Whooo—
The wind and snow grew fiercer.
The three little dogs finally stopped playing, huddling together before trotting back to Mo Xunhan's side, their eyes dazed by the white world. Mo Yachen, meanwhile, stepped closer to Ji Yu, drawing her into his arms.
In this frozen world, the only warmth left was found in each other's embrace.
Her vision blurred—the storm washed away all color. Yet within that raging snow, someone stood to shield her from every trace of fear.
Mo Yachen…
Snow piled in his hair, turning it silver-white. But his gaze upon Ji Yu remained as gentle as when it all began.
"Ji Yu, I like you."
The words swirled with the wind, circling her ears over and over, seeping into her heart.
"Do you know that?"
He tightened his hold, unable to stop himself. More than her reply, what he wanted most in that moment… was simply to hold her quietly.
Her hair, soft and smooth, slipped against his chest.
Time ticked on, second by second…
No one spoke. Everyone could only watch.
Over and over, he whispered those four words. His long, slender fingers traced the outline of her face, slowly sketching delicate lines along her cheekbones. Her frozen skin softened beneath the heat of his touch, as though he were painting—layer by layer—until only one final stroke remained.
At last… his fingertip brushed her lips.
The last line.
The painting was complete.
The beautiful girl nestled in her lover's embrace, a scene more breathtaking than any photograph. On this snowy night, such beauty was born.
Whooo—
The storm quieted, fading into calm.
As if the blizzard had never existed, peace and silence cloaked the land once more.
In the shadows, three figures looked on—each carrying shock, doubt, or quiet relief—as they watched the girl in the snow and the gentle guardian by her side.
The painter cradled the fairy he had painted with his own hands, and then—
"I like you. That's why I want you surrounded, cherished. I'll make the path you walk bloom with flowers, alive with voices."
"T-that's… not necessary…"
Ji Yu lifted her head, her eyes trembling with her heartbeat. "Are you… really here?"
Who was she asking?
"I'm here. I've always been here."
The wind rose again.
Snowflakes glittered under the lights, radiant as sunlight.
At last, the young girl's heart rippled—like a ball named love, tossed over the net, now finally landing with a splash of snow, scattering fragments that the wind carried skyward.
Mo Xunhan pointed at the glowing flakes, laughing as she explained how she would film her next movie. Her carefree chatter mingled with the playful banter of the others, their laughter swirling upward with the storm of snow.
And then—
All of them turned, almost in unison, to the two figures at the center.
In his arms, as the storm faded—
Tears traced down from the corners of her eyes.
The next morning, a ringtone rang out from beneath the covers.
Ji Yu stirred, lazily poking her head out from the blankets. Half-asleep, she fumbled for her phone, silencing it while her blue eyes drifted toward the doorway—where her younger sister, Ji Yu, was playing with the door, swinging it back and forth.
It was New Year's Day—the lunar spring had arrived.
Early spring sunlight sparkled on the melting snow, dew dripping gently from the trees with each passerby.
"Well, well. The young lady finally woke up?"
Ji Yu (the sister) puffed a cloud of white breath into the cold air. She glanced at Ji Yu's disheveled pajamas. Ji Yu only gave a sheepish grin before diving back into the blankets.
"Jie, why are you peeking into my room again?"
"You've got no classes today. Let's see what excuse you make this time! Come on, spill it—what exactly did you do on Christmas night?"
"Ahhh~~ Jie, I'm still sleepy. Later, later!"
Ji Yu shook her head groggily, ignoring her sister's teasing—until the doorbell rang downstairs.
"Hello, Auntie. I'm Ji Yu's… friend. Has she woken up yet?"
"...!!!?"
Even through two walls, Ji Yu heard the voice that made her heart leap. In a panic, she tore off her pajamas, grabbed two random pieces of clothing from the closet, and bolted out the door.
Unlike her usual frantic mornings when she overslept for school, this time she scrambled like a storm, her movements a flurry of chaos.
"Mom, breakfast isn't ready yet?"
Ji Yu carried a glass of water into the living room, her voice lively though her hair was still a mess.
"Ah—Mo… Mo Yachen, what are you doing here?"
"Ahem~"
Sometimes, watching Ji Yu was simply too amusing for him.
When he lifted his eyes, her bare face greeted him.
She wore a thin, nearly see-through blouse, paired with a soft pink tartan skirt. Her long legs were bare against the cold, skin gleaming smooth under the morning sun.
It was freezing outside, yet she dressed like it was spring—a completely off-season outfit.
Mo Yachen only smiled warmly when he saw her, keeping a polite distance.
Of course, Ji Yu's mother, with all her years of experience, immediately understood this boy's purpose. Though she didn't interrogate him outright, she pressed subtle pressure with every word and glance.
Ever since Christmas night, her daughter had been acting strangely—always glued to her phone, always smiling. Clearly, she was in love. But never had she expected the boy to show up on their doorstep after only a week.
Her daughter had only just become a girl not long ago—and already she had lured in a handsome young man. It was hard for the Ji family to process.
"May I sit here?"
His gentle voice pulled Ji Yu's attention back. She turned—and there he was in a black coat, smiling softly at her.
In the throes of her first romance, Ji Yu could barely endure that smile. If not for her mother watching closely across the room, she might have leapt into his arms.
Instead, she only gave a small huff and turned her gaze toward the window. But the instant Mo Yachen sat beside her, her mother shot her a sharp glare.
"U-uhh…"
The weight of her mother's look was too much. Ji Yu quickly averted her eyes, sitting primly on the couch.
It was then Mo Yachen noticed Ji Yu's younger sister watching him intently, her eyes narrowed.
Their gazes locked.
"Who are you?"
Ji Yu's sister asked coldly, her stare sharp.
On the opposite couch, Ji Yu lifted her cup, sipping hot water with a small tilt of her neck. She set it down delicately, wiping the moisture from her lips—then flashed a smile sweet enough to make Mo Yachen's heart skip.