The phone vibrated early, before Yuyan had even finished her morning tea."I'll pick you up at 8. — W."The message was simple, yet it made her heart race as if it carried far more than the words themselves.
At 7:30, Yuyan stood before the mirror. The sun filtered through the pale curtains, painting the room in golden light. She had chosen a long, flowing skirt in a cream shade, paired with a soft light-blue sweater that highlighted the delicacy of her shoulders. Her hair, loose, fell like silk down to her waist. She applied a subtle, almost invisible lipstick and drew a deep breath, trying to calm the waves of anticipation rising within her.
In the living room, her mother was quietly straightening the breakfast table, glancing at her daughter from the corner of her eye.— You look beautiful, Yuyan, she said, as if stating the obvious.— It's nothing special, Mom, Yuyan replied, adjusting the hem of her skirt, though the flush on her cheeks betrayed her.
At exactly 8 o'clock, the discreet sound of a car pulling up at the gate sent a new chill through her stomach.When she opened the door, Wen was standing there, his dark blazer falling elegantly over a light shirt. A black scarf wrapped his neck, but what caught her attention most were the flowers in his hands: a small bouquet of white chrysanthemums with a single pink plum blossom at the center.— Good morning, he said, his voice low but steady. You look… beautiful.
Yuyan held the flowers with both hands, surprised, her heart pounding so hard it felt almost visible.— Thank you… she murmured, blushing even more. You also look… very elegant.
A brief pause lingered between them, almost complicit. His gaze rested on her long enough to make her lower her eyes.— Where are we going? she asked, trying to mask her curiosity with a calmness she didn't feel.Wen adjusted his glasses, a faint smile tugging at his lips.— It's a surprise. But I promise… you'll like it.
Yuyan pressed the bouquet against her chest, closed the gate behind her, and walked beside him to the car. The morning sun wrapped them in a soft glow, and each step felt like more than just a stroll.It was a beginning.
Once Yuyan stepped into the car, she noticed the back seat was filled with colorful boxes, neatly wrapped packages with cheerful prints, and bags brimming with toys and clothes.She blinked in surprise.— Professor Wen…? she murmured, looking around.He kept his eyes on the road, but his expression softened in a different way.— Today, I'm taking you to a place that means a lot to me, he said, firm yet gentle. The orphanage where I grew up.
Yuyan's heart skipped. She clenched her hands on her lap, unsure how to respond. Her face flushed, not from ordinary shyness but from a sudden swell of emotion.— The orphanage…? she repeated softly, as if afraid to break the delicate silence.— Yes. I go back whenever I can. The children… they wait. A faint smile curved at the corner of his mouth. And I couldn't carry all these gifts alone. I thought maybe you could help me.Yuyan swallowed hard, her heart tightening.— I… of course. It would be an honor.
He glanced at her, and in that instant, the silence between them brimmed with meaning.
The car stopped before an old gate, its light-blue paint chipped and faded. Beyond it stretched a wide yard with tall trees, colorful clothes hanging on a line, and laughter carried through the cold morning air.As soon as Wen opened the trunk, a few children ran to the entrance, their eyes sparkling with joy.— Uncle Wen is here! they shouted, rushing forward.
Yuyan froze for a moment, her chest tightening as she watched their smiling faces, the way they swarmed around him with trust and affection. She began helping carry the boxes, and soon small hands reached out to help her too.— Thank you, sister! said a little girl with braids, hugging a bag bigger than herself.Yuyan laughed, surprised by the gesture, her throat warming with emotion.
Then, an elderly woman with white hair and slow steps approached the gate. She wore a simple coat, but her eyes held a timeless tenderness.— Zhaonan… she called, voice thick with emotion, opening her arms.
Wen set down the boxes and embraced her with respect, almost reverence.— Madam Qiu… he murmured, his voice lower than usual.
She smiled, holding him close like a son. Then she turned to Yuyan with gentle curiosity.— And who is this lovely young lady with you?
Heat rushed to Yuyan's cheeks. She lowered her eyes, nervously adjusting her skirt's hem.— I-I'm Lin Yuyan. A nurse… and a friend of Professor Wen's, she said, trying to keep her voice steady.
Madam Qiu smiled in a way that seemed to hold secrets.— A friend… she repeated sweetly, lingering on the word. She stepped closer, holding Yuyan's hand warmly. Welcome, dear. He doesn't bring just anyone here.
Yuyan flushed even deeper but managed a shy smile.
The children, impatient, were already tugging at their hands.— Let's open the presents! Hurry!
Wen and Yuyan exchanged a glance before following together, surrounded by voices, laughter, and tiny arms.
The boxes were barely opened before the courtyard filled with excited shouts. Boys fought over a toy car, two girls laughed loudly while trying on new coats, and a whole group crowded around a colorful ball.Wen, however, raised his voice more than usual.— No pushing! he warned firmly. One at a time. The ball won't run away.
The children looked at each other, embarrassed, but obeyed. Wen took the ball from the most eager boy and handed it back calmly.— If you don't know how to share, then no one plays, he added seriously.
The little ones grumbled but gave in.
Yuyan watched closely, her heart tightening. There was firmness in his tone, but also care — as if he knew exactly what it meant to grow up without anyone to set limits or teach right from wrong. She pictured the boy he must have been here, running through these walls, clutching a donated notebook like a treasure.
As she pondered, a gentle hand touched her arm.— Come, dear, Madam Qiu said, with both command and kindness. I want to show you something.
Yuyan followed her down a narrow side corridor. The walls were lined with children's drawings and old photographs, but in a quieter corner stood a shelf filled with trophies, medals, and framed certificates.Madam Qiu's wrinkled fingers brushed the frames.— These are his, she said with quiet pride. Even as a child, Zhaonan had a brilliant mind. He won science olympiads, writing contests, math competitions… I hung each certificate myself.
Yuyan stepped closer, moved. The printed names, official calligraphy, old dates — all told a silent story.— He always comes back, the woman continued. He never forgot this place. He always helps — with books, clothes, toys. But he never brought anyone.
She paused, then looked directly at Yuyan.— You are the first woman he has ever brought here.
The words fell on Yuyan's heart like a gentle weight. She opened her mouth, but no reply came. She only lowered her eyes, blushing, her hands trembling.
Madam Qiu smiled tenderly, as if seeing beyond the obvious.— I've lived long enough to know when two people are bound, she said, squeezing Yuyan's hand. Make him happy, dear. He has suffered far more than he ever deserved.
Yuyan drew a deep breath, her eyes glistening. She couldn't promise aloud, but within herself, a quiet certainty took root: she wanted to.She wanted to be the comfort in his life.She wanted to be the home he had never known.
As Yuyan was still absorbing Madam Qiu's words, she heard light footsteps behind her. When she turned, she was caught in a sudden, tight embrace.— Sister Yuyan! cried a familiar little voice.
Yuyan blinked, startled, before recognizing the bright eyes gazing at her.— Sui…! she said, overwhelmed, returning the hug.
The little girl beamed like sunshine after rain. She was rosier now, dressed in a new coat, holding a small doll in her hands.— I knew I'd see you again, she said with confidence. Uncle Wen always keeps his promises.
Yuyan laughed softly, stroking the girl's hair. Her heart swelled with unexpected happiness — a mixture of relief and tenderness. Seeing Sui safe and smiling was proof that some silences truly become homes.— I'm so happy to see you like this, she replied, her voice thick with emotion.
The morning unfolded lightly, colored by the laughter of children. Wen, though firm when needed, also smiled as he watched them running around the courtyard, handing out gifts, and organizing their new toys.
At lunchtime, everyone gathered in the orphanage's simple dining hall. The long table was covered with steaming bowls of rice, vegetables, and stir-fried meat. Yuyan sat beside Sui, who chattered endlessly about orphanage stories. Wen, across from them, remained silent, but his eyes glowed with a rare light.— It feels like family, Madam Qiu remarked with satisfaction, ladling more soup for the little ones.
Yuyan only smiled, her heart silently agreeing.
The afternoon passed slowly, full of everyday gestures: picking up scraps of wrapping paper, listening to the children's stories, helping with unfinished homework. When the sun leaned westward, it was time to leave.
At the gate, Sui hugged Yuyan tightly, unwilling to let go.— Come back soon, she pleaded, eyes full of hope.— I'll come back, I promise, Yuyan said with a smile.
Wen bid farewell to Madam Qiu with respect and gratitude, promising to return soon. Then he opened the car door for Yuyan, and they drove away down the quiet road.
On the way, the silence between them wasn't empty, but filled with the gentle echoes of the morning. Until Wen spoke, calm but direct:— Do you still have energy?Yuyan turned her face, curious.— Energy?— I was thinking… a movie. And afterward… dinner.
She blinked, surprised, the blush rising immediately.— Tonight…?Wen glanced at her briefly, then back at the road.— Tonight, he confirmed, simple but with a faint smile. Only if you want to.
Yuyan held the bouquet of flowers on her lap, trying to steady her racing heart.— I… I want to.
Wen nodded, and the car moved on, carrying the promise of a day that didn't want to end.
After the movie, afternoon slipped unnoticed into night. The cold deepened, but there was a serene warmth in their shared steps.— Shall we have dinner? Wen asked simply.Yuyan smiled, already guessing before he added:— At my apartment.
Her heart leapt — not in surprise, but in familiarity. Almost like an invitation back to a place already holding memories.
The kitchen glowed with a warm light. Wen prepared the pasta with his usual calm, stirring the sauce slowly as steam curled upward. Yuyan sat at the table, resting her chin in her hands, simply watching.— You even cook with discipline, she teased lightly. It's like the pan obeys you.Wen lifted his eyes, and his discreet smile softened his serious face.— It's not discipline. Just patience. He paused. Some things only turn out right if you respect their time.
Yuyan's chest warmed. She wasn't sure if he meant only food.
Dinner was simple, yet filled with quiet conversations and lingering glances. They laughed about childhood memories, spoke of books, and at times just stayed silent — as if even that was its own form of dialogue.
Afterward, Wen put the dishes away and turned to her.— Want to see the universe?
She blinked, surprised.— The universe…?
He extended his hand, leading her to the balcony where a telescope was already set up by the wall. The winter sky was clear, a vast black tapestry embroidered with stars.Wen carefully adjusted the lens and stepped aside.— Look.
Yuyan leaned forward, and when the image sharpened, her breath caught. She saw the moon's craters in striking detail, then the faint glow of a distant galaxy. A silent spectacle, hers alone in that moment.— It's incredible… she whispered, moved. It feels… infinite.
Wen watched her from the side, his eyes fixed more on her than the sky.— It is infinite, he said quietly. But still, it's never the same as watching someone see it for the first time.
Yuyan lifted her face from the lens, meeting his gaze. She felt small under the stars, yet immense — because she was being seen.— Thank you for sharing this with me, she said, smiling.
The night air was cold, but between the stars and silence, something burned warmer than any fire.
The balcony was wrapped in winter's chill, but Yuyan hardly felt it. Her heart beat like its own star, and the entire universe seemed to fit between the two of them.
Wen took a deep breath, adjusted his glasses — out of habit, not defense — and looked at her.— Yuyan… I'm not good with words. I spent years believing silence was safer than speaking. But if I don't say this now, I'll regret it for the rest of my life.
She looked at him in silence, tears already glimmering in her eyes.
— Do you remember the tray? he smiled, a smile filled with memory. That was the beginning for me. A stumble in the hallway, and before I even understood, I was holding you. In that instant, I realized fate had placed something too delicate in my hands.
His voice trembled, but he pressed on:— Then came the lunch at the cafeteria, the chrysanthemum tea… and I found myself thinking maybe I could still share simple things with someone. Then, the night of rain — when you answered me. I reread that message so many times, Yuyan, I could recite it by heart.
Tears slid silently down her face.
— And the snow… Wen drew a breath. I'll never forget the first snow with you. Because it wasn't just the city that turned white. It was inside me. After so long in darkness, I felt that winter could be beautiful. And it was because of you.
He stepped closer, his eyes locked on hers, now moist as well.— Yuyan, I've been deceived, used, left alone. I shut my heart, thinking no one could hurt me that way again. But you… you didn't break anything. You walked in quietly. And suddenly, everything inside me began to move again.
Wen paused, his voice breaking, yet steady:— Now I understand. I don't want to live on the margins anymore. I don't want a universe without a sun. Yuyan… you are the sun of my universe. The center around which I want everything to turn.
She raised her hands to her face, crying openly, her heart overwhelmed with feeling.
— I'm not perfect, he added, voice thick with emotion. But if you let me, I promise: all my days, all my strength, all my silences… will be yours.
Wen lifted his hand, gently wiping away her tears.— Let me be that man, Yuyan. Because I no longer know how to look at the sky without searching for you in it.
Yuyan tried to answer, but words failed. She let her eyes speak everything: yes, I want this.
And then, at last, he leaned closer.
The kiss unfolded slowly, carrying everything they had held back until then. The pain, the waiting, the promises, the memories — all met in the soft warmth of that instant.
It wasn't just a kiss.It was the entire universe folding itself into two hearts.