“Answer me. Are the things she accused you of true?” Gavin released Jaden’s hand. He stepped back and leveled Jaden with a grave expression.

Gavin continued, “When you first pursued her, it wasn’t really because you liked her that much, right? Josie may seem naive, but she’s actually smarter than anyone. Her decision not to accept you was the right one.”

Jaden opened his mouth but said nothing, fully aware that everything Josie had said was true. He had not pursued her out of genuine affection at the beginning.

It turns out that she had known everything.

Jaden felt utterly defeated. He pulled his hair with both hands and crouched dejectedly by the roadside.

He regretted everything.

Gavin just found it ironic and let out a cold laugh. “It doesn’t matter what you think. This school competition made me realize that the team’s achievements over the past few years were a direct result of Josie!”

“And yet, if you think carefully, it’s hard to tell what she has gained after all these years. An undernourished body, chronic sleep deprivation, or a meager bonus?” Gavin continued.

Jaden suddenly looked up and said, “What are you talking about? She never missed out on any of the bonuses. Compared to the few dollars she received every month for living expenses when she first entered university, the bonuses she receives now are substantial.”

“Have you forgotten the gifts she gave us?” Gavin, visibly embarrassed, raised his hand to touch his nose. “Over the years, I’ve borrowed quite a lot from her myself. She probably doesn’t have much money left.”

“Look at her, she doesn’t even have a single decent piece of clothing, and eats the cheapest meal options,” Gavin’s voice dripped with guilt.

“The last time you asked me for money, was it to pay her back?” Jaden had never known about this. A trace of disdain flickered in his eyes.

“How can you ask her for money? She is just a young girl!” Jaden raised his voice.

“You have no right to criticize me!” Gavin clicked his tongue, raised his hand, and pointed at Jaden.

“Ask yourself honestly. Have you truly treated her as a young girl in the past few years?”

Gavin grimaced. “We are the ones who have wronged Josie…”

Although he deeply regretted it, there was no turning back for him now.

He had grown accustomed to a life of luxury and wealth and had various bad habits coupled with a tendency to spend money extravagantly. Currently, the amount he owes Natalie is significantly greater than what he owed Josie.

Gavin patted Jaden on the shoulder and said, “Forget it. Let’s go back. Don’t forget, we are now on opposing sides with her.”

Jaden was unwilling to accept that there was no going back to how things used to be. He realized that he truly liked Josie. He liked her so much that he could not bear the thought of anyone else having her.

He had only become aware of this the moment he saw Ian. The deep-seated resentment, regret, and self-reproach he had felt then had nearly suffocated him.

Jaden turned and walked out of the school. “I’m going to the bar. Would you like to come with me?”

“I won’t use alcohol to numb myself right now. You can go by yourself!” Gavin rejected.

Jaden let out a quiet snort and walked away without looking back.

At the very moment he left, Natalie, who had been following the two of them, took out her phone and made a call.

Inside the restaurant, Josie sat between Adeline and Ian.

“Are you alright?” Ian poured a glass of water for Josie. “What is going on with Jaden?”

Josie expressed her thanks and said, “It’s nothing. He pursued me before, but I turned him down. He probably saw you carrying my bag and misunderstood. Now I guess he’s just unwilling to let it go?”

“This is simply baffling,” Ian looked at a loss whether to laugh or cry. “I just did it in passing, and since your bag is really heavy, isn’t it perfectly normal for me to help you carry it?”

Josie smiled, “Hmm, I guess his heart couldn’t take it!”

“Ha, you really are quite interesting!” Without giving it much thought, Ian picked some food for Josie when the dishes were served.

He genuinely thinks this junior of his was quite fun.

They ate until the city lights began to illuminate the evening. On the way back to the dormitory, Adeline, a little tipsy, pulled Josie along, running and jumping.