Chapter Twenty-Nine: Love Turned to Hatred

When a Maserati stopped in front of Su Tong, the driver's door opened, and a girl who looked like a high school student stepped out, he stared in disbelief.

"Li Wen."

"Wenwen."

Su Tong was surprised, while Gao Litong was delighted. Though she called out to Li Wen, her beautiful eyes were fixed with fervor on the white Maserati.

Li Wen wore her old school shorts from high school, paired with a short-sleeved uniform shirt, her hair draped over her shoulders, the epitome of a gentle student girl. Yet anyone who knew her understood her reputation for a fiery temper and a sharp tongue.

"Wenwen, hehe, what a gorgeous car. Let me drive it—this time, you must let me!" Gao Litong squeezed into the car as soon as Li Wen got out.

"Tongtong, you..." Li Wen had gotten out intending to show off in front of Su Tong, chin lifted high, but before she knew it, Gao Litong slipped into the still-open driver's seat. Li Wen panicked, "This is my husband, don’t you dare steal him, get out!"

Ignoring Su Tong, Li Wen bent over, trying to pull Gao Litong from the driver’s seat.

Su Tong blinked. Back in high school, Li Wen always tried to act mature and fashionable, never wearing the uniform outside school. Now, after graduation, she was back in school attire.

"Come on, Wenwen. You rarely let me drive your mom’s car. Just for a bit, let me have some fun!" Gao Litong stubbornly refused to budge, letting Li Wen tug at her while she remained glued to the driver’s seat.

Su Tong smacked his lips. He couldn’t drive—didn’t even have a license. But it seemed the system had a driving simulation space; even without a license, he could practice.

"You miser, fine, you win. Go ahead and drive." Li Wen, unable to win against Gao Litong, opened the back door and sat inside, fuming. She turned to Su Tong and snapped, "Are you coming or not? Let’s find a spot to park and grab a coffee. You two must be crazy, wandering the streets in this heat—what are you doing, measuring the pavement?"

Su Tong had no choice but to get in. Despite his humble background, he didn’t feel inferior around these two heiresses.

"My, haven’t seen you in a year—looks like you’ve gotten even more handsome." As soon as Su Tong sat down, Li Wen boldly sized him up, not shy at all, which explained why she’d pursued him back in high school.

Su Tong touched his cheek and laughed, "Time spares no one. I’m older than a year ago—how could I still be handsome? So this is how girls end up liking older men."

"Older men, my foot! You’re two years younger than me—you dare call yourself an uncle?" Li Wen kicked him.

Su Tong suddenly realized, "My mistake. It’s married women who like younger boys."

Li Wen’s eyes widened, "Tongtong, did you notice he’s changed? Back then, he’d blush just seeing me, let alone talk to me. Now he’s even flirting!"

Su Tong tried to speak, but Li Wen’s face darkened, glowering at him. "Apologize! How could you call me a married woman? So I’ve dated a few guys—never married."

Su Tong struggled to get used to her mood swings, raising his hands above his head, "My fault, Miss Li, please forgive me, I—"

Before he could finish, Li Wen kicked him again, snapping, "Who are you calling Miss? I may be seeing someone new, but I’m still a maiden!"

Su Tong muttered to himself—what did her maidenhood have to do with him? The previous Su Tong had been rather traditional, refusing Li Wen’s advances largely because she’d dated before, seeing her as impure and holding it against her.

"You change boyfriends... so fast. I’m sorry, Miss Li. Tongtong helped me find you because I really need your help." Su Tong shifted, putting more distance between himself and Li Wen.

"Oh, you need my help but sit so far away? My ears aren’t good, can’t hear you from there." Li Wen sneered.

Su Tong couldn’t stand her attitude—sharp-tongued and sarcastic, she’d inherited a touch of his father’s temper after his transformation.

He’d thought Gao Litong’s presence would temper things, but she was still as she’d been in high school. Su Tong turned to Gao Litong, who was driving, and said, "Tongtong, could you pull over for a moment?"

"Don’t stop!" Li Wen shrieked before Gao Litong could reply.

She looked every bit the student girl, but acted like a shrew. Su Tong was frustrated and reached for the door—he wasn’t about to let himself be bullied, nor was he lacking other bars or places to sing for a living.

"Su Tong, wait—" Gao Litong saw his movement in the rearview mirror and hurried to lock the back doors.

"Wenwen, you really ought to change. No one can stand your haughty coldness and rough ways," Gao Litong complained, then turned to Su Tong, "Su Tong, Wenwen’s always been like this—sharp words, soft heart. When she heard you wanted to see her, she rushed right over."

"Rushed, nothing! I couldn’t care less. Su Tong, I hate you!" Li Wen pouted, teary-eyed, glaring at Su Tong as she pulled her phone from her bag, "I’m breaking up with my boyfriend right now—who needs men anyway..."

Su Tong was speechless, "Don’t. Even if you break up, I won’t date you."

Li Wen suddenly burst into tears.

Su Tong froze. What was happening here? Who had he offended?

"Sob... I just like you. It’s been a year, and I still like you. Seeing you now, I’m more certain—I only like you, I like you even more, sob..." Li Wen cried as she kicked Su Tong, her hands flailing and beating him.

You just like handsome guys, don’t you? Surely there are better-looking men out there. Su Tong was deeply frustrated—he’d thought a year apart would erase all feelings, but now, seeing her, Li Wen’s old affections had rekindled, seemingly stronger than ever.

"Stop the car!" Su Tong suddenly shouted. He really didn’t like Li Wen—regardless of her status as a maiden, after so many boyfriends, she still wanted to come back to him. He was annoyed, extremely so.

His shout startled Li Wen into silence.

Gao Litong was also shocked, almost causing an accident, and quickly pulled over.

"Open the door! Let this poor loser out!" Li Wen, her face streaked with tears, screamed after her fright.

Gao Litong hurried to unlock the doors. Su Tong’s pride was strong, and Li Wen’s antics made her worry he might smash the door if she didn’t open it.

"Wenwen, don’t say anything," Gao Litong whispered to Li Wen.

"Poor loser, so what if you’re handsome? I don’t care. Get out, go away, you’re dirtying my car." Li Wen ignored Gao Litong, shoving Su Tong out in a frenzy.

Su Tong’s face was dark, silent, as he opened the door and crossed the street without looking, drawing curses from passing drivers.

"See what happens when you’re spoiled." Gao Litong’s expression was grim as she left the driver’s seat, abandoning Li Wen alone in the car.