You and Gu Shiye grew up together.
People said you were childhood sweethearts from well-matched families, a perfect example of an arranged match between two scholarly families.
But you knew Gu Shiye had never been a gentle boy who belonged to anyone.
He was calm, restrained, and responsible, so outstanding that the expectations of his parents, teachers, and society nearly crushed him.
He could have chosen an easier path, but insisted on joining the military, all to pursue the ideals and ambitions in his heart.
You thought his being with you was the result of years of companionship, that he had simply grown used to you.
Until you were caught up in a storm of campus gossip, harassed online, cursed at, misunderstood, and maliciously speculated about...
Everyone was waiting for you to break down. Only he stayed quietly by your side, never leaving.
"Why are you here?"
"I wanted to see you."
When he said it, it was like a sea held back for too long finally cracking open.
Youth was never smooth sailing,
but thankfully, he was always by your side.
A fan-created derivative featuring Gu Shiye from Beyond the World
Alternate-universe campus setting, childhood sweethearts, second-person narration
Theme: Relying on yourself is better than relying on others. Keep your eyes open when choosing a partner.
