He Died the Year She Began to Love Him

[Substitute Takes the Place of the White Moonlight and Kills Her / Powerful Man Bows His Head for Love / The Chase Ends in a Crematorium / Broken Mirror Made Whole Again]

1. Nian Yunyi met Wu Yu for the first time when she was twenty.

At the time, she was only a complete newcomer who had just entered the entertainment industry, yet an established agency had already spotted her and signed her, captivated by her face, so beautiful she could get away with anything. Today, she had come along with her agent to entertain the investors at a business dinner.

And Wu Yu was seated at the head of the table.

Legend had it that this noble young master from the most powerful family in the capital was blessed with heavenly looks, yet proud, aloof, ruthless, and decisive. But when his languid eyes lifted for a moment and he saw Nian Yunyi for the first time, the scarlet cigarette between his fingers trembled, its ash scattering. Who knew whose heart it had burned?

After that, wherever Nian Yunyi was, Wu Yu could always be found.

Everyone knew Nian Yunyi was the woman Wu Yu cherished above all else. From the day she debuted, she had enjoyed a status beyond compare, with the best opportunities always within easy reach, while staying far removed from all the dirty scandals and underhanded dealings in the industry. Three years into her career, she was as flawless as white jade, envied by countless actresses in the business, yet no one ever dared offend her.

2.

At first, Nian Yunyi didn't like Wu Yu. She had no desire to use her looks to please a man, much less become some little plaything he could discard once he was done with her.

But Wu Yu had treated her well for three whole years.

This proud, distinguished man, who could never tolerate the slightest flaw, was different only with her. Even after being rejected again and again, he never showed the slightest anger. Instead, he repeatedly sheathed his claws, shielding her from every worry and fear, and remained restrained and courteous, never crossing the line.

No one had ever cherished Nian Yunyi so dearly. Before she knew it, her heart had softened.

She wanted to trust him once.

That night, when Wu Yu's cool lips tentatively descended again, Nian Yunyi breathed out a soft, tender moan and tilted her neck to accommodate him.

The composure and restraint he had maintained for so long crumbled, crushed into the searing heat buried against Nian Yunyi's neck.

3.

Later, Wu Yu was in a car accident while abroad.

When Nian Yunyi hurried over and pushed open the door, she saw another delicate beauty, so lovely and pitiable, keeping him company beside his hospital bed.

The woman turned her head, revealing a face that resembled Nian Yunyi's by six parts out of ten.

Something inside her collapsed completely.

Then she was told that Wu Yu had lost his memory, but only the memories of the past three years, all of which involved her.

And that woman was Wu Yu's original, one true White Moonlight.

So she had been nothing more than a pitiable substitute. Nian Yunyi gave a bitter smile and turned to leave.

She knew that the Wu Yu who had once belonged only to her was already dead.

He had died in the first year she began to love him. She had buried him with her own hands.

4.

A year later, Nian Yunyi's wedding day was drawing near.

When a bright red wedding invitation, its base sprinkled with gold foil, was delivered into someone's hands, he went mad at first sight.

Beneath the bride's window, in a torrential night rain, he kept watch all alone through the night, as if punishing himself.

PS: CP: Nian Yunyi x Wu Yu. Broken mirror made whole again, both are each other's first and only.

☆The synopsis was photographed as a keepsake on 2023.09.20☆

[Short story reserved for release after 100,000 words: "Will You Let Me Kiss You or Not, Hmm?" Please add it to your collection from the author's page!]

Theme: If you turn back, the mountains will still be there