Say Goodnight in Midsummer

“Goodnight, Xi Zaozao.”

When I was twenty-six, my mother had my fortune told. The fortune-teller said I was likely to have a whirlwind marriage.

I curled my lip, unconvinced. “If I ever get married on a whim, I'll write my name backward.”

*

One day, I went to Lin Qingyao's office. When I opened the door, he was changing with his shirt off, his back to me. I hastily hunched my shoulders, covered my eyes, and hid behind the door.

I had barely taken two quiet steps when his lazy voice came from behind me. “You've already seen me, so stop hiding.”

Ever since we were students, Lin Qingyao had loved breaking up my name and reading it as “Xi Zaozao.”

I thought he was teasing me, especially when I saw him narrow his eyes with a mischievous grin. I'd mutter and twist his arm. “Don't think I can't get back at you just because your name can't be broken up like mine.”

He asked me, “Has anyone else ever called you that?”

I said no.

He ruffled my hair. “That makes it special, then.”

He was driving that day when he suddenly turned his head and said, “There's a saying that people who owe each other nothing won't meet again in their next life.”

He looked at me, his gaze serious. “Zaozao, I have to find some way to make you owe me a little.”

Later, I found a notebook in Lin Qingyao's bookcase. Pointing at one page, I asked, “Why did you write your name backward?”

He thought for a moment. “Once, I asked you to write your name backward, but you refused, so I did it with you.”

I had a sudden realization. “Oh, so you already liked me back then.”

He gave me a helpless look. Sunlight fell softly across his shoulders. I could remember for the rest of my life the way he lowered his head and smiled.

*

It was only after I got together with Lin Qingyao that I understood: a bad relationship can destroy a person, while a good one can put the broken pieces of who you are back together.

Also known as: I Accidentally Got Married to My Old Classmate

Secret crush from the male lead / mutual healing / married life

A realistic, healing, sweet romance. Slow burn, about the everyday lives of a couple.

Friendly discussion only. If you argue, you're right.

Core Theme: Say goodbye to the person you used to be.