Collection of Sweet Stories

May Day. The day after Yan Xin returned from studying abroad, she reached out to Fu Ran for a meet-up. Fu Ran stared at the message on his phone, hesitating. Should he go? After all, he was the one who initiated the breakup three years ago. What could they possibly say to each other now? For all he knew, she might already be with someone else she loved. Just the thought of that made his throat dry, his chest tight, and an overwhelming discomfort settle in. What if... she wanted to meet him to hand over a wedding invitation? To tell him she was getting married. Then what? Fu Ran locked his phone screen and leaned against the window, watching the autumn wind scatter maple leaves across the ground. “Uncle...” A soft, sleepy voice echoed from behind. Fu Ran turned around to see his little nephew, Duoduo, rubbing his eyes as he looked at him. Fu Ran quickly brushed away his mixed emotions and smiled faintly, walking over to Duoduo. “Awake? Are you hungry?” Fu Ran ruffled Duoduo’s hair gently. Duoduo nodded his small head. “Go wash your face. I'll take you to eat after.” “Okay.” Duoduo jogged to the bathroom and emerged a few minutes later, drops of water still clinging to his face. Fu Ran picked up a handkerchief, carefully wiping Duoduo’s face before taking him outside. As soon as they stepped into the elevator, Fu Ran’s phone rang. The screen showed no name—just a string of familiar numbers. “Uncle, why aren’t you answering?” Fu Ran looked down at Duoduo, who tilted his head curiously, waiting for an explanation. Fu Ran raised his brows and knelt down, adopting a negotiating tone. “Duoduo, can you help your uncle with something?” “I’ll consider it—unless it involves arson or burglary.” Duoduo placed his hands on his hips with a serious expression. “You’re too clever for your own good.” Fu Ran tapped Duoduo’s forehead lightly. “If you help me, I’ll buy you a family-sized bucket of fried chicken.” Duoduo’s eyes lit up. “Deal!” Once they left the elevator, Fu Ran led Duoduo outside, stopping by a small patch of greenery. Fu Ran crouched down. “Alright, here’s the plan. We’re going to meet someone—she’s a pretty lady. She’s been bothering me for a while, but I’m not interested. You just need to pretend you’re my son and help me scare her off. Got it?” “If she’s so pretty, why don’t you like her? And if my parents find out you’re stealing their son, they’ll break your legs.” “Just because she’s pretty doesn’t mean I like her. Do I seem that shallow?” Fu Ran shot him a look. “If you’re not up for it, we can head back and eat instant noodles instead.” “Wait!” Duoduo clung to Fu Ran’s sleeve. “I want the chicken bucket!” “Good. Let’s go.” They arrived at the restaurant where Yan Xin had asked to meet. Fu Ran spotted her immediately—the woman who had been occupying his thoughts day and night. The one he longed to pull into his arms the moment he saw her. “Uncle, is the pretty lady by the window in the dress the one you’re talking about?” Fu Ran lowered his gaze. “Call me Dad.” Duoduo ignored him. “She’s really pretty. Are you sure you want to let this one go? You’re almost thirty, still single. I’m worried for you.” “Shut it.” Fu Ran pinched Duoduo’s shoulder gently. “If you mess this up, forget the chicken. You’re going home to your parents tonight.” “Fine, fine.” Duoduo sighed dramatically, looking at Yan Xin by the window. Between food and helping his uncle find a partner, food always won. Fu Ran walked toward Yan Xin, Duoduo’s small hand in his. Every step felt heavier. He dreaded the moment she might turn around, catching his gaze. And yet, the thing you fear most often finds you. Yan Xin suddenly turned her head, meeting his eyes. The setting sun cast a golden glow over her, strands of her hair illuminated by the light, making her look like she had stepped right out of a dream. Fu Ran felt his feet grow impossibly heavy. Duoduo tugged at his sleeve. “Don’t chicken out.” Fu Ran shot him a glare but kept moving forward. When they reached the table, Yan Xin’s gaze lingered on Duoduo. “Sorry, this little guy wouldn’t stop nagging. We’re late.” Fu Ran sat down, placing Duoduo in the seat beside him. “What do you want to eat?” “Crab.” “Got it.” Fu Ran ordered food, barely sparing Yan Xin a glance. Only after placing the order did he ask, as if an afterthought, “What about you?” Yan Xin chuckled softly. “I’m good.” Once the waiter left, Yan Xin turned to Duoduo. “Is this your son?” Duoduo sat up straighter, sneaking glances at Fu Ran. Fu Ran tousled his hair. “Yeah. Don’t we look alike?” Duoduo silently protested the vigorous head-patting. Yan Xin gave them both a scrutinizing look. Fu Ran’s heart pounded. “Sure,” Yan Xin said, smirking. “But Fu Ran, I recommend a DNA test—just in case.” “Come on, Yan Xin.” “Fu Ran, do you think I’m still that naive girl from three years ago?” Yan Xin’s eyes narrowed as she motioned for Duoduo to come closer. “Duoduo, want to hear a secret?” Curious but cautious, Duoduo looked to Fu Ran for permission. Fu Ran, just as confused, stared back. “Your parents are here,” Yan Xin said, glancing behind them. Both Duoduo and Fu Ran whipped their heads around. “Where?!” Yan Xin laughed. “Right beside you.” “Impossible!” Duoduo huffed, catching himself and glaring at Fu Ran. Fu Ran sighed. “You really had to say that?” Yan Xin smiled slyly, her gaze softening. “You know, Fu Ran, age hasn’t made you wiser. If anything, you’re more foolish.” Fu Ran had no retort. Maybe she was right. The so-called class reunion was nothing more than a change of venue for gossip and competition. When Yan Xin and Fu Ran arrived, they instantly became the center of attention, surrounded by former classmates asking all kinds of questions—most of which revolved around when they planned to get married. Just as Fu Ran was about to speak, Yan Xin tightened her grip on his hand and looked up at him with a smile. But in her eyes, there was a warning: Don’t say anything stupid. Seeing Fu Ran comply obediently, Yan Xin finally spoke. “We’re already looking at dates. Just get your red envelopes ready.” The moment those words left her mouth, the whole group erupted in excitement. Yan Xin couldn’t stand the atmosphere for long. After barely half an hour, she dragged Fu Ran out. As they reached the ground floor and stepped out of the club, Fu Ran tugged on Yan Xin’s hand to stop her. She turned back, smiling. “What’s wrong?” “Don’t you think we overdid the act?” “An act?” Yan Xin blinked, then burst into laughter. “I think you’re the one who’s too deep into it.” She looked at him intently. “Fu Ran, do you really think I didn’t know why you broke up with me back then?” “It was just a fall. It’s not that big of a deal. You stand up and move on, right?” Yan Xin stepped closer and took his hand. “I know it wasn’t easy for you. I know you didn’t know how to face me. But more than that, I know you were afraid I’d suffer if I stayed with you. But Fu Ran…” She tightened her grip, stopping him from pulling away. “You didn’t even ask me. How do you know I wouldn’t want to stay? I had the right to choose, but you took that away from me and forced me to accept your decision.” Fu Ran yanked his hand away, but Yan Xin clasped it with both hands, holding on tightly. “Fu Ran, breaking up isn’t something you can decide alone. I meant what I said earlier. I want to marry you. We can pay off the debt together, and I believe one day, you’ll make a comeback.” “I don’t need that.” Fu Ran forcefully pulled his hand free. “I’m not so pathetic that I need a woman to pay my debts.” Looking at Yan Xin, Fu Ran hesitated for a moment, but he chose the harshest words. “As for marrying you, it’s never crossed my mind—whether it was then or now.” He didn’t dare look at her again. He turned and walked away, but after only a few steps, her voice rang out behind him. “If you take another step, I’ll break your legs.” For some reason, Fu Ran almost laughed. They were having such a serious conversation. Hearing him stop, Yan Xin stormed up, hands on her hips, glaring at him. Then, just as quickly, she looped her arm through his and held on tightly. “You’re not getting rid of me.” Fu Ran noticed the faint glimmer of tears in her eyes. He sighed helplessly. “Why do this?” “I don’t care. You slept with me three years ago. You’re responsible.” “Why does it have to be me?” Yan Xin threw the question right back at him. “Why not?” Fu Ran gently brushed her cheek with his hand, sighing softly. His voice was unusually tender. “The answer is the same as yours.” Yan Xin smiled knowingly, rising on her tiptoes to kiss his cheek. “I knew it.” Fu Ran tilted her chin, leaned down, and kissed her lips. But Yan Xin didn’t cooperate—she kept laughing. Annoyed, Fu Ran bit her lip lightly and let her go. “What’s so funny?” “I’m happy.” “So am I,” Fu Ran admitted. Suddenly, he felt something cool slide onto the ring finger of his left hand. Looking down, he saw a simple silver band. Raising his hand, he arched a brow. “Is this coercion?” “It’s a lock. One that keeps you by my side forever.” Yan Xin held up a matching women’s ring, signaling for him to put it on her. “How long have you been planning this?” Fu Ran asked. “Oh, just a year or two.” “You’re sure? Once this ring is on, there’s no taking it off.” “I know.” “I’m still in debt. Life with me won’t be easy.” “I know. I’ve thought it through. I want to stay with you.” Impatient, Yan Xin urged, “Hurry up. Don’t be so dramatic.” Fu Ran chuckled and took a step back. Just as Yan Xin thought he might run, he knelt on one knee, his gaze sincere. “Yan Xin, I’m still carrying a lot of debt, but I promise I’ll give you the best I can. I’ll never let you feel wronged. As long as you need me, I’ll always be there. Will you marry me?” Yan Xin looked at him without answering. Fu Ran’s heart sank, torn by the silence. Was she regretting this? Playing with him? Or maybe… was this payback for the breakup three years ago? “Yan Xin…” His voice wavered with disappointment. “If you regret this, it’s okay…” He had no one to blame but himself. After a long pause, just as Fu Ran was about to lower his hand, she finally spoke. “When did I say I wasn’t willing?” Fu Ran’s head shot up. Yan Xin held out her hand. “This was just a little payback for the breakup. It’s over now.” Seeing him still stunned, she snapped, “What are you waiting for? Put the ring on me.” Fu Ran slid the ring onto her finger. “Now, you’re locked to me too.” As he stood, he staggered slightly. Yan Xin quickly caught him. “Too excited your legs gave out?” “No,” Fu Ran said, wrapping his arms around her. “My legs are just numb. Don’t move.” Yan Xin laughed, hugging him back. “Fu Ran, I missed you so much these years.” “I missed you too.” “I love you.” Fu Ran held her even tighter. “I love you too.”