"If that person doesn't like you, why do you still like him?"

“There are plenty of men in this world, Shi Mian, you silly girl, why are you so sad and heartbroken over a man? That man is not good enough for you at all.”

"Can't you see how good I am to you? Do you know how painful it is to see you so unhappy every day?"

"Since that man is not good enough for you, then Mianmian, you..."

Why don't you take a look at me?

Seeing Shi Mian's heartbroken expression because of the person she supposedly liked, Mi Ya felt no less distressed than Shi Mian, who was also heartbroken.

When did she realize that she was becoming more and more dependent on Shi Mian?

How could she so genuinely cherish and love the person in front of her?

My thoughts suddenly stretched out, and my memories drifted back to the winter break of my freshman year.

On the day before New Year's Eve, without informing Shi Mian in advance, she went alone to the most backward street in the entire city—West Street.

West Street is the most remote part of Nanyang City.

This has always been Shi Mian's home.

In Miya's eyes, Shi Mian is strong and reserved. Although she has a sweet and obedient appearance, the loneliness and indifference in her eyes are completely inconsistent with her appearance.

When Miya first met Shi Mian, she saw a gloom in her that she had never seen before.

At the prime of her youth, why does Mianmian always look so worried and troubled?

It wasn't until that winter vacation, when she saw everything at Shi Mian's house, that the mystery was finally solved for her.

Living on one of the most backward and remote streets in the city, Shi Mian, only twenty years old, took on the responsibility of managing the household early. She shuttled back and forth between her university and home to take care of her bedridden mother and elderly grandmother.

Before she turned eighteen, Shi Mian's life wasn't that difficult. In my memory, she was loved by her family just like everyone else. Although they weren't wealthy, her life was stable.

But after she turned eighteen, her father's betrayal and her mother's sudden illness crushed the already not-so-wealthy Shi family.

Eighteen years old marked the beginning of the darkest period in Shi Mian's life.

Her father's gambling debts, her mother's sudden paralysis, and her grandmother's old age and amnesia once made it hard for eighteen-year-old Shi Mian to breathe.

No wonder Shi Mian always takes on several part-time jobs, no wonder she tutors whenever she has free time, and no wonder her camera is so, so old…

In the midst of heavy snowfall and temperatures dropping to minus ten degrees Celsius, outside the extremely narrow gate of the Shi family's courtyard.

From afar, Miya saw Shi Mian squatting at her doorstep, washing her filthy clothes in ice water that must have been incredibly cold.

Those hands, which could paint, adjust cameras, and braid her hair beautifully, were soaked in stained ice water, turning red and purple.

Meanwhile, her grandmother, whom she often talked about, was now hitting Shi Mian, who was squatting on the ground, with her cane.

While hitting her, he was also cursing loudly, seemingly mistaking Shi Mian for someone else.

"Go! Go now! You're the one who ruined my daughter and my granddaughter!"

"You beast, get out of here!"

Despite the bruise on her forehead, Shi Mian showed no resentment or anger. Miya saw her grab her grandmother's cane and carefully comfort the old woman.

"Grandma! Don't be afraid, don't be angry. I'm not him, I'm Mianmian."

"Grandma, it's me, Mianmian."

Tears streamed down her face. Miya, who was quietly watching from outside the door, stopped herself from going in and disturbing Shi Mian, who had already led her grandmother into the house.

At that moment, Miya felt extremely heartbroken.

She had never seen Shi Mian like this before.

Such a lovely Mianmian.

How could I be living such a life?

From that day on, Miya vowed from the bottom of her heart to treat Shi Mian well.

Over time, this sentiment gradually evolved into something different.

Despite the unpleasant situation at home, Miya could always see that Shi Mian doted on her exceptionally when they were together.

Shi Mian is very busy, working several jobs every day; but she still accompanies me to and from get out of class and to go out for field trips, and even takes time to eat with me every day until we finish eating, before rushing off to work again.

Shi Mian works very hard; every penny she earns from her part-time jobs is hard-earned. Even though she lives a frugal life, she still makes sure to give herself a gift she really likes on her birthday.

Looking back on the days they spent together, Miya could see that Shi Mian was always there for her whenever she needed him.

Over time, these habits can evolve into something terrible.

Perhaps unlike Shi Mian, Mi Ya didn't fall in love with her at first sight, but rather developed feelings for her over time.

From initial possessiveness to an inescapable obsession, Miya frankly and without any attempt to evade admits that she has different feelings for Shi Mian.

So when she guessed that Shi Mian had someone she liked, her obsessive heart was complicated, and under the influence of her possessiveness, she was devastated.

She sympathizes with cowards in relationships, but she refuses to be the coward who says nothing.

Her 21st year was filled with loving courage.

"Mianmian, don't like that man."

"Look at me, am I alright?"

Because she lacked confidence, Shi Mian, who had been afraid to look directly at him, suddenly raised her head.

"What are you saying, Miya?"

"you mean?"

Miya, who had bravely spoken her mind, looked back at Shi Mian with an expectant gaze and took her hand.

"Mianmian, would you like to have a love affair with me that is unique in this world?"

"Mianmian, I will always love you and always be good to you."

"Would you like to be with me?"

Would you like to be with me?

These words amplified infinitely in Shi Mian's ears, instantly stimulating all her senses; she stared blankly at Mi Ya, her eyes filled with surprise, joy, and light...

"Miya, do you know who I've always liked?"

"Who is it?" Miya's palms were sweating; for the first time in her life, she was so afraid of getting an answer she didn't want.

"The men I've ever liked have never been men."

"Me? Someone I've always been thinking about."

"It's you."

It was as if starlight was shining in her eyes, and a simple "It's you" enveloped Miya's life.

A lucky twentieth year, a courageous twenty-first year.

For Miya, this was the case.

And isn't the same true for Shi Mian?

The road is difficult, but there are people to accompany you.

What is there to fear in the face of danger and obstacles?

...

What is the bravest thing you've ever done in your life?

She would definitely answer.

"The bravest thing I've ever done in my life."

"That was when I was 21 years old, I finally told my Mianmian that I liked her."

"Thank you, Mianmian, for making me someone who will be loved and pampered my whole life."

——

I almost cried while writing this.

Miya, she was her salvation.

This plot is quite long, I could never finish writing it all, hahaha.