Qin Shaoze swung his fist again, but Zheng Kaiwen nimbly dodged and countered with a punch that struck Qin's chin.
Staggering back a few steps, Qin fell to the ground.
Fuming with anger and embarrassment, he scrambled to his feet, ready to strike again.
Li Xunwan cried out, "Stop! Don't fight anymore!"
She rushed forward, positioning herself in front of Zheng Kaiwen.
Seeing Li Xunwan protecting Zheng, Qin's fury intensified. "Li Xunwan, are you really defending him?"
"I’m not! I just don’t want to see you two fighting," Li Xunwan sobbed.
Qin sneered, "Stop pretending! You clearly like him!"
He grabbed Li Xunwan's arm and pulled her close.
"Li Xunwan, let me tell you, you can only be mine!"
Zheng Kaiwen charged forward and shoved Qin aside. "Let her go!"
Qin stumbled from the push, nearly losing his balance.
Regaining his footing, he glared at Zheng Kaiwen. "You’re asking for trouble!"
He swung his fist at Zheng once more.
Zheng was undeterred, and the two began to grapple with each other.
Li Xunwan stood by, crying out in an attempt to stop them, but it was futile.
At that moment, Liu Sitian and several members of the drama club rushed over.
They quickly intervened and pulled the two apart.
"What are you doing? Have you all gone mad?"
Liu Sitian shouted loudly.
Zheng Kaiwen and Qin Shaoze were both panting, glaring at each other.
Li Xunwan ran to Liu Sitian in tears, "Sitian, take me away."
Liu Sitian supported Li Xunwan and left the rehearsal room.
Zheng Kaiwen watched Li Xunwan's departing figure, filled with pain and self-reproach.
He felt useless, unable to protect the woman he loved.
At the celebration banquet, the loud music and laughter of the crowd intertwined, creating a lively atmosphere.
Li Xunwan sat alone in a corner, holding a glass of champagne but not taking a sip.
She wore a fitted black dress that accentuated her curvy figure.
The curves of her chest were full and upright, her slender waist could be grasped with one hand, and her long legs peeked out from beneath the hem of her skirt.
Li Xunwan fiddled with the bracelet on her wrist, her gaze vacant and her thoughts drifting.
The noisy celebration contrasted sharply with the loneliness within her heart.
Qin Shaoze approached Li Xunwan with two glasses of red wine in hand, swaying slightly as he walked.
He offered one glass to Li Xunwan, "Xun Wan, congratulations on your successful performance."
Li Xunwan did not take the wine, looking at him coldly. "What do you want?"
Qin Shaoze smiled lightly, "Of course I'm here to congratulate you."
He placed the red wine on the table and then sat down next to Li Xunwan.
A strong scent of cologne mixed with the smell of alcohol wafted from him, making Li Xunwan feel somewhat uncomfortable.
"Li Xunwan," Qin Shaoze leaned closer to her, his tone suggestive, "let's start over."
Li Xunwan frowned in disgust. "Impossible."
Qin Shaoze was undeterred. "Why? Are you still hung up on that poor guy?"
He reached out to touch Li Xunwan's face.
At that moment, a hand blocked Qin Shaoze's.
Zheng Kaiwen stood in front of Li Xunwan, his gaze icy. "Stay away from her."
Zheng Kaiwen's white shirt clung tightly to his body, outlining his muscular physique.
He exuded a faint scent of laundry detergent, which sharply contrasted with the overpowering perfume of Qin Shaoze.
Qin Shaoze scoffed. "Who do you think you are? How dare you interfere in my business?"
Zheng Kaiwen grabbed Qin Shaoze by the collar. "I warn you, don’t come near her again."
His tone was cold, and his eyes were filled with a warning.
Qin Shaoze was momentarily intimidated by Zheng Kaiwen's presence and found himself at a loss for words.
He struggled to break free from Zheng Kaiwen's grip, but Zheng Kaiwen's hand held onto his collar like a vice.
Zheng Kaiwen pushed Qin Shaoze away and then turned to look at Li Xunwan.
His gaze was gentle and affectionate. "Li Xunwan, I..."
He took a deep breath, mustering his courage to say, "I like you."
Li Xunwan was taken aback; she never expected Zheng Kaiwen to confess so suddenly.
Her heart raced, and her cheeks flushed slightly.
Liu Sitian, standing nearby, excitedly covered her mouth, her eyes filled with enthusiasm.
She whispered to Li Xunwan, "Xun Wan, hurry and say yes!"
Li Xunwan looked into Zheng Kaiwen's sincere eyes, feeling a wave of emotion wash over her.
She gently nodded, "I... like you too."
A joyful smile spread across Zheng Kaiwen's face.
He pulled Li Xunwan into his arms, holding her tightly.
Around them erupted a chorus of enthusiastic applause.
Xie Qinghuan stood among the crowd, watching the two embrace, a glint of malice flickering in her eyes.
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