Chapter 116 — Never Abandoning Each Other
The streetlights cast a dim glow, and shadows walked in pairs.
Silently, the two of them said nothing, merely accompanying each other, with only the rustling wind whispering through the treetops—nothing more.
Lin Xiaowen kicked at the small stones underfoot, walking slowly, step by step. Though the surroundings were unfamiliar, the presence of his company brought her a deep sense of comfort.
The small town of Wanting bore many similarities to Chengdu: a slow pace of life, simple and sincere folk customs, and even the night breeze carried a gentle warmth.
After a restless evening, Cheng Yishu finally began to calm. Those close to him often said he was not the type to be agitated or restless over a single matter or person. After all, known for his cool demeanor and minimal expressions, who would have imagined that he could lose his composure multiple times over a girl?
It was An An who had witnessed it all, though whether that girl would tease him about it later was anyone’s guess.
Suddenly, a bright light flashed ahead, followed by the harsh blare of a motorcycle horn. Instinctively, Cheng Yishu gripped Lin Xiaowen’s hand tightly as a speeding bike whooshed past, nearly brushing the hem of her clothes.
“Are you alright?”
Staggering, Lin Xiaowen crashed into Cheng Yishu’s arms. His first reaction was to check if she was hurt.
Startled, Lin Xiaowen gazed into Cheng Yishu’s anxious eyes, an inexplicable feeling stirring inside her. This scene, these eyes—they seemed familiar, reminiscent of a moment many years ago.
“What’s wrong?”
Seeing her surprise and confusion, Cheng Yishu’s voice softened with concern.
“You were scared, weren’t you? It’s okay now… From now on, be careful when we walk. Stay on my inner side, understand?”
His long, clean fingers gently brushed through Lin Xiaowen’s tousled hair, just as he had done many times before—back when there was no Sinan, no Sin family, and no mischievous An An.
Lin Xiaowen smiled softly, a bit embarrassed by her own jealousy and childishness, as if she had suddenly reverted to a seventeen or eighteen-year-old girl. She looked at Cheng Yishu with a hint of apology.
“What exactly is going on?”
Growing anxious, Cheng Yishu even pleaded, “Are you still upset with me? I can explain about An An…”
“Alright!”
When Cheng Yishu grew serious, his face flushed—like the redness from spicy hotpot—embarrassing yet endearing.
“I know. An An already explained everything to me!”
Lin Xiaowen looked at him apologetically and continued, “It’s my fault. I shouldn’t have doubted you, shouldn’t have been petty or jealous. I just feel…”
“Wait, wait! Hold on!”
Cheng Yishu scratched the back of his head, still trying to process her words, and cautiously asked, “Are you being honest?”
Lin Xiaowen hesitated, then blurted out, “Of course I’m honest. Why? Do you think I’m lying?”
Cheng Yishu blinked and immediately denied, “No, you’re absolutely right!”
But Lin Xiaowen’s smile faded as she said, “So you think I was being unreasonable and throwing a tantrum?”
Cheng Yishu was speechless, flustered, waving his hands hurriedly.
“N-No, that’s impossible! How could you think that? It’s not…”
“Pfft…”
Lin Xiaowen finally triumphed, laughing with delight, unable to stop.
“See? You did it on purpose just to make me worry!”
Though a little uncomfortable on the surface, Cheng Yishu was relieved to see Lin Xiaowen’s gloom lift and her expression soften. He accepted it gladly.
At the same time, he wondered again what method An An had used to quickly mend the deep misunderstanding between them and turn Lin Xiaowen into his friend.
Suddenly pulling Lin Xiaowen close as if to punish her, the scent that belonged only to her drew near once more. Cheng Yishu felt life was truly like a drama, full of joys and sorrows, love and loss.
The whole street was quiet; occasionally, an unknown insect chirped in the trees.
Cheng Yishu sighed softly and spoke seriously.
“There were things I didn’t get to tell you during the day before you left. During the time we were apart, I thought a lot—especially when the accident happened on set. In that instant, I realized many things… Xiaowen…”
“Hm?”
Faced with Cheng Yishu’s solemn tone, Lin Xiaowen’s heart trembled inexplicably, her expression involuntarily solemn.
“I’ve always heard that no one knows whether an accident or tomorrow comes first, so we must cherish the present. After this experience, I understand it even more deeply. Xiaowen, we’ve wasted too much time. Looking back, before I met you, my life felt wasted. After meeting you, every day became meaningful. I have someone to care for, someone besides work that I must do even when I’m tired.”
“Many times, Dalingzi scolded me—after a whole day of filming and hiding from paparazzi, when I finally come home to rest, why risk dressing up and going out again? I know it’s tiring, but you know what, Xiaowen? Every time I reach your door and you open it with a smile, all my exhaustion vanishes in an instant…”
Lin Xiaowen’s heart ached softly. She hugged Cheng Yishu tightly and looked up into his eyes, filled with starlight and overflowing with endless tenderness.
This big boy—who could know how deeply he longed for a warm home to call his own?
“That day, the mudslide came suddenly, trapping several crew members inside. For those few seconds, I thought I might never come back. The brain is strange—I thought about so many things in that brief moment: you, Ranran, our first meeting… and even whether the soul exists after death. Because I wanted to say, even if I can’t come back, I’ll find a way to enter your dreams and tell you these thoughts…”
“I want to tell you, I don’t agree with breaking up. Even if Sinan is Ranran’s father, I won’t give you back to him, because…”
Unconsciously, tears brimmed in Lin Xiaowen’s eyes. She smiled beautifully, returning Cheng Yishu’s passionate and sincere gaze. She tiptoed shyly and responded to his anxious testing with a bashful, tender kiss.
Cheng Yishu’s body stiffened noticeably. Lin Xiaowen’s slender arms circled his neck, trembling slightly from nervousness and shyness, her breath a little unsteady.
Her lips gently left his, and under the streetlight, her flushed face was clearly visible.
“What are you staring at? I’m kissing my own boyfriend… is that not allowed?”
Lin Xiaowen wanted to say this confidently, disdainful of Cheng Yishu’s astonished expression.
After all, this was her first time initiating a kiss!
Cheng Yishu pursed his lips, savoring the fleeting touch with a faint smile.
“Who would dare? But it seems someone forgot what I said!”
“What?”
Lin Xiaowen asked, puzzled.
Pulling her close, Cheng Yishu leaned down and kissed her cherry lips before she could react.
I already told you, a man should take the initiative. Let’s see if you dare forget next time!
“Xiaowen, no matter what happens, let’s never be apart again, alright?”
“Alright!”
“Xiaowen…”
“Hm?”
“I love you.”
Under the streetlamp, the two clung to each other, their shadows inseparable, just like their hearts.