Chapter 12: Three Days Apart and the Transformation Is Complete!

As Sun Fatty’s voice grew louder while reading the newspaper, the private room fell into complete silence, everyone immersed in the story.

One had to admire the power of good publicity writing!

It made people feel as if they were floating on clouds, almost transcendent.

When Sun Fatty read the correspondent’s name, Du Xi, Tang Ye silently marveled at her skillful prose. With her polishing and embellishment, the article’s image was no longer just himself but a model worthy of everyone’s respect and emulation—more perfect and imposing.

“Tang Seng, you don’t show your true self, huh? You actually made it into the Provincial Public Security Gazette,” Sun Hai instinctively patted Tang Ye on the shoulder.

His hand was heavy, and Tang Ye, whose stitches hadn’t yet healed, immediately felt the pain.

Tang Ye gasped sharply.

Sun Hai quickly apologized, “Sorry, I forgot you were injured.”

Enduring the pain, Tang Ye forced a smile and explained, “It’s not that exaggerated. Du Xi’s writing is excellent; she made it sound amazing. She’s really cut out for publicity work.”

For some reason, Du Xi’s eyes were red. “I often submit pieces to the Public Security Gazette; usually they’re just small snippets. But this time, they published a full page because the material was solid and in-depth. The leadership highly approved it. Tang Ye, you’re amazing—I have to learn from you!”

Sun Hai threw an arm around Tang Ye’s shoulder. “Never thought a hero was right beside us. You’re something else!”

The other classmates also cast approving glances toward Tang Ye.

As for Shao Jinbo, he looked on wistfully, watching Tang Ye take his place as the center of attention, feeling rather bitter inside.

How did Tang Ye get so lucky? Barely arrived in Pinghu Town and already making achievements and getting into the paper!?

Shao Jinbo had intended to show off the news of his impending promotion to deputy section chief at the reunion, but Tang Ye’s remark about the announcement still being public forced him to swallow his words.

He certainly didn’t expect Du Xi to directly produce a news article, which completely shattered his mindset.

Xiao Hui noticed the disappointment in her fiancé’s eyes and didn’t know how to comfort him.

Her heart fluttered uneasily, especially seeing Du Xi so close to Tang Ye—it felt like a silent betrayal.

Shao Jinbo touched Xiao Hui’s arm. “Looks like Du Xi and Tang Ye have taken a liking to each other.”

Xiao Hui responded with a matter-of-fact tone, “Old leftover men and women naturally attract each other. What’s so surprising?”

Shao Jinbo curled his lip. “Du Xi is your best friend, yet she’s picking up what you discarded. Don’t you find that disgusting?”

Xiao Hui paused, then shot Shao Jinbo a sharp look. “Once again, I’m telling you, I have nothing to do with Tang Ye.”

Her delicate face turned cold as she rose and headed to the restroom.

Shao Jinbo vented his frustration on Xiao Hui and felt somewhat relieved.

He glanced secretly at Du Xi, unable to help but marvel at her transformation.

Her round, smooth oval face was rosy, lips cherry-red, a beauty mark at the corner of her eye that added a touch of charm.

Her figure was tall and slender, clearly shaped by good athletic habits. Her glossy black hair was simply tied at the nape, revealing a long neck and defined collarbones; yet her brow carried a professional vigor, giving her a clean, healthy, and sunny aura.

At that moment, his fiancée seemed somewhat overshadowed.

Most notably, Du Xi’s attention was solely on Tang Ye.

His heart sank deeply.

After dinner, they moved on to the karaoke bar.

At the karaoke, Tang Ye sat quietly in the corner, just listening.

After singing “Fruits of Midsummer,” Du Xi sat beside Tang Ye and asked, “Why don’t you pick a song?”

Tang Ye smiled, “I’m tone-deaf. No need to embarrass myself.”

Du Xi looked unconvinced. “Don’t be modest. I’ll pick one for you.”

Seeing Du Xi stand, Tang Ye hurriedly grabbed her arm.

Du Xi felt as if her breath had stopped, her cheeks flushed.

Pulled down to sit, her heart pounded wildly…

The dim light in the room concealed her burning face; no one knew of this little moment between her and Tang Ye.

Seeing Du Xi suddenly fall silent, Tang Ye realized his gesture might have been too forward and patiently explained, “There are so many people and only two microphones; one is hogged by the mic master. Let’s not crowd the stage.”

Du Xi suddenly said, “You not only have amnesia but you’re a liar!”

Tang Ye was puzzled. “Why?”

Du Xi’s grape-like eyes glistened with a smile.

“Saying you’re tone-deaf—that’s a lie, isn’t it?”

Tang Ye noticed Du Xi’s serious side.

He recalled how, back in school, she always liked to challenge herself. When she couldn’t remember some part of her recitation, she’d mutter repeatedly.

Looks may change, but character and habits are hard to alter.

Tang Ye scratched his head. “That’s just modesty. I’m actually okay at singing, especially revolutionary songs. My signature is ‘Embroidering the Red Flag.’ Today, I’ll leave the stage to others.”

Du Xi impulsively said, “Next time when it’s just the two of us… you have to sing. I want to see if you’re bluffing!”

After speaking, she felt a little regretful. Had she been too forward?

But then she thought, inviting classmates to sing was no big deal; no need to overthink it.

“All right, when it’s fewer people, I’m all in,” Tang Ye replied casually.

Xiao Hui finished her song and received applause.

She saw Tang Ye and Du Xi whispering in the corner, shutting out the rest of the world.

Her fingers tightened unconsciously around the microphone.

The singing session ended.

Shao Jinbo drove his father’s car and could offer a ride to two others.

Xiao Hui asked Du Xi, “Want to leave together? Shao Jinbo’s driving and can take you home.”

Du Xi shook her head. “I’m taking a taxi with Tang Ye and Sun Hai.”

Xiao Hui was about to persuade her when Sun Hai hailed a taxi nearby and waved at Du Xi.

Du Xi smiled, said goodbye to Xiao Hui, and walked briskly away.

Sun Hai sat in the front passenger seat.

Du Xi got into the back seat first, followed closely by Tang Ye.

Shao Jinbo stood beside the car, feeling deeply resentful.

His attempt to show off failed again; his eyes betrayed his frustration.

“It’s just that he helped the police solve a case—a little man rising to power!”

Xiao Hui sensed the strong jealousy emanating from Shao Jinbo.

“Du Xi’s family is well-off. Last time, they arranged a match for her with a high-level returnee talent. Tang Ye’s conditions are decent but can’t compare to the matchmaker’s choice. Du Xi is pretty stubborn; once she fixates on something or someone, she gets stuck. I warned her not to get too involved just because of a reunion!”

Shao Jinbo spat on the ground in disdain.

“That’s her blindness! As her best friend, you’ve done your part by warning her!”

Xiao Hui frowned reflexively. “Why don’t you want the best for others?”

Human nature is like that: when you can’t have something, you want to see it destroyed.

Shao Jinbo wished Du Xi would make a wrong choice and regret it deeply.

He got into the car and impatiently called out to Xiao Hui, “Get in quickly.”

Xiao Hui felt melancholy.

Since the engagement, Shao Jinbo had changed a lot. Not only did he boss her around, but today he treated her like a scapegoat several times.