[Childhood sweethearts + rekindled love + groveling to win her back + forced love + self-delusion]
Gu Yan and Lin Xiaoman grew up together on Wutong Lane. The parasol tree where they carved their wishes bore witness to their bond from childhood through adolescence, but a crisis in the Gu family planted a rift between them.
After witnessing his mother leave, Gu Yan developed a pathological need for physical contact, directing his longing for warmth toward Lin Xiaoman. His possessiveness quietly took root during adolescence.
A violent incident backstage at the school anniversary celebration tore away the mask. Gu Yan's self-destructive attempts to protect her exposed his twisted love, and Lin Xiaoman's escape sent their relationship plunging into an abyss.
When they meet again three years later, Gu Yan has learned through therapy to face his pain. In a clumsy but sincere way, he rebuilds her trust, and they eventually find their lost happiness again among the new leaves of the parasol tree.
