Su Nian thought Shen Lan was her only salvation in Hong Kong.
The black umbrella on a night of torrential rain, the cup of warm water in the Mid-Levels apartment, the notes on her coffee cup each morning: "A Nian, get some rest early." Shen Lan drew her into her world in the gentlest way.
Until that night, when they were drunk, and Shen Lan's burning breath fell against her ear. "I'm not so drunk that I don't know who you are."
Su Nian gave herself to her, only to hear Shen Lan casually say the next morning, "I drank too much." Su Nian thought it was the beginning. Shen Lan treated it as an accident.
Later, clause five of their "cohabitation agreement" read: Either party may end this at any time, without explanation.
Later, the final page of their "five-year plan" read: Maintain the relationship as it is. If it hinders business expansion, cut losses and sever ties promptly.
At last, Su Nian understood. She had never been part of Shen Lan's future. She was just a risk that could be cut loose at any time.
Shen Lan missed their second anniversary. She came home in the early hours and said, "A Nian, you need to be sensible."
Su Nian smiled. "Shen Lan, there's no place for me in your future, so I'm done waiting around."
She took only the old suitcase she'd brought with her, leaving behind every gift.
Later, Shen Lan chased her to Shanghai. She learned Mandarin and how to cook, then placed a proposal before Su Nian at a financing negotiation: "President Su, this time, I'm the one working for you."
Su Nian looked at the plain ring on her finger. It was the design she'd drawn herself.
"Shen Lan, you've finally learned to be afraid."
She had never understood love, using control in place of tenderness.
She had once been dependent on others, and mistook reliance for attraction.
After one drunken accident and one five-year plan, she left without looking back.
She crossed mountains and seas and brought a new blueprint. The first line bore Su Nian's name.
Theme: Love yourself first, then love others
