Xia Zhe Was Unbelievable

It would have been impossible for Ye Chen not to feel hurt. He had given Xia Zhe his heart, and this was how things had ended.

He had only himself to blame for misjudging Xia Zhe. And at a time like this, Ye Qing just had to rub salt in the wound.

Ye Qing cleared his throat and struck an interviewer's pose. "Second Brother, tell us how you're feeling right now."

Would it kill you not to twist the knife? Ye Chen thought.

Ye Qing didn't mind getting no answer. "Well, look how fiercely you argued with the family over him that day. You even wanted to borrow ten million."

"Good thing you didn't. You would've thrown it all away."

"You were even going to run away from home. What are you, three?"

Ye Qing's mockery was merciless. "Mom, Dad, and Eldest Brother may act like they don't care, but I'm sure they're hurt."

Ye Chen lowered his head. "I know. I was wrong this time."

Ye Chen sank into his grief, and the two fell silent.

Then they both heard voices from beside them.

"Are you hurt?"

"Why would I be? I hope that foolish boy gets burned a few more times. He never listens to a word anyone says."

"Don't look at me. He's not my son. Of course I'm not hurt."

Those voices... Why do they sound so familiar?

Ye Chen went straight to the table behind them and found three people sitting there.

Ye Father, Ye Mother, and his brother.

Ye Qing was even more shocked. "What are you doing here?"

Isn't this too much of a coincidence? Did everyone just happen to come watch Second Brother make a fool of himself?

Ye Chen gave Ye Qing a resentful look. As if it could be that much of a coincidence. They had known Ye Qing was coming here and followed him.

Ye Chen turned to Ye Qing. "See? They're not hurt at all."

Ye Qing looked everywhere but at Ye Chen. He had known his family probably wasn't hurt, but...

I was just trying to fool Second Brother. He actually believed me.

No wonder Second Brother believes everything Xia Zhe says. This is the first time I've realized he's so... gullible.

The three members of the Ye Family were nearly bursting from holding back their laughter. It was the first time they had realized Ye Qing had such a sharp tongue.

Seeing Ye Chen's expression, Ye Mother spoke first. "I asked your dad and brother to come shopping with me today. We happened to stop here for a rest."

"Who would've thought we'd run into you?"

Only they knew how much of a coincidence it really was.

"So that's why you all insisted on coming back with me," Ye Chen said, looking at the people standing in his home.

Ye Qing was the first to object. "Second Brother, that's not fair. We were worried you'd believe Xia Zhe again and fail to break up with him today."

Ye Chen smiled through gritted teeth. "Are you saying I'm stupid enough to keep paying for everything after seeing him cheat on me?"

Ye Qing smiled back. "You never know."

Ye Chen took a deep breath. "Fine. If you want to laugh at me, just say so."

Argh! They're going to bring this up to mock me every chance they get. I'll never live it down.

He could understand Ye Qing wanting to watch the drama because he was young, but his parents and older brother were going too far.

Can't they let me handle this myself?

"Dad, Mom, Eldest Brother, why did you come along too?"

"Because we're worried about you."

Besides, who didn't enjoy a little drama? Ye Chen tried to talk them out of staying, but it was no use.

The Ye Family settled in to wait for Xia Zhe and gave Ye Chen a stern lecture in the meantime.

At the café, Ye Qing had wanted Ye Chen to rush in and catch Xia Zhe in the act, but Ye Chen refused. It would have been too humiliating.

Besides, Ye Chen wanted to see what Xia Zhe would do that night.

At that, Ye Qing immediately changed his mind. He wanted to see what kind of surprise Xia Zhe had in store for Second Brother. Hopefully it wouldn't be too nasty.

When it was nearly time for Xia Zhe to return, the others hid in a room. They reminded Ye Chen not to end the call, or they wouldn't be able to hear anything.

And you claim you're worried about me, Ye Chen thought.

Xia Zhe returned soon after, looking miserable, his clothes in disarray.

"What happened to you?" Ye Chen asked out of habit.

But Xia Zhe threw himself into Ye Chen's arms and sobbed without saying a word.

Ye Qing was growing impatient in the other room. Come on, say something!

"Brother Ye, I... I don't want to live anymore."

Ye Chen said nothing, but Xia Zhe went on. "I... I went out with my classmates today, remember? But I never expected that man to..."

"He... he forced me to do something awful."

"I couldn't fight him off by myself, and he got his way."

"Brother Ye, I'm not pure anymore."

"I'm... I'm so sorry. If I hadn't wanted to see you one last time, I wouldn't have come back."

Then you shouldn't have come back.

Ye Chen remained silent. It was as though he had never known Xia Zhe at all.