Particularly at the conclusion of her final lecture, she was awarded the highest honor by the International Psychology Organization. After the award ceremony, she went to the dressing room to test. Though her face showed signs of fatigue, her eyes remained bright. Her assistant walked in with a bouquet of flowers. "Eva, they are larkspurs again. Who could it be? For three years, every time your lecture ends, the same bouquet arrives. It was such a devoted admirer. Yet it has never shown up. It's so mysterious." ---- Eva glanced at the flowers and remained silent. Larkspurs symbolized freedom, justice, and a carefree spirit. It represented an unrestrained pursuit of a happy life. Besides that person, Eva couldn't think of anyone else. Ten days after her unpleasant parting with Ellen, she received her first bouquet of larkspurs. Then she received Jake's final message. "Wish you freedom and passion." Eva neither replied nor deleted the message. It served as a guiding light for her past and a reminder for her future path. In the back seat of a discreet luxury car outside the auditorium, a handsome guy fixated on a large poster of Eva. Ten years had passed. And time had only etched faint lines at the corners of her eyes. Her appearance was still the same as the most beautiful memory from their childhood. When Ellen went to the hospital room, filled with regret, Jake knew she would never turn back. Yet, he remembered his promise when he was a little boy. "l'll always protect her." He needed to rise again and to become stronger. Otherwise, when she soared like a free bird, he would fail to protect her. ---- So, he took ten days to recover, sent her flowers, and said goodbye to her. Though he received no reply, Jake knew she had read it. Back home, he threw himself into work with greater dedication. He avoided any talk of love. Under his leadership, the Stephens Group expanded its size quickly. He kept a constant eye on Eva. He knew when she founded her foundation, when she won awards, when she received declarations of love, and even when she was hit by bird droppings. She was always in such a rush that he could only glimpse her, even when he traveled near her place or her studio. Seven years passed like that until her studio announced that she would be giving a lecture tour. For the next three years, Jake transitioned to working online. He followed Eva around the world and attended nearly a thousand lectures of hers, never missing a single one. He wore a mask and sunglasses and stood in the front row. He was as close to her as possible. Hidden behind his sunglasses, he indulged in watching her, witnessed her brilliance on stage and the admiration she garnered. He felt proud and shared in her glory. ---- Over the thousand days, they spent together through Valentine's Day, New Year's Day, and other important holidays. He made up for all the holidays they had missed. Yet, he couldn't help but fantasize. After each lecture, he sent her a bouquet of larkspurs and dreamed that one day he might win her over. He hoped that she would appear before him with the flowers he sent, even if she just expressed her gratitude. The last lecture concluded. The venue closed, and night fell. Someone called Jake. "Mr. Stephens, Professor Briggs's flight back to another country has already departed." "Mr. Stephens, Professor Briggs's flight back to another country has already departed." So she had already gone back. Jake smiled bitterly and realized how hard waiting could be. He looked down at his phone. It was filled with photos of Eva. He smiled with satisfaction. They were enough to last him a very long time.