Whether in love or in marriage, isn't it always the same? Who among us can truly foresee the fate of our own hearts?
Gu Lili stepped forward with a gentle smile and slipped her arm through Long Yubei's. "I didn't marry Yubei for love, but I believe love is an essential part of any marriage. I've told him—I'll do my best to fall in love with him, and I'll make sure he learns to love me in return."
Hearing this, Shen Congmo finally breathed a quiet sigh of relief. "Let's all have dinner together. Call Lianghe from the set, and bring your two sisters too—the more, the merrier."
"Then it's settled."
While the two men conversed downstairs, Gu Lili ascended the stairs alone.
She sat in silence, replaying Long Yubei's words in her mind.
They had been sincere.
But she couldn't decipher what he truly meant.
He had said he hadn't thought about how long he'd be with her…
Was it because he genuinely never pictured a future with her—that there was some hidden end date in his heart, a moment beyond which everything would cease?
Or was it simply that he hadn't overthought it—he just wanted to live well in the present?
Gu Lili lay back and gazed up at the crystal chandelier above her.
She wasn't afraid of the day they might part ways. She just didn't want regrets. She wanted to hold on to the present with all her heart.
To win his affection, piece by piece.
She went to his study.
Settling into his chair, she picked up a fountain pen and, on thick ivory paper, began to write a letter with solemn care.
More precisely—a love letter.
…
By the time Long Tianjiao and Long Fengxi arrived, Lianghe and his manager Shi Xiaotian were already there.
"Where's my sister-in-law?" Lianghe asked the moment he stepped in.
"You ask about her the second you walk in—am I invisible to you?" Long Yubei huffed, clearly displeased by the disregard.
"Yep." Lianghe flopped onto the sofa. "I'm exhausted. Once this film wraps, I'm taking a proper break."
"Brother Congmo!" Long Tianjiao, ever eager to stir up mischief, turned to him with a grin. "Do you still have feelings for my sister or not?"
Long Fengxi gave her a warning glance, which Tianjiao promptly ignored. She pressed again, eyes twinkling, "Well? Say something!"
"Shouldn't you be asking your sister that question?" Shen Congmo replied, lifting his gaze. The affection in his eyes vanished in an instant as he locked eyes with Long Fengxi.
"I haven't liked you in a long time," Long Fengxi said without even glancing his way.
"Well, that's perfect. I've long since lost interest in you too."
Lianghe sighed dramatically. "You two are unbelievable. Since you're both so done with each other, why not start fresh with someone new? Congmo, I've got a girl for you—absolutely pure. Interested?"
"How pure?" Shen Congmo asked, playing along.
Lianghe squinted and grinned. "So pure, she hasn't even been awakened yet. Don't brush this off. Fengxi's here—prove to her you're really over her. If you don't, it means you're still hung up."
Shen Congmo found himself caught in a trap and had no choice but to bluff his way through. "Is she really that pure? Sounds too good to be true. Fine—introduce her to me tomorrow."
Lianghe sat up and clapped his hands. "Done. I'm texting her right now."
As Shen Congmo watched him actually send the message, a sinking feeling settled in his chest—but it was far too late to back out.
When Gu Lili came downstairs, both hands tucked into her coat pockets, the love letter she had written nestled safely within.
Her gaze fell upon Long Yubei's tall frame, lounging languidly on the sofa.
The closer she drew, the tighter her heart clenched with nervous anticipation.
At last, she took a seat beside him.
Clutching the envelope, she hesitated—unable to muster the courage to hand it over.
Yet still, she wanted him to see it.
So, with a slow and quiet movement, she slipped it into the pocket of his suit trousers while the others remained unaware.