Scorching Waves

[At ten, Chen Zhi wrote in her diary: My brother, Lin Jiqing.

At eighteen, Chen Zhi crossed out the word brother, leaving only: My Lin Jiqing.

At twenty-one, Chen Zhi crossed things out and rewrote them, until only three words remained: Lin Jiqing.]

-

When Chen Zhi was ten, she was brought to the Lin residence. The old butler repeatedly warned her not to bother the people on the second floor.

Someone standing on the stairs happened to hear him.

A casual scoff caught the little girl's attention.

Leaning against the railing as if he had no bones, the man eyed her with amusement. He lazily lifted his eyelids, saw her puzzled expression, and chuckled as he explained:

"Call me big brother from now on."

From then on, Chen Zhi had a big brother.

Later, people in their circle often saw the notorious playboy, Young Master Lin, with a little tagalong trailing behind him.

When Lin Jiqing's friends raised their glasses to him, they nodded toward Chen Zhi behind him, their expressions suggestive. "Your new girl?"

Lin Jiqing put an arm around Chen Zhi's shoulders. A white ring of smoke blurred her view, hiding the handsome profile of his face. Chen Zhi's heart pounded as she heard him laugh carelessly. "My sister."

-

When Chen Zhi turned eighteen, the Lin family threw her a lavish coming-of-age celebration.

Wearing a beautiful dress and clutching the acceptance letter that had just arrived from a top university, Chen Zhi excitedly ran backstage. She wanted to share all her joy with her big brother.

That night, celebratory fireworks burst in brilliant profusion. Their ear-splitting booms felt like courage pouring into her, cheering her on.

"Brother, I'm an adult now."

"I want to tell you a secret."

"Lin Jiqing, I love you."

One second, then two. Her heartbeat pulsed in time with the fireworks. Chen Zhi pressed her fingertips together and heard his airy reply:

"Zhizhi, I'm your brother."

Later, she gradually understood:

Her brother was a playboy,

rebellious, flirtatious, and indifferent.

Her long, unrequited love came to an end. Chen Zhi returned to where she had started. Her lowered lashes were quiet and well-behaved. She didn't cry, and showed no sign of sadness. Like a fluttering butterfly, she simply changed direction.

-

At twenty-one, Chen Zhi went abroad on an exchange program and almost completely lost touch with the Lin family, including Lin Jiqing.

When she returned to China, she held her boyfriend's hand and rang the doorbell. Her big brother was the one who opened the door.

After years apart, Chen Zhi smiled politely.

"Brother, it's been a long time."

Lin Jiqing, usually so composed and unreadable, was unusually dazed when he saw their hands clasped together.

Content warnings:

■ The female lead has past partners, while the male lead does not. The female lead is adored by everyone and has a weak sense of morality.

■ Groveling arc ahead.

Theme: Be brave enough to pursue love.