Everyone said Zhou Jibai was aloof and self-possessed, a man who kept everyone at arm's length.
But Lin Jianxia knew that when he fell asleep, he would unconsciously take her hand.
She once thought that was what it meant to be special to him.
Until Cheng Shuning returned to the country.
At dinner, she was expected to give Cheng Shuning her seat.
On their anniversary, she was expected to make time for their work.
Even when someone crossed the line and offended her, her husband only said, "She didn't mean any harm. Don't read too much into it."
Lin Jianxia had argued, cried, and even asked him seriously:
"Why am I always the one who has to give way?"
Zhou Jibai always thought she was just jealous.
Until she asked for a divorce.
He frowned. "Is this just because of Cheng Shuning?"
"No." She looked at him. "It's because I don't want to be with you anymore."
--
At first, Zhou Jibai thought she would come back eventually.
Later, she moved out and moved on, building a thriving life of her own. When she saw him, all she had left was a polite, "Professor Zhou."
The man who had once made her wait again and again finally began to lie awake all night.
He hurried to her exhibition and said softly, "Jianxia, I made time for you today."
She put on her coat as someone behind her called her name with a laugh.
"But my time is already spoken for."
