The summer heat was oppressive.
On the greenway, a young man, his face flushed, held a gift in his hands. "This... this is for you," he stammered.
The girl in front of him wore a light mist-blue dress. Her snow-white skin and jet-black hair complemented the delicate fabric, and the hem of her dress revealed slender, fair calves. Even the clumsy little bunny charm on her ankle seemed to shine with elegance.
The girl's dark eyes met his, and the boy felt as though his heart might leap out of his chest at any moment.
"I have a boyfriend," the girl said, her voice melodious but her tone indifferent.
The boy protested urgently, "I don’t believe it. I’ve been observing you for a month, and there’s no other man around you." He thought her claim of having a boyfriend was just an excuse.
"I’m different from other men. I can stay by your side every moment," the boy insisted, his feelings for Su Ci genuine. From the very first time he saw her, he knew he was a goner.
Su Ci rejected him outright. "I don’t like men who cling to me."
The boy was stunned, his confidence shattered.
Nearby, Shen Xue, who had been quietly observing the scene, cast a sympathetic glance at the young man. He was handsome, but alas, no one except Lu Zhe could ever capture Su Ci’s heart.
Su Ci didn’t spare the boy another glance. She turned to Shen Xue and said, "Let’s go."
"Alright," Shen Xue quickly composed herself, setting aside her amusement.
As they walked toward the classroom, Shen Xue couldn’t help but marvel at Su Ci’s beauty. It was no wonder so many boys were constantly confessing their feelings to her.
If Shen Xue were a man, she’d probably fall for Su Ci too.
Beyond Su Ci’s exquisite features, her flawless figure and milky-white complexion were enough to make anyone envious. Shen Xue could only imagine how lucky Lu Zhe must feel.
Shen Xue couldn’t resist commenting, "If I were Lu Zhe, I’d never let you out of my sight." It had been a while since she’d seen Lu Zhe around. "Does he know about all the freshmen chasing after you lately?"
Su Ci tucked a strand of hair behind her ear. The summer heat was unbearable, and even a short time outdoors left her feeling uncomfortably warm.
Hearing Shen Xue’s question, Su Ci shook her head. "He doesn’t need to watch over me. I only like him."
Shen Xue felt like she’d been force-fed a mouthful of dog food. Her ice cream suddenly lost its sweetness. "Right, right, you only like him," she muttered.
Before Su Ci and Lu Zhe got together, Shen Xue had often played the role of a helper, filming Lu Zhe for Su Ci. She had witnessed their relationship blossom, and even now, their love for each other remained as strong as ever.
Shen Xue couldn’t help but feel a pang of envy.
What impressed Shen Xue the most, however, was that despite being the same age, while she was still muddling through school, Su Ci had already established her own career. Though Su Ci referred to it as a pastime, Shen Xue knew it was far more than that.
Su Ci’s foundation was well-known across the country. Shen Xue followed its official account, where letters of gratitude from students who had been helped were shared daily.
Su Ci’s foundation was making a real difference, assisting many students who had suffered from school bullying and had nowhere else to turn.
Just yesterday, Shen Xue had read a thank-you letter from a parent on the foundation’s official page.
The parent’s son had been bullied by a school tyrant, leaving him timid and emotionally scarred. Thanks to Su Ci’s foundation, the boy had finally stepped out of the shadows.
As Shen Xue looked at the radiant Su Ci beside her, she realized how many lives had been touched and transformed by her.
At that moment, Wen Duoyu waved at them from ahead.
"Su Ci, Shen Xue," Wen Duoyu called out, her smile shy. She had just rushed back to campus, her face flushed from the heat.
Shen Xue handed her a tissue. "Here, wipe your sweat."
"Thank you," Wen Duoyu replied, her demeanor much more confident than before. She was now interning at Su Ci’s foundation.
There had been a time when Wen Duoyu felt lost and even contemplated ending her life. Fortunately, Su Ci had saved her and offered her support.
Wen Duoyu was thrilled to now have the opportunity to help others in need. She hoped to one day be a beacon of hope for others, just like Su Ci.
"Tomorrow’s the graduation photo session. Will your family be coming, Su Ci?" Shen Xue asked eagerly.
"Yes, they’ll all be here," Su Ci replied.
Shen Xue’s eyes lit up. "Will your big brother be coming too?"
She had accidentally caught a glimpse of Su ZhiYuan once before and had been utterly captivated. Though she knew better than to entertain any fantasies about him—after all, he was a perfect, unattainable figure—she couldn’t help but feel excited at the prospect of seeing him again.
Su Ci narrowed her eyes slightly. She could tell Shen Xue had a crush on her brother, but she wasn’t going to interfere. Matters of the heart were between two people.
She nodded. "My brother will be here too."
Shen Xue nearly squealed with excitement.
The next day was the Chinese Department’s graduation photo session.
Not only did Su Ci’s entire family attend, but Lu Chen and Wen Ya also made an appearance. The presence of both the Su and Lu families caused quite a stir among the school leadership, who hurried to greet them.
Upon learning they were there for Su Ci’s graduation ceremony, the school officials breathed a sigh of relief.
The Su family’s striking looks, combined with Lu Chen and Wen Ya, drew frequent glances from the surrounding students. It was almost too much to take in.
"Su Ci, I can’t get through to Lu Zhe. He’s probably still on the plane," Wen Ya said, handing Su Ci a bouquet. "I’m not sure if he’ll make it in time for the photos."
"It’s okay. We already discussed it yesterday. If he can’t make it, we’ll take the photos together next week during his graduation session," Su Ci replied. She and Lu Zhe were in different departments, so their graduation schedules didn’t overlap.
Nearby, Su ZhiYuan also handed Su Ci a bouquet. "Congratulations on your graduation."
Su Ci beamed. "Thank you, big brother."
Today, Su ZhiYuan was dressed in a custom-made sapphire-blue suit. Tall and elegant, he exuded the aura of a refined nobleman rather than a corporate tycoon.
From a distance, Shen Xue watched with bated breath, clutching Wen Duoyu’s arm. She didn’t dare approach. "Oh my, Su Ci’s brother is too handsome. My heart’s racing. I think I’m going to die," she whispered.
Wen Duoyu, holding a bouquet she had bought with her internship salary, was determined to give it to Su Ci. "Su Ci looks so beautiful today. If you’re too scared to go over, I’ll go ahead. I want to give her the flowers."
Shen Xue quickly grabbed her arm. "Wait for me, I’m coming too."
Wen Duoyu handed her bouquet to Su Ci, while Shen Xue, standing nearby, stole a glance at the tall and imposing Su ZhiYuan. Her face turned bright red.
Su Ci gathered her family for photos.
However, a deliveryman arrived with a bouquet for her. Su Ci was puzzled as she accepted it. The card read: *From Li Ran.*
Su Ci thought for a moment before remembering Li Ran, a former employee who had once attempted to take her own life at the company. She hadn’t expected Li Ran to know about her graduation, let alone send her flowers.
Soon after, another bouquet arrived, this time from Xie Yuting, who had recently won Best Actress.
A little later, yet another bouquet was delivered, this one from the popular singer Zheng Hao. In recent years, Zheng Hao’s fame had skyrocketed, and to avoid unnecessary trouble, he had opted to send flowers instead of appearing in person.
Ye Xi, the mother of Ye Shangjin, also sent flowers.
After her divorce, Ye Xi had changed significantly. Su Ci had heard that He Ermeng’s uncle was pursuing Ye Xi relentlessly, while Ye Xi’s ex-husband, unable to make a living in the city, had returned to the countryside with his domineering mother, Luo.
The bouquets kept coming, and soon Su ZhiYuan, along with Su Ci’s parents, were helping her hold them all.
Su Ci was surprised when Wang Xiaoqin arrived, arm in arm with Fu Baili.
"Su Ci, congratulations on your graduation," Wang Xiaoqin said, presenting her with a beautifully wrapped bouquet.
"Thank you," Su Ci replied, taken aback. "How did you know about my graduation today?"
Wang Xiaoqin winked. "I saw the news online. Didn’t you know?"
Su Ci shook her head. It seemed like the whole world knew she was graduating.
Wang Xiaoqin explained, "Your foundation’s official account posted a message wishing you, their little boss, a happy graduation."
Su Ci was momentarily stunned. The foundation’s official account was managed by staff, and she rarely checked it herself. No wonder so many people had sent her flowers.
Later, Su Ci also received bouquets from Ji Chi, He Ermeng, Yao ChengQi, and Wu Xiaojie, all of whom sent their congratulations.
Everyone's eyes turned to the girl surrounded by a bouquet of flowers. With her bright eyes and radiant smile, she was even more beautiful than the blossoms.
As noon approached, the sun grew fiercer.
The photoshoot was nearly over, and Su Ci's cheeks were flushed from the heat. Just as she was about to leave with her parents, she spotted a man approaching from a distance.
Su Ci's eyes instantly curved into a smile.
Lu Zhe, dressed in a sleek, tailored black suit, was holding a bouquet of flowers and striding toward her with long, confident steps.
Over the years, Lu Zhe had transformed from a youthful boy into a composed and mature man.
With broad shoulders and a narrow waist, his black suit pants accentuated his long, powerful legs. His striking appearance elicited soft gasps from the girls around him.
Su Ci paid no attention to the onlookers. She ran toward him and threw herself into his strong, broad chest.
Lu Zhe tightened his embrace, his usually cool expression softening. "I'm sorry I'm late," he said.
Su Ci's eyes sparkled. "I thought you wouldn't make it."
Lu Zhe leaned down and kissed her cheek. "Happy graduation."
Nearby, Wen Duoyu watched with a blissful expression. "Now that Lu Zhe is here, Su Ci looks so happy."
Shen Xue, meanwhile, stole a glance at Su Zhiyuan, Su Ci's older brother, standing diagonally across from her. She nodded absentmindedly.
That evening, after both families had dinner together, Lu Zhe and Su Ci left early.
"Where are we going now?" Su Ci asked, her eyes fixed on the man in the driver's seat.
Lu Zhe's family had been expanding their business overseas, and he had been away on a business trip for over a month. Although they had video-called, the distance still felt palpable.
Lu Zhe smirked but didn't answer her question. Instead, he reached into the glove compartment and pulled out some snacks, handing them to her. "It's a bit of a drive. If you get bored, have something to eat."
Ever since Lu Zhe had learned to drive, he always kept snacks in his car—all for Su Ci.
Su Ci leaned back in her seat, unwrapped a piece of candy, and popped it into her mouth. It was orange-flavored. She continued to gaze at Lu Zhe, thinking how handsome he looked when he was focused on driving.
His sharp features were partially hidden in the dim light, adding an air of mystery. His slightly pursed lips made her want to kiss him.
The car came to a stop at a red light.
Su Ci, always one to act on her impulses, smiled at him. "Do you want some candy?"
Lu Zhe turned to her, his gaze tender. "No, thanks."
Su Ci pouted. "Not even if I feed it to you?"
Lu Zhe paused for a moment, then leaned closer.
Su Ci's face lit up with delight.
She sat up, her lips sweet with the taste of orange, and kissed him.
In the dim light, Lu Zhe's dark eyes deepened. Her soft tongue pushed past his lips, delivering the candy to him.
The sweet flavor filled his mouth, and her tongue playfully brushed against his teeth.
Lu Zhe's grip on the steering wheel tightened, his Adam's apple bobbing slightly.
Just as he was about to capture her mischievous tongue, she pulled back, gently biting his lower lip.
Su Ci looked smug. "Was it good?"
Lu Zhe glanced at the traffic light—ten seconds left.
His cold fingers reached for her chin, holding her in place so she couldn't retreat.
He tangled his tongue with hers, kissing her fiercely before finally letting go as the light turned green.
Su Ci's cheeks burned, and she bit her lip to stifle a giggle.
Compared to their awkward early attempts at kissing, Lu Zhe now seemed like a seasoned pro.
The roads were quiet at night, and the car sped along the highway.
Su Ci began to feel drowsy, her eyelids growing heavier as she leaned against the seat.
She wasn't sure how much time had passed when Lu Zhe finally stopped the car. He turned to look at her and found her fast asleep.
Outside the car, the sound of waves crashing against the shore filled the air, making the surroundings feel even more serene.
Lu Zhe turned off the headlights, and the car blended into the night. The silver moonlight bathed the vehicle, illuminating Su Ci's peaceful face as she slept.
Lu Zhe didn't wake her. Instead, he quietly watched her sleep.
Her soft hair fell against her cheeks, partially revealing her fair chin and delicate nose.
Lu Zhe gently tucked a strand of hair behind her ear, revealing her soft, pale face.
Having been apart for over a month, Lu Zhe had missed her deeply. The kiss in the car had stirred something in him, and even her slightest provocation could make him lose control.
His thumb brushed over her cheek and lingered on her soft lips, pressing lightly.
Lu Zhe's eyes darkened.
Su Ci was awakened by his kiss. Blinking sleepily, she found his handsome face inches from hers.
Her breath was nearly stolen away as she wrapped her arms around his neck, willingly surrendering to him.
His cool, refreshing scent enveloped her.
When Lu Zhe finally pulled away, Su Ci's lips were glistening and slightly swollen. She was fully awake now. "Were you sneaking a kiss just now?"
Lu Zhe gently wiped the moisture from her lips and chuckled softly. "Yeah, I couldn't help myself."
His low laughter was especially clear in the quiet night, sending a shiver down Su Ci's spine.
Her ears tingled.
She hummed softly and glanced out the window, only then realizing they had arrived at the beach.
Su Ci's eyes lit up with joy. She had casually mentioned wanting to visit the beach just two days ago, and Lu Zhe had remembered.
She kissed him again. "You're so good to me."
Lu Zhe smiled. "Should we take a walk on the beach?"
"No," Su Ci said, her slender fingers tugging at his shirt. She kissed his chin. "Have we ever tried doing it in the car?"
Lu Zhe's jaw tightened. "Su Ci," he said, his voice low.
Su Ci's eyes sparkled with mischief. "Isn't it supposed to be exciting in the car? The mood, the timing, the location—it's perfect. Don't you want to try?"
Lu Zhe couldn't help but want to pinch her cheek. How could she be so bold?
But then, Su Ci's expression suddenly brightened even more, her face filled with excitement.
Lu Zhe raised an eyebrow. "What is it?"
Su Ci's delicate features were radiant with joy. "Kiss me first, and then I'll tell you."
She had finally received the last piece of gold.
Over the years, she had been helping people through a foundation, earning gold to give to Lu Zhe. She had waited a long time for this final piece, and now it was finally here.
Lu Zhe obliged, leaning down to kiss her.
Su Ci immediately fed him the gold. This time, she didn't tease him but instead watched his wrist intently. The red bars that had lingered for so long suddenly turned green.
Su Ci's eyes curved into a smile as she hugged him tightly. "Lu Zhe, may you live a long and healthy life."
Lu Zhe seemed to sense something. The fatigue and numbness that had plagued him for so long disappeared, replaced by a newfound strength.
Su Ci looked at him eagerly. "Can you feel it?"
"Yes," he replied.
"Lu Zhe, you're finally cured," Su Ci said, her voice trembling with emotion.
Feeling her joy, Lu Zhe's usually cool expression softened. "Thank you," he said.
If it weren't for Su Ci, he would have died long ago in some forgotten corner.
Su Ci felt a sense of unreality as she nestled into his arms. "Tomorrow, I'll go with you to the hospital for a check-up."
Lu Zhe held her tightly. "Okay."
"After the check-up, we'll tell our families. We can say it's a miracle."
"Okay."
Su Ci's dark eyes were filled with happiness. "Lu Zhe, so... do you want to do it in the car now?"
"Su Ci," he said, his voice a mix of exasperation and affection.
Over the years, Su Ci had learned to control her rabbit ears at will.
Now, to tempt Lu Zhe, she let them out.
Her fluffy, pink-and-white rabbit ears stood upright, framing her beautiful, fair face. The sight was utterly endearing.
Lu Zhe clenched his fist, his fingers itching to touch them.
Su Ci didn't say a word, just tilted her head and looked at him with those ears.
She knew Lu Zhe loved her rabbit ears and couldn't resist them.
Sure enough, the next second, Lu Zhe reached out to touch her ears, unable to help himself. "You little troublemaker. Don't cry later."
As Lu Zhe played with her ears, Su Ci's body went soft, but her eyes sparkled with mischief. She wasn't afraid of his threats.
By dawn, the sun was about to rise. Lu Zhe held Su Ci in his arms as they sat on the beach.
The girl was exhausted, her eyes closed as she dozed against his chest.
When the sun finally peeked over the horizon, Lu Zhe gently woke her. "Su Ci, the sunrise is here."
Su Ci lazily lifted her eyelids, the golden light falling onto the sea surface, reflecting in her eyes.
The sun rose slowly, breathtakingly beautiful.
Su Ci wasn’t looking at the sun. She raised her gaze to Lu Zhe, the golden sunlight falling on his face and in his eyes, softening into a gentle glow.
The little troublemaker’s eyes sparkled as she looked at him. Lu Zhe chuckled, “Keep looking, and I’ll kiss you.”
Su Ci’s eyes grew even brighter, her lips curling slightly, “Hurry up and kiss me!”
The waves rolled onto the beach, the foam splashing onto the girl’s snow-white feet before quietly retreating.
The man’s large hand grasped the girl’s foot, carefully drying it with his clothes. Then, he picked up the blushing girl and carried her away.
Behind them, the waves secretly washed away the footprints on the sand.
