Life isn't always a tranquil garden. Just as Emma and Gu Liang were basking in the joy of their little family and the creative bliss of the new studio, The outside world sent waves crashing in— Sudden and unforgiving.
A global financial shock swept through the markets, Leaving devastation in its wake. Even the deeply rooted Ai Group and the fast-rising First Heart Capital weren't spared. Stock prices fluctuated. Projects stalled. Cash flow tightened.
Pressure descended like a storm cloud Over the heads of both leaders.
Emma, as the head of Ai Group, bore the brunt. For weeks, she left early and returned late. The lights in the conference room stayed on deep into the night. Her brows furrowed again, And her cedar scent—usually calm and steady— Occasionally leaked traces of fatigue and tension.
But no matter how late she came home, She always paused at the door, Took a deep breath, Pressed down every negative emotion, Let her scent return to peace, Then gently opened the door.
Inside, A warm light was always on.
Gu Liang never slept. Sometimes he worked on First Heart's own challenges from the living room sofa. Sometimes he simply waited.
On the coffee table, A cup of warm herbal tea always sat— Soothing, restorative.
"You're back?" He'd look up at the sound of the door, His voice gentle, Steadying.
"There's soup in the kitchen. I'll get you a bowl."
He never asked about the company. Never panicked. He simply offered quiet companionship and thoughtful care— A solid harbor, So Emma knew that no matter how fierce the storm outside, This place was always safe.
One night, After a major investment misstep, Emma returned home carrying the weight of heavy losses and boardroom pressure.
She didn't hide her exhaustion. She leaned against the entryway wall, Motionless.
Gu Liang put down his book, Walked to her, Said nothing. Just reached out And gently held her cold fingers.
That familiar warmth Snapped something inside her.
She rested her forehead on his shoulder, Voice hoarse and tight.
"Am I… a failure?"
Gu Liang wrapped his arms around her, His hand soothing her back.
"No one gets it right every time. Emma, you've done so well. And don't forget— You're not alone."
It wasn't empty comfort.
The next day, Gu Liang mobilized First Heart's most liquid assets, And offered Ai Group a series of strategic collaborations and short-term funding agreements— On extremely generous terms.
It wasn't just financial support. It was a bold statement— That First Heart and Ai Group were unbreakably allied.
Market confidence surged.
When Emma received the signed agreement in her office, She stared at Gu Liang's crisp signature, And her eyes welled up.
She knew what it meant— He had placed part of his empire Beneath her feet Without hesitation.
She didn't call to thank him. Some emotions are too deep for words.
That night, She canceled all engagements and came home on time.
The dining room glowed with candlelight. Gu Liang had prepared a simple meal. Ai Nian sat in his high chair, Wrestling with his bowl of mush.
When he saw Emma, He raised his messy face, Grinned wide, And called out:
"Ma…ma!"
That single word, That peaceful scene, Was enough to wash away days of gloom.
Emma kissed her son, Then walked to Gu Liang, Wrapped her arms around him from behind, Buried her face in the curve of his neck, And breathed in deeply.
The scent of white tea, Soft and familiar, Blended with the warmth of home— Her perfect remedy.
"All settled?" Gu Liang asked softly.
"Mm." Emma murmured, Holding him tighter.
"Thank you, Gu Liang."
Thank you for being here. Thank you for your trust. Thank you for never leaving.
Gu Liang patted her hand. No words needed.
This financial storm was a crucible— Testing not just their resilience, But the bond that had long transcended romance And become a partnership of survival.
Emma was no longer just being protected. They had become each other's lighthouse— Guiding, anchoring, enduring.
When the storm passed, On a sunny weekend, Emma cleared her schedule.
She took Ai Nian—now toddling— And went with Gu Liang to the perfumery studio.
Inside, Gu Liang had been working on a new scent.
He asked Emma to close her eyes, Then waved a scent strip beneath her nose.
A fragrance bloomed.
Top notes of crisp cedar— Calm and powerful, like snow after a storm. Heart notes of warm white tea— Gentle, soothing. Base notes of faint milk— Soft, hopeful, like new life.
It held their shared trials, Their support, The warmth their child brought.
Complex, But harmonious. Weathered, But reborn.
Emma opened her eyes, Stunned.
Gu Liang smiled, A hint of nervousness in his gaze.
"Do you like it? I named it… 'Lighthouse.'"
Lighthouse.
A beacon in darkness. Unshaken in storms.
Emma's heart was pierced— By the name, By the meaning.
She set down their son, Stepped forward, And hugged Gu Liang tightly.
"I love it," She whispered, voice trembling. "It's the most beautiful scent I've ever known."
Because it came from love, From trust, From every hard and joyful moment they'd shared.
Ai Nian clung to his father's leg, Looking up at his parents, Laughing.
Outside, The sun was shining. The storm had passed.
Emma knew— Her love for Gu Liang had fused with her very being.
It wasn't just romance. It was standing side by side through chaos. It was soul-deep resonance.
This love, Refined through fire, Shone brighter than ever— Like a lighthouse that never dims, Lighting the way forward For all three of them.