Thorns

At seventeen, Xu Jinfeng lost everything. Forced to live under someone else's roof, he suffered bullying.

His cool, indifferent nature grew ever more lifeless.

Then Tang Nian appeared, adding a bright splash of color to his dark, dreary life.

On graduation day, she gently hooked her little finger around his, her eyes crinkling with a smile. "Let's be friends for life."

Xu Jinfeng replied softly, "Okay."

But afterward, through countless sleepless nights spent tossing and turning, haunted by dreams of her, he was tormented by a longing as wild as a storm.

All his restraint crumbled the day he saw someone walking her home.

Xu Jinfeng pressed a hand to the back of her head and kissed her fiercely, losing control. He couldn't bear to be just her friend anymore.

-

The rose's thorns grew into brambles, all to protect her and keep her safe and carefree forever.

And the love hidden beneath his calm exterior would one day bloom, fierce and resolute, in all its unrestrained glory.

Coming soon: Stars That Shine After the Polar Night

Xie Yu is as cool and flawless as jade. As G University's freshman representative, he's a gifted young man who draws everyone's attention.

Wen Shuhe is reserved and quiet, an ordinary student who goes unnoticed. The only thing that draws people's attention is that she and Xie Yu grew up together.

For years, she has been used to bringing him lunch every day, bringing him water when he plays basketball, and quietly trailing behind him like a little shadow.

Until Xie Yu falls for Yu Ying, the dance department's campus belle. The aloof beauty is willing to bend for her.

He plans a grand confession for her.

He gets into fights for her.

He talks back to teachers for her, and in full view of everyone, carries her to the infirmary.

So even someone usually so cool and proud could be this passionate and impulsive, with eyes and heart full of someone else.

For a moment, Wen Shuhe is lost in thought. She keeps her rational distance, and when people around her excitedly gossip, trying to draw out her sympathy or mockery, she acts as if she hasn't heard them and buries her head in her books, working through one practice paper after another.

Time flows like water. In the blink of an eye, they reach their junior year, and Xie Yu and Yu Ying have broken up and gotten back together countless times.

Wen Shuhe rises from the middle of the class rankings to the top five in her major.

That day, as she picks up her torn notes and slashed backpack, Wen Shuhe silently cries. By chance, she meets someone.

Shen Cenan, born into a prominent family, arrogant and flamboyant, shines as brightly and freely as a meteor flying against the current. He's the person everyone at school is most afraid to provoke.

He bends down to meet her eyes, his tone casual and cocky. "Don't cry. Tell me what's wrong, and your big brother will take care of it."

Later, at the graduation party, Xie Yu, reeking of alcohol and red-eyed, grabs Wen Shuhe's hand tightly. "Can we go back to how things were?"

Before Wen Shuhe can react, a large group strides past. The man at the front pulls Xie Yu away without a word and punches him hard.

When he turns back, Shen Cenan's fierce expression softens. He gently rubs her wrist, reddened by Xie Yu's grip. "He's not good enough for you."

He pauses, then looks up at her. The darkness in his eyes burns with such intensity it makes her uneasy. "You kissed me once, and I was kind of moved. Why not give me a chance?"

Theme: There is always something in this world worth holding on to