Chapter 1

Last life, I was utterly obsessed with Chloe, yet she treated me like her personal simp.

I even sacrificed my life to save her, only to hear her call me a "good dog" in return.

After my death, Blair, the yandere girl everyone steered clear of, cradled my lifeless body and sobbed for a day and a night.

Once she saw me laid to rest, she threw herself into the river.

When I opened my eyes again, I’d been reborn.

And there was Chloe, ordering me to skip class and buy her a bubble tea.

“Julian Hayes! What are you staring at? If I don’t get my bubble tea in ten minutes, I’m never eating your breakfast again!”

Students around us were enjoying the show, pointing and scoffing:

“He’s the ultimate simp!”

“I’d bet anything Julian will ditch class for Chloe.”

The moment I realized I was reborn, my ears were assaulted by all sorts of mocking and jeering.

Seeing me frozen in place, Mia, Chloe’s best friend, frowned, a clear look of annoyance on her face.

“Julian! Why are you still standing there like an idiot?”

“Didn’t you hear our Campus Queen wants bubble tea? Go already!”

At her words, I looked up, meeting Chloe’s gaze. It held disdain, even a hint of disgust.

I scoffed internally.

Her aversion had been so obvious all along, but I’d been blinded by my own infatuation.

I’d always thought that with time, and enough persistence, I’d eventually win her heart.

In my previous life, to pursue her, I’d bought her luxury cars, mansions, jewelry, bags, and dresses.

Every morning, I’d wake up early to make her breakfast personally, creating grand romantic gestures: fireworks displays, flower confessions… I’d blown through most of my inheritance, almost getting disowned by my grandfather.

Even all that hadn't won her over.

And when I died saving her, all I got was her snuggling in Trevor’s arms, calling me a "good dog."

“What ‘influential heir’?” Trevor sneered, wrapping an arm around her waist, looking down at me. “He was just a good dog I had wrapped around my finger.”

“Tsk, so what if he was born with a silver spoon in his mouth? He’s still stupid as hell.”

“Once you’re dead, I’ll be the top talent in the design world, adored by millions! Hahahaha!”

It was only after I died that I finally understood: Chloe’s “victimization” had been a setup.

Their real goal was to lure me to my death, clearing the path for Trevor to dominate the design industry.

As long as I was alive, Trevor would never rise to prominence.

Even with Chloe constantly making me skip class, my designs still won major awards.

Pure talent, that’s all it was.

Thinking this, I met Chloe’s disdainful gaze and stated, cold and resolute:

“Get lost!”

The words caused an uproar.

Chloe’s eyes widened in shock, staring at me.

“Whoa, what’s going on? Are we witnessing history today? The ultimate simp just told the Campus Queen to get lost!”

“This is spicy! Did the simp finally wake up? Or is he giving up?”

“I think giving up is the right choice. Julian comes from money, Chloe’s family is super poor. They’re totally mismatched!”

…

Hearing the other students, Chloe’s face cycled through shades of pale and purple before finally turning scarlet, like a boiled lobster.

She had excellent grades and striking looks, and over the years, I’d spoiled her rotten, treating her like a princess.

Her only insecurity was her family background, which she never talked about.

Mia tugged her arm, saying loudly:

“Chloe, don’t overthink it. I bet he’s just playing hard to get.”

“He’s been chasing you for three years, there’s no way he’d suddenly give up. He just wants to piss you off to get your attention.”