I grew up with Shen Ci as childhood sweethearts. When I was young, my parents were always busy and paid no attention to me, even during phone calls, they would hang up after a few hurried words.

During those lonely days, besides the nanny, it was Shen Ci who accompanied me.

He once said he would never let me wait, even if we were separated, he would watch me leave.

And so, he stayed by my side for 16 years.

Now, it seems that he has gradually broken many "firsts".

The first time he cursed in front of me, the first time he forgot about me, the first time he hung up the phone first, the first time...

Making me feel unfamiliar.

Everyone used to be certain that Shen Ci and I would definitely get married because there was no man in this world who loved me more than him.

I held the phone in my hand, sitting on the bed for a long time, and slowly dialed my mother's number.

After ringing five times, she hung up and immediately sent a message.

【Darling, your dad and I are chasing dolphins at sea. If you need something, find Shen Ci. Be good.】

I looked at it for a while and silently closed my phone.

Shen Ci and I have been with each other for 16 years. I understand the excitement of novelty and the calmness of a relationship like water. We always have to reach a point where pain outweighs love in order to let go of emotions.

I opened my phone, and on the screen was a photo of Shen Ci and me.

I was looking down at the map, while he was looking at me with deep affection.

This scene was captured by a passerby but became our favorite photo. We promised to never change it year after year. I once posted it on my social media to confess my love, too.

I hope he will look at me with that kind of gaze for a lifetime.

That's when I feel loved.

The next day, I packed up and arrived at the school gate, and Shen Ci was already there.

Shen Ci naturally walked up and took my bag, handing me a steamed bun with crab roe filling, and a cup of black sugar ginger red date tea.

"The weather has changed these days, I'm afraid you might catch a cold. I cooked them early in the morning."

With one bite, warmth spread from my mouth all the way to my stomach.

I smiled at him and said, "Thank you."

Shen Ci chuckled, hugged my waist, and rubbed his head against my neck.

"Nian Nian, I truly know I was wrong. Will you forgive me? You have no idea how difficult it was for me not to hug you these past two days."

Before I could say anything, Su Ran's voice suddenly came from beside us, "Let's go, traffic will be congested and we'll be late!"

As if deliberately raising her voice, Shen Ci froze for a moment, then casually let go of me, kissed my forehead, and held my hand. "Let's go, today you don't have to think too much. I'll take care of everything."

"Okay."

I lowered my eyes, looking at his distinct knuckles as he firmly held my hand, just like before.