* An optimistic, independent heiress × a sharp-tongued but softhearted, tragic yet formidable man
Blurb:
Tang Jiao embodies every wonderful quality: she is beautiful, comes from a wealthy family, and excels in both academics and conduct. She is the unattainable girl in the hearts of countless male classmates.
Shi Yi is aloof and withdrawn, his bangs hiding his eyes. He always wears a faded school uniform and seems almost invisible in class, rarely speaking to anyone.
Though they come from completely different worlds, their paths cross on the day they take their graduation photos.
A newlywed couple getting married nearby tosses wedding candies over the school wall. The students rush forward, eager to share in their good fortune.
Tang Jiao is a step too slow. Just as she is about to leave, someone calls out to her.
A tall, straight-backed boy nervously walks up to her and carefully opens his hand. A moon-shaped fruit candy rests quietly in his palm.
Tang Jiao freezes. They have been classmates for three years, yet only now does she notice the boy's delicate features and almost sickly pale skin.
Her eyes immediately brighten, and she smiles warmly. "Is this for me?"
Shi Yi nods. As he hesitates over what to say, a classmate calls to her from nearby, asking her to join a group photo.
Tang Jiao takes the candy from his hand and waves as she thanks him. "Thanks for the candy. Good luck on the college entrance exam!"
Shi Yi presses his lips together and strokes the letter in his pocket that he never managed to give her. All he can do is answer her silently in his heart: Okay.
They meet again in Switzerland, where Tang Jiao, now a journalist, is assigned to interview the team at EPFL's Intelligent Systems Laboratory.
At the head of the team is Shi Yi, dressed in a black custom-tailored suit. His features are sharp and cool, his speech polished. His composed, abstinent air and cool, distinguished elegance seem to come naturally to him.
After the interview, he watches Tang Jiao briskly pack up the equipment, ready to leave. He hesitates for a long while, but in the end, can't help calling out to her.
Surprised, Tang Jiao gives him a professional, courteous smile. "Mr. Shi, is there anything else you'd like to add?"
Shi Yi clenches his fist in secret, his fingertips turning faintly white with the force. Then he lowers his gaze and gives a self-mocking smile.
So she doesn't remember him anymore.
Later, the drone development team led by Shi Yi represents China and wins an international award.
At the awards ceremony, the host asks, "Why did you choose to return to China and start your own company?"
He gives a faint smile. Remembering the ray of light he encountered in his youth, his eyes soften with affection. "My moon is here."
The audience erupts, and people across the internet search for clues.
Not long afterward, a line posted years ago is dug up from the confession wall at Huiwen High School:
"In the pouring rain tonight, I saw the most beautiful moon of my life."
*She is my moon, and more than that, the unspoken hope I keep hidden in my heart.
*No matter how I imagine it, I cannot make the moon mine alone. Just as I miss you, unable to forget, with no answer in return. May your steps be filled with light, and may I not gaze after you.
Xu Zichun, "A Moon of My Own"
Reading Guide:
1. Both leads are each other's first and only.
2. There are no real-life models. The idea of "wedding candies tossed into a school" was inspired by a short video. The blurb was written in May 2023 and revised in November 2023. Screenshots have been saved.
3. The cover is used with permission and is non-exclusive. Artist: Duoduo.
4. Weibo: @Yi Ping Xia Xiaojiu
Theme: Self-reliance and strength
