Li Mei couldn't stop fidgeting, her date with Wei Ming was fast approaching and she had nothing appropriate to wear. Her heart was thumping loudly, and she hoped her mother wouldn't hear it. Standing in the garden, she tried to gather her courage before asking. *It's just a dress, just a dress,* she reminded herself.
"Mother…" she began cautiously, glancing at Madam Zhao who was trimming some flowers.
Madam Zhao turned, a brow slightly raised. "Yes, dear?"
Li Mei swallowed, forcing a smile. "I was wondering if you could help me get a new dress?"
Madam Zhao blinked, surprise etched on her face. "A new dress? Now, this is new. Why the sudden interest in your wardrobe?"
Li Mei bit her lip, trying to sound casual. "Oh, you know… I just think it's time for something fresh."
Madam Zhao didn't seem convinced. "And does this 'fresh' change have anything to do with a certain Wei Ming?"
Li Mei's cheeks flushed. "Maybe…"
Madam Zhao chuckled. "Well, it's about time. I thought I'd have to drag you into something fun myself. Let's get you the best dress."
***
The next day, the dress arrived, and Li Mei couldn't stop staring at it. The pale jade silk flowed like water through her fingers. It was simple yet elegant, with delicate white lilies embroidered along the hem.
Yulan helped her into the dress, her hands skillful as she fixed Li Mei's hair and added a final touch with a few silver hairpins. The maid stepped back to admire her handiwork, grinning widely.
"Miss, you look like a fairy straight out of a painting. Wei Ming's heart doesn't stand a chance."
Li Mei blushed, smoothing the fabric of her dress. "You think so?"
"I *know* so," Yulan replied confidently. "I mean, if I were a young scholar... I'd be falling head over heels."
Li Mei giggled. "Oh, stop it, Yulan!"
"Mark my words, miss," Yulan teased, adjusting a hairpin, "he won't be able to take his eyes off you."
***
As the sun began to set, Li Mei made her way to the tea garden where she and Wei Ming had agreed to meet. Her heart pounded with every step, and the butterflies in her stomach were having an all-out party.
*What if he doesn't like the dress? What if I trip? What if I say something embarrassing?*
When she finally spotted Wei Ming standing under a cherry tree, his back to her, she almost turned and ran the other way. He looked so calm, so composed, and she felt anything but.
"Wei Ming!" she called, forcing herself to move forward.
He turned at the sound of her voice, and for a moment, his breath hitched in his throat.
"Li Mei…" he said softly, his eyes wide in surprise. He couldn't tear his gaze away from her. She was… radiant. Her jade dress shimmered in the evening light, her hair perfectly pinned with soft tendrils framing her face. But it wasn't just the dress. She *glowed* with a beauty that was entirely her own.
For a moment, he was struck speechless.
Li Mei's cheeks reddened as she awkwardly shifted. "What? Why are you staring?"
Wei Ming blinked, snapping out of his daze. He cleared his throat and gave her a sheepish smile. "I… I was just admiring how beautiful you look. I've seen beautiful women before, but…" His voice trailed off as he struggled to find the words. "You're different."
Li Mei's heart skipped a beat, her face flushing with warmth. "Different in a good way?"
"The best way," he said, his eyes full of sincerity.
Li Mei couldn't help but laugh softly. "Oh, you're just saying that because I'm wearing something fancy."
Wei Ming shook his head, grinning. "You could wear a potato sack, and I'd still think you're stunning."
Li Mei burst out laughing. "A potato sack? Really?"
"I'd bet on it," Wei Ming replied, smirking. "Though I'm quite glad you chose not to go with that option tonight."
She playfully nudged his arm. "You're impossible."
They sat at one of the tables under the blooming cherry trees, their conversation flowing effortlessly.
"So," Wei Ming began, leaning slightly forward, "tell me, do you always disguise yourself and sneak around the markets, or was I just lucky to catch you that day?"
Li Mei giggled. "You were lucky, I suppose. Though I wouldn't call it sneaking… more like… sampling the delicacies."
"Ah yes, 'sampling.'" He chuckled. "Because ordering *five* portions of meat buns is just a taste, right?"
Her eyes sparkled with mischief. "Hey, I was hungry! Besides, I'm sure you've eaten more than that before."
"Maybe," he teased, "but not all at once."
Li Mei rolled her eyes, but her laughter was infectious. "Fine, I admit it. I love food, okay?"
"I know," he said, his voice softening as his gaze lingered on her. "It's one of the many things I like about you."
Li Mei's laughter faded, replaced by a warmth in her chest as she met his eyes. "You like things about me?"
"Many things," Wei Ming admitted, his voice sincere. "You're kind, funny, and you're not afraid to be yourself. It's… refreshing."
Her heart fluttered. "I could say the same about you."
Wei Ming's smile widened, and for a moment, they just looked at each other, the rest of the world fading away.
"You know," Li Mei said softly, a playful glint in her eyes, "you're surprisingly good at flattery."
"Flattery?" Wei Ming raised an eyebrow, leaning closer. "I don't think telling the truth counts as flattery."
She bit her lip, feeling her cheeks warm again. "If you keep talking like that, I'm going to think you're just trying to get another free meal."
Wei Ming laughed. "I wouldn't dream of it… unless you're offering."
They both giggled, the light mood making everything feel easy, natural.
As the evening stretched on, the lanterns above began to glow, casting a soft, romantic light over the tea garden. Li Mei felt her heart race as she stole a glance at Wei Ming. There was something about the way he looked at her—so gentle, so real—that made her stomach do flips.
"Li Mei," Wei Ming said quietly, his voice serious all of a sudden. "There's something I've been meaning to say."
Her heart skipped. "What is it?"
He reached across the table, gently taking her hand in his. "I… I think I'm falling for you."
Li Mei's breath caught in her throat. Her mind raced, her heart beating so loudly she was sure he could hear it.
"I… I think I feel the same way," she whispered, her voice barely audible.
For a moment, they just sat there, the world around them disappearing as they gazed into each other's eyes. And then, without another word, Wei Ming leaned in, closing the distance between them.
Li Mei's heart raced as his lips gently brushed against hers in a soft, tender kiss. It was sweet, delicate, and everything she had dreamed it would be.
When they finally pulled away, their foreheads rested together, both of them smiling shyly.
"Can I see you again?" Wei Ming asked, his voice barely above a whisper.
Li Mei's heart soared as she nodded, her smile widening. "Yes. I'd like that."
And with that, they both knew something special had started. Something real. Something they both wanted to explore, hand in hand.