Du Yue didn't so much as glance at him. Slowly, her head dipped down, her shoulders curling forward as if weighed by an invisible burden. Her entire posture bent inward, like a fragile leaf wilting under pressure.
The moment seemed to stretch endlessly—closer, ever closer, until her forehead hovered just above the floor. Chen Ze sprang to his feet, but before he could intervene, the heavy door behind Du Yue burst open with a violent crash.
Backlit by the light from outside, the figure in the doorway remained indistinct, save for his tall silhouette and an aura of quiet refinement. Du Yue froze, confusion flickering across her face. Before she could gather her thoughts, the man strode directly toward her. With effortless grace, he reached out, wrapping one arm around her waist, and pulled her upright despite her resistance.
"Du Yue," he murmured, his voice soft yet unwavering, like the gentle ripples of a calm lake concealing a current of strength. "I'm sorry I'm late."
After two years, that familiar voice sent a jolt through her. Astonishment widened her eyes, disbelief rooting her to the spot.
"Gu Yian?" Her voice cracked, hoarse and trembling with emotion she couldn't contain.
Gu Yian paused, then gave a faint smile, nodding. "It's me, Du Yue. I've searched for you for so long. You've finally come back."
Her lashes fluttered shut, trembling against the weight of memories flooding her mind. Once, when she was still the proud Miss Du of the Du family, Gu Yian had been her childhood companion—a constant presence throughout her life. They'd shared laughter, secrets, and even a brief engagement. If not for Chen Ze's arrival, their families' plans might have bound them together forever. But it was Chen Ze who stole her heart—and broke Gu Yian's. She had turned him away, wounding him deeply, and in doing so, set off a chain of events that drove him far from home.
Now, standing here, regret clawed at her chest. Why hadn't she listened to her father? Why had she chosen Chen Ze, only to end up like this? Was any of it worth the pain she now endured?
Gu Yian patted her shoulder gently, offering what little comfort he could. Then, his gaze shifted forward, his expression softening but gaining a steely edge. His eyes swept over the gathered crowd, commanding silence before he spoke. "Apologize."
The room erupted in murmurs of outrage. How dare he demand such a thing? Yet no one dared challenge him openly—not with the power and influence Gu Yian wielded. Wang Siwei, however, couldn't contain his fury. The entertainment he'd found in humiliating Du Yue had been interrupted, and now he glared daggers at everyone else. "Who told Gu Yian about this?" he snarled, his grip tightening on his phone until it creaked in protest.
One person awkwardly snapped their phone shut, realizing too late the consequences of casually mentioning Du Yue in a group chat. He never imagined someone like Gu Yian, who usually kept distant from trivial matters, would take notice. Now, the situation had spiraled beyond control.
Seeing no response, Wang Siwei rounded on Du Yue, his tone venomous. "Gu Yian, you can't shield her just because you used to know her! You know exactly what kind of despicable things she's done. What harm is there in letting her kneel for once?"
Others quickly chimed in, emboldened by Wang Siwei's anger. "That's right, Gu Yian! Because of Du Yue, Shen Ya couldn't stay in Starlight City. And now, after everything's settled, she just waltzes back in like nothing happened. Where's the justice in that?"
"Evidence," Gu Yian said coolly, his voice cutting through the chaos like a blade. He tightened his hold on Du Yue, sensing her tremble. His face remained impassive, betraying none of the storm within. "If you claim she's guilty, prove it. Show me evidence that she was involved or aided in whatever crime you accuse her of. Otherwise…" His gaze hardened, sweeping over each face. "Apologize."
The room fell silent. No one moved, no one spoke. It was absurd—how could they possibly produce evidence? If they had anything concrete, Du Yue would already be rotting in prison, not standing here before them.
"Shen Ya herself admitted it!" Wang Siwei spat, his voice rising with desperation. "Do you honestly believe a kind girl like Shen Ya would lie to smear Du Yue's name? Besides, we all know how obsessed Du Yue was with Chen Ze back then. Isn't it obvious she wanted to ruin Shen Ya so she could have him for herself?"
His glare bore into Du Yue, filled with hatred sharp enough to pierce skin.