Chapter 11: No Matter How Busy Work Gets, He Can’t Stop Protecting Her

Gu Nian’s new company project was extremely intense.

After two nights of staying up late, dark circles had formed under her eyes.

The office lights stayed on until very late, and the glow of her computer screen made her face look even paler.

“Gu Nian, are you okay?” Her phone buzzed—it was a message from Lu Chen.

[Lu Chen]: Finished work yet?

Gu Nian stared at the screen, typing and deleting her reply several times.

[Gu Nian]: Mm, almost done.

A few minutes later, the doorbell rang.

She went to open the door instinctively—

Lu Chen was standing there, carrying a huge bag of late-night snacks.

“Y-you… what are you doing here?”

“Did I ever say?” He said casually,
“No matter how busy I am, I’ll come see you.”

Gu Nian froze for a moment.

He set down the snacks, took off his jacket, and gently wrapped her in his arms.

“You must be tired.”

“Mm…” She leaned into him, her voice so soft it was almost carried away by the night wind.

Lu Chen lowered his head and pressed a kiss to her forehead.

“Eat something. Don’t starve yourself.”

Gu Nian looked at him, her heart warming like fire.

The next morning, still groggy, she found breakfast on the table: hot milk, fried eggs, toast, and her favorite strawberries.

“When did you get up to make this?” she asked, surprised.

“At dawn.”
He smiled faintly. “I thought you might not have time for breakfast.”

Gu Nian’s heart melted.

“Are you spoiling me too much?”

“Not spoiling,” he said. “It’s what I should do.”

She looked up at him, eyes full of gratitude.

Even when work was busy, they had little arguments.

Once, Gu Nian stayed late finishing a client proposal.

Lu Chen called: “When are you coming home?”

“Soon,” she replied, a little impatient.

“Soon? You haven’t eaten properly for three days in a row. Can’t I worry?”

Gu Nian froze.

“You’re always like this,” she whispered. “Nagging me, worrying about me.”

“What else am I supposed to do?” he said, low but firm.
“If I don’t worry, I can’t feel at ease.”

Gu Nian’s heart softened. She could only stay quiet.

One night, exhausted, she leaned on the sofa.

Lu Chen carried her to bed and tucked her in.

“Sleep,” he said. “Tomorrow, you have more painting to do.”

Gu Nian closed her eyes, a smile on her lips.

“I’m so lucky,” she thought.
“The person who grew up with me as a child is now walking with me through all the days of adulthood.”

Lu Chen held her hand, gently squeezing it.

“Gu Nian,” he said,
“No matter how late you paint, I’ll always be by your side.”

She buried her head in his chest, smiling, feeling the world completely safe.