At that time, Leng Siqing was thin and dark-skinned, just an educated youth who was still infinitely confused about the future.

And him? He was an intellectual from a big city, a cloud in the sky, while she was mud on the ground.

How can clouds and mud possibly intersect?

“I studied desperately, desperately trying to get into university and come to Haicheng… At first, I wanted to follow in Sister Nian’an’s footsteps and become a woman as outstanding and capable as her…”

"But more than that..."

Leng Siqing raised her tear-filled eyes and looked straight into the depths of Ye Yao's eyes. Her voice was not loud, but it was extremely firm.

"It's for you!"

She wanted to become better, to become more outstanding, and to one day be qualified to stand beside him.

Instead of forever looking up to him and treating him as an unattainable dream.

Every word Leng Siqing said was like a scalding pebble, crashing into Ye Yao's heart and stirring up a storm.

He always believed that he was the one who had the wrong thoughts first.

He was always careful, afraid that his feelings would frighten Leng Siqing, afraid that she might mistake his respect and dependence on his brother and teacher for love.

He was even prepared that if Leng Siqing didn't have those feelings for him, he would bury those feelings deep in his heart forever and protect her as her older brother for the rest of his life.

But Ye Yao never expected that this silly girl had fallen into the trap earlier and more deeply than him!

A surge of overwhelming joy and heartache instantly engulfed Ye Yao.

The good thing is that they are of one mind and it's not just his wishful thinking.

What hurts is that she silently endured so much and worked so hard for me all this time.

Ye Yao could no longer control himself, and he suddenly pulled Leng Siqing into a tight and fierce embrace!

"Silly girl...you silly girl..."

Ye Yao's voice was hoarse and he tightened his arms around her, so tightly that he almost wanted to knead her into his bones.

Leng Siqing was held so tightly by him that she could hardly breathe, but she didn't want to struggle at all.

She buried her face deep in Ye Yao's chest, feeling his strong heartbeat and listening to his whispered words in her ear.

All the grievances, anxieties, and inferiority complex vanished at that moment.

It turns out they were heading in both directions.

It took a long, long time for the two of them to calm down.

Ye Yao released Leng Siqing, but still couldn't bear to let go of her hand, so he simply held her hand instead.

His warm palms enveloped her cold little hands, conveying a reassuring power.

Looking at Leng Siqing's red and swollen eyes and nose from crying, I felt both sorry for her and amused, and couldn't help but reach out and gently pinch her nose.

"Okay, stop crying, or you'll look like a little kitten."

Leng Siqing blushed at Ye Yao's intimate gesture, sniffed shyly, and mumbled an "Mmm".

Looking at her obedient and shy appearance, Ye Yao felt his heart almost melt.

He suppressed the urge to lower his head and kiss her lips, his Adam's apple bobbed, and his eyes regained their clarity and solemnity.

"Siqing".

"Um?"

"Although we are now... of one mind."

Ye Yao carefully chose his words, speaking with utmost seriousness: "However, there is something I must make clear to you."

Leng Siqing's heart jumped again, and she looked at him nervously.

"You are still a student at Haicheng University. Your studies are the priority. Your future is more important than anything else."

Ye Yao's gaze was deep and firm: "In our relationship, I don't want you to feel any pressure, and I don't want my actions to affect your studies and future."

"So, I hope you can give me a deadline, and also give yourself a deadline."

"Wait until you graduate from university."

"Once you truly leave campus and enter society as an independent adult woman, think carefully about whether your feelings for me were a momentary impulse or a well-thought-out decision."

"If by then you still choose me with the same certainty as you do now..."

Ye Yao paused, his gentle eyes gleaming with an unprecedented light.

It's a mature man's unwavering confidence and commitment.

"At that time, I, Ye Yao, will openly and formally pursue you."

What he wanted to give her was not a secret, clandestine relationship on campus that needed to be hidden.

What I want to give her is a relationship that is upright, aboveboard, and blessed by everyone.

Ye Yao wants to pursue the girl he cherishes and wants to protect for a lifetime, with the utmost seriousness, as a mature man.

This was the greatest respect and promise he could give her.

As Leng Siqing listened to Ye Yao's words, her eyes welled up with tears again.

How can this man be so good?

He clearly already knew how she felt about him, and he knew that if he just said one word, she would throw herself at him without hesitation.

But he insisted on being patient, restraining himself, thinking about her reputation and future, and giving her a cooling-off period and the right to choose.

His love is not about possession, but about fulfillment and respect.

Leng Siqing nodded vigorously, tears streaming down her face again.

This time, however, it was sweet to the core.

"good!"

Leng Siqing looked at him and said firmly, "Brother Ye Yao, I'll wait for you."

I'm waiting for you to come and pursue me openly and honestly.

The two exchanged a smile, everything understood without a word.

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