Five years passed in a flash, like a fleeting horse, yet felt as long as an ice age, slowly flowing through Ethan's life. The advertising company he worked for gradually emerged in Baltimore, and through his talent and hard work, he climbed to the position of president. However, behind this seemingly glorious achievement, his heart was always shrouded in gloom.

　　Since Lucas left the oppressive rural America, Ethan's world seemed to have lost its center. His marriage with Emily felt like a soulless performance. At night, lying beside Emily, his heart was filled with longing and guilt for Lucas. He tried to find solace in his advertising career, pouring all his energy into work, attempting to numb the pain within.

　　On this day, the company was preparing an important advertising project that required hiring a male model for the leading role. Ethan sat in the office, reviewing resumes, his eyes revealing fatigue and numbness. His secretary cautiously reported on the progress of the recruitment.

　　"President, this recruitment has attracted many excellent models, and we've shortlisted a few candidates. We'll arrange interviews this afternoon," the secretary said.

　　Ethan nodded slightly, "Make sure to select the model that best fits the project's image."

　　The interviews were tense and orderly in the company’s conference room. Tall, handsome male models entered one after another, showcasing their physiques and unique qualities. Ethan sat at the judging table, his gaze somewhat vacant, unable to muster much interest. To him, these models seemed like soulless shells, unable to touch the long-numbed strings deep within him.

　　As the interviews progressed, Ethan began to feel impatient. He stood up and walked to the window, looking out at the bustling Baltimore streets, his thoughts drifting back to the time spent with Lucas. The laughter, arguments, and hidden love they once shared replayed in his mind like a film.

　　"Next," the secretary's voice pulled Ethan back from his memories.

　　He slowly turned around and returned to the judging table. At that moment, the conference room door swung open, and a tall, familiar figure walked in. Ethan's heart stopped instantly; he widened his eyes, unable to believe what he was seeing. The person standing before him was Lucas.

　　In five years, Lucas's features had deepened, his eyes holding a maturity and weariness, yet his unique aura remained unchanged. He wore a simple white T-shirt and jeans, perfectly showcasing his athletic build.

　　The moment Lucas entered the conference room, his heart also surged with emotions. He looked at Ethan, his gaze flashing with complex feelings—resentment, longing, and an indescribable joy.

　　"Hello everyone, I am Lucas," his voice was deep and magnetic, echoing in the conference room.

　　Ethan struggled to compose himself, clearing his throat, he said, "Please introduce your modeling experience."

　　Lucas raised his head slightly, looking at Ethan, and began to recount his experiences over the past five years. After leaving the village, he moved to the big city and embarked on his modeling career. He navigated through various fashion shows and advertising shoots, gradually accumulating rich experience. However, deep down, there remained an unfillable void—Ethan.

　　"I’ve walked the runways for some well-known fashion brands in Europe and participated in numerous international ad shoots. I believe I have a unique understanding of fashion and advertising, allowing me to interpret various roles well," Lucas said calmly.

　　Listening to Lucas, Ethan felt a mix of emotions. He looked at the man he once deeply loved, now standing before him as a candidate. He didn’t know if this was fate's trick or a chance for a fresh start.

　　"Why do you want to participate in our project’s interview?" Ethan asked.

　　Lucas paused for a moment, then slowly replied, "I saw the creativity and concept of this project; I think it’s challenging, and I want to give it a try. Plus, I want to return to Baltimore, a place filled with memories."

　　His words struck Ethan deeply. He knew the memories Lucas referred to weren’t just about the city, but about their past together.

　　During the next phase of the interview, Lucas confidently demonstrated his runway walk and expression control. He moved through the conference room with poise, every action filled with strength and charm. Watching him, Ethan could no longer suppress his emotions. He remembered Lucas running on the high school track, the determination in his eyes during their competitive days in the advertising industry.

　　After the interview, the judges began discussing the candidates. But Ethan's mind was elsewhere; Lucas's image filled his thoughts. He didn’t know how to face this situation—whether to choose Lucas and plunge their relationship back into uncertainty or to let him go and maintain his seemingly calm life.

　　"President, I think Lucas is an excellent candidate; his image and temperament align well with our project’s requirements. Plus, his experience is extensive; I believe he’s a great choice," one judge remarked.

　　Ethan snapped back to reality, looking at the expectant faces of the judges. He knew he had to make a decision. Taking a deep breath, he said, "Please compile all the candidates' information; I need to think it over carefully."

　　After the interviews, Ethan returned to his office, sitting in his chair with his hands on his head, lost in deep thought. His heart was in turmoil—on one hand was his responsibility to his family and guilt towards Emily; on the other was his love for Lucas, a flame buried deep within him for years that refused to be extinguished.

　　Meanwhile, after leaving the company building, Lucas felt equally conflicted. He went to the shores of Baltimore, gazing at the endless sea, his mind racing. He didn’t know what decision Ethan would make, nor if he was truly ready to face Ethan again. Though he had achieved some success in his career over these five years, his heart remained lonely. He had been searching for an answer regarding his feelings for Ethan.

　　That night, Ethan returned home and watched Emily busying herself around the house, feeling even more guilty. Emily sensed something was off with Ethan and approached him with concern, asking, "Darling, what’s wrong? Did you encounter some trouble at work?"

　　Ethan forced a smile, "It’s nothing, just a bit tired today."

　　He walked into the bedroom, lying on the bed but tossing and turning, unable to sleep. Lucas’s face and their shared memories flooded his mind. He knew he had to confront this issue; whatever decision he made would change his life forever.

　　The next day, Ethan arrived at the company early. Sitting in his office, he looked over Lucas’s resume and finally made a decision. He picked up the phone and dialed his secretary.

　　"Arrange for Lucas to come in and sign the contract; he will be our male model for this project," Ethan said firmly.

　　He understood this was a gamble, one that could cost him everything. But he also realized that if he let this opportunity slip away, he would regret it for life. He was willing to face the unknown and challenges ahead for the love buried in his heart. At the same time, Lucas was waiting for Ethan's decision, uncertain how his fate would unfold, yet filled with anticipation for their reunion, hoping to reignite the love that had been suppressed for so many years.