Her Love Must Stay Hidden

Xu Luo likes Lu Nian and has had a secret crush on him for a long time. Tall and handsome, Lu Nian has always held the top spot in their year. They have known each other since middle school, but Xu Luo didn’t fall for him back then. She probably truly began to like him in her first year of high school: when he helped her write a thousand-character apology, patiently explained problems to her, and casually teased her for showing up to ask questions without bringing anything. As the college entrance exam approaches, she performs poorly and becomes emotionally unsteady. Everyone tells her to get her mindset in order, but he says, “She can take it easy for a while. If she doesn’t feel like listening in class, she doesn’t have to. She can daydream. Just don’t bring your phone to school.” He sends her pictures of the scenery he sees at university and tells her she’ll be able to relax once she gets there. As the exam draws closer, he comforts her with care and reminds her, “If your period comes around then, take some birth control pills in advance.” She does well on the college entrance exam, but still doesn’t get into his university. Ignoring her family’s objections and everyone around her who tries to talk her out of it, she resolutely goes to study in his province. When she visits his city, she is afraid he’ll realize she likes him, so she turns down his invitation. Yet before she leaves, she still finds an excuse to see him. Worried about her going out alone, he turns down an invitation from his friends. She likes him more and more, but in the end, they still don’t get together. She never confesses, and before long, they lose touch, both silently accepting it.