Little Sweetheart

A few months prior, Gu Siyi had been busy accompanying Zheng Peipei and hadn't had time to manage the renovations of their new house.

Now that Zheng Peipei had left and her husband had returned, the two began discussing the renovations. The house's structural renovations were complete; only some interior decorating remained. They hired a designer, finalized the plans, and quickly began implementation. A month later, the decorating was finished, and they could move in.

Gu Siyi was eager, but Xia Zhijun, ever cautious, hired professionals for a thorough formaldehyde inspection and decided to wait a few months before moving.

They lived in a downtown apartment. Xia Zhijun was busy preparing for his new company, while Gu Siyi maintained her regular nine-to-five job.

One evening, after an intimate moment, Xia Zhijun showed Gu Siyi a few names he was considering for his company's registration. "Come, pick a name for your husband's company."

Gu Siyi lazily glanced at the names on his phone screen. "They all seem fine. Just pick one."

Xia Zhijun caressed her still-flushed face. "You don't like any of them? Come up with one yourself."

"Then how about SiJun Aerospace…?" Gu Siyi said casually.

"Perfect. That's the one. Much better than those other names," Xia Zhijun agreed.

Gu Siyi chuckled. "Don't be silly, I was joking! Oh, come on, a 'couple's brand' company? That's hilarious…"

Xia Zhijun raised an eyebrow. "I'm starting a company, can't I have some naming rights? SiJun is good. 'Thinking leads to excellence.'"

"But it has both our names. People will think you're showing off."

"Showing off a little is even better."

"Oh, dear…"

Xia Zhijun flipped over, pinning Gu Siyi beneath him, and asked with a playful intensity, "Wife, what do you say?"

Seeing his playfully predatory look, Gu Siyi relented. "Ugh… fine, if you're not afraid of being laughed at… whatever…"

"Then let's celebrate the birth of the name."

"Celebrate?" Gu Siyi was puzzled. "How?"

Xia Zhijun smiled and lowered his head to kiss her.

"Mmm…"

Soon, SiJun Aerospace Technology was officially registered, with both office and research facilities established.

However, as the company got on track, Xia Zhijun became increasingly busy, with frequent business trips. Gu Siyi maintained her nine-to-five schedule with regular rest days. Xia Zhijun made it a point to spend weekends and holidays with her, no matter what. Everyone in the company knew that their boss was a family man, always making time for his wife, no matter how busy.

Gu Siyi was low-key about her career. Despite her photogenic appearance due to her work and her strong professional skills, she never publicized her private life. But with her striking looks and talent, her popularity soared as she hosted several hit programs, amassing millions of followers on Weibo. Her Weibo profile indicated she was married.

Her fans were curious about her husband's identity.

This question once trended on social media.

Gu Siyi posted on Weibo: "[My marriage is very happy, my husband is very low-key. He's my private treasure, not for show.]"

Her "mystery husband" became a running joke, but given Gu Siyi's usual low-key personality, everyone understood and offered their blessings.

Zheng Peipei sometimes asked Gu Siyi, "What's it like being married?"

Gu Siyi thought for a moment and replied, "It's like being constantly warm."

Happy times always fly by, and it was time for their annual twin birthday gathering.

In the past two years, everyone had transitioned from campus to society, and their lives had undergone significant changes.

Zhou Xiao and Zhang Xinyi were now a couple, attending the gathering hand-in-hand.

Su Han's career had taken off. He starred in a blockbuster film that grossed over 2 billion at the box office, and his once-criticized acting had significantly improved. The song he wrote for the film became a hit, played everywhere. He still had rumored girlfriends, but none were ever officially confirmed. The rumors would surface and then fade away, never taken seriously.

Lu Jiaye invested in an entertainment company, launching several rising stars within a year. His flamboyant style and handsome looks earned him the title of "National Husband." He was immensely popular, rivaling even celebrities. Surrounded by various women, the public enjoyed discussing and admiring them, collectively referring to them as "Lu's Girls."

Zheng Peipei focused on her career, occasionally managing a few young celebrities. Her career? Against her family's wishes, she joined Lu Jiaye's entertainment company as an agent. Those rising stars were her first successes.

Xiang Li was accepted into a prestigious university's graduate program in education and was nearing graduation, planning to become a university lecturer.

As they gathered, Xiang Li laughed, "I'm so ordinary… It's unbelievable how I became friends with all of you…"

Time had refined her, making her even more gentle and graceful. Her long, black hair made her appear particularly warm.

"Ordinary? I doubt there's a shortage of guys pursuing you at your university," Zheng Peipei teased. "Still not planning to date? You're really behind in this area. Look at us, married, dating… we've all experienced romance."

Xiang Li smiled. "I haven't thought much about it. I'll wait until after graduation."

"Don't waste your youth!" Zheng Peipei laughed. "I have a few good-looking young celebrities, want me to introduce you to them?"

"Oh, please!" Lu Jiaye interjected. "Introducing her to someone from the entertainment industry is setting her up for failure! How could she handle that? I think Little Dimple should keep an eye out. Zhijun's talented young men are more reliable."

Gu Siyi nodded. "Yes, yes, I'll definitely keep an eye out. The people he hires are all scientific and technical elites. That type of man is pragmatic, family-oriented, and a good earner. A good choice."

"Haha, are you indirectly praising your husband?" Zheng Peipei joked.

"Do I need to be indirect to praise him?" Gu Siyi turned to Xia Zhijun beside her, hugged his arm, and kissed his cheek. "Husband, you're the best! Husband, you're the most handsome! Husband, I love you!"

Xia Zhijun: "…"

As men matured, they became more reserved. Such public displays of affection made him slightly uncomfortable.

"Husband, aren't you going to react?" She looked at him expectantly.

He sat composed, patting her head. "Yes. Good girl."

Lu Jiaye exclaimed, "Hey, hey, hey! Protest! There are several single dogs here! Don't shove the dog food in our faces!"

Zheng Peipei added, "Exactly! Showing off your affection out of nowhere. Are you going to let me enjoy being single?"

Zhou Xiao shrugged. "I'm used to it. But," he put his arm around Zhang Xinyi's shoulder, "I'm no longer the single dog I once was." Zhang Xinyi lowered her head and smiled shyly.

Zheng Peipei jabbed at Lu Jiaye, "Don't pretend to be single, your 'Lu's Girls' are still multiplying!"

"You don't understand. Before a man meets the right one, no matter how many women he's with, he's single!" Lu Jiaye flicked his cigarette ash, speaking with grace and composure.

"Scumbag!" Zheng Peipei retorted. "We all graduated from the same middle school. Zhijun grew up to be a devoted and wonderful man, how did you become a scumbag?"

Lu Jiaye countered, "Zheng Peipei, watch your language! I haven't deceived anyone, how am I a scumbag?"

Before Zheng Peipei could respond, Lu Jiaye's expression turned serious, then he smirked. "Xiao Zheng, are you unhappy with your raise, your bonus, or something? Criticizing your boss now?"

Zheng Peipei took a deep breath and said with a bright smile, "No, I just wanted to say, Boss, you're so charming, so many people are throwing themselves at you."

Lu Jiaye maintained his superior smile, looking down at her.

Zheng Peipei continued to play along. "Boss, next time, please take my artists with you for some appearances, let them bask in the 'National Husband's' popularity."

"You two… I'm speechless…" Gu Siyi was amused.

This bickering pair, who had been at it since their school days, had somehow found a strange harmony in their interactions.

Zheng Peipei often said to her, "Do you think I'm submitting to that idiot? No, I'm submitting to my career!"

Gu Siyi would play along, comforting her, "Yes, you're destined to be a top agent! There are countless young stars waiting for you to make them famous!"

For this birthday, Xia Zhijun's gift to Gu Siyi was a custom-designed necklace.

He put it on her, and their friends oohed and aahed with envy.

"Xueshen, with your taste, why bother with rockets? Start your own designer brand, it's guaranteed to be a hit!"

"It's so beautiful!" "Truly gorgeous!"

Basking in their envious gazes, Gu Siyi said to Xia Zhijun, "I'll give you my gift when we get home, in private."

"Ooh, mysterious! What are you giving him?" Zheng Peipei asked curiously.

Gu Siyi smiled. "I'm not telling. It's between us."

After a night of fun, they headed home.

Xia Zhijun could hardly wait. As soon as they entered, he asked, "Wife, what's my gift?"

Gu Siyi retrieved a wrapped gift box from the bedroom and handed it to him.

A mix of curiosity and excitement, Xia Zhijun sat on the sofa and opened the box.

A stack of small booklets appeared… various property deeds, securities…

Xia Zhijun looked up at Gu Siyi, puzzled.

Gu Siyi sat beside him, took his arm, and said, "Husband, I know you're short on funds right now. These are all my assets. Let's use them as collateral for a loan."

Although Xia Zhijun never discussed these matters with her, sharing a bed and occasionally overhearing his phone calls or visiting his company, she had gleaned some information.

Developing rockets required massive capital investment. Despite thorough initial preparations, Xia Zhijun's like-minded partners, and investments from Lu Jiaye and Su Han, as the company progressed, the need for funds grew.

Xia Zhijun's fundraising efforts were hitting walls. Some investors saw him as a dreamer, others even as a fraud. The domestic market hadn't opened up yet. It was a potential blue ocean, but without successful precedents, few dared to believe. His situation was difficult, and some core team members were considering leaving.

Gu Siyi continued, "I've calculated that my assets can be mortgaged for at least 100 million. If that's not enough, I'll ask my dad for help."

Xia Zhijun held her hand and said softly, "Why worry about these things? Don't you trust your husband?"

"Of course, I trust you completely!" Gu Siyi looked at him with bright eyes. "You're an omnipotent god in my eyes! There's nothing you can't do! But, even gods face challenges. During this difficult journey, I want to contribute my part."

"Don't worry, I can handle it." Xia Zhijun looked at her deeply and chuckled. "I can't gamble my wife's dowry on my career."

Gu Siyi sat on his lap, hugged his head, and kissed him.

Words vanished, replaced by the passionate entanglement of their tongues.

When the kiss ended, Gu Siyi, slightly breathless, released him, looked into his eyes, and said, "Between husband and wife, there's not just warmth and companionship, but also loyalty. It's a bond of shared fate. In the future, if one of us is critically ill, the other will have to sign the consent forms. We've entrusted our lives to each other, what's money compared to that?"

Xia Zhijun looked at her, speechless.

Gu Siyi playfully nibbled his earlobe and said in a mock-serious tone, "Didn't you promise to listen to your wife? This time, you have to listen too. Otherwise, your wife will make you kneel on the keyboard."

"…" Xia Zhijun laughed. He truly surrendered.

One moment righteous, the next moment playful, his wife always had ways to handle him.

He smiled, his voice warm and gentle, "Okay, wife, I'll listen to you."

Gu Siyi, relieved, smiled happily.

She snuggled into his arms, hugging him tightly, and said with deep contentment, "Husband, you're my priceless treasure."

Xia Zhijun chuckled softly, nuzzling her hair, and murmured, "You're the priceless treasure."

This birthday gift was a testament to her complete trust and a sharing of all her wealth.

It not only provided substantial support but also gave him unparalleled confidence.

Xia Zhijun continued on his chosen path. Difficulties were temporary; once a path was forged, it became easier to walk.

With the influx of funds, SiJun Technology's rocket development progressed at an astonishing pace. The engine, from project initiation to the first test run, took the team only six months.

On May 23rd of the following year, they gathered as planned.

This time, the meeting place was remote, at a satellite launch base in Northwest China.

SiJun Aerospace Technology's independently developed first sounding rocket, named "Siyi Star," successfully launched.

Before the launch, few paid attention.

After the successful launch, the news spread, and cheers erupted.

This launch marked the first flight of a privately researched and developed commercial rocket in China.

And this private company, SiJun Aerospace Technology, was a young company established only two and a half years prior, with a team averaging 30 years of age, a group of young people with dreams and aspirations.

Looking at the big screen, Lu Jiaye exclaimed, "A new way to show off your love! When I get married, I'll definitely launch a satellite named after my wife."

Zheng Peipei clicked her tongue. "Another year has passed, and you still haven't found a serious girlfriend."

Lu Jiaye glanced at her sideways. "Every one of them is serious, at least more serious than your young celebrities."

Gu Siyi looked at the big screen, covering her face with excitement, unable to contain her smile.

Xia Zhijun finished his work and joined them. Gu Siyi ran over and hugged him tightly.

"You never told me you were going to name it Siyi Star…" she murmured, nuzzling his chest.

"Aren't birthday gifts supposed to be a surprise?" He lifted her chin, looked at her slightly flushed cheeks, and said with a smile, "Mrs. Xia, we've been together for seven years, married for almost three, why are you still like a shy little girl?"

Gu Siyi became even more embarrassed, swatting his hand away and burying her head with a laugh.

Who wouldn't be shy when their husband was so handsome and romantic? Even after almost ten years together, she still felt butterflies.

After the successful launch, SiJun Aerospace Technology attracted significant attention from investors, becoming a highly sought-after target.

After the first round of financing, the company's assets grew exponentially, and Xia Zhijun's net worth soared.

But he knew this blue ocean had just opened, and there was a vaster space and a larger market awaiting him.

While the outside world celebrated the newly discovered commercial opportunities in the aerospace field, Xia Zhijun remained calm. He selectively accepted a few interviews, briefly sharing his vision.

Ordinarily, the public wouldn't pay much attention to this, but the name "Siyi Star" was too high-profile.

People flocked to Gu Siyi's Weibo, asking: "What's your relationship with Siyi Star?"

"Not just Siyi Star, but the company, SiJun Aerospace Technology. That 'Si'… is it the 'Si' from Siyi?"

"Ahhh, is Goddess's husband a rocket scientist?"

"Pictures please! Why can't we find any pictures of the big boss of SiJun online?"

"Please!"

"Forget it, intellectuals, scientists, probably balding…"

"Is this why Gu Siyi never shows off her relationship?"

"So that's it! Sister Siyi is already stunning, she only needs a smart and capable husband!"

"…"

Despite the wave of speculation on her Weibo, Gu Siyi remained unfazed.

She posted a photo of the rocket model with "Siyi Star" printed on it, with the caption: "Ten years ago, I jokingly said I wanted him to take me on a rocket. Does this count? [Winky face]"

SiJun Aerospace quickly reposted Gu Siyi's Weibo with the caption: "You are the beginning, you are the end."

Fans went wild.

"Note, ten years!!! Ten years!!!"

"Oh my god, so sweet!"

"Stop being so low-key, show off your love more, give us more dog food~"

"So romantic~"

"Even if your husband is balding, with this level of devotion, I'm rooting for you! [Applause] [Applause]"

"I'm already imagining a campus romance between a cool xueshen and a beautiful school flower~"

Early summer in June, the national college entrance exams concluded.

Xia Zhijun, on a business trip in City C, called Gu Siyi.

Xia Zhijun: "Longxing Middle School is having an anniversary celebration. Want to go back and take a look?"

Gu Siyi: "Sure!"

Xia Zhijun: "I'll arrange for someone to pick you up, and we'll go together."

Gu Siyi: "Okay."

Gu Siyi invited Zheng Peipei to join her, but Zheng Peipei said, "I'm too busy lately. You guys have fun."

So Gu Siyi went alone.

Arriving that afternoon, Xia Zhijun had his assistant waiting for her at the hotel.

The assistant said, "Mr. Xia said he has an event to attend tonight. You can go to your room and get ready."

Gu Siyi returned to her room and found a cocktail dress laid out on the bed.

She washed off the dust from her journey and happily changed into the beautiful dress.

Looking at herself in the mirror, she wondered if there was a business function that evening.

After dark, the assistant came to escort her.

The car stopped outside the gates of Longxing Middle School. Gu Siyi was taken aback. They were just going to the school tonight?

She got out of the car and called Xia Zhijun.

Gu Siyi: "Why did you bring me to the school? Is there an event here tonight?"

Xia Zhijun chuckled. "I wanted to have a campus date with my wife. Is that okay?"

Gu Siyi smiled. "Of course."

So he had her dress up for a date.

As Gu Siyi entered the campus, she noticed the main avenue lined with trees adorned with fairy lights.

The twinkling lights were exceptionally beautiful in the darkness.

Every so often, beautifully designed signs guided her way.

Following the signs, she arrived at the sports field.

It was pitch black. Gu Siyi wondered if she had taken a wrong turn and took out her phone to call Xia Zhijun.

Suddenly, the sky lit up.

Numerous drones appeared in the night sky, each carrying a bright light, outshining the stars.

The drones flew and twinkled, forming the words "I ❤ U".

Then, they shifted formation, spelling out "XG1314" (Forever).

Gu Siyi stared at the sky, stunned.

Wasn't this a bit much?

As she stood there, mesmerized and in disbelief, spotlights suddenly illuminated the field.

Xia Zhijun, impeccably dressed in a suit, appeared before her, holding a bouquet of flowers.

Overwhelmed with shyness, just as she was about to tell him to stop, Xia Zhijun stepped forward, knelt on one knee, and presented her with the flowers and a diamond ring. "Gu Siyi, I've liked you for a very long time. Will you marry me?"

Gu Siyi covered her mouth, looking at him with surprise and joy.

He was… proposing again? A special, belated proposal?

Suddenly, cheers erupted from the nearby dormitory and classroom buildings.

"Marry him! Marry him! Marry him!"

The previously dark buildings lit up. Current students crowded the windows, cheering and jumping.

And her friends who couldn't be reached earlier – Zheng Peipei, Lu Jiaye, Zhou Xiao, Zhang Xinyi, and Xiang Li – all appeared at the edge of the field.

Zheng Peipei smiled. "It's not that I intentionally kept it from you. Xueshen said he wanted to propose and insisted we witness it."

Envious, truly envious. They had been married for three years, and he was still this romantic.

Lu Jiaye said, "Well, after being force-fed dog food for so many years, I'm not afraid of this overdose!"

Zhou Xiao added, "I just want to know how much longer he's going to keep feeding us dog food."

Zhang Xinyi and Xiang Li enthusiastically joined the chant: "Marry him! Marry him!"

Gu Siyi didn't know why she was so emotional. They were already married, and had been for almost three years.

Yet, facing her husband's proposal, her heart felt like it was about to explode.

Her outstretched hand trembled as she accepted the bouquet, tears welling up in her eyes as she smiled. "Okay."

Xia Zhijun took the ring and placed it on her finger.

He stood up, cupped her face, and gently kissed away her tears.

Gu Siyi whispered in his ear, her voice thick with emotion, "Don't surprise me like this again, okay? I can't handle it. I get so emotional I cry. It's so embarrassing…"

Xia Zhijun smiled at her. "It's not embarrassing. My wife will always be my little girl."

A helicopter landed beside them.

Xia Zhijun swept Gu Siyi into his arms and carried her onto the helicopter.

Gu Siyi asked, "Where are we going?"

Xia Zhijun replied, "To where we began."

The helicopter hovered in the air, then landed on the rooftop of the main building.

Xia Zhijun stepped out and helped Gu Siyi down. The helicopter departed.

The rooftop was as quiet and dark as it had been years ago.

Xia Zhijun put his arm around Gu Siyi as they stood by the railing.

For a moment, it was as if time had shifted, returning them to the summer of their school days.

Gu Siyi looked at his handsome profile. After all these years, it was him then, and it was still him now.

Xia Zhijun said, "Wife, when we go downstairs, you have to hold my hand."

Gu Siyi smiled. "Yes, I'll hold your hand. I'll always hold your hand."

URGENT: Our Google Ads account was blocked due to violations. We'd deeply appreciate your support through donations to help us continue our work. Or we won't be able to continue the translations.

ʕ•́ᴥ•̀ʔっ

Love what you read?