A youthful ten-year promise

Chapter 481 Time Reversal, Meeting Your Childhood Self

On a sunny spring afternoon, Shen Yichen and Lin Youran were strolling along an ancient street, enjoying a rare moment of leisure. Time seemed to stand still on this old street; every stone slab and every wooden door told a story of the past.

Suddenly, a strange light shone from an antique shop on the street corner, attracting their attention. The light was warm and mysterious, as if it could penetrate the dust of time and reach straight to the heart.

"Yichen, look what that is?" Lin Youran pointed at the antique shop, her eyes sparkling with curiosity.

Shen Yichen took her hand, and the two walked into the shop together. The shop was filled with all kinds of antiques, each exuding a unique aura. Among these antiques, an old clock was particularly eye-catching. Its hands kept turning, but seemed out of sync with the flow of time in the outside world.

"This clock... seems a bit off," Shen Yichen muttered to himself.

Just then, an elderly man with white hair emerged from the inner room. His eyes were wise, as if he could see into people's hearts. "Young people, are you interested in this clock?"

Shen Yichen and Lin Youran nodded. The old man smiled slightly and continued, "This is a clock with magical power. It can take people back to the past and allow them to meet those they missed again."

Upon hearing this, a hint of surprise flashed in Lin Youran's eyes: "Really? Then could we..."

The old man seemed to see through her thoughts and nodded gently: "But remember, turning back time is not easy, and the time that can be turned back each time is limited. You must cherish this opportunity."

Guided by the old man, Shen Yichen and Lin Youran gripped the hands of the clock tightly, silently expressing their longing and yearning for each other. Suddenly, a strong wave of dizziness washed over them, and their figures gradually blurred in the light…

When they opened their eyes again, they found themselves in a completely unfamiliar environment. It was a primary school campus full of childlike innocence and laughter, where children chased and played on the playground, their laughter echoing through the sky.

"This is...our childhood?" Lin Youran looked around in surprise, as if she were in a dream.

Shen Yichen also wore an incredulous expression. He looked around and finally spotted that familiar figure in a corner—a little boy squatting on the ground, intently observing an ant carrying its food. That was him in his childhood, the naive and innocent Shen Yichen.

"You Ran, look!" Shen Yichen pointed at the little boy, his eyes sparkling with excitement.

Lin Youran followed his finger and looked in the direction he was pointing, a surge of inexplicable emotion welling up inside her. She seemed to see herself and Shen Yichen going through the entire process from acquaintance to understanding to love, and in this love that transcended time, they remained inseparable.

Just then, a little girl skipped over to the little boy. She had a ponytail and a bright smile; it was Lin Youran as a child. She looked curiously at the ants in the little boy's hand, and the two began to talk. Gradually, innocent smiles appeared on their faces.

Shen Yichen and Lin Youran stood quietly to the side, looking at their childhood selves, their hearts filled with emotion. They knew that although this time was short, it was enough to make them cherish each other more and move forward with greater determination.

"You Ran, look how cute we were when we were little," Shen Yichen said softly, his voice full of tenderness.

Lin Youran smiled slightly, her eyes sparkling with happiness: "Yes, back then we were carefree, with only each other by our side."

They continued to observe their childhood selves, watching them chase and play in the schoolyard, listening attentively in class, and spending every happy moment together. These scenes unfolded slowly in their hearts like beautiful paintings.

However, time always flies. As the last rays of the setting sun bathed the campus, Shen Yichen and Lin Youran knew it was time for them to go back. They gripped the clock hands tightly, silently expressing their gratitude and reluctance to part with the time they had spent together.

Suddenly, a strong wave of dizziness washed over them again, and their figures gradually blurred in the light...

When they opened their eyes again, they found themselves back in the antique shop. The old man was still standing there, smiling at them.

"You're back," the old man said softly.

Shen Yichen and Lin Youran exchanged a smile. They knew that although this love that transcended time was short-lived, it had strengthened their feelings for each other even more. They embraced tightly, as if to forever etch this love in their hearts.

"Thank you, sir," Shen Yichen said gratefully.

The old man smiled slightly and waved his hand: "No need to be so polite, young man. Remember, no matter how time changes, your love will remain forever."

After speaking, the old man turned and went into the inner room, leaving Shen Yichen and Lin Youran smiling at each other in the shop. They knew that this youthful ten-year promise would continue, and their love that transcended time would forever shine brightly.