Chapter 105: Women Naturally Admire the Strong

To this day, Yang Hui still remembered how hard it was to hold back then. He also had to admire her, because all the signs showed she was having a hard time restraining herself, too.

But she managed to force herself to stop, slamming on the brakes at the last second.

"A Hui, you can rub against me, but I’m saving my first time."

Yang Hui stared at her, confused.

Her answer at the time instantly doused all of his desire. "Your family is too poor!"

From that day on, Yang Hui never contacted her again. He understood what she was after: she was saving herself to land a rich man.

’We were all just having fun, so who the hell would want to just rub against you? Even if you’re the hottest girl around, I’m not going to be your freeloader.’

He vaguely remembered her shouting after him, "A Hui, I know you’re hurt and upset, but we’re growing up. We all have to face the pressures of life. Please try to understand me."

Yang Hui hadn’t turned back. ’Was I hurt and upset? Maybe, but it was purely physical. Put anyone in that situation—right on the verge of scoring, only to be told to pull back and just rub—who wouldn’t be frustrated and upset?’

’But there was no emotional pain. Lin Yu was the type of girl you could have fun with, but not someone you could get serious about.’

These memories flashed through his mind in an instant. He even subconsciously glanced at the deep cleavage of her chest, which he had played with quite a lot back in the day.

’But surely Lin Yu wouldn’t have mentioned *that* to her boyfriend, right?’

An Ping said rather smugly, "That’s right. She said her deskmate was hardworking and handsome, but it’s a pity his family was just too poor."

Lin Yu couldn’t help but glance at Yang Hui, expecting him to be humiliated and angry. To her surprise, Yang Hui seemed completely unfazed. He simply maintained a faint smile and said, "Lin Yu is exaggerating. Back in school, I just liked to play ball. As for being poor, everyone has a different lot in life. I’m not in a competition of whose dad is richer. In fact, I think my family is great."

"Oh, you like to play ball? Basketball? We should compare our skills sometime."

He didn’t notice Lin Yu’s expression turn a little awkward. Back then, Yang Hui used to frequently ask her into the woods to "play ball," and she knew exactly what that meant.

Yang Hui shook his head lightly. "I picked up new hobbies after I started working."

Lin Yu couldn’t help looking up at him again, feeling that his words were pointed.

"Your boss, Li Yang... President Li is a senior of mine and a friend in the business world. Do you want me to put in a word for you so he can look out for you?"

The words dripped with condescension. Yang Hui sneered, "No need, but thanks."

’If he could convince Li Yang to fire me, that would be great,’ Yang Hui thought. ’But does this An Ping have that kind of pull? What a joke. I’ve provoked Li Yang myself and it didn’t work. How much influence could An Ping possibly have?’

"Not bad. You’ve got some backbone. I’ll be sure to mention you to President Li next time I see him."

"A Hui, don’t be so stubborn. Blade has a lot of pull in the business world. A single word from him could save you three years of struggle."

Lin Yu had chimed in at just the right moment. Yang Hui glanced at the time, having no interest in continuing this conversation. Shen Meng was still waiting for him.

"No thanks. I prefer to struggle on my own. Anyway, I have something to do, so let’s talk another time."

An Ping sneered, his lips curling in disdain. In his eyes, Yang Hui was just another low-level employee. If he weren’t Lin Yu’s old classmate, An Ping wouldn’t have even given him a second glance. He was surprised by his pride. ’This one clearly hasn’t been beaten down by society yet. He still hasn’t learned when to bow his head.’

Just as Yang Hui was about to turn away, An Ping, with one hand tucked into his trouser pocket, added, "Still too young. To make it out here, you can’t just rely on your face. You need to have something real... like power."

The Rolex on his wrist gleamed under the indoor lights. Lin Yu stood beside him, and at the collar of her low-cut dress, a jade pendant swayed with her every breath—it was a six-figure "token of their love" that An Ping had just given her last month.

In stark contrast to Yang Hui’s bare arm, Lin Yu added, "A Hui, Blade means well. In this society, power is everything. You’ll understand when you try to get a girlfriend in the future. Women are drawn to strength. In your current state, no beautiful girl would feel secure being with you."

Yang Hui sneered. It seemed she was still trying to explain away that "just rubbing" incident from all those years ago.

"Yang Hui~"

They all turned around at once. Yang Hui had been gone for a while, so Shen Meng had come to check on him. Seeing him talking with the group, she had called out his name.

An Ping and Lin Yu both froze. This girl was stunning.

She wore a long silk dress whose hem flowed like water, outlining her graceful figure. Her tall, slender frame was accentuated by the dress, making her appear even more elegant. Her slim waist and full bust formed a perfect curve, and every step she took was full of grace.

On her own, Lin Yu was a very striking beauty. But with Shen Meng there for comparison, she suddenly seemed plain and ordinary, completely outclassed in every way.

An Ping couldn’t tear his eyes away. Shen Meng’s long, dark hair fell naturally, and the silver earrings that occasionally peeked through the strands complemented the Cartier Ballon Bleu watch on her wrist, creating a look that was both elegant and vivacious.

Comparing Lin Yu to her, the difference was immediately obvious.

"A Hui, who is this?"

Lin Yu pursed her lips. Although she saw Shen Meng standing beside Yang Hui, nestled close like a delicate bird, she still asked the question.

"My girlfriend, Shen Meng. We’re leaving. See you around!"

He didn’t bother introducing them to Shen Meng. They were people he would probably never contact again.

’How could he? How could he have such a beautiful girlfriend?’

Women are often like that. On one hand, they pretend to care, console you, and even say, "You’ll definitely meet someone better than me someday." But the moment they find out you really have found someone far better, they become resentful and dejected.

This was exactly Lin Yu’s mindset. But she failed to understand that even back then, Yang Hui hadn’t been emotionally invested in her. It was all just about being young and needing a release.

An Ping reluctantly tore his gaze away. Lin Yu’s question was what he was thinking, too: What right did Yang Hui have to a girlfriend that beautiful?

She was like a beauty who had stepped out of a classical oil painting, possessing the gentle grace of an Eastern woman combined with the refined elegance of modern fashion.

Shen Meng walked alongside Yang Hui. He hadn’t introduced the other two, so she didn’t ask.

Astute as she was, she had keenly sensed the confrontational atmosphere. ’They probably aren’t his friends.’

"My high school classmate and her boyfriend."

Yang Hui offered the explanation voluntarily as they went down to the underground parking garage.

’A classmate? His first love?’ A dozen theories sprouted in Shen Meng’s mind. She opened her mouth to ask, but then thought better of it and held her tongue.

She was afraid of stirring up some "painful" memory for Yang Hui.

He could tell what she was thinking just by looking at her expression. "It’s not as complicated as you’re imagining."

He pulled open the car door and got into the driver’s seat. Shen Meng got in from the other side.