At dawn, soft light filtered through the gauze curtains, quietly falling into the bedroom of Jiang Zhi and Shen Qingchen. Jiang Zhi slowly woke up, and beside him, Shen Qingchen was still asleep. His sleeping face was quiet and peaceful, his long eyelashes casting a faint shadow under his eyelids, his high nose bridge, and the slightly upturned corners of his mouth, like a beautiful painting. Jiang Zhi couldn't help but stare at it in a trance, and memories of the past flooded into his heart like a tide.
They met amidst the bustling city. Back then, Jiang Zhi was consumed by a vengeful obsession. Tang Junxi's death was like an unhealable wound, leaving her disillusioned with everything around her. Yet, Chen Qingchen, caught a glimpse of her in the crowd. Her unique aura, a tenacity shone through her stubbornness, a gentleness hidden within her aloofness, instantly captivated him. He pursued her passionately, sending flowers, writing love letters, and creating romantic encounters. Even when Jiang Zhi initially turned a blind eye, he never flinched.
During those days of pursuit, Shen Qingchen once learned that Jiang Zhi loved a rare orchid that grew deep in the mountains. He drove for hours alone, over mountains and across ridges, to find it. The mountain path was rugged and difficult to walk, thorns tore his clothes, and sweat soaked his back. But when he appeared in front of Jiang Zhi with the orchid he had finally found, the joy and anticipation in his eyes made Jiang Zhi's heart relax for the first time.
Later, after many twists and turns, they finally married, their newlywed sweetness like the most gorgeous flowers in spring. They would spend lazy weekend afternoons curled up on the sofa, sharing a steaming cup of coffee, taking sips, the occasional smudge of milk foam on the corners of their lips, smiling at each other, overflowing with sweetness. They would also sneak to the apartment rooftop at night, spread a picnic blanket, set out some simple snacks, and embrace each other, gazing up at the stars, searching for the brightest star, as if they were the only ones left in the world.
However, life is never entirely smooth sailing. Jiang Yao's appearance, like a sudden storm, disrupted their lives. Devastated by the devastating news of her father's murder, Chen Qingchen, determined to protect Jiang Zhi, reluctantly filed for divorce and took Jiang Yao home, committing acts of hurtful indignation. During those days, Jiang Zhi felt as if she were plunged into an endless winter. Every night, she tormented in loneliness and pain, her pillow soaked with tears.
Yet, deep down, their love for each other never truly died. Once, Jiang Zhi was harassed by thugs on the street. Her exceptional skills should have easily handled them, but the thugs were outnumbered and gradually began to struggle. In the nick of time, Shen Qingchen descended like a god. Heedless of the risk of injury himself, he rushed forward, shielding Jiang Zhi behind him, his eyes as full of concern and determination as ever. Their eyes met, and in that instant, the love they once had flown through the air like an electric current, fleeting yet intense.
Another time, Jiang Zhi was ill and bedridden. In her drowsy state, she murmured Shen Qingchen's name. Shen Qingchen got the news from somewhere and rushed over anxiously. He stayed by the bedside, staying awake all night, constantly changing the towel on Jiang Zhi's forehead and feeding her medicine and water. When Jiang Zhi woke up, she saw his bloodshot eyes and haggard face, and her eyes instantly reddened. The emotions that had been suppressed in their hearts for a long time surged again.
As they join forces to fight against the mysterious organization, their relationship endures the test of blood and fire. Surrounded by the enemy, Shen Qingchen tightly grasps Jiang Zhi's hand, the warmth of his palm conveying strength and courage. He whispers softly but firmly, "Don't be afraid, I'm here." Jiang Zhi looks back at him, eyes filled with trust and dependence. In that moment, it's as if they've returned to the time when they first fell in love, and all the misunderstandings and hurts become insignificant in the face of life and death.
In their daily interactions, frictions occasionally occurred. Jiang Zhi would sometimes get angry because Shen Qingchen was too busy with work and neglected the family, while Shen Qingchen would get a little impatient with Jiang Zhi's nagging when she was tired. But after every argument, Shen Qingchen would always be the first to bow his head. He would bring Jiang Zhi's favorite snacks or a bouquet of gorgeous flowers, and appear in front of her with an apologetic face. Jiang Zhi would also see his sincerity and her anger would instantly dissipate. The two would hug each other and cry, reconciled as before.
They understand that love isn't just about romance under the moonlight; it's about perseverance through thick and thin. Today, they've become a model couple, their story a story told across the city. Young couples follow their example, learning how to support each other through hard times and find sweetness in the ordinary.
In streetside cafes, couples often reminisce about their romantic saga. "Look at Jiang Zhi and Shen Qingchen. They've been through so much, yet they're still so loving. That's what true love is," a girl said to her boyfriend with envy. The boyfriend nodded in agreement, holding her hand tightly, his eyes filled with hope for the future, as if he could find the same beautiful love if he persevered like them.
At the community activity center, the elderly also talk about them in their spare time. "It's not easy for these two children. They stumbled along the way, but they never let go of each other's hands. It's so comforting," an elderly grandmother said with emotion, tears of emotion glittering in her eyes. Her husband beside her smiled and echoed them. They have supported each other for decades. She saw the shadow of her own love in Jiang Zhi and Shen Qingchen, and she cherished them even more.
Jiang Zhi and Shen Qingchen are also happy to share their insights on love. They're often invited to participate in relationship lectures, where they stand on stage, hand in hand, facing the audience's eyes longing for love and pursuing happiness, and tell their stories. Shen Qingchen would look at Jiang Zhi tenderly and say, "Love is always by her side when she needs it most, never leaving her." Jiang Zhi would respond to his affectionate gaze and continue, "It's also about being willing to put aside pride for each other after an argument and actively seek peace, because we care more about each other than winning or losing."
Their home is often visited by friends who are not only moved by their love but also draw strength from them to face life. When a friend encounters setbacks in his career and feels discouraged, Jiang Zhi and Shen Qingchen will encourage him with their own experiences: "Look at us, we have gone through so many life and death hardships and have persevered in love. What are your difficulties? As long as you don't give up, you will definitely make it through." With their guidance, the friend regains his confidence and embarks on the road of striving again.
As time passes, their love grows stronger. Every morning, they begin a new day with each other's smiles; every evening, they stroll together in the afterglow of the setting sun. They embody the true meaning of love through their actions, letting this love shine like a beacon in the vast sea of people, illuminating the path forward for those seeking love and inspiring more people to believe in love and bravely pursue their own happiness.
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