Shanghai.
This city, often called the "Paris of the East."
After so many years of time and change, it still stood firm, coldly embracing its residents and absorbing everything within it.
Spring came, autumn went. Through sweltering summers and freezing winters, the buildings continued their duty, towering silently, driving the growth of this city.
Summer had passed. Ji Yu had already returned to Yudu, beginning her sophomore year. Peaceful, uneventful days rolled on. The green of summer gave way to gold, and soon the white of winter covered the land. Snowflakes swirled down, announcing that another year was quickly coming to an end.
"Phew… Shanghai winters are so cold. Feels colder than Yudu."
Outside the soccer field of Qinghu University, Tang Li finished his morning run, pulled on his jacket from the goalpost, and muttered. A puff of white vapor rose from his lips, fading into the pale air.
Snow looked the same no matter where in the world you stood. Tang Li slipped on his coat, blew into his hands, rubbed his face awake, then wordlessly headed toward the dormitory supermarket. His expression was calm as ever.
"Little Tang, here for yogurt again?"
"Mm."
"It's the dead of winter now. Don't drink it like you did in summer."
"It's fine, Aunt Chen. I'm used to it."
Tang Li bought a cup of yogurt with practiced ease, then on his way back to the dorm, popped it open and savored a spoonful.
As he said—post-run yogurt had become a habit.
Even in the cold, the condensation on the plastic cup clung to his hand. He didn't mind. Compared to the weather, the droplets almost felt warm.
Back in his dorm, he skimmed his thesis on the balcony, earphones in, nodding to the rhythm. Outside, snowflakes drifted across campus. He glanced once more at the wintry scene, then turned back to tidy himself—time to head out for his date.
Gu Yu wasn't a Qinghu University student. But her school wasn't far—just nine bus stops away.
On Qixi Festival, she had mustered the courage to confess. She wasn't especially pretty, nor especially talented—just a girl who loved photographing abandoned ruins. And yet, she had received the Weaver Girl's blessing, and earned the right to stand beside Tang Li as his girlfriend.
Tang Li looked at their photo together on his phone. A faint smile tugged at his lips—reserved, shy, the kind of smile a boyfriend gives. Then, passing through her school's solemn gates, he walked toward the place she loved most.
"Perfect—this angle!"
Gu Yu beamed inside a room staged to look like ruins, camera raised. Her eyes sparkled as she explored, hunting for light and shadow. Photography might not have been her profession, but her passion was undeniable. Every bit of effort, every hour of study proved it.
Tang Li watched quietly, his breathing soft. He helped move broken props, pointed out flattering angles a layman might notice. When Gu Yu frowned, rubbing her temples, he explained patiently until she lit up with understanding and tried again.
The shutter clicks echoed—chaotic but joyful. With snow swirling outside, the sound seemed to cleanse their young hearts.
After three long hours of shooting, Gu Yu finally stretched and plopped into a chair. Tang Li fetched two drinks from the doorway and handed one over. Her smile shifted—no longer just joy, but the sweetness of being cherished.
"What is it?"
Tang Li lifted his first girlfriend to her feet.
"Tang Li… I'm just so happy."
She didn't bother to hide it.
"Oh? Why happy? Tell me—let me share it too."
"Because you're finally my boyfriend. I don't have to worry about anyone stealing you. Back when Ji Yu came here, I was terrified she'd take you back. I never wanted that ending."
Tang Li's smile froze. He looked at Gu Yu, her words sinking in. His hand, mid-pour, stopped still.
"Tang Li?"
"…Mm. And now? Do you still worry Ji Yu will take me away?"
"Of course not." Gu Yu shook her head without hesitation. "You used to always be busy, always with excuses when I wanted to see you. But now, you're mine. Ji Yu's back in Yudu living her own life. You two won't even see each other much anymore."
Yes… they wouldn't see each other anymore.
Tang Li lifted his eyes toward the snowy Shanghai sky. His thoughts drifted with the falling flakes.
Ever since Ji Yu's sudden departure that summer, something had felt missing. Regret? Guilt? A hollow ache?
Though she never reached out again, he still heard of her from time to time—through friends back in Yuyang. Busy with the student council. Living her own full life. Still single. The more he heard, the more he wished for her to meet someone worthy, someone who could truly stand by her.
And yet… here he was, in the depth of winter, still feeling something stuck in his chest.
Her quiet leaving had marked the end of an old obsession. Now, with Gu Yu by his side, her warmth was slowly filling the shadows Ji Yu left. Life went on. His future still looked bright.
Ji Yu…
Exhaling, Tang Li recalled that moment in the crowd—her luminous eyes meeting his. He had thought she was happy, had bought gifts for both her and Gu Yu. But half a year later, he no longer knew what Ji Yu had truly felt. The necklace still sat in his dorm, while her pinned chat was long gone.
"Tang Li, what are you thinking?"
Gu Yu, done with her camera, saw him staring dazedly at the sky.
"Sigh… nothing. Just wondering—since you love photography so much, why not join a photography club? More friends, more practice, more growth."
Gu Yu nodded earnestly. She treasured every suggestion he gave, always trying to improve. But her eyes drifted toward the corner of his pocket, where his phone peeked out. On a whim, she dove into his arms and slipped it free.
Click—
Face unlock. The screen lit up.
His wallpaper: their first date selfie, edited countless times by Gu Yu late at night until it shone like a painting. Just two people and a simple park scene, yet to her, it was art.
Looking at her handiwork, Gu Yu lifted her head, eyes meeting Tang Li's, and teased:
"Check complete. Without my permission, you're not allowed to change the wallpaper."
Tang Li chuckled helplessly, shaking his head. "Alright. If you say don't change, then I won't change it."