Conflict

Under the blazing sun, Cao Xuan pedaled his bicycle swiftly through the streets and alleys.

When he passed the moat, Cao Xuan stopped.

Walking onto a bridge, Cao Xuan stared blankly down below. He pulled a box from his pocket and took out a necklace.

A Swarovski necklace. Cao Xuan had bought it with money saved from working part-time and living frugally, intending to give it to Zhou Qian.

Now, it seemed like one big joke.

Cao Xuan wondered whether he should throw the necklace into the river. That would make getting dumped feel more fitting.

During his ride just now, Cao Xuan had suddenly realized that he was not as sad as he had imagined.

Had I never loved her?

Cao Xuan was doubtful.

Cao Xuan put the necklace away. Forget it—he would try returning it at the mall. If they would not take it back, he would list it online and sell it secondhand!

Not far away, a chubby kid fishing held his phone up toward Cao Xuan.

"Brothers, see that guy on the bridge? He got dumped. He probably can't take it and wants to jump into the lake to kill himself."

The chubby kid was an outdoor streamer. He had been livestreaming his fishing trip today, but had not caught a single fish. His viewer count had dropped from over a thousand to just over a hundred. If he did not find some kind of gimmick soon, he probably would not even be able to keep three digits.

Seeing Cao Xuan standing dazedly on the bridge, the chubby kid had an idea.

"How does the streamer know he got dumped? You talk like you've ever dated anyone."

"That hit me right in the heart, brothers. Give the streamer some face and don't tell such harsh truths!"