Chapter 24: In the End, the Childhood Sweetheart Lost to the Enigmatic Newcomer

“Oh? What were you discussing for so long?” Chen Luo walked over, and before he could sit down, You Liuhua immediately turned her head.

“Brother Luo, tell me, who exactly is this sister to you?” Her simple question was punctuated by three pauses, as if she had depleted all her courage, then she lifted her head, gazing at Chen Luo with hopeful eyes.

At that moment, Wen Wan stopped flipping through the blueprints, propped her chin on one hand, and looked up at Chen Luo as well.

“Oh, I forgot to introduce you. Here, Liuhua, this is my girlfriend. Hurry and call her ‘sister-in-law.’”

Chen Luo confessed his relationship with Wen Wan without the slightest hesitation, oblivious to the shift in atmosphere, and naturally took the seat beside Wen Wan.

Wen Wan covered her mouth and let out a gentle laugh. This little rascal—she adored him to pieces.

Meanwhile, You Liuhua, struck by his words as if hit by lightning, sat dazed in her chair with her head bowed.

How could this be? Weren’t they supposed to have only met a few days ago?

Could it be a lie? No, Brother Luo wouldn’t need to lie about something like this; he doesn’t even know I like him.

But—but I’ve accompanied Brother Luo the longest, I was there before anyone else.

Before, Brother Luo liked Tang Xiwei, but at least they weren’t boyfriend and girlfriend. But now, he already has a girlfriend, and she’s so mature and beautiful.

Do I really have no chance? It’s all my fault! Why didn’t I confess right after the college entrance exam?

Thinking this, Liuhua’s shoulders trembled, tears fell incessantly, soaking her skirt, but she clenched her teeth and refused to make a sound.

“Hmm? Liuhua? What’s wrong? Are you feeling unwell?” Chen Luo noticed something was off about her and hurried to check if she was sick.

“She might be suffering from heatstroke. Go to the pharmacy and get her some herbal cooling water,” Wen Wan interrupted, immediately urging Chen Luo to buy medicine. He suspected nothing and promptly rushed off.

“All right, Chen Luo’s gone. If you want to cry, let yourself cry out loud.”

“Wuu wuu wuu!” Liuhua lifted her head, now streaming with tears, frantically wiping her eyes.

“I don’t need your help! You stole my Brother Luo.”

Wen Wan handed her a tissue. “Here, wipe your tears. When you’re done, we’ll talk.”

Liuhua ignored the tissue and stopped sobbing, earnestly fixing her gaze on Wen Wan.

“Talk about what? About how you won first place?”

“I’ve liked him for six years and hadn’t even confessed yet, but you beat me to it!”

“Brother Luo’s never had a girlfriend before, he’s still a virgin. You’re the first, and now you can brag about your accomplishment to me!”

Wen Wan burst into laughter at Liuhua’s words. “Haha, you’re amusing. I didn’t intend to mock you, just to let you know—”

“I’ve liked him even longer than you.”

Liuhua froze at this. “What? Ten years? Ten years ago, Brother Luo was only nine! You monster!”

“Heh, does liking someone have an age limit? You’re not much better—twelve or thirteen at the time.”

At that, the two shared a sudden smile.

“Hahaha, true, we’re two of a kind.”

Liuhua took the tissue and wiped her tears, then raised her fist with solemn determination.

“Since Brother Luo has already fallen into your clutches, I won’t play the role of a meddling third party.”

“But remember this: don’t think just because you’re prettier, richer, and stronger than me, if you ever dare treat Brother Luo badly, I’ll fight you tooth and nail!”

Wen Wan nodded seriously. “Don’t worry, I treat him well.”

“Remember what I’m about to say. First, Brother Luo has never liked cilantro or garlic since he was little; when eating, you need to pick them out.”

Liuhua extended her fingers and counted as she spoke.

“Second, he loves drinking cola, but don’t let him have too much—it’s bad for his health.”

As Liuhua listed Chen Luo’s habits in detail, Wen Wan softly replied.

“You really do care about him.”

If she didn’t truly love him, she wouldn’t remember so many little things. This girl’s feelings for Chen Luo ran deep.

“Don’t interrupt, I’m not finished.”

“Third, he once suffered a head injury. Sometimes he sleeps for an entire day—never disturb him then.”

“And fourth…”

“Wait! What did you say? He was injured? When did that happen?” Wen Wan’s voice suddenly grew sharp as she grabbed Liuhua’s hand, visibly agitated.

Liuhua shrank under Wen Wan’s suddenly murderous gaze, and the intimidating aura she unwittingly radiated made Liuhua swallow nervously.

Who is this woman, really? How can a simple look from her feel so terrifying?

“Six—six years ago, on the roadside outside school, a motorcyclist struck his head with an iron bar.”

Wen Wan was clearly dissatisfied with such a vague answer and pressed on, “Be more specific. Don’t omit a single detail!”

Under her questioning, Liuhua recounted every aspect of that year’s incident, and Wen Wan grew more unsettled as she listened.

The entire assault didn’t resemble a random criminal’s revenge against the police, but rather a targeted murder attempt. Was the intended victim Chen Luo?

If so, could it be connected to those people in the Capital?

Wen Wan’s mind instantly drew a preliminary conclusion, and she reached for her phone to message Mo Lan.

Watching Wen Wan’s tense expression, Liuhua sensed instinctively that Wen Wan’s concern and affection for Chen Luo at least equaled her own.

“Hey, Wen Wan, let me tell you, from now on I’ll continue to treat Brother Luo well as a little sister, helping him achieve his goals. Of course, I won’t disrupt your rela