Chapter 12: He Got Heartbroken, and It Was Because of Me!

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Lu Mingfei had no idea that, without a sound, he had just received a “nice guy” card. He had absolutely no interest in Chen Wenwen’s invitation. The Literature Club was quite well-known at Shilan High School; it was rumored that all its members were Chen Wenwen’s die-hard fans, each dreaming of being the toad who could eat the swan’s meat.

He truly dreaded going tonight and finding the event turned into a pond filled with croaking frogs: a continuous chorus of mating calls, everyone hoping to become the frog prince kissed by Chen Wenwen and transformed back into a human.

More importantly, this group of “literature-loving young ladies” organized activities where they read cold, melancholic Western literary works, then wrote reflections on them for the Chinese teacher to grade.

Other than signing autographs for fans, Lu Mingfei couldn’t even remember the last time he’d held a pen. If he had to handwrite a reflection, the Chinese teacher would probably have to consult the history teacher to decipher the oracle bone script.

So he decisively refused: “No time, I’m not going.”

Firm and resolute, without a shred of hesitation.

“Alright, then tonight…”

Chen Wenwen had only asked casually, fully aware that Lu Mingfei would never miss a Literature Club event. Yet, upon hearing his answer, she was momentarily stunned.

Excuse me?

Such a simple, blunt, and brief refusal—could this really have come from Lu Mingfei?

And he refused me?

Looking at the boy before her with deadpan eyes and an expression that screamed “I just want to be left alone,” Chen Wenwen fell silent for a moment, then showed just the right touch of concern:

“Is something wrong?”

The elegant president of the Literature Club had already drawn the attention of many in the classroom, and several boys cast their glances at Lu Mingfei, subtly hoping to replace him.

Sensing these wolfish stares, Lu Mingfei, who had planned to quietly leave, forcibly put down his raised foot and said with a hint of melancholy:

“My cousin got dumped.”

Your cousin got dumped, not you… Wait, your cousin actually managed to have a relationship?

Though Chen Wenwen was a campus idol who rarely paid attention to students from other grades, Lu Mingfei was a council member of the Literature Club, effectively making him her loyal subordinate.

She had a vague understanding of his family situation: he boarded at his uncle’s house and had a cousin known as “Prince Ze,” who was excellent in school, well-dressed, had plenty of pocket money, and was quite popular.

Chen Wenwen had seen “Prince Ze” a few times after school, surrounded by a group of people going to the convenience store treating everyone, his tone commanding and confident, reminiscent of a little goddess swiping her card with authority.

Unfortunately, his looks resembled a Ferrero Rocher chocolate—round and somewhat rough on the surface—making it somewhat difficult for girls to warm up to him.

And even if they could get past that, swallowing the reality was another matter. As Lu Mingfei said, “Prince Ze” had ultimately been dumped.

But…

“He got dumped, so what does that have to do with you?” Chen Wenwen asked, curious.

They’re both adults—does he really need comfort over a failed first love?

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Moreover, considering Lu Mingfei’s eloquence and blank romantic history, the most he could do was pat his cousin on the shoulder and say, “There are plenty of fish in the sea; no need to pine for one flower,” which was essentially meaningless.

Unexpectedly, Lu Mingfei glanced at her, suddenly sighed deeply, clasped his hands behind his back at a forty-five-degree angle, looked up at the sky, and casually said:

“It was me.”

“Ah?!”

Chen Wenwen whispered in shock, her usually serene and gentle face showing clear astonishment.

Well-versed in Western literature, especially fond of emotional works, she instinctively imagined a complex, convoluted, and melodramatic narrative tangled with ethics, love, family ties, and mystery.

Wasn’t he supposed to like her?

With such a shining precedent, why would he steal his cousin’s girlfriend?

Chen Wenwen felt that Lu Mingfei was suddenly a stranger to her.

The boy who once wagged his tail like a puppy at her beckoning had suddenly transformed into a shrewd, deeply hidden, high-level hunter.

Could it be that I’m the prey?

Recalling how she had once confided deep secrets to Lu Mingfei, who always responded with cute emojis and instant replies, Chen Wenwen felt a chill run down her spine.

Lu Mingfei, facing away from everyone, couldn’t see the fascinating changes in Chen Wenwen’s expression.

His face was bleak and solemn as he slowly walked to the edge of the corridor and leaned on the railing, staring into the distance like a chivalrous thief sitting in an interrogation chair, confessing without reservation:

“I just made the mistake every man makes.”

This meant every guy commits some despicable prank against his brothers or friends.

But to Chen Wenwen’s ears, it sounded like seducing someone else’s girlfriend, showing no remorse, and blaming it on male instincts.

Thankfully, there was no Detective Conan in this world; otherwise, Lu Mingfei would definitely be the body in a locked-room murder tonight.

The suspects would be Lu Mingze, his aunt, and Chen Wenwen herself.

The young lady subtly stepped back half a step; her cherry blossom-like lips parted several times, wanting to speak but unsure what to say, wanting to turn back to class but feeling it would be rude.

Just as the atmosphere grew awkward, Zhao Menghua’s voice rang from behind, relieving the tension:

“Lu Mingfei, morning study is about to start. Why are you still standing here? Your group leader is calling for your homework!”

The tone was blunt and rude, but Lu Mingfei ignored him as if he were a fart, his attention drawn to the chubby boy passing downstairs.

“Prince Ze” looked unwell today, eyes shifting nervously, full of sorrow and distraction—somewhat like Lu Mingfei’s own state when he first heard bad news.

Tsk, it seemed that yesterday’s brutal punch from the minotaur had dealt a heavy critical hit to the chubby boy, leaving him with a bleeding debuff.

Taking out his phone to capture a “defeat close-up” of his cousin, Zhao Menghua, who had just ushered Chen Wenwen back to class, came back and said:

“Hey, I’m talking to you. Didn’t you hear me?”

The tone was impatient and displeased, like a big boy sulking because no one listened to him and his pride was hurt.

“First, I’m not ‘hey,’” Lu Mingfei named his cousin’s dejected look “Defeated Little Fat Snake,” barely glancing at the class flower killer:

“Second, what kind of garbage homework is that? I didn’t do it!”

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After all these years, Lu Mingfei once again declared with righteous confidence that he hadn’t done his homework, feeling a rush of exhilarating relief.

Riding the high of his mood, he strode toward the office with a carefree attitude, planning to ask the homeroom teacher for leave.

Holding an interview invitation from Kassel Academy, he was almost certain he would give up on the exam. The homeroom teacher, considering her own bonus for his advancement, would grant him two days off to prepare properly.

Watching him walk away, Zhao Menghua finally snapped out of the deafening “I didn’t do it” declaration.

Touching his gelled hair, Zhao felt that Lu Mingfei must be off his meds today; otherwise, there was no way he would be so defiant.

“Forget it, he’s a loser anyway. Once the teacher makes him stand in punishment, he’ll behave.”

…

“Teacher, I want to ask for leave!”

In the third-year grade office, Lu Mingfei’s voice arrived before he did, startling the homeroom teacher who was organizing review materials.

“Lu Mingfei, what are you doing?!”

Glancing at the grade director who was receiving visitors, the homeroom teacher wished she could stuff a cup of wolfberry tea into the student’s mouth.

Coming to ask for leave so loudly this early Monday morning showed he had no respect for the school or the director.

Had the grade director not been hard of hearing, he would have come over to check whether the teacher had made a mistake or failed to manage the class properly.

“Good news, really great news.” Lu Mingfei was completely unaware of the teacher’s thoughts and entered the office with complete casualness and no embarrassment.

With a slap, he placed the finely crafted interview invitation from Kassel Academy on the desk, grinning as if he were about to assume office at the White House tomorrow:

“I received an interview invitation from a private university in the United States!”

Quick, grant me two days off to cram!

The homeroom teacher, who had been furious moments before, and the other teachers waiting to watch the show were all stunned.

Everyone who had taught Lu Mingfei knew his grades well; none believed he was fit for studying abroad and thought he must have been scammed.

Especially his homeroom teacher, who nearly blurted out, “You weren’t tricked into sending money, were you?”

As they prepared to ask for details, the grade director spoke:

“Lu, you got an interview invitation too? Which school is it?”

“It’s Kassel…” Lu Mingfei said, looking toward the far corner of the office, suddenly frozen.

Beside the partly bald grade director stood a stunning girl dressed in a dark green blazer and skirt, her beauty striking and somewhat fierce with her enhanced eyes.

Most importantly, she had enviable long hair that, under the sunlight, shimmered like the finest silk—

Glowing with a delicate and gentle deep red.