Kai led Wen through winding alleys and quiet streets, their steps echoing in the stillness of the city. He took her hand as they navigated a narrow passageway that opened into a hidden courtyard—a small, tranquil garden tucked away in the heart of the city, with ivy-covered walls and lanterns casting a soft glow over the scene.
Wen looked around in wonder. "How did you find this place?"
Kai smiled, his gaze soft. "I stumbled upon it years ago, and it's always been a place I come to when I need to clear my head. I wanted to share it with you."
They sat on a stone bench, the silence between them filled with unspoken words. Finally, Kai spoke, his voice low and sincere.
"Wen, I've been doing a lot of thinking. About us, about what we want. And I realized… I don't want to live a life defined by my family's expectations. I want to build something real, something that's mine. And I want you to be a part of that."
Her heart swelled at his words, her own voice trembling with emotion. "I feel the same, Kai. I came to Shanghai with dreams of success, but I don't want to lose myself—or you—in the process. I believe we can have both. A future that allows us to grow together."
Kai took her hands, his gaze unwavering. "Then let's do it. Let's build that future. No more holding back, no more letting other people's expectations get in the way."
They sat there, holding each other in the quiet of the garden, each of them finding peace in the promise they had made. The path ahead was still uncertain, but they were no longer walking it alone.