Did I do something wrong?
No—I didn’t. Even if Xiao Chen is a good man, his family’s gone bankrupt. He can’t give me happiness anymore. If I marry him, life will be difficult, and I’ll end up hopeless. I made the right choice. Something better must be waiting for me ahead…
Tang Yuxin tried to convince herself with those thoughts.
Meanwhile, Su Yue was beaming—genuinely touched by the well wishes and applause from the guests. It felt like a dream come true. No one in the room knew the truth.
She had liked Li Chen for a long time. But from the very first day she met him, he was already dating Tang Yuxin—her best friend. So she kept her feelings buried, hidden behind a mask of friendship.
She never thought she would have a chance. After all, Li Chen and Tang Yuxin had always looked so in love, so inseparable. Su Yue didn’t want to become that kind of woman—the one who destroys someone else’s happiness. So she chose to silently bless them from afar.
Attending their engagement party tonight, she had made up her mind to finally let go.
But unexpectedly, Tang Yuxin had broken off the engagement—on stage—and cast Li Chen aside like he meant nothing.
The moment Su Yue saw the opportunity open, she didn’t hesitate. If she didn’t act now, she knew she’d regret it for the rest of her life.
She also wanted to protect Li Chen, who’d just been abandoned by a woman who clearly never truly valued him. She wanted to show him—and everyone—that bankruptcy didn’t define his worth.
That’s why she was so firm when she proposed to him. And thankfully, he accepted. Otherwise... it would’ve been truly awkward.
Even though Li Chen’s family had lost everything and he no longer held the title of “rich young master,” Su Yue didn’t care. She was never after wealth. What she admired in him was his character.
If you gave up on a man like Li Chen, Tang Yuxin… you’re definitely going to regret it one day, Su Yue thought to herself as her eyes subtly glanced at her former friend. She trusted Li Chen’s loyalty and kindness. At first, she had her doubts—after all, Tang Yuxin’s friends were all beautiful. But over time, she saw how different Li Chen truly was.
Even when they occasionally crossed paths and spoke, Li Chen never gave her a second look. For him, Tang Yuxin was the only woman in his world. It was rare—almost unheard of—for a wealthy man to be so loyal and kind. Eventually, and perhaps inevitably, Su Yue had fallen for him. But with Li Chen's heart so clearly dedicated to Tang Yuxin, she thought she never had a chance.
Now, everything had changed. And the man she longed for… was finally by her side.
Suddenly, Li Chen turned to her and said, “Su Yue… thank you. Thank you for standing by me and saving my reputation tonight.”
His words made her pause. She immediately sensed he’d misunderstood.
Her lips pouted in mild frustration. “So you think I did this just to save face? That I got engaged to you just to rescue your image?”
Li Chen blinked, confused. “Isn’t that why?”
Su Yue scoffed, visibly annoyed. “Tch. Of course not. I’m serious about this!”
Li Chen’s eyes widened. He hadn’t expected that. Honestly, when he accepted her proposal earlier, it had been impulsive. A mix of anger and heartbreak had clouded his judgment. He thought Su Yue had stepped forward out of pity, to help him make a point to Tang Yuxin. He never imagined she meant every word.
To Li Chen, Su Yue had always been a remarkable woman. She was principled, independent, clear about what she wanted from life. She was humble despite her looks and achievements. Even in a world obsessed with appearances, she stood apart. In his eyes, she deserved someone extraordinary. And compared to that, he felt... inferior.
Suddenly—
[DING!]
[Engagement confirmed! Host has completed the hidden mission and triggered system activation!]
[God-Level Login System has been unlocked, but not yet bound!]
[Please register your marriage with Su Yue within one day to bind the system permanently!]
[Once bound, Host will receive a Newbie Gift Pack!]
What the—? A system?!
Li Chen was stunned. He never expected that getting engaged would actually trigger a system. His expression shifted slightly as he struggled to contain his excitement. Outwardly, he still looked composed, but inside he was shaking. This was… incredible.
He’d been deeply worried about his family’s situation. Yes, he’d promised himself he’d rise again, but how long would that take?
Five years?
Ten?
Twenty?
What if he failed again?
But now—with this system—his future didn’t seem so bleak anymore. The mountain he had to climb suddenly looked like a gentle hill.
[Although the system has been activated, Host must still register the marriage with Su Yue.]
Li Chen turned to Su Yue again. She looked breathtaking tonight. Her straight black hair cascaded down her back like silk. The elegance she carried made her seem untouchable, like a living painting.
A nearly perfect woman.
And yet… this woman had chosen him. Even in his worst moment.
Li Chen made a silent promise: Anyone who leaves me in my lowest moment… will never be treated the same again. Tang Yuxin clearly never loved him. The moment hardship struck, she abandoned him without a second thought. There was no future with someone like that.
But Su Yue? She had stepped forward and proposed, eyes clear and unwavering, despite knowing everything about his situation.
If that wasn’t real love, then what was? In this materialistic world, women like Su Yue were one in a million.
Li Chen looked at her again, this time with deeper admiration. Only now did he notice—Su Yue had always been beautiful. He had just never paid attention before. His heart back then had only seen Tang Yuxin.
“What are you staring at?” Su Yue asked, blushing slightly.
“You’re… really beautiful,” he said honestly.
Her heart fluttered, but she still pretended to pout. “Hmph. Took you long enough to notice.”
“Sorry,” Li Chen said, scratching his head sheepishly. “I guess I was blind before.”
Su Yue giggled. “Well, from now on—stare as much as you like.”
“Will do!” he grinned.
Then, more seriously, he asked, “Would you really… marry me?”
“Of course,” Su Yue replied, without hesitation.
“What if I said—let’s go get our marriage certificate right now?”
Su Yue’s answer came just as fast. “Let’s go.”
That moment, Li Chen’s heart soared. Of course, he wanted to bind the system. But more than that, he didn’t want to pressure Su Yue. He needed to know how much she truly wanted to be with him. Her response… was a world apart from Tang Yuxin’s.
As long as you never leave or betray me, I swear—I will never leave or betray you for the rest of my life. Li Chen made that vow in his heart.
After a few closing speeches and farewells, the engagement ceremony came to an end. One by one, the guests began to leave.
Li Chen and Su Yue stood at the entrance, thanking each guest and seeing them off with a smile.
Despite the earlier drama and the change in the bride-to-be, the event had been a success.
Tang Yuxin walked past them with red eyes, not saying a word. Her heart was heavy, her steps slow, her presence fading.
Later that night, although Li Chen and Su Yue wanted to get married right away, the civil registry office was already closed. They had no choice but to wait until morning.
“I’ll take you home,” Li Chen offered.
“Okay,” Su Yue replied. “Take me back to your place.”
Li Chen blinked. “My place?”
Su Yue smiled playfully. “We’re officially engaged now, aren’t we? Shouldn’t we be living together?”
(^_~)
She winked—mischievous, charming, and completely irresistible.