Chapter 18: Are You Really Going to Protect Him Like This?

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Gao Qian'an glared at him with a face full of anger. Shen Yuezhou was momentarily stunned, unable to believe it. In his understanding, Gao Qian'an had always been the elegant, gentle gentleman type. He never expected him to act so impulsively and strike him.

At that moment, Gao Qian'an bit his teeth and coldly spat out through clenched teeth, "Shen Yuezhou, you bastard, today I’m going to teach you a lesson for Xiaoyun!"

It turned out that when he returned from the restroom, he had caught sight of Shen Yuezhou immediately. Remembering the despicable things Shen Yuezhou had done to Shi Yun at the engagement ceremony, Gao Qian'an, who was fiercely protective, especially when it involved Shi Yun, completely lost his usual composure and restraint. All he wanted was to hit him hard!

Shen Yuezhou was not someone who would take a loss without retaliation. After a brief shock, a glint of cruelty flashed through his eyes. He raised his right fist high and smashed it toward Gao Qian'an’s face, "Gao Qian'an, stop meddling in things that aren’t your business."

Caught off guard, Gao Qian'an couldn’t dodge in time. The blow struck his head sharply to the side, instantly leaving a red mark on his face. He pressed his tongue against his cheek, pain flickering across his expression.

Everyone around was stunned by the sudden scene, exchanging surprised glances and whispering, wondering why these two seemingly refined men would suddenly come to blows.

Shi Yun, watching from afar as Shen Yuezhou’s fist landed heavily on Gao Qian'an’s cheek, paled and exclaimed, "Stop!"

She hurried over anxiously, pulling Gao Qian'an behind her and glaring fiercely at Shen Yuezhou, "Shen Yuezhou, have you lost your mind?"

Then she quickly turned, gripping Gao Qian'an’s arms and scanning him up and down with worry in her eyes. "Cousin, are you hurt anywhere?"

Gao Qian'an shook his head slightly, his gaze sharp as he stared at Shen Yuezhou. "Xiaoyun, I’m fine. Step aside—today I must teach him a lesson."

Seeing Shi Yun defending Gao Qian'an like this, Shen Yuezhou sneered coldly, "He started this."

Without another word, Gao Qian'an gently pulled Shi Yun aside, took off his gold-rimmed glasses, and strode quickly toward Shen Yuezhou, throwing a punch straight at his jaw. The dull thud echoed sharply.

"This is for you!"

Shen Yuezhou staggered back a step, steadied himself, then wiped the corner of his mouth with the back of his hand. Blood left a glaring red streak across his cheek.

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His eyes turned icy as he looked back at Gao Qian'an, a sneer curling his lips, full of disdain. Then, he swiftly counterattacked with a punch.

Just as his fist flew toward Gao Qian'an, Shi Yun suddenly stepped in front of him, glaring angrily. His punch froze mid-air. Looking at Shi Yun, his heart twisted painfully, a sourness rising to his nose.

The girl who once spoke softly to him now regarded him with such cold hostility.

Complex emotions flashed in his eyes—resentment, but more than that, jealousy and fury pierced by Shi Yun’s loyalty to Gao Qian'an.

His throat tightened and felt dry. After a long pause, he ground out, "Shi Yun, you’re really defending him this much?"

Shi Yun glanced at him coldly, "You brought this on yourself."

Ridiculous—if not for defending my cousin, would I be defending you?

What a joke!

After saying this, she, along with Jiang Zhiyu, hurriedly pulled Gao Qian'an away.

Just then, Shen Yuezhou’s friend Cheng Jun entered and saw the tense scene. He rushed forward, wide-eyed with surprise. "What’s going on here?"

Shen Yuezhou’s temple twitched visibly. He locked eyes with Gao Qian'an and spat harshly, "Gao Qian'an, this isn’t over!"

Cheng Jun quickly scanned Shi Yun and the others, then looked at Shen Yuezhou with disbelief. "No way? Gao Qian'an actually dared to hit you? Has that guy lost his mind or something?"

Shen Yuezhou clenched his jaw tightly, saying nothing. His face darkened ominously as he strode toward the exit.

Cheng Jun hesitated, then hurried to catch up, muttering, "Wait for me! What’s really going on here?"

Meanwhile, back at her seat, Shi Yun quickly called a waiter to bring an ice pack for Gao Qian'an. Seeing his brows furrowed in pain, she scolded him tenderly, "Cousin, look at how swollen you are. Why are you always so impulsive?"

Gao Qian'an smiled lightly, trying to soothe her gently, "Xiaoyun, don’t worry. I just can’t stand his behavior."

Thinking of Shen Yuezhou’s usual conduct, a flash of anger crossed Gao Qian'an’s eyes.

Taking advantage of Shi Yun’s affection, Shen Yuezhou had always been ambiguous about his feelings—neither confessing nor rejecting her kindness, and ultimately making her a laughingstock at the engagement party.

Not proactive, not rejecting, not responsible.

Typical scumbag behavior. What right does he have to win Xiaoyun’s affection?

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Thinking of this, Gao Qian'an’s fist clenched unconsciously.

Shi Yun opened her mouth as if to speak but hesitated, finally pressing her lips together and silently adjusting the ice pack.

Alright.

She knew her cousin only acted out of a desire to stand up for her.

Jiang Zhiyu crossed her arms and sneered, "Qian'an, you’ve really pissed Shen Yuezhou off this time. Look at his eyes—they’re like he’s ready to devour someone."

But she had to admit—

Seeing Shen Yuezhou get beaten up was downright satisfying!

Honestly, she never expected the usually gentle and polished Gao Qian'an to fight so decisively. The way he threw that punch was so handsome it was hard to look away.

Gao Qian'an snorted coldly. "I’m not afraid of him. If he dares to bully Xiaoyun again, I won’t let him off."

Shi Yun shook her head worriedly. "Cousin, I really don’t want you two to argue because of me. Let’s just end this here today."

Though she said it, she was still a bit afraid Shen Yuezhou wouldn’t let it go so easily.

Gao Qian'an lowered his head, silent for a moment. Then he looked up cautiously and whispered, "Xiaoyun, will you blame me?"

"Yes!" Shi Yun blurted out without hesitation, her face tinged with a hint of reproach.

Gao Qian'an’s eyes dimmed instantly.

Jiang Zhiyu laughed teasingly, "She’s just mad you didn’t protect that handsome face of yours properly. Look at it—swollen like a pig’s head."

Shi Yun looked softly at Gao Qian'an. "It’s because you didn’t take care of yourself. If you’re going to fight, at least try not to get hurt."

Jiang Zhiyu nodded in agreement. "Exactly! Come on, the food’s almost cold. Let’s eat."

Gao Qian'an smiled faintly. "This time it was a slip-up. Next time, I won’t even let him touch a finger of mine."

Shi Yun glanced at him and pressed the ice pack harder. "Next time?"

Caught off guard, Gao Qian'an gasped, "Xiaoyun, easy! That hurts, hurts, hurts..."