Lin Zhihua’s voice was slightly surprised as he blinked: “Jiao Jiao, why are you here?”

He was confused, but instinctively pulled her inside. The night outside was cold, and his eyes showed concern.

Xue Jiao looked at the man in front of her with a caring expression, feeling increasingly guilty, but there were certain things she had to tell him personally.

She slowly opened her mouth: “Zhihua, I applied to MIT for a master’s degree, and I was accepted.”

As she spoke the last three words, Xue Jiao bit her lower lip, as if they were extremely difficult to say.

Lin Zhihua was stunned for a moment, his reaction somewhat unexpected to Xue Jiao.

She had thought he would be angry or shocked but never imagined that Lin Zhihua would merely respond with a flat “Mm,” without saying anything more.

Yet this reaction made her even more afraid.

She watched him, not daring to miss any of his emotions.

Lin Zhihua stood still for quite a while, then said: “Okay, I understand.”

After speaking, he turned around to walk inside.

Xue Jiao reached out, hugging him from behind, her cheek pressed against his back, her eyes gradually reddening.

“I’m sorry, but please give me two years, just two years.”

She needed to conduct research, and these two years were unavoidable. Lin Zhihua was important, but so was her dream.

Xue Jiao couldn’t give up Lin Zhihua, nor could she abandon her dream.

When she finished speaking, Lin Zhihua only replied faintly: “You’re leaving my world for two years. The outside world is so vast, and I can’t stay by your side. You’re so outstanding, you’ll meet more excellent people who share your interests. They’re younger than me, they can discuss the things you like with eloquence. They might even work on projects with you, taking care of you in every way…”

Age had always been a concern for Lin Zhihua.

He worried that he wasn’t good enough for Jiao Jiao, fearful that young and outstanding boys might appear in her life.

“I won’t…” Xue Jiao began to speak.

Lin Zhihua’s voice was soft, carrying an indescribable loneliness: “I have nothing to bind you. Does that mean that one day, you might leave and never return? Leaving me alone waiting where I stand?”

Xue Jiao opened her mouth to say something more, but Lin Zhihua turned around and placed a finger on her lips.

“It’s late, Jiao Jiao. Go home and sleep.”

Xue Jiao looked at him. Lin Zhihua was reluctant to let her go yet worried about her, but Xue Jiao couldn’t provide any evidence that she wouldn’t change her heart…

Words and promises were the most pale and meaningless things.

She bit her lower lip: “I’m not going back. I’m staying with you tonight!”

She felt the body she was hugging tremble slightly.

——

Nothing happened that night.

Xue Jiao had even prepared herself. When she gently embraced him wearing her pajamas, she could feel Lin Zhihua’s clear and unmistakable desire.

But even with the veins popping on his forehead, Lin Zhihua took a deep breath, tucked her in, and softly said: “Sleep early, good night.”

Xue Jiao couldn’t sleep, tossing and turning for several hours until Lin Zhihua’s steady breathing filled the room, and the sky began to show faint traces of white.

She turned to her side, looking at Lin Zhihua lying quietly beside her. His handsome eyebrows and eyes were exactly the same as when they first met, except that when his eyes were open, there was less sharpness in his gaze. His once never-smiling face had warmed considerably, the coldness diminished.

Towards her, he could even reveal a doting smile.

His eyes were closed in sleep, but his eyebrows were slightly furrowed, clearly indicating an unsettled rest, with anxiety and fear so evident even in his dreams.

She was leaving, and no matter how much it hurt him, he restrained himself from blaming her.

He exercised extreme self-control, even with her lying right beside him.

This man had waited for her for six years.

Since meeting her in her second year of high school, he had been certain about her, waiting until she graduated from university.

He had waited from age twenty-six to thirty-two, and yet she still hadn’t given him enough reassurance.

Xue Jiao rose slightly and kissed his forehead.

“I love you. If we had a bond, would you feel secure?”

She had made up her mind, closed her eyes, and quickly fell into a deep sleep.

After a while, the man beside her opened his eyes, completely clear—evidently, he hadn’t been asleep at all.

Lin Zhihua’s lips twitched, revealing a triumphant smile.

He reached out, slowly pulling the woman he loved to the marrow of his bones into his embrace, saying almost imperceptibly—

“I love you too, very, very much.”

——

In late June, Xue Jiao graduated from Tsinghua University as an outstanding graduate.

A group photo captured those four years of university life.

These neither long nor short four years had passed in a flash.

Having already said goodbye to her close friends, Xue Jiao collected her diploma, changed out of her bachelor’s gown, and put on a bright red long dress.

Using the mirror in the bathroom, she carefully applied her makeup. The woman in the mirror was breathtakingly beautiful.

Xue Jiao slowly smiled at the mirror. Today was her graduation day, and it would also be another important day in her life.

“Jiao Jiao, you look so beautiful,” Mai Jiajia said, holding a makeup bag with a smile.

Xue Jiao smiled shyly and checked the time: “Let’s go, otherwise Lin Zhihua will come to pick me up.”

“Let’s hurry then.” Mai Jiajia agreed, and the two hurriedly ran to the school gate.

Cheng Shuo, Li Sitong, and Cheng Mingze were already waiting.

They had rented a van for today. After Xue Jiao and Mai Jiajia got in, Li Sitong voiced her concern: “Is it appropriate for us to make such a grand gesture at Lin Zhihua’s company?”

Cheng Shuo was in a distinctly unpleasant mood and snorted coldly: “Grand gesture? He’d prefer it to be even grander, maybe even with a global livestream.”

Xue Jiao covered her mouth and laughed shyly. Having been with Lin Zhihua for so long, she understood him well.

Lin Zhihua indeed wanted her to express her feelings for him in front of everyone; he wanted the whole world to know she belonged to him.

Thinking of this, Xue Jiao’s face grew even redder.

“Nervous?” Mai Jiajia asked with a smile, winking at her.

Xue Jiao nodded: “Yes, nervous.”

Seeing her continuously pinch the hem of her dress, Mai Jiajia reached out and held her hand.

Mai Jiajia’s eyes were slightly red, wet with joy.

Ding Qi had gone abroad, and because of what happened to Shu Lan years ago, she was wary of men.

As for herself, she had liked Chu Sheng for years, but her feelings were defeated by reality. She needed to return to her hometown, while he was going abroad for further studies.

And… he didn’t even know she liked him.

Mai Jiajia didn’t plan to tell him either. There was no point in discussing unsuitable feelings. In this world, there were too many feelings that ended without a word, and hers was just one more.

Shu Lan… she didn’t want to recall what happened to Shu Lan anymore.

Among all of them, Xue Jiao was the happiest. She had met a man who loved her, and she had bravely loved him back.

What Xue Jiao was doing today was something Mai Jiajia would never have the courage to do in her lifetime, and precisely because of this, Xue Jiao deserved the most sincere emotions.

Among all of them, at least one person was happy.

Mai Jiajia smiled, remembering Ding Qi shouting over the phone about wanting a livestream, and her smile grew even brighter.

The car quickly drove toward the Lin Corporation. Tan Qi was waiting downstairs, looking mischievous.

As soon as he saw Xue Jiao, he hurried forward: “Xue Jiao! Manager Wang and Secretary Chen can hardly keep the boss from leaving. He says he wants to pick you up!”

Xue Jiao took a deep breath and asked him: “Assistant Tan, is everything ready?”

Tan Qi immediately smiled: “Don’t worry, the entire company helped prepare for today!”

“The entire company?” Xue Jiao was surprised.

Tan Qi grinned and winked: “Secretary Chen said it was an opportunity for everyone to get a raise.”

Of course, Tan Qi and others were quite aware of Lin Zhihua’s nature, always eager to show off his love.

Xue Jiao shook her head helplessly and stepped into the Lin Corporation lobby.

Upstairs.

“Chen Yan, what exactly is the matter?” Lin Zhihua’s face darkened.

Chen Yan shuddered but firmly believed that even if he angered the boss now, once the boss went downstairs, he definitely wouldn’t blame him!

“Boss…” Chen Yan was still racking his brains for ways to keep Lin Zhihua upstairs when his phone in his pocket vibrated slightly.

Chen Yan’s eyes lit up: “Boss, it’s nothing anymore! You can go pick up Ms. Gu Xue Jiao now!”

As he spoke, he swiftly went to open the door, with an unusually light step and a delighted expression.

Lin Zhihua turned, carefully examined himself in the small mirror beside him, stood up, and meticulously adjusted his clothes once more.

The entire Lin Corporation was secretly organizing a big event behind the boss’s back, and everyone was nervous.

So much so that no one had noticed that the boss was wearing a brand-new suit today, his shoes polished to a shine, and his hair styled.

Lin Zhihua followed Chen Yan downstairs. As soon as the elevator doors opened, cheers erupted from outside, and Lin Zhihua could barely suppress the smile on his lips.

He pinched himself, his steps light, and with a forced look of puzzlement on his face, walked out.

“Bang—”

“Bang bang—”

“Bang bang bang—”

The large balloons hanging in the lobby all burst open, and crimson rose petals cascaded down.

A red carpet was laid out, with people holding balloons and streamers standing on both sides, calling out and excited.

Despite being prepared, Lin Zhihua was so happy that his eyes grew slightly red.

His treasure, whom he had waited for six years, was finally going to be completely his.

He walked along the red carpet toward the lobby, which had been decorated completely, unrecognizable from its usually empty appearance.

At the end of the red carpet were stunning roses, with the Cheng family trio on one side and Lin Zhihua’s parents on the other.

They were also holding balloons and smiling. Lin Zhihua didn’t see Xue Jiao, so he moved his gaze to the high floral wall, walking slowly step by step toward it.

At that moment, music began to play.

This was the first time Xue Jiao had sung. Her voice was beautiful, and she sang exceptionally well, so well that Lin Zhihua’s eyes became completely wet.

“You were the first one to discover me, the more expressionless I was, the more I hurt inside. So when I was trembling but refusing to cry, you would hold me to your chest with concern…”

When she first came to this world, facing Li Sitong who was stubborn and incapable of love, Xue Jiao was heartbroken, disappointed, and sad. That day, upset, she ran outside to sit alone, and it was he who appeared, handed her tissues, and smiled at her.

Facing the Cheng family matriarch who stood with Cheng Mingjiao, he gave her advice, firm support, and trust.

“You understand me better than anyone, my inner desires exceed what appears on the surface. So when my wings were broken, you didn’t help me up but stayed with me as I learned to endure the pain…”

He never told her what she shouldn’t do or what wasn’t allowed; he would only analyze things for her and then watch her make her own decisions.

That year after high school graduation, she gave up on Yi Tianyu. On that rainy day, he carried her on his back, step by step walking out of the pain of youth, into another period of happiness.

“I want to see the farthest places, gesturing excitedly with you as we talk about dreams. Like I’ve never been disappointed or hurt, still believing that if I dare to fly, there will be sky…”

That year for the mathematics competition, he encouraged her to sign up. He taught her about dreams, wishes, and perseverance. Through effort and persistence time and again, she transformed from the somewhat timid Xue Jiao into the increasingly brave Gu Xue Jiao.

“Sometimes I feel we’re very different, you can see places I can’t see. Sometimes I feel we’re very similar, both love to raise our heads, not listening to fate’s words…”

They were different; she wasn’t as quick-witted and clever as he was. But they were also the same—equally determined and stubborn. Even if a wall stood in their way, they would break through it.

Lin Zhihua’s life never admitted defeat, and Xue Jiao—Gu Xue Jiao’s life—would never stand still!

“I want to be in the farthest place, with the first rays of dawn on my shoulders. Having been drenched by the coldest raindrops and snowflakes, more determined to smile, to be warm like the sun…”

Lin Zhihua, thank you for accompanying me all these years. I won’t stop on the path of my dreams, but I also won’t let go of your hand.

“Lin Zhihua, I love you. We’ve walked together for six years, and I want to continue walking with you.”

Lin Zhihua had already reached the floral wall. Xue Jiao took a deep breath: “Let’s get married!”

“Bang—”

With a bang, the floral wall collapsed to both sides, and people holding streamers began spraying them wildly.

“Marry her!!”

“Get married—”

Someone even shouted excitedly—

“Marry her! Boss, marry her!”

The surroundings were in an uproar, but in Lin Zhihua’s eyes, there was only the girl in front of him. He stepped on flower after flower as he walked over and stood before Xue Jiao.

Xue Jiao looked at him, waiting for him to speak.

Lin Zhihua smiled gently: “Silly girl, I’m very happy, more happy than I’ve ever been. But such things should still be done by a man.”

As he spoke, he knelt on one knee and held up a ring.

“Jiao Jiao, Xue Jiao, will you marry me?”

Xue Jiao looked at his moist eyes, and her tears finally broke free. She nodded, crying, unable to speak.

He never called her Gu Xue Jiao. Even when Li Sitong was serious, she called her Gu Xue Jiao.

Only Lin Zhihua never called her Gu Xue Jiao or Xue Jiao; he only called her Jiao Jiao.

To meet such a man in this world, who understood her, knew everything about her, and loved her so much—Xue Jiao was incredibly fortunate.

She cried so much she couldn’t speak, only tremblingly extending her hand.

Lin Zhihua placed the ring on her finger. This was also the first time he shed tears in public—tears of joy.

Then he stood up, cupped her face, leaned down, and kissed her.

“Waaahhhhh—” The onlookers completely erupted.

Xue Jiao, with all her emotions taken by Lin Zhihua, had no chance to wonder…

Why did Lin Zhihua so perfectly produce a ring at that moment?

——

Xue Jiao and Lin Zhihua first registered their marriage, planning the wedding ceremony for after her return from abroad.

That day at the civil affairs bureau, this usually serious man smiled like a fool, giving out wedding candies to everyone he met.

But after getting the marriage certificate, it also meant that Xue Jiao had only seven days before she had to report to MIT. Professor Conrad was urging her to come quickly.

During these seven days, Xue Jiao moved into Lin Zhihua’s villa, and the two spent seven undisturbed (and shameless) days together.

Having just gotten married and already needing to go abroad, Xue Jiao felt extremely guilty, so much so that during these seven days, she satisfied all of Lin Zhihua’s little whims.

Whether in bed, in the bathroom, in the living room, or the kitchen, she was too guilty to refuse. No matter how “shameless” Lin Zhihua’s requests were, Xue Jiao would blushingly agree.

So much so that on the day of her departure, her legs were still weak.

“This Lin Zhihua, he has no restraint at all!” Li Sitong couldn’t help but complain.

Cheng Mingze’s face was slightly red as he averted his gaze.

Xue Jiao was also a bit embarrassed, tugging at the silk scarf around her neck, her cheeks bright red.

Cheng Shuo, Li Sitong, and Cheng Mingze came to see her off. Lin Zhihua didn’t come; he said if he came, he would hold her and not let her go.

Although disappointed, Xue Jiao didn’t insist on him coming.

Soon it was time to board, and she left with red eyes amid her family’s tears.

With a final look back, she indeed didn’t see the familiar figure.

He didn’t come…

Xue Jiao felt some disappointment, but even more so, longing.

After boarding the plane, she leaned against the seat, looking outside. The weather was beautiful today, with blue skies and white clouds, but something unstoppable fell from her eyes.

Just as the plane was about to take off, someone sat down beside her, but Xue Jiao didn’t turn around.

That person placed his hand over the back of Xue Jiao’s hand. Xue Jiao was startled and turned her head.

Her newlywed husband was smiling at her…

Xue Jiao stammered: “Y-y-you, how did you get here?”

Lin Zhihua raised an eyebrow, his voice tinged with amusement: “The American branch just went public, and I’ll need to oversee it frequently for the next two years.”

“When did you expand the company to America?!” Xue Jiao’s voice rose.

“When you were taking the TOEFL.”

Xue Jiao: “…”

Damn, no wonder every time she wanted to honestly tell him, he would interrupt. It was all planned!

Xue Jiao was so angry she bit him. This man would stop at nothing for the sake of marriage!

She bit hard, very angrily.

Thinking about how she hadn’t left the house for seven days, Xue Jiao vowed that once they reached America, this man wouldn’t touch her for a month!

She appeared very angry, but in her heart, she was happy.

This anger, compared to his companionship, was nothing.

But she definitely wouldn’t let him off easily, hmph!

Lin Zhihua, ignoring the pain in his arm, gently pulled the little girl into his embrace.

“I told you, by my side, you can boldly pursue your dreams without worry. I will accompany you, always accompany you.”

She was his redemption. Because of her, he learned that there was such a thing as happiness in this world.

Knowing her was the fortune of a lifetime.

The force of Xue Jiao’s bite lessened, and she slowly raised her arms to embrace this man who brought her warmth.

She was fortunate to have people who loved her and a passionate dream in her heart.

Until today, she had lived each day with her heart, and each day she had lived was a day without regrets.

In this world, too many people follow the rules and too few ignite their dreams and consistently move toward them.

May everyone who makes a journey through this world find the meaning of living.

May we, in this life, carry our dreams and forge ahead with determination.

May the future you be satisfied with today.

Our aspirations cannot be extinguished, raging with the storm, unrestrained.

Even in barren years, even on wasteland, grow wildly, wildly grow.

(The End)