A youthful ten-year promise

Chapter 37 Sharing and Protecting Secrets

Time flies, and in the blink of an eye, Shen Yichen has been away from the small town for more than two years, studying far away. Throughout these long years, Lin Youran has always kept their promise, silently waiting for Shen Yichen's return.

Lin Youran's life remained peaceful and fulfilling. She was busy with her studies and work every day, and occasionally, in her spare time, she would stroll alone through the streets and alleys of the small town, reminiscing about the wonderful times she had spent with Shen Yichen. Whenever this happened, a faint sadness would well up in her heart, but even more so, she felt anticipation and longing for the future.

Meanwhile, Shen Yichen, in a distant city, also experienced many challenges and changes. He diligently studied professional knowledge, actively participated in various practical activities, and continuously improved his abilities and qualities. Although his life was busy and fulfilling, Lin Youran was always on his mind. That youthful vow was like a guiding light in his heart, leading him forward.

Every night, when all was quiet, Shen Yichen would take out his phone and look through the text messages and photos Lin Youran had sent him. Those simple words recorded the little things in Lin Youran's life; those heartwarming photos captured their past smiles. Looking at these, Shen Yichen felt a surge of warmth and strength. He knew that no matter where he was, Lin Youran would always be his strongest support and his gentlest concern.

Before he knew it, another winter break had arrived. Shen Yichen eagerly bought his train ticket home, looking forward to reuniting with Lin Youran. When he set foot on his hometown soil, an indescribable excitement and joy welled up in his heart. He couldn't wait to dial Lin Youran's number and tell her that he was back.

Lin Youran was standing by the window, lost in thought, when she received the call. Hearing Shen Yichen's voice, her heart skipped a beat, followed by a surge of warmth. She exclaimed excitedly, "Yichen, are you really back? I missed you so much!"

Shen Yichen smiled and said, "Yes, Youran, I'm back. I'm at the station now, can you come pick me up?"

Lin Youran nodded quickly: "Of course! Please wait a moment, I'll be right there."

After saying that, Lin Youran put on her coat and hurriedly left home. She jogged all the way to the station and saw Shen Yichen's figure in the distance. He was still as tall and handsome as ever, but there was a touch more maturity and composure in his eyes. A surge of inexplicable emotion welled up in Lin Youran's heart, and she quickly walked forward and hugged Shen Yichen tightly.

Shen Yichen hugged Lin Youran tightly, feeling her warmth and softness. He whispered, "Youran, I'm back. How have you been these past few days?"

Lin Youran looked up at Shen Yichen's eyes and said, "I'm fine, Yichen. How about you? How are you doing over there?"

Shen Yichen smiled and said, "I'm doing well too, Youran. I've learned a lot and made many friends. But no matter where I am, you're always on my mind."

Lin Youran was moved to tears. She held Shen Yichen's hand tightly and said, "Yichen, me too. I think about you every day and look forward to your return soon."

They smiled at each other, as if all their waiting and anticipation had been rewarded in that moment. Hand in hand, they walked out of the station and returned to their long-missed town.

In the days that followed, Shen Yichen and Lin Youran spent a warm and wonderful time together. They strolled through familiar streets and alleys, reminiscing about the little things they had shared; they watched the sunrise and sunset together, feeling the deep affection and longing in each other's hearts. At these moments, Lin Youran felt like the happiest person in the world.

However, good times are always fleeting. Before they knew it, winter vacation was coming to an end. Shen Yichen had to leave the small town and return to school to continue her studies. On the day of her departure, Lin Youran saw Shen Yichen off at the station. She hugged Shen Yichen tightly, tears welling in her eyes: "Yichen, you must take good care of yourself. I will always wait for your return."

Shen Yichen gently wiped away the tears from Lin Youran's eyes: "Youran, don't worry. I will study hard and strive to realize our dreams as soon as possible. You also need to take good care of yourself and wait for me to come back."

After saying that, Shen Yichen turned and walked into the station. Lin Youran watched his receding figure, a nameless sense of loss and sorrow welling up inside her. She knew that this separation would be followed by another long wait. But she also knew that as long as there was love in her heart, this wait would be worthwhile.

In the days that followed, Lin Youran remained true to their promise. She studied and worked diligently, constantly improving her abilities and qualities. At the same time, she kept a close eye on Shen Yichen's activities, maintaining close contact with him through phone calls, text messages, and the internet. Whenever Shen Yichen encountered difficulties or setbacks, she offered him encouragement and support; whenever he made progress or achieved success, she shared her joy and pride with him.

Meanwhile, Shen Yichen, in a distant city, constantly thought of Lin Youran. He diligently studied his major, actively participated in various practical activities, and continuously improved his abilities and qualities. At the same time, he also paid close attention to Lin Youran's life and feelings. Whenever he had free time, he would call or text Lin Youran to inquire about her situation and mood. He knew that only by letting Lin Youran feel his care and companionship could she face life with greater strength and courage.

And so, Lin Youran and Shen Yichen supported and encouraged each other across the distance. They experienced many challenges and changes together, but the youthful vow in their hearts never wavered. They believed that as long as they had love, dreams, and faith in their hearts, they would surely overcome all difficulties and reach the other side of happiness.

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This youthful vow, like a guiding light in their hearts, illuminated their path forward. Although they faced a vast distance and an unknown future, their hearts remained filled with hope and faith. They knew that as long as they cared for and supported each other, they would surely overcome this awkward period and usher in a brighter future.