Chapter Three: Breaking Off the Engagement

Wang Ying’s expression changed dramatically. She clearly hadn’t expected Zhao Fan to know about all this. In her memory, this was the first time Zhao Fan had ever raised his voice at her. He used to be so obedient and gentle, always indulging her every whim—how had he become a different person overnight?

Seeing Zhao Fan’s resolute attitude, which showed no sign of pretence, Wang Ying’s gaze shifted and her tone softened, taking on a coquettish lilt. “Zhao Fan, I didn’t mean to hide it from you. If you’re upset about this, let me apologize, all right?”

As she spoke, she began to shed tears, looking pitiful and vulnerable. “Xiao Qiang is my only brother. I can’t just watch while someone breaks his legs and ruins his future. Since you already know, can’t you help me? I really need those two hundred thousand. I shouldn’t have said what I did earlier, please don’t be angry.”

“How much do you have right now? Can you give me that first? You can try to find a way for the rest. If it comes to the worst... we could sell this apartment, couldn’t we?”

Wang Ying began calculating cheerfully. “Even though this place is secondhand, the renovations are all new, and the location is decent. It should fetch a good price—getting two hundred thousand shouldn’t be a problem.”

At her words, Zhao Fan’s expression grew odd. He hadn’t expected Wang Ying’s shamelessness to reach such heights.

“This apartment was bought for me by my parents for our marriage. It has nothing to do with you. And as for your brother’s problems, why should I take responsibility?”

Wang Qiang, Wang Ying’s brother, was a hopeless case—drinking, gambling, frequenting brothels, always finding ways to break the law but never walking a straight path. In his last life, Zhao Fan had spent at least tens of thousands cleaning up after Wang Qiang’s messes.

Did they really expect him to play the fool again in this life? Dream on!

“How can you say that, Zhao Fan? You’re my boyfriend, and isn’t my brother your brother too? How can you be so heartless?”

Zhao Fan replied mercilessly, “I’ve made myself clear. I can’t afford this marriage, and I don’t want it. Wang Ying, I owe you nothing. From now on, you go your way and I’ll go mine. Don’t bother me with your family’s troubles again. We’re finished!”

Wang Ying was stunned—she’d never imagined Zhao Fan could be so ruthless.

“Fine, Zhao Fan! You think I care about you? Let’s break up then! Don’t come crawling back to me later, begging for a second chance!”

Biting her lip with hatred, tears streaming down her face, Wang Ying turned and ran off.

Zhao Fan didn’t spare her another glance. He went inside, shut the door, and took out paper and pen. Brow furrowed, he began to write and sketch.

He was jotting down every money-making opportunity he could remember—this thin sheet of paper was soon filled with the course of the coming years: the development of the stock market, the trajectory of real estate prices and the cost of living in his city, economic shifts. He even marked off which areas would be designated as economic development zones.

Looking at the densely-packed notes, Zhao Fan’s heart surged with excitement. This was more than just a piece of paper—it was a fortune beyond measure.

The next morning, as soon as Zhao Fan got up, someone began pounding violently on his door.

“Zhao Fan! Get out here right now!”

He got up and opened the door. Standing outside were Wang Ying’s mother, Liu Meiyun, and her brother, Wang Qiang.

Wang Qiang stormed up, face twisted in anger, and grabbed Zhao Fan by the collar. “What the hell did you say to my sister? She’s been crying since she got home yesterday—did you do something to hurt her?”

Liu Meiyun was equally aggressive. “You’re not leaving this house today until we get an explanation! Where’s the two hundred thousand betrothal gift you promised? You think you can marry my daughter without money? Keep dreaming!”

Zhao Fan shoved Wang Qiang away, straightened his collar, and gave a cold, mocking laugh.

He hadn’t even gone after the Wang family yet—and here they were, bold enough to barge in and make demands.

“I’ve broken up with Wang Ying. Your daughter is more than I can afford.”