Salted Lime

Summer vacation. Mi Yining has just finished the college entrance exam and has nothing to do when she notices signs that her mom might have a new love.

In the soft afternoon sunlight, a handsome young man stands casually beneath the deep green shade by the studio entrance, head lowered as he talks to her mother.

Dappled shadows sway gently in the breeze. The man has one hand in his pocket, looking languid and relaxed.

Mi Yining stands a few steps away, gripping her bag strap tightly.

Isn't this the guy she got into a conflict with just yesterday?

How is he already about to become her dad?

-

Xi Zong's friends notice that, at some point, their department's top student has acquired a little shadow who follows him around.

The young woman is fresh-faced, clean, and pretty. She has a bit of a temper, but she's timid. When someone gets on her nerves, she fires back nonstop, all while the tips of her ears turn bright red.

His friends can't help feeling sorry for her.

What a lively, quick-witted girl. It's just that Xi Zong has never liked younger girls.

A few days later, just as expected, Xi Zong calls Mi Yining over.

He says flatly, "Don't come around anymore. This isn't appropriate."

-

Later on.

Xi Zong changes his mind and seeks the young woman out, going to great lengths to win her over.

He helps her compete, winning a small mountain of prizes.

In front of everyone, he pauses an ongoing meeting and makes her a cup of milk tea himself.

But all he gets in return is a displeased look and the words:

"No matter how nice you are to me, I still won't call you Dad."

Xi Zong: ?

Theme: Finding courage and love along the path to growing up.