When Wen Lan's Tide Returns [Rekindled Romance]

[The aloof beauty lowers his gaze x the warm sun dims its light]

I chased the ice prince seven years ago. Seven years later, he chased me.

1.

Wen Nanjia grew up surrounded by love and admiration, until she lost her wings that summer.

At the age when first love blossoms, she fell for Ji Lan, the pride of the neighboring class. She learned to win him over with gifts, told stories to make him laugh, and confessed her feelings in a love letter every week. All she got in return was her straightforward affection plastered up for everyone to mock.

Tears welling in her eyes, Wen Nanjia ran to find him, only to see Ji Lan's deskmate throw an arm around his shoulder with a grin. "You have to ask his permission before you chase the school belle, right? After all, she likes you so much."

The boy's cold voice cut like a knife scraping bone. "What does her liking me have to do with me?"

2.

Seven years later, in the stairwell of a new apartment complex.

A strikingly handsome man with a cool air about him stood tall, gazing through the elevator doors at the woman inside.

By then, Wen Nanjia was a beautiful woman with millions of followers as an illustrator and countless admirers. She thought she had put her feelings behind her, but the same person still managed to unsettle her with ease.

The elevator doors were about to close, with no one else around. Ji Lan raised a hand. His eyes were pale, his voice distant, as if he were speaking to a stranger. "Aren't you getting out?"

The ripples in her heart gradually froze over. Wen Nanjia knew that Ji Lan didn't recognize her.

3.

Their friends all knew Ji Lan never drank. The only two times he had were both connected to one name: Wen Nanjia.

The boy's light brown eyes clouded with drunkenness. Setting aside the poise and restraint he had been taught for over twenty years, he stopped the girl beneath the eaves on that rainy night.

It had taken him seven years to understand his concern and budding love. It took him less than a second to follow his heart.

For the first time, those eyes that always kept everyone at a distance, seemingly free of desire or feeling, held a yearning. "Jiajia, don't give up on me. This time, let me be the one to chase you, okay?"

"Love kept apart for seven years, warmth surging back like the tide."

"From beginning to end, you're the only one who ever made my heart race."

Reading guide:

1. Childhood: girl chases boy, mutual love at last, reunion after a long separation, a light groveling arc. No scumbag man or awful woman.

2. Content warning: Both have had exes in name only. An unpleasant ex appears at the beginning.

3. The male lead doesn't like the scheming female supporting character for a reason, and there is a misunderstanding. First kiss and first love for both.

4. The leads aren't perfect.

5. A sweet romance with 10-20% angst and an extra-high sugar content. One-on-one, both virgins, happy ending.

Theme: Cherish the person in front of you.