Foster family trope | Female lead secretly in love | 10-year age gap | Forbidden romance | Winning her back | Beijing elite circle
A bright angel who dares to love and let go vs. a dark, unhinged man who seems proper on the surface
1
Qiu Wuhe first met Song Zhiting at his courtyard home.
At the time, Song Zhiting was eighteen, the promising eldest son of the Song family and a central figure whom the powerful and influential of the capital all sought to befriend. His status was exalted, and everyone feared and courted him.
Clutching a filthy, tattered doll, Qiu Wuhe obediently and stiffly called him, "Big Brother."
Song Zhiting frowned and gave a quiet, indifferent "Mm."
For the next ten years, Qiu Wuhe kept calling him Big Brother. Under his protection, she grew from a wooden little girl into a radiant young woman, becoming the Song family's third young lady, the envy of everyone who knew her.
Qiu Wuhe realized she had feelings for Song Zhiting that went beyond sibling affection. Her secret love swelled inside her with a bitter ache, and she could no longer bear to be just his little sister.
On her eighteenth birthday, emboldened by alcohol, she kissed him. "I'm not drunk. I just want to kiss you."
His expression unchanged, he admonished her: "I'll always be your big brother."
2
Song Zhiting's strict self-restraint and deliberate distance made Qiu Wuhe lose all hope. She knew there could never be anything between them.
At his arrangement, she went abroad to study. Five years later, she returned to accept her family's arranged marriage. Her fiancé was gentle and considerate, and the Song elders were very pleased with him.
Qiu Wuhe went through the motions: dating the man, viewing their future home, and taking wedding photos.
When her custom wedding dress arrived at the villa, everyone was stunned by how beautiful Qiu Wuhe looked in it. After accepting their compliments, she returned to her room. A tall, straight figure stood before the floor-to-ceiling window.
Qiu Wuhe stood still, tightening her fist, and called to him as she always did: "Big Brother, do I look beautiful?"
Song Zhiting's eyes darkened. He walked toward her, his voice calm and low. "Take it off."
■ Content Warnings and Reading Guide
* The protagonists are not on the same household registration and are not related by blood. Nothing intimate happens before adulthood.
* A bittersweet push and pull
* Both are sexually and emotionally inexperienced
Theme: The courage to love.
