Little Sweetheart

A week after Xia Zhijun left home, his parents grew restless. Their initial harsh words now hung awkwardly in the air, leaving them unsure how to proceed.

Peng Ling tried to contact Xia Zhijun, but his phone was unreachable. Wave after wave of people sent to find him returned empty-handed.

After some discussion, they decided their only option was an indirect approach: contacting Gu Siyi's parents.

Taking time out of their busy schedules, the couple traveled to S City to meet with Gu Zhiyuan and his wife.

Gu Zhiyuan hosted a dinner for them.

Truthfully, Gu Zhiyuan felt guilty about the situation. This opportunity for both sides to sit down and talk allowed him to be the first to apologize.

"I never imagined things would turn out this way. We've failed your good intentions for Siyi. Sigh… as parents, we don't know what to do."

If it weren't for their initial suggestion and assistance, Gu Siyi wouldn't have transferred to Longxing Middle School. If she hadn't transferred, she wouldn't have met Xia Zhijun. Now, their help had backfired spectacularly.

"Siyi is a lovely girl. I like her very much, and I truly wanted her to be our goddaughter," Peng Ling said sincerely. "I even prepared a room for her at home, hoping she would visit often. Lao Xia and I are both busy with work, and Zhijun is lonely. I thought it would be wonderful for him to have a younger sister, a companion."

Xia Guangyu said, "Zhiyuan, to be honest with you, Zhijun already has a fiancée. Both families have agreed, and they will marry after graduating from university. Of course, they are still in middle school, so we won't mention marriage now. Zhijun and Siyi being together will only hurt Siyi. There's no future for them. How can a young girl accept that? It's better to make a clean break now so they can both focus on their studies."

Peng Ling added, "We oppose their relationship not because we dislike Siyi. On the contrary, we like her very much. Especially me, I've always wanted a daughter. We will do everything in our power to pave the way for her future."

By this point, Gu Zhiyuan and Xu Jiahui understood perfectly.

While this situation could be considered minor, it became a major issue when it involved the family's future and destiny. Xia Zhijun's designated fiancée undoubtedly represented a strategic alliance.

Their daughter's presence had disrupted the young master's life plan and interfered with the Xia family's grand scheme.

Having navigated the business world for many years, Gu Zhiyuan understood the stakes of power plays. They were an ordinary merchant family, and his daughter wasn't suitable to be the Xia family's daughter-in-law. Even if she forced a relationship with Xia Zhijun, a marriage not accepted by the family would likely end badly.

Moreover, they couldn't afford to offend the Xia family's future in-laws. In their country's unique business environment, entrepreneurs carried inherent risks, and no one could withstand excessive turmoil.

"Merchants don't meddle with officials," the saying went, and it was clear why.

Gu Zhiyuan nodded. "I understand your difficulties. I also don't want them to continue this relationship."

Xu Jiahui, ever perceptive, took the initiative. "We'll transfer Siyi to another school. We're constantly worried about her being so far away. It's better for her to study back home."

"We're so sorry, Zhiyuan. It was us who suggested Siyi transfer here last year…"

"Don't mention it. None of us wanted this situation to occur." Gu Zhiyuan genuinely preferred Siyi as a goddaughter to a daughter-in-law.

"We'll arrange a good school for Siyi on our end, ensuring she attends the best one locally."

"That won't be necessary. I can handle it. I have friends in the education bureau here." Gu Zhiyuan didn't want to be further indebted to them.

"If you need anything, please contact us…"

"Regarding Siyi, we ask that you help her understand the situation. If she doesn't encourage Zhijun's behavior, he'll calm down."

"The boy recently ran away from home. He's never been so rebellious before…"

Gu Zhiyuan and Xu Jiahui offered comfort. "It's adolescence. Boys are more rebellious during this time. It will get better. He'll grow out of it."

The Gu couple returned home and went to Gu Siyi's room to talk.

Gu Siyi hadn't been crying or making a fuss recently, and her dedication to studying both pleased and pained them. They hated to reprimand her, but what choice did they have at this point?

Gu Zhiyuan said, "Your mother and I have decided to transfer you to another school."

Gu Siyi abruptly turned her head, looking at them with confusion. Why transfer? Was it because the school couldn't accommodate her?

"Xia Zhijun already has someone he's going to marry. Siyi, there's no future for the two of you," Xu Jiahui gently persuaded.

"Someone he's going to marry? Who?" Gu Siyi asked.

"A girl from a prominent family. A family that can form a strong alliance with the Xia family."

Gu Siyi was stunned for a few seconds, then scoffed. "I don't believe it. Didn't they say they'd arrange a marriage between us when we were babies? You adults love to make things up, saying one thing today and another tomorrow. Nothing is ever certain."

"The baby marriage was just a joke because you were born on the same day. No one took it seriously. When you met again and talked about it, it was just a joke, a way to become closer. Did you actually believe it?"

"…" Gu Siyi blushed slightly, humming in displeasure. "How am I supposed to know which words are true and which are false?"

"The baby marriage was just a joke," Gu Zhiyuan stated. "Our families aren't suitable for each other. Marriage isn't just the union of two people; it's the union of two families."

Gu Siyi couldn't comprehend this kind of adult logic. She felt that if she liked him and he liked her, it should be that simple. Why did it have to be so complicated?

"Some things are difficult to explain in a few words. Siyi, I'll give you two scenarios. First, you defy your parents and insist on being with Xia Zhijun. He leaves his family, you run away from home, and the two of you, high school students, elope and wander the world? Regardless of how you fare, your family, your parents, will suffer after you leave. We'll not only face the pain of losing our daughter, but also pressure from higher authorities."

"Second, you transfer schools and break up with Xia Zhijun. You both focus on your studies. Two years later, when you go to university, you'll be adults. If he's still willing to be with you regardless of the consequences, and you're determined to marry him…"

Gu Zhiyuan paused, then said seriously, "Your mother and I promise not to interfere. We've been investing in overseas properties for you these past few years. In the worst case, our whole family can emigrate. For your happiness, your future, your mother and I are willing to leave our homeland."

"I…" Gu Siyi started to speak, but her eyes reddened, and her throat choked up.

Xu Jiahui gently stroked her head. "You're our only daughter. As long as you're well, your mother and I are happy. We're not forcing you, but we hope you can assess the situation and make the best choice."

Gu Siyi slowly nodded, tears welling up. "I understand… I'll transfer…"

"Good girl." Xu Jiahui stood up and embraced Gu Siyi, gently patting her back. "You're both still young. There's still plenty of time. Don't be afraid of a temporary separation. If he's your destined soulmate, you'll eventually be together."

Gu Zhiyuan encouraged her, "Xia Zhijun is such an outstanding young man. Even if you change schools, you must study hard. Otherwise, your perspectives and platforms won't be on the same level in the future."

Xia Zhijun's urgent desire to see Gu Siyi the next day gradually subsided after he hung up the phone.

For now, completing this project was more important. Without independent financial resources, how could he talk about independence and freedom, let alone provide a secure future? He wasn't one for empty talk or rash actions. He carefully considered and planned everything he did.

He finished the task, which should have taken a month, in half that time.

During those two weeks, aside from eating takeout with Lu Jiaye every day, he only chatted with Gu Siyi for a few minutes before bed each night.

He hadn't left his apartment, even declining Lu Jiaye's invitations to play basketball.

Finally, his work came to an end. He received a substantial payment and set off for S City.

On the high-speed train, magnificent mountains, rivers, and lakes flashed by outside the window. He put on his headphones, listening to "I AM YOURS," the song they had listened to together the last time he took Gu Siyi home. His heart felt lighter.

His dark eyes held a barely concealed excitement and anticipation.

After all, he was only seventeen. No matter how calm, intelligent, and strong he was, he was still a passionate youth.

He would feel exhilarated thinking about his sweetheart, miss her day and night, and work tirelessly to see her sooner.

His heart felt like it would fly out the window as he neared their reunion.

Xia Zhijun arrived in S City in the evening. He took a taxi to the entrance of Gu Siyi's gated community and called her.

After a few rings, Gu Siyi answered, her voice slow and thick with congestion. "Hello?"

"Have you caught a cold?" he immediately noticed something was wrong.

"Mmm…" She hadn't known how to face him these past few days, how to tell him what had happened. The constant anxiety and worry had somehow led to a cold.

"You…" he sighed softly, his tone laced with helplessness. "I haven't seen you for just half a month, and you can't even take care of yourself?"

"It's just a small cold. I'm fine," she said petulantly.

Xia Zhijun said, "I bought you something. The courier is outside the community but can't get in. Come out and get it."

"Ah? What did you buy me?" Gu Siyi asked in surprise. Something that required a courier? Were they flowers or a cake?

"You'll see when you come out."

"Oh…"

"Hurry up, don't make them wait too long."

"Coming, coming."

Gu Siyi hurried downstairs, changed her shoes, and left the house.

The community was large, and it would take a while to walk. Heeding his words, she walked briskly. It was a hot July day, and a light sweat broke out on her forehead.

Exiting the community, she looked left and right. Where was the person?

She should have asked him for the courier's contact information…

Thinking this, Gu Siyi took out her phone, preparing to call Xia Zhijun again.

Just as she unlocked her phone, she felt arms wrap around her from behind, holding her tightly.

Startled, Gu Siyi recognized the unique, crisp scent of the young man…

Slowly turning her head, she looked incredulously at the person who had suddenly appeared.

Surprise, joy, and sweetness welled up inside her.

Xia Zhijun cupped her face in his hands, leaned down, and pecked her lips.

"You… why are you here…?"

"To see you, of course."

Xia Zhijun released Gu Siyi, took her hand, and led her towards a secluded area with trees.

Once they were hidden among the trees, he pulled her into his arms again, holding her close.

Their bodies pressed together. Her summer clothes were thin, and she could almost feel the warmth and contours of his body through the fabric.

Gu Siyi's heart pounded like thunder, and her face burned.

Xia Zhijun wasn't much better. The girl's full figure against his was incredibly stimulating for someone his age. His face was also flushed.

But he didn't want to let go. He just wanted to hold her like this, forever, keeping this girl who belonged to him in his embrace.

His voice husky, he whispered in her ear, "I missed you so much. I think about you every day."

Gu Siyi's tears suddenly gushed out, uncontrollably streaming down her face.

Xia Zhijun released her, wiping away her tears. "Why are you crying?"

He remembered the pressure and opposition from his family and asked tentatively, "Is it because your parents don't want you to be with me?"

At this question, Gu Siyi's face paled, and her tears flowed even faster.

Xia Zhijun's heart constricted sharply, a painful ache mixed with fear that she would leave him.

Gu Siyi steeled herself, her voice choked with sobs. "I'm sorry… I'm transferring schools… We can't be together now…"

"Why?" he asked, forcing himself to remain calm.

"I can't ignore my parents… You have a fiancée. They can't… I have to transfer…"

"What fiancée?! I don't have a fiancée!" Xia Zhijun roared, his breath coming in ragged gasps, his eyes bloodshot.

"Your family chose her for you. My family really can't… My parents are powerless… I have no choice but to transfer…"

Gu Siyi had spent days preparing herself mentally, thinking she could calmly explain the situation to him, tell him the stakes involved. But at this moment, her heart ached terribly, and tears mixed with heartache flowed uncontrollably.

"What about me? You don't care about me anymore?" Xia Zhijun gripped her hand, his gaze fixed on hers.

He hadn't experienced this kind of fear in a long time. He had worked hard to control every aspect of his life. He didn't want to be trapped in nightmares because of a kidnapping, or because of his parents' neglect. He had spent years making himself independent, building a world with a strong protective layer. But after he had her, he brought her completely into this world that belonged to him.

If she left, if she broke free, his world would shatter…

Gu Siyi met Xia Zhijun's gaze, struggling to retort, "No… That's not it…"

At this moment, she suddenly saw his vulnerability.

Gu Siyi stepped forward and embraced him, burying her head in his chest. Taking a deep breath to control her surging emotions, she said, "I'll wait for you. I'll listen to you. I won't leave, I won't get lost. Two years from now, when we have enough freedom and the right to talk about this… you'll come find me, okay?"

Xia Zhijun calmed down for a few seconds and asked, "What if your parents still disagree then?"

"They promised me that as long as I'm an adult, they won't interfere. On the contrary, they'll support any decision I make." Gu Siyi looked up at Xia Zhijun. "Right now, my parents are truly powerless…"

"…" Xia Zhijun was silent for a moment.

He understood why her parents were powerless. He understood the many unspoken things, the things even she didn't fully grasp.

He had overestimated himself. Even if he could fight, could the Gu family?

Gu Siyi wasn't an orphan. She had loving parents.

He had met her family. Her home wasn't like his. Her family was full of warmth and companionship.

Xia Zhijun took a deep breath. "You don't have to transfer. I'll go back and talk to my parents. You stay at Longxing and finish your studies. Constantly adapting to a new environment will affect your learning."

Gu Siyi nodded, unsure what to say.

He cupped her face in his hands. "Remember your words. Wait for me."

Gu Siyi looked into his eyes and nodded.

Xia Zhijun lowered his head and captured her lips in a deep kiss.

Only when both their lips were red and swollen did he finally release her. "I'm leaving."

With that, he turned and left, as quickly as he had come.

Gu Siyi watched his tall, slender figure, then suddenly ran forward and hugged him from behind.

He stopped.

Gu Siyi held him tightly, her forehead pressed against his back, her voice choked with sobs. "Don't forget me… You're so outstanding, so many girls like you, don't… don't stop liking me just because… I'm not by your side…"

Xia Zhijun reached back and gently held her hand. Hearing these words at this moment, he managed a bittersweet smile.

This girl, clearly not the brightest, somehow had him wrapped around her finger. She knew how to hurt him, and she knew how to heal him.

Xia Zhijun's defiance against his parents softened because of Gu Siyi.

He returned home with the person sent to retrieve him and faced his parents.

After half a month away from home, the sleepless nights spent coding, coupled with the blow of seeing Gu Siyi, had made him look even thinner.

Peng Ling's heart ached at the sight of him. Xia Guangyu didn't say anything, but his brow furrowed as he looked at his son.

Xia Zhijun sat on the sofa and said calmly, "I'll break up with Gu Siyi. Don't make her transfer."

Peng Ling said, "But if you're in the same school, seeing each other every day, won't that be difficult for both of you?"

"I plan to skip a grade and go to 12th grade. The 11th and 12th grade buildings are far apart, and I'll be going to university in a year anyway."

"Skip a grade? Have you thought this through? Can you keep up with the coursework?" Xia Guangyu asked.

"No problem," Xia Zhijun replied calmly, his voice tinged with exhaustion.

He just wanted to leave this place quickly, to grow up quickly.

Since Xia Zhijun had said so, his parents weren't overly worried. After all, he had always excelled academically.

Xia Zhijun added, "Also, Zhang Yin and I, it's not going to happen. You can stop thinking about it."

The couple fell silent for a moment. Xia Guangyu said, "You're both still young. You don't need to think about this now."

Peng Ling nodded. "We won't pressure you. Focus on your studies for now."

If it weren't for his premature relationship with Gu Siyi, they wouldn't have brought up Zhang Yin. It was best to let things unfold naturally. Even if they aimed for marriage, it would be years later. Everything was still early.

"Alright then, I'll go back to my room and rest." Xia Zhijun stood up and went upstairs.

The couple watched him go, sighing in relief as he disappeared around the corner.

He was back. That was all that mattered. Everything else could be dealt with later.

Not long after Xia Zhijun returned home, Zhou Xiao contacted him.

After the photo incident, Xia Zhijun, preoccupied with the fallout, had handed the investigation over to Zhou Xiao and Su Han.

After more than half a month of effort, contacting multiple witnesses and following every lead, they finally tracked down the culprit: Lu Ming.

The photos were taken by Xu Na's people, but she didn't dare use them. After befriending Lu Ming and learning of his interest in Gu Siyi, she gave them to him as a gift.

Zhou Xiao said, "That jerk has a meeting tomorrow night. We have the time and location. Want to teach him a lesson?"

"What do you think?" Xia Zhijun sneered, his eyes sharp and fierce.

The next evening, Xia Zhijun went out to meet with Su Han, Zhou Xiao, and Lu Jiaye. It was just the four of them.

Someone in Lu Ming's circle had been bribed by Su Han to provide them with information.

The four of them cornered Lu Ming in the men's restroom.

Everyone else fled. Xia Zhijun grabbed Lu Ming by the neck and slammed his head against the door.

His three friends kept watch.

Lu Ming initially fought back, but gradually, he lost ground.

He was never a match for Xia Zhijun, especially now that Xia Zhijun was filled with rage and fury, like a cornered beast, each blow carrying the desire to erase this person from existence.

When Lu Ming could barely hold on, the three friends pulled Xia Zhijun back.

Su Han said, "Alright, Zhijun, if you kill him, your future is over too."

Lu Ming coughed up blood, laughing. "So angry? Did you break up? … Haha, I'm so happy to see you two break up…"

"Kill me! Kill me and you still won't escape this. You'll never be with Gu Siyi in this lifetime…"

Xia Zhijun waved off his friends' attempts to restrain him and stepped forward.

Fear flickered in Lu Ming's eyes. Xia Zhijun squatted down, looking down at him condescendingly. "I'll deal with you eventually. But I'll let you see me marry Gu Siyi before you die."

For the rest of the summer, Xia Zhijun didn't call Gu Siyi again. They stopped all contact.

Gu Siyi resisted the urge to contact him every day. She desperately wanted to hear his voice, even just a goodnight before bed. But she knew she couldn't. They had finally reached an agreement, and breaking it would ruin everything.

During her difficult moments, she chatted constantly with Zheng Peipei. Zheng Peipei, upon learning about their situation, was filled with sympathy but also understood their helplessness. They were still high school students, living under their parents' control. They had no choice but to compromise.

Zheng Peipei tirelessly comforted and guided her, helping her stabilize her emotions.

"Don't be sad. A temporary separation is a good test of your relationship, right?"

"True love won't be defeated by time. Only infatuation is defeated by time…"

"I believe in Zhijun. He's different towards you, different from all the other girls. He truly likes you. He'll definitely withstand this test."

"It's just two years. Immerse yourself in your studies, and it'll pass in the blink of an eye…"

"Be good. Let's study hard and get into a good university! The future is ours!"

They played games together, chatted about everything, and gradually, Gu Siyi adapted to the pain of separation.

After the Xia family communicated with the Gu family, Gu Siyi's parents stopped mentioning the transfer.

The long and agonizing summer break finally ended, and the new semester began.

Zheng Peipei had fulfilled her promise from 10th grade. Through her efforts, the four of them were still in the same dorm, despite the class changes. After settling in, they went together to check the class assignments.

Gu Siyi, having chosen the science track, was in the same class as Zhou Xiao and Zhang Yin: Class 1, Grade 11.

Zheng Peipei, in the humanities track, was in the same class as Su Han and Lu Jiaye: Class 23, Grade 11.

Xiang Li was in the same class as Zhang Xinyi: Class 25, Grade 11.

Zheng Peipei didn't see Xia Zhijun in Class 1. After checking every class list, she was confused. "Why didn't I see Zhijun?"

Gu Siyi was also bewildered. Why wasn't he there?

Could it be that he had transferred himself, even after asking her not to?

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?