Chapter 3: The Consequences of Betrayal

Grandfather Nan and Grandfather Fu were comrades-in-arms, and their families had been close for generations. Their grandchildren’s marriage had been arranged since childhood. After Nan Zhi grew up, Fu Shaoxiu found himself thoroughly satisfied with his betrothed and pursued her for two years before, just last month, Nan Zhi finally agreed to be his girlfriend.

As soon as Nan Zhi stepped through the door, she saw Nan Yao in the living room, clinging to Fu Shaoxiu’s arm, pouting coquettishly. “Shaoxiu, look! Don’t you think this looks pretty on me?”

Nan Zhi didn’t even bother to change her shoes and walked straight into the living room.

The moment Nan Zhi entered, she drew all of Fu Shaoxiu’s attention.

At 168 centimeters tall, Nan Zhi had been spotted by a talent scout at fourteen and had appeared in numerous commercials and print ads, gaining a modest reputation in the modeling world. Her skin was fair, her features beautiful, her figure flawless.

To Fu Shaoxiu, Nan Zhi was perfect in every outward way—except for one flaw: she was too delicate, too reserved, lacking the gentle warmth and attentiveness of Nan Yao.

They had been dating for a month, and every time Fu Shaoxiu tried to kiss her, Nan Zhi always refused with one excuse or another—saying she was too young, or that she wished to wait until their wedding night...

Did she not realize what age they were living in? She recoiled at even the slightest touch.

Fu Shaoxiu’s brown eyes swept over Nan Zhi’s snowy, slender legs, his Adam’s apple bobbing involuntarily.

Seeing Fu Shaoxiu’s gaze shift entirely to Nan Zhi the moment she returned, Nan Yao was consumed with jealousy and resentment. “Zhizhi, you’re back? By the way, last night I went to the bathroom and then couldn’t find you anywhere. Where did you go? You were gone the whole night... Oh! Zhizhi, what’s that on your neck?”

No sooner had Nan Yao spoken than Fu Shaoxiu lunged forward to stand before Nan Zhi. He saw the clear mark on her pale neck—a kiss mark. His pupils contracted sharply, and his handsome face darkened ominously. “Nan Zhi, where were you last night?”

Meeting Fu Shaoxiu’s eyes, which seemed poised to devour her, Nan Zhi felt a sting behind her nose, her red lips trembling. “Nan Yao drugged me. She tried to ruin my reputation!”

“Shaoxiu, don’t listen to Zhizhi’s nonsense. How could I possibly drug her? I was with you all night—”

It was clear Fu Shaoxiu didn’t believe Nan Zhi. Last night, he had drunk too much at Nan Zhi’s birthday banquet, and it was Nan Yao who had cared for him. They had shared many intimate moments—while not going all the way, they’d done things they shouldn’t have under the influence of alcohol.

In front of Nan Zhi, Fu Shaoxiu had felt somewhat guilty, but as soon as he saw the mark on Nan Zhi’s neck, a nameless fury ignited within him.

He had cherished her like a rare treasure, never laying a finger on her, only for some other man to get there first!

Fu Shaoxiu’s gaze turned cold and sharp, like a poisoned arrow, utterly refusing to listen to Nan Zhi’s explanation. “I’ve long heard you’re not as innocent as you seem, crafty and cunning—I didn’t believe it before! Now it’s clear you only pretend to be pure and virtuous in front of me! You wouldn’t let me touch you—was it because you’d already been with other men?”

With a crisp, resounding slap, Nan Zhi’s hand struck Fu Shaoxiu’s handsome face, snapping his head to the side.