Outside the door, Yu Xiaogang's face no longer carried the previous pallor and guilt he had shown when facing Dai Chengfeng.
Instead, it was filled with disdain, anger, and mockery.
His murky gaze swept over Liu Erlong, his eyes filled with contempt as if looking at something filthy. His words were sharp and cutting:
"End things?"
"Hmph, Liu Erlong, I see you've been eagerly waiting for this day, haven't you?"
"So desperate to push me away and sever ties—could it be because you've already found someone else? Another man waiting to take care of you?"
"With your fickle and lonely nature, how many men have you entertained over the years?!"
"What?!"
Hearing Yu Xiaogang's accusations, the last shred of hope in Liu Erlong's heart vanished completely. She was so enraged that her whole body trembled violently, her fingers clenched tightly, nails nearly digging into her palms.
"Yu Xiaogang! You bastard! How dare you spout such nonsense!"
"Is this really what you think of me, Liu Erlong?!"
Upon hearing this, Yu Xiaogang acted as if he didn't notice Liu Erlong's fury. Instead, he feigned a sudden realization, continuing in an even more biting and scornful tone.
"Oh, no, no."
"Look at my memory—I almost forgot. You're no longer the young girl with some allure from back then."
"Now, you're old and faded, your temper as foul and stubborn as a stone in a latrine. Besides me being temporarily blind and bewitched by you, who else would want a discarded old woman like you?"
"After separating from me, you can look forward to a life of loneliness and solitude!"
He paused, adopting a nauseatingly condescending posture, lifting his chin slightly:
"Fine, Liu Erlong. Considering our pitiful past affection, if you kneel down now and admit your dependence on me, beg me pitifully to change my mind, I might show mercy and consider forgiving you."
"I'll give you another chance to stay by my side."
"How about it?"
"You… you…!"
Liu Erlong felt a surge of blood rush to her throat, her heart aching so much she could barely breathe. She pointed at Yu Xiaogang, her finger trembling violently, too furious to speak.
Just then, a calm yet authoritative voice sounded from behind Liu Erlong.
"Who said no one wants Erlong?"
At this moment, Dai Chengfeng stepped forward, his posture tall and steady. He stopped beside Liu Erlong, standing shoulder to shoulder with her.
His cold gaze fixed on Yu Xiaogang as he naturally extended his hand, gently steadying Liu Erlong's trembling shoulders, which were shaking from extreme anger.
His voice was calm but resolute: "I think Erlong is wonderful."
"Mature, intellectual—far more charming and lovable than those naive, tasteless young girls."
As Dai Chengfeng spoke, he deliberately glanced at Liu Erlong beside him, his eyes filled with just the right amount of admiration and tenderness.
"I… truly like her!"
"Dai Chengfeng?"
Liu Erlong abruptly raised her head, staring at the youth beside her in disbelief.
The protective intent in his words was so direct and strong. In her moment of great humiliation and pain, when she was on the verge of collapse, it was like a solid barrier suddenly appeared, shielding her from all harm.
This made Liu Erlong feel an overwhelming surge of gratitude, bringing tears to her eyes.
Meanwhile, seeing Dai Chengfeng appear and hold Liu Erlong so intimately, Yu Xiaogang's face instantly filled with "anger" and "shock."
He pointed at them, his finger trembling, his voice exaggerated and shrill.
"Good! Liu Erlong! I knew it—you really do have a kept man hidden at home!"
"I must have been blind to ever be charmed by you, to fall for a woman like you!"
If there was any lingering affection Liu Erlong still harbored for Yu Xiaogang before, it was now utterly shattered by his relentless, increasingly venomous accusations.
Intense anger, disappointment, heartbreak, and a rebellious, all-or-nothing mentality surged to her head.
She straightened her back, actively reaching out to tightly grasp Dai Chengfeng's strong arm, leaning almost half her weight into his embrace.
Then, she glared at Yu Xiaogang, speaking coldly, word by word.
"Yes! I do like him. What of it?"
"Dai Chengfeng is a thousand times, ten thousand times better than you, Yu Xiaogang! Do you understand now?"
"Get out! Leave my doorstep immediately! I never want to see you again!"
Yu Xiaogang seemed to shake with rage at the audacity of this "adulterous pair," unable to speak. His trembling finger pointed at them, his face pale with fury:
"Fine! Fine! Liu Erlong, you've got guts! You're ruthless enough!"
"From now on, we are completely estranged, strangers with no connection whatsoever!"
"Go ahead and indulge in your depravity with your lover! Let's see what kind of fate awaits you!"
With that, Yu Xiaogang cast one final glance at Dai Chengfeng and Liu Erlong.
His eyes were filled with venom—whether acting or genuinely feeling this way, it was unclear.
Then, with a dramatic flick of his sleeve, he turned and strode away, his departing figure radiating anger and resolve.
Only after Yu Xiaogang's figure had completely disappeared at the end of the road did Liu Erlong's facade of strength and defiance crumble.
She suddenly released her tight grip on Dai Chengfeng's arm, her body swaying slightly as she staggered backward half a step.
Two streams of silent tears slid from her reddened eyes, rolling down her pale cheeks. She didn't sob aloud but let the tears flow freely, her eyes hollow and despairing as they stared blankly in the direction Yu Xiaogang had left.
Her once bright and passionate eyes were now filled with the crushing pain, betrayal, and emptiness of being utterly trampled upon and insulted.
The entire world seemed to lose its color.
Dai Chengfeng watched her silently, saying nothing.
He reached out, his movements impossibly gentle, using his warm fingertips to wipe away the cold tears streaming down her cheeks.
His voice was low and soothing, carrying a strange sense of comfort:
"Crying over a selfish, cowardly man who only hurts you to mask his own inadequacy and insignificance isn't worth it."
"He doesn't deserve even a fraction of you, Erlong."
"You deserve so much better."
Liu Erlong raised her tear-filled eyes to look at the youth before her—many years younger than her, yet at this moment displaying a maturity, composure, and gentleness far beyond his years. He offered her an unprecedented sense of security and unwavering protection.
The last bastion of her hardened defenses crumbled in this moment, along with all her grievances and pain.
Unable to hold back any longer, she leaned forward slightly, resting her forehead lightly against his shoulder, her suppressed sobs finally breaking free in soft, muffled cries.
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