After returning to China, Zhang Shu had been fully occupied with projects. Their first project was AI medical imaging, which kept him and his engineers buried in hospitals. So even though he was back, Sheng Xia rarely got to see him.
The second semester of her second year in graduate school was usually the most hectic, as students needed to start preparing their master's theses. But since Sheng Xia was in a combined master's and Ph.D. program, she was spared that trouble. However, Professor Tan didn’t let her idle either—she was assigned to review all the undergraduate theses.
When Zhang Shu called and suggested going back to Nanli together for the Dragon Boat Festival, Sheng Xia was almost too stunned to react. "You... have time off?"
He was as busy as a spinning top, juggling his graduation thesis and the project. How could he have a break?
"Yeah, we’re taking time off. We’re going back to get married."
His voice remained calm as ever, but Sheng Xia was far from composed.
Though she was used to his unflappable attitude toward everything, big or small—marriage? Marriage?!
"But... my parents—"
"They already know."
"But—"
"They’ve agreed."
"How?" She hadn’t even graduated yet. How could Wang Lianhua possibly let her get married? And nothing was prepared—how could they just get married?
Zhang Shu: "We’ll register first. The wedding can wait until after graduation."
"Why the sudden rush?"
"Because 'Great Sage' just got approval and will soon be deployed in medical institutions. It’s my first product, the first one you witnessed. I want it to be part of our marital property."
"Great Sage" was Yixia Technology’s first robotics project, designed to assist in diagnosing CT scans.
Sheng Xia’s heart trembled, unsure how to respond. At that moment, all she wanted was to pack her bags and head straight back to Nanli.
Without waiting for her answer, he continued, "Sheng Xia, right now I’m at the hospital overseeing the data training. You know, even though it’s called a robot, it’s really just a system—it has no body, no physical form, nothing you can see or touch. But it has sharper eyes, a more specialized mind. It can do so much more than even the most experienced radiologist... You know, in the future, it might even reach the most remote, grassroots medical institutions, standing guard there like an expert assigned to every ordinary hospital..."
"Before, I just thought I needed to do something to secure my future. But, baby, do you know? Now I feel like... I can do more than just secure my own future. Today, I’m happy. Really, really happy. Do you know?"
Zhang Shu was rambling, uncharacteristically so.
Sheng Xia had never seen him like this before. He had exceptionally high emotional intelligence and rarely lost his composure. Even when facing people older or of higher status, he was always poised, a natural in communication. Sheng Xia often wondered if he’d received some kind of professional training.
But now, he kept repeating, "Do you know?" as if desperately seeking resonance. He forgot all his communication skills—he just wanted to share his joy with her.
"I know. I’ve always known..." Sheng Xia answered softly but earnestly.
"So I couldn’t help it. I proposed to you so hastily over the phone. Will you marry me? And create more marital property like 'Great Sage' with me?"
Tears streamed down Sheng Xia’s face as she choked out, "Then I’ll book my ticket to Nanli right now.""I've already got it ready. I'll pick you up at school tomorrow at seven in the morning."
...
On June 1st, Sheng Xia received the little red book.
"So thin?" She weighed it in her hand.
The lady processing their marriage registration chuckled, "Young lady, the marriage certificate might be thin, but the weight of marriage is anything but light, you know?"
Sheng Xia nodded in agreement. "You're absolutely right."
Zhang Shu held her hand, admiring the diamond ring on her finger. "If you think it's too thin, we can frame it."
"Then I need to buy a photo frame."
Zhang Shu: "Alright, let's go buy one."
"Let's get it from the stationery shop near the north gate of Fuzhong High!"
Zhang Shu paused slightly. "Then do you also want to stop by Yifang Bookstore to buy a copy of 'Marriage Law,' then head to the sports store for a pair of knee pads, and finally go to the stationery shop for the frame?"
Sheng Xia gasped in surprise. "How did you know my exact route?!"
Zhang Shu: "Only a dummy would think their plans are foolproof."
"..."
Sheng Xia: "Actually, A-Shu, there's no such thing as 'Marriage Law' anymore. It's all in the 'Civil Code' now, under the marriage and family section."
"..."
Zhang Shu: "Actually, dummy, there's no such thing as 'A-Shu' anymore. It's 'hubby' now."
"..."
How could she possibly say that out loud? It was so embarrassing! Sheng Xia turned and bolted, only to realize—wait, he just called her a dummy!
Zhang Shu strolled leisurely behind her, waiting until she turned back. "Actually, there's no such thing as 'dummy' anymore. You should call me..."
"Wifey," he cut her off, the term rolling off his tongue effortlessly.
Sheng Xia was speechless, utterly defeated. Under his increasingly stern gaze, she let out a whisper as faint as a mosquito's hum. "Hubby..."
Right there in public, in front of the marriage registration office, Zhang Shu cupped Sheng Xia's chin and kissed her without restraint.
They were legally married now—who cared about propriety?
The marriage registration office wasn't too far from Fuzhong High. Sheng Xia wanted to take a stroll, and Zhang Shu was happy to oblige. Hand in hand, as they had done countless times during impromptu dates, they played their silly word games while meandering along the riverside park path.
"This is our first time strolling together in Nanli, isn't it?" Sheng Xia said.
"Mhm."
"And this is our first stroll after getting married, right?" Sheng Xia added.
"Mhm."
"Why aren't you saying anything!" She pouted.
Zhang Shu stopped walking and looked at her. "I was just thinking—now that it's legal, will you finally stop being shy?"
Sheng Xia's ears instantly turned red.
They were just taking a walk—how could his mind be full of those thoughts?!
"Seems not," Zhang Shu pinched her earlobe. "Looks like you're going to be shy for life."
Sheng Xia: "Is that not allowed?"
Zhang Shu nodded. "It's allowed. At worst, you can keep being bashful, and I'll keep pushing my luck. No conflict there."
Sheng Xia grumbled, "Hurry up! The sun's about to set!"
Fuzhong High was on Dragon Boat Festival break, and most of the underclassmen had gone home for the holiday, leaving the campus unusually quiet.
After buying the photo frame and two cups of cucumber juice, and with Zhang Shu having sweet-talked the security guard, the two strolled boldly onto campus.
Sheng Xia pulled her hand from his grip and declared with mock seriousness, "No holding hands on school grounds! What if the discipline teacher catches us for 'early dating'?"
Zhang Shu played along perfectly. "You're absolutely right, wifey."
With the college entrance exams approaching, the Peach and Plum Plaza was covered in wishes written on hanging slips.
Sheng Xia asked, "What did you write when you made a wish back then?"
"Don't remember. Never believed in that stuff."
The answer was unsurprising. Sheng Xia raised an eyebrow. "Guess what I wrote?""First wish for peace and prosperity, second for parents' health, third for both of us to get what we wish, and meet again in September?"
Sheng Xia was stunned once more, "How did you know?"
Zhang Shu wore an expression that said "Isn't it obvious?" and replied with a smile, "Making wishes is like setting passwords—same everywhere, just stacking them up."
"You're so unromantic."
"Let's go." Zhang Shu tugged her along, clearly having no interest in such superstitious practices.
Sheng Xia held him back, "Wait, I still need to make a wish!"
Zhang Shu sighed but waited patiently.
Clasping her hands together, Sheng Xia silently prayed, "May you all exceed expectations, may you have a wonderful graduation trip, may you meet the one you'll grow old with in September..."
Unconsciously, the corners of Zhang Shu's lips curled slightly as he watched her, filled with kindness for all things, offering the gentlest prayers for others.
Utterly tender, utterly strong, utterly kind, utterly beautiful. Words like these came to Zhang Shu's mind to describe Sheng Xia—his beloved.
"I'm the living embodiment of a lucky koi, my wishes always come true. Good luck, juniors!"
Zhang Shu: ...
As they reached the bike shed, Sheng Xia suddenly asked curiously, "Back then, where did you guys get all those magazines and DVDs? There were so many!"
At the time, it had genuinely scared her, making her think she'd encountered some perverts.
Zhang Shu: "Hou Junqi's friend got them from abroad. Liu Huian and the others wanted some too, so we brought back a lot."
"Did you watch them?"
"Yes."
"..."
A pang of jealousy suddenly rose in Sheng Xia's chest. He'd seen other women—though it seemed pretty normal for teenage boys—but those women in such films must have been very skilled, right?
It suddenly occurred to her: when he said she was shy, was he subtly implying she was boring?
The more she thought about it, the more upset she felt. Sheng Xia turned her head away and walked ahead in silence.
Seeing her suddenly drooping head, Zhang Shu sensed trouble and asked softly, "Are you unhappy that I said I watched them?"
"Yes!" she answered truthfully.
Zhang Shu: "I stopped watching them after a while."
"After what?"
Remembering those youthful feelings, Zhang Shu chuckled, "After I started dreaming about you."
"Dreaming about me wh—" Sheng Xia cut herself off, already knowing the answer. Asking would only invite embarrassment.
But Zhang Shu didn't let her off the hook, lowering his voice to say, "I dreamed of you at Fang Bookstore..."
"Stop!" Sheng Xia stood on tiptoe to cover his mouth. "This is a sacred place of learning, no indecency allowed."
Zhang Shu's laughter was muffled by her hand. When he finally pulled it away, he explained with amusement, "I just dreamed you kept calling my name, over and over—'Shu, Shu'..."
Sheng Xia: ...
Lies! That couldn't possibly be true!
As they reached the teaching building, Sheng Xia spoke again, "Do you remember when I got hurt, and you carried me down from the fifth floor?"
"Yes."
"Do you know what I was thinking then?"
Zhang Shu waited silently for her to continue.
Sheng Xia: "I thought, my crush was pretty lucky—at least I got to see the view from five floors up with you."
Zhang Shu's gaze deepened. Suddenly, he took her hand and started leading her upstairs.
Sheng Xia asked, "Aren't we going to visit Class Six?"
"First, let's chase the sunset."They were currently standing on the first floor, where the trees obscured the sun from view. Climbing to the second floor, they could only see as far as the school's artificial lake. On the third floor, the road outside the campus and the riverside park came into view. By the fourth floor, their vision suddenly expanded—under the setting sun, the river shimmered with golden ripples, while the sun itself hid behind tall buildings, leaving only a large semicircle visible. On the fifth floor, they could take in both the distant bustle of the city and the nearby tranquility, with the radiant glow of sunset painting the entire city in splendor.
Leaning against the railing to admire the sunset, they occasionally drew curious glances from passing students, their eyes filled with incomprehension.
No one understood their romance.
Seizing a moment when the students had left and no one was around, Sheng Xia stood on tiptoe and planted a kiss on Zhang Shu's cheek. "A kiss for you, to celebrate my dream coming true."
Zhang Shu froze for a moment, then looked down at her radiant smile bathed in the golden sunset.
As the sun dipped below the horizon, they walked back hand in hand. Suddenly, Zhang Shu crouched down in front of her. "Hop on."
Sheng Xia hesitated. "I'm heavier now than I was back then."
"Hurry up," he said, his tone just like it had been back then.
Suppressing a smile, Sheng Xia climbed onto his back. This time, he didn’t need to hold back—he supported her firmly and walked with steady steps.
As they neared the first floor, Zhang Shu asked, "Do you know what I was thinking back then?"
"Hmm?"
"I was thinking, why didn’t you ask me to take responsibility for a lifetime? If only you had, it would’ve been perfect."
Zhang Shu carried her all the way to the back door of Class Six before setting her down. Turning to her, he said, "So, the one whose dream came true is me, dummy."
Sheng Xia gazed at him, mesmerized. Everything within her sight was like a framed painting.
The lingering glow of dusk cast its light behind Zhang Shu. With the wind at his shoulders and a sparkle in his eyes, he still looked just like that boy from back then.
Inside the classroom, ceiling fans whirled, and test papers fluttered about.
Outside the window, the camphor trees flourished, and the cicadas buzzed loudly.
It felt just like that summer from years ago.
...
The following year, on Children’s Day again, Sheng Xia and Zhang Shu held their wedding in Nanli.
Due to disagreements between Wang Lianhua and Sheng Mingfeng, the ceremony had to follow traditional wedding customs.
Sheng Xia’s bridesmaids were a formidable bunch, with Xin Xiaohe and Liao Jing giving the groomsmen outside the door the most trouble. In the end, Zhang Shu had to compose an impromptu "urging-the-bride" poem on the spot before they were allowed through.
"Shu, since when did you get so good at writing poetry?" Hou Junqi exclaimed in amazement.
Zhang Shu immediately launched into flattery. "My wife taught me well."
Xin Xiaohe commanded, "Praising your wife won’t help now! No red envelopes, no deal!"
Yang Linyu stepped forward, offering them. "We’ve got plenty, plenty!"
"Get out of here," Xin Xiaohe brushed him off. "Today, we have to make Shu-ge embarrass himself a little, or I’ll die with regrets!"
"Ugh, don’t say that word, or I won’t be able to sleep with regrets!"
Zhang Shu wore an expression of resigned acceptance, though his words remained sharp. "Can’t sleep with regrets? Brother Yu’s service not up to par?"
"HAHAHAHAHA!"
"Why are you dragging us into this on your big day?! Hurry up and find the shoes, will you?!"
"Fine, no dragging. But give us a hint."
Zhang Shu had plenty of ways to handle Xin Xiaohe. Hurdle after hurdle, he cleared them all with ease, effortlessly carrying his bride away.The wedding was held on a Western-style lawn, and since most of the guests were young, the wedding planners organized garden activities. Robots sent by Zhang Shu's business partners guided everyone in playing games, and VR equipment was also set up, giving the event a strong technological vibe. Before the ceremony began, guests could enjoy themselves to the fullest, earning points through games that could be exchanged for robot figurines. The wedding was lively and fresh, not only meeting the conflicting requirements of Wang Lianhua and Sheng Mingfeng but also ensuring both hosts and guests had a great time.
When the officiant took the stage, Sheng Xia and Zhang Shu's university classmates were stunned.
It was a figure straight out of the national news broadcast.
"Sheng Xia is truly full of surprises!"
"Isn't Brother Shu the same?"
"I'm impressed."
As Sheng Mingfeng placed Sheng Xia's hand into Zhang Shu's, his own hand trembled uncontrollably. "I'm entrusting my most cherished daughter to you, Student Zhang Shu. You must not let me down."
The term "Student Zhang Shu" drew laughter from many guests but brought tears to the eyes of their high school classmates like Xin Xiaohe and Hou Junqi.
Zhang Shu had nearly paid with his life just to appear in Sheng Mingfeng's sight as "Student Zhang Shu." From that title to becoming Sheng Xia's husband, he had traveled a long and arduous path.
Zhang Shu tightened his grip on Sheng Xia's hand and gave a slight nod.
When Wang Lianhua took the stage, she was followed by a hostess carrying a large gift box, piquing the guests' curiosity. When the box was opened, everyone was astonished.
Inside were two halves of a leg cast.
"Today, with all of Xiaxia's classmates here, I want to present this cast I've kept for seven years to Zhang Shu. It bears the handwriting of many classmates. Look, this one says, 'Dongzhou University, here I come'—written by Student Xin Xiaohe..."
Down below, Xin Xiaohe, who had already been crying her eyes out, burst into laughter through her tears. "Wahhh, I didn't make it there, but I'm still doing great."
"And here's another one: 'Xiaomai will lose weight and find a man in college'..."
"HAHAHAHAHAHA!"
Xiaomai shivered in fear: "I'm officially socially dead at my bestie's wedding, folks."
Wang Lianhua read out several more messages, and the high school classmates' section was nearly doubled over with laughter.
"'Life is mine to live, I walk my own path'—this was written by Student Zhang Shu." Wang Lianhua even referred to him this way, prompting another wave of good-natured laughter from the crowd.
"Zhang Shu, from now on, it won't just be you. There will be two, then three, then four... Life won't be just yours to control anymore."
"'Fortunate to have met your peach-blossom face, from then on every path is warmed by spring.' Such beautiful handwriting—of course, this was written by my precious daughter, Sheng Xia. At the time, she told me it was for her classmates. Today, I'd like to ask Sheng Xia's classmates: Who in your class is named Song Jiang?"
Zhang Shu's usually unflappable face froze in stunned silence.
Wang Lianhua said solemnly, "Zhang Shu, I hope you can be Sheng Xia's 'timely rain.'"
The entire venue fell silent.
Sheng Xia's delicate makeup was streaked with tears. Through her blurred vision, Zhang Shu's handsome face drew closer, and amid the crowd's enthusiastic cheers, he kissed her.
He kissed her for a long, long time.
In this jubilant season, where everything bore each other's names.
...
After marriage, they remained as busy as ever. Neither Sheng Xia nor Zhang Shu planned to have children too soon.
On one hand, she was still pursuing her Ph.D., and on the other, Zhang Shu was also swamped with work.Since its establishment two years ago, Yixia Technology has consistently led the pack among similar startups in terms of both innovative achievements and practical results, having built an AI matrix with over ten products. Many peers in the industry have insinuated online about the political background of Yixia Technology's founder, while others have questioned the credibility of its various certifications. Yet, it's undeniable that Yixia Technology's growth speed is unmatched, with revenue ranking among the top in the industry, and it has smoothly entered Series C financing.
No matter how busy Zhang Shu was, he would always take a ten-day vacation during Sheng Xia's summer break to travel with her.
She still filmed and edited her own vlogs, and with her growing fanbase, she was quite satisfied. Every time her views hit a new high, she would post a cultural promotion—truly working out of passion.
As long as he wasn’t working overtime, Zhang Shu would accompany Sheng Xia for walks, movies, bookstore visits, or simply stay home reading.
The only problem was that Sheng Xia had way too many books. Once the bookshelves were full, they piled up on the coffee table, and when that was full, they sprawled across the floor. Zhang Shu could never find his own books.
It wasn’t just books—she had an abundance of everything, from clothes and shoes to bags and jewelry, all dazzlingly displayed. She even had several types of shampoo, each designated for a specific season, and skincare products went without saying. Every night, she would sit in front of the mirror, meticulously applying seven or eight different products to her face.
This somewhat shattered Zhang Shu’s perception: fairies were apparently this exhausting. Watching her made his own face ache.
Zhang Shu knew Sheng Xia wasn’t materialistic—she was just meticulous. Marrying a Disney princess meant their 200-square-meter home clearly wasn’t enough.
Stepping out of the shower, Zhang Shu looked at the increasingly cramped walk-in closet and sighed inwardly.
Another thing that overturned his assumptions: Sheng Xia not only couldn’t cook but also couldn’t organize.
So at home, he did the cooking. If he had a business dinner, he would order takeout for her beforehand so she’d know where he was.
On weekends when he had time, Zhang Shu would do the deep cleaning himself. Sheng Xia occasionally helped, but after watching her wash her hands repeatedly, apply hand cream, and even wipe the mop head with disinfectant wipes, he abandoned the idea of "couples working together makes labor lighter" and the delusion that chores could strengthen marital bonds.
With that kind of effort, it was better to push his luck in other ways.
Leaving everything to housekeeping was much simpler.
Despite this, Sheng Xia had zero self-awareness about being "overwhelmed"—she even adopted a cat.
She claimed it would keep her company while reading when he wasn’t home.
Who could refuse that? Zhang Shu’s stern expression lasted no more than three seconds before crumbling under her repeated calls of "hubby."
She usually called him "A-Shu," switched to "Zhang Shu" when angry, and resorted to "hubby" when she needed something.
Zhang Shu had figured her out.
So besides cleaning, laundry, and cooking, the housekeeper also had to take care of her cat.
Living together naturally meant exposing each other’s quirks, but Zhang Shu never felt Sheng Xia had changed.
She existed in the mundane world, yet somehow remained untouched by its dust.
Every time he stepped through the door, Zhang Shu found peace. Coming home from overtime work, holding her, kissing her—the weariness from the restless world outside would be washed away.Even if she might just be sitting amidst a pile of messy books, looking up to mutter, "The food you ordered tonight isn't very good," his heart—usually as firm as a rock—would instantly soften in response.
Living with a virtuous person is like having orchids fill the room.
As long as she was there, everything around her felt just right.
She quietly existed in their little world, embodying genuine romance.
...
Sheng Xia was invited to participate in a wordplay variety show, where she unexpectedly ran into a familiar face.
"Sheng Xia."
"Chen Mengyao."
"Yeah, it's been a while since anyone called me by that name."
Chen Mengyao had adopted a stage name, and though she had maintained a modest presence in the entertainment industry over the years, someone like Sheng Xia, who paid no attention to pop culture, had no idea.
"I actually watch your videos often," Chen Mengyao said. "I even bought your book."
Sheng Xia was surprised. "Oh no, my cover's blown."
Chen Mengyao added in a low voice, "Just pretending, haven't really watched much."
The two looked at each other and laughed.
"I still see news about your husband often," Chen Mengyao said with some emotion. "I never expected he'd become so remarkable. How to put it... I knew he'd be amazing, but this level of success feels almost magical somehow..."
Sheng Xia pursed her lips and nodded slightly, understanding what Chen Mengyao meant.
The conversation stalled, and an awkward silence fell between them. As former "romantic rivals," they truly didn't have much to talk about—there was relief mixed with a subtle tension.
"But Sheng Xia," Chen Mengyao suddenly asked, "you've written so many books, about so many people... Why have you never thought to write about him?"
Throughout their conversation, Chen Mengyao had never once spoken Zhang Shu's name aloud. Perhaps saying it would feel like scratching at the cinnabar mark over her heart.
"Being misunderstood is the fate of those who express themselves," Sheng Xia lifted her eyes and said slowly. "I can't write about him."
When writing about others, she could wield her pen with ease and without restraint—historical figures wouldn't change because of her few words.
But he was different.
Her shallow words could never do justice to someone like Zhang Shu.
Chen Mengyao seemed to half-understand, suddenly sighing, "Ah, what a pity. How should I say this... He was the regret in many people's youth, mine included."
The recording ran late that day. When Zhang Shu drove to the TV station to pick up Sheng Xia, their car passed Chen Mengyao's company van.
"Zhang Shu!" Chen Mengyao suddenly rolled down her window and called out.
Zhang Shu instinctively looked over. Chen Mengyao's van didn't stop, only slowed slightly as she smiled and waved.
It wasn't until the van disappeared around the corner that Zhang Shu realized who it was. He chuckled softly to himself.
Sheng Xia leaned over to study him.
The businessman Zhang Shu had shed his youthful immaturity. His handsome features and neatly combed hair epitomized the word "elite."
Yet his eyes remained as clear as ever, occasionally gleaming with mischief. At least when looking at her, there were never any ulterior thoughts.
"How many people's youthful regret are you?" Sheng Xia murmured to herself.
Zhang Shu pecked her lower lip. "Getting sentimental after seeing an old classmate? What did you two talk about?"
"About you," Sheng Xia deliberately made things difficult, adopting a melancholy expression. "After all these years you still recognized her. Do you still think of her often?"
"If I never thought of her often, how could I 'still' remember her?"
Sheng Xia sat back against the seat and commented, "Heartless."
Zhang Shu chuckled and started the car.
The bustling city nightscape flashed past the windows as music played in the car, Zhang Shu humming along intermittently.
Sheng Xia suddenly felt this wasn't so different from riding on the back of his electric scooter all those years ago.
They were still just themselves.
"Husband," she called softly.
"Hmm?"
"Husband."
"Hmm."
"Husband, husband, husband."
"Stop calling me, I can't speed up here."
"..."
When they got home, Sheng Xia paid the price for her momentary sentimentality.
The satisfied man got up to cook, his humming drifting from the kitchen.
Sheng Xia rose and walked through the living room to the study.
The TV was on, displaying a paused game. The cat lay on the sofa, quietly observing everything in the room.
Sheng Xia sat at the desk and typed the opening lines of her new work:
["As July drew to a close, the long rains ended. The sun blazed brightly, leaving heaven and earth crystal clear."]【The summer campus was deserted, with cicadas hidden in the camphor trees, tirelessly chirping.】
【Welcome back to the summer named after you.】
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