In my hometown, when a man wants to marry the woman he loves, he must personally craft a rowing boat to serve as the wedding boat. On the seventh anniversary of our relationship, my boyfriend Julian finally built a beautiful boat. Just as I was about to step aboard, I overheard his friend asking him in a hushed voice: "Are you really giving the boat to Ivy? Aren't you afraid Serena will make a scene?" "Seriously, Serena has quite the temper. Be careful you don't push her too far." Julian just laughed, sounding completely certain of himself: "She won't. Serena's the easiest to handle. She loves me to death." "Besides, in her hometown, if a woman's still unmarried at 28, she's basically an old maid. Besides marrying me, who else would want her?" "Anyway, I'll give Serena the marriage certificate and Ivy the wedding boat. It's perfectly fair." An old maid. So that's all I was to him. My throat tightened, but I didn't cry. I just took out my phone and sent a message. "Mom, I accept the arranged marriage you set up for me."
The new boat, wrapped in roses, began its procession, and people started cheering and pushing. "Serena, get on the boat!" "Serena, after seven years, you're finally getting married!" My best friend Summer sounded genuinely excited and happy for me. Under everyone's gaze, Julian stepped off the boat and walked in my direction. He only paused beside me for a moment before walking past. He finally stopped in front of Ivy, his tone relaxed and indulgent. "Your birthday present. Do you like it?" An eerie silence fell over the crowd. Ivy covered her mouth, her eyes full of delight. They walked hand in hand toward the boat. This time when he passed me, Julian stopped, his tone casual. "Serena, I'm giving this boat to Ivy first. The next one's already being built, so don't worry." Some people watched the drama unfold, others watched me. As if waiting for me to throw a fit. But I just looked at him calmly. "No need, Julian." He froze slightly, as if he hadn't expected this reaction. Sensing the awkward atmosphere, Julian's friends started speaking up for him. "Serena, don't overthink it. Julian's just fulfilling her birthday wish!" "Right, you'll definitely be Julian's bride." I listened to their clumsy excuses, feeling like laughing. My best friend Summer was beside me, grinding her teeth. "How can Julian do this!" "He knows full well that a man can only build one rowing boat in his lifetime!" A sourness welled up in my chest. Yes, in this waterside town, even three-year-old children know that a man can only marry with the first boat he builds to ensure a lifetime of love. Her voice beside me was choked with emotion. "Serena, I feel so wronged for you..." "An assistant trying to climb the social ladder—is he blind!" Actually, she wasn't just a simple assistant. She was also the daughter of an old family friend of the Prescotts, entrusted to their care. So he gave Ivy unlimited favoritism. He'd bring her to various occasions, and any holiday gifts he gave me would also include one for her. Even the wedding boat I'd been looking forward to for seven years could be given to her because of a birthday wish. "It doesn't matter anymore, Summer." I patted her hand. Soon, the two on the boat finished the procession ceremony and came ashore. Ivy still had a trace of a smile on her lips as she bounced over, her tone as cute as ever. "Serena, Julian's just fulfilling one of my birthday wishes. Don't overthink it." Julian—such an intimate way to address him. I was about to speak when I was interrupted. Julian stepped forward and pressed his hand on my shoulder. "Serena, it's just a boat." "There are so many people here. Don't make a scene." His tone was still gentle, but his eyes carried a warning. "I won't." I stepped back and smiled, nodding at Ivy. "Happy birthday." The moment I finished speaking, an eerie silence fell around us. Julian looked at his empty hand and froze for a moment. That made sense—in the past, I would have made a scene by now. Summer couldn't stand it anymore and questioned him loudly. "Julian, you gave the boat to her. What are you planning to use to propose to Serena?" "She's already waited seven years for you. Give us a straight answer!" Everyone's eyes fell on him. I also looked at him quietly, a faint hope rising in my heart. Julian, this is the last chance I'm giving you. One second, two seconds. My fingers dug hard into my palm, and just as I was about to smooth things over myself— Julian chuckled lightly and spoke casually. "Next time for sure." Light, dismissive, and perfunctory. The last trace of love in my heart popped like a balloon and finally fell silent.
Summer's eyes turned red with anger beside me, but I held her back. After the procession ended, they were supposed to hold a banquet on the boat and drink. Some passersby watched the excitement. "Another couple's getting married! That wedding boat is so grand!" Someone shouted: "Congratulations!" Ivy stood at the bow, tugging on Julian's arm. "Julian, I have another birthday wish." Her voice was loud, drawing everyone's attention. "I want... you to be my boyfriend for seven days!" The atmosphere instantly exploded. "Say yes! Say yes!" Julian laughed and ruffled her hair without a moment's hesitation. "Deal, but just seven days." From start to finish, his gaze never once turned to me. Ivy glanced at me without leaving a trace, her smile growing wider. Friends in the know kept glancing over. Some sympathetic, some watching the drama, some pitying. It seemed like I, the ex-girlfriend, shouldn't continue staying here. Just as I lifted my foot, Julian called out to me. "Serena, you're leaving?" "Yeah, it's awkward for an ex-girlfriend to stay here." He frowned. "Don't talk nonsense. I'm just fulfilling a young girl's wish." "You take a cab first. I still need to take Ivy home." "I'll bring you fried chicken tonight, okay?" After speaking, he took the keys from my bag and rejoined the celebration. I stared at his back, my eyes finally starting to sting. After I got home, I received a video from Ivy. In the video, Ivy's face was flushed red. People pushed her into Julian's arms. Someone joked. "I say, why not just hold the wedding with Ivy too!" "How can Serena compare to our Miss Ivy!" Ivy laughed and cursed: "You're drunk." Julian just watched with a smile on his lips but didn't deny it. Then came a message. "Serena, why did you leave early? I'm sending you the video so we can celebrate together!" Strangely, seeing all this no longer stirred any waves in my heart. I just stared at the rowing boat in the video, lost in thought. Julian used to constantly tell me that this was a major life event for girls from the waterside town, and nothing could be compromised. The deck had to be made of rosewood, the railings on both sides had to be wrapped with my favorite magnolia flowers, the windows on the boat had to be designed by me personally... I still felt some regret, after all, I'd been looking forward to it for a long time. But not for the person—for the boat. When Julian came back, it was already late, and he entered empty-handed. When our eyes met, he paused, then walked over and hugged me like usual. A strong scent of perfume hit me. The last time I wore perfume was five years ago. Back then, he frowned and said the smell of perfume made him nauseous. Only today did I learn that his nausea was selective. He looked at me, his tone still gentle. "The party went a bit late. Still awake? Waiting for me?" I didn't respond, only asking: "Where's my carrot cake?" Without looking at me, he picked up a nearby glass and took a sip of water. "When I was taking Ivy home, she said she wanted to try it, so I gave it to her. Didn't you say you wanted to lose weight for the marriage certificate photo? We can eat it another time, okay?" This was the third time he'd said this. I'd been saying I wanted to eat it since half a month ago. He said he'd buy it, bought it three times. The first time, halfway there, Ivy called him to accompany her to view houses. The second time, Ivy was being ostracized by her colleagues, so Julian went to eat sushi with her. And then today. I sighed and suppressed the sourness in my heart. "Julian." "Let's break up."
The glass in his hand trembled, then he scoffed. "Changed your tactics? You think I won't call you out on it? You're really not giving up, are you?" I froze, not understanding what he meant for a moment. He laughed coldly. "Today you had Summer pressure me to propose, didn't you?" "What, the forced proposal didn't work, so now you're playing hard to get?" Only then did I understand. He thought I had Summer say that to pressure him into proposing. I found it absurd but didn't bother explaining. I nodded. "Yes, the forced proposal failed, so I want to marry someone else." After I finished, the mockery on his face deepened. "Serena, could you really bear to break up with me? Enough already, don't blow this out of proportion. You're already 28 and we've been together for seven years. Besides me, who else could you marry? Go to bed early. Tomorrow we still need to go to my house for Grandma's birthday." He turned and went back to the bedroom. I watched his back, feeling only deep exhaustion. The next day, I still went to attend Grandma Prescott's birthday party. After all, Grandma Prescott had given me a jade ring, and I had to return it. When I arrived at the Prescott house, Julian's mother stood at the door. Ivy was holding her arm with a bright smile, looking every bit the future daughter-in-law. Ivy saw us first and immediately smiled, walking toward me proactively. "Serena, Julian said you were angry. I thought you weren't coming today!" She deliberately shook the jade bracelet on her wrist—the one the Prescott family gives to their daughter-in-law. Grandma Prescott's was a ring, Mrs. Prescott's was a bracelet. Julian had long ago gotten the bracelet from his mother, saying he'd personally put it on me someday. Now, it seemed that wouldn't be necessary. Julian also saw it and explained in a low voice. "Ivy's just borrowing it to wear. She'll return it. Don't overthink it." Mrs. Prescott also walked over, her expression indifferent, her tone carrying a hint of admonishment. "You're here?" "I heard about yesterday. It's just a boat." "Ivy is all alone now. It's only right that we care for her more. Rein in your temper and don't make people laugh for no reason." Everyone thought I would lose my temper, but no one stopped Julian from doing that. I found it rather laughable. Julian reached out to habitually put his arm around my waist, trying to comfort me with an intimate gesture as usual, but I smoothly avoided him by stepping aside. His hand froze in mid-air, and Julian's brow instantly furrowed. "What are you making a fuss about now?" Julian lowered his voice, his tone carrying a hint of suppressed anger. "It's Grandma's birthday. Don't ruin everyone's mood. I'll apologize to you when we get home, okay?" I calmly raised my head to meet his gaze. "I'm really not angry." I took out the jade ring and handed it steadily to Mrs. Prescott. "Mrs. Prescott, please give this to Miss Ivy as well. I won't go in and disturb Grandma Prescott." At this, Julian's pupils suddenly contracted. Ivy clutched her skirt, looking aggrieved yet understanding. "Serena, are you sulking?" "Julian, this is all my fault. I was too greedy to accept that boat..." "I'm the one who made Serena angry. How about I return the boat and the bracelet to her..." As she spoke, she seemed to remember something and hurriedly tried to remove the bracelet from her wrist. But somehow, though the bracelet was quite loose, she couldn't get it off. Sure enough, the tension Julian showed when he saw me take out the ring disappeared. He laughed coldly, snatched the ring from my hand, and walked toward Ivy. "No need to return it. I said if I'm giving it to you, it's yours. Here, wear the ring too." Then he looked at me, his eyes full of disdain. "Fine, Serena. Let's see how long you can keep this up!" "Since you don't want them, Ivy can wear them all first." "Didn't you say you weren't going in? Why are you still here?" In the past, the more he provoked me like this, the more I'd do the opposite and would stay. But now, I only felt relieved. "Then I'll head back first." Then I turned and left. Behind me came Ivy's considerate attempt to mediate. Julian's anger seemed even greater, his voice louder. "Let her go! She's desperate to get married and starved for love, trying to manipulate me with this! She should look at how old she is!" I didn't look back and got into a taxi. Mom's message came through right then. "Serena, look, this is your rowing boat."
In the picture, that boat was bigger and more beautiful. Most importantly, the entire hull was covered with my favorite magnolia flowers, not a single rose. Back home, I started packing my things. Simple clothes, documents, slowly organizing everything. There were also photos of us together over the years, each with writing on the back. I flipped through them one by one. The one from Erhai Lake, he wrote: "Going to cling to Serena for life." The one watching the sunrise together, he wrote: "Serena is more beautiful than the sunrise..." I put them all away, hesitated for a moment, then threw them in the trash. After a while, the sound of a car engine came from downstairs. Because it suddenly started raining, Julian came back quite early. The door was pushed open, bringing in a scent of Ivy's perfume. I didn't stop what I was doing and folded the last piece of clothing. Julian changed his shoes and walked to the bedroom door, leaning against the frame. He casually draped his suit jacket over his arm, irritation evident in his expression. "Are you done yet?" His tone wasn't harsh, but it was full of condescending dismissiveness. I glanced up at him, closed the suitcase, and prepared to zip it up. My indifference completely wore away the last of his patience. He strode over and yanked my suitcase away. The force was heavy, and the case made a sharp sound. "Are you ever going to stop?" He frowned, his brow knotted. "I've had a mountain of work at the company lately. I've been really busy. These past few days, you've been giving me the cold shoulder. Do you have to let everyone laugh at me?" You're not busy. You still have time to coddle Ivy. Most importantly, they've never been laughing at you—they've been laughing at me. "I haven't been giving you the cold shoulder." He grabbed my wrist, offering what he thought was a compromising concession. "I know you're unhappy. It's just a boat and some jewelry, right? Those are all small matters." Everything about me is a small matter, everything about Ivy is a big deal. I looked at him and suddenly remembered what he said in the group chat that day. Serena's the easiest to handle, loves me to death, would never dare to really make a scene. "Let me tell you something. Tomorrow Ivy and I are going on a business trip." He leaned down, brought his face close to my ear, and threw out what he thought was his most enticing chip. "When I get back from the trip, I'll make time to get the marriage certificate with you." "You've waited seven years. Isn't this what you've been waiting for? I'll satisfy you." He said it as if it were the most natural thing, as if getting the marriage certificate was some great favor to me. In his heart, the wedding boat could be given to someone else, his favoritism could be given to someone else. All the exceptions and special treatment could belong to Ivy. Only that cold marriage certificate was my fate. I looked at him and suddenly laughed. Laughing at how my seven years had rotted on that wedding boat covered in roses that never belonged to me. And seeing me laugh, Julian thought I'd been appeased, completely relaxed, his expression growing even more at ease. "Happy now? Wait for me at home like a good girl." He walked toward the door, taking out his phone and tapping it twice as he went. "I still need to video call Ivy and prepare for tomorrow..." I interrupted him. "Julian, I'm going back to the waterside town tomorrow. I need to..." His phone suddenly rang. He raised his hand, stopping what I was about to say. "Ivy, what's wrong?" The voice on the other end sounded panicked. "Don't be scared, I'm coming right over." Hanging up, he put on his jacket while saying to me: "It's thundering outside. Ivy's most afraid of thunder. I'm going to check on her." "Whatever it is, we'll talk later." Then he hurried out. The words "get married" were forcibly swallowed back. ... Julian rushed out. On the road, his phone buzzed a few times. He scoffed, assuming that since he'd just agreed to get the marriage certificate with me, I was getting anxious again. When he reached the building where Ivy lived, he opened his phone, only to find it wasn't a message from me. "Julian, remember to attend the wedding of the Ashford heir next week." Following that was a picture of a wedding invitation. After seeing the content clearly, his hand froze on the car door.
? Continue the story here ?? ? Download the "NovelMaster" app ? search for "401723", and watch the full series ✨! #NovelMaster