Earlier at the dinner table, Yu Li had noticed Bo Jingmo's unusual behavior.

But the man's mood shifted too quickly—before she could investigate further, he had already returned to his usual self.

Hearing her words, Bo Jingmo stiffened slightly in the driver's seat.

Only after parking the car did he turn to her and say quietly, "...No."

There was no need to ask about Rong Fan. He knew Yu Li wouldn't like someone like him, so there was nothing to question. It was just that he couldn't get past his own mental barrier.

He just needed time to sort it out himself.

Yes, once he figured it out, he wouldn't be so paranoid anymore.

Suppressing the emotions welling up inside him, Bo Jingmo curved his eyes into a smile. "Sweetheart, how about I pick you up tonight for dinner?"

Unexpectedly, Yu Li shook her head. "No, I have plans tonight."

In an instant, the smile on the man's lips froze.

He took back his earlier thought.

Now, he couldn't figure it out at all.

His fingertips dug sharply into his palm, the sting bringing back a sliver of rationality.

"What kind of plans?"

Yu Li thought for a moment. "I need to deal with the person who spread those rumors. I left something on him before, and if I don't retrieve it, it might cause trouble."

Bo Jingmo opened his mouth, wanting to reach out and grasp her wrist, but he feared she would notice the wounds on his palm.

He hadn't had an episode in so long—yet now that the signs were surfacing, this uncontrollable urge to lash out was impossible to suppress.

Holding his breath to conceal his slightly ragged breathing, he forced down his irritation, his eyes softening as he leaned down to kiss her eyelids. "Alright. Then you'll spend tomorrow with me."

Yu Li got out of the car and waved at Bo Jingmo. "Drive safely, hubby."

The man smiled and nodded, but the moment her figure disappeared around the corner, his smile vanished instantly.

He pressed a hand against his throbbing temple, exhaled sharply, and leaned back against the seat.

His eyes closed, his cold, handsome features devoid of expression, exuding a sharp, icy indifference. The deep contours of his profile melted into the shadows, a dangerous aura spreading around him like a savage beast lying in wait. The air itself seemed to thrum with restless tension.

"Buzz—"

His phone vibrated twice in the silence, but he didn't open his eyes.

His fingers absently traced his knuckles as he let the call ring out.

"Buzz—" The caller, however, was persistent, dialing again after a brief pause.

Bo Jingmo rubbed his forehead, finally opening his eyes to pick up the phone. His voice was frigid. "Speak."

"Bo Jingmo, you've got some nerve! How dare you talk to me like that?!" Bai Shaodong's enraged voice crackled through the receiver. "Where are you? Get over here right now!"

"..."

Silence was his only response.

Bai Shaodong had expected this reaction and remained unfazed, his tone dripping with cold mockery. "You got yourself a girlfriend, and you didn't even think to inform the family?"

He glanced down at the documents in his hand, his voice laced with insinuation. "You never cease to surprise me, Bo Jingmo. What was her name again? Yu—"

Suddenly, Bo Jingmo cut him off, his voice eerily calm.

"Bai Shaodong, I told you to stay in your lane."

"Hah. What, scared I'll do something to Yu Li? As your father, shouldn't I at least meet her? Oh, right—according to the records, she's an orphan. No parents. What are you going to do when you get married, huh?" Bai Shaodong sneered. "I won't allow a woman like her into this family."

Hearing Yu Li's name from Bai Shaodong's lips, dark energy seethed around Bo Jingmo, a crimson glint flashing in his eyes.

His gaze darkened, his already frayed emotions spiraling out of control. His lips parted, delivering a final warning in a voice like ice.

"Bai Shaodong. If you dare go near her, I'll destroy you so thoroughly not even your soul will remain."

The man on the other end only laughed coldly. "Bo Jingmo, you really are still just a monster at heart."

No matter how human he pretended to be, his true nature would always show.

......

It had to be said, Bo Jingmo's public statement had made an impact.

The moment Yu Li returned to the dorm, Le Yi practically shouted, "Yu Li! Did you see Bo Jingmo's post?"

Closing the door behind her, Yu Li replied, "Mm. Mu Chengsi already sent it to me."

Le Yi scurried over, eyes sparkling with excitement. "You wouldn't believe it—after Bo Jingmo posted that, Jiang Xi apparently skipped classes for days! Isn't that wild?"

Xiao Jingqu, sitting nearby, chimed in, "Her showing up to class would be the real surprise. I always suspected she was behind the online backlash. Why else would things escalate like that? Now that the truth's out, she can't show her face."

Le Yi huffed. "Ugh, I actually thought she was a decent senior. Who knew she'd pull something like this?"

Yu Li set down her bag, smiling faintly. "It's fine. It's all in the past now."

Seeing her perpetually calm demeanor, Le Yi sighed. "Yu Li, I swear, you're way too nice. You should expose those trolls online!"

Yu Li only smiled without responding.

Mu Chengsi walked over and asked, "What about Rong Fan? Are you really going to meet him?"

Yu Li lazily tied up her hair. "Nope."

Who did he think he was? Too used to getting his way after sitting at the top of Deva for so long? Did he really think she'd come running just because he wanted to see her?

Noticing Yu Li rummaging through her closet, Mu Chengsi blinked. "Changing clothes?"

Yu Li pulled out something stain-resistant. "Yeah, going out tonight."

...This didn't look like date attire.

But Mu Chengsi didn't press further. As she turned to leave, she suddenly paused and leaned in, whispering, "Just so you know, a lot of players are aware of you now. Be careful when you go out—Rong Fan will definitely be watching."

She knew Rong Fan all too well—this was exactly the kind of thing he'd do.

Yu Li, still folding her clothes, smirked at the words.

"I know."

That guy had always been annoying.

......

After dinner, Yu Li changed, put on a cap and mask, and took a cab straight to a bar.

Glancing up at the sign, she murmured, "Just as I thought."

Moving with practiced ease, she slipped around to the back entrance but didn't go inside, simply waiting by the door.

Before long, a man in bartender's clothes emerged, dragging a large trash bag behind him.

The stench of rotting garbage mixed with the sour tang of alcohol filled the dim alleyway.

As the man descended the steps, he tripped and face-planted right into the bag, his body instantly smeared with vomit and unidentifiable fluids.

"F*ck! Disgusting!" he swore, kicking the bag in frustration—only to slip and fall again with a pained grunt.

"Damn it!!"

Zhou Pan's face twisted with fury. He had no idea why his luck had been so rotten lately—tripping over nothing, getting cut by packages, even getting grazed by a scooter for no reason! And the rider had just glanced at him before leaving!

The forum incident made him even angrier.

Though the student council hadn't named him directly, everyone knew it was him!

Now, whispers followed him everywhere!

And it was all because of that damn Yu Li!!! Ever since that woman changed, his life had been nothing but misfortune!

"Just you wait, Yu Li," he muttered through gritted teeth. "If I ever catch you slipping—"

Right then, a familiar female voice spoke up beside him:

"You really hate me that much, Zhou Pan?"