Everyone thought it was too early to consider this matter so deeply.

Sang Zhi was still young and they hadn’t been together for very long.

People believed that the future might change and that in a few years, things would not be the same. Perhaps everything wouldn’t follow the expected path and something might happen along the way, leading to only one result—— separation.

But this was something Duan Jiaxu never considered after getting together with Sang Zhi. He was never with her thinking they might break up in the future.

From the first day they were together, he had been thinking about their future—— a future that would last forever.

Duan Jiaxu remembered the day Sang Zhi lay on his back, crying as she said, “Why am I 19? Can I be 29? I don’t want to be so young.”

It was probably at that time that she knew her parents didn’t approve of her being with him. But she was worried that if he found out, it would affect his mood. So, she could only be sad on her own, working hard by herself to change her parents’ minds.

When she learned that Sang Rong had said something to him, she frantically tried to comfort him, but she felt utterly powerless, only able to tell him not to be upset.

She would also overthink the situation, fearing that he might give up because of it. Then she returned to Yihe early, sobbing in the airport as she revealed the secret she had hidden for so many years, hoping he wouldn’t feel inferior because her parents disagreed.

She wanted him to clearly understand just how wonderful he was, to be someone worth her thinking about for so many years.

Sang Zhi always considered him first in everything.

Whether in the past or now, even though she was so much younger than him and even though he should be the one taking care of her, she always wanted to be his armor, protecting him behind her.

Duan Jiaxu didn’t want her to be caught in a difficult position between him and her parents anymore.

This issue needed to be resolved, regardless of the timing.

The small living room fell silent.

Duan Jiaxu slightly lowered his head, silently mocking himself. He felt the time was unbearably long and started thinking about what he could do if Sang Zhi’s parents still didn’t agree to their relationship.

It seemed that this was all he had.

After a moment of contemplation, Sang Rong finally spoke, “Will the house only be written under Zhizhi’s name?”

The silence was broken and Duan Jiaxu felt a sense of relief as he nodded. “Yes.”

Sang Yan, who had been left out and sidelined by the three of them, was utterly baffled after hearing Duan Jiaxu’s words. He straightened out his thoughts and, spurred by their conversation, suddenly spoke up, “Wait a minute. Dad, isn’t that a bit unfair?”

“……” Li Ping suddenly slapped his thigh. “What are you talking about?!”

“Can we be reasonable?” Sang Yan was both exasperated and amused. “Mom, when you were introducing me to potential dates, didn’t you say you’ll agree to anyone, no matter how poor, as long as she’s a woman?”

Li Ping was so angry she had a headache. “Are your conditions comparable to your sister’s?”

“……”

“With how you are, if any girl wants you, I’d be burning incense and praying to Buddha.”

Sang Yan endured for a moment before continuing, “I just want to ask, if you found a rich second-generation heir for that little brat, someone who’s useless but comes from money, would you two be happy?”

Li Ping replied, “That’s not the issue.”

“Then what’s the issue?” Sang Yan glanced at Duan Jiaxu and clicked his tongue. “Mom, take a good look. Duan Jiaxu may be a bit worse off than me in some ways, but he’s still decent, isn’t he?”

Li Ping couldn’t stand his behavior. “If someone’s worse than you, will he still be considered a person?”

Sang Yan, used to being rebuked, pretended not to hear it. “Alright, he treats that little brat very well and he’s not poor, there’s nothing to pick on.”

Li Ping exchanged a glance with Sang Rong, both of them calming down. She sighed softly, “Let your father speak.”

Sang Rong looked at Duan Jiaxu and continued to ask, “When do you plan to buy the house?”

Duan Jiaxu replied, “I expect this year.”

“You and Zhizhi’s relationship isn’t settled yet,” Sang Rong continued, “but you already plan to put the house under her name?”

Duan Jiaxu nodded. “Yes.”

Sang Rong asked, “Aren’t you afraid you’ll break up in a couple of years?”

Sang Yan frowned. “Dad, that’s not very nice, cursing them to break up.”

Li Ping couldn’t take it anymore and grabbed Sang Yan’s arm, dragging him to his room.

“Get inside!”

The living room instantly became quieter with the two gone.

Duan Jiaxu wasn’t affected. He smiled lightly and responded to Sang Rong, saying softly, “It’s useless for me to keep the house. It’s better to leave it to her.”

“Son, nobody invests that much money into a relationship.” Sang Rong smiled. “If others knew, their first reaction would probably be that you were being extorted by our family.”

Duan Jiaxu was taken aback. But before he could speak, Sang Rong continued, “The house should still be in your name. That is the money you earn through your own hard work. Neither I nor Zhizhi’s mom cares about those things.”

“……”

“Actually, Zhizhi has mentioned your relationship to us several times.” Sang Rong’s expression softened as he reached out to pat Duan Jiaxu’s shoulder. “But only hearing from her, we didn’t feel certain. Last time, when I said those things to you, I just wanted to see how you would react.”

Duan Jiaxu nodded. “I understand.”

“When I mentioned concerns about your family’s situation before, it was because I was worried Zhizhi might get hurt because of it. But if you can protect her, that’s enough.” Sang Rong continued, “I also know that my and Zhizhi’s mom’s attitude has quite an impact on your relationship. But with young people starting dating, we need to get involved.”

Duan Jiaxu, who had been tense the entire evening, finally relaxed a little but found himself at a loss for words.

“Because I said those things to you, I’ve been feeling guilty. I know that what happened has been hard on you and I also know it’s not your fault. It has nothing to do with you. You don’t need to lower yourself because of it.”

Duan Jiaxu looked at Sang Rong, his throat dry.

He had always known that Sang Rong and Li Ping were kind-hearted people. Duan Jiaxu understood their concerns and knew they were worried about Sang Zhi and had her best interests at heart.

So he had only one choice—— to make himself better.

He thought that if this conversation didn’t work out, he would just try harder. He would do his best to make them overlook his father and not dwell on those things.

But he never expected that Sang Rong would turn around and comfort him instead.

Telling him not to mind it.

“You saw Ah Yan’s reaction. He thinks we’re bullying you.” Sang Rong said with a smile. “We’re not unreasonable people. What you said tonight is enough. We believe you can do what you said.”

“……”

“In the future, if you have time, come over for a meal.”

They sat for a while longer.

Li Ping and Sang Yan came out of the room and no one mentioned the earlier conversation. They changed the topic, and as it got late, around 9 o’clock, Sang Yan suggested they head back.

The two of them left the Sang family’s house together.

Sang Yan walked ahead and asked casually, “What else did my dad say to you?”

Duan Jiaxu’s lips curved into a smile and he was in a good mood. “They aren’t opposing anymore.”

“What’s wrong with you?” Sang Yan’s tone carried a hint of sarcasm. “What were you saying back there? Can’t a grown man be a bit more assertive?”

“What?”

“A man should have some assets of his own.” Sang Yan drawled lazily, “Although whose name is on the house deed isn’t that important, if you keep indulging her like this, I can already see that your future life will be a disaster. That little brat will definitely be spoiled by you.”

Duan Jiaxu was still smiling. “That’s fine.”

Sang Yan glanced at him. “And one more thing.”

“Hmm?”

“Don’t take everything upon yourself.” Sang Yan said, fiddling with his car keys, his tone as casual and sharp as always, “Stop being so melodramatic.”

Sang Yan had driven over, so he gave Duan Jiaxu a ride back.

When he got home, Duan Jiaxu made a video call to Sang Zhi. She answered quickly and her petite face appeared on the screen, her bright eyes looking at him.

Duan Jiaxu smiled. “Not in the dorm?”

Sang Zhi propped her phone against a cup and continued munching on her chips. “No, I’m at your place. I don’t have classes tomorrow morning, so I can sleep in.”

Duan Jiaxu had nothing else to do, so he lay on the sofa, watching her eat chips.

Noticing his expression, Sang Zhi blinked. “You seem really happy today.”

Duan Jiaxu lowered his head, chuckling softly. “Yeah, I am.”

“What happened?” Sang Zhi stared at him for a while, then pursed her lips and suddenly started smiling too. “What did you do today? You’re smiling like an idiot.”

“I went to see your parents.” Duan Jiaxu confessed, no longer hiding it. “They’re not opposed to our relationship anymore.”

Hearing his last sentence, the chips Sang Zhi was holding fell out of her hand. “What? They’re not opposed anymore? What did you say to them?”

He kept smiling without answering.

Sang Zhi asked several more times, “Really? They’re really not opposed to us anymore?”

Even though Duan Jiaxu didn’t answer, Sang Zhi started grinning foolishly too. She was clearly influenced by his mood and the long-standing worry she had had finally been resolved.

She picked up the phone and brought her face closer to the screen to look at him.

“Duan Jiaxu.”

“Hmm?”

She smiled sweetly. “I’m so happy.”

Not just because her parents were no longer opposed to them being together, but also because he was finally recognized.

It made her very happy.

Duan Jiaxu looked at the small dimples on both sides of her cheeks, suddenly wanting to bite them. He gently rubbed the screen with his thumb, his eyes soft. “Mm, I’m really happy too.”

“Duan Jiaxu.” Sang Zhi called him again.

“Hmm?”

“This matter, as of this moment, is over.” Sang Zhi sat up straight and said seriously, “From now on, no one has the right to think poorly of you because of it.”

“……”

She whispered, “You’re the best.”

That night, three different people comforted Duan Jiaxu in different ways, soothing the scars he had carried from his youth until now. The constant dull ache he had felt seemed to disappear without a trace.

Maybe, in the past, he had been a little unlucky.

But at this moment, Duan Jiaxu felt that he was incredibly lucky once again.

———pr

This translation is by Pocketrobbin at S h a n g h a i f a n t a s y . c o m

After Duan Jiaxu went to Nanwu, Sang Zhi’s life didn’t change much.

She still attended classes, participated in activities and competitions, spent time in the library, and whenever she had some free time, she would go and stay at his place for a few days. Although she no longer saw him every day, she had taken up something she had never done before.

Whenever she had the time, Sang Zhi would go to the city hospital to check on Duan Zhicheng’s condition.

She hadn’t mentioned this matter to Duan Jiaxu. She simply thought that since he wasn’t around, she should help him keep an eye on things at Yihe. That way, if anything went wrong, she could inform him in time.

Days passed by.

At the beginning of March, the list of winners for the game design competition Sang Zhi participated in last semester was announced. To her surprise, her work had actually won a place. Although it was only the third prize, she was still very pleasantly surprised.

She was about to share this news with Duan Jiaxu when she received a message on WeChat from someone she had almost no contact with.

It was Shi Xiaoyu, whom she had run into at the supermarket some time ago.

Shi Xiaoyu came to tell Sang Zhi about Jiang Ying’s situation.

【Shi Xiaoyu: I want to tell you something.】

【Sang Zhi: What is it?】

【Shi Xiaoyu: After you told me those things before, I subconsciously started observing Jiang Ying’s behavior, and I even asked her some questions straightforwardly. She didn’t hide anything from me and told me everything.】

【Shi Xiaoyu: I don’t think there’s anything seriously wrong with her. She’s just a bit obsessive and doesn’t listen to what others say. When she’s not around your boyfriend, she’s quite normal. I’m not sure if this counts as a psychological issue.】

Sang Zhi was a bit puzzled. 【Why are you suddenly telling me all this?】

【Shi Xiaoyu: I just wanted to speak on her behalf. She’s not a bad person, just someone who has been psychologically affected by her father’s situation. But she won’t go out of her way to hurt others.】

【Shi Xiaoyu: Something happened in her family recently and she seems to have come to terms with it. I don’t think she’ll cause any more trouble for your boyfriend in the future. So you don’t need to worry anymore. Also, I want to apologize to you for what happened before. I’m sorry.】

Sang Zhi didn’t know what to say.

She wasn’t directly involved in what Jiang Ying had done, so she had no stance to respond. But when she read the other party’s messages, she couldn’t help but recall the way Duan Jiaxu had been treated, which left her feeling stifled and in a bad mood.

Sang Zhi stared at the screen for a long time before finally replying with a simple, 【Mm.】

The award ceremony for the game design competition was held in the auditorium of Yihe University. It was scheduled for the day before Sang Zhi’s birthday and quite a few people were attending, including students and teachers from hundreds of other schools, as well as representatives from dozens of companies.

Originally, Sang Zhi had been looking forward to this award ceremony. But when the day finally arrived, she couldn’t muster any excitement.

Because Duan Jiaxu had stood her up.

Since Duan Jiaxu returned to Nanwu, she had been tearing off the calendar pages every day, eagerly anticipating her birthday. As the day approached, she had already planned out where she would go with Duan Jiaxu.

But all she got in the end was a message from Duan Jiaxu saying, 【Something came up last minute, I won’t be able to make it back. I’ll make it up to you next time.】

Sang Zhi was quite unhappy but she knew he was busy, so she didn’t want to throw a tantrum at him.

Therefore, she just sulked quietly to herself.

Sitting in the auditorium, she received a WeChat message from Duan Jiaxu, but she didn’t feel like replying right away. She glanced at the time displayed at the top of her phone and thought about waiting another ten minutes before responding.

Just to let him experience what it felt like to be neglected.

The award ceremony hadn’t started yet and a few professors on stage were discussing academic topics. Sang Zhi listened for a while before getting bored and tuning out.

She turned her phone on again and stared at the screen, thinking that ten minutes might not be enough.

She still didn’t reply.

After a while, Duan Jiaxu sent another message, 【Why are you ignoring me?】

Sang Zhi started to waver, wondering if she should reply, when suddenly a schoolmate sitting next to her bumped her shoulder excitedly and said, “Sang Zhi, look to your right, that guy is so handsome!”

“……” Sang Zhi instinctively looked up.

She immediately saw the man who had been messaging her just a moment ago, the same liar who had told her the day before that he would be too busy to come back and celebrate her birthday.

Today, Duan Jiaxu was dressed very formally in a suit and tie, with a dark red tie that made him look both refined and gentle. He was tall, slender, and strikingly handsome, and the outfit gave him an air of restraint and sensuality.

Sang Zhi rarely saw him dressed like this and now her eyes were glued to him, unable to look away. She even forgot that she was supposed to be sulking and felt an urge to run over and hug him.

It had only been a little over a month since they last saw each other.

Her schoolmate was still talking, “Hey, which company does he represent? I think it’s some game company……”

Standing where he was, Duan Jiaxu scanned the room and quickly spotted Sang Zhi. He raised an eyebrow, his lips curling into a slight smile, and walked toward her.

Sang Zhi’s seat was right by the aisle.

Her schoolmate whispered, “Hey, is he coming our way? No way, it looks like he is. He’s really coming over……”

When Duan Jiaxu stopped next to Sang Zhi, her schoolmate immediately fell silent.

Duan Jiaxu bent down slightly and tapped on Sang Zhi’s phone, making the screen light up. Then he lifted his slightly narrowed peach-blossom eyes and drawled, “Student, check your phone.”

“……”

“Your boyfriend seems to be looking for you.”