I wish you eternal love, lasting until the end of time.

“No need. I can protect my child on my own; I don’t need anyone’s help. Our past is long behind us. From what I remember, Shang Yuege is a proud man—he shouldn’t embarrass himself. Don’t you think?” Although it was hardly a comforting thought, Rong Xianxian suppressed the urge to act and spoke coldly.

“Xianxian…” Shang Yuege wanted to say more.

“Stop. You should focus on whether you can walk away with what you want,” she interrupted. Though Shang Yuege hadn’t explicitly stated his intentions, given past experiences, it was clear he desired that sword.

Zhang’s father was a cunning old fox, and Shang Yuege was still young—it was uncertain if he could handle such a game.

According to what Zhang Xiaoxiao had said in the previous life, the Qing Shuang Mother-and-Child Sword was originally reserved for Zhang’s son. Unfortunately, Zhang Jiangliu remained away for a long time, and Zhang Xiaoxiao’s own talents were mediocre, unable to summon spiritual energy. That’s how Shang Yuege came into possession of the Qing Shuang sword.

Now it seemed Shang Yuege’s silence and secrecy were likely for that very sword.

Judging from the fact that three months later in the previous life he still hadn’t abandoned Zhang Xiaoxiao, it was clear Zhang’s father had left a contingency plan.

Shang Yuege and Zhang Xiaoxiao had always been together—and that was good.

Rong Xianxian sincerely wished them a lifetime of happiness, growing old together under the endless sky.

Rong Xianxian had been slow to understand matters of the heart. Though she accepted Shang Yuege’s confession after high school, they studied in different cities, and Rong Xianxian was burdened with a demanding medical curriculum, leaving little time to care for her boyfriend. Their few meetings were always arranged by Shang Yuege. But that didn’t mean she loved any less—they had agreed to marry after graduation.

The betrayal by Shang Yuege shattered Rong Xianxian’s heart utterly.

Those who find it hard to start a relationship usually find it hard to move on.

The pain caused by Shang Yuege’s betrayal was deeply etched in Rong Xianxian’s soul.

---

She drifted through graduate school, revising her thesis multiple times before it was finally accepted.

It was in such a state that she met Ning Qingyun.

At that time, Zhang Xiaoxiao sent her a message inviting her to KT Hotel for a meal with her roommates before graduation, seemingly to apologize.

Her heart was torn apart by pain, but her stubborn pride—perhaps more a matter of saving face—made her put on a nonchalant front. Though reluctant, she refused to lose face and accepted the invitation.

She went, hoping to find closure and a fresh start.

Unexpectedly, Shang Yuege was there, making the meal awkward and tense.

After dinner, Shang Yuege went to pay the bill. Not wanting to face Zhang Xiaoxiao’s provocative expression, Rong Xianxian excused herself to the restroom, intending to wait until everyone left before stepping out.

But as soon as she opened the restroom door, Zhang Xiaoxiao and her roommates surrounded her.

Caught off guard, Rong Xianxian was suddenly pushed to the floor near the sink by Zhang Linyu.

“I’m warning you, don’t see Brother Shang anymore. He’s about to marry Sister Xiaoxiao. Know your place. No matter how pretty or smart you are, a mud foot from some backwater can’t compare to Sister Xiaoxiao. Today, I’ll teach you a lesson.”

As Rong Xianxian was getting up, Zhang Linyu kicked at her. She stepped back just in time to avoid the blow. Zhang Xiaoxiao blocked the door, flanked by the others, clearly taking sides.

Zhang Linyu stepped forward again, and the two sides neared the men’s restroom. Though she knew fighting back would only bring trouble, Rong Xianxian couldn’t bear it anymore.

Just as she was about to retaliate, dizziness overwhelmed her. Her vision darkened, and she stumbled.

“Are you okay?” strong hands steadied her from behind, a deep, pleasant voice soothing her. The anger burning within her began to calm.

---

It was Ning Qingyun who supported her. He was truly handsome, as if he had stepped out of a painting, his skin glowing with a radiant whiteness. Tall and graceful, he cradled her as if holding her whole being.

There was a strange yet comforting warmth about him.

Zhang Xiaoxiao and Zhang Linyu shrank back under Ning Qingyun’s icy gaze, casting one last spiteful look at Rong Xianxian before grudgingly withdrawing.

“Thank you!” Rong Xianxian felt a mix of embarrassment and gratitude.

The embarrassment came from losing face in front of a stranger—especially such an attractive man.

The gratitude stemmed from the fact that his eyes held no mockery or pity, only an inexplicable tenderness.

Of course, she told herself it was just an illusion, a self-indulgent fantasy. When did she become so sentimental? She scolded herself inwardly.

Later, the two suddenly married out of the blue. Rong Xianxian didn’t understand Ning Qingyun’s situation. She herself was drawn to his breathtaking beauty, but also carried a reckless, almost defiant despair.

She found herself thinking of Ning Qingyun again and again.

As she grew more familiar with this changed world, Rong Xianxian increasingly felt that her past resentment toward him might have been unfair.

In these harsh times, perhaps he was facing some hidden hardship.