Chapter 2

I remained silent.

He gave a bitter laugh: "I knew it. You look down on me. Those occasional replies were just to string me along for my money. But Chloe, I'm not being materialistic. For people from humble backgrounds like me, we can't afford to make mistakes in love. I only want to spend my money on my future wife.

"I didn't want to make a scene like this, but I'm so hurt. If you had just kept talking to me these past two years, I would have considered the money spent on emotional fulfillment. Or if you had said directly that you weren't interested, I would have gracefully backed off. But you said nothing, letting me make a fool of myself!"

I felt a lump in my throat, hardly able to breathe.

I had met Gregory at Sophia's birthday party.

He got my contact info through Sophia and immediately started messaging me with greetings and small talk.

Good morning, good afternoon, good night - he never missed a beat.

At first, I wasn't sure of his intentions and didn't want to assume, so I politely replied to his messages.

After a week, he confessed: "Chloe, I fell for you the moment I saw you. I never believed in love at first sight before, but meeting you changed that. Will you give me a chance to spend our lives together?"

When I saw that message, I carefully considered my response before replying without hesitation: "I'm flattered by your interest, but I'm sorry - we're not compatible. I hope you find a better match."

That night, Sophia called me: "Chloe, did you reject Gregory?"

I answered while watching TV: "Yeah, I don't like the guy. No point in stringing him along, right? That wouldn't be fair."

Sophia sighed: "Chloe, how do you know you're not compatible if you haven't gotten to know him? Even if you want to reject him, you shouldn't be so blunt. He's been hurt before and struggles with depression. He's drunk right now and threatening suicide, saying he's worthless and no one will ever love him."

I was shocked that my rejection could drive someone to suicide.

"What should I do?" I asked anxiously.

She advised me: "You could reject him more gently. Reply to his messages occasionally, but be a bit cold. After a while, he'll get the hint and give up on his own."

After thinking it over, I agreed to her suggestion. My main concern was Gregory doing something drastic.

From then on, Gregory often messaged me about his life. I would occasionally reply with short messages or emojis.

Later, he started sending me money and red envelopes. I ignored them and never accepted the transfers.

The audience was outraged on Gregory's behalf.

"My god, this guy is such a doormat! Have some self-respect, man! This woman will bleed you and your whole family dry if you marry her!"

"The world is so unfair. Good men always get jerked around by awful women. I'm single too - maybe I should give you a chance?"

"If you like someone or not, just say it directly! Rip the bandaid off. I had a crush on a guy before, so I totally get how this feels."

"If she said it directly, how would she keep scamming money? Use your brain..."

I picked up the microphone to defend myself, only to find it had been muted.

I shook my head vigorously in frustration.

The host calmly said: "Ms. Chloe, please control your emotions. There's no need to get so agitated."

Gregory's lips trembled as he fought to control his emotions. He continued:

"Do you know what it's like to come home exhausted from work, only to wait desperately for a message from the girl you like?

"I know girls love bubble tea, so I'd scrimp and save to buy her drinks and send her money for gifts. But from morning till night, I'd wait and wait with no response. If my phone buzzed at midnight, I'd jump up hoping it was her message."

Then Gregory dropped another bombshell.

"Actually...we were at the point of getting to know each other seriously, almost ready to discuss marriage. But after she visited my home once, she became even colder towards me. I guess she looked down on how poor my family is."