Female On Top (Male Competition)

From their first encounter, Xie Li was captivated by Tang Man’s cold beauty and aloof demeanor. As her father’s assistant, he tried to maintain a professional distance, but found himself drawn to her. When she called him late one night with a stomachache, needing a ride to the hospital, Xie Li rushed to help without hesitation. Though Tang Man treated him casually, he cherished these small moments of closeness.

Xie Li’s feelings deepened over time, but he kept them hidden, knowing Tang Man saw him only as a friendly acquaintance. When she began dating Si Jiahe in college, Xie Li felt a stab of jealousy but continued supporting her from afar. He noticed how Tang Man softened around Si Jiahe, showing a gentler side he longed to bring out in her himself.

After Tang Man and Si Jiahe’s breakup, Xie Li harbored a secret hope that he might have a chance. But Tang Man quickly moved on to Du Henian. Xie Li’s heart sank, realizing he had missed his opportunity. Still, he remained by her side, helping manage her ex-boyfriends and other affairs. Though it pained him to see her with others, Xie Li valued any role in her life, no matter how small.

When Tang Man suddenly proposed they get engaged, Xie Li was shocked but elated. Though he knew it was partly for business reasons, he allowed himself to hope it could become something more. He cherished their growing intimacy – holding hands, sharing meals, kissing. But doubt and insecurity plagued him. Xie Li wondered if Tang Man could ever truly love him or if he was just a convenient choice.

Introducing Tang Man to his parents filled Xie Li with nervous excitement. He desperately wanted them to approve of her. When Tang Man played the role of devoted fiancée, Xie Li’s heart swelled with joy and longing. But later, seeing her discomfort with his parents’ talk of marriage and children, he felt a pang of sadness. He knew Tang Man didn’t share his dreams of a future together.

Xie Li’s conflicted emotions came to a head when Tang Man invited him to her apartment. His desire for her warred with his fear of being hurt. When they began to get intimate, Xie Li’s insecurities surfaced. He hesitated, not wanting to rush things. But seeing Tang Man’s disappointment, he realized he needed to be bolder in showing his feelings.

The interruption of Si Jiahe’s call filled Xie Li with jealous dread. Though Tang Man reassured him, doubt gnawed at him. He wondered if he could ever measure up to her past loves. When Tang Man later met Si Jiahe for a meal, Xie Li’s anxiety peaked. He wanted to trust her, but years of unrequited longing made him fear losing her.

As their engagement progressed, Xie Li found himself falling more deeply in love. Small gestures from Tang Man – a touch, a smile – sent his heart racing. He treasured quiet moments together, like cooking meals or watching TV. But uncertainty remained. Xie Li longed to confess his true feelings but feared Tang Man didn’t reciprocate. He worried she saw their relationship as purely transactional.

When Tang Man’s grandmother came to visit, Xie Li was determined to make a good impression. He hoped that by connecting with her family, he could grow closer to Tang Man herself. Seeing Tang Man’s fond reminiscing about her childhood made Xie Li ache to be part of her past and future. He imagined a life together, raising children, growing old side-by-side. But he kept these dreams to himself, not wanting to pressure Tang Man.

Throughout their engagement, Xie Li struggled with conflicting emotions. Joy at their growing closeness warred with fear that it was all an illusion. Hope that Tang Man might come to love him battled with doubt that he could ever be enough for her. But despite his inner turmoil, Xie Li’s devotion never wavered.

Even when Tang Man grew distant or turned to others, Xie Li remained steadfast. His love for her had become an integral part of who he was. Though it often brought him pain, Xie Li couldn’t imagine his life without Tang Man in it. He was willing to accept whatever scraps of affection she offered, telling himself it was enough.

As their wedding day approached, Xie Li’s emotions reached a fever pitch. He vacillated between giddy excitement and paralyzing fear. Part of him wanted to lay his heart bare, confessing years of secret longing. But he held back, terrified of shattering the fragile bond they’d formed.