Chapter 33: A Stunning Reversal

Fang Yuqing’s expression shifted slightly. After all, she was somewhat aware of the things she had done in the past.

However, how could a "little fairy" like her ever feel embarrassed? Especially when dealing with someone she viewed merely as a spare tire, ready to provide whatever she demanded. Even though Zhang Yi’s attitude toward her remained cold, Fang Yuqing convinced herself that he was simply playing hard to get. She firmly believed that Zhang Yi was infatuated with her, and that if she just put in a little more effort, she would surely win him over.

So, she put on a coquettish tone and said, "I only did those things in the past for your own good, silly! Don’t be so narrow-minded, Brother Zhang Yi!"

"Can’t you just pretend that Qing’er was wrong? I’ll come over right now to make it up to you."

As she spoke, she gently bit her lip, a blush appearing on her face. "At the very least, I can help you massage your legs and shoulders!"

Zhang Yi couldn't help but curse under his breath. In such freezing weather, it was rare to see such exquisite acting, perfectly portraying the image of a bashful young girl. It was a waste of talent for her not to be an award-winning actress!

Unfortunately, Zhang Yi wasn't buying it.

"How could that work? We aren't boyfriend and girlfriend; I can't accept doing such intimate things," Zhang Yi said with a stern, righteous face. "I am a traditional man!"

Fang Yuqing was nearly driven to fury by his words. She was practically throwing herself at him—why was he still acting so reserved? Did she really have to spell it out for him? If only he would let her move into his home, there would be endless benefits and perks. Heck, even going all the way wasn't entirely off the table.

She figured she hadn't made herself clear enough. In her desperation to get into Zhang Yi’s house and live a life of luxury, she ignored the presence of Lin Caining standing right next to her. She spoke directly to Zhang Yi, "Brother Zhang Yi, truth be told, I’ve always had a special feeling for you."

"As for being boyfriend and girlfriend, that’s something we could consider in the future! After all, affection grows with time, right?"

She covered her face as if shy, adding, "Oh, how embarrassing! How much more bluntly do you want me to say it?"

Her bashful appearance, paired with her coy, inviting glances, was genuinely alluring. If this were the old Zhang Yi, he would have surely lost his head and let her in immediately.

It had to be said that being a "green tea" or a "white lotus" wasn't something just anyone could pull off. This level of manipulative artistry required at least a decade of practice.

Meanwhile, Zhang Yi was quickly weighing his options. Should he let this "white lotus" into his home? Don't misunderstand—he wasn't some kind of saint. He simply thought that since he had chased her for two years in the past, if he could sleep with her and exact some harsh retribution, it would serve as a form of closure for his past self.

But this thought lasted only a fleeting moment before he firmly dismissed it. This was the apocalypse; he had to eliminate every possible risk! Therefore, he would not open his door to let anyone into his fortress of a home. Staying alive was more important than anything else.

Zhang Yi let out a cold laugh, his eyes filled with mockery as he looked at Fang Yuqing.

"Fang Yuqing, have you misunderstood something?" He spread his hands and said, "I admit, there was a time in the past when we had a decent relationship."

"However," he leaned closer to the camera and said with a teasing smirk, "don't tell me you actually think I like you?"

For a self-confident "green tea" like her, the lethality of that single sentence was immense. Sure enough, after hearing this, Fang Yuqing’s expression turned incredibly ugly. Beside her, Lin Caining stole a glance at her, a faint, imperceptible joy in her eyes. As expected, best friends were often just "plastic" sisters; they might act concerned and say it's for your own good, but in reality, many of them are just waiting for you to make a fool of yourself.

Fang Yuqing demanded, "Brother Zhang Yi, what... what do you mean by that? Didn't you always love me the most?"

Zhang Yi scoffed.

"Don't get it twisted. You do have a bit of looks, and you're a pretty girl. But I never intended to date you; at most, it was just for fun."

"With my circumstances, finding a girlfriend who is both beautiful and shapely here in Tianhai City is truly not a difficult task."

"You... pfft, where on earth did you get the confidence to think I was desperately chasing after you?" Zhang Yi looked as if he were struggling to hold back laughter.

He was telling the truth. As a local of Tianhai City, he had his residency, a multi-million dollar home, millions in savings, and a stable job paying over ten thousand a month. Combined with his tall, handsome appearance, he was an elite catch in the local dating market!

If not for the fact that the Zhang Yi of the past was simple and kind-hearted, he would have cycled through countless women long ago.

Zhang Yi’s words were like knives, stabbing directly into Fang Yuqing’s heart. For a "white lotus" who considered herself a goddess, the one thing she could never accept was for her charm to be dismissed, as that was the very foundation of her existence.

In the past, she had viewed Zhang Yi as a desperate "lickspittle" spare tire. She could keep him on a string while chasing after wealthier second-generation heirs. But in the end, Zhang Yi was telling her that she was the one caught in his fishing pond. This was something Fang Yuqing could not accept under any circumstances!

Her voice turned shrill with rage: "Zhang Yi! You... you’ve gone too far!"

Zhang Yi sneered, turning up the pressure.

"Alright, alright, stop playing the part of the pure, innocent girl."

"I saw through you a long time ago. Aren't you just a gold-digger? Dreaming every day of landing a wealthy husband—do you really think rich people are idiots?"

"Oh, and let me tell you something else. You're notorious in the circles of wealthy heirs in Tianhai City."

"Licking up to Young Master Zhang one day, chasing Young Master Li the next. They only play with you for a few days, and you actually thought you could become a wealthy young mistress?"

"Do you know what they call you behind your back? A public bus, a public outlet!"

Zhang Yi mocked her without restraint, just as she was counting on her charm and beauty to move him and secure a life of comfort in his home.

Fang Yuqing’s face turned deathly pale, and her body began to tremble with pure rage. When had she ever been humiliated like this to her face? And by the very person she viewed as a pathetic, submissive spare tire! This was essentially taking her self-esteem and grinding it into the dirt!

"Zhang Yi! Shut up!" Fang Yuqing shrieked.

Zhang Yi chuckled. "I'm just speaking the truth, why are you so worked up?"

"Aren't these all things you did yourself? You really are a hypocrite who wants to have your cake and eat it too."

After saying that, Zhang Yi didn't give Fang Yuqing a chance to hurl insults back; he cut the call immediately.