Nan Zhiyun, having been pampered since childhood, remained pure and childlike. Past hurts had caused her to withdraw, presenting herself as mature. However, with newfound security and the freedom to indulge, she reverted to her childlike self, happy, carefree, and protected, no longer needing to grow up, for she knew someone would shield her from the storms.
Previously, she acted like a daughter towards Nan Su and the Empress Dowager. Now, this childlike demeanor surfaced more with Yu Jingchen, who had become her protector. In contrast, she had to be more reserved with her father and the Empress Dowager, as she was now their shield. Thus, Nan Zhiyun no longer sought constant care from the Empress Dowager and Nan Su as she once did, but instead found solace in Yu Jingchen's childlike affection.
One night, Yu Jingchen dreamt again.
He found himself in a void, a vast expanse of white with nothing around. Suddenly, he saw a figure in the distance: Nan Zhiyun, clad in a white dress, smiling sweetly. He walked towards her. She stood alone, ethereal in the misty world, like a fairy on the verge of being carried away by the wind.
As this thought arose, Yu Jingchen was overcome with panic, fearing Nan Zhiyun would truly leave, that he would lose his grip on her. He began to run towards her, but the distance seemed to remain constant, she always far away, visible but unreachable.
He saw Nan Zhiyun's eyes sparkle as he ran towards her, her hand extended. But then, he stumbled, watching Nan Zhiyun recede further. He tried to get up but couldn't. He watched as her gaze grew dim, her eyes filled with loneliness and self-mockery. Yu Jingchen saw her cry, wanting to comfort her, but he was paralyzed, unable to rise or even speak.
Growing anxious, Yu Jingchen finally managed to stand, only to find Nan Zhiyun retreating further, her eyes reflecting disappointment, or perhaps despair. He tried to reach her, but no matter how hard he ran, she offered no response, continuing to move away. Just as he thought he was about to grasp her, she vanished completely before he could touch her.
"Why is it that I run towards you with all my might, yet you never give your all to walk towards me..."
These words echoed in Yu Jingchen's ears, and he awoke from his dream.