Urban Villain: The Game of Wealth and Women

{Chapter: 88 Miss Yan, why should I treat you?}

Yan Ruyue felt deeply uncomfortable when Lin Yuan outright told her that everything he had achieved now had nothing to do with her.

She had always thought that the reason he could now sing so beautifully and play the piano so skillfully was all because of her—because of the past they shared.

"So… everything has nothing to do with me?" she asked, her voice laced with disbelief. "Then why did you sing for me and play the piano for me before?"

Yan Ruyue wasn't questioning his words—she could see from his expression and hear from his tone that he was speaking the truth. But even though she believed him, she didn't want to accept it.

Lin Yuan simply smiled. "Maybe because I liked Miss Yan before."

The original Lin Yuan—the one before everything changed—had done those foolish things because he was in love with her.

"Maybe… you liked me before?" Yan Ruyue murmured, her voice barely above a whisper.

She remembered now.

When Lin Yuan had sung and played the piano recently, there had been a perfect girl by his side. A girl with an ethereal beauty, flawless in every way—a true goddess.

Yet, despite that, she had still allowed herself to think—hope—that it had all been for her.

Or perhaps, she had just been too arrogant.

A faint blush crept onto her cheeks.

"What is your relationship with that girl?" she asked, unable to stop herself.

She hadn't even said the girl's name, but Lin Yuan knew immediately who she was referring to.

Chi Qian.

Instead of answering directly, Lin Yuan simply smiled. "My relationship with her?" He leaned back slightly. "Miss Yan, does that have anything to do with you?"

Yan Ruyue bit her lip. "I was your fiancée before. And… didn't you like me before?"

"Does being my former fiancée and someone I used to like mean I owe you an explanation about my personal life?" Lin Yuan asked, his tone light but distant. "Miss Yan, we have nothing to do with each other now, so I don't need to explain anything to you."

His next words struck her like a dagger in heart.

"In other words, anything that concerns me should no longer matter to you, Miss Yan."

Yan Ruyue's breath hitched.

Flustered, she hurriedly shook her head. "I—I'm sorry, I am so sorry, I didn't mean it that way! I was just… just curious about you and her!"

Lin Yuan raised an eyebrow. "Oh? Just curiosity? Not because you have feelings for me?"

Yan Ruyue's throat tightened.

She wasn't sure.

Her emotions had been in turmoil for days now.

She kept thinking about Lin Yuan, his image constantly surfacing in her mind.

But… hadn't she always believed she would hate men for the rest of her life?

She didn't understand her own feelings.

Lin Yuan continued, his voice calm but piercing. "Didn't we call off the engagement long ago? Didn't both sides agree? We should have nothing to do with each other now."

His gaze was unwavering as he looked at her.

"Besides," he continued, "Miss Yan, you were so tired of me before. Now, despite all my previous shortcomings, do you suddenly want me again? Have you already forgotten the freedom and dignity you used to pursue?"

Yan Ruyue felt something tighten painfully in her chest.

It was an indescribable sensation—like her heart was being gnawed on by countless tiny ants.

"I'm sorry," she said softly.

Lin Yuan tilted his head. "Why are you apologizing, Miss Yan?"

Yan Ruyue hesitated.

She lowered her head, her voice barely above a whisper.

"I'm sorry for how I treated you before. You were always so kind to me… but I didn't appreciate it. I took your kindness for granted. I was indifferent, cold… and I ignored your feelings."

It was a confession of regret, spoken as if she was repenting.

Even though the other people in the restaurant couldn't hear their conversation, it was clear from Yan Ruyue's posture and expression that she was humbling herself before Lin Yuan, while he remained indifferent.

Many of the men watching felt their hearts ache.

To see such a stunning beauty looking so vulnerable… and yet, Lin Yuan remained unmoved.

They wished they could trade places with him.

But none of them dared to interfere.

Lin Yuan suddenly asked, "Miss Yan, do you suffer from misandry?"

Yan Ruyue's head snapped up.

She looked at him in shock.

Lin Yuan continued, "Have you always felt disgusted by men? Not just emotionally, but physically?"

Yan Ruyue's eyes widened. "How… how do you know?"

"When you were younger," Lin Yuan said slowly, "did your father often abuse your mother? Did those experiences leave a deep scar in your heart?"

Yan Ruyue's breath caught.

Her fingers trembled slightly.

"How… how do you know that?" she asked in disbelief.

"Did my mother tell you?"

But she immediately shook her head.

"No… that's impossible. My mother would never tell anyone about this."

Lin Yuan simply smiled. "Have you forgotten my medical skills? I pieced it together from observing your mother while treating her recently."

Yan Ruyue stared at him, still in shock.

She had never told anyone about her past.

Only she and her mother knew about it.

But Lin Yuan had figured it out.

He leaned forward slightly. "You don't just hate men, do you? Deep down, you also crave the love and security of a father figure, don't you?"

Yan Ruyue's lips parted, but no words came out.

How could he know?

How could he see through her so easily?

She had buried those feelings so deeply that she had barely acknowledged them herself.

But Lin Yuan's words forced her to face the truth.

Her hands clenched into fists on her lap.

Lin Yuan continued, his voice gentle but firm. "Your condition isn't severe—it's mostly psychological."

Yan Ruyue swallowed hard.

"Not severe?" she echoed bitterly. "Then why… why do I feel like my mind is breaking? Lately, I've been so confused, so easily hurt… and I can't seem to control myself."

Lin Yuan smirked inwardly.

He was making things up, guiding her thoughts in a certain direction.

He suspected that the reason she was struggling was because of him—because of how their relationship had changed.

But he didn't let her realize that.

Instead, he led her to believe that it was entirely due to her past trauma.

And Yan Ruyue accepted it.

She clung to his explanation, desperate for a reason behind the pain she was feeling.

She took a shaky breath.

"If there's a way to treat it…" She bit her lip, then lifted her gaze to meet his.

"Lin Yuan… can you help me?"

Her voice was low, almost pleading.

"Your medical skills are incredible," she continued. "If there's a way… please, help me get better."

For the first time in her life, she was asking for someone else's help.

Lin Yuan leaned back, watching her with amusement.

"This condition isn't something that can be completely cured," he said lazily. "But… it can be managed."

Yan Ruyue's heart clenched.

She didn't want to keep feeling like this.

She didn't want to keep suffering.

She bit her lip and pleaded, "Then… can you help me manage it?"

Her voice trembled.

"Please?"

Seeing Yan Ruyue pleading continuously, Lin Yuan smiled and said lightly, "This illness is not curable, but it can be managed. It's just that, why should I treat you?"

*****

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