he had wanted to choose a different restaurant. But then he saw a message on his phone and guiltily opened a voice message:

[That's not cool! Changing restaurants because of your girlfriend? I've wanted to try this place forever. You're paying big time!]

[What's the big deal about periods? Your girlfriend is so delicate—nothing like me!]

Several messages shot out rapidly. The voice was loud and carefree, yet drawing a clear line between herself and other girls.

Even then, I sensed her ill intentions. But Xu Tingyan didn't contradict her. He said Song Mian Mian was a new transfer student to their department. Xu Tingyan was a science student, and their department was all engineering guys. Naturally, there were no girls.

Once there, Song Mian Mian became the department's darling. Many guys were willing to gather around her, and her "just one of the bros" routine worked well among them.

I wouldn't question why a girl would suddenly transfer majors—that's her freedom. But when she starts playing the "bro-girl" card, sowing discord, and trying to steal my boyfriend, I won't be merciful.

After all, her tactics are too crude. Back when I was mastering subtle manipulation, she was probably hiding in some obscure corner.

What matters to me is Xu Tingyan's attitude. From his reaction, he was condoning Song Mian Mian's boundary-crossing behavior.

Sure enough, after hearing my words, Xu Tingyan's expression darkened. He even moved the iced Coke directly in front of Song Mian Mian: "My girlfriend can't drink cold things during her period. You knew that yesterday, didn't you?"

Song Mian Mian looked aggrieved. "I never remember these things!"

"Periods aren't such a big deal! You women are so much trouble!"

I spoke slowly, leaning against Xu Tingyan's shoulder: "Sorry, sister, but you keep saying 'you women'—did you have a sex change? I don't mean to discriminate! Or should I call you brother instead?"

"Hey, why do you look unhappy?"

After saying this, I couldn't help but laugh. Song Mian Mian's already stiff expression grew even uglier.

The next second, she picked up the iced Coke and held it to Xu Tingyan's lips: "Since she won't drink it, you have it. You love Coke, right?"

Song Mian Mian really knew how to anger people. Especially when the straw was already in Xu Tingyan's mouth.

He frowned and pushed her hand away, his voice impatient: "That's enough! Stop being so handsy."

"People who know you might think you're just carefree, but what would strangers think?"

Song Mian Mian looked completely justified: "So what? If the sky falls, won't you guys still be there?"

"Besides, I never care what other people think of me. As long as you're good to me, that's all that matters!"

Noticing me, Song Mian Mian suddenly covered her mouth with her hand, then quickly removed it and stuck out her tongue playfully: "I forgot your girlfriend was still here. Don't worry, you're number one in Ah Yan's heart, and I'm number two. That's fine."

"After all, only you girls care about your ranking in your boyfriend's heart."

I bit my lip and gently tugged on Xu Tingyan's sleeve: "Please don't fight because of me. I don't want to cause problems between you all. Sorry, I didn't think you would mind, sister."

"Besides, I never said anything like that. Isn't everyone's mother always number one in their heart?"

Song Mian Mian forced a smile, not expecting me to answer like that. But Xu Tingyan's gaze was deep and his tone firm: "What I think has nothing to do with you, Song Mian Mian?"

"If you hadn't angered my girlfriend, would any of this have happened?"

Seeing that Xu Tingyan wouldn't drink it, Song Mian Mian clicked her tongue and took it back. But immediately, she put it in her own mouth: "It's all your fault! The Coke isn't even cold anymore!"

Chapter 4

For a moment, Xu Tingyan's veins bulged. My lips tightened into a straight line—I couldn't believe Song Mian Mian was so clueless about boundaries. Judging by her practiced movements, she must have done this countless times before.

The teacher finally looked up and impatiently tapped on the table: "The girl over there, are you in this department? Can you be quiet!"

"What's your advisor's name? Take your things and get out now!"

Song Mian Mian, meeting the teacher's gaze, hadn't yet processed what was happening. She even pointed at herself. The next second, she stood up and walked out without even saying goodbye.

If this had been in front of her "bros," they would have already started making jokes. But now, I just thought she was brainless.

My ears were finally quiet, and my stomach was hurting badly. Usually, Xu Tingyan would be beside me comforting me, but now he was just silently typing on his phone.

After class, we ran into his roommates and Song Mian Mian. They were talking about something, and Song Mian Mian was laughing loudly while slapping someone's back.

When she saw us, her tone was sour: "Oh, it's all my fault, okay! You're still holding a grudge."

I walked past her without responding. But someone grabbed my wrist.

Song Mian Mian pulled me close and said insistently: "Yu Qing, you're generous. Forgive me!"

One of his roommates chimed in, repeatedly mentioning my name: "Sister-in-law, don't be angry. Mian Mian didn't mean it."

"Yeah, Xu Ge should help persuade her too. Making Mian Mian so embarrassed is really losing face!"

Did I deserve to be treated like this? But Xu Tingyan, standing beside me, spoke unexpectedly: "Qing Qing, she didn't do anything wrong. Besides, she's just a young girl with a thin face. Let's just drop this!"

I turned to look at him but couldn't read his expression. I used to love his eyes. From his eyes, I could see myself being loved. He could express all his emotions through them. But now, Xu Tingyan turned away, avoiding my gaze.

Now, I couldn't see clearly anymore. My heart felt heavy from what had just happened. I couldn't help but feel bitter, watching them lean against each other while I looked like an outsider.

Seeing Song Mian Mian's barely concealed excitement, I widened my eyes innocently: "Forcing me like this, what can I say? I wasn't even angry anymore. Why do you keep bringing it up, sister?"

"Is it because I'm with Xu Tingyan that I'm bothering you?"

"If that's the case, let's just break up. I don't want to ruin your relationship!"

The world fell silent. For a moment, we were in an eerie silence.

"I, I didn't mean that..." Song Mian Mian stammered, trying to explain, but I had already pulled my hand away and walked past them. Out of sight, out of mind.

"I'm not asking you to break up! Ah Yan!"

"That's enough! How long are you going to keep guessing about Qing Qing?"

"I don't have that many thoughts! Bro relationships shouldn't be this complicated! Breaking up is fine too—otherwise, won't you not even have time to spend with us!"

"I don't want to see you right now."

Footsteps sounded behind me—it was Xu Tingyan following. "Qing Qing! They're overthinking it."

He held my hand and said seriously: "I never thought that way."

Chapter 5

I gently pulled my hand away and smiled: "Then what about the photo I saw on your phone?"

Xu Tingyan froze and asked back: "What photo? You looked at my phone?"

He caressed my face soothingly, his voice gentle: "That's all in the past. Don't dwell on it."

I took a deep breath and squeezed my palms tightly, but I couldn't help it. This incident was like a fire burning fiercely in my heart. I didn't know when, but my relationship with Xu Tingyan had changed.

I raised my hand and slapped him hard across the face, questioning without restraint: "You kissed Song Mian Mian. Is that in the past too?"

After saying this, I felt relieved. I had beautified our story too much, making me sink into it. But reality always shatters beautiful dreams.

Sure enough, Xu Tingyan looked up in panic, the handprint on his face particularly ridiculous. His voice was dry and inexplicably guilty: "How did you know? That was just a truth or dare game. There's nothing between us."

Before, Xu Tingyan never hid anything from me. Until Song Mian Mian appeared, he stopped telling me things. Sometimes, even our conversations included her name.

"A new transfer student joined our department. She's quite interesting. Don't overthink it—I'm just surprised that an engineering major would have a girl transfer in."

"She's so clueless about everything, I have to teach her everything. Maybe she shouldn't participate in competitions... And she gets along well with my roommates. I often see them together."

"They're insisting on meeting you. Some day I'll introduce you properly to my roommates over dinner."

"Please don't be angry with me on our anniversary. I just need some personal space."

That night, we had a fierce argument. I asked why he was so close to another girl and couldn't maintain some distance. But he retorted that he and Song Mian Mian were just bros. We parted on bad terms.

In the early morning, his roommate secretly messaged me, saying Xu Tingyan knew he was wrong and was drinking at a bar. But from that photo, I saw a girl. She was wearing a white camisole and leaning against Xu Tingyan's back.

That night, Xu Tingyan didn't reply to my messages. I thought nothing had happened between them. But that photo was like a thorn in my side—them kissing under the streetlights.

My expression was calm as I looked into Xu Tingyan's eyes: "What kind of person kisses someone else when they have a girlfriend?"

Meeting my gaze, he turned away. Then he tried to hug me, his voice pleading: "Baby, I usually just treat her like a guy, and that night they insisted on playing games. I had no choice..."

"That's enough. I don't want to hear it." I rubbed my temples, my voice weary: "If that's the case, then go be with Song Mian Mian. Let's break up."

But hearing my words, Xu Tingyan's expression instantly darkened. Then he took out his phone, raised his voice, and looked angry: "Then tell me, who is this man?"

In the photo, I was smiling and talking with a guy. And that guy's hand was on my shoulder.

Chapter 6

Seeing this, I was speechless. This was clearly an angle-deception photo. Because of the candid angle, my hand, which was actually reaching for something, looked like I was hugging him. The implications of such a photo were obvious.

But seeing Xu Tingyan's angry expression, my heart ached. I didn't know when he had stopped trusting me.

I smiled bitterly and asked back: "Where did you get this photo?"

He thought I had already admitted and stared at me with wide eyes: "Mian Mian sent it to me. She said she accidentally took it and didn't think much before sending it to me."

I gave a cold smile and said slowly: "This is a senior from our high school, same major as me. You know about this, don't you? Besides, you've met him."

There's no such thing as "accidental"—it was all premeditated. Song Mian Mian had clearly gone to great lengths to break us up.

Xu Tingyan knew this senior and knew he had a girlfriend. His expression was one of shock, as if he hadn't expected this to be a misunderstanding, and he quickly explained: "Baby, I was just too anxious when I saw this photo. I didn't mean anything by it, and I never suspected you..."

But now it was too late for explanations. I took the phone and exited the photo. And then Song Mian Mian's conspicuous messages popped up.

[See, I told you your girlfriend has too many thoughts. Looking so innocent in front of everyone, but quite promiscuous behind our backs.]

[I told you to break up with her ages ago. Now look—she's actually cheating.]

[Don't be sad, bro. You can cry on my shoulder. You still have me! At worst, you can be with me!]

And Xu Tingyan remained silent without refuting her. With every line I read, his face grew paler. By the end, he was completely ashen, his lips trembling as he answered me: "I love you, baby. I really made a mistake this time."

Frankly, I wasn't angry. But I have my boundaries. When we first got together, I told Xu Tingyan that I hate being deceived. Just tell me everything directly.

But he would rather trust some random "good bro" than believe me. And what he claimed I never did, he had actually done. After all, he really did kiss Song Mian Mian. Just thinking about it made me sick to my stomach.

Xu Tingyan wasn't the same person anymore. He had changed. I used to think people wouldn't be influenced by their environment. Although his roommates had mediocre character, I thought since they were his friends, they couldn't be that bad. But now, I realized how absurd my thinking had been.

I handed the phone back to him, suppressing my emotions. Xu Tingyan in front of me was still rambling about something, but I was tired. This wasn't the first time he had made this mistake, and he had repeated it so many times.

I looked up and sighed softly: "Forget it."

"Let's break up. We don't need to see each other anymore."

Hearing my first words, Xu Tingyan, whose lips had curved upward, thought I had forgiven him. I turned away and ignored Xu Tingyan calling my name.

Forget it. Actually, Xu Tingyan was no different from anyone else.

Chapter 7

I blocked all of Xu Tingyan's contact information. But an unexpected person added me. I accepted the request, wanting to see what Song Mian Mian was up to now.

[Sorry, Yu Qing, I didn't think you'd really break up~ You know, Ah Yan really can't hide anything from you.]

[That truth or dare was their idea, it had nothing to do with Ah Yan. Besides, we're all bros. What's wrong with a kiss?]

[You're just too petty, that's why no one wants you~]

I didn't reply, instead clicking on her WeChat Moments. There were many photos of them together, updated daily. The latest one was a photo of her and Xu Tingyan. The caption read: "Bros for life, and you belong to me."

Under the dim lighting of wine glasses, they stood very close—Xu Tingyan's hand was around her waist, and Song Mian Mian's hand was on his leg. The "tea-girl" vibe practically jumped off the screen.

I didn't expect Xu Tingyan to find someone new so quickly. I finally opened her chat and calmly replied: "I wish you a hundred years of happiness and an early child."

[You like talking to guys so much? Are you that desperate for love? Next time we meet, we can use the water in your brain to brew West Lake Longjing tea. Then you won't be lacking in 'tea' anymore.]

Before she could react, I blocked and deleted her.

I threw my phone on the table just as my roommate came in and handed me a bouquet of flowers. They were my favorite pink roses. Seeing these flowers reminded me of when Xu Tingyan and I first got together. Back then, he remembered my preferences and always prepared little surprises for me. Whenever he made me angry, he would bring me roses to apologize.

"Yu Qing, he's waiting downstairs. Do you want to go down?"

I walked to the window and indeed saw Xu Tingyan's figure. But not far away, Song Mian Mian was standing there too. She was really like a ghost I couldn't escape.

My mood soured, and even the flowers looked unpleasant to me now. I wanted to throw them in the trash, but a letter fell out. Was it an apology letter from Xu Tingyan?

My expression softened slightly, but when I opened it, I saw a jarring photo. It was Xu Tingyan with his shirt off, lying on a bed. I had never seen him like this. On the back of the photo was a lowercase "m."

I immediately thought of Song Mian Mian. I sneered—was this her warning shot?

Downstairs, Xu Tingyan was anxiously pacing back and forth. I simply opened the window and threw the flowers at him. The flowers hit him, petals scattered gracefully—quite a ridiculous sight.

He immediately looked up at me, and I could read his lips: Baby, I was wrong. Forgive me, please?

The next moment, Song Mian Mian rushed over from a distance, looking at him with concern. But Xu Tingyan pushed her away, his expression changed. I had never seen such a complicated, ugly expression on Xu Tingyan's face.

But it had nothing to do with me anymore. I closed the window, too lazy to care anymore.

But I had forgotten that Xu Tingyan and I had formed a team together. The university had organized a competition, and both of us had signed up. This would be beneficial for our future careers and studies. He was responsible for preliminary data research, while I handled the subsequent writing. He had left his USB drive with me.

Now it was too late to form another team. For the sake of our future, I patiently processed all the data and even saved a complete set of materials to my computer.

I unblocked Xu Tingyan and sent him the files: "Competition materials."

Realizing I had sent him a message, he immediately called. I answered. "Qing Qing, are you still angry? I'm not in contact with Song Mian Mian anymore. I've deleted all her contact information. Can you forgive me?"

"I know she deliberately angered you and harassed you. I've already spoken to her."

I changed the subject and smiled lightly: "I really didn't expect your relationship to be so good. Didn't you say you deleted her contact information? Then how did you talk to her? In bed?"

Unexpectedly hearing me say this, the phone went silent. I colded my tone and said word by word: "Just thinking about you and Song Mian Mian lying in bed together makes me feel incredibly sick."

"If you still care about our past relationship, don't cause me trouble."

Xu Tingyan's voice became bitter: "You... you know everything."

It seemed he was outside, as the sound of wind whistled past his ears. His voice came through very softly: "Can you give me another chance? Qing Qing, I want to pursue you again."

In a daze, I saw Xu Tingyan from when he first pursued me. We went to the same high school and knew each other since childhood. We could be considered childhood sweethearts. Growing up, Xu Tingyan had always awkwardly followed behind me.

When he learned that this university was my goal, he started working hard too. When he first started pursuing me, he was clumsy and awkward. Later, I found his awkwardness endearing. We went to many places and took many photos together. He even gave me different handwritten letters.

Seeing the same scene as before, I was momentarily lost. But I clearly realized that such opportunities never come twice. In my heart, the Xu Tingyan who used to awkwardly chase after me had disappeared.

My last words before hanging up were calm: "Impossible."

Chapter 8

Although I had given Xu Tingyan a clear answer, he still sent me messages every day, just like when we first got together—sharing everything with me. A strange leaf, a flower—it was only then that I realized Xu Tingyan could be so persistent.

He was so childish, still trying to use things that made my heart flutter in childhood to trick me. But we had already grown up. And I never replied to his brief messages.

On the day of the competition, Xu Tingyan and I sat in the audience. According to the order, each group began presenting their research results. But unexpectedly, Song Mian Mian had also participated.

The moment he saw her, Xu Tingyan lost his composure and stood up. He stared for a long time under everyone's disapproving gazes before finally sitting down. Seeing his panicked expression, I thought it was because of Song Mian Mian's appearance.

But the next scene was something I never could have imagined. Our group's research topic suddenly appeared on the large screen. Then, Song Mian Mian smiled and began presenting our research direction.

The materials that should have been on my USB drive had been stolen by her. But I had never had any interaction with her at all.

I turned to look at Xu Tingyan. Unlike his usual confidence about the competition, his face was pale as he gripped my hand tightly. "Qing Qing, she took my USB drive..."

"What should I do, what should I do... She just said she needed to use my computer to look up some information. I never thought she would do this."

I took a deep breath and glanced at Xu Tingyan. Seeing his hands trembling violently, I reminded him coldly: "I almost forgot. Given your relationship, it would have been easy for you to take my materials."

"You and she are quite the loving pair, even capable of doing such things."

Xu Tingyan froze and immediately lowered his voice to defend himself: "No! I never did such a thing. I don't admit it!"

"It's all Song Mian Mian's fault. She stole my USB drive. I would never do anything to harm you..."

He hesitated, and I finished his sentence: "What wouldn't you dare to do?"

Thunderous applause erupted—it was everyone's approval of Song Mian Mian. Next up was our team of Xu Tingyan and me.

I straightened my formal attire and stood up. After all, Xu Tingyan had only participated in organizing the preliminary data and wasn't familiar with the content. As I walked toward the stage, I met Song Mian Mian coming down with a smile on her face.

The first time she saw me, a flicker of surprise crossed her eyes, then she said mockingly: "You still dare to go on stage?"

My expression was calm. Suppressing my disgust, I pretended to hug her and whispered in her ear: "Likewise. You still dare to show your face on stage."

"To steal someone else's work—seems you're not as stupid as I imagined."

Song Mian Mian's smile froze for a moment, then she forced a smile: "I don't know what you're talking about."

I had already straightened up and replied with a smile: "You'll understand in a moment."

Song Mian Mian bit her lip and sneered: "Anyone can talk tough. You're just pretending to be calm!"

"If I had known you'd still have the nerve to go on stage, I should have reported you earlier!"

I ignored Song Mian Mian's words and walked onto stage with my back straight. Song Mian Mian didn't know that the materials I sent to Xu Tingyan were missing the most crucial core component. What I sent him was just an unedited first draft.

The project was already complete by then, but I had a sudden inspiration and added this crucial element. So, Song Mian Mian was bound to lose. She would even lose face because of this.

Chapter 9

I inserted the USB drive into the computer, meeting Xu Tingyan's indescribable gaze. He should have considered the consequences of doing such a thing. I could also see Song Mian Mian sitting beside him, looking confident.

The moment I opened the materials, the crowd suddenly gasped: "These materials are identical to the previous ones! Did you take the wrong one?"

"How could anyone mix up materials like this? It must be stolen! Who copied whom?"

"How dare she go on stage!"

Ignoring the crowd's discussion, I began my presentation. As far as I knew, Song Mian Mian had only gotten the materials two days before the competition. For things she didn't understand, she just copied them as they were. But I was completely confident about them.

I explained the materials in detail and even added content that wasn't on the USB drive. And that initial version had long been changed by me.

Seeing many people grow quiet and sneak glances at Song Mian Mian, I knew I had won. I was the last group in the competition.

Before finishing my presentation, I paused and then asked with feigned confusion: "I have finished my report, but I'm very curious—where did you get my research topic? As far as I know, this isn't your area of expertise. Who assisted you?"

Under the contrast between our presentations, the outcome was obvious—success and failure were clear for all to see.

But Song Mian Mian remained defiant: "What do you mean by this? I should be the one asking if you stole my work! Besides, I presented before you, how could I have copied you?"

I held up the USB drive and said slowly: "This USB drive contains all the materials and research reports I prepared for this project. Everything has timestamps. I can even recite everything I just said from memory. May I ask if you can? Do you dare?"

Many eyes focused on her, and Song Mian Mian's legs went weak as she leaned against the wall for support. I continued: "Stealing someone else's research results carries legal consequences. Besides, the registration deadline for the competition has passed. I don't need to explain how you managed to sneak in, do I?"

"Judges, I suggest you investigate this thoroughly and disqualify her. The competition should be fair. This will give all of us contestants a proper explanation."

Song Mian Mian couldn't say anything. How could an incompetent fool defeat someone who had prepared diligently? Besides, our hard-earned results shouldn't be tarnished like this.

Xu Tingyan watched me shining on stage, and I could see something in him had changed. He no longer looked panicked; he just watched me without speaking.

Only then did I remember to look at the judges: "Teacher, my teammate has a close relationship with her. Even the USB drive she used on stage belongs to Xu."

Meeting everyone's murmuring gazes and his ashen face, I said softly: "Right and wrong are clear as day."

After the competition, I won the special grand prize. Song Mian Mian, however, was disqualified for stealing others' work and taking someone else's competition spot. She was even banned from competitions for three years.

The person whose spot she had taken was one of her "bros." He never imagined she would dare to use someone else's work directly and get caught. He suffered collateral damage and was banned for one year.

Xu Tingyan, for assisting Song Mian Mian, had his honorary certificate revoked and was also banned from competitions for three years.

When the department and university found out, they severely criticized and punished Song Mian Mian. She was ineligible for awards and recognition and even had to issue a public apology to me.

Although it wasn't severe enough for expulsion, her current treatment already isolated her. Song Mian Mian could only bow her head before me and say meekly: "I'm sorry, Yu Qing. I never thought..."

"That I would successfully report you? That was within my expectations."

A coldness flashed across her face as she looked up at me: "You knew all along? You deliberately watched me make a fool of myself?"

I shook my head, looking innocent: "How could it be deliberate? I just saw Xu Tingyan's USB drive in the photos you shared on your Moments~ Sister, you didn't hide it very well~"

Although the photos in her Moments that day were of two people, Xu Tingyan's USB drive was openly displayed on the desk. Xu Tingyan was meticulous and would never make mistakes on important matters. So there was only one possibility—someone did it intentionally.

It could be considered a demonstration, but Song Mian Mian was too stupid. But then she suddenly sneered: "Do you think you're very clever? Life is unpredictable. There will always be things you can't foresee waiting for you."

After saying this, she turned and left. I was left alone to ponder the deeper meaning behind her words. But I never expected that day to come so quickly.

Chapter 10

Song Mian Mian was pregnant. And she said it was Xu Tingyan's child.

When I learned this, I had already blocked all of Xu Tingyan's contact information. But he came to my building downstairs, wanting to treat me to a meal. "Qing Qing, I keep making mistakes. Give me one last chance, please?"

His face was haggard. I remained silent for a long time but finally agreed to have lunch with him.

"Qing Qing, do you remember this restaurant? It's where I confessed to you. I hid the ring I gave you in the cake, and you were so surprised then." Xu Tingyan said with an awkward smile. My expression didn't show it, but I felt a chill in my heart.

Of course I remembered that day—the fireworks blooming in the sky that night. And Xu Tingyan kneeling on one knee in the Ferris wheel, solemnly confessing his love to me. Those were the warmest memories in my heart.

Xu Tingyan's eyes were brighter than usual that night, full of his love for me. Seeing how different he looked now, I almost wanted to question him. He was never the type to play the emotional card. Now, every action of Xu Tingyan surprised me.

But before I could speak, an urgent phone call interrupted. Xu Tingyan picked up his phone, saw the name, and frowned. He hung up in front of me.

One call, two calls—they kept coming. "Answer it. There might be an emergency."

I saw the name on the phone clearly, my expression calm. But the moment he answered, Song Mian Mian's crying voice came through: "Ah Yan, I'm pregnant. What should I do?"

My hand, reaching for the water glass, paused and knocked over. Water spilled all over the table, but my heart couldn't be calm.

Song Mian Mian was pregnant? How could that be? No, given their relationship as shown in the photos, it was understandable. I didn't expect them to team up to disgust me at this final moment.

I immediately understood Song Mian Mian's intention. Xu Tingyan immediately stood up and grabbed his coat. "She must be lying to me. I need to check."

"Aren't you tired of this act yet?" The words slipped out, and he froze in his tracks.

I stood up and tilted my head slightly: "I've had enough of this show. But you're not tired of acting, are you?"

Xu Tingyan's voice was firm: "This has nothing to do with me. Don't be afraid. Don't doubt me."

But I no longer wanted to be involved in any of his affairs. I only came out today because I wanted to bring closure to our relationship. I shook off his hand as he tried to hold mine and replied: "Of course I don't believe you."

"Oh, and if you don't go soon, your dear Mian Mian will be crying her eyes out."

I turned to leave the restaurant, but Xu Tingyan blocked me. "Qing Qing, you once promised me. I want you to come with me."

I paused, seeing the dark look in Xu Tingyan's eyes. I had indeed said those words, but that was to the Xu Tingyan of the past. I couldn't refuse this promise.

"So you can also see whether I'm lying to you."

At the hospital, Song Mian Mian sat slumped in a chair, covering her face. When she saw us arrive, she could no longer hide her expression. She quickly pushed me aside and threw herself into Xu Tingyan's arms.

Tears streamed down her cheeks as she sobbed: "Ah Yan, you'll take responsibility for me, won't you? I'm so scared..."

The next second, Song Mian Mian was pushed away by Xu Tingyan—his questioning voice: "I never touched you! Don't push the blame onto me. This is slander."

I shrugged, not wanting to watch such a boring scene. After all, I was the only outsider here. But Song Mian Mian froze in place and shouted uncontrollably: "You were drunk that night and touched me! It must be because of that!"

Her breakdown seemed genuine. But Xu Tingyan spoke calmly with a sarcastic smile: "You're wrong. When people are drunk, it's similar to losing certain functions. Besides, you were drinking that night too. How can you be sure it was me who touched you?"

Song Mian Mian wiped her tears, but there was a strange madness on her face: "How do you know it wasn't you who touched me? I already told Lin Yuqing that day that there would always be things she couldn't predict."

She turned to look at me, her eyes filled with hatred: "Besides, Ah Yan has already broken up with you now. What does this have to do with you?"

"Are you jealous that I'm carrying his child!"

Song Mian Mian laughed, the triumphant look on her face undiminished. But Xu Tingyan's tone was icy as he interrupted her: "I respect Qing Qing. Watch your mouth!"

He turned to look at me but saw the clear refusal in my eyes. I was really tired.

"It couldn't be me. My roommate was with me that night. How could it be related to me?" Xu Tingyan calmed down and asked back: "Do you dare to do a paternity test?"

A flicker of panic crossed Song Mian Mian's face, but she composed herself: "It's not that I don't dare, but it's not good for the baby!"

"I think it's not that you don't dare, but that you're afraid." Xu Tingyan said with a smile, but Song Mian Mian interrupted him: "What do you mean by that? What kind of person do you take me for! If you don't believe me, I'll go get an abortion right now!"

Song Mian Mian sobbed, looking at me as if I were her savior: "Yu Qing, I'm sorry, I was wrong. Let Ah Yan go to me. The child can't be without a father..."

I pulled my hand away, my expression calm: "This has nothing to do with me. Don't come to me."

The report she had hidden behind her back fell lightly in front of Xu Tingyan. And the date on it didn't match that day. This meant it wasn't Xu Tingyan's child. Xu Tingyan had never touched her.

By now, Xu Tingyan had also calmed down. "Fine, then I'll call the police."

"I believe the police will prove my innocence."

Hearing this, she panicked. "No, you can't! It's your child!"

He looked at Song Mian Mian and asked back: "Why are you so panicked? Do you know something? Don't worry, I've recorded everything. I won't let go of any clues."

A moment later, Xu Tingyan called his roommate. He spoke calmly, demanding to know who it was. "I can't believe you would do such a thing! You've really opened my eyes!"

After saying this, he hung up. Xu Tingyan's expression had returned to normal: "I already know who it is."

Song Mian Mian clutched her stomach and stepped back, her panic undeniable: "Ah Yan, what are you going to do?"

Xu Tingyan spread his hands innocently: "You're in this state. What can I do? Of course I'm finding the father of your child."

"Besides, I've already called the police. Defamation and slander carry legal consequences."

Chapter 11

The roommate who received the message rushed over, his eyes filled with guilt: "I'm sorry, Xu Ge. I caused you trouble."

He didn't know about this situation. Actually, Xu Tingyan wasn't even there that night. Because of me, Xu Tingyan had lost interest in communicating with her. But Song Mian Mian kept trying to meet him. She had even booked a restaurant.

But his roommate overheard the truth. When he arrived, Song Mian Mian was already drunk. Leaning close to her ear, he could still hear her confessing her love for Xu Tingyan: "Who wants to be your bro! I obviously want to be your girlfriend! Why are you always thinking about that woman!"

The roommate misunderstood, and something irreversible happened.

The truth came out. But Song Mian Mian's expression became frantic as she struggled wildly: "Don't touch me! Aren't we bros? Who allowed you to touch me!"

Anyone could see that her mental state was no longer normal. Her final move was to push all the blame onto Xu Tingyan. Unfortunately, things wouldn't go as she wished.

Because of her early pregnancy, her family immediately processed her withdrawal application from school. They even arranged for her to get married immediately. But Xu Tingyan's roommate didn't agree. During the argument, Song Mian Mian missed a step, fell down, and had a miscarriage.

After a period of recovery, she returned to school. But now, no one dared to approach her. Song Mian Mian was isolated by others because of her personality and eventually stopped going out. She chose to withdraw from school.

The last time I saw Song Mian Mian, her cheeks had thinned. Her figure was frail, as if a gust of wind could blow her over. But her gaze only lingered on me for a moment before she got into the car. Her stare made me tremble involuntarily, and I muttered: "I walk a righteous path. If anyone should be afraid, it's Xu Tingyan."

Chapter 12

After everything ended, life returned to normal. But Xu Tingyan and I wouldn't get back together. The last time I saw him, he stood by the roadside looking particularly pitiful. But I had already made up my mind. I would never forgive someone who deceived me.

Although the final incident wasn't directly his fault, it happened because of him. Standing in the crowd, Xu Tingyan was no different from any stranger. I walked past him calmly, my heart at peace.

I would choose to walk the road ahead alone.