Only You Will Do

[My next book is an ancient-era danmei novel. If you're interested, you can add it to your reading list from my author page. I promise it won't be abandoned! The blurb is at the very bottom.]

Strong, patient heroine x devoted, scheming hero

Blurb

A reshuffling of classes in their senior year of high school brought together two people who otherwise would never have crossed paths.

One was socially anxious, always afraid of being a bother, keeping to himself and focused entirely on his studies, hoping to escape his current family. The other was the center of everyone's attention: humble and gracious, he shone like a star in any crowd.

During a break, Jing Lian found the door locked from the outside. She called several times, but no one answered. She was used to it, but still felt annoyed and dejected.

With no other choice, Jing Lian left to get something to eat. But a sudden downpour drenched her halfway there.

Xie Jing happened to see her in that miserable state as he passed by, and took her back to his place for the night.

From then on, the gears of fate began to turn, and the two crossed paths more and more often.

Xie Jing teased her from time to time, but Jing Lian knew he was looking out for her. Gradually, everything about him took root in Jing Lian's heart, sprouting and growing until it filled her whole heart.

On the night of their graduation dinner, Jing Lian worked up the courage with the help of alcohol and finally confessed her feelings. The figure with its back to her said nothing, only turned and walked away.

Heartbroken, Jing Lian curled up on her side in bed, wrapping herself up and quietly sobbing.

The next day, Xie Jing's eyes were distant and cold. All his former warmth was gone.

At the airport, Jing Lian watched with her own eyes as Bai Ruoran affectionately clung to Xie Jing's arm and called him "Brother Jing." He didn't resist at all, and continued to act as though Jing Lian wasn't there. She smiled bitterly to herself. So that was his answer.

From then on, she deleted all of Xie Jing's contact information.

Five years later...

At the annual company gathering of Yun Jing Group, Jing Lian was standing below the stage, listening attentively to a speech by a company leader, when someone grabbed her wrist tightly. She turned around and saw Xie Jing, whom she hadn't seen in years. His handsome face was full of anger as he seized her wrist and, ignoring her protests, pulled her into an empty corner.

Xie Jing was brimming with menace as he pressed closer step by step. He hooked a finger under Jing Lian's chin, forcing her to meet his gaze. His sharp eyes were filled with emotions she couldn't understand. "You really like my brother that much? It's been five years, and you haven't contacted me once. You have a heart of stone!"

Reunion after a long separation, mutual secret crushes

Gazing up at the endless river of stars, they wait until dawn breaks in the east.

Blurb

Chu Xinghe, a modern-day martial arts instructor, transmigrates to a dynasty that never existed in history. His new body is so frail that even the slightest movement leaves him panting.

With no memories of the body's original owner and not a penny to his name, he has to find a way to survive in this place. On Gu Shutian's advice, he joins the army with him.

At first, Chu Xinghe only wants to survive.

Later, when the Tianqing army invades and Gu Shutian takes a spear through the arm to save him, he sees that his comrades, who have always looked after him, keep fighting to repel the enemy even when gravely wounded. Only then does he understand: if he continues to stand by and muddle through, he will once again lose the people he cares about.

From then on, Chu Xinghe uses everything he has learned to help Gu Shutian defeat Tianqing, becoming his strategist.

When they return to Jidu to receive their rewards, he meets the original owner's family again. The truth behind the "death" gradually comes to light, drawing him into another storm.

A little scene

While Chu Xinghe is unconscious from his injuries, he hears that someone has drugged him with an aphrodisiac to frame Gu Shutian. In a panic, he ignores his injuries and rushes to save him, only to be drugged himself first.

When Gu Shutian returns to his room, he finds a scene of sensual beauty he has dreamed of night after night.

Chu Xinghe's clothes have been torn into disarray. A broad expanse of pale skin flushed pink is covered in a sheen of sweat. On the bed, his toes curl together in discomfort. When he sees Gu Shutian enter, his starry eyes glisten and turn to him, his face flushed and his cherry-red lips opening and closing.

"Gu Shutian, help me."

"Don't worry, big brother. Your Erlang is here to help you."

Author's notes (content warnings):

1. This story takes place in an imaginary era with plenty of original worldbuilding. Please don't compare it too closely with actual history. The official system is loosely based on the early Tang dynasty, but it is not copied exactly.

2. I'm not good at writing or pacing. If you have a terrible reading experience, please go easy on me.

3. This story has four volumes. Volumes one and three are about defending the border, while volumes two and four are about returning to Jidu. Half political intrigue, half everyday life.

4. The hero has an unrequited crush early on. The plot and romance develop side by side. There is more than one couple, and the others will be covered in the bonus chapters.

Theme: Study hard and strive to live well