A Little Too Gentle

Everyone says Lin Xiang is gentle and openhearted, always considerate toward others. But with Li Nian alone, he gives her his whole heart without holding anything back.

He showers her with so much affection that it overflows, patiently coaxing her out of years of low self-esteem and silence.

Li Nian is timid and fearful, used to struggling onward beneath a heavy burden.

Clutching the shadows of her upbringing, she dares not want too much, owe anyone anything, or love.

She told him long ago:

"Lin Xiang, you're too good to me. I'm afraid I could never repay you."

Lin Xiang's conviction never wavers:

"You never have to repay me for treating you well."

He thought love could fill every void left by low self-esteem, and tenderness could undo every urge to run away.

Only later did he understand:

**Some people spend their whole lives trapped by a sense of indebtedness. The more they are cherished, the more they want to escape.**