Liam listened to his crooked logic and curved his lips slightly, but he didn't refuse.

In the end, both families held their children's full-month banquet together at the Huatian Hotel.

Ten years later.

Pei An'an had grown up to be charming and cute, always the object of pursuit by little boys in her class.

Pei Niannian had inherited Liam’s cold and arrogant temperament, growing into a handsome, icy young boy.

Xu Yinyou poked his little head through the window outside the classroom, watching Pei An'an intently: "An'an, wait for me after school, okay? I’ll come find you as soon as class is over."

Pei An'an blinked her eyes, which were like black grapes, and her voice was soft and sweet: "But my brother told me not to go with you."

"He’s lying to you; he’s just afraid I’ll kidnap you." Xu Yinyou bluffed earnestly.

Just as he finished speaking, Pei Niannian’s cold voice came from behind Xu Yinyou.

"Are you bad-mouthing me to my sister again?"

Xu Yinyou felt his heart go cold; he cleared his throat and turned around with a smile: "Of course not. Brother Liam, I was just afraid our little sister might be bullied by others."

"It would be a miracle if you didn't bully my sister yourself." Pei Niannian scoffed dismissively.

"I swear that for the rest of my life, I will do everything I can to protect An'an!" Xu Yinyou tapped his chest confidently.

This promise of protection was one Xu Yinyou would spend the next decade fulfilling.

Adolescence.

The three of them had shed their childishness and become vibrant, budding youths.

Approaching high school graduation, everyone was filling out their college applications. Xu Yinyou walked over to Pei An'an’s desk and sat down: "An'an, which school are you planning to apply to?"

Pei An'an lifted her eyes. Her features were delicate and small—a typical southern beauty.

"I haven't decided yet. What about you?"

Xu Yinyou lowered his gaze to the application form in his hand and sighed softly: "I want to follow in your footsteps."

Pei An'an paused, then quickly lowered her head, hiding her blushing cheeks, and whispered a rebuke: "You’re never serious."

"I’m being serious. Every word I’ve said to you over these years has been true."

Xu Yinyou looked straight at Pei An'an with absolute sincerity, his heart racing.

Pei An'an bit her lip, unable to help but tighten her grip on her fountain pen.

Just as she was about to say something, Pei Niannian’s voice rang out: "An'an, hurry up, Mom and Dad are waiting for us at the school gate."

Pei An'an withdrew her gaze and replied softly: "Okay, I’m coming."

After quickly packing her schoolbag, she stood up and walked outside.

Just as she hadn't walked many steps, a hand suddenly grabbed her arm from behind, and Xu Yinyou’s voice sounded:

"Pei An'an, I don't care what you think, but what I want to tell you is that I love you."

"From childhood until now, you are the only one I have ever loved."

...

Xu Yinyou’s voice was neither loud nor soft, but Pei An'an heard every word clearly.

She turned around, raised a bright, brilliant smile, and said clearly: "Xu Yinyou, you are not suffering from unrequited love."

Young flowers bloomed once again.

The everlasting paper roses wish the best for all those who truly love each other.

If you fall in love with someone, say it out loud.

The End.