Born in the 1980s, she was remarried and became a stepmother; a cold, rough man doted on her, pinchi

Chapter 195 A Rival Appears
Shi Ning pouted and said unconvinced, "I didn't say anything wrong. I was trying to help you. Su Nian likes you too. You two are dragging your feet, and I'm getting impatient."

Shi An blushed slightly, and her tone softened a bit: "I know you want to help, but matters of the heart can't be rushed. If you suddenly go to her like this, it will put pressure on her."

Shi Ning looked at Shi An with a hint of grievance: "Brother, I just want you two to get together sooner."

Shi An patted Shi Ning's head helplessly and said, "I know how you feel, but relationships need to develop naturally. Please stop interfering and let Su Nian and I develop our relationship slowly, okay?"

Shi Ning thought for a moment and nodded: "Okay, brother, I'll listen to you. But don't keep me waiting too long, be proactive."

Shi An smiled and said, "I know, don't worry about it."

The relationship between Shi An and Su Nian is subtly warming up. Although their feelings for each other have not been fully revealed, that hazy affection is growing and entwining in their hearts like vines.

However, at this moment, the tranquility was shattered by the appearance of someone: Shi An encountered his rival in love—Xu Ran.

Xu Ran is a popular figure in the neighboring department. He is not only handsome and academically excellent, but also good at various sports and has a high level of popularity at school.

He noticed Su Nian at some point, fell in love with her at first sight, and began to pursue her ardently.

That day, Shi An went to the library to study with Su Nian, as usual.

From afar, he saw a strange boy sitting next to Su Nian's seat, talking to Su Nian with a smile on his face.

Shi An paused, a strange unease rising in his heart. He quickened his pace and walked over, only to realize upon closer inspection that the boy was Xu Ran.

"Su Nian, I'm here." Shi An tried to keep her tone calm.

When Su Nian saw Shi An, a look of joy appeared on her face. She quickly introduced, "Shi An, this is Xu Ran. We met during a club activity. Xu Ran, this is Shi An, my good friend."

Xu Ran glanced at Shi An, a slight smile playing on her lips, and said confidently, "Hello, Shi An, I often hear Su Nian mention you."

Shi An politely replied, "Hello."

He felt a little uneasy. He keenly noticed that Xu Ran's burning gaze when he looked at Su Nian was exactly the same as his own.

From then on, Xu Ran frequently appeared by Su Nian's side.

Sometimes, in the cafeteria, he would get Su Nian's favorite dishes in advance.

Sometimes, on the campus roads, he would ride his cool bicycle and invite Su Nian for a ride.

Even at some of the events Su Nian participated in, Xu Ran could always be seen, busy taking care of Su Nian in every possible way.

Shi An saw this and was anxious. His already somewhat reserved personality became even more passive under Xu Ran's ardent advances.

But he didn't want to give up on Su Nian so easily, so he began to quietly change himself.

Shi An began to work harder to improve herself, not only achieving better academic results, but also signing up for the school's writing competition and winning an award with her talent.

He also began to pay attention to his appearance and demeanor, learning to coordinate his clothes to make himself look more confident and radiant.

Once, the school organized a talent show, and Su Nian, as the class representative, was to perform on stage.

Xu Ran had prepared flowers and gifts for Su Nian well in advance and cheered her on loudly from the audience. Shi An, on the other hand, quietly helped Su Nian tidy up her costumes and props backstage and gave her encouraging looks.

After the performance, Xu Ran was the first to rush up and hand the flowers to Su Nian, saying with a big smile, "Su Nian, you were amazing, this bouquet is for you."

Su Nian accepted the flowers somewhat shyly and said, "Thank you, Xu Ran."

At this moment, Shi An also came over, holding a small gift he had made himself. He handed it to Su Nian and said softly, "Su Nian, your performance today was wonderful. This is a small gift I prepared. I hope you like it."

Su Nian looked at the gift in Shi An's hand, a hint of emotion flashing in her eyes. She took the gift and said, "Shi An, thank you, I like it very much."

Xu Ran felt a little displeased watching the interaction between Shi An and Su Nian, but he still smiled and said, "Su Nian, let's go celebrate together tonight. I know a really good restaurant."

Su Nian hesitated for a moment, then looked at Shi An and said, "Shi An, you should come too."

Shi An shook her head and said, "No, you guys go ahead, I have something to do."

Actually, he didn't want to face the scene of Xu Ran and Su Nian being alone together, and he felt a little bitter.

Watching Xu Ran and Su Nian leave, Shi An secretly vowed to work harder so that Su Nian could see how good he was.

As the days went by, Xu Ran's pursuit grew more and more fervent, while Shi An also continued to work hard.

During an outdoor team-building activity organized by the school, Shi An finally had a chance to showcase himself.

There was a high-altitude challenge during the event, which deterred many students. Su Nian was also a little scared and hesitated on the side.

Xu Ran encouraged her from the side: "Su Nian, don't be afraid, I will protect you."

But Su Nian was still a little nervous. At this moment, Shi An walked over, looked at Su Nian, and said seriously, "Su Nian, I'm with you. Believe me, we can definitely do it."

Looking into Shi An's determined eyes, Su Nian felt a surge of warmth in her heart and nodded.

With Shi An's company and encouragement, Su Nian successfully completed the high-altitude challenge.

As they descended from the sky, Su Nian excitedly hugged Shi An and said, "Shi An, thank you. I definitely couldn't have done it without you."

Shi An's face flushed red, but he was incredibly happy inside.

Seeing this, Xu Ran's face showed a hint of disappointment, but he still did not give up.

As time goes by, Su Nian's feelings for Shi An and Xu Ran are also quietly changing.

She discovered that although Xu Ran was passionate, Shi An always provided her with the warmest and most considerate companionship when she needed it most.

Finally, at a school graduation party, Shi An mustered up his courage and decided to confess his feelings to Su Nian.

He meticulously prepared a heartfelt confession, and under everyone's gaze, he walked up to Su Nian and said, "Su Nian, I've actually liked you for a long time. Lately, seeing Xu Ran pursuing you, I've been terrified of losing you. But I've also realized I can't keep waiting silently like this. I want to tell you that I'm willing to dedicate my life to protecting you. Will you be my girlfriend?"

Looking into Shi An's sincere eyes, which were glistening with tears of emotion, Su Nian nodded and said, "Shi An, I like you too. I'm willing."

Seeing this, Xu Ran felt a little disappointed, but he still stepped forward and said with a smile, "Shi An, Su Nian, I wish you happiness."