Lan Jingyi

During his school years, Lan Jingyi was the embodiment of adolescent insecurity: thin, with a downcast gaze and a habit of slouching, he considered himself a true "ugly person." Anger served as his defense against a world he felt was only waiting to reject him. He rarely smiled; more often than not, his face was contorted into a grimace of irritation.

Against this gray reality, Ouyang Zizhen shone like a bright sun—his complete opposite. With his easy smile and ability to find a kind word for everyone, he knew how to keep any conversation going. Ouyang was always kind to Jingyi, despite his sullenness. This kindness gradually pierced Jingyi's shell, and he fell in love with Ouyang, experiencing both happiness and despair.

Graduation day marked the point of no return. When Ouyang approached Jingyi and asked for his number, fear and insecurities overwhelmed him. He abruptly refused, seeing himself next to the beaming man. Ouyang blinked in confusion, and his smile faded. Jingyi immediately regretted it, realizing his mistake.

This mistake became his driving force. For three years, Jingyi worked on himself, not for fame, but for one person. He wanted to become the best version of himself, worthy of the smile and kindness Ouyang once bestowed upon him. This goal became the meaning of every day.