"The restriction that had always stood between Ruchu and Xiaolian was finally removed with Ruchu's determined effort. With its removal, many of Xiaolian's inner troubles seemed to unravel as well. His eyes no longer carried the usual melancholy, and in its place was an unrestrained, burning passion. He remained the composed and reserved Xiaolian, but he became more direct and candid, and physically, they were much closer than before. He knew that every ordinary day with Ruchu was a result of overcoming numerous challenges, yet the days in the future seemed numbered, with every second ticking away. Therefore, they promised each other twenty years, a time when he would still be youthful, and she would still be in her prime.