Chapter Twenty-Six: Reminiscence

Nianyu remained silent, lost in memories of her moments with Zhou Yu.

Zhou Yu, who never liked carrying an umbrella, would bring one to fetch her when it rained. Though he had little money back then, he always took her to delicious places, never caring about the price. During those years together, they sampled every eatery in the city.

In winter, he would tuck her hands inside his jacket. No matter how late or what he was doing or where he was, a single call from her was enough; he would rush to her side faster than anyone.

While they were together, he spent every month's salary buying her clothes, food, and makeup. Among his peers at work, others might have a monthly allowance of around two thousand, but his own was only a quarter of that. He never saved money, spending it all on her, simply not wanting her to feel embarrassed at school or work.

Before they became a couple, he had told her what kind of lover he wanted—not someone like Xiao Jie, nor someone like her. After they got together, he admitted she wasn’t the image of his ideal love, but he also said, “Love is love, even if it’s not what I imagined. Once I love, I never regret.”

He once told her he wasn’t someone who would break promises, so he never gave her grand vows or pledges. Yet every word he said to her became reality; everything he promised, he fulfilled.

He never shed a tear when injured. Even when outnumbered in fights, he never flinched. At the police station, he never showed nervousness.

But when she uttered the words “let’s break up,” he became nervous, defeated, and cried like a lost child. That helpless look had never appeared on him before.

He rarely took her along for his own affairs, but whatever she needed to do, he accompanied her without fail.

He often wore a mischievous smile, teasing her in idle moments. When she felt unwell, his anxious expression revealed his care. When she was playful, he would look at her with indulgent affection. When he was sick, he held her hand gently, assuring her he was fine.

Now, Nianyu’s mind was filled with images of Zhou Yu as he once was. It seemed in her memory, she had never seen him truly cornered—except when she was ill or suffering; only then did he become flustered. Otherwise, in front of her, he always wore an air of careless confidence.

Two trails of silent tears traced Nianyu’s cheeks. She gently caressed Zhou Yu’s face.

With resolute tenderness, she spoke: “Husband, it’s been so long since I called you that. Before, you always stood quietly behind me, protecting me. From now on, let me stand behind you, accompanying you. This time, I won’t care if others object; I’ll stay by your side, always.”

Nianyu wiped away her tears and continued, “Perhaps Xiao Jie is right. Loving someone shouldn’t depend on others’ opinions. Bad boy, wake up soon.”

With that, Nianyu fell silent.

She gazed at Zhou Yu for a moment, then turned to Xiao Jie and said, “Let’s go outside and watch Zhao Yan and Wang Kui face off.”

Xiao Jie nodded, following Nianyu toward the door, but suddenly stopped, as if something was missing.

She called out to Nianyu, “Wait, Nianyu, don’t you feel like something’s missing?”

Nianyu turned, puzzled. “Missing? What’s missing?” Xiao Jie’s question left her confused.

Just then, a voice echoed, “I’m so hungry. Why am I here again?”