“Hello, my name is Lin Xing. I’m twenty-three, from Jing City, and working toward a PhD in biology. My main focus is pharmaceuticals.”
One winter night, in the library of an old university, Lin Xing stops Yan Jingyun in her tracks.
Back then, he was a brilliant young man, his eyes still sharp and bright, clear as a boy’s.
His dazzling resume was spotless, even in the harshest light.
“My son didn’t grow up with me, so we’ve never been very close. Other than filial duty, I really don’t have much leverage over him.” Having forced Lin Xing to give in, Father Lin is in a splendid mood as he speaks to another father on the phone. “So I’m especially grateful to you. Thank you for raising such a wonderful daughter.”
Many years later, Yan Yan meets up with her best friend for drinks.
“If Lin Xing was destined to travel west to fetch the scriptures like Tang Sanzang, then I was the first demoness to drain him of his yang essence!” Yan Yan sobs, slumped over the table after drinking too much. “So don’t worry about me. I didn’t lose out, and I have no regrets.”
That night, after Yan Yan drinks herself into a blackout, Lin Xing settles her in bed.
He opens the wardrobe and looks over the collection of professional clothes she has added over the years. At last, he takes out a cartoon nightdress in the style she used to wear and walks over to her.
“Yan Yan, time to shower and change into your pajamas.”
The first half takes place while they’re studying abroad. It’s a stage of life when you don’t have to worry about making ends meet and love is all that matters, so it comes off as a little too idyllic. The second half gets down to earth once they return home.
The first half is sweet, while the second is a little angsty. But life is already hard enough, so I’ll try to keep the writing lighthearted.
For now, the ending is somewhat open. After all, this is a prequel to a long historical romance.
Theme: Every gift heaven gives you comes with a price tag hidden from view.
