Chapter 204: Chapter 204 Breakup Chapter 204: Chapter 204 Breakup “We know we haven’t broken up, but have just transitioned into a clandestine relationship,” he said.

Watching Yixue’s demeanor, Li Jingming felt some heartache, but there were things he needed to say, “Even the fact that I’ve been helping you with your tuition and living expenses lately she knows all about.”

After receiving Li Jingming’s response, Yixue, who had been holding onto Li Jingming’s hand, now seemed to lose all her strength as her grip slowly loosened.

“So what are you saying now?”, Yixue’s voice became hoarse, as if she were squeezing the words out from her throat.

Although she asked this, she was already prepared for the answer, afraid it wouldn’t be good.

“Xiao Xue, I…” Li Jingming felt as if something was stuck in his throat. Words that had reached his lips were hard to speak, but finally, biting his teeth, he continued, “I think it would be better for us to separate for a while.”

Though he said for a while, the implication was clear– he wanted to break up.

A few days ago, his mother had already found out about him and Yixue, and also that he had spent quite a bit of money on her. Because of this, his mother was furious and strongly demanded that they must break up. Otherwise, she would take the matter to his father.

He had been hesitant these last few days, but today, seeing Yixue kneel down and apologize to Zhong Niangyao, he recalled what his mother had said.

After scolding him, his mother had sternly asked, “Li Jingming, do you like Yixue because of who she is, or just because she’s your type? Think carefully, can you and Yixue really step into the future together?”

“It’s not that I look down on Yixue, but she really isn’t fit to stand by your side. Can you imagine, when you take Yixue out for social gatherings, how she would have nothing in common with the other ladies and could end up embarrassing you continuously?”

“You might say you don’t mind, but can you really remain indifferent every single time? Can you imagine all the people laughing at you when you bring her along?”

He hadn’t felt anything when he had first heard those words, but today, seeing Yixue kneel down to apologize, he finally understood what his mother meant. He really couldn’t be indifferent to other people’s opinions. He couldn’t even bear to think about what others would say if they knew Yixue was his girlfriend.

So, despite feeling pitiful for Yixue and still caring for her, he brought up a breakup at this moment.

Though she had been mentally prepared, hearing Li Jingming’s words, Yixue was still deeply hurt. She stared disbelievingly at Li Jingming as tears streamed down her face, “Jingming, how could you do this to me? I gave you everything, but now you’re abandoning me. I have nothing left but you. How could you be so cruel?”

She was truly devastated, but her feelings of worry and fear prevailed. One major reason she clung to Li Jingming was that he had been paying her tuition and part of her living expenses at Tenglong Academy. Without Li Jingming, even if she worked harder, she wouldn’t have enough money to continue her studies.

Facing Yixue’s tearful accusations, Li Jingming’s eyes dodged hers, “Xiao Xue, I’m sorry, but I really have no choice.”

After speaking, he took out a check from his pocket and handed it to her, “This is for your own good. If I insist on not breaking up, this matter might reach my father. What he might do then, I really don’t know.”

“I have nothing else left to help you with, but this money should be enough to cover your tuition for the next semester.”

After finishing, Li Jingming didn’t dare meet Yixue’s accusing gaze and turned to leave immediately.

Yixue didn’t call out to stop Li Jingming, for she knew that he had probably made up his mind about the breakup. Without any better plans, pestering him would only annoy him further.

So, all she could do was watch as Li Jingming walked away.

Once Li Jingming’s figure had completely vanished, Yixue picked up the check in her hand and glanced at it. When she saw the amount, she couldn’t help cursing internally about how stingy it was.

The check was only for three hundred thousand, barely covering one semester’s tuition.

While this solved the tuition issue, the fees and living expenses for continuing her studies were not trivial amounts.

During this holiday, she must work multiple jobs to make ends meet.

Thinking of her upcoming vacation spent in relentless work, Yixue felt annoyed.

Because her fees had been waived and she also received scholarships, she had traditionally spent her summers and winters comfortably, sometimes even traveling to relax. But now, she couldn’t even scrape together enough for next semester’s fees.

And it all traced back to Zhong Niangyao.

If Zhong Niangyao hadn’t insisted on joining her in the calligraphy competition, Yixue wouldn’t have impulsively switched their paintings. If Zhong Niangyao hadn’t exposed her publicly, she wouldn’t have received a disciplinary record and lost all benefits. If Zhong Niangyao hadn’t forced her to kneel and apologize, she wouldn’t have faced such disgrace and turned enemies with Chen Lianlian.

All because of Zhong Niangyao.

“Zhong Niangyao, Zhong Niangyao, you curse, it’s all your fault, I won’t let you get away with this, I absolutely won’t,” Yixue murmured continuously, trying to vent her inner hatred.

“Do you really hate her? Do you wish Zhong Niangyao dead? I can help you with that!”

Just then, an unexpected voice rang out, startling Yixue, who had been lost in thought. She snapped back to reality, sharply looked around, but found no one.

This made her feel a slight touch of fear.