From Simp Loser to Billionaire

Long Wei University – Campus Café

Joshua Lim stepped into the crowded campus café, the scent of freshly brewed coffee lingering in the air.

He spotted Jia Yi sitting near the window, casually scrolling through her phone, her long black hair cascading over her shoulders. She had always been effortlessly elegant, her well-defined figure making her stand out even in a simple outfit.

As Joshua approached, she glanced up and raised an eyebrow.

"Joshua?" She leaned forward slightly, amusement flickering in her eyes. "What, you're here to beg me to talk to Xiao Rou for you?"

Joshua sat down across from her without hesitation.

"Hmm? I'm not here for that," he said smoothly. "I'm here for you. Wanna go shopping with me?"

Jia Yi blinked.

For a moment, she was caught off guard.

This wasn't the desperate, heartbroken ex-boyfriend she had expected. His tone was calm, confident.

Her curiosity was piqued.

Leaning back in her chair, she smirked. "You? Shopping? Do you even have the money for that?"

Joshua smirked back, his voice unwavering.

"You'll see."

Jia Yi studied him for a second. Something about his demeanor had changed. He wasn't the same Joshua who used to follow Xiao Rou around like a lost puppy.

After a moment, she shrugged, grabbing her bag. "Fine, let's see if you can back up that confidence."

Downtown Shanghai – Luxury Handbag Boutique

The moment they entered, Jia Yi felt at home.

Luxury handbags lined the walls, each worth more than an average student's tuition. The boutique's atmosphere exuded class and exclusivity, with soft lighting illuminating the handcrafted designs.

Joshua, still in his casual T-shirt and jeans, looked out of place but completely at ease.

Jia Yi stole a glance at him. Most guys in his situation would be nervous, trying too hard to impress her.

But Joshua? He was just… comfortable.

She found that surprisingly intriguing.

Before she could say anything, a familiar voice made Joshua pause.

"Xiao Rou?"

At the far end of the boutique, Xiao Rou and Li Wei stood near the premium display section.

Xiao Rou's fingers gently traced the strap of a limited edition LY handbag, her eyes filled with longing.

A saleswoman stood beside her, smiling professionally. "This model is a part of our exclusive collection, priced at 1 million yen."

Xiao Rou's gaze lingered on the bag. She clearly wanted it.

Then—Li Wei spoke.

"You sure?" His tone was light, but there was a hint of hesitation. "A million yen is a bit much. My mother will think you're only with me for the money if I buy this."

Xiao Rou's expression faltered.

For just a second.

Then, she masked it with a bright smile. "You're right. I'll settle for something else."

She gently placed the handbag back on the shelf.

Li Wei smiled, patting her shoulder. "Good girl."

Joshua's eyes narrowed slightly.

That tone.

Li Wei wasn't just being practical.

He was testing her.

Seeing how much she'd bend for him.

Jia Yi, standing beside Joshua, raised an eyebrow. "Well, that was awkward."

She then turned to him, watching him carefully. "So, what's next?"

Joshua smiled. "Now? We have some shopping to do."

A Moment That Shook the Boutique

Joshua walked directly to the counter, his movements slow but deliberate.

Jia Yi followed, her curiosity growing.

The cashier, a young woman in a crisp uniform, greeted them politely. "How may I assist you, sir?"

Joshua reached into his pocket and placed a sleek black card on the counter.

"I'll take everything in the store."

Silence.

Jia Yi's eyes widened. "Wait, what?"

The cashier froze, blinking rapidly. "…Excuse me?"

Joshua remained calm. "Every handbag. Wrap them up and send them to Jia Yi's address."

The cashier hesitated before quickly typing on the register.

The screen flashed with numbers as she calculated the total.

Transaction: 10 million yen.

The cashier's hands trembled slightly as she turned back to him. "Sir… the total is 10 million yen."

She swallowed hard, her voice quieter. "…Are you sure?"

Without missing a beat, Joshua tapped his Black Diamond VIP Card on the scanner.

"Process it."

A soft electronic chime echoed through the store.

Transaction approved.

Jia Yi stared at him, speechless.

The cashier's eyes widened in disbelief, her hands still hovering over the register.

At the back of the store, Xiao Rou and Li Wei turned.

Xiao Rou's breath hitched slightly as she took in the sight of Joshua standing there—confident, composed, and holding the kind of wealth Li Wei had just denied her.

Li Wei's expression darkened.

Jia Yi finally spoke. "…Are you serious?"

Joshua simply shrugged.

"I want to."

His tone was light yet full of determination—as if spending 10 million yen meant nothing to him.

The employees scrambled to package the bags, while Jia Yi stood beside him, her heart pounding unexpectedly.

She didn't know what to think.

This wasn't just revenge against Xiao Rou.

This was Joshua stepping into a world she hadn't thought he belonged in.

And that realization sent a strange thrill through her.

As They Left the Boutique…

As they walked out of the store, Joshua casually glanced at Jia Yi.

"So?" His voice was smooth, teasing. "Still think I'm pretending?"

Jia Yi exhaled, shaking her head with a small smile.

"I don't know what to think anymore."

She looked at him—really looked at him.

This wasn't the same Joshua Lim she had known before.

And suddenly, she found herself wondering—who exactly had he become?