Ling Wei couldn't shake off the warmth lingering from their dinner date. Jiang Jian's thoughtful nature surprised her.
At work, small gestures reminded her of him. A bouquet of her favorite flowers on her desk, a message with a witty joke, and a care package with her favorite snacks.
"Who's spoiling you?" colleagues teased.
Ling Wei blushed, her heart skipping a beat.
That evening, Jiang Jian invited her to his home for a quiet dinner.
As they cooked together, Ling Wei noticed Jiang Jian's skillful hands chopping vegetables.
"You're quite the chef," she said.
Jiang Jian chuckled. "Ah Zhong taught me."
Over dinner, Ling Wei shared her childhood memories, revealing her emotional scars.
"My parents' divorce was messy," she said, her voice trembling. "I felt lost, like I wasn't enough."
Jiang Jian listened intently, his eyes filled with empathy.
"I understand," he said softly. "My past isn't spotless either."
Ling Wei's curiosity piqued. "Tell me."
Jiang Jian hesitated, then revealed fragments of his painful childhood.
"My mother's affair, my uncle's disappointment... I felt abandoned."
Ling Wei's heart ached for the vulnerable boy he once was.
Without thinking, she reached out, her hand brushing his.
Jiang Jian's gaze locked onto hers, his fingers intertwining with hers.
In that moment, Ling Wei felt a deep connection.
As the night drew to a close, Jiang Jian walked Ling Wei home.
Under the stars, they stood outside her apartment, hands still clasped.
"Thank you for trusting me," Ling Wei whispered.
Jiang Jian's eyes sparkled. "You're easy to trust."
Their faces drew closer, the air thick with anticipation.
But Jiang Jian hesitated, releasing her hand.
"Goodnight, Ling Wei."
Ling Wei smiled, her heart racing.
"Goodnight."
As she entered her apartment, Ling Wei realized Jiang Jian had gently peeled away her emotional layers.
And she had glimpsed the wounded soul beneath his polished facade.