Chapter 677

Julian instinctively moved to shield Evelyn.

He had barely taken a step when a firm grip pulled him back by the arm.

Evelyn had already darted in front of him.

Thwack!

The bubble tea cup was kicked away.

The liquid exploded mid-air, splattering all over her arm.

Julian froze, then smiled bitterly.

He had forgotten again.

Evelyn was never a girl who needed protection.

She was strong, confident, and independent.

Even in university, she was the center of attention, yet she never cared about gossip.

She would never punish herself for someone else's mistake.

Julian suddenly understood.

It wasn't that she was too strong.

It was that he wasn't good enough, not qualified to stand before her.

Evelyn simply didn't want to owe anyone.

The investment was an investment, a belief in Julian's potential.

On a personal level, she wanted no further entanglements.

The sticky sensation on her arm made her frown.

The tapioca pearls rolled on her skin, causing discomfort.

She looked up at the person who had thrown the drink.

It was a young girl, glaring at her with fury.

"What are you looking at? I threw it!" the girl's voice was shrill. "Go ahead, call the police on me! My parents were scientists, killed by foreign spies! I hate spies the most!"

The girl's eyes were red, tears welling up.

Someone nearby raised a phone to record the scene.

"Serves her right for defending a traitor! Don't be afraid, girl. If they arrest you, they'll have to arrest all of us!"

"How dare she call the police? No one would care even if she did!"

The girl looked around. "Thank you, everyone! But I take full responsibility! If they arrest anyone, let it be me! I'll gladly spend a few days in jail just to curse her out!"

"Someone like her doesn't deserve bubble tea! Next time, throw shit at her!"

"Trash! Scum of society!"

"Looks decent on the outside, but her heart is rotten!"

…

Amid the accusations, Evelyn watched the girl's defiant, ready-to-die expression.

She shook her arm, the pearls falling off.

She took a deep breath and turned to leave.

What good would calling the police do?

At most, a few days in detention, a lecture.

Evelyn lowered her gaze and walked into a nearby convenience store.

She picked up a pack of tissues and placed them on the counter.

"How much?"

"Not for sale."

The cashier's voice was icy.

Evelyn paused, her hand hovering over her phone to scan the payment.

"What?"

"I said, not for sale." The cashier stared at her. "We're a small business, but we don't sell to traitors."

Evelyn's jaw tightened.

"Aren't you afraid I'll file a consumer complaint?"

"Go ahead!" The cashier sneered. "Even if they revoke my license, I won't sell to you! Anyone who helps a traitor like Nathaniel Wright can't be any good! I'm just an ordinary person, but I know our country's strength is what gives us a stable life! People like you don't deserve to live in this country!"

Evelyn was taken aback.

She knew this generation was patriotic.

She had heard about it.

But facing it directly was both frustrating and amusing.

She felt a touch of emotion.

Moved by ordinary people's courage to stand up.

Moved by their love for their country.

If she weren't the one being cursed, she might have applauded.

Evelyn pressed her lips together and walked out of the store.

Just outside, she heard a reporter's voice nearby.

"A concerned citizen reported that Ms. Ross, who defended the traitor, was refused service when trying to buy tissues. This incident highlights the public's patriotic fervor. Next, we'll interview the store cashier…"

Evelyn's steps faltered slightly.

She kept walking.

"Don't run, traitor!"

Someone chased after her from behind.

They seemed intent on attacking.

Evelyn frowned and quickened her pace.

She didn't want to clash with ordinary people.

She didn't want to hurt them.

But patience had its limits.

Evelyn had a temper too.

If they attacked her again, she wouldn't just take it.