Love is a mistake that cannot be escaped

"Miss Lin's design is indeed very innovative; given time, she will surely achieve great things!"

Then came the sound of my mentor's praise. I took a deep breath and pushed open the door.

"Mentor, I'm back."

When my supervisor saw me, he was taken aback at first, then smiled with relief: "Xiao Yan, you're finally back! How's your recovery going?"

"Thank you for your concern, mentor. I am completely recovered."

I answered politely, but my gaze involuntarily fell on Lin Jiaojiao sitting to the side.

Today she was wearing a pink dress and had exquisite makeup, looking pitiful and helpless, completely different from the arrogant and domineering person she was in front of me before.

"Xiao Yan, let me introduce you. This is Lin Jiaojiao, your junior, and a rising star in design at the school."

The instructor introduced it enthusiastically.

Lin Jiaojiao stood up, extended her hand to me, and said with a fake smile, "Hello, senior sister, I've heard so much about you."

I glanced at her indifferently, did not extend my hand, and simply said in a calm tone, "Hello."

Lin Jiaojiao's hand awkwardly froze in mid-air, her expression changing slightly, but she quickly returned to normal.

In the days that followed, I devoted myself entirely to my studies.

I channeled all my sadness and pain into motivation for studying, working tirelessly day and night.

My supervisor greatly appreciated my diligence and hard work, often encouraged me, and gave me a lot of guidance and help.

Lu Mingxuan also often came to visit me at school, and each time he brought some study materials and daily necessities.

He knew I didn't want to be disturbed, so he would just quietly leave my things at my dorm room door and then send me a text message.

"Xiao Yan, I've compiled all this information. I hope it will be helpful to you."

"The weather is getting colder, please keep warm."

"Don't put too much pressure on yourself, and do what you can."

Looking at these caring text messages, a warm feeling welled up in my heart.

Lu Mingxuan is like a guardian angel, silently protecting me and giving me strength and support.

Time flies, and before I knew it, it was the end of the semester. This time, I didn't run away; instead, I bravely stood on the podium for my thesis defense.

I presented my learning achievements and research insights without reservation. My views were novel and unique, and my arguments were rigorous and powerful, which won unanimous praise from the judges present.

"Fu Yan, your paper is very insightful and profound. It's clear that you've put in a lot of effort."

An elderly professor remarked with admiration.

"Thank you, Professor. I was just expressing some of my thoughts in the hope of providing some inspiration," I replied humbly.

"Your idea is very innovative and practical. I believe your research results will definitely play a positive role in promoting the development of this field."

Another professor also gave it high praise.

I received the highest score in that defense, which made me stand out in the academic world.

My paper was recommended for publication in a renowned international journal, and my name began to circulate in academic circles.

At school, I also became a prominent and popular figure.

The way my classmates looked at me was no longer with pity and sympathy, but with respect and admiration.

Walking on campus, I often hear people whispering about my name.

"Look, that's Fu Yan, the academic superstar who published a paper in an international journal!"

"I heard she completed the entire research project by herself, that's amazing!"

"She's not only academically gifted, but also incredibly beautiful—she's practically a goddess!"

I didn't take these comments to heart.

I know that all of this is the result of my hard work and an affirmation of my abilities.

But I am not complacent because of this. I know that this is just the beginning and I still have a long way to go.

I need to become better and stronger enough to face any challenge in order to truly be worthy of him.

I smiled faintly, treating these discussions as motivation to move forward.

I know that all of this is the result of my hard work and an affirmation of my abilities, but I am not arrogant or complacent because of it.

I know very well that this is just the beginning, and I still have a long way to go.

"Fu Yan, you've been amazing lately! You've even published your paper in an international journal!"

In the dorm, my roommate Xiaoli was scrolling through her phone when she spoke to me, her tone full of envy and admiration.

"Yeah, Fu Yan, you're a celebrity at school now! You get so many stares when you walk down the street!"

Another roommate, Xiaofang, joined in the teasing.

I smiled and shook my head: "It's not as exaggerated as you all say. I just did what I was supposed to do."

"You're so modest! If it were us, we would have been bragging about it everywhere!" Xiaoli teased with a smile.

I put down the book in my hand, walked to the window, and looked at the distant sky, my thoughts racing.

During this period, I have indeed achieved some results and gained recognition from many people, but this does not mean that I have succeeded.

I have a long way to go. I need to become better and stronger so that I can face any challenge and truly be worthy of him.

Thinking of Gu Yichen, my heart is filled with mixed emotions, a mixture of sweet, sour, bitter, spicy, and salty flavors.

It's been a long time since I've heard from him. I wonder how he is doing now, and if he's recovering well.

"Fu Yan, what are you thinking about?" Xiao Fang asked when she saw that I was silent.

"It's nothing, I was just thinking about some things." I snapped out of my thoughts and smiled faintly.

"Are you thinking about your mysterious boyfriend?" Xiaoli asked, leaning closer with a gossipy look on her face.

I rolled my eyes at her: "Don't talk nonsense, I don't have a boyfriend."

"You still say no! Last time you were sick, who took you to the hospital? Who took care of you for a week straight in the hospital? Don't think we don't know!" Xiaoli had an expression that said, "I know everything."

I shook my head helplessly, too lazy to explain to her.

"Fu Yan, just tell us, who is your boyfriend? Is he really handsome? Is his family very rich?" Xiao Li's curiosity was completely piqued.

I smiled and shook my head, saying nothing. There are some things I don't want to say, and can't say.

"Beep beep—" My phone vibrated. It was a WeChat message from Lu Mingxuan: "Fu Yan, let's have dinner together tonight. See you at our usual spot."

I replied with an "okay" and got up to pack my things to go to the appointment.

Lu Mingxuan is my childhood friend. He has always silently supported my studies and witnessed my efforts and transformation during this period.

"Oh, another date with your 'male confidant'?" Xiaoli teased, winking at her.

I couldn't be bothered with her, so I picked up my bag and walked out.

In the restaurant, Lu Mingxuan had already ordered my favorite dishes. When he saw me arrive, a sunny smile immediately appeared on his face.

"How are your studies going lately?" he asked as he served me soup.

"Yes, that's great. The professor really approves of my research direction," I said with a smile, taking a sip of soup.

"That's good." Lu Mingxuan smiled. "I knew you could do it."

We ate and chatted in a relaxed and pleasant atmosphere. Suddenly, Lu Mingxuan seemed to remember something, put down his chopsticks, and hesitated before speaking, "Fu Yan, I heard..."

He hesitated, as if he had something difficult to say.

"What's wrong?" I put down my chopsticks and looked at him with a puzzled expression.

"I heard... Gu Yichen... has woken up."

Lu Mingxuan's voice was very soft, as if he was afraid of disturbing something.

I froze, and the spoon in my hand slipped onto the table with a crisp sound that seemed particularly jarring in the quiet restaurant.

"What...what did you say?" My voice trembled slightly, and I couldn't believe my ears.

Lu Mingxuan took a deep breath, as if he had finally made up his mind: "I have a friend who works at a hospital. He told me that Gu Yichen woke up some time ago, but..."

Before he could finish speaking, he was interrupted by a familiar voice.

"but what?"