Addicted

Zhang Shuhang's life only began to feel warm the moment he met her.

Through the years, after countless journeys,

he crossed mountains and rivers to return,

only to hold on to the one light from his youth that had ever illuminated his life.

He was a lonely boat no one could ferry across,

and she was the only shore he would ever have.

❤, ❤

The story began with a secret.

She helped him deliver letters to other girls.

She stole glances as she did it, hating herself all the while.

Yet the next time he handed her a letter, she still reached out to take it.

Like an addiction.

Like knowing the cup holds poison, yet still wanting to taste how bitter it is.

Love is a youth spent in secret.

It's being able to walk straight toward you, but choosing the longest way around.

They kept testing the waters, backing away, taking one step forward and three steps back.

He was her nominal “uncle,” an orphan of the 1998 floods who had been adopted by the heroine's relatives.

[Shen Xue × Zhang Shuhang]

Sensitive, well-behaved girl × outwardly cold, warm-hearted boy

Time span: 1998–2021

The first half takes place at school, the second in the city.

First love for both / Mutual secret crushes / Restrained romance / Fated feeling / Realistic romance

Theme: Love is a youth spent in secret, an addiction you know you shouldn't have but can't quit, and the words “I like you” that were never spoken aloud.