Feng Yi put down the ribbon and turned to face her, his brow furrowed.

The girl’s heart skipped a beat.

Feng Yi, though reserved, was always polite and respectful. He wasn’t one for crude jokes or oily flattery. He was helpful and treated women with respect. She’d assumed he wouldn’t get angry, which is why she dared to speak so frankly.

Feng Yi wasn’t angry, just perplexed. “What does marriage mean to you?”

“Huh?” she stammered, caught off guard.

“To me, marriage is a promise between two people who deeply love each other. It’s a commitment that goes beyond dating, a legal recognition of your love, granting each other the status of family. It's about support, companionship, and putting aside selfishness to give each other courage and freedom. It has nothing to do with having children. Having children is a choice, not the ultimate goal.”

He could hear the sarcasm in her voice. “As a young woman, you shouldn’t have those kinds of thoughts and ideas.” He paused, then added, “I appreciate your interest, but I have someone I care about. Please be mindful of that in the future.”

He picked up the ribbon and walked away, leaving her flushed and speechless.

Men’s apparent obliviousness is often a choice. When they truly care, they can be remarkably perceptive.

Undisturbed by the encounter, Feng Yi carefully considered dozens of wishes before settling on the most clichéd one.

Taking advantage of his height, he chose a high-reaching branch and tied the ribbon securely, superstitiously hoping it would increase his chances.

The cold wind rustled the red ribbon, revealing the neatly written characters:

[I hope Qiao Li loves me, even if it’s just a little less than I love her.]

Perhaps Meng Shan had missed another downside of youth–sometimes, it can be hopelessly naive.

The next day, as soon as class ended, Feng Yi rushed to buy a ticket back to Z City. He arrived at Qiao Li's apartment at eleven that night.

Torn between slinking home and facing Qiao Li's potential anger, Feng Yi deliberated for a whole 0.5 seconds before choosing the latter.

Qiao Li was still working on her year-end report. She peered through the peephole, surprised to see Feng Yi. Opening the door, she asked, “Why are you back? You didn’t even tell me.”

He longed to embrace her, but remembering Meng Shan’s advice about restraint, he suppressed the urge. “It’s no big deal, just coming home. Didn’t think I needed to announce it.”

Qiao Li found his behavior odd but didn’t press the issue, fetching him slippers instead.

He changed his shoes and removed his coat with an air of domesticity, like an old married couple. “I’m going to take a hot shower.”

Qiao Li frowned. “What’s wrong with you?”

“Nothing. I’m going to shower.” He slipped into the bathroom, his heart pounding.

Closing the door, he congratulated himself. “Yes! Mature and reserved–nailed it!”

Qiao Li stared at the closed bathroom door, utterly bewildered.

After showering and scenting himself, Feng Yi decided he was too fragrant, so he stood under the showerhead for a long time, rinsing until the scent faded.

…Then he sat on the bed and watched Qiao Li work for half an hour.

To entice her, he wore only a towel around his waist, shivering theatrically behind her.

Pounce on her!

No, wait. Control yourself.

Pounce! Pounce!

No! Feng Yi! Maintain your composure!

Pounce! Pounce! Pounce!

The inner gorilla won. Feng Yi pounced on Qiao Li, burying his face in her neck and nuzzling her.

Ah… so much better…

Qiao Li: ??? Had he lost his mind?