Chapter 14 – Ice Cream in the Cold Wind

People often say that Migu Valley is a place where it’s spring all year round, but that’s not entirely true.

In early winter, although the valley remains lush and blooming, it gets cold—
not the dry chill of the north, but a damp, bone-piercing cold brought on by the humidity.

The bedsheets and quilts in the dorm are always slightly damp to the touch because of the moisture. Ironically, it’s actually warmer outside under the sun than it is inside.

Maybe time, no matter when or where, truly is the best medicine for healing pain.

These past few days, Sheng Han had improved a lot.
She no longer hurt herself, nor cried her eyes out every single day.

On a bitterly cold night, with the wind howling through the air, Sheng Han developed a strange habit:
eating big tubs of ice cream in the freezing wind.

Ever since that rainy night, Tian You had been quietly looking out for her.
In fact, he was the only one who consistently cared about her.

He checked if she was eating, occasionally kept her company with casual chats or short walks.
These simplest acts of care brought a faint, much-needed warmth to Sheng Han’s frozen heart.

That evening, the wind was especially fierce. Sheng Han sat alone in the playground bleachers, as usual, eating ice cream. Tian You walked over and sat quietly beside her.

“Eating ice cream alone again?”

“Mm. Want some?” Sheng Han pulled another tub of ice cream from the bag and handed it to him.

The two of them sat side by side, silently eating ice cream together.

After a long pause, Tian You asked:

“Still thinking about him?”

“Mm… I dream about him every night. That’s why I’ve started to like nighttime—
because in my dreams, I get to see him every day.”

Sheng Han smiled.
But the smile was so bitter.

Once, she had been a girl full of pride and self-respect.
Now, in love, she had become so painfully small.

Tian You’s heart ached for her.
He wanted so badly for her to heal, to stand back up again, but… there was nothing he could do.

The boy who had always prided himself on being able to fix anything…
for the first time, felt completely powerless.

After a long silence, Tian You looked at Sheng Han with sincere eyes and said:

“Sheng Han… all this time, I’ve blamed myself.
I was always so close to you—
So why couldn’t I be there to protect you when you were hurt?”

“It’s not your fault. It was my own problem.
I didn’t protect myself,” Sheng Han replied with a faint smile.

“Sheng Han, be with me.”
“I really, really want to protect you.
I know you can’t forget him.
I know you still think about him.
I know you still love him.
But I don’t mind—
truly, I just want to stay by your side, to protect you quietly,
to help you find your way back to the person you used to be.”

Hearing Tian You say this, Sheng Han’s heart trembled.
Yes—right now, she truly, deeply felt so alone.

Every night, she curled up in a ball in bed, so frightened, so helpless.

She really did want someone to be there for her. She really did.

But she still couldn’t forget Xiu Jie—
and she didn’t want to hurt Tian You, someone who had been so kind to her.

“Tian You, I can’t forget him. It wouldn’t be fair to you.
You deserve someone better.”

“Of all the water in the world, I only want a single ladleful to drink.
From the beginning until now, I’ve only ever wanted you.
If you’re sad, I’ll stay with you.
If you can’t forget him, I’ll wait for you.”

For a brief moment, the locked chains around Sheng Han’s heart were shaken.

In this cold, indifferent university that had brought her so much pain,
Tian You was the only warmth she could see.

The weight of life often determines the strength we’re capable of.
Years later, many people never forget that one person who once brought them a flicker of light in their darkest days.

Even if they never ended up together, it was still a gift.
Even if that warmth lasted just a moment—
like dazzling fireworks in the night—
it was still breathtaking.
And though it all returns to dust,
memories of it remain, even years later.

To love someone…
is to help them become more of themselves.

Tian You’s love wasn’t like Xiu Jie’s, which at times felt like a cage.
It wasn’t like Hao Yu’s, which was forceful and domineering.

His love was like a gentle stream—quiet, constant, and deeply nourishing.
A love that healed in silence, making the heart feel safe and light.

“Can I… think about it?”
Sheng Han lowered her head and spoke softly.