Chapter 1

Chapter 1

I took off the ring and held it out, but no one reached for it.

Li Xiuyi stared at me, his face dark with frustration.

The girl beside him clutched his arm, looking a bit lost and uncertain.

I sighed and placed the ring on a nearby table.

I reached out and grabbed the person closest to me.

It was Young Master Zhou, the youngest son of the Zhou Family, who always liked to follow Li Xiuyi around.

He looked at me blankly.

“What’s up, Sis?”

“Have you been drinking?” I asked.

“No.”

I tossed him my car keys.

“Drive me home.”

“You got it!”

I had only taken two steps when Li Xiuyi rushed down and grabbed my arm.

“Song Ling, what is the meaning of this?”

I rubbed my temples.

“Because a detail of our new product was leaked early, we had to scrap everything and start over. I worked through the night. After the morning meeting, I went to the neighboring city and only got back this afternoon. Then I went to pick up your gift. I originally intended to just say happy birthday and leave.”

I lifted my wrist to check the time. “It’s eight o’clock now. I have another meeting at ten, and a six a.m. flight to Paris tomorrow. Young Master, I’m too tired. I don’t have time to play games with you.”

Li Xiuyi stood there, frozen in a state of utter confusion.

I was truly exhausted.

My temples felt like they were being pierced by drills.

Without another word, I broke free from Li Xiuyi’s grip and walked away.

Young Master Zhou dropped me off at home.

As I got out of the car, I casually handed him the birthday gift I had prepared for Li Xiuyi.

It was a car key.

Li Xiuyi had wanted this car for a long time. I had gone to great lengths to acquire it.

Young Master Zhou gasped.

“You’re giving this to me?”

I gave a faint hum of affirmation. “Take the key and pick it up from the dealership yourself.”

“Thanks, Sis!”

This time, his gratitude was heartfelt.

“Sis, are you really breaking up with Li Xiuyi?”

“Yes. The engagement will be called off. If anyone asks, you don’t need to hide it.”

“Understood! Li Xiuyi really crossed the line this time. You should have taught him a lesson a long time ago.”

I smiled, waved him off, and headed inside.

After a shower, I forced myself to stay awake through the meeting.

The moment it ended, I didn’t even need a transition period; I collapsed onto the bed and fell fast asleep.

When my secretary opened the door to wake me the next morning, I was in a daze.

It felt as if I hadn’t slept at all, like I had only closed my eyes for a second.

My phone was flooded with unread messages and missed calls.

Some were curious about what was going on between me and Li Xiuyi.

Some were gossiping about whether I was actually breaking up with him.

Others were asking if I was okay.

Most shared the same sentiment as Young Master Zhou: they felt I should indeed give Li Xiuyi a lesson.

Everyone thought I was just throwing a tantrum.

After all, in their eyes, Song Ling was head over heels for Li Xiuyi-so in love that she had long since lost her sense of self-respect.