Epilogue

The heavy rain that night didn't disturb the two bodies closely entwined inside their cozy room. Although one woman, with teary eyes and flushed cheeks, kept worrying about how to gain her parents' approval, she eventually grew so tired that she couldn't think about such distressing matters anymore.

Usually so bold and carefree, now she lay in Ji Qiubai's arms, looking delicate and dependent. Her beautiful body bore marks from the heated encounter, evidence of her lover's disregard for pleas for mercy. Her tear-stained face looked pitiful.

Ji Qiubai felt a twinge of guilt and unease.

Hmm… At this rate, she might have to take a day off on Monday.

While her exhausted lover slept soundly, Ji Qiubai took the opportunity to visit the hospital alone. Her mother was recovering well. Both parents greeted her with cold expressions but refrained from saying anything too harsh.

Having grown up under her parents' authority, they now saw Ji Qiubai's exhaustion from running around every day. They wanted to reconcile but found it hard to lower their pride.

"I've thought it through. It doesn't matter even if you don't agree," Ji Qiubai said, holding an apple while peeling it. "If you truly wish for my happiness, I hope, as my family, you'll respect my decision."

The room fell into an uneasy silence.

"She has nothing right now. If you two end up together, you'll end up supporting her alone. A pampered, rich young lady like that—what can she do? She was born to be coddled. Being with her will only tire you out in the end," her mother spoke more calmly, though still with disapproval.

But it was clear she had softened.

"She won't," Ji Qiubai handed over the peeled apple with a smile. "You don't even know her yet, but you're dismissing her with such stereotypes. Isn't that a major taboo for a teacher?"

Her mother was an excellent teacher who treated all her students equally, but she was being unfair now.

Seeing that she'd struck a nerve, Ji Qiubai didn't hold back. "And about what you said last time regarding 'purity'—did you know those people you introduced well enough?"

Her mother hadn't even taken a bite of the apple, setting it down to argue her point.

"Yes, I admit I went too far last time. But your father and I aren't naive. Have you seen her reputation online? How can you be sure she'll change and stay loyal to you? What guarantees can you give me?"

Ji Qiubai spoke slowly, "Mom, even couples like you and Dad, who marry after a thorough understanding, sometimes get divorced. If that happens, I won't beg her to stay."

"But those are uncertain possibilities in the future. If you force me to separate from the one I love, I'll suffer for a lifetime."

Her mother remained silent for a long time before biting into the apple in frustration. "Fine, do as you please. Your father and I are getting on in years. We can't control you anymore. We might as well go home and have some peace."

Seeing her mother relent, Ji Qiubai smiled, "Why not stay a few more days? Jianghuai is worth exploring."

"No, seeing you two together just makes me upset."

They accompanied her parents to the airport that day, and they had lunch together. Ji Qiubai's mother noticed how naturally Jing Yao placed the dish without onions in front of Ji Qiubai, her expression showing some surprise.

She then observed how Jing Yao took on the role of driver, carried their luggage at the airport, and spoke and acted impeccably. She was nothing like the rumors.

Her mother's tone softened, but she subtly probed about Jing Yao's future plans, only to be pulled away by her father before she could get an answer.

"It seems Auntie is very concerned about my job situation," Jing Yao easily saw through the underlying message in her mother's words.

"Don't worry about it. You need a break," Ji Qiubai replied.

Jing Yao shook her head, her smile hidden under her beret and mask. "Maybe next week, we could become colleagues."

——

"That's pretty much how it went," the woman sitting in the office chair exuded grace and authority. "So, Manager Luo, you should get back to work."

Luo Li stood there, dumbfounded.

"Hmm? Do you need me to escort you out?"

"So… you just directly became my superior?" Luo Li finally processed their current relationship, her lips parted in disbelief.

Did her mom act this quickly?

"I don't see anything unreasonable about it," Jing Yao smiled at her. "I can also teach you how an external manager should effectively lead a team."

That could be quite useful, but Luo Li didn't get a chance to learn from her because she had to go on a business trip with President Su. For two days, she nervously interacted with the leader she couldn't quite figure out. Surprisingly, Su wasn't hard on her this time.

"Relax, I don't want to be manipulated by that person again."

Then, the leader interrogated her with questions like a household registry check—whether she had dated before, how they met, and if their families knew about their relationship…

This was more thorough than how Lu Cixue's irresponsible parents had been.

"Hmph, what did you expect? That child has no family to look out for her. I've taught her for so many years, so of course, I need to vet you properly. Parents always care more for their own children," President Su scrutinized her from head to toe, her lips pursed.

"Auntie Su, please rest assured. What happened last time won't happen again," Luo Li quickly caught the implication in her words, referring to how Lu Cixue wasn't even allowed to visit her at the hospital.

She hated the idea that "the whole world only has you, and I can't live without you." Luo Li believed that her cat should have a lover, family, friends, hobbies, and interests.

Love was a gift that tied them together and manifested as a sense of security.

What she could offer Lu Cixue was unquestionable security.

The person sitting on the sofa set down her cup, pretending to fiddle with her phone. "I do have a bunch of excellent young people here. Maybe I could introduce them to her."

"That's definitely not okay!" The favorable impression Luo Li had just built up for her shattered instantly.

—Who does that? Creating a crisis for no reason.

"I hope you keep your word. After all, she does seem to like you quite a bit, doesn't she?" The cunning woman smiled at her. "You probably don't know this, but she was the one who offered to personally mentor you to your father."

She really didn't know that.

"Treasure her well. She doesn't like to trouble others. She never mentioned her family issues to me either. But actually, you have no idea how many tricks she has up her sleeve. She's like a cat."

Luo Li wanted to laugh but didn't dare.

——

Upon their return, they received an invitation to attend their high school's centennial celebration.

This private school held extravagant events each year, with most of its students coming from wealthy or influential families. The school itself didn't hesitate to invest in these celebrations, making them quite interesting.

"Darling, do you want to go with me?" Luo Li snuggled against Lu Cixue's shoulder, acting like a big golden retriever.

"Our school has a beautiful campus. You'll get to see the gardens in full bloom if you go now."

Of course, the main reason was to show Lu Cixue where she had spent her past, making it a meaningful experience.

She had thought of everything—except that Tao Jinxi had graduated from the same school.

When she spotted that familiar figure, her mood instantly soured. She instinctively glanced at the person beside her to gauge her reaction.

With her delicate makeup and graceful demeanor, Lu Cixue seemed unaffected, maintaining a slight smile.

Luo Li interlocked their fingers to declare their relationship and avoid unnecessary trouble.

"Luo Li?"

A voice called from behind. Luo Li turned to see a woman holding a British Shorthair cat, her expression lighting up in surprise upon recognizing her.

"It really is you! I knew I wasn't mistaken. You left for abroad without a word and didn't even leave us your contact information."

"Are you… Cen Lu?" Luo Li tried to recall the girl who used to sit in front of her and was always the third in class.

"Yes," Cen Lu smiled while stroking the cat in her arms. Her gaze fell on the person next to Luo Li, taking in their joined hands with surprise and a hint of admiration. "You're Senior Lu?"

Lu Cixue had no recollection of this person, but she nodded politely.

This immediately opened up Cen Lu's chatterbox. She was so excited she nearly dropped the Silver Shaded cat from her arms. "Wow, wow, wow! It really is you, Senior! You might not know me—I mean, you definitely don't—but when you were a senior, I had just started college. Your reputation has always been legendary in our department. You're amazing!"

"Thank you. I was just lucky," Lu Cixue replied.

Cen Lu shook her head in disagreement, about to say more.

"What an adorable kitten," Luo Li intervened, sensing the fangirl's excitement was about to surge. She redirected the conversation.

Lu Cixue's gaze shifted to the kitten in Cen Lu's arms, appearing to be well-behaved and affectionate.

"Hehe, oh, a friend of mine recently couldn't keep it anymore. She's looking for homes for the kittens. Would you two be interested?"

"No, we already have one at home, and she might get jealous." Luo Li hinted playfully, her palm getting a playful scratch.

In truth, she did feel a bit envious hearing Cen Lu's stories.

If only she and Lu Cixue had attended the same school, they might have met earlier.

But that was just a "what if." Given how she used to cry her eyes out daily back then, she probably wouldn't have gotten in anyway.

"It's a shame you weren't around. I never got the chance to talk to you," Cen Lu lamented, her gaze drifting to their interlocked hands again, eyes sparkling. "You two…"

Luo Li smiled at her, feeling a swell of pride.

—Such a beautiful and accomplished person was hers.

"Long time no see," a tall figure approached from behind. "Luo Luo, could we talk alone?"

Cen Lu saw Tao Jinxi walking over and the smile fading from Luo Li's lips. A flash of confusion crossed her eyes.

She remembered that these two were inseparable in high school, but now the atmosphere seemed off.

"Sure, I've been wanting to talk to you," Luo Li thought her fake smile had reached the same level as Lu Cixue's.

They hadn't had much contact lately, but if she wanted to talk, they could.

No matter where she went, Tao Jinxi was always the center of attention. Just now, many old classmates had gathered around her, trying to chat and make connections.

She always handled these situations with ease, engaging in lively conversations with everyone, just as she had back then.

She was always in the spotlight, born with an aura that made people view her as an unattainable moon. She had the right to be proud, making Luo Li hesitant to reach out.

Later, Luo Li met more people like her—equally brilliant and noble. She realized that her previous feelings stemmed from inferiority. Those who truly loved her would pick her up gently, not enjoy being held up on a pedestal.

"What do you want to say?"

They turned the corner onto a tree-lined path. With no one around, Luo Li glanced at Lu Cixue, who was being shown the graduation photos by Cen Lu.

"I've thought a lot over these past few months. I'm sorry for causing trouble in your life," Tao Jinxi seemed to have recognized her mistakes, apologizing.

She had been pampered and spoiled, not realizing until a certain moment that they weren't suited for each other.

So, when it was time to let go, she did so without hesitation.

—Look, that's just who she is. Still the same.

"If you truly feel sorry, don't intrude into others' lives again," Luo Li's expression darkened as she recalled the scene at the hospital. "And don't make decisions for others."

"There's nothing else we need to talk about. Give my regards to Uncle and Aunt. I'll visit with my family when I have time."

"Not everyone in this world revolves around you."

Luo Li casually returned to the graduation photo area, greeted Cen Lu, and left with Lu Cixue. They did look well-matched from behind.

"Done talking?"

"Yeah, nothing much to say. What were you looking at?"

"The junior from earlier sent it. She said it's your blackmail photo."

"You two got along that well?" There was a hint of jealousy in someone's voice.

"Hmm? Is that your takeaway from this?"

…

——

Three days after the school celebration.

"Forced to go public. Surprising, isn't it?" Jing Yao looked at her friend, who seemed almost lifeless, with a smirk.

Luo Li glared at her, then slumped back in the leather chair.

She was just a small-time photographer, pursuing it as a hobby. How could she have fans?

Yet someone had recognized her at the school celebration and taken a photo of her and Lu Cixue. At least they had some decency, not posting it online but asking her in private if it was her lover.

"Please don't post it online. It would disrupt our lives. We're not ready to go public yet."

"Ah, sorry… I already shared it in our class group chat. I can't retract it…"

A bit polite, but not entirely.

Most students from this school belonged to a tight-knit circle, with families either in collaboration or acquainted. The photo circulated quickly and reached the subject's phone.

"You're really dating?"

"…"

Luo Li frowned at the message for a long time before typing out a few words.

"Yeah, we're almost getting married. We'll let everyone know when the time comes."

Since it had come to this, she might as well give them a little shock.

"You're bold. Did she agree? Do you have a proposal plan ready? I've noticed you're getting bolder," Jing Yao chided her for this blatant lie.

"How do you know I don't? A proposal should be full of ceremony and surprise. Telling you guys would make it insincere."

"What makes you so sure she'll say yes?" Although there was little chance she wouldn't, such confidence was a bit cocky.

"Maybe it's because…" Luo Li raised an eyebrow, smiling. "The one who's loved always has the upper hand."

Tsk, Jing Yao got up to leave, feeling like she had wasted her time listening to this lovesick fool.

——

During the Labor Day holiday, Luo Li took Lu Cixue to her grandparents' place. The city had a coastal breeze, was warm year-round, and you could see the distant, green-blue ocean from the ring road.

Luo Li had said she wanted to introduce her cat to her grandparents and let her relax in this city.

The last brief meeting had been unpleasant.

But the enthusiasm of the two elderly people was overwhelming. They had been waiting in the living room since early morning, buying local specialties and making a homemade meal. They paced around the entrance several times, more nervous than the two younger people.

Her grandparents, with graying hair, dressed more formally than they had for any banquet. "Do I look okay here?"

"Oh, stop bothering me. I've told you, you're overdressed. I'll call and check where they are." Grandma put on her glasses and searched for the number on her phone. Her attire was just as elegant.

When they finally arrived, gifts still in hand, Lu Cixue was pulled to the dining table. She looked bewildered at the pile of food in her bowl.

"Oh, you're both so thin. Eat more. You work so hard; you must eat properly."

"Right, right, and have fun while you're here. Rest up during the holiday."

"Oh, I almost forgot! Here, I got up early to buy this since you were coming. Eat while it's hot." Luo Li recognized the bag—it was her favorite shumai from childhood, still warm.

The normally composed elderly couple was now in a flurry.

"Thank you, Grandpa, Grandma…" The cat, surrounded by food, quietly grabbed Luo Li's hand, looking troubled.

"It's okay. Just eat what you can. They're just nervous." Luo Li intertwined their fingers under the table, whispering.

It was clear they were nervous, shifting in their seats and not knowing what to do with their hands.

After a heartwarming breakfast, Luo Li pulled Lu Cixue outside. They wandered around until the afternoon, finally arriving at the beach as the sun set.

A group of children squatted together, building a sandcastle. A young woman with a delicate face was capturing the scene with her camera.

She set down the camera, turned to see the two of them walking over, and smiled as she approached.

"Excuse me, may I take a picture of you two? No other reason, just feel like this moment is too beautiful not to capture."

Surprise flashed in Lu Cixue's eyes. Always indifferent to such things, she was about to refuse, but Luo Li readily agreed.

"Some moments are indeed worth capturing."

Her vague response only deepened the woman's confusion, but she complied and was led aside.

The heart-shaped roses and candles were clearly set up in advance. It didn't look like a spur-of-the-moment idea.

"I arranged this spot. Every time a couple comes by, they get their picture taken here. Beautiful, isn't it?"

The person being led here furrowed her brows even more.

"Shall I take a few solo shots of this lady first? Relax, don't be nervous."

Luo Li obediently stepped out of the frame. "I'll go get us some drinks. I'll leave it to you."

She just ran off.

Standing there, Lu Cixue sensed something off. She scrutinized the stranger in front of her, her suspicions rising. "Are you a friend of Luo Li's?"

"Huh?" The woman was adjusting her angle. Startled by the question, she almost dropped the expensive camera.

"N-no, I'm not Luo Li's friend." She panicked, standing next to such a sharp person that her mind went blank.

She had only agreed to help because she lived nearby. Why did she feel like she was having a meeting with a superior?

Lu Cixue smiled, nodding as if she believed her.

—She hadn't even mentioned her companion's name as Luo Li.

The woman with the camera belatedly realized her mistake, looking regretful. Although her subject was cooperative, her enthusiasm had clearly waned. She had figured out their relationship.

Ugh, she hated dealing with clever people.

Knowing the jig was up, the woman hadn't taken many shots when she saw someone approaching from behind through her lens. Her eyes lit up. "Miss Lu, turn around."

Turning, she saw Luo Li holding a bouquet in one hand and a black box in the other. She was holding white balloons, joyfully running toward her.

The long-awaited romance finally arrived. Surprised when she guessed it, the reality left her stunned. In the sunset glow, her refined face was momentarily dazed.

It was as if time had stopped. Even breathing was cautious.

This place was far from the crowds. Only a few passersby, in twos and threes, smiled in blessing when they saw the proposal.

There was no need for a large audience. Luo Li thought her cat probably wouldn't like such an occasion. A wedding was the true witness of happiness, while the proposal was meant for one person.

Luo Li remembered having a lot to say. She had even written it down, afraid she would forget. To make it more fluent, creating a perfect memory, she had memorized those two pages over and over.

But it was as if it had all gone to waste.

Those deep eyes gazed at her warmly, veiled in a mist that easily drew her in. The sea breeze tousled her hair, leaving her looking breathtakingly beautiful.

Luo Li felt dizzy, her mind blank. She clumsily held out the exquisite ring before her, her fingers and voice trembling. "Lu Cixue, will you say yes?"

She had always resisted the idea of marriage, seeing it as shackling herself.

But if it was with someone she loved, the future suddenly seemed full of anticipation.

The ring was engraved with their initials on the inside. The one being proposed to stared blankly, seemingly forgetting to respond. After a long while, she regained her senses, stretching out her hand and embracing her lover tightly.

There seemed to be a wave of excited cheering from afar. A gentle kiss landed on Luo Li's lips as she heard the tender words beside her ear, "Of course I will."

"They seem quite happy," two people stood on the distant road, looking at the couple embracing on the beach. Jing Yao had her phone out, ready to take pictures.

"We will be too," the person behind her held her in their arms, shielding her from the cool sea breeze.

At that moment, the sun dipped into the sea, merging with the ocean, inseparable.