Chapter 17 – The Pure-Love Warrior No Longer Loves

Shen Baizhou closed her eyes, sinking into memory.

“At that time, I felt like everything was slowly getting better. She was thriving at the company, collaborating with more and more professional musicians, and I no longer had to write those clumsy songs for her. I was happy, even though I had less and less time to see her.

“In the blink of an eye, college ended. She told me that nowadays, artists had to be versatile—walking on both the film and music paths. She hoped I could try becoming a screenwriter to help her build connections and resources in the film industry. I thought it made sense, so I gave up music and joined a media company to start grinding out scripts, doing endless 996 hours.

“I continued eating cheap buns, saving wherever I could. Once I had enough money, I’d take her out for a proper meal and buy her small gifts with the rest. But she grew busier, and I found it harder to see her.

“One day, when I suggested taking her out for a ‘big meal,’ she laughed over the phone. ‘Shen Baizhou, do you know? That’s not a big meal at all—it’s barely a restaurant meal. I’m an artist now. I can’t go eat cheap stuff with you, a mere amateur… And stop giving me those cheap little gifts. Do you know what other girls get? When you give me a cheap lipstick, other artists’ boyfriends drive up in a car covered in roses and hand them a sparkling diamond ring. And you?’

The living room fell silent. Tang Tang frowned. On the other side, Su Hongdou sat upright, her back perfectly straight.

“At that moment, I panicked. The world spun, and I fainted. My colleagues rushed me to the hospital. When I woke, the doctor said my functional anemia was caused by long-term malnutrition and told me to eat properly. But more than nutrition, I felt I needed a diamond ring.

“But where could I get the money? Over the years, I had piled up debt and borrowed from everyone I knew. Friends would avoid me at sight. Luckily, there was the internet, and I could take out online loans…

“I borrowed 80,000 yuan, rented a luxury car with roses, and excitedly drove to her office to give her the ring. But what did I see? I burst into her studio, only to find her sitting in her boss’s arms. That’s what she meant by being ‘busy…’”

Tang Tang clicked her tongue. Su Hongdou turned, her expression dark.

“She saw me but wasn’t flustered. Calmly, she called me aside and said plainly: ‘Let’s break up. I need resources you can’t provide. I know you love me; it hasn’t been easy for you all these years. So, name your price—how much for your silence?’

“I didn’t speak. Frozen, I stood there. After a moment, she walked off in impatience.

“When I got home, my phone buzzed with her message: ‘Is 3 million enough?’”

Tang Tang fell silent. On the other side, Su Hongdou clenched her fists.

“Three million… sigh. Honestly, to keep me quiet, she didn’t need three million. One jump into the river would have been enough.” Shen Baizhou forced a bitter smile.

“So, at the end of the story, as someone who still believed in love, I saved her the last 3 million.”

“You… committed suicide?” Tang Tang widened her eyes.

“Yes, I jumped off a bridge. But I was lucky—a passing lifeguard from a cruise ship rescued me immediately.” Shen Baizhou’s bitter smile carried self-mockery. “After some recovery, I could pull three suitcases by myself again.”

“But in a sense, I really was dead—at least the Shen Baizhou who believed in love was dead.”

“So you’re never going to date again?” Tang Tang asked.

“One lifetime as a pure-love warrior is enough. Isn’t it nice to walk, play with a cat, or play games? Why hurt yourself over love?” Shen Baizhou shook his head. “I dated for ten years, nearly ending up in the morgue—haven’t I had enough? Miss Tang, I know you misunderstand me. You might think that a poor guy approaching rich girls is just climbing, sucking up, or chasing resources. But we aren’t like that. At least, I’m not. Money matters, but I have things more important than money. Otherwise, why didn’t I just extort more from her?

“I’m poor. Sure, my knockoff shoes clash with this luxurious villa, but I have something more valuable than shoes—dignity. I’m here because I’m in a bit of trouble—no place to stay, only 200 yuan left. But that’s not a big deal. Everyone faces difficulties; the sun rises again. Four days later, when I get Hongdou’s 350,000 yuan payment, the sun rises, and luck comes. After that, you won’t see me—or my suitcases—here again.”

The living room fell silent.

After a while, Tang Tang frowned and shook her head. “The story is touching, but I don’t believe it happened to you. Shen Baizhou, you’re not the kind of person who would fly into a flame like that.”

“Oh?”

“Simple. You’re handsome and articulate. This story would suit a clumsy, awkward guy, not someone with your charm. So it’s fictional, even if it sounds real. You’re smart, trying to gain sympathy—but sorry, a heartache story doesn’t fit a face like yours.”

That’s stereotypes, Shen Baizhou thought, sighing. Honestly, he sometimes wondered how someone so handsome could have such a disastrous love life. But it was true… People assume rich kids are arrogant and handsome guys are playboys. Yet the world does have kind, genuine rich girls like Su Hongdou, and devoted, passionate men like his former self—where’s the logic in that? There isn’t one. So, he left. The night was too short to waste on arguing with Tang Tang.

“Give me the cat,” he said, lifting three suitcases. “I’m leaving.”

“No.” Su Hongdou, who hadn’t spoken, suddenly said. Tang Tang looked at her in surprise.

She blocked the cat, resolute. “I like this cat. Baizhou, can you stay tonight?”

“Hongdou!” Tang Tang grabbed her. “You actually believe his story? He’s lying to you!”

“He isn’t,” Su Hongdou shook her head. “I can feel his sorrow.”

“You…” Tang Tang’s mouth fell open. Su Hongdou looked unfamiliar, standing firmly for the first time against Tang Tang.

“Tang Tang, it’s late. You should go,” she said calmly. “I won’t see you out.”