Chapter Index

    The Sincerity of Shared Love

    Just like the sunlight at this moment, gently sprinkle in Yi’s family’s living room, Yi Shang’s father’s eyes held less of the strictness of the past and more of kindness and recognition. He looked at the two girls standing side-by-side before him, as if he saw them supporting each other and striving forward in a foreign land over the past year.

    Yi Shang gently held Jiang Wan’yuan’s hand, feeling the warmth from her palm, a steadfast strength after experiencing wind and rain. She raised her head, looking at her father with clear eyes, and said, “Dad, this year, we have not failed your expectations.” Jiang Wan’yuan also nodded slightly, her face full of a confident smile, “Uncle, we did it.”

    Yi Shang’s father nodded slightly, his tone carrying a hint of emotion, “Seeing you as you are today makes me very happy. This year, you have grown so much.” He paused, his gaze slowly shifting between the two of them, “Yi Shang, your academic achievements make the family proud. And Wan’yuan, your support and dedication have also been indispensable.”

    A warm current surged in Yi Shang’s heart. She knew that her father’s recognition was hard-earned. All the hardships along the way had turned into sweet memories at this moment. She held Jiang Wan’yuan’s hand tightly, as if declaring their unwavering commitment to the world.

    However, life would not be smooth sailing just because of this one success. After returning to China, Yi Shang and Jiang Wan’yuan, although they welcomed new opportunities in their careers, still faced some challenges in their emotional lives due to social concepts. Although most people already held an understanding and tolerant attitude towards their relationship, there were still some old voices whispering in the corners.

    At an academic conference, Yi Shang heard some veiled discussions. Some said that her success was only due to her family background, while others pointed fingers at her relationship with Jiang Wan’yuan. These words were like cold arrows, trying to pierce her strong shell. But Yi Shang only frowned slightly, a trace of disdain flashing in her eyes. She knew that her achievements stemmed from years of hard work and a passion for academics, not from others’ unfounded speculation.

    Jiang Wan’yuan noticed the change in Yi Shang’s emotions. After the conference, she gently took Yi Shang’s hand and walked to a quiet corner. “Don’t mind those words, Yi Shang. We walk our own path; they don’t understand.” Jiang Wan’yuan’s voice was gentle and firm, like a spring breeze, blowing away the haze in Yi Shang’s heart.

    Yi Shang looked at Jiang Wan’yuan, her eyes full of gratitude, “Wan’yuan, with you, I’m not afraid of anything.” She hugged Jiang Wan’yuan tightly, as if this hug could resist all the malice in the world.

    Back at home, Yi Shang fell into deep thought. She realized that although they had achieved certain results, there was still a long way to go to truly gain full social acceptance. She decided to use her practical actions to break down those outdated ideas and fight for more understanding and respect for people like them.

    Yi Shang began to actively participate in various public welfare activities, using her influence to promote the concepts of gender equality and diversity and inclusion. She opened related lectures at the school, encouraging students to bravely pursue their dreams and not be bound by traditional ideas. Jiang Wan’yuan also fully supported Yi Shang’s actions, using her work platform to spread the positive energy of love and tolerance.

    With their efforts, more and more people began to pay attention to this group, and society’s understanding and acceptance of diverse emotions gradually increased. The story of Yi Shang and Jiang Wan’yuan became a ray of light in the hearts of many, illuminating the hearts wandering in the dark.

    Many years later, when Yi Shang and Jiang Wan’yuan walked hand in hand on the school’s path, they saw a group of young students enthusiastically discussing topics about love and equality. Yi Shang and Jiang Wan’yuan smiled at each other, their eyes full of comfort. They knew that the hardships they had experienced along the way had turned into this warm and inclusive soil, nurturing the growth of a new generation.

    The story of Yi Shang and Jiang Wan’yuan, like a poem circulated on campus, was passed down among students generation after generation. Yi Shang became one of the most respected principals in the school’s history because of her outstanding contributions in academics and public welfare. Her image of breaking tradition and bravely pursuing love inspired countless students to move forward bravely in the face of difficulties.

    Jiang Wan’yuan also blossomed with her unique brilliance in her own field, winning widespread praise for her positive attitude and heartwarming power. Their love was no longer a taboo topic, but became a beautiful model of true love in campus culture.

    On a quiet afternoon, Yi Shang sat in the principal’s office, looking at the familiar campus scenery outside the window, her heart filled with emotion. At this moment, Jiang Wan’yuan gently pushed open the door and walked in, holding a bouquet of blooming flowers. The gorgeous flowers were like their beautiful years along the way, full of vitality.

    “Yi Shang, look, aren’t these flowers like our love, experiencing wind and rain, but becoming more and more brilliant?” Jiang Wan’yuan smiled and placed the flowers on Yi Shang’s desk. Yi Shang got up, walked to Jiang Wan’yuan’s side, and gently wrapped her arms around her waist, “Yes, Wan’yuan. So many years have passed, and everything seems like it was just yesterday.”

    They recalled the difficult times they had spent together, those gossips and family opposition, which had become valuable treasures in their lives. It was these setbacks that made their relationship even more solid.

    “Do you know? Recently, many students have told me that our story has given them the courage to face life,” Yi Shang said proudly, her eyes sparkling. Jiang Wan’yuan looked up slightly, looking at Yi Shang, her eyes full of love, “That’s because we have always adhered to each other, and adhered to the love and faith in our hearts.”

    However, in this seemingly peaceful and beautiful life, a ripple quietly arose. Yi Shang received an anonymous letter, and the content of the letter made her face instantly turn serious. The letter accused her of using her power as principal to seek benefits for Jiang Wan’yuan, and once again mentioned their same-sex relationship, implying that this relationship did not conform to the school’s traditional values.

    Jiang Wan’yuan noticed Yi Shang’s strangeness and asked her with concern what had happened. Yi Shang silently handed her the letter. After Jiang Wan’yuan finished reading it, a trace of anger flashed in her eyes, “This is simply nonsense! How can they maliciously hurt us like this?”

    Yi Shang took a deep breath, trying to calm herself down, “It seems that even though we have done so much, there are still people who are unwilling to accept us. But we cannot be defeated by these false statements.”

    They decided to respond to everything head-on. Yi Shang held a school-wide meeting. In front of everyone, she frankly told the story of her and Jiang Wan’yuan’s journey together, from acquaintance to love, every moment they experienced was full of sincere emotion.

    “Our love has nothing to do with power or interests. We are just two people who support each other and pursue our dreams together. We hope to use our experience to tell everyone that love has no boundaries,” Yi Shang’s voice was firm and powerful, echoing throughout the campus.

    Jiang Wan’yuan also stepped forward and took Yi Shang’s hand, “We have been working hard to convey positive energy to everyone. I hope everyone will not be blinded by these malicious comments, believe in us, and believe in love.”

    The students under the stage listened quietly, and then there was thunderous applause. The applause, like a warm tide, surrounded them. This time, Yi Shang and Jiang Wan’yuan knew that they had won the understanding and support of most people.

    After the storm, Yi Shang and Jiang Wan’yuan’s life returned to peace. They still walked hand in hand in every corner of the campus, watching the students pursue their dreams in the sun, their hearts filled with comfort.

    On a starry night, Yi Shang and Jiang Wan’yuan lay on the lawn of the campus, looking up at the vast starry sky. Yi Shang gently held Jiang Wan’yuan’s hand, “Wan’yuan, no matter what happens in the future, I hope I can always be with you.” Jiang Wan’yuan turned to look at Yi Shang, her eyes reflecting the bright starlight, “Me too, Yi Shang. We will spend countless nights like this together.”

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