Chapter 714: Chapter 247: The First Love That Broke My Defenses, Milk Tea Shop’s First Day Explosion_2
The tea shop was opened specifically for Zhong Tingyue; even its name was derived from hers.
However, Zhong Tingyue’s concerns were not unfounded. If Bai Weixi were to find out that he had first kept her in the dark about starting a tech company and creating "Zhihu," and was now opening a milk tea shop with Zhong Tingyue behind her back, you didn’t need to be a genius to know how she would feel. If she didn’t break down and sob on the spot, it would mean she was being remarkably composed.
Why? I was clearly here first, so why am I told nothing?
Li Yuan replied, "Okay, I’ll ask for Zhijin’s opinion. When you get back to the dorm, tell Bai about it."
Zhong Tingyue nodded, already contemplating how to break the news to Bai Weixi.
...
After dropping Zhong Tingyue back at the university, Li Yuan still had half a day of classes to attend.
During a break, Li Yuan explained the situation to Xia Zhijin and asked if she wanted to come along.
When Xia Zhijin heard that Li Yuan had other business ventures, her expression remained calm; she didn’t seem surprised at all.
With a slightly conflicted look, she said, "Li Yuan, I have a major course tomorrow. Would it be appropriate for me to go?"
Growing up, she had never skipped a class except for a few sick days, and university was no exception.
Li Yuan smiled and patted her head. "It’s entirely up to you whether you go or not."
The grand opening of a milk tea shop wasn’t a major event, and since she and Zhong Tingyue weren’t close, it didn’t matter if she attended.
Li Yuan understood from her hesitation.
"Alright, then. Just stay here and focus on your classes."
Xia Zhijin reached out and took Li Yuan’s hand. "You won’t be angry?"
Li Yuan couldn’t help but chuckle. "Silly girl, what is there to be angry about?"
"Oh, as long as you’re not angry, that’s good!" Xia Zhijin replied, looking as demure as ever.
...
「On the other side.」
When Zhong Tingyue told Bai Weixi that the milk tea shop was opening the next day, Bai Weixi’s expression was priceless—a mask of disbelief. Her voice sharpened, carrying a faint tremble.
"This ’Tea Color Moonlight’ shop... you opened it with him?"
Hearing her question, Zhong Tingyue nodded and explained, "Weixi, I’ve always liked milk tea, so I mentioned the idea to him. He was very supportive, so we opened a shop. I’ve been busy with it these past few days."
As Bai Weixi listened to the explanation, a sense of grievance washed over her, and tears streamed down her face as if a dam had broken.
Seeing Bai Weixi suddenly burst into tears, Zhong Tingyue was baffled. Why is she having such a strong reaction?
She quickly moved to console her.
"Weixi, don’t cry! I came here specifically to tell you so we could go to the opening ceremony together tomorrow!"
Zhong Tingyue’s attempt at comfort only made Bai Weixi cry harder. Her sense of grievance had reached its peak.
She couldn’t understand why Li Yuan treated her so differently, why he never told her anything, why she was always the last to know. After the college entrance exams, she was the last to find out he was writing novels. When he opened a tech company in Longyu Building and developed the Zhihu website, she was also the last to know. When he bought a villa with Zhong Tingyue, she was, again, the last to find out. Now, he had quietly opened a milk tea shop, and once more, she was the last to know.
Why? Why treat me like this? I was here first! I’ve known him for over three years.
Bai Weixi finally broke down. Staring at Zhong Tingyue with tear-filled eyes, she crumpled to the floor, hugging her knees and sobbing her heart out.
Zhong Tingyue stood there awkwardly. Seeing Bai Weixi crying on the floor, she had no choice but to squat down beside her, gently patting her shoulder in comfort.
"Weixi, I’m sorry. I... I just wanted to invite you."
Bai Weixi’s shoulders trembled helplessly as she sobbed softly.
Watching her cry incessantly, Zhong Tingyue didn’t know what to do. If it had been about anything else, she would have known how to comfort her. But this situation was her fault.
Bai Weixi cried on the floor for a long time before her sobs gradually subsided. She lifted her head, her red eyes fixed on Zhong Tingyue, and asked in a hoarse voice, "What else are you two hiding from me?"
Hearing the resentment and doubt in Bai Weixi’s question, Zhong Tingyue sighed helplessly.
"Weixi, you shouldn’t be asking me that. There are many things I don’t know about either."
"If you want to know, you should just ask him directly. I’m sure he’ll tell you."
Zhong Tingyue felt a pang of disappointment. She had hoped that telling Bai Weixi in advance would have made things better and perhaps even eased the tension between them. She could have easily said nothing. If Bai Weixi had found out tomorrow when the news of the opening was everywhere, she would have been even more hurt.
With tears still welling in her red eyes, Bai Weixi stared blankly at Zhong Tingyue and fell silent.
In her heart, she knew she shouldn’t blame Zhong Tingyue. In essence, they were "love rivals," and Zhong Tingyue had no obligation to tell her anything in advance. In fact, she had sensed the goodwill Zhong Tingyue had been showing her lately.
Bai Weixi gave Zhong Tingyue a long look and said hoarsely, "Thank you, Tingyue!"
Hearing her thanks, Zhong Tingyue patted her shoulder and offered sincere comfort, "Weixi, I really think it would be good for you to have a serious talk with Li Yuan. You’re very important to him."
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