She clearly could have refused him, but the moment she saw him, a surge of affection for him arose in her heart. Qianye had no relatives growing up, and Zhang Cheng’s presence had filled that gap for her.

For the past six months, every weekend, she helped him organize materials, gave dictations, and explained his mistakes. He listened intently to everything she said, occasionally asking if she planned to stay here after graduation.

Qianye vaguely knew about Zhang Cheng’s background—his father was a businessman, and his mother was a full-time housewife. He also had a half-brother, and his father had always hoped that Zhang Cheng would take over the family business after graduation, while Zhang Cheng dreamed of becoming a university professor.

As autumn arrived, the wind turned a bit chilly. Qianye wrapped her scarf tighter and walked toward Zhang Cheng’s home. He had evidently been waiting for a long time, as he eagerly opened the door as soon as she knocked. There was no one else in the house, and Qianye felt a twinge of unease.

With a soft “pop,” a blue hot air balloon floated up from the ground and slowly ascended, stopping right in front of the living room’s floor-to-ceiling windows. On it was a message: “Qianye, happy birthday.” Zhang Cheng performed a magic trick, pulling out a heart-shaped cake, and suddenly, the lights dimmed. Only the candles illuminated their young faces.

At that moment, Qianye was so touched that she almost cried.

From childhood, no one had remembered her birthday. Later, even when someone did, she had grown weary of it and no longer cared. After being with Han Chao, who was always so busy, she rarely received elaborate surprises. Most of the time, he would simply send a text message with a birthday wish. Qianye understood and never blamed him. She often said she didn’t care about such gestures. The truth was, she was afraid of not having them at all—afraid that if she hoped for something and didn’t get it, she would be disappointed. In that moment, with the world bustling outside, she was immersed in the warmth of this attention. Her voice trembled as she said, “Thank you.”

Zhang Cheng smiled happily. Since it was just the two of them, he insisted that she stay a little longer. He would send her home later. She quietly sat at the table, across from the pure-hearted youth. Outside the window, the splendor of the world unfolded, slowly extending to the edge of the city.

“Qianye, can I like you?” This time, he left out the word “sister,” as if, in that moment, he had transformed from a boy into a man who could stand beside her.

“Zhang Cheng…” Qianye had never thought about loving anyone besides Han Chao in her life.

“Don’t answer me too quickly,” Zhang Cheng interrupted her. “Maybe in your eyes, I’m just a kid, but I will grow up soon, Qianye. No matter what’s in your heart, it doesn’t matter. I will always be behind you. When you feel helpless, just turn around, and I’ll be here…” He spoke with intense sincerity, his eyes shining.

Qianye felt a moment of panic and could only advise him, “The college entrance exams are coming up. You should focus on your studies…”

“I will for sure!” Zhang Cheng answered confidently. After the confusion, they both gradually calmed down. As it grew later, Zhang Cheng took a taxi to escort Qianye back to the dorm. When she returned, she checked her phone—it was already 11 PM. There were no missed calls or messages. She felt a pang of disappointment. Han Chao had forgotten her birthday. She never mentioned it, and he didn’t remember. Qianye wrapped herself in her blanket, leaning against the window, feeling a deep sadness. How deep must her love be to offset the endless disappointments she faced every day?

She always told herself that Han Chao was not like other men. He was far more disciplined and strict than others his age, and wasn’t that what she had fallen for? But youth is so fleeting. Was she really going to wait until she was old and gray before she could have his devoted company?