From Simp to National Heartthrob - Chapter 10:

Chapter 10: Enemies Cross Paths

After Zhou Meng received Zhao Mingda’s call, she accepted the transfer.

Though furious inside, she quickly came to terms with it. Chen Yi’s background couldn’t even compare to Zhao Mingda’s, and her anger gradually subsided.

She knew men always wanted what they couldn’t have—that’s why she had strung Chen Yi along for so many years.

They had been together for three years, and she never once let him touch her. Deep down, she believed someone like Chen Yi—a complete loser—wasn’t worthy of her.

What she wanted was his kindness, nothing more.

She never expected that even after she took the initiative to seek him out, that pathetic man would act so high and mighty.

He should really look in the mirror and see himself for what he was.

Just thinking about it reignited her fury.

If it weren’t for the fact that she hadn’t found a better option during those three years, she would’ve dumped that loser long ago.

Now, as long as she could marry into the Zhao family, she refused to believe Zhao Mingda wouldn’t obediently hand over his money.

Zhou Meng soaked in a hot bath and dressed up carefully.

After everything was in place, Zhao Mingda called again.

Looking at her reflection in the mirror, with her looks and figure, she was confident she’d marry into a wealthy family one day.

A mere 50,000 yuan was nothing to a family worth over a billion.

A charming, radiant smile bloomed on her lips as she picked up her handbag and left her room.

Downstairs, she saw Zhao Mingda’s Porsche—worth over a million yuan—parked right outside the complex.

Her vanity was instantly satisfied.

After all, whenever Chen Yi took her out, it was always by taxi.

They’d barely been to any upscale restaurants. Most of the time, she preferred going with her besties than dragging him along.

Luxury car? The clothes Chen Yi wore from head to toe didn’t even add up to 500 yuan. With that body and face, bringing him out was simply embarrassing.

Yet Zhao Mingda’s custom suit alone cost more than what Chen Yi would make after months of starving himself.

“Have you been waiting long?” Zhou Meng looked affectionately at the handsome and stylish Zhao Mingda. Only a man like this deserved her.

“Mengmeng, you’re different from other women—you’re always on time.”

“I don’t like wasting time. A man’s time is more valuable than a woman’s,” Zhou Meng said with a sweet smile. The key to controlling a man was being different from the rest.

Of course, someone like Chen Yi was a different story.

Making him wait was his privilege.

…

At the dining table, Chen Yi suddenly sneezed. He looked at the time, quickly cleared the dishes, and went downstairs.

He had to keep exercising. Time was tight. Two hours of workout could earn him 10,000 yuan—he wasn’t about to miss out on free money.

Barely half an hour into his jog, he passed a traffic light and noticed a luxury car parked in front of a high-end restaurant.

Zhao Mingda stepped out from the driver’s seat, then walked around to open the passenger door.

Zhou Meng stepped out, wearing a tight Chanel mini dress and exquisite makeup. She looked fresh, pure, and beautiful.

Chen Yi sneered inwardly.

Just yesterday, Zhou Meng came begging to get back together. Now she was clinging to Zhao Mingda?

He must’ve been blind before, to fall for a woman so shameless and greedy for vanity.

Zhao Mingda and Zhou Meng also noticed Chen Yi jogging toward them in his cheap workout clothes.

More importantly, his slightly plump figure stood out. Seeing him drenched in sweat, Zhao Mingda smirked with disdain. He adjusted his sleeve and led Zhou Meng over.

“Chen Yi, are you out running to lose weight?” Zhao Mingda looked him up and down, frowning. “You’re running so hard, but you’re still this fat? If you’re that big, maybe you shouldn’t be out running at all. Just standing there, you count as two people! You’re ruining the city’s image. No matter how much you struggle, someone like you can’t change. It’s a waste of effort!”

A flash of anger flickered in Chen Yi’s eyes, but it vanished quickly. Instead, he smiled coldly and stared at Zhao Mingda as he said, unhurriedly, “Some people only know how to think with their lower body. What else are they good for? You’re just a breeding stud. Don’t think you’re impressive just because you’ve got a bit of dirty money. Isn’t your family fortune made from recycling trash?”

Then he casually glanced at Zhou Meng.

Zhou Meng wasn’t stupid—she immediately understood the implication. He was insulting her, calling her garbage right to her face.

Her fair face instantly flushed red. Normally, she would’ve stormed up and slapped Chen Yi without hesitation.

But today, Zhao Mingda was by her side. She couldn’t let him see her fly into a rage.

All she could do was hold Zhao Mingda’s hand tightly, eyes brimming with restrained tears, playing the pitiful card. Her voice trembled as she said, “Chen Yi, Mingda was just trying to be nice. Why are you so angry? I know you still resent me for our breakup.”

Chen Yi scoffed, looking at her with pure contempt and disgust. “I’m not a trash can. I don’t take back discarded goods.”

“You bastard, what did you just say!” Zhao Mingda exploded with rage. He clenched his fist and swung it at Chen Yi’s face.

Chen Yi’s gaze turned cold. He silently cursed—when words failed, people like this resorted to violence. Shameless.

He sidestepped nimbly, dodging the punch with ease.

Zhou Meng was startled. She’d expected Chen Yi to take the hit, but he dodged it so quickly it felt unreal.

Zhao Mingda had swung too hard and missed entirely, stumbling forward several steps before regaining his balance.

The scene drew laughter from bystanders.

Standing firm again, Zhao Mingda glared at Chen Yi, who looked completely calm, and clenched his fists once more.

Seeing the murderous look in Zhao Mingda’s eyes, Chen Yi sighed and shook his head, “You’re not my match.”

Those provocative words ignited even more fury in Zhao Mingda’s heart.

He had trained at a boxing gym. If he couldn’t beat a loser like Chen Yi, it would be the ultimate humiliation.

Today, he had to beat Chen Yi until he begged on his knees for forgiveness.

Zhao Mingda charged again. But this time, Chen Yi didn’t dodge.

He grabbed Zhao Mingda’s arm, twisted it around, and slammed him to the ground. Then he dropped one knee on his back and locked his neck with the other hand.

Against absolute strength, Zhao Mingda was no more than a lamb waiting for slaughter.

“Chen Yi, let go!” Zhou Meng cried out as she saw Zhao Mingda pinned to the ground. She rushed forward and shouted angrily.

Chen Yi gave her a mocking glance and then released him. “With those skills? Don’t go showing off next time. You’re just embarrassing yourself.”