1.
"I've liked him since I was sixteen. I followed him to his university and worked like crazy to study a major I wasn't good at."
"The year we graduated, so many people confessed to him. I didn't dare. I only took up a corner of his yearbook and wrote, 'May your career shine brightly.'"
Sheng Xiao knew Chen Sinian was wonderful in every way.
He just didn't like her.
2.
Years later, after they'd lost touch, Sheng Xiao became a bestselling novelist. Her book about unrequited love was adapted into a film.
The director asked her, "Do you have anyone in mind for the male lead?"
Sheng Xiao looked up at the enormous advertisement atop the commercial building across the street. After a brief pause, she said, "Someone like Chen Sinian."
The director burst out laughing. "The Golden Horse Award Best Actor? You really do dream big."
But a month later, the director returned with news: "Chen Sinian's studio agreed."
"Sheng Xiao, you're directing it yourself."
In that instant, the heart that had been quiet for ten years fell into chaos. Weeds sprang up and grew wildly.
3.
Later, after the film won an award, Chen Sinian was invited for an interview.
A reporter asked, "If you could go back to your school days and met a girl who had a crush on you, what would you do, Mr. Chen?"
The now grown-up award-winning actor lowered his eyes toward the audience. His gaze settled on someone as he said in a low, measured voice, "Maybe I'd tell her, 'Stop liking me.'"
The audience laughed, but Sheng Xiao looked up and suddenly felt her eyes grow hot.
In that moment, she seemed to cross through time and return to that summer ten years ago. Beneath the long, shady avenue, the boy ran toward her in great strides.
Instead of passing her by as he was meant to, he turned around and smiled at her. "Stop liking me, Sheng Xiao."
"From now on, let me be the one to love you."
/People say you can't have both your youth and the ability to appreciate it. But luckily, you've never been the nameless girl in the story./
[Bestselling novelist x acclaimed actor]
* Reunited after years apart / Unrequited love turns mutual
Theme: May my regrets bring me unexpected joy
