When Li Sitong told Xue Jiao not to ride in Lin Zhihua’s car that evening and to wait for Cheng Shuo to pick her up, Xue Jiao was completely confused.

Not allowed to ride in Lin Zhihua’s car?

Why?

What had Lin Zhihua done to offend them?

That evening, Xue Jiao walked out of the school gate in confusion, and Lin Zhihua was standing in his usual spot.

Xue Jiao opened her mouth, wanting to ask him what had happened: “Zhihua…”

However, just as she began speaking, a voice interrupted her—

“Jiaojiao, come here!”

Xue Jiao turned around and saw it was Cheng Shuo.

She hesitated for a moment, then turned her head again, giving Lin Zhihua a confused look, but ultimately walked toward Cheng Shuo.

“Dad, what’s going on?”

“Nothing, get in the car first.” Cheng Shuo smiled and gently rubbed the top of Xue Jiao’s head, opening the car door.

Xue Jiao sat inside and glanced back at Lin Zhihua again. He was confused as well and was taking steps toward them.

But Cheng Shuo started the car, brushing past Lin Zhihua.

“Dad… did Zhihua do something wrong?” Xue Jiao tentatively asked.

Cheng Shuo focused on driving, speaking softly: “He didn’t do anything wrong, but when his family members make mistakes, they’re counted against him.”

“Huh?” Xue Jiao was stunned.

She immediately thought of Lin Zhihua’s family. She had been with Lin Zhihua for some time now, but she hadn’t had much contact with his family.

But Xue Jiao knew that Lin Zhihua had an overbearing grandfather who had once almost cost him his life and didn’t approve of Lin Zhihua being with her.

His relatives weren’t genuinely caring toward him either, but fortunately, these relatives were kept in check by Lin Zhihua, and no one dared to make trouble.

But his parents…

Xue Jiao had met them once, and the impression was strange.

Lin Zhihua’s feelings toward his parents were also rather indifferent. He provided normal filial support, but beyond that, there was nothing more.

That was toward parents who claimed to love Lin Zhihua, yet always left him with bad impressions.

“Did his parents do something?” Xue Jiao asked.

His grandfather was locked up, and other relatives didn’t dare say anything, so only his parents were left.

Cheng Shuo was stunned for a moment, clearly not expecting Xue Jiao to guess correctly.

He remained silent for a moment, then suddenly asked Xue Jiao: “Jiaojiao, is love, or rather, is Lin Zhihua important to you?”

“Yes, important.” Xue Jiao nodded without hesitation.

Cheng Shuo’s heart tightened, and he continued asking: “Then would you be willing to sacrifice something for Lin Zhihua?”

Xue Jiao didn’t understand why he was asking this, but she still answered honestly—

“If it’s appropriate to sacrifice… I suppose so.”

Cheng Shuo’s expression completely changed. He had always thought Jiaojiao was quite rational, but now…

However, Xue Jiao continued: “A relationship involves two people. If we want to walk together forever, we’ll be together for several decades. When two people live together, how can we not have to adjust to each other? And how can we not encounter situations that require some sacrifice? I can’t expect him to always sacrifice for me. If I need to do something for him, I’m willing.”

She had a smile on her lips, knowing everything Lin Zhihua had done for her.

He was willing to take a hundred steps toward her, only asking her to look back at him.

But Xue Jiao wasn’t unwilling. Once she was certain of her heart, she would also be willing to walk toward him.

Cheng Shuo was stunned for a moment. They happened to stop at a traffic light, and he looked at Xue Jiao.

“Does this sacrifice include marrying him and having children when you turn twenty next year?”

Xue Jiao looked at Cheng Shuo and smiled with pursed lips: “Are his parents pressuring him for marriage? Dad, don’t worry, Zhihua won’t.”

Cheng Shuo didn’t like hearing his daughter trust another man so much in front of him. He couldn’t help saying: “But what if Lin Zhihua strongly demands it too?! Would you agree to him?”

This time, Xue Jiao firmly shook her head: “No, necessary sacrifice doesn’t mean sacrificing everything. Relationships are a part of life, a very important part, but still just one part. There are also family, friends, career, and dreams. Dad, don’t worry, I understand, and besides…”

“What?”

“Besides, Zhihua would never make me face such a choice.” Xue Jiao was certain of this; he had never put her in a difficult position.

Even when he liked her… he had silently endured for a long time…

Cheng Shuo fell silent. Since Xue Jiao understood clearly, his worries subsided.

The car drove far, and Cheng Shuo couldn’t help asking again: “How are things at school recently?”

Xue Jiao’s eyes lit up as she enthusiastically replied: “We finally have some direction, but all three of us are planning to slow down a bit since final exams are coming soon. Senior Zhang Han is also busy; she’s working on a project with a mentor and will only start working on our project during winter break! But at least we have a direction now. Dad, let me tell you, today we…”

Cheng Shuo listened to Xue Jiao with a smile, nodding from time to time.

Behind them, a familiar car followed.

After Xue Jiao was taken away, Lin Zhihua immediately got into his car and called Chen Yan—

“Quickly find out what happened at the Cheng household today!”

Then he paused and continued: “It might be related to me.”

After speaking, Lin Zhihua started his car and chased after them. It wasn’t until they were nearly at the Cheng home that the phone call came through.

Lin Zhihua immediately answered, and Chen Yan spoke rapidly on the other end—

“We’ve found that Mrs. Li Sitong met with some other ladies this afternoon. Your… your mother was also there.”

“Bang—” Lin Zhihua slammed his fist on the steering wheel, his face immediately darkening.

Time was too tight to discover much more, but just the news that Li Sitong and Lin’s mother had met was enough for Lin Zhihua to deduce everything.

Inviting so many ladies and finding ways to call Li Sitong over was nothing but an attempt to “legitimize” their stance.

As for what was said to Li Sitong, it was likely about pressuring for marriage and having children.

Lin Zhihua’s expression became extremely serious, his eyes dark.

“I’ve been too lenient with them after all!”

The car quickly arrived at the entrance of the Cheng home. Cheng Shuo’s car was parked outside, and Cheng Mingze was standing at the doorway, leading Xue Jiao away.

Only Cheng Shuo remained standing there, obviously waiting for him.

Lin Zhihua drove over, and got out of the car: “Uncle Cheng.”

“Mr. Lin, considering our ages, there’s no need to call me uncle.” Cheng Shuo’s smile didn’t reach his eyes.

Lin Zhihua’s lips turned slightly bitter. All his previous efforts were nearly wasted.

“Uncle Cheng, I’m very sorry. It won’t happen again.”

Seeing that he wasn’t making excuses, Cheng Shuo’s expression softened a bit, but he still spoke seriously: “The Yu family is a cautionary tale. Your parents are the most unstable factor. How can I feel comfortable entrusting Jiaojiao to you?”

“I…”

Cheng Shuo interrupted him: “I am a father, a selfish father, so don’t feel wronged. I will only stand from the perspective of not letting Jiaojiao be hurt.”

Lin Zhihua’s gaze was serious: “I don’t feel wrong, just very angry. You should believe that my mood right now isn’t much better than yours.”

Cheng Shuo snorted, and finally just looked at him and said: “Those are your parents. They may be confused but still care about you. You can’t completely abandon them. That being the case, how can you guarantee Jiaojiao won’t be hurt in the process of interacting with them?”

“She won’t be.” Lin Zhihua’s voice was firm. “This time was my fault. I’ve been too busy lately and neglected them, to the point where they have the leisure to interfere in these matters.”

Cheng Shuo’s brow finally relaxed a bit. He thought for a moment and only said: “Your parents want you to get married and have children next year. Jiaojiao is still young and definitely won’t consider these things in the coming years. If you want a son, then hurry up and find someone else to marry.”

Lin Zhihua’s voice was firm: “I’m not in a hurry. I can wait for however many years.”

Of course, he wished he could marry Jiaojiao right now. Just thinking about those two words made his heart feel unbearably soft.

Imagining “Jiaojiao” becoming “wife” made his heart melt, his life complete.

But he would respect Jiaojiao. For her, the time for marriage was still far away.

“Lin Zhihua, I must make the Cheng family’s position clear to you. Before she graduates from university, I will not agree to marriage, not even an engagement.” Cheng Shuo looked at him with a serious face.

“Alright.” Lin Zhihua slowly opened his mouth and agreed.

Cheng Shuo gave him a deep look, turned around, and entered the community.

Lin Zhihua stood there, feeling somewhat forlorn.

After a moment, his phone vibrated slightly—

[Jiaojiao: Darling, go home early tonight, don’t worry too much. We’ll have dinner together tomorrow, muah!]

After this message, there was also a kissing emoji.

Lin Zhihua smiled, his lips curving high as if instantly moving from an icy winter to a warm spring.

——

Lin’s father stood up angrily, breathing heavily: “What does she mean? Only considering Gu Xue Jiao, completely disregarding Zhihua’s awkward situation?!”

Lin’s mother sighed, sitting down on the sofa: “From what she said, Gu Xue Jiao won’t consider marriage in the next few years.”

“They think Zhihua can only have their daughter?!” Lin Changping widened his eyes. “Who are they to be so arrogant? Zhihua’s body is fine now, what woman can’t he have if he wants? Their family status compared to ours is marrying up!”

Lin’s mother continued sighing, not speaking.

“Tomorrow! Starting tomorrow, arrange blind dates for Zhihua!”

Lin’s mother’s expression changed, and she quickly stood up to pacify Lin Changping: “You can’t! Have you forgotten how much Zhihua resented us finding blind dates for him before? If we anger him again…”

“You’re foolish! We don’t have to tell him!”

“Then how do we introduce them?” Lin’s mother looked puzzled.

“You take the girl…” Lin Changping hadn’t finished speaking when the door was opened from outside.

About ten men in black suits entered in two rows, their presence imposing.

Next came Chen Yan carrying a briefcase, and behind him was Lin Zhihua in a formal suit, his face grim.

“Zhi… Zhihua… what are you doing?” Lin’s mother was startled.

Lin Zhihua stepped in, standing in front of them, saying nothing.

Chen Yan immediately opened his briefcase, took out a piece of paper, and announced loudly—

“Mr. and Mrs. Lin, these ten men are highly qualified bodyguards. The two of you may select four of them. From today onward, these four bodyguards will follow you two inseparably. If there are places you shouldn’t go or people you shouldn’t meet, the bodyguards will stop you. Here are the details of all ten bodyguards; please take a look and make your selection quickly.”

Lin Changping and Lin’s mother were stunned. What did this mean?

Chen Yan continued in a flat, emotionless voice: “At the same time, all of your domestic sources of funds will be frozen. From now on, your monthly living expenses will be arranged based on your behavior the previous month.”

“What… what does this mean?” Lin’s mother looked incredulous. “You’re having people monitor us?!”

Lin Changping clutched his chest, his voice trembling: “Unfilial son!”

Lin Zhihua spoke softly: “I’ve given you countless chances, but you still want to interfere in my affairs. I’ve told you not to meddle in matters between me and Jiaojiao. Since you repeatedly fail to learn, I have no choice but to have people watch over you.”

“You, you, you, you…”

“I will visit you every month. Don’t try to find me at other times. If you have any other expenses or health issues, you can contact the bodyguards, and they will report to me.” Lin Zhihua said calmly.

“You’re doing this to your parents just for a woman? You don’t want your parents anymore?” Lin’s mother was in tears, still somewhat disbelieving.

Lin Zhihua said quietly: “I’m not just doing this for Jiaojiao, but also for myself. I’ve truly been too indulgent with you.”

Was he feeling guilty?

Not necessarily.

Lin Changping and Lin’s mother gave birth to him, but it was his grandmother who raised him.

They always said they loved him, but they constantly interfered in his affairs, causing him all kinds of harm, never learning from their mistakes.

His grandmother had passed away, and his grandfather had nearly gotten him killed.

Providing for their old age was the extent of his filial duty.

“Hurry up and choose.” Lin Zhihua’s voice was steady. After speaking, he strode toward the exit.

Lin Changping’s voice came from behind: “Beast!! You’re so heartless, how did I give birth to such a thing!”

Lin Zhihua stopped, turned back: “I’m sorry, but you did indeed give birth to such a heartless son. Also, you should reflect on yourselves. If you disturb Jiaojiao again, you won’t just lose a daughter-in-law, but also a son and a comfortable life in your old age.”

He strode away, a mocking smile at the corner of his mouth, then looked at the dark sky outside, not knowing where to go.

After a moment, his footsteps firmly headed in one direction.

In the sky, the moon emerged from behind the clouds.

——

Xue Jiao lay in bed, still awake.

After returning home and reviewing for a while, she had gone to bed but couldn’t fall asleep.

Lin Zhihua hadn’t replied, and she didn’t know how he was doing now.

Xue Jiao was a bit worried about him, so she tossed and turned, unable to sleep.

At that moment, her phone vibrated. Xue Jiao opened it—

[Lin Zhihua: Jiaojiao…]

Xue Jiao quickly replied—

[Yes?]

After a while, the message came through—

[I want to see you.]

Xue Jiao’s heart skipped a beat. She felt something was off about Lin Zhihua’s tone.

She almost instinctively got up, opened the window, walked to the balcony, and looked down.

Sure enough, a familiar figure was standing below.

Her heart ached. She quickly grabbed her phone, opened the door, and quietly went out.

Lin Zhihua was standing under her balcony, looking up, his face illuminated by moonlight, cold and lonely.

Xue Jiao ran over and said softly: “Why did you come so late?”

As soon as she finished speaking, Xue Jiao was pulled into the man’s arms and held tightly.

“Jiaojiao…”

His voice carried an indescribable pain, desolate and lonely.

“Zhihua?” Xue Jiao was stunned for a moment but still reached out and gently patted his back.

Lin Zhihua held her tightly, resting his chin on the top of her head, pressing close.

“What’s wrong?” she asked softly.

“I missed you…”

Xue Jiao’s lips moved slightly as she patted his back, comforting him: “I’m here. I’m here.”

Lin Zhihua fell silent, just holding her tightly.

The night breeze blew, rustling the leaves.

Sometimes, happiness is simply embracing your loved one when you’re feeling sad and melancholic.

Even though her frame was petite, she gave him immeasurable strength.

Just by saying he wanted to see her, Jiaojiao knew he might be downstairs. This tacit understanding made Lin Zhihua’s heart soft.

“I know my parents won’t change, but they’re the only relatives who still care about me.”

His voice was very calm, as if without emotion.

But his appearance downstairs so late at night fully demonstrated how unusual he was feeling today.

Xue Jiao stiffened slightly, her hand pausing.

Soon, she resumed patting him and said softly: “You still have me. I love you.”

Lin Zhihua trembled slightly, his hands shaking as he held Xue Jiao. “What did you say?”

“I love you, Lin Zhihua. Xue Jiao loves you.”

At that moment, he almost thought he had misheard or was dreaming.

He touched Xue Jiao’s face, feeling the warmth transmitted through his palm, his heart momentarily constricting.

After a moment, Lin Zhihua finally calmed down. He lifted Xue Jiao, buried his head in the crook of her neck, and nodded heavily.

“I love you too, love you so much.”

So much that he didn’t know how to express it, so much that having her felt like having the whole world.

Xue Jiao covered her mouth and laughed, then lightly pounded his chest: “Look at you, a big boss, running to someone’s doorstep in the middle of the night!”

Lin Zhihua’s eyes also carried a smile. He put her down, bent over, and touched his forehead to hers: “Because I missed you…”

Xue Jiao glared at him, then realizing he might not see it, pinched him: “Next time just call me, it’s the middle of the night, don’t stay outside!”

“Okay.” Lin Zhihua grinned.

Not seeing Jiaojiao today, and being hurt by his parents’ words, even he, Lin Zhihua, had become vulnerable.

He shook his head, feeling that his behavior tonight was quite foolish.

But it was precisely because of his foolishness tonight that he heard the words he most wanted to hear.

“Just look at you, sneaking into the community in the dark. What if you fell somewhere? Even if it’s just a bump or scrape…”

Lin Zhihua lowered his head and kissed Xue Jiao’s chattering lips.

Her words made him feel warm, and he wanted to consume all her concern.

Xue Jiao’s face reddened, but she still held his hand, responding to him.

After a while, Lin Zhihua released her.

Xue Jiao’s legs felt a bit weak, and she shyly pushed him gently: “Go home now, I have class tomorrow.”

Lin Zhihua lowered his head and kissed her forehead once more, smiling: “Alright.”

As soon as he finished speaking, Lin Zhihua bent down and kissed her again. “You go upstairs first. I’ll leave once you’re up.”

Xue Jiao agreed and quickly went upstairs.

Then she walked to the balcony, leaned on the railing, and watched as Lin Zhihua waved to her before turning to leave.

She kept watching until she heard the sound of the car starting outside, then went back to her room.

This was one of Lin Zhihua’s rare moments of vulnerability. She hoped she had made him feel warm…

In the next room, Cheng Shuo said softly: “At least he behaved properly, didn’t do anything inappropriate!”

Although Cheng Mingze didn’t like Lin Zhihua, he still had to be fair: “If Lin Zhihua wanted to do something, he would have done it long ago. This man has great restraint and truly… truly loves Jiaojiao.”

Li Sitong yawned: “See? They didn’t do anything. Let’s go back to sleep.”

“Alright.” Cheng Shuo felt reassured and took Li Sitong back to bed.

——

Afterward, Lin Zhihua returned to normal, as if that night’s vulnerability had been an illusion. He was still that terrifyingly powerful man.

But it was also on that night that Xue Jiao realized Lin Zhihua had moments of vulnerability too.

This made her feel sorry for him.

No one is born strong. Lin Zhihua’s strength and coldness were the result of being hurt time and again.

Cheng Shuo and his family no longer prevented the two from being together, but they still didn’t have much time together.

After all… Xue Jiao had final exams coming up.

Xue Jiao wasn’t satisfied with her final grades from last semester. This semester, before the last few major exams, she even stopped working on their project, focusing entirely on studying.

“Jiaojiao, I haven’t seen you in so long!” Mai Jiajia burst out from a group of girls and hugged Xue Jiao.

Xue Jiao smiled with pursed lips: “I’ve been a bit busy lately, always in the lab.”

With fewer classes during finals, Xue Jiao spent all day in the lab, with almost no chance to see Mai Jiajia.

“Will you study with me?” Mai Jiajia asked her.

“Sure.” Xue Jiao agreed.

Nearby, among the people walking with Mai Jiajia, a girl suddenly said: “Gu Xue Jiao is a top student with good relationships with professors. Even if she doesn’t do well, she won’t fail. She’s not like us.”

Xue Jiao frowned and looked toward the girl who spoke. It was a girl wearing glasses, but Xue Jiao had no impression of her.

“Gu Hui, what nonsense are you talking about?!” Mai Jiajia glared at her. “You’re spreading rumors!”

The girl named Gu Hui couldn’t help saying: “I’m not talking nonsense! I’m just worried that Gu Xue Jiao might not do well. She’s in the lab all day and barely attends classes. What if she fails? I’m just giving her some advice!”

“You—” Mai Jiajia was about to scold her again.

Xue Jiao held her back and looked at the girl with a smile: “I don’t know why you have a bias against me, but I must say, I don’t need special treatment from professors. Although compared to you, professors might indeed want to treat me differently.”

This girl probably forgot how Xue Jiao got into Tsinghua University.

After years of tempering in this world, she had become particularly skilled at one thing—

Taking exams.

Mai Jiajia walked away with Xue Jiao. When they were far from the group, she couldn’t help laughing: “Haha, Jiaojiao, you’re so good at sassing people too!”

“I’m just telling the truth.”

“Hahaha, if Gu Hui heard what you just said, she’d be fuming again.”

Then Mai Jiajia leaned closer to Xue Jiao: “Have you offended some seniors from the third year? Lately, there have been rumors about you, to the point where even our female dormitory occasionally mentions it. I’ve been paying attention, and it seems to be coming from the third-year students.”

Xue Jiao’s brows furrowed slightly.

Third year?

“I think I know who it is…”

“Who? Let’s confront them!” Mai Jiajia almost jumped up.

Xue Jiao shook her head: “No rush. Let’s finish finals first, then deal with them. They won’t get away. First, let’s focus on the exams.”

Since someone was now questioning her grades, she would have to let her results speak for themselves.