A kiss that was like a fleeting touch.

Gentle as a feather brushing on the heartstrings.

Yan Yichen’s tall figure trembled, his deep eyes gazing at the petite woman in front of him.

She... kissed him.

She took the initiative to kiss him!

Even someone as calm and cunning as Yan Yichen felt like a boy experiencing first love, not knowing what to do.

"Good night, see you tomorrow." Jian Yixue said, her face flushed.

Yan Yichen dazedly replied "See you tomorrow," then saw Jian Yixue turn around and bump into... the door.

"Ouch...!" Jian Yixue felt extremely embarrassed, clumsily got up, opened the door, dashed inside, and quickly shut the door, like a little rabbit escaping in panic.

Yan Yichen stood there dumbfounded for who knows how long, before lifting his slender, fair fingers to touch his thin lips, where her touch seemed to linger.

He curved his lips into a smile, as refreshing as a spring breeze, clear and bright.

Turning his head, outside the window, the starry sky lay spread out, the moon hanging high, its gentle moonlight filling the room, stars twinkling, finally ushering in the clearest full moon after many days of autumn rain.

...

Knowing Jian Yixue would likely feel awkward staying at his place for long, Yan Yichen, despite his reluctance, found a place for her. Jian Yixue moved in and started preparing for her college entrance exams.

Notably, the BL story she wrote unexpectedly became popular, earning her some money. Without her family taking advantage of her, that money was enough to cover her expenses for the year.

Jian Yixue’s final year of high school wasn’t too tough; she had a solid foundation and was diligent, wrote a few more short stories, even published a book, everything was heading in a positive direction.

Her sister refused the arranged marriage and met a man who was very good to her, and they got married the following May Day.

The way the man looked at Jian Mengyu was tender and indulgent; Jian Yixue thought her sister would surely be happy.

The exams started and then ended.

Jian Yixue remained calm and performed steadily, and after estimating her scores, she thought getting into Haiyu University wouldn’t be a problem based on last year’s admission scores.

But since the admission scores vary each year, she wasn’t entirely sure if she could get in.

-

That day, she returned home to find Yan Yichen wearing a pink floral apron—something she had bought but hadn’t worn much herself, yet Yan Yichen had worn it in the kitchen many times -_-!

He was handsome, and wearing it, he looked quite good, like a devoted husband and father...

"You’re back? Help serve the rice."

"Mm." While serving the rice, Jian Yixue said with a smile, "Oh, by the way, the book you wanted last time, I saw it in the bookstore and bought it for you."

Yan Yichen put down the spatula, his gaze indulgent, "So, my dear girlfriend, how should I thank you?"

Jian Yixue smiled, and under the obvious gaze of someone wanting kisses and hugs, she replied: "Wash the dishes."

Yan Yichen: "..."

"Sigh." He sighed softly and continued cooking, "Life... why do the vegetarian days last so long..."

This "vegetarian" had a hidden meaning, making Jian Yixue blush instantly.

"So naughty!" She chided, then walked to Yan Yichen’s side, "No thanks, but there is a surprise."

"Speaking of surprises, I have one too. But, ladies first, you go ahead."

Jian Yixue took out an envelope from her bag, "Dun dun dun—Haiyu University’s acceptance letter!"

The promise she made to him, she fulfilled!!

Warmth filled Yan Yichen’s eyes, mixed with a smile, as he knelt on one knee, took out a velvet box from his pocket, opened it, and a dazzling diamond ring sparkled.

"Miss Jian, I will spend the rest of my life, doing my utmost to make sure you are happy and well."

Tears shimmered in Jian Yixue’s eyes, but her smile was genuinely sweet, "Mr. Yan, I do."

The fragrance of food drifted in the kitchen, and everything was calm and peaceful.

The days ahead are long, love you, until the end of time.