The small mountain village Xiaolong, nestled deep within the lush, mist-covered valleys of Sichuan province, was serene, surrounded by rolling hills. In the quiet of the evening, a gentle breeze stirred the leaves of the ancient willow tree, its branches weaving in and out of the twilight.
The village square was bustling with life as Li Mei made her way through the crowd, her cane tapping softly against the cobblestones. Its streets were lined with wooden houses, their walls adorned with vibrant red lanterns casting warm, flickering light over the faces of villagers chatting, laughing, and bartering. It was the annual festival, a time when the village came alive with music, food, and tradition. that flickered in the evening light. The air smelled of fresh pine and blooming wildflowers, a stark contrast to the weight of Li Mei's internal struggle.
Li Mei walked slowly, brushing her delicate fingers on the rough stones as her other senses guided her. Her sight had been lost to darkness years ago, yet her world was far from empty. She could hear the murmurs of the villagers as they went about their evening chores, the rustling of cloth, the clatter of tools.
"Li Mei!" a voice called from behind her. She stopped and tilted her head slightly, recognizing the familiar tone of her older brother, Li Jun. "Father wants to see you."
She sighed softly and continued walking. "I'll be there soon," she said, her voice calm yet firm.
Li Mei's family was her burden. Her father, once kind and loving, had grown distant over the years, focused instead on her younger sister, Li Xia, who was beautiful but vain, and Li Jun, the prodigy, with his sharp mind and future in the village's administration. Li Mei had been left to fend for herself, her blindness a constant reminder of her "incomplete" worth.
As she reached the familiar wooden door of her home, she paused. Inside, she could hear the faint hum of conversation, hushed voices—some worried, some excited. She knew what was coming.
"Li Mei," her father said as she entered. His voice was steady, yet distant, his gaze not meeting hers directly. "Your mother and I have made a decision."
"What decision?" Li Mei asked softly.
"We've arranged a marriage for you," her mother said sharply, stepping forward. "To a wealthy man from the neighboring village. He will help settle our debts."
A wave of cold anger surged through Li Mei's chest. "You can't force me," she said, her voice steady but fierce.
"We can," her father replied, his voice hard. "Your blindness limits you. This is for the family's future."
"I don't need your charity," Li Mei snapped, turning away. "I don't need anyone."
But deep down, her heart ached. She had dreamed of something more—of love, of understanding. Not this. Not a life bound by someone else's expectations.
The door creaked open once again, and footsteps echoed in the room. Li Mei's breath hitched as a familiar voice spoke—one she hadn't heard in years.
"Li Mei."
Chen Wei.
Her childhood friend. Her first love.
He stood tall and confident, his dark eyes searching hers with a gentle intensity. His return had been sudden, and unexpected. And now, he was the only one who could challenge the fate her family had carved for her.
But something had changed in him—there was a shadow in his gaze, a weight she couldn't place.
"Chen Wei," she whispered, her heart trembling. "What are you doing here?"
He smiled, a hint of sadness in his expression. "To remind you that you're not alone, Li Mei."
As their eyes locked, the weight of the past pressed down on them. The willow tree swayed outside, its branches brushing against the window as if bearing witness to the fragile moment between them.
Li Mei knew her world was about to shift once again.