Chapter 103　 For the rest of my life, I only want to be with you.

  *

  Li Chengshi sat up and said seriously, "My request hasn't been fulfilled yet. I’ll bring it up again another day."

  "No problem, but..."

  "Don't 'but' me yet. I’ll make the request after I pass the subject exam in July. And I won't ask for something 'immoral' like today. So, you must agree. No excuses."

  "If it’s a reasonable request, you can ask even if you fail. After all, it’s a hard exam; it’s normal not to pass."

  "Shut up. You’re basically just saying you think I’m stupid."

  "Hahaha! Honestly, when you first joined my team, I really didn't think you were that bright. But later I realized your biggest problem was a lack of motivation. You’re as smart as your motivation allows."

  "Hmph. I’m super motivated now," he said huffily.

  "Then I won't worry about you. I promise I’ll agree to your request. Good luck!"

  **

  On June 5th, Zhao Nanfeng and Kuroda Mei held their wedding at Meiji Jingu Shrine. Since neither had parents involved, the parts of the ceremony requiring parental interaction were removed, making it a non-traditional traditional ceremony. Kuroda invited several celebs, while Zhao Nanfeng called Wakui, Mio, and, of course, Honda—who, in his heart, was already like family.

  A few days later, Honda received the photos and videos from the photographers and sent a few to Su Xian.

  The photos were beautiful, but they felt ironic. The bride—a former fraudster still on probation—wore the "Shiromuku" (pure white bridal kimono), while Zhao Nanfeng, a foreigner, wore a black formal kimono. Both felt misplaced.

  **

  At the end of June, Li Chengshi’s dispatch contract expired. Wanting to make a final push for the exam, he didn't renew it and took three weeks of leave to focus on revision at home.

  Every day, he woke up early to cook, walked Su Xian to work after breakfast, and picked her up from the station in the evening, taking another walk together.

  Actually, July is not the time for walking; you end up drenched in sweat after a few steps, and there are mosquitoes at night.

  But during these austere days, walking with her was his sweetest time.

  **

  On the day of the exam, Su Xian saw him off at the station, joking, "I suddenly feel like an old mother sending her son off to the College Entrance Exam."

  "Ptooie! Take that back right now!" he said angrily.

  "Hahaha, why so touchy? Go on. I’ll be here waiting for you tonight."

  *

  The exam consisted of five subjects split into three sessions, lasting nearly all day—a grueling test of both mental and physical endurance. The passing rate fluctuated between 15% and 23%; the competition was brutal. But if one wanted to do design, this license was mandatory.

  The weather was scorching, unsuitable for outdoor activities, so Su Xian went straight home after seeing him off.

  **

  Since officially entering exam-prep mode after the New Year, she hadn't had it any easier than him. This was her first time giving her all without asking for anything in return, and even she was surprised. The "smelly puppy" has changed me a lot, she thought. She was no longer that "mercenary" person.

  *

  Li Chengshi’s bedroom door was open. Su Xian went over to close it but looked up to see the walls covered in sticky notes of various exam points. She couldn't help but smile; she had helped him write most of them.

  He had been so immersed in his studies lately that the room wasn't as tidy as before. Su Xian decided to give it a quick cleaning.

  She peeled off the notes and organized them, put the materials on the desk back onto the shelves, and tucked the stationery into the drawer.

  A small box in the drawer caught her eye. Yes, it was the packaging for their Tiffany couple rings.

  That box should be in some corner of my room; why is it here?

  She took it out and opened it, only to realize it wasn't the original one, but a new pair with a slightly different style.

  What is he planning?

  Looking further back, in the depths of the drawer, there was a thin workbook. Opening it, she found a diary.

  Help support creative writers by finding and reading their stories on the original site.

  *

  May 10th, Sunny.

  Actually, I’ve felt for a while that she doesn't have feelings for me anymore. Yesterday, I asked her to sleep with me, and as expected...

  I’m depressed.

  When we were together before, she was so passionate. But after she got back together with Zhao Nanfeng that one time, she lost interest in me.

  Sigh.

  I said I’d make my request again after passing the July exam. She said I could ask even if I failed, as long as it’s reasonable.

  So, would the request "reconcile with me" be considered reasonable?

  She promised she’d agree, but I’m afraid if I actually say it, it will put her in a difficult position.

  What should I do?

  Maybe it’s better not to ask directly. I’ll just say: "I want to live with you for the rest of my life."

  She should agree to that.

  As long as I can keep sticking by her side, there’s still hope.

  I didn't expect to crave a reconciliation this intensely.

  When I learned from Zhao Nanfeng about her affair with him, bearing his child, and then him accompanying her to get an abortion operation, my entire world collapsed. I left her, thinking I never wanted to see her again in this life.

  But I came back for work, only to catch them trysting on the spot.

  I thought I could never forgive her for such a breach of principle, but I soon realized that was just what society expected of me. I simply couldn't bear to leave her.

  I have always loved her. Even during those days I hated her, I loved her.

  Coming back from Sendai, I realized the scariest thing wasn't her affair, but that she really loved Zhao Nanfeng.

  Fortunately, that idiot Zhao Nanfeng disqualified himself. God knows she was in agony then, but I was despicably, secretly happy.

  Even though I know Zhao Nanfeng was her first choice, and he will remain in her heart for a long time to come, it doesn't matter. Everyone has an old flame they can't forget.

  I am willing to be her second choice. As long as she chooses me, it is my good fortune.

  During this time, I’ve felt every bit of her careful guidance and unconditional devotion. Is this really just "pure friendship"? I don't think so.

  She still treats me as a very important person.

  It must be because my way of handling things is too naive, too childish, that she lost feelings for me. But I will grow. I will make her feel something for me again.

  I’ve made up my mind. Su Xian, I forgive you for all those things. For the rest of my life, I only want to be with you.

  *

  Su Xian pressed the diary to her chest and closed her eyes, a warm, happy tear escaping the corner of her eye.

  The young man she thought couldn't handle things had actually endured so many trials and still loved her with infinite tolerance.

  You little idiot, how could I not have feelings for you? Right now, I want to hug and kiss you so, so much.

  **

  Su Xian called Honda to ask for Kuroda Mei’s mansion address, saying she urgently needed to go and give Zhao Nanfeng a beating.

  That scoundrel! He actually said that baby was his! That bastard!!

  She had always thought Li Chengshi was angry because she had aborted their child, but it turns out the scoundrel had been sabotaging them from within. Recalling how he had gone to great lengths to win her favor back then... she thought he had genuinely fallen in love with her again, but it was all underhanded tricks!

  She shook with rage.

  Honda told her that on Sundays, Kuroda regularly participates in social activities, and Zhao Nanfeng takes the opportunity to stay at the Suitengu residence. He still hasn't given up that apartment, using it as a company data storage.

  "蘇さん落ち着いて下さい。社長を殺すつもりではないですよね？(Sū-san, please calm down. You aren't planning to kill the boss, are you?)"

  "それはもちろんしないよ。（Of course not.）"

  "ならいいです。（Then it's fine.）" Honda also felt Zhao Nanfeng had gone too far and was willing to help Su Xian teach him a lesson.

  **