As for where the public opinion would shift, the answer was obvious.
Chang Xuyu opened her mouth, glaring at him, feeling both indignant and shocked, but unable to say anything.
He was right—he was a big tree that no one could easily shake.
But she was different.
She was alone, without connections or background.
A tear welled up in Chang Xuyu's eyes, but she forced it back.
"So, Teacher Jian, are you trying to retaliate against me?"
Using this as leverage, just because Yi Zhuo humiliated him?
She asked hoarsely.
Jian Jiayue stared at her, then after a moment, curled his lips.
"How could that be?"
"Xuyu, I told you, I will pursue you. How could I bear to let you suffer? And coincidentally, you're about to get divorced. Future and love, you choose one."
"Oh, by the way, I remember Yuan Zixu told me that he treated you as a substitute. Even if you have feelings for him, does he have any for you?"
Chang Xuyu took a step back.
Faced with the man's slightly sarcastic interrogation, it was like an invisible thorn piercing deep into her heart.
Did she really have feelings between her and Yi Zhuo?
"Your divorce with him, he agreed, right? Xuyu, you should wake up. How could someone like that truly care about you? A person who truly loves someone wouldn't bear to let them go." Jian Jiayue laughed.
"And you? You keep saying you want to pursue me, but is this how you do it? Threats, intimidation?"
She stood straight in front of him, like a proud and resilient pine.
The man narrowed his eyes.
Now, Chang Xuyu felt that the person in front of her had completely changed, no longer the gentle and kind boss she once knew.
She had even admired him before, thinking she was lucky to learn a lot under such a capable boss.
But now, the sky had fallen, and his true face turned out to be so insidious and treacherous.
"Xuyu, you grew up in such a family environment. You should know how to read people the best."
After a moment, Jian Jiayue said calmly.
"What... do you mean?" Her throat was dry. She looked away, her voice low, almost like a murmur.
Jian Jiayue glanced at her, not in the mood to play guessing games.
"Your mother surely wouldn't want you to divorce that man, right? Why? Money?" He said slowly. "I can give you more."
Having reached this point, he had already done his research. Before acting, one should prepare. He didn't come to her rashly to say all this; he just hoped she would understand that he could give her a future and prospects, no less than Yi Zhuo.
Thinking of Yi Zhuo, a flame ignited from deep within his heart.
He stepped forward, raised his hand, and tightly gripped her wrist, his expression dark and sinister.
He would force her to face reality. Whether she wanted a career or to be with that man—she would choose.
"Xuyu, you've always been a smart person, cautious in handling matters. Now, do I need to emphasize what you should do?"
His tone rose slightly at the end, a hint of smugness.
Chang Xuyu pursed her lips.
"I'll ask for leave this afternoon."
She tried to calm her emotions, speaking clearly to complete the sentence.
"Mm."
He gave her time to think.
It was late winter, spring was imminent. Looking into the distance, the sky was vast and clear, white with hints of red and green, blooming softly.
She walked alone on the cobblestone path, holding a chocolate-flavored ice cream bar in her hand.
Where to go?
Still, she didn't know.
Before, she could occasionally run into her aunt at home and talk to her. But now that her aunt was working and married, not around, everyone was busy. She had to learn to digest things alone.
The online remarks were overwhelming, crashing down on her. She didn't dare look at her phone, didn't dare read any of the words. But she could imagine what harsh things were being said.
Out of sight, out of mind.
She took a small bite of the ice cream, not paying attention, and it hurt her teeth. A sour, painful sensation spread from her nerves through her entire body. Her brow unconsciously furrowed, and finally, tears welled up in her eyes.
She didn't know if it was from the cold or something else.
She wasn't quite sure what she should be thinking about anymore.
The pain hadn't subsided yet. Tears clung to her eyelashes, about to fall or not, and the pain made her want to stomp her feet.