When Li Sitong told Xue Jiao not to ride in Lin Zhihua's car in the evening and to wait for Cheng Shuo to pick her up instead, Xue Jiao was completely baffled.
Not allowed to ride with Lin Zhihua?
Why?
What had Lin Zhihua done to upset them?
That evening, Xue Jiao walked out of the school gate with lingering confusion, only to find Lin Zhihua standing in his usual spot.
She opened her mouth, wanting to ask him what was going on: "Zhihua..."
But just as she started speaking, another voice cut her off—
"Jiao Jiao, come here!"
Xue Jiao turned and saw Cheng Shuo.
She hesitated for a moment, then glanced back at Lin Zhihua with a puzzled expression before finally walking toward Cheng Shuo.
"Dad, what's wrong?"
"Nothing, just get in the car first." Cheng Shuo smiled, ruffling Xue Jiao's hair before opening the car door for her.
Xue Jiao climbed in but couldn't help looking back at Lin Zhihua again. He seemed just as confused and was already stepping forward.
But Cheng Shuo started the car and drove past Lin Zhihua without stopping.
"Dad... Did Zhihua do something wrong?" Xue Jiao ventured cautiously.
Cheng Shuo kept his eyes on the road, speaking softly, "He didn't do anything wrong, but if his family did, then it falls on him."
"Huh?" Xue Jiao was taken aback.
Then she thought about Lin Zhihua's family. She had been with him for a while now but hadn't interacted much with his relatives.
Still, she knew Lin Zhihua had an overbearing grandfather—one who had nearly cost him his life and disapproved of their relationship.
His other relatives weren’t genuinely kind to him either, but fortunately, Lin Zhihua had them all under control, so none dared to act out.
But his parents...
Xue Jiao had met them once, and the impression they left was strange.
Lin Zhihua's feelings toward them were also rather indifferent. He fulfilled his filial duties but nothing beyond that.
They were parents who claimed to love him yet always left him with unpleasant memories.
"Did his parents do something?" Xue Jiao asked.
His grandfather was locked away, and the other relatives wouldn’t dare make trouble—so that left only his parents.
Cheng Shuo paused, clearly surprised that Xue Jiao had guessed correctly.
After a moment of silence, he suddenly asked her, "Jiao Jiao, how important is love—or rather, how important is Lin Zhihua to you?"
"Very important," Xue Jiao answered without hesitation.
Cheng Shuo's chest tightened. He pressed on, "Then would you be willing to make sacrifices for him?"
Xue Jiao didn’t understand why he was asking this but answered honestly—
"If it's a reasonable sacrifice... then yes."
Cheng Shuo's expression changed completely. He had always thought Jiao Jiao was very rational, so how could she...?
But Xue Jiao continued, "A relationship is about two people. If we want to be together forever, we’ll have decades ahead of us. Living together means compromise—how could we avoid situations where sacrifices are needed? I can’t expect him to always be the one making sacrifices for me. If there’s something I need to do for him, I’m willing."
A faint smile touched her lips. She was well aware of everything Lin Zhihua had done for her.
He was willing to take a hundred steps toward her, just so she would turn and look at him.
But Xue Jiao didn’t want that. Once she was sure of her own feelings, she would walk toward him too.
Cheng Shuo was momentarily stunned. At a red light, he stopped the car and glanced at Xue Jiao.
"Does that sacrifice include marrying him and having children as soon as you turn twenty next year?"
Xue Jiao looked at Cheng Shuo and smiled faintly. "Are his parents pressuring him about marriage? Don’t worry, Dad. Zhihua wouldn’t do that."Cheng Shuo didn’t like hearing his daughter express such trust in another man in front of him. He couldn’t help but ask, “What if Lin Zhihua also made such a strong demand?! Would you agree to it?”
This time, Xue Jiao shook her head firmly. “No, necessary sacrifices don’t mean abandoning everything. Love is a part of life, an important part, but still just a part. There’s also family, friends, career, and dreams. Dad, don’t worry, I understand clearly, and…”
“And what?”
“And Zhihua would never make me face such a choice.” Xue Jiao was certain of this—he had never put her in a difficult position.
Even when he liked her… he had endured silently for a long time…
Cheng Shuo fell silent. Since Xue Jiao had thought it through, his worries eased.
After the car had driven a long way, Cheng Shuo couldn’t resist asking, “How are things at school lately?”
Xue Jiao’s eyes sparkled as she replied enthusiastically, “We’ve finally found some direction, but the three of us have decided to slow down a bit since finals are coming up. Senior Zhang Han is the same—she’s been working on a project with a mentor recently and won’t start on ours until winter break! But at least we have a direction now. Dad, let me tell you, today we…”
Cheng Shuo listened with a smile, nodding from time to time.
Behind them, a familiar car followed.
From the moment Xue Jiao was taken away, Lin Zhihua immediately got into his car and called Chen Yan—
“Find out what happened in the Cheng family today!”
Then he paused and added, “It might be related to me.”
With that, Lin Zhihua started the car and chased after them. It wasn’t until they were almost at the Cheng residence that the call finally came through.
Lin Zhihua answered immediately. On the other end, Chen Yan spoke rapidly—
“So far, we’ve found out that this afternoon, Mrs. Li Sitong met with some other ladies, and… your mother was among them.”
“Bang—” Lin Zhihua slammed his fist against the steering wheel, his face darkening instantly.
The time was too tight to uncover much, but just the news of Li Sitong meeting with Mother Lin was enough for Lin Zhihua to piece everything together.
Inviting so many ladies and going out of their way to bring Li Sitong along could only mean one thing—to “legitimize” things.
As for what was said to Li Sitong, it was likely about pushing for marriage and children.
Lin Zhihua’s expression turned grave, his eyes dark and stormy.
“I’ve clearly been too lenient with them!”
The car soon arrived at the Cheng family’s gate. Cheng Shuo’s car was parked outside, and Cheng Mingze stood at the entrance, leading Xue Jiao inside.
Only Cheng Shuo remained where he was, clearly waiting for him.
Lin Zhihua drove over and stepped out of the car. “Uncle Cheng.”
“President Lin, considering we’re of the same generation, ‘uncle’ isn’t necessary.” Cheng Shuo’s smile didn’t reach his eyes.
Lin Zhihua’s lips twisted slightly in bitterness. All his efforts were nearly undone in an instant.
“Uncle Cheng, I’m sorry. This won’t happen again.”
Seeing that he didn’t try to justify himself, Cheng Shuo’s expression softened slightly, though he remained stern. “The Yu family is a cautionary tale. Your parents are the most unstable factor—how can I trust you with Jiao Jiao?”
“I—”
Cheng Shuo cut him off. “I’m a father, a selfish one. So don’t feel wronged—I’ll only stand where Jiao Jiao won’t be hurt.”
Lin Zhihua met his gaze earnestly. “I don’t feel wronged. I’m just furious. You must believe that my mood is no better than yours right now.”Cheng Shuo snorted, then looked at him and said, "They're your parents. Though they may be muddled, they still care about you. You can't completely cut them off. In that case, how can you guarantee Jiao Jiao won't get hurt when she interacts with them?"
"She won't," Lin Zhihua replied firmly. "This time was my fault. I've been too busy lately and neglected them, which gave them the leisure to meddle in these matters."
Cheng Shuo's frown eased slightly. After a moment's thought, he said, "Your parents want you to marry and have children next year. Jiao Jiao is still young and definitely won't consider these things in the near future. If you want a son, you'd better find someone to marry soon."
Lin Zhihua's voice was resolute: "I'm in no hurry. I can wait as long as it takes."
Of course, he wished he could marry Jiao Jiao right now. Just the thought of those two words made his heart soften unbearably.
The idea of "Jiao Jiao" becoming "wife" melted his heart and made life feel complete.
But he would respect Jiao Jiao. Marriage was still too early for her.
"Lin Zhihua, I must make the Cheng family's stance clear to you. Before she graduates from university, I will not agree to marriage—not even an engagement." Cheng Shuo looked at him sternly.
"Understood," Lin Zhihua responded slowly.
Cheng Shuo gave him a deep look, then turned and entered the neighborhood.
Lin Zhihua stood there, a little desolate.
A moment later, his phone vibrated slightly—
[Jiao Jiao: Darling, go home early today. Don't dwell on it too much. Let's have dinner together tomorrow, mwah!]
The message was followed by a kissing emoji.
Lin Zhihua smiled, his lips curling high as if he had stepped from an icy wasteland into the warmth of spring.
——
Father Lin stood up angrily, panting. "What does she mean? Only considering Gu Xue Jiao and completely disregarding Zhihua's awkward position?!"
Mother Lin sighed and sat down on the sofa. "From what she said, Gu Xue Jiao won't consider marriage for the next few years."
"Do they think Zhihua has no choice but to marry their daughter?!" Lin Changping widened his eyes. "What gives them the right to act so high and mighty? Zhihua is perfectly healthy now—he could have any woman he wants! Their family background is beneath ours!"
Mother Lin continued sighing but said nothing.
"Starting tomorrow, we'll arrange blind dates for Zhihua!"
Mother Lin's expression changed, and she quickly stood to placate Lin Changping. "No! Have you forgotten how much Zhihua hated it when we set him up before? What if we anger him again..."
"Don't be foolish. We don't have to tell him!"
"Then how would we introduce them?" Mother Lin looked puzzled.
"You could bring the girls—" Before Lin Changping could finish, the door opened from the outside.
Ten men in black filed in, splitting into two rows with an imposing presence.
Behind them came Chen Yan, carrying a briefcase, followed by Lin Zhihua in a stern-faced suit.
"Zhihua... what are you doing?" Mother Lin was startled.
Lin Zhihua stepped inside and stood before them without a word.
Chen Yan immediately opened his briefcase and took out a document, announcing loudly—
"Mr. Lin, Madam, these ten individuals are highly professional bodyguards. You may select four of them. Starting today, these four will accompany you at all times. If there are places you shouldn't go or people you shouldn't meet, the bodyguards will intervene. Here are the details of all ten candidates. Please review them and make your selections promptly."
Lin Changping and Mother Lin were stunned. What did this mean?Chen Yan continued in a flat, emotionless voice, "At the same time, all domestic funding sources for the two of you will be frozen. Your monthly living expenses will be determined based on your behavior each month."
"What... what do you mean?" Mother Lin asked, her face filled with disbelief. "Are you having us watched?!"
Lin Changping clutched his chest, his voice trembling. "Ungrateful child!"
Lin Zhihua said softly, "I've given you countless chances, yet you still insist on interfering in my affairs. I've told you before—stay out of matters concerning Jiao Jiao. Since you refuse to learn, I have no choice but to assign someone to keep an eye on you."
"You... you... you...!"
"I'll visit you once a month. Don't come looking for me outside of that. If you have any additional expenses or health issues, inform the bodyguards—they'll report to me," Lin Zhihua stated calmly.
"You're treating your parents like this... all for a woman? Are you abandoning us?" Mother Lin wept, still unable to believe it.
Lin Zhihua replied gently, "It's not just for Jiao Jiao. It's also for myself. I've been far too lenient with you."
Did he feel guilty?
Not really.
Lin Changping and Mother Lin had given birth to him, but it was his grandmother who raised him.
They constantly claimed to love him, yet they repeatedly meddled in his life, causing him endless harm—never learning their lesson.
After his grandmother passed away, the old man nearly got him killed.
Providing for them in their old age was already the utmost kindness he could offer.
"Make your choice quickly," Lin Zhihua said evenly before striding out.
Lin Changping's voice roared behind him, "You beast!! How could you be so heartless? How did I end up with a son like you?!"
Lin Zhihua paused, then turned back. "I'm sorry, but you did indeed produce such a heartless son. Also, you should reflect on yourselves. If you disturb Jiao Jiao again, you won’t just lose a daughter-in-law—you’ll lose your son and your comfortable retirement."
He walked away, a mocking smile on his lips, then gazed at the dark, oppressive sky, momentarily unsure where to go.
After a pause, his steps grew firm as he headed in one direction.
Above, the moon emerged from behind the clouds.
——
Xue Jiao lay in bed, still awake.
After reviewing her studies at home, she had gone to bed but couldn’t fall asleep.
Lin Zhihua hadn’t replied—she didn’t know what was happening with him now.
Worried, she tossed and turned restlessly.
Then, her phone buzzed. Xue Jiao opened it—
[Lin Zhihua: Jiao Jiao...]
She quickly replied—
[Yes?]
After a long pause, another message came through—
[I want to see you.]
Her heart skipped a beat. Something about his tone felt off.
Almost instinctively, she got up, opened the window, and stepped onto the balcony, looking down.
Sure enough, a familiar figure stood below.
Her chest tightened. She grabbed her phone, quietly opened the door, and slipped outside.
Lin Zhihua stood beneath her balcony, his face illuminated by the moonlight—cold and lonely.
She ran over and whispered, "Why are you here so late?"
Before she could finish, he pulled her into a tight embrace.
"Jiao Jiao..."
His voice carried an indescribable ache—desolate and alone.
"Zhihua?" She froze for a moment but then reached up to gently pat his back.
Lin Zhihua held her tightly, resting his chin atop her head.
"What’s wrong?" she asked softly."I missed you..."
Xue Jiao's lips curved slightly as she patted his back, soothing him: "I'm here, I'm here."
Lin Zhihua didn't speak, only held her tightly.
The night breeze rustled the leaves.
Sometimes, happiness is embracing your loved one when you're feeling down and melancholy.
Even though her frame was petite, it gave him boundless strength.
Just by saying he wanted to see her, Xue Jiao knew he might already be downstairs—this unspoken understanding made Lin Zhihua's heart soften.
"I actually know my parents won't change, but they're the only relatives who still care about me."
His voice was calm, as if devoid of emotion.
But his sudden appearance outside her building late at night was proof enough that he wasn't himself today.
Xue Jiao stiffened slightly, her hand pausing.
Soon, she resumed patting him and said softly, "You still have me. I love you."
Lin Zhihua trembled slightly, his arms around her shaking too. "What did you say?"
"I love you, Lin Zhihua. Xue Jiao loves you."
For a moment, he thought he'd misheard or was dreaming.
He touched Xue Jiao's face, feeling the warmth through his palm, his heart tightening briefly.
After a pause, Lin Zhihua finally calmed down. He lifted Xue Jiao up, burying his face in her neck, and nodded firmly.
"I love you too. So, so much."
So much that words fail, so much that having you feels like having the whole world.
Xue Jiao covered her mouth to stifle a laugh, then lightly punched him. "Look at you, a big boss sneaking into someone's neighborhood in the middle of the night!"
Lin Zhihua's eyes crinkled with amusement as he set her down, bending to press his forehead against hers. "Because I missed you..."
Xue Jiao glared at him, then realized he might not see it in the dark, so she pinched him. "Just call me next time! Don't wander around at night!"
"Okay," Lin Zhihua grinned.
Not seeing Jiao Jiao today, coupled with his parents' hurtful words, had even made someone as strong as Lin Zhihua feel vulnerable.
He shook his head, realizing how foolish his actions had been.
But it was precisely because of tonight's foolishness that he heard the words he'd longed for most.
"Honestly, climbing into the complex in the dark—what if you'd fallen or gotten hurt? Even a scrape or bruise..."
Lin Zhihua leaned down and kissed Xue Jiao's chattering lips.
Her words warmed him, and he wanted to swallow every bit of her concern.
Xue Jiao's face flushed, but she still held his hand and kissed him back.
After a long moment, Lin Zhihua released her.
Xue Jiao's legs felt weak, and she pushed him away shyly. "You should go back. I have class tomorrow."
Lin Zhihua kissed her forehead once more and smiled. "Alright."
No sooner had he spoken than he kissed her again. "You go up first. I'll leave once you're inside."
Xue Jiao agreed and quickly headed upstairs.
She stepped onto the balcony, leaning on the railing as she watched Lin Zhihua wave before turning to leave.
She kept watching until the sound of a car engine faded into the distance, then finally went back inside.
This was one of Lin Zhihua's rare moments of vulnerability, and she hoped she'd made him feel loved...
In the next room, Cheng Shuo murmured, "At least he behaved decently."Although Cheng Mingze didn't like Lin Zhihua, he still had to be fair: "If Lin Zhihua wanted to do something, he would have done it long ago. This man has incredible patience and is... truly devoted to Jiao Jiao."
Li Sitong yawned: "See, they didn't do anything. Let's go back to sleep."
"Alright." Cheng Shuo, reassured, took Li Sitong back home.
——
After that, Lin Zhihua returned to normal, as if the vulnerability he showed that night had been an illusion. He was once again that formidable, intimidating man.
But it was also that night that Xue Jiao learned Lin Zhihua had moments of fragility too.
This made her heart ache for him.
No one is born strong—Lin Zhihua's strength and aloofness were forged through repeated hardships.
Cheng Shuo and the others no longer interfered with the two, but they still didn't spend much time together.
After all... Xue Jiao had final exams coming up.
Her grades from last semester hadn't satisfied her, so this semester, she even paused her project work before the last few major exams to focus entirely on reviewing.
"Jiao Jiao, I haven't seen you in so long!" Mai Jiajia rushed out from a group of girls and hugged Xue Jiao.
Xue Jiao smiled faintly. "I've been busy lately, always in the lab."
With fewer classes during finals, Xue Jiao spent all her time in the lab, leaving almost no chance to meet Mai Jiajia.
"Want to review together?" Mai Jiajia asked.
"Sure." Xue Jiao agreed.
Among the girls walking with Mai Jiajia, one suddenly spoke up: "Gu Xue Jiao is a top student with close ties to professors. Even if she flunks, she won't fail—unlike us."
Xue Jiao frowned and looked at the girl, a bespectacled student she didn't recognize.
"Gu Hui, what nonsense are you spouting?" Mai Jiajia glared. "Do you realize you're spreading rumors?"
The girl named Gu Hui retorted, "I'm not talking nonsense! I'm just worried about Gu Xue Jiao. She's always in the lab and barely attends classes—what if she fails? I'm just giving her advice!"
"You—" Mai Jiajia was about to snap back.
Xue Jiao stopped her and smiled at the girl. "I don't know why you've developed a bias against me, but I must clarify—I don't need special treatment from professors. Though compared to you, they probably do want to treat me differently."
This girl seemed to have forgotten how Xue Jiao got into Tsinghua in the first place.
After years of honing herself in this world, one thing she excelled at was—
exams.
Mai Jiajia walked with Xue Jiao, and once they were far enough from the others, she burst out laughing. "Hahaha, Jiao Jiao, you're savage when you clap back!"
"I was just stating facts."
"Hahaha, if Gu Hui heard that, she'd be fuming again."
Then, Mai Jiajia leaned closer. "Did you offend any seniors? Lately, there's been gossip about you, and even our dorm has picked up on it. I noticed it started with the third-years."
Xue Jiao's brows furrowed slightly.
Third-years?
"I think I know who it is..."
"Who? Let's confront them!" Mai Jiajia nearly jumped.
Xue Jiao shook her head. "No rush. We'll deal with them after finals—they're not going anywhere. Focus on exams first."
Since her academic performance was being questioned, she'd let her grades do the talking.
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