Lin Wanning stood by the window, her fingers gently brushing the windowsill as she gazed at the dusky sky outside. What had happened today felt like a violent storm—although it had passed, her heart was still in turmoil. The sudden appearance of Fu Jingchen had torn open an old wound, forcing her to confront painful memories she had tried so hard to bury.
But unlike before, she didn't get lost in those memories. After Fu Jingchen left, she began to realize that her life was no longer what it once was. She was no longer that helpless girl who had lost everything. Now, there was a man by her side—someone she could rely on: Shen Sihan.
Still, confusion lingered in her heart. Shen Sihan's kindness was undeniable, but there was always something mysterious about him, as if he were hiding a secret. Sometimes, in the quiet of the night, she couldn't help but wonder—what kind of past did he have? Was his calm, rational demeanor, and even his occasional hardness, born from some hidden pain?
Just as she was lost in thought, her phone suddenly rang, breaking the silence. She looked down at the screen. It was Shen Sihan.
"Hello?" Her voice was soft and low.
"Wanning, do you have time tonight?" Shen Sihan's voice was as gentle as ever, but she could sense a trace of unusual concern.
"Yes, what's wrong?" she replied, unease rising in her chest.
"There's something I need to talk to you about," Shen Sihan said, his tone turning serious. "Can you come to my office?"
Lin Wanning was slightly taken aback. "Your office? This late? Is it something urgent?"
"It's nothing bad, don't worry," Shen Sihan's voice softened again. "I just want to talk about… us."
She hesitated for a moment, then nodded. "Okay, I'll come."
After hanging up, Lin Wanning changed into a coat and headed out, feeling a swirl of emotions inside. She had a sense that tonight could be a turning point in her relationship with Shen Sihan. Whatever he wanted to say, she had to be prepared.
Shen Sihan's company was housed in a sleek, modern skyscraper downtown. Lin Wanning entered the building, took the elevator to the top floor, and saw Shen Sihan standing by the window when she arrived. He was facing away, seemingly deep in thought.
"You're here," he said, turning around. His expression was stern, but a hint of warmth flickered in his eyes.
Lin Wanning nodded and walked toward him. "You wanted to talk?"
Shen Sihan sighed and motioned for her to sit. The atmosphere in the office grew heavy. Lin Wanning took a seat, unable to hide the concern in her voice. "What's going on? You seem different tonight."
He didn't answer immediately. Instead, he stared at her, as if searching for the right words. Finally, he spoke. "Wanning, there's something I've never told you."
"What is it?" Lin Wanning's heart began to race.
Shen Sihan took a deep breath. "You know I've always kept a low profile. I've never talked about my past, not even with you."
She didn't say anything, only listened in silence, waiting.
"My family background is far more complicated than you think," he continued, his gaze growing darker. "My parents have always tried to control me—my life, my career. They want me to inherit the Shen Group and become the perfect 'Shen family heir.'"
Lin Wanning frowned. "I know your family's not ordinary, but you've never really talked about them."
"I didn't want you to worry," he said quietly. "But more than that… they've always expected me to marry someone who meets their standards, someone from a prestigious background who can help maintain their power." He paused, and a trace of pain flashed in his eyes. "But you, Wanning, you're the most important person in my life. I couldn't drag you into that family power struggle."
As she listened, Lin Wanning finally began to understand Shen Sihan's guarded nature and distance. She had never truly known him. But now, he was finally opening up to her.
"You…" She inhaled sharply, her voice trembling slightly. "Did you give up control of the Shen Group… for me?"
He nodded, eyes filled with determination. "I don't care about power or wealth. Wanning, if I can't be with you, none of it means anything."
Her heart trembled. She finally understood—his coldness and restraint had never meant indifference. They had been a mask, hiding his deep affection and quiet sacrifices.
"Why didn't you tell me earlier?" she asked softly, a slight note of reproach in her voice.
"I was afraid you'd leave me because of it," Shen Sihan admitted, lowering his gaze. "All I ever wanted was to protect you from that world."
Lin Wanning's heart softened. She looked at him, her eyes shining with emotion. "You did it all for me… Shen Sihan."
He lifted his head, meeting her gaze with sincerity. "Wanning, can you accept me? Will you give me a chance to walk this road together with you?"
She froze, her heart racing. She knew this wasn't just a simple question—it was a defining moment that could decide the rest of her life.
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