A youthful ten-year promise

Chapter 22 Growing Pains

As Lin Youran's works were published in literary magazines, she gradually gained a certain degree of recognition both on and off campus. This not only gave her more opportunities in literary creation but also made her begin to think about how to transform this passion into a more practical career. At the same time, Shen Yichen's studies in the law department were also progressing smoothly. He not only maintained excellent grades but also actively participated in various legal practice activities, laying a solid foundation for becoming an outstanding lawyer in the future.

However, as they both continued to develop in their respective fields, they also began to feel the cost of growth—the allocation of time and energy became an issue they had to face.

Lin Youran's works have garnered increasing attention, leading her to dedicate more and more time to writing. She not only has to complete her schoolwork but also find time for literary creation, and even participate in literary events and interact with readers. This pace of life leaves her feeling both fulfilled and exhausted. She knows that to go further on the path of literature, she must put in even more effort.

Shen Yichen faced the same challenge. The law curriculum was already demanding, and his active participation in various practical activities further packed his schedule. He not only had to learn legal knowledge but also hone his practical skills so he could better serve society in the future. Although this life was busy, Shen Yichen felt very fulfilled because he knew it was all for the sake of realizing his dream.

As time went on, the two had fewer and fewer opportunities to meet. They started keeping in touch through text messages, phone calls, and even video calls, but even so, it couldn't completely bridge the distance between them. Lin Youran began to worry that her relationship with Shen Yichen would gradually drift apart because of this lifestyle.

"Yichen, it seems like we're seeing each other less and less lately." During a phone call, Lin Youran finally couldn't help but express her concern to Shen Yichen.

Upon hearing this, Shen Yichen felt a pang of sadness. He knew that there was indeed a distance between them, but he was unwilling to admit that it was because their relationship was growing distant. So, he tried to comfort Lin Youran: "Youran, don't worry. We're both working hard for our dreams; this is temporary. Once this period is over, we can see each other often, just like before."

Lin Youran felt somewhat comforted by Shen Yichen's words, but she still couldn't shake off the feeling of unease. She began to consider whether she should adjust her lifestyle to spend more time with Shen Yichen. However, when she thought about her literary creation, she was caught in a dilemma. She knew that literary creation was her dream and the foundation of her future career, and she couldn't give it up easily.

Just as Lin Youran was caught in a dilemma, an unexpected opportunity presented itself. A publishing house extended an invitation to her, hoping she would publish a collection of short stories. This was undoubtedly a huge temptation for Lin Youran. She knew that if the book were successfully published, it would have a profound impact on her future literary creations.

However, accepting the invitation also meant she would have to dedicate more time and energy to her creative work. Lin Youran began to hesitate, unsure if this would further widen the distance between her and Shen Yichen. She decided to consult with Shen Yichen and get his opinion.

"Yichen, a publishing house has invited me to publish a collection of short stories. What do you think?" Lin Youran asked Shen Yichen this question during a rare meeting.

Upon hearing this, Shen Yichen's eyes flashed with surprise. He knew this was a rare opportunity for Lin Youran, something she had always longed for. Therefore, he expressed his support without hesitation: "Youran, you should accept this invitation. This is your dream, and the foundation of your future career. I will always support you."

Lin Youran was filled with gratitude upon hearing Shen Yichen's words. She knew deeply what Shen Yichen's understanding and support meant to her. Therefore, she decided to accept the invitation and begin preparing for the publication.

In the days that followed, Lin Youran devoted almost all her time and energy to writing and preparing for publication. She not only had to finish her new short story but also communicate various details with the publisher. This pace of life made her feel both stressed and fulfilled. Meanwhile, Shen Yichen remained busy with his law studies and practical activities, and their lives seemed to have returned to parallel tracks once again.

However, just as Lin Youran's collection of short stories was about to be published, a sudden piece of news shattered her inner peace. Shen Yichen had fallen ill due to overwork during a legal practice activity. As he lay in his hospital bed, looking at Lin Youran's anxious eyes, a deep sense of guilt welled up in his heart.

"You Ran, I'm sorry. I..." Shen Yichen was interrupted by Lin Youran before he could finish speaking.

"Yichen, don't talk about these things. The most important thing for you now is to rest well and get your health back." Lin Youran held Shen Yichen's hand tightly, her eyes full of concern and worry.

At this moment, both of them deeply understood the price of growing up—they worked hard for their respective dreams, but inadvertently neglected the emotional connection between them. They began to realize that no matter how far they went in the future, they could not forget their original aspirations, nor could they forget the promises they made to each other.

In the days that followed, Lin Youran temporarily put aside her writing and publishing work to devote herself entirely to taking care of Shen Yichen. With Lin Youran's support, Shen Yichen gradually recovered her health. This experience made them cherish their relationship even more and strengthened their resolve to move forward together.

With Shen Yichen's recovery and the successful publication of Lin Youran's collection of short stories, their lives returned to normal. They began to cherish their time together even more, striving to find balance in their busy lives. They knew that although the price of growing up was heavy, as long as they had love and dreams in their hearts, they would surely overcome all difficulties and write their own chapter of youth together.