Outside the premises of Jinghua University, students were walking about, strolling and chatting through the cold night. At the center of attention was a Ferrari 488 GTB parked before them.
The supercar was the definition of opulence! It was as red as Wang Xinyu's hair and sculptured to perfection. It was a symbol of wealth, status, and the kind of car that commanded attention from everyone.
The car belonged to no one other than Li Wei, the president of the student council, and the campus's golden boy.
The students whispered amongst themselves, some envious, others indifferent, but all acknowledged the machine's allure. Their murmur swelled when Li Wei walked out of the school building with Wang Xinyu's hand in his palm.
Wang Xinyu was dressed in a beautiful gown for a romantic date, but her face was lowered, and she didn't look happy. Li Wei, on the other hand, was smiling with pride for stealing another man's girl tonight. He led her to his Ferrari, soaking in the stares from everyone.
"Wait, isn't that Wang Xinyu with Li Wei? They used to always hang out with Chen Xuan. What happened?"
"You didn't hear? Chen Xuan's been such a loser lately. Wang Xinyu must be sick of him. I mean, who wouldn't want to be with Li Wei? He's got money, looks, and he's got that car."
"No way, she's really with him? I thought they were just friends. I mean, Chen Xuan and Wang Xinyu were practically inseparable. But now, Li Wei? Isn't that a slap in the face for Brother Xuan?"
"It's official, man. She's probably already broken up with him. Chen Xuan doesn't even compare. Look at that car, look at Li Wei's confidence. He's definitely got her now!"
Wang Xinyu had not, in fact, broken up with Chen Xuan. This was why she felt guilty as Li Wei opened the passenger door for her and she entered the car.
Wang Xinyu had many chances to break up with Chen Xuan, but she couldn't bring herself to do it. Maybe it was because she still had some lingering feelings for him as the cute, poor, but hardworking boyfriend.
Taking a deep breath, Wang Xinyu reminded herself that what she was doing was right.
This made her feel secure, like a pampered damsel she was. She was to be treated like a queen and not to be someone else's financial sponsor.
Li Wei tried the ignition, but the car didn't turn on. He tried three more times, but the engine didn't come to life. The staring crowd began to snicker. How funny it would be for Li Wei's million-dollar car to break down ahead of their date.
"What's wrong?" Wang Xinyu asked in a soft voice.
"It must be the rain earlier," Li Wei muttered angrily as he tried again.
"Heh, did Li Wei's million-dollar supercar just die?"
"Is this an omen? Maybe Wang Xinyu shouldn't have gotten in!"
"Tsk, how embarrassing! The great Li Wei can't even start his car!"
After further attempts, Li Wei gave up and picked up his phone. It was an iPhone, the latest, most flashy model. "Don't worry, Wang Xinyu, I'll have this fixed in no time."
He dialed the number of Qinglong Auto Repair, the closest mechanic shop to the campus and Chen Xuan's workplace. "Bring your best guys over. My Ferrari won't start!"
The Chief Head Mechanic responded enthusiastically from the other end and assured Li Wei they'd be there in no time. Li Wei was happy to hear that, but he was also enraged by the gossip that had been backhanded at him. He wanted to change it fast before his figure got stained.
Realizing he was alone in his car with Wang Xinyu, Li Wei felt satisfied. He had always wanted this the very moment he laid his eyes on Wang Xinyu holding hands with Chen Xuan.
~~~~~~~
Back in the workshop, Chen Xuan was delighted to receive the news of a broken-down car at Jinghua University. The Chief Head Engineer immediately ordered him to tag along.
"This customer sounds wealthy. You might get a hefty tip," he said, believing rich folks often pitied poor-looking mechanics and tipped them generously.
Chen Xuan was relieved. He had already spent half of his savings on the dumb necklace, with almost nothing left in his pocket.
"This job might save me from starving tonight," he thought as he followed the team into the pickup truck, the rusty old vehicle rumbling to life as they set off toward the university.