The next morning, I woke up to an empty house.
On the dining table was a note:
> "Zhou Ye, we're going shopping with Xiang.
Come to this restaurant at 6 p.m. for dinner. Don't cook."
I was confused but got ready anyway.
Time dragged on—so I cleaned, watched TV, and even dozed off.
When I woke up, it was 5:40 p.m.—I was late!
I quickly got dressed and reached the restaurant.
But it was too fancy.
Inside, I found my parents seated with Xiang's parents.
I was stunned.
I signaled to my mom:
> What's going on?
She told me to sit.
Xiang's mother smiled sweetly.
> "He wanted us to meet your parents to show his sincerity."
> "Okay, Mother," I said politely.
"But where's Xiang?"
> "He'll come. For now, eat," she replied.
I was totally lost.
---
Meanwhile, in a beautifully decorated party hall,
my friends, my brother, and Gu were busy with preparations.
Xiang was pacing nervously.
> "What are you stressing about now, old geezer?" Gu teased.
> "I don't know how to impress her," Xiang muttered.
Gu knocked on his head.
> "Looking for your brain."
Xiang rolled his eyes and playfully kicked him.
> "Just go decorate."
Suddenly, Xiang got an idea.
---
Back at the restaurant, the manager approached our table.
> "There's a special program hosted by the hotel tonight. Would you like to attend?"
We all agreed.
But as we entered the hall, the lights went out.
The door closed behind me.
I was alone.
> "Mom?" I called.
No answer.
A spotlight guided me to the center of the room.
Suddenly, a video started playing.
---
It was Xiang.
> "Zhou Ye, I'm lucky to have you.
At first, I thought I fell for you…
but when I learned you fell for me first, my heart ached.
I wondered if I deserved it—
if you could ever forgive me for not noticing sooner."
Tears welled up in my eyes.
The screen went dark.
Then, a second spotlight revealed Xiang,
wearing the same outfit from three years ago—
the one he wore the first time I saw him.
My heart skipped a beat.
My cheeks turned red.
---
He smiled and said:
> "Even though you fell for me first,
I fell harder for you.
I'll give you everything that makes you happy."
A soft cloud of mist swirled around him as he walked toward me.
> "Ye," he said,
"I'll be your crazy man—
and your one and only golden retriever."
---
The lights came on.
My friends, my family, my brother—even Gu—
were all standing behind us.
Xiang knelt and held out a diamond ring.
> "Baby, will you marry me?"
Tears spilled down my cheeks.
> "Yes."
He slipped the ring onto my finger.
Rose petals rained from above.
Everyone shouted:
> "Kiss! Kiss!"
I blushed and hesitated.
But Xiang, now confident and radiant,
pulled me close and kissed me.
And all I could think in that magical moment was:
> Once, I feared I'd never see my man again.
But heaven helped me—
and gave him back… as my husband.
"To anyone who's ever loved someone in silence —
You were never weak for feeling deeply.
One-sided love is still love.
And sometimes, even if they never see it…
The universe does.
And one day, it just might love you back in return."