Chapter 4

“Garbage belongs with garbage. That’s the only way to stay clean!”

Travis jumped in a panic. His tailored suit was now covered in dirt.

Vanessa was dumbfounded. She stared at me blankly for a moment before she finally reacted.

She began brushing the filth off Travis’ clothes while scolding me, “Stephen, are you out of your mind? You’re just jealous that Travis is more capable than you, so you’re deliberately targeting him!”

I shrugged and let out a cold smirk, “Quit with the self-delusions. I’m not jealous of a loser. And stop bossing me around. You’re not even worthy of it!”

Vanessa’s face flushed red with anger. She seemed ready to argue further, but I had already turned around and walked away casually.

I wandered along the path, trying to clear my mind. Before I knew it, I found myself in front of a small coffee shop.

I stared at the sign for a moment, then unconsciously went in and ordered a cup of coffee.

This was the place where Vanessa and I had first met.

Back in freshman year, a senior in our club was celebrating his birthday and invited the members for coffee.

I was from a rural background and my family was extremely poor. I was quiet, sensitive, and insecure. However, I did not want to kill the vibe, so I forced myself to go.

Everyone brought expensive gifts for the senior while I clutched my cloth bag tightly.

It contained a few jars of beef sauce my mother had made. Among all the fancy presents, my gift felt completely out of place.

I nervously took a sip of coffee and exclaimed, “Why is it so bitter?”

Instantly, laughter erupted around me. They mocked me for never having drunk coffee, calling me a country bumpkin.

Just as I felt utterly embarrassed, Vanessa stood up and added milk and sugar to my cup.

She even scolded those who were laughing at me, “What’s the big deal? Some people just don’t like black coffee. It’s a matter of taste.”

I realized she was speaking up for me, protecting my dignity.

When we left the coffee shop, she noticed the gift I had not given away and asked about it.

Embarrassed, I took out the jars of beef sauce. She did not mind at all. She even opened one and said it tasted great.

She explained the flavors of different types of coffee and asked if I liked the one I just drank.

Even with the milk and sugar, the coffee was still bitter, but inside, I felt warm.

I nodded and said it was good, not telling her the truth.

Later, I learned Vanessa was in the same major as me.

She came from the mountains and, through her hard work, got into this university. Perhaps because of our similar backgrounds, we developed a quiet bond and grew close.

Her confidence and composure drew me in like sunlight in the middle of a cold winter.

Over the days we spent together, I fell for her. I sank in deeper and deeper, unable to pull myself away.

I finally gathered the courage to confess during the university sports meet.

Yet, fate had other plans. Vanessa fainted on the track due to low blood sugar. I rushed her to the infirmary and handed her the candy I always carried. I then ran to the store to get her water.

By the time I returned, Travis had stolen the credit and even taken the opportunity to confess to her.

When I saw her face light up with happiness, I could only step back and support her as a friend.

Still, I never expected that Travis’ feelings for her were not genuine. It was not long before he broke up with her. He told her that his parents were abroad and that she was nothing more than a toy to him.