Wen had come to find solace in her late-night walks through the quieter parts of Shanghai. The city that had once felt overwhelming now held a strange comfort, each street corner and neon sign a familiar presence that reflected her journey. As she walked along the Bund one evening, the glow of the city lights danced on the water, creating a serene moment of reflection.
The past weeks had transformed her in ways she hadn't anticipated. She'd realized that ambition alone could never fill the void left by love and connection. In Mei Ling's relentless drive, she'd seen a mirror of what her life could become if she continued down this path without considering what truly mattered to her.
She thought of Kai, of the moments they'd shared that felt so rare and precious. He had shown her a different side of the city, a life that allowed room for both dreams and relationships. And she couldn't ignore the part of her that ached to have him back in her life.
Her phone buzzed, snapping her out of her thoughts. It was a message from Kai: "Are you free? I'd like to talk. There's a place I want to show you."
A rush of warmth and anticipation filled her. She replied with a simple, "Yes."