Max Level Return—I'll Protect That Fragile One

Seeing the disheveled Xu Xingguang, You Mingyue felt a surge of delight in her heart, as if she had personally witnessed a phoenix stumbling into a mud pit, worse than a wild chicken.

Chu Zimu’s gaze also became uninterested.

The Xu Xingguang he remembered was like a blooming red rose, exuding a rich fragrance wherever she went, intoxicating people.

She was nothing like the sloppy, ordinary woman before him now.

Adjusting her expression, You Mingyue naturally hooked Chu Zimu’s arm, leaned closer to him, and playfully said, ”Brother Chu, this is Xingguang. It’s been a long time since you met, hasn’t it? Old friends meeting again, you should say hello.”

Only then did Chu Zimu turn his gaze back to Xu Xingguang’s face, lowering himself to say, ”Long time no see, Miss Xu.” The term ’Miss Xu’ instantly erased all past entanglements between them.

After a pause, he added, ”Miss Xu has changed a lot; I almost didn’t recognize you.” With this, he implied that Xu Xingguang’s glory days were over.

You Mingyue acted as if she didn’t notice Chu Zimu’s hostility and mockery towards Xu Xingguang. She watched everything unfold with a gentle smile, curious about how Xu Xingguang would face her former suitor.

In response, Xu Xingguang deftly said, ”Yes, years have passed, and everyone changes. The biggest change is not just appearances, but people’s hearts.”

Xu Xingguang pointedly said, ”Perhaps the one who swore undying devotion four years ago now loves someone else. Wouldn’t you agree, Mr. Chu?”

Chu Zimu knew exactly who Xu Xingguang was insinuating about.

Instinctively, he glanced at You Mingyue, seeing her biting her lip in a mix of comprehension and sadness, he couldn’t help but glare daggers at Xu Xingguang.

Chu Zimu feigned calm, chuckling as he said, ”Miss Xu isn’t wrong; indeed, the heart is most fickle. I still remember, three years ago, Mr. Jiang Heng grandiosely created a sky full of stars over Yujiang City with a drone, posting the classic line ’All the stars are you’ on Weibo. Yet, how long has it been before he’s marrying another woman, with all the posts deleted cleanly?”

”Oh right, I heard his fiancée is even his first love from high school.”

As these words landed, the atmosphere in the room turned tense, but Xu Xingguang remained calm and unaffected.

She had anticipated that Chu Zimu would bring this up to upset her.

Because he was inherently a petty man, unable to withstand setbacks.

The night before, Xu Xingguang had painstakingly dredged up memories related to Chu Zimu. In her recollection, during her visits to the Chu family, she had never once acted beyond the boundaries of a platonic relationship with him.

It was purely because Chu Zimu found her attractive and developed a one-sided infatuation.

Initially, Xu Xingguang hadn’t noticed Chu Zimu’s feelings. It wasn’t until she accidentally saw him secretly escorting her home that she realized her friend’s brother harbored affection for her. Upon realizing it, Xu Xingguang reduced her visits to the Chu family.

Jiang Heng’s arrival brought a sense of crisis for Chu Zimu, prompting him to transition from a secret crush to an open pursuit, orchestrating a grand confession event.

As the leading nobleman of Yujiang City, he approached this inaugural confession with full confidence, determined to succeed.

Yet, he never imagined Xu Xingguang would reject him.

After being rejected, not only did Chu Zimu fail to introspect, but he stubbornly believed that Xu Xingguang chose Jiang Heng over him due to the Jiang family’s superior status compared to the Chu family.

Heartbroken, Chu Zimu turned to drinking, lamenting to others about his dire situation after being rejected and sarcastically tarnishing Xu Xingguang’s reputation.

Under his narrative, many people’s impressions of Xu Xingguang soured.

Unexpectedly, after all the twists and turns, he ended up with You Mingyue.

Like a pot fitting its lid, a carrot its hole, Chu Zimu and You Mingyue were indeed a perfect match.

With a sweet smile yet sharp words, Xu Xingguang said, ”Jiang Heng changed his heart and returned to his first love. Mr. Chu, how come your changed heart still circles around my Xu family?”

”Those who know would say it’s Sister Mingyue’s virtuous excellence that won your heart. Those unaware might think you deliberately got close to her to retaliate against me, due to lingering feelings.”

Noticing the embarrassment on You Mingyue’s beautiful face, Xu Xingguang just then realized her slip of the tongue.

She hurriedly covered her mouth, regretfully saying, ”Oh, my tongue! I’ve really become brainless from being in a coma, speaking without thinking.”

Xu Xingguang looked sympathetically at You Mingyue with a most innocent expression and a gentle tone, soothing her, ”Sister Mingyue, don’t overthink. I believe Mr. Chu is truly sincere with you, don’t misunderstand him!”

”Right, Mr. Chu?” Xu Xingguang didn’t forget to call out Chu Zimu by name.

Chu Zimu felt suffocated, never expecting Xu Xingguang to have such a sharp tongue.

He couldn’t help but wonder if Xu Xingguang, in her three-year coma, wasn’t asleep but hiding somewhere cultivating herself to this level!

Others hide daggers in their smiles, she hides avalanches and tsunamis in hers.

Xu Zeqing quickly interrupted their conversation, standing up to say, ”Mr. Chu, Jiaoyang, shall we go outside for a smoke?” You Jiaoyang cooperated by standing up, and Chu Zimu, eager for an out, quickly followed.

The three of them headed to the courtyard, where You Jingqiu was still busy in the kitchen, leaving only Xu Xingguang and You Mingyue in the hall.

The innocent gaze of You Mingyue suddenly turned sharp and cold.

She lowered her voice, threatening Xu Xingguang, ”Xu Xingguang, you should know the Xu family’s current situation. Now, marrying into the Chu family is our only way out. If you disrupt my relationship with Brother Chu, it won’t be beneficial for you either! We are now a family; our interests are tied together, do you understand?”