Proposed Instead?
1284 Words
The two of them were not only close friends but also roommates back at Tianhai University. They were used to sharing everything—clothes, secrets, and even dreams. On campus, the pair were well-known for their striking looks and close bond, earning them the nickname: The Twin Campus Queens of Tianhai University.
But for anyone who looked a little closer, they would notice—Su Yue was actually a step ahead. Her beauty was more refined, and her temperament more graceful.
Had it not been for Tang Yuxin’s superior family background and abundant "resources," the two wouldn’t even be considered equals.
“Xiao Yue, you don’t need to try to convince me anymore. My decision is final. I’ve thought it through carefully,” said Tang Yuxin calmly.
“Xiao Yu, I think you misunderstood. I’m not trying to persuade you. I’m just confirming your decision,” Su Yue corrected her with a small smile.
“Oh, I see. Well then, of course I’m sure,” Tang Yuxin replied firmly.
Su Yue’s smile deepened. “Good.”
Then, she stepped forward in her high heels, her elegant movements echoing through the hall—click… clack… click… clack…
Under Tang Yuxin’s bewildered gaze, Su Yue walked all the way to the stage and stopped right in front of Li Chen.
“Li Chen,” she said, looking him in the eyes, “if I propose to you… will you marry me?”
Li Chen’s eyes widened in shock. He stared at Su Yue, stunned by her sudden words and the bright, confident smile on her face.
What’s happening? Is this... a real proposal? Li Chen’s mind short-circuited.
Tang Yuxin’s eyes flew wide open in disbelief. Her best friend… was proposing to her boyfriend? Even if they technically broke up just moments ago…
“Xiao Yue! Do you even realize what you're saying? How could you propose to my boyfriend?!” Tang Yuxin burst out.
“He’s not your boyfriend anymore,” Su Yue replied without hesitation. “Didn’t you just break up with him?”
“That’s not the point! How could you do this right in front of me?” Tang Yuxin demanded.
Su Yue responded coolly, “Why not? You and Li Chen are over. He’s single now, and I have every right to pursue him.”
Tang Yuxin choked, her expression twisting. What Su Yue said… was true.
Even though they were no longer a couple, the emotional bond still lingered. You don’t just walk away cleanly from a long-term relationship. Especially not when it’s your best friend proposing to him—right in front of you.
Had Li Chen’s family not gone bankrupt, he would still be her perfect match. But now…
“Have you considered it, Li Chen? Are you going to accept her?” Tang Yuxin asked, voice trembling.
“Is that even worth asking now?” Su Yue interrupted sharply. “You broke off the engagement. If you didn’t want him, then don’t stop me.”
Tang Yuxin fell silent.
Su Yue turned away from her—completely ignoring her presence. Her eyes locked onto Li Chen’s, her gaze firm, intense, sparkling like autumn stars.
“Li Chen,” she repeated, this time her voice more vulnerable, “will you marry me?”
Li Chen snapped out of his daze, finally recovering from the shock. He looked at her and nodded.
“I will.” At those words, Su Yue lit up. The storm clouds in her heart cleared, replaced by bright skies and blooming joy.
“You…!” Tang Yuxin gasped, unable to believe what she was witnessing. The two people closest to her… had just become a couple in front of her eyes. It felt like a punch to the back of her head.
“How… how could you do this to me?” she demanded.
“Why not?” Li Chen said coldly. “I’m single. She’s single. We love each other. Isn’t that normal?”
That tone. That sharpness. It pierced Tang Yuxin’s heart. Li Chen had never spoken to her like that. Never even raised his voice. It hurt.
Her eyes reddened.
Earlier, she said he deserved someone better. But now that it was happening—right in front of her—she couldn’t accept it.
The university students among the guests were shocked. Su Yue, the cold beauty of Tianhai University, was the one who proposed.
Not only was Su Yue incredibly beautiful, but she also had stellar academics, a clean record, and a gentle reputation. She never courted attention. No scandals. No drama.
She and Tang Yuxin were both Campus Queens, but the truth was—beyond Tang Yuxin’s background—Su Yue outshined her in every other way. To the men of Tianhai University, Su Yue was a goddess.
And now, that goddess had chosen Li Chen.
Even though his family was bankrupt, she still wanted him. Many hearts shattered in silence.
“Miss Tang,” Li Chen said coldly, “you’re no longer involved in this. Please leave the stage and stop disrupting our engagement ceremony.” He turned to Su Yue again, this time his expression soft and warm.
“Shall we get engaged properly?” he asked.
“Yes,” Su Yue smiled brightly.
“You—!” Tang Yuxin trembled with rage. She had lost him. For good. And he would no longer spoil or dote on her.
Despite the bitterness in her heart, she turned and walked away in defeat.
Now, only Li Chen and Su Yue remained on the stage. Although Su Yue was not the original bride-to-be, her appearance was more than fitting.
She wore a long, elegant black dress that hugged her graceful figure, highlighting her natural beauty. Her presence was radiant.
Now, she had taken the lead role—replacing Tang Yuxin. Su Yue raised her hand gently, offering her left ring finger.
“Will you put the ring on my finger?” she asked, her voice clear across the hall.
“Of course.” Li Chen replied.
He took the 5-carat diamond ring and slid it onto her finger. As the stone sparkled in the light, Su Yue looked at it lovingly and smiled with satisfaction.
“Everyone, I apologize for the unexpected events earlier. I hope it didn’t ruin the mood tonight.” Li Chen addressed the crowd with grace.
Clap... clap... clap... clap...
A round of applause erupted once more. The guests gave their blessings and wished the new couple happiness. Su Yue reached out and held Li Chen’s hand, feeling his warmth and strength. Her heart swelled with joy.
“Kiss... kiss... kiss...!” some of their university friends chanted playfully.
“That’s right! Kiss! Kiss!” others joined in with excitement. The chant grew louder and more energetic, like waves crashing in the grand ballroom.
Li Chen looked awkward. Though they were now engaged, he and Su Yue had only been classmates until today. A kiss... felt a bit too sudden. He didn’t want to make her uncomfortable.
But Su Yue wasn’t shy. She leaned in close, pressed her soft body against his, and kissed him gently. It was brief. But when she pulled away, her pale cheeks flushed a soft red, and she lowered her gaze—shy and sweet.
Li Chen froze for a second. He’d kissed before, but this was his first kiss with Su Yue. And it felt… good.
Tang Yuxin hadn’t left yet. She stood offstage, watching them with wide, broken eyes. It felt like her soul had been stabbed. Something that used to be hers—was now in someone else’s hands.
She clenched her jaw, fists trembling.
- Writer
