Stephen Song noticed Julia Yu slowing down a bit and immediately said, "Are you tired? Give me the bag! I work out every day—this weight is nothing for me."
Julia Yu shook her head. "It’s just some water and fruit, not heavy at all. I can still carry it."
"Give it to me." Stephen Song smiled helplessly. "It’s not that I doubt your strength—I just want you to enjoy looking at the little flowers along the road. I can tell you really like them. Carrying a bag makes it less convenient."
Julia Yu immediately broke into a smile, stopped being polite, and quickly took off her small bag, handing it to Stephen Song.
Stephen Song took it right away and slung it over his shoulder. The two of them continued walking side by side.
Stephen Song walked shoulder to shoulder with Julia Yu.
As they walked, the path narrowed until only one person could pass at a time.
Stephen Song hesitated for a moment, about to let Julia Yu go first.
Coincidentally, Julia Yu had the same thought, and both of them stepped back at the same time.
But because Julia Yu’s step was so small, she ended up bumping right into Stephen Song’s arms.
This was the first time they’d ever been this close since they met.
Both of them seemed to freeze.
Stephen Song’s ears turned bright red, and he just stood there, stunned, unable to move.
Julia Yu reacted faster and instinctively took a step forward to dodge away from Stephen Song.
But just then, Stephen Song’s body moved faster than his mind—he reached out and grabbed Julia Yu’s fingers, stopping her from leaving.
Julia Yu didn’t expect Stephen Song to be so forward, and she immediately felt shy.
It was only after Stephen Song grabbed Julia Yu’s hand that he realized what he’d just done.
Even though he was still embarrassed, his fingers firmly held onto Julia Yu’s, refusing to let go. "The path’s tricky—I’ll hold your hand."
Julia Yu looked at the stone-paved path in front of them—what was so tricky about it?
Like he needed an excuse...
Whatever—since she’d said she’d think it over, she might as well not be so dramatic.
They were both over thirty, not teenagers who’d blush just from holding hands.
What Julia Yu didn’t know was that Stephen Song behind her really was blushing.
Stephen Song had dated before and met all kinds of women—he’d had his share of close moments.
But no one had ever made him this nervous just by holding hands.
No one had ever made him, at thirty-five, feel as jittery as a teenage boy.
Julia Yu didn’t let go of Stephen Song’s hand and simply walked forward.
Stephen Song let Julia Yu lead him by the hand, slowly following after her.
The branches overhead filtered the warm sunlight.
Dappled shadows fell on Julia Yu’s back, making the moment beautiful and deeply moving.
Stephen Song wondered to himself—maybe this is what love feels like?
Because she was the right person, even the most ordinary scenery became vibrant and alive.
Just then, Julia Yu glanced back at him and gave him a warm smile.
That smile froze in Stephen Song’s mind, lingering for a long, long time.
Stephen Song felt like that one look and smile was something he could remember for a lifetime.
The little path was short—it only took five minutes to walk through.
When they reached the end, Stephen Song felt a bit disappointed.
Why couldn’t the path be a little longer?
Then he could hold Julia Yu’s hand and keep walking, forever and ever.
Once they finished the path, there didn’t seem to be any reason to keep holding hands.
Julia Yu let go of his fingers, and Stephen Song reluctantly squeezed her hand once before letting go, pretending nothing had happened as they kept walking together.
This was a scenic area, and the road was well-paved, so they quickly reached the top of the mountain.
At the summit, there was a modest octagonal pavilion with a stone table and six stone stools—the perfect spot for lunch.
Stephen Song put the bag on the table and joined Julia Yu to admire the view.
Looking down from the top, they could see the whole county laid out below.
In the distance, a highway connected this little paradise to the bustling county town, and they could even spot their cabin, nestled on a flat spot halfway up the mountain.
Green trees surrounded the area, and little buildings dotted the hillside—it truly was beautiful.
A mountain breeze rustled through the leaves, making them dance with joy and instantly relaxing anyone nearby.
Julia Yu spun around and returned to her spot, unable to help but sigh, "Isn’t it beautiful?"
"It is," Stephen Song replied gently, looking at Julia Yu. "You’re even more beautiful than the view."
Julia Yu chuckled softly. "It’s rare to hear something like that from you, Stephen."
"If you want to hear it, I can say it to you every day." Now that Stephen Song understood his feelings, he had no more doubts and was determined to pursue Julia Yu.
"So you’ve really thought this through?" Julia Yu smiled. "Lisa Li already told you about some things I’ve done. I wasn’t born into a rich family—my parents divorced and each has their own family. My childhood was stable, but as an adult, every step was risky, like walking on thin ice. I even had to sell... my own egg just to eat."
"I know. Everything you mentioned—I know." Stephen Song looked at Julia Yu with resolve. "I don’t care. No, to be precise, I do care—I care that I didn’t meet you sooner. If I had, I wouldn’t have let you suffer so much. Even if those two kids are heirs to the Mo Family, so what? If one day the Mo Family won’t let you stay in China, I’ll take you to Australia. Over there, even the Mo Family can’t reach you. Besides, Max Mo relies on you so much—how could he bear to lose such an amazing assistant? You’re smart, calm, sharp, decisive—everything about you is wonderful, perfect. Even picky Max Mo thinks you’re a competent chief assistant. So what right do I have to criticize you?"
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"Honestly, I sometimes feel I’m not good enough for you. You’ve never even dated, but I have. You only sold an egg to survive, but I’ve had several girlfriends and done things for them that I’ve never done for you. So I feel guilty, like I’m not worthy of someone as amazing as you. But even if I’m not good enough, I want to become better for you. Julia Yu, give me a chance to prove my determination and my effort, okay?"
Julia Yu looked away and said softly, "You’re even better at talking than I am—and I’m a lawyer."
"It’s not that I’m good at talking—it’s just that I’m shamelessly persistent." Stephen Song laughed. "I never thought I’d be like this. Honestly, I used to be so arrogant. I had a good background, good family, good education, and I’m the heir. So naturally, I thought I should be picky and find the most perfect woman in the world to match me."
Julia Yu: "Mhm."
"Girls have chased me since I was a teenager, all the way to thirty-five. Their flattery made me think I could be as picky as I wanted about my partner. Even my ex-girlfriends faced my scrutiny. But after meeting you, I realized I’ve lost the right to be picky. Now I’m the one being judged, and I’m not angry about it—in fact, I’m happy. Because being judged means I have a chance. If no one judges you, you don’t even have a chance."
"I know there are probably a lot of men who like you. I won’t claim I’m the best—after all, President Yin of the Yin Group and President Mo of the Mo Group are mountains no man can climb. But I dare say I’m the one most suited for you. I’m thirty-five, not young anymore, so I’ve already smoothed out my rough edges and learned to look at myself honestly and humbly. I won’t let you suffer any grievances. If you want kids, we can have them; if not, that’s fine too. Don’t worry about in-law drama—my mom is easy to get along with, and if there’s ever a problem, I’ll handle it. As the family heir, my future is tied to our business, but I won’t force you to be a housewife or to help me at work. I’d even pave the way for your career, though you hardly need my help now."
"What I hope for in the years ahead is to come home and see a light left on for me, to share a bowl of porridge at dinner, to find your latest styles in my closet when it’s cold. I want the color of my handkerchief to match your evening gown." Stephen Song looked at Julia Yu seriously. "I mean it—I want to spend the next few decades cherishing this relationship. Julia, if you don’t dislike me, give dating me a try. If you find you can’t love me, I won’t cling to you. If you’re unhappy with me, please tell me, and I’ll do my best to communicate and change. If you want kids, I’ll be a good father and husband. If you don’t, I’ll treat Mo Yu and Mo Shuo as my own, even if they never accept me as their stepdad. I’m a grown man—I know what I’m saying, and I know the consequences. I’m ready."
After he finished, Stephen Song looked down at Julia Yu, waiting for her answer.
Julia Yu laughed softly. "You’ve said so much—now it’s my turn, right?"
Julia Yu glanced at the seats. "How about we sit down and talk while we eat?"
"Alright..." Stephen Song nodded helplessly.
He was so worked up, but she was still so calm.
Well, that’s just Julia Yu—so different from other women.
Julia Yu opened the bag and started setting out lunch, one item at a time. "A picnic should feel like a picnic—and a conversation should feel like a conversation, too."