Sweet Temptation: After Rebirth, The Campus Heartthrob Can’t Hide His Feelings Anymore - Chapter 82

Lu Huaibei hadn’t arrived yet. Xu Zhizhi pushed Sun Xiuya to a secluded corner with fewer people and waited.

“Don’t touch my wheelchair. I’m afraid it’ll get dirty.” Sun Xiuya’s hands clenched into fists as she spoke coldly.

Xu Zhizhi immediately let go, stepping back two paces to keep her distance from Sun Xiuya. “Good, I didn’t want to push you anyway.”

A direct retort.

Sun Xiuya looked up, her sharp gaze like needles as she scrutinized Xu Zhizhi carefully. “Hah, now that you’ve latched onto the young master of the Lu family, you’re not even pretending anymore.”

“Xu Zhizhi, do you really think it’s that easy to fly up a branch and become a phoenix?” Sun Xiuya laughed mockingly. “Don’t even think about betting on a man’s sincerity. In wealthy families, there’s only profit, no heart.”

“You’re just one of the rich young master’s playthings. Once he gets bored, you’ll be nothing, not even worth the mud on the roadside.”

Xu Zhizhi responded with a faint smile. “Aunt Sun, it was you who forced me to go on that blind date and ordered me to build a good relationship with the Lu family’s young master. Why are you singing a different tune now?”

Sun Xiuya’s face froze as if encased in ice, the sinister look in her eyes growing even darker. “Xu Zhizhi, has it been so long since I last hit you that you’ve forgotten the pain of the whip on your back?”

A small bag hung on the side of the wheelchair. Sun Xiuya unzipped it, revealing a black whip inside.

It was meant for Xu Zhizhi.

Xu Zhizhi swallowed, a physiological fear surging within her in that instant.

That overwhelming sense of oppression closed in once again.

But within seconds, Xu Zhizhi steadied herself and met Sun Xiuya’s challenging gaze.

Their eyes locked, sharp and confrontational.

In Sun Xiuya’s eyes, Xu Zhizhi saw the darkness of the past.

Sun Xiuya’s manic episodes often flared up on rainy nights, torrential downpours, terrifying thunder, dark and gloomy rooms.

Back then, Xu Zhizhi was very, very young.

Sun Xiuya would suddenly appear in Xu Zhizhi’s room, grab her by the hair, yank her awake from her dreams, and drag her to the floor.

Xu Zhizhi would writhe in pain, helplessly curling up in a corner while Sun Xiuya, seated in her wheelchair, wielded a specially made black whip.

Lash after lash, she struck Xu Zhizhi.

With every strike came a terrifying, sinister laugh.

Everyone said it was Sun Xiuya’s manic episodes acting up, but every lash carried a hint of revenge.

Sun Xiuya derived pleasure from tormenting Xu Zhizhi. Each time the abuse ended, her mental state would stabilize.

But Nancheng’s summers were rainy. Xu Zhizhi had lost count of how she had gritted her teeth and endured one long, stormy night after another.

The pain was searingly unforgettable.

The most terrifying part was the rolling thunder, paired with Sun Xiuya’s eerie, sinister laughter.

Xu Zhizhi, unable to sleep at night, developed severe neurasthenia.

It was Sun Xiuya who hired a doctor specifically to treat Xu Zhizhi.

But it wasn’t out of kindness, it was to better torment her.

The airport’s announcement pulled Xu Zhizhi back from the dark memories.

Her expression cold, Xu Zhizhi met Sun Xiuya’s scrutinizing gaze. “The pain you gave me, I will never forget it in this lifetime.”

Sun Xiuya laughed, a hint of madness in her voice. “What, Xu Zhizhi? Are you thinking of taking revenge on me?”

Xu Zhizhi remained silent.

“You’re truly ridiculous.” Sun Xiuya’s face twisted into something ferocious. “I have bipolar disorder, I’m mentally ill. So, what if I hit you? It’s just some harmful behavior when I’m not in my right mind, I’m not guilty.”

“Besides, I’m your adoptive mother, Xu Zhizhi. I raised you for ten years. What does it matter if you suffer a little? Consider it repaying my nurturing kindness.” Sun Xiuya’s smile vanished. “Don’t you agree?”

“You’re quite skilled at manipulating others.” Xu Zhizhi shook her head at Sun Xiuya. “No wonder Shen Yu turned out like this, driven into this universally disliked state by a mother who’s lost her mind.”

A direct hit.

She knew exactly where Sun Xiuya was most vulnerable.

No matter how deranged Sun Xiuya became, deep down she still loved Shen Yu.

After all, he was her only son.

Sun Xiuya instantly broke down, letting out a low growl. “Xu Zhizhi, what right do you have to judge me!”

“Aunt Sun, we’re in public. I suggest you restrain yourself.” Xu Zhizhi crouched down to meet Sun Xiuya’s eye level. “There are journalism and media students here today to welcome everyone. Don’t let them capture you having an episode.”

“If they find out Shen Yu has a mentally ill mother, the one who’ll be humiliated definitely won’t be me.” Xu Zhizhi’s lips curved upward, her eyes crinkling into sweet crescents. “Right?”

“You’re mentally ill, I wouldn’t stoop to using underhanded methods for revenge.” Xu Zhizhi’s tone was firm. “But I won’t remain a toy in your hands anymore, to be trampled at your whim. If you push me too far, I won’t yield again.”

Sun Xiuya’s clenched fist slammed against the wheelchair armrest, her teeth gritted. “Xu! Zhi! Zhi!”

How dare she!

She actually wants to break free from my control?!

Over my dead body!

“Aunt Sun, the journalism students’ cameras are focusing on us now. To maintain your reputation as an outstanding alumna, I suggest you smile for the lens.”

Xu Zhizhi beamed radiantly at the turning camera, her deep dimples making her look especially sweet.

“Xu Zhizhi, don’t get too cocky.” Sun Xiuya turned and indeed spotted the camera. Suppressing her rage, she forced a slight smile.

She was once Nancheng’s top socialite, a respected lady from a prestigious family.

She couldn’t lose face.

Meanwhile, Lu Huaibei and Old Master Lu emerged and spotted Xu Zhizhi and Sun Xiuya in the corner from afar.

Lu Huaibei casually snapped a photo and sent it to Zhou Xuci.

[Lackey, your future wife seems to be in trouble.]

[Give me five million, and I’ll handle it for you.]

Zhou Xuci received the message while in another city, negotiating a project with a tech company.

In the photo, Xu Zhizhi and Sun Xiuya were locked in a standoff.

Zhou Xuci studied Xu Zhizhi’s calm expression, no fear, only determination.

[I believe in her. She can handle it.]

Lu Huaibei raised an eyebrow and sent another message.

[That Jerk: What if she can’t?]

Zhou Xuci paused, then leisurely typed his reply.

[Then I’ll give you fifty million to bankrupt the Shen family.]

Lu Huaibei rolled his eyes at his phone screen, muttering curses.

[Fifty million, Zhou Xuci, are you treating me like a beggar?!]

Old Master Lu leaned over, saw the brothers’ chat history, and smacked Lu Huaibei on the back of the head, scolding him.

“What kind of family is this that even fifty million isn’t good enough for you, you ambitious second-generation heir!”

Lu Huaibei, stung by the remark, quickly shifted the focus. “No, Grandpa, look over there! That fierce woman is bullying your future granddaughter-in-law! Hurry, look… your future granddaughter-in-law is about to cry!”

Old Master Lu immediately straightened up and strode toward Xu Zhizhi, saying to Lu Huaibei, “How dare she bully my Zhizhi? I’m going to pretend to faint from being hit by her wheelchair in a moment. You make sure to catch me, I’m going to extort fifty million out of her.”

Lu Huaibei: “…”

I never should have brought you here!

Life is so hard! ╥﹏╥

…