A Relationship Across the Line

Age gap # bittersweet # mutual salvation # small town

A gentle, indulgent, big-hearted older woman × a possessive, scheming younger woman

Blurb:

[Shen Yanchuan’s perspective]

Shen Yanchuan was abandoned at an orphanage when she was eight. There, she met Gu Tan, the teacher who would change her life.

Years later, Gu Tan became the most unspeakable secret in Shen Yanchuan’s heart.

Every diary entry was about her: the restlessness of adolescence, the countless fantasies...

But how could she profane the person she respected most?

[Gu Tan’s perspective]

Gu Tan recognized Shen Yanchuan’s talent and often showed her special kindness.

She had thought that being good to everyone was what made a person kind. She never imagined that her most cherished student would develop feelings for her years later.

And even... lose control one night and kiss the side of her neck.

Reason told Gu Tan that this all had to stop.

But when she saw the girl’s tearful eyes, she couldn’t bring herself to turn her away.

After graduating from university, Shen Yanchuan became a translator, and her future seemed bright.

For various reasons, she left the city and returned to a small town, renting a rundown old apartment. When Gu Tan saw it, she couldn’t bear to leave her there, and took her in once again.

As their lives became increasingly intertwined, their forbidden relationship crossed more and more boundaries.

Gu Tan had thought Shen Yanchuan’s overly intimate gestures were simply signs that she had been starved of affection.

By the time Gu Tan finally realized what was happening, she had fallen completely, too.

Later, Shen Yanchuan grew ever more spoiled by Gu Tan’s indulgence, even daring to say outrageous things.

For example: “I don’t know how to take care of my physical needs. Teacher, could you show me?”

#Reading notes:

^ They switch, though the older woman tops more often. (Important: the older top is featured a lot.) The romance only begins after the younger woman is an adult.

^ Nine-year age gap. They are each other’s first love.

Theme: Strive tirelessly to better yourself.