Have you ever fallen in love so deeply that a poem finally made sense to you?

  On a certain day in October 2018, Lin Xian, now a wildly popular author with countless IPs to her name, sat under dazzling studio lights for a televised interview.

  She wore only the lightest makeup, a simple white blouse and a short skirt—nothing extravagant. Unlike the image most would conjure of a bold and spirited young woman in her mid-twenties, Lin Xian radiated calmness and composure that felt almost out of place for someone her age.

  As the interview drew to a close, the elegantly styled host flashed a mischievous smile and tossed out the final question:

  “This one’s on behalf of all your smitten fans out there—Miss Author, are you currently in need of a significant other?”

  In that instant, Lin Xian—who had remained poised and gracious throughout—showed the faintest change in expression. The smile at the corners of her lips slowly faded away.

  Up until that moment, everything had gone smoothly. Lin Xian had been cooperative and polite, which made the host feel at ease. The question hadn’t been part of the pre-approved script—it was a spur-of-the-moment thought, meant more as a playful tease to end the show on a light note. But to her surprise, Lin Xian’s mood shifted abruptly.

  Caught off guard, the host found herself in an awkward pause. She had no way of knowing that this simple question had suddenly transported Lin Xian back to a winter many years ago—back to the very first time she met Xiao Wanqing.

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  That day, Lin Xian had worn a white party dress, standing in a brightly lit hall just like this one. Following her mother’s lead, she greeted each guest, received gifts, and gave thanks with practiced grace and order. Until—she saw Xiao Wanqing.

  To her, Xiao Wanqing was unlike anyone else. When she smiled, a delicate dimple appeared on her left cheek, her eyes curved into gentle crescents, and her gaze sparkled like stars. It was as if she were glowing.

  Her mother said, “This is the daughter of Grandpa Xiao, my dear friend. You’ve met her when you were little—you should call her ‘Auntie.’”

  Lin Xian couldn’t take her eyes off Xiao Wanqing. Barely paying attention, she mumbled a soft “Auntie.”

  Xiao Wanqing smiled and handed her a gift with both hands. Her voice was warm and tender as she said, “Xianxian, happy birthday.”

  Lin Xian accepted the gift with both hands, but her feet refused to move. Tilting her head, she hesitated for a moment, then blurted out loudly, “Auntie, you’re so beautiful—I want to marry you!”

  The hall erupted in laughter. Even her mother doubled over, trying to explain through her giggles, “Kids say the darndest things!”

  But Lin Xian didn’t understand what was so funny. She had meant every word. Embarrassed and flustered, tears welled up in her eyes.

  Only Xiao Wanqing crouched down to meet her gaze. She gently tapped the tip of Lin Xian’s nose and smiled as she replied, “Alright, let’s talk about it when you grow up.”

  Let’s talk about it when you grow up.

  Xiao Wanqing had said it so softly, so sincerely. Just like years later, when she kissed Lin Xian’s forehead and whispered, “Let’s wait until your break, and then we’ll figure it out.”

  She was always like that. Even in turning someone down, she did it with a heartbreaking tenderness and care.

  Lin Xian’s polite smile slowly vanished, her lips tightening into a cold, resolute line.

  Xiao Wanqing, I’ve grown up now.

  There are no more breaks to wait for.

  So when will you come and marry me?